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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provides financial support to the independent electoral commission (CEI) and the national human rights council (CNDH) to support the electoral process in Côte d’Ivoire

Source: APO – Report:

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The ECOWAS Commission, through its Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Her Excellency Ms. Fanta Cissé, officially handed over financial support to the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) on October 14, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the First Vice-President of the CEI, Mr. Sourou Koné, representing President Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert, Ms. Namizata Sangaré, President of the CNDH, and Mr. Serigne Ka, Acting Head of the Electoral Assistance Division, Head of the ECOWAS Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTEOM).

This support, consisting of US $300,000 for the CEI and US $84,000 for the CNDH, is part of the ECOWAS Regional Support Program for Electoral Processes in Member States.

Opening the ceremony, Ms. Fanta Cissé emphasized that peace and democracy are ongoing processes that require constant commitment. She recalled that these values are built every day through dialogue, tolerance, and the shared responsibility of all political and social actors.

She also praised the democratic maturity of the Ivorian people and the ongoing efforts of the national authorities to maintain a peaceful and inclusive political climate.

Through this initiative, ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to democracy, good governance, and regional stability, in accordance with its Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, particularly Articles 12 to 14 relating to support for member states during election periods.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Cabo Verde reafirma compromisso com a ação climática e reforça a importância da união dos estados insulares africanos

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Secretário de Estado das Finanças, Alcindo Mota, reiterou o firme compromisso de Cabo Verde com a causa climática e com os desafios enfrentados pelos Pequenos Estados Insulares em Desenvolvimento (PEID), sublinhando a importância de converter a vulnerabilidade em liderança.

Alcindo Mota falava à margem da Conferência Ministerial da Comissão Climática dos Estados Insulares Africanos (AISCC), que decorre em Bissau, de 16 a 17 de outubro, tendo alertado que as alterações climáticas representam a maior ameaça ao desenvolvimento humano e à estabilidade económica mundial, lembrando que a África contribui com menos de 4% das emissões globais, mas que é um dos continentes mais afetados pelos impactos climáticos.

“Esta Conferência representa um momento decisivo, uma oportunidade para reforçarmos o compromisso político e estratégico que dá corpo à nossa identidade coletiva e para adotarmos decisões concretas que transformem a vulnerabilidade em liderança e a ambição em resultados”, referiu.

O governante reiterou a necessidade de uma mudança de paradigma no acesso ao financiamento climático, salientando que o continente africano continua a receber apenas 3% dos fundos globais destinados à ação climática. Enfatizou ainda que África tem a obrigação moral e política de estar na linha da frente da ação climática global e de defender, com determinação, a justiça climática.

Alcindo Mota destacou ainda que a introdução dos marcadores climáticos no Orçamento de Estado de 2026 marcará um passo decisivo de Cabo Verde rumo a uma política fiscal alinhada com o Acordo de Paris e os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS).

A Conferência Ministerial foi antecedida pela Reunião Técnica dos Pontos Focais da Comissão e por um Ateliê dedicado aos Mecanismos de Financiamento Inovador para o Clima, os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) e a Biodiversidade, pilares centrais da estratégia nacional de ação climática.

O evento, que decorre em Bissau, termina, hoje, sexta-feira, 17 de outubro, com uma mesa redonda entre os parceiros de desenvolvimento, seguida da cerimónia de encerramento, onde será assinado o Memorando de Entendimento relativo ao Acordo de Cooperação Mútua entre os Estados-membros da AISCC.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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South Africa: National Dialogue enters next phase towards appointment of the Steering Committee

Source: APO


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The National Dialogue process has reached a pivotal stage with the completion of the nomination of sectoral representatives to the National Dialogue Steering Committee. 

The first National Convention, held on 15-16 August 2025, approved the mandate, responsibilities and composition of the Steering Committee, and agreed that each of the identified sectors would hold consultations to decide on nominees to serve on the Steering Committee and its sub-committees.

No less than 26 sectors have to date submitted nominations for the Steering Committee.

The list of nominated Steering Committee members has been handed over to the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for quality assurance. For its part, the EPG will submit its recommendations to the President in his role as head of state and convener of the National Dialogue for finalisation.

Once approved by the President, the Steering Committee will coordinate the roll out of public dialogues across the country.

It is anticipated that the process of appointing the Steering Committee will be concluded in the coming weeks.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the Handover Report of the Convention Organising Committee (COC) and the Report on the National Convention, bringing to an end the mandate of the COC.

The Convention Organising Committee was tasked by the President with organising the first National Convention following the withdrawal of some foundations from the process.

President Ramaphosa said: “As a country, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the members of the Convention Organising Committee. Working with the Eminent Persons Group and the Inter-Ministerial Committee, the committee made sure that hundreds of delegates from around the country were able to gather at the National Convention to endorse and to launch the National Dialogue. Through a truly collective effort, the National Convention proceeding smoothly and gave people from all sectors an opportunity to express themselves.”

“We must also recognise the vital role played by the legacy foundations and other civil society organisations in the Preparatory Task Team, which were instrumental in getting the National Dialogue off the ground.”

“It is extremely important now that the momentum that has been built up and the expectations that have been raised are not allowed to dissipate. We need to ensure that as the Steering Committee is established, there is no disruption in the processes that need to happen,” he said.

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG), the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and the Presidency remain custodians of the process’s integrity and will continue to safeguard its credibility until it is handed over to the Steering Committee. 

Work is underway to establish a fully-fledged National Dialogue Secretariat, housed at NEDLAC, which will provide institutional support to the process. 

The Report of the National Convention is available for download: https://tinyurl.com/4v7z7rfu

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Meeting with Reconciliation Committees

Source: APO


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Ms. Fauzia Hashim, Minister of Justice, conducted a meeting with reconciliation committees from all sub-zones in the Central Region.

The objective of the meeting was to review the activities of the reconciliation committees since their establishment a year ago, particularly regarding their modalities of resolving community issues.

At the meeting, a detailed assessment was conducted on the achievements registered and the challenges encountered.

Minister Fauzia said that the armed struggle for Eritrean independence was based on the people, participated in by the people, and owned by the people, serving as the foundation for ensuring the social sovereignty of the Eritrean people.

Minister Fauzia further stated that the Ministry of Justice will continue to work earnestly to nurture and preserve national values, combat negative attitudes, and ensure unity, stability, and development within the society.

Underlining the significant role of the community-based legal system, Minister Fauzia called for the active participation of all concerned bodies.

In the Central Region, there are 415 elected members of reconciliation committees operating across the 83 administrative areas of the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Training on Arts to Youth in Northern Red Sea Region

Source: APO


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The Department of Culture and Sports in the Northern Red Sea Region has provided training to 50 youth on the concepts of drama, dance, and poetry. The training was organized in the port city of Massawa.

Indicating that the trainees were youth with a keen interest in the arts, Ms. Zeineb Omar, Director General of Culture and Sports in the region, said that the participants were selected from the Ministries of Marine Resources and Education, as well as from the regional administration and the Defense Forces.

Mr. Mohammed-Seid Osman, one of the trainers, noting the significance of the training in the development of artistic work in the region, commended the enthusiasm the trainees demonstrated during the program.

Emphasizing the importance the department attaches to the arts, Mr. Kibrom Andemicael, Managing Director in the region, highlighted the contribution of art to the nation-building process and the enhancement of national identity. He called on the trainees to further develop their skills through practical engagement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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United Nations Peacekeeping Chief stresses commitment to supporting peace in South Sudan despite financial constraints

Source: APO


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On the final day of his visit to Juba, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed the diplomatic community about the impact of the United Nations-wide financial crisis on the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

The crisis, caused by delays and shortfalls in the payment of cash contributions, including to peacekeeping means UNMISS will have to cut spending by 15%, within the remaining eight months of the financial year.

This will negatively impact mandate delivery at a time when the fragile country is experiencing significant turmoil.

Mr. Lacroix shared the same information with the country’s President, Salva Kiir.

“The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting South Sudan and progress towards the implementation of the peace agreement. We will do our best, against the backdrop of the financial constraints,” he said.

“While we must implement a savings plan and this will have an impact, it is not in any way, a sign of disengagement. We want to make sure that UNMISS and the whole UN family will be able to continue doing its work to the best of its ability as we move forward.”

The cuts to peacekeeping come amidst escalating political tensions and violence between forces aligned with the main parties to the peace agreement. The Under-Secretary-General reiterated the call by international partners for a cessation of hostilities and return to inclusive implementation of the peace deal.

He also stressed the need for the country’s leaders to demonstrate concrete progress is being made to secure continued international assistance.

“We communicated to the South Sudanese authorities that we want to keep supporting political efforts and working with them to make the best possible case to the international community, to donors, to Member States who fund peacekeeping operations.”

The Under-Secretary-General also shared messages of support to the people of South Sudan through UNMISS’ Radio Miraya.

“I want the communities that we serve across the country to know that the UN is fully committed to supporting them. Yes, we must save money, but we were very careful in preparing the plan for making savings, looking at the priorities and the areas where there are more challenges, in terms of threats, violence and protection of civilians,” he said.

“We will absolutely continue to do our best.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Presents Credentials to President of Guinea-Bissau

Source: APO


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His Excellency Abdullah Jassim Al Shamsi presented his credentials as UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea-Bissau, at the Presidential Palace in the capital, Bissau. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance relations between the two countries.

H.E. Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, to H.E. President Embaló, along with their wishes for further progress and prosperity for the government and people of Guinea-Bissau.

Furthermore, H.E. Al Shamsi expressed his pride in representing the UAE in Guinea-Bissau, and affirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors.

For his part, H.E. President Embaló conveyed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with his wishes for further development and growth for the government and people of the UAE.

H.E. President Embaló commended the strong ties between his country and the UAE, and wished H.E. Al Shamsi success in performing his duties and in enhancing bilateral ties across various fields, stressing his country’s readiness to provide all possible support to facilitate his mission to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Workshop para “Uma Boa Implementação do Código de Imposto de Propriedade de imóveis e do Código do Imposto sobre a Transmissão de Imóveis”

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Ministra de Estado e da Coesão Territorial, Janine Lélis, presidiu, hoje, sexta-feira, 17 de outubro de 2025, em parceria com o Programa Conjunto de Promoção do Desenvolvimento Local em Cabo Verde o Workshop para “Uma Boa Implementação do Código de Imposto de Propriedade de imóveis (IPI) e do Código do Imposto sobre a Transmissão de Imóveis (ITI)”.

De acordo com a Ministra, as novas Leis do Imposto sobre Património Imóvel buscam estabelecer, entre o município e o cidadão, uma relação tributária baseada na confiança e que encoraja o munícipe a participar no incremento dos recursos.

Pretende-se igualmente mobilizar as famílias e as empresas a cumprirem as suas obrigações fiscais pelo aumento da propensão e da disponibilidade a pagar.

A reforma como avança Janine Lélis, tem como propósito, converter a potencialidade de receitas dos municípios em receitas efetivas e, deste modo, construir um sistema fiscal sólido e sustentável que não asfixia nem as famílias nem os operadores económicos, bem como foi pensada para permitir aos municípios ganhos de autonomia em virtude do aumento da capacidade de autofinanciamento que resulta do incremento das receitas fiscais.

E para alcançar os objetivos pretendidos, segundo a Ministra, a nova lei do imposto sobre património consagra na autonomização do imposto de transmissão de imóveis e a Introdução da clareza nos critérios, na fórmula e no cálculo do valor do imposto a ser pago pelo proprietário.

De realçar que o Governo através do Ministério da Coesão Territorial, ao traçar as linhas gerais desta reforma, teve a preocupação de não onerar, nem os cidadãos, nem as Câmaras Municipais, nem as empresas, cuja finalidade é aumentar a resiliência em contextos adversos, pelo que teve ainda o cuidado de fixar com clareza o valor tributável para deixar claro no cidadão o sentido de justiça tributaria.

Também para facilitar e promover a transparência, condição indispensável para a implementação das Leis, se contratualizou o NOSI, uma grande parceira dos municípios, para supervisionar a elaboração de um simulador da aplicação do imposto, acessível aos munícipes, de aplicação fácil e que permitirá uma harmonização da aplicação da lei em todo o território nacional, pois o simulador vai permitir, para cada prédio, o apuramento do valor da contribuição de cada proprietário, oferecendo transparência para todos.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Lourenço Lopes: “A juventude africana deve ser vista como a força motora do progresso e do desenvolvimento do continente

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Secretario de Estado Adjunto do Primeiro-ministro, Lourenço Lopes, defendeu hoje, na cerimónia de abertura da conferência “Encontro de gerações dos PALOP”, que “a juventude africana deve ser vista como a força motora do progresso e do desenvolvimento do continente e realçou as políticas públicas do Governo de Cabo Verde na promoção do emprego, o empreendedorismo e a formação profissional, criando condições para um crescimento sustentável.

O evento, realizado sob o lema “Das lutas de ontem, as esperanças de hoje: gerações em diá. após os 50 anos”, promovida pela Coligação da Juventude dos Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa (PALOP) e promovida em parceria com as embaixadas de Angola, Guiné-Bissau e São Tomé e Príncipe em Cabo Verde, tinha como propósito promover um diá. intergeracional entre combatentes da liberdade, diplomatas, líderes juvenis, académicos, sobre o legado das lutas de libertação os desafios atuais e o papel da nova geração na construção do futuro dos países.

Na sua intervenção, o SEAPM afirmou que “os jovens desta nova geração têm a responsabilidade de honrar a luta da libertação, de assumir responsabilidades em relação ao futuro do continente (africano) que precisa de uma mensagem positiva, que precisa de inovação, que precisa de dar cada vez mais oportunidades aos jovens.

Para Lourenço Lopes, este é um momento simbólico para refletir sobre as conquistas alcançadas ao longo das últimas cinco décadas e para reforçar o diá. entre as gerações que lutaram pela independência e as que hoje enfrentam os desafios do desenvolvimento. “Os tempos mudaram e os desafios também”, sublinha.

Se em 1975, salientou, as nações africanas lutaram pela independência e, em 1991, pela consolidação da democracia, hoje as prioridades passam pelo crescimento económico, emprego qualificado e transição digital.

“Enfrentamos questões relevantes dos nossos tempos, como a desinformação, o emprego, o crescimento económico e a necessidade de criarmos condições para que os jovens sejam motores do desenvolvimento – não só de Cabo Verde e dos países do PALOP, mas também de toda a África”, frisa.

Defendeu que é essencial canalizar a energia da juventude africana para construir uma África “mais próspera, inclusiva e de oportunidades para todos”, realçando que “o continente dispõe de um enorme potencial que deve ser valorizado internamente”.

Lourenço Lopes reconheceu, no entanto, que a juventude está cada vez mais exigente, o que, na sua opinião, exige respostas rápidas e eficazes das instituições públicas, autarquias e sociedade civil.

“Nestes 50 anos podemos dizer que valeu a pena a luta pela independência e valeu a pena a luta pela democracia”, afirmou, acrescentando que “Cabo Verde é hoje um país respeitado em África e no mundo, referência em estabilidade, coesão social, democracia e defesa dos direitos humanos”.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Qatar, Bhutan Establish Diplomatic Relations

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, October 17, 2025

The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Bhutan signed a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in New York.

The joint communiqué was signed for Qatar by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani and for Bhutan by HE Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the United Nations Pema Lektup Dorji.

Following the signing ceremony, the two sides affirmed their desire to strengthen and develop friendly and cooperative relations between both countries. They emphasized the importance of being guided by the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, respecting and promoting international peace and security, equality among states, and due respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.