United Nations (UN) condemns deadly attack on worshippers in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Source: APO


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The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, strongly condemned an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on civilians during the night of 26 to 27 July. 

Elements of the ADF, an Islamic State-affiliated insurgent group that originated in neighbouring Uganda, carried out the attack in Komanda town, Irumu territory, Ituri province.

At least 49 civilians were killed, including nine children. Several other people were injured and abducted, and shops and homes were set on fire. 

Most of the victims were reportedly worshippers killed with bladed weapons during a night vigil at a church.

The incident comes after ADF attacks earlier in the month killed 82 civilians in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, which MONUSCO condemned on 23 July. 

The group has committed grave human rights violations against civilians since its founding in 1995 and has been under UN sanctions since June 2014.

‘Deep outrage’ over attacks

MONUSCO expressed “deep outrage at these heinous acts of violence, which constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and infringements on human rights.” 

The peacekeeping mission also extended condolences to the bereaved families, urged Congolese authorities to investigate these killings, and reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s call for all foreign armed groups to lay down their weapons unconditionally and return to their countries of origin.

“These targeted attacks against defenceless civilians, particularly in places of worship, are not only appalling but also in violation of all human rights standards and international humanitarian law,” said Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Protection and Operations and Acting Head of MONUSCO. 

She added that the Mission “will continue to work tirelessly alongside the Congolese authorities to protect the population in line with its mandate.”

Response on the ground

MONUSCO is supporting local authorities in their response by organising burials and providing medical care to the wounded. 

The peacekeeping mission is also intensifying security efforts in and around the city of Komanda. 

The Mission is committed to working with Congolese authorities and communities “to help prevent future attacks, protect civilians, reduce tensions, and contribute to the stabilization of areas affected by armed violence.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Desert-to-Power: The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) commits €6 million to Dédougou Solar Project in Burkina Faso

Source: APO

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), has committed a €6 million concessional finance package for the development of the 18 MW Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso, marking a significant milestone towards increasing the country’s energy generation capacity.

SEFA’s commitment comprises a €2.5 million senior concessional loan and a €3.5 million reimbursable grant, complemented by a combination of subordinated and senior loans from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). This commitment was formalized during a signing ceremony in Paris on July 18th, bringing together stakeholders from the African Development Bank, FMO, project developer Qair, and advisors A&O Shearman and Trinity.

The Dédougou Solar Power project aligns with the African Development Bank-led Desert-to-Power initiative, which aims to turn the Sahel region into the world’s largest solar power zone. It is listed as a priority project in Burkina Faso’s national Desert-to-Power roadmap. It is among the first independent power producers (IPPs) in the country and operates under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the national utility, Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL).

“The Dédougou Solar PV project marks a significant milestone for Burkina Faso and the broader Sahel region,” said Dr. Daniel Schroth, the Bank’s Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. As a key contribution to the Desert-to-Power initiative, it demonstrates the transformative nature of harnessing solar energy to drive inclusive and sustainable development. The catalytic support from SEFA was instrumental in unlocking this private sector-led project.”

Once operational, the plant will help diversify Burkina Faso’s energy mix, reduce electricity costs, and boost access to reliable, affordable electricity, supporting economic growth and local livelihoods. The project prioritizes sustainability through a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management System, ensuring responsible operations and mitigating potential environmental and social risks.

“This new financing from FMO and SEFA marks a significant milestone in Qair’s journey in Burkina Faso,” said Abdoulaye Toure, CFO of Qair Africa. “We are deeply grateful to both institutions for their continued trust and support, which enable us to deliver impactful renewable energy infrastructure in the region. After commissioning our first 24 MW solar plant in Zano in 2023, this second project in Dédougou reflects our expanding footprint and aligns with Qair’s long-term strategy to accelerate the energy transition across Africa.”

With committed support from SEFA and FMO, the Dédougou Solar Power Plant demonstrates the potential for private-sector-led future renewable energy projects in the Sahel region, accelerating the transition towards sustainable power, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for communities across Burkina Faso.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact: 
Communication and External Relations Department
African Development Bank Group
media@afdb.org

About SEFA:
SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments to remove market barriers, build a more robust pipeline of projects, and improve the risk-return profile of individual investments. The Fund’s overarching goal is to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa, in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and the M300.

About Qair:
Qair is an independent renewable energy company developing, financing, building, and operating solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydroelectric, tidal energy, waste-to-energy, battery storage, and green hydrogen production. With 1.7 GW of capacity in operation or construction, the group’s 780 employees are developing a portfolio pipeline of 34 GW in 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

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Le président gabonais décore l’ambassadeur d’Espagne en fin de mission

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

En fin de mission diplomatique au Gabon, l’ambassadeur extraordinaire et plénipotentiaire du Royaume d’Espagne, Ramón Molina Lladó, a été décoré ce lundi par le président de la République, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

C’était au cours d’une cérémonie officielle organisée au Palais présidentiel, le chef de l’État a élevé le diplomate espagnol au rang de Commandeur de l’Ordre National de la Libération, l’une des plus hautes distinctions honorifiques du pays.

Ce geste salue l’engagement de l’ambassadeur pour le renforcement des relations bilatérales entre le Gabon et l’Espagne tout au long de son mandat.

Visiblement ému, Ramón Molina Lladó a exprimé sa profonde gratitude au président gabonais, saluant l’accueil et le soutien dont il a bénéficié durant toute sa mission à Libreville.

Cette distinction marque la fin d’une étape importante dans la coopération entre les deux pays, alors que le diplomate s’apprête à quitter ses fonctions.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

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Burkina Faso : le Fonds pour l’énergie durable en Afrique engage six millions d’euros pour développer un projet solaire à Dédougou dans le cadre de l’initiative Desert to Power

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Fonds des énergies durables pour l’Afrique (SEFA) (https://apo-opa.co/4mAQmll), géré par la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org), a engagé un financement concessionnel de six millions d’euros pour développer une centrale solaire d’une capacité de 18 mégawatts (MW) à Dédougou, à l’Ouest du Burkina Faso, marquant ainsi une avancée importante dans l’élargissement des capacités de production énergétique du pays.

Le financement est constitué d’un prêt concessionnel de premier rang de 2,5 millions d’euros et d’un don remboursable de 3,5 millions d’euros, complété par un ensemble de prêts de premier rang et subordonnés de la Société néerlandaise de développement entrepreneurial (FMO). Cet engagement a été officialisé lors d’une cérémonie de signature qui a eu lieu à Paris le 18 juillet 2025 qui a réuni les parties prenantes notamment, la Banque africaine de développement, la FMO, Qair, le développeur de projet et des conseillers de la firme A&O Shearman and Trinity.

Le projet d’énergie solaire de Dédougou s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’Initiative Desert to power (https://apo-opa.co/4mjGex6) de la Banque africaine de développement, qui vise à faire de la région du Sahel la plus grande zone d’énergie solaire au monde. Il figure parmi les projets prioritaires selon la feuille de route nationale Desert to Power du Burkina Faso. Il sera géré par l’un des premiers producteurs indépendants d’électricité (IPP) du pays, qui opérera dans le cadre d’un contrat d’achat d’électricité d’une durée de 25 ans conclu avec la Société nationale d’électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL).

« Le projet solaire photovoltaïque de Dédougou marque une étape importante pour le Burkina Faso et l’ensemble de la région du Sahel, a déclaré Daniel Schroth, directeur des énergies renouvelables et de l’efficacité énergétique à la Banque africaine de développement. Il s’agit d’une contribution essentielle à l’initiative Desert to Power, démontrant le caractère transformateur de l’exploitation de l’énergie solaire, mise au service d’un développement inclusif et durable. Le soutien catalyseur du SEFA a été déterminant pour le déblocage de ce projet engagé par le secteur privé. »

Une fois opérationnelle, la centrale contribuera à diversifier le mix énergétique du Burkina Faso, à réduire les coûts de l’électricité et à faciliter l’accès à une énergie fiable et abordable, soutenant ainsi la croissance économique et les moyens de subsistance locaux. Le projet met l’accent sur la durabilité grâce à un système intégré de gestion environnementale et sociale, qui garantira une exploitation responsable tout en atténuant les risques sur ces deux plans.

« Ces nouveaux financements accordés par la FMO et le SEFA sont un jalon important dans le parcours de Qair au Burkina Faso », a déclaré Abdoulaye Touré, directeur financier de Qair Africa. « Nous sommes profondément reconnaissants aux deux institutions de leur confiance et soutien continus, qui nous permettront d’installer des infrastructures d’énergie renouvelable très utiles dans cette zone. Après la mise en service de notre première centrale solaire de 24 mégawatts à Zano en 2023, ce deuxième projet à Dédougou est le reflet de notre volonté de nous étendre et s’inscrit dans la stratégie à long terme de Qair visant à accélérer la transition énergétique en Afrique », a-t-il ajouté.

Grâce au soutien engagé du SEFA et de la FMO, la centrale solaire de Dédougou est la démonstration que les projets d’énergie renouvelable du secteur privé ont de l’avenir dans la région du Sahel et peuvent accélérer la transition vers une énergie durable, favoriser la croissance économique et améliorer la qualité de vie des communautés burkinabè.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias : 
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

À propos du Fonds pour l’énergie durable en Afrique (SEFA) :
Le Fonds pour l’énergie durable en Afrique (SEFA) est un fonds spécial multidonateurs qui offre des financements catalyseurs visant à encourager l’investissement du secteur privé dans les énergies renouvelables et l’efficacité énergétique. Il propose également une assistance technique et des instruments de financement concessionnel afin d’éliminer les obstacles au marché, de constituer un portefeuille plus solide de projets et d’améliorer le profil de risque contre le rendement des investissements particuliers. L’objectif primordial du Fonds est de contribuer à l’accès universel à des services énergétiques abordables, fiables, durables et modernes pour toutes les populations en Afrique, conformément au New Deal sur l’énergie pour l’Afrique et à la Mission 300 promue par le Groupe de la Banque mondiale et le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement.

À propos de Qair :
Qair est une société indépendante, spécialisée dans les énergies renouvelables, qui développe, finance, construit et exploite des projets d’énergie solaire, éolienne (terrestre et en mer), hydroélectrique, marémotrice, de valorisation énergétique des déchets, de stockage par batteries et de production d’hydrogène vert. Avec une capacité de 1,7 GW en exploitation ou en construction, le groupe qui compte 780 collaborateurs développe actuellement un portefeuille de projets d’une capacité cumulée de 34 GW, répartis sur 20 pays en Europe, en Amérique latine et en Afrique.

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Cabo Verde: XVI Conferência Ministerial da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP) aprofunda compromisso dos Estados-membros nos domínios da Juventude e do Desporto

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Governo de Cabo Verde, através do Ministro Adjunto do Primeiro-Ministro para a Juventude e Desporto, Carlos Monteiro, participou na “XVI Conferência de Ministros da Juventude e Desporto da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa” (CMJD-CPLP), realizada a 27 de julho, em Díli, República Democrática de Timor-Leste.

A sessão constituiu um marco relevante na consolidação da cooperação multilateral lusófona nos domínios da juventude e do desporto, culminando na aprovação da “Declaração de Díli sobre Integridade no Desporto”, instrumento orientador de uma agenda comum de desenvolvimento humano, com enfoque na juventude e na promoção de práticas desportivas íntegras.

No domínio da juventude, a cimeira assinalou o lançamento oficial da Década da Juventude da CPLP (2026/2036), uma iniciativa estruturante que visa posicionar os jovens como eixo central da cooperação entre os Estados-membros. Destacou-se ainda a criação do projeto “CPLPédia Jovem”, orientado para o reforço da produção e partilha de conhecimento no espaço lusófono.

No plano das iniciativas de mobilização juvenil, Cabo Verde acolherá, em 2026, dois eventos de grande relevo: a XI Bienal de Jovens Criadores e o III Parlamento Juvenil da CPLP, reafirmando o papel do país como anfitrião ativo e comprometido com a dinamização da juventude da Comunidade.

Na área do desporto, foi aprovada a Declaração de Díli sobre Integridade no Desporto, que reforça compromissos políticos firmes no combate à manipulação de competições e na promoção de uma cultura desportiva assente em princípios éticos. Ficou igualmente determinado o reforço do “Plano de Ética no Desporto da CPLP”, prevendo-se o arranque da sua terceira fase.

A Conferência sublinhou ainda o papel do desporto como instrumento promotor da coesão social, da igualdade e dos valores cívicos no seio nos países de língua portuguesa.

Por fim, ficou confirmada a realização da XVII Conferência de Ministros da Juventude e Desporto da CPLP em Cabo Verde, prevista para a primeira quinzena de novembro de 2026, constituindo um reconhecimento do contributo do país para o fortalecimento da diplomacia juvenil e desportiva no espaço da CPLP.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Conselho Nacional de Medicamento reunido para validação da Lista Nacional do Medicamento (CNM) com mais de 300 novas formas farmacêuticas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A reunião teve início hoje, 28 de julho, e irá decorrer até 30 de julho, tendo por objetivo principal analisar e validar as propostas de atualização/revisão da Lista Nacional dos Medicamentos, que já vem sendo trabalhada desde 2022 pelo Comité Técnico-Científico, sendo que a última LNM em vigor é de 2009.

Segundo o Ministro da Saúde, Jorge Figueiredo, que presidiu a abertura do Conselho Nacional do Medicamento, trata-se de uma atualização de fundo, que incorpora mais de 300 novas formas farmacêuticas e mais de 500 dosagens, incluindo uma atenção especial às necessidades pediátricas e às doenças que mais afetam os cabo-verdianos.

“Vamos aqui propor a introdução de mais de 300 novas formas farmacêuticas e mais de 500 novas dosagens. Este não é um número vazio ou friamente calculado, mas um número que deve ser próximo e humano, pois cada um desses medicamentos e cada uma dessas dosagens representa a possibilidade de um tratamento mais adequado, mais eficaz e mais acessível a todos.”

São medicamentos novos introduzidos que tiveram em conta, por exemplo, os que vivem com doenças crónicas: os hipertensos, os diabéticos, os que lutam contra o cancro, a tuberculose, o HIV, as doenças renais, cuidados paliativos, os que enfrentam emergências médicas e aqueles que buscam ajuda para superar a dependência do álcool e de outras substâncias, saúde mental, entre outras áreas.

“Para todos eles, a nova lista significa uma melhoria substancial na sua qualidade de vida, um alívio ou uma nova esperança”, referiu o Ministro, assegurando que a nova proposta está profundamente ancorada nos dados epidemiológicos nacionais e nas boas práticas internacionais.

Com esta nova revisão, propõe-se a introdução de novos medicamentos, no sentido de garantir maior acessibilidade dos utentes aos tratamentos.

O Conselho Nacional de Medicamentos é o órgão de acompanhamento do Serviço Nacional de Saúde e de consulta do membro do Governo responsável pela área da saúde, em matéria de formulação e de execução da Política Farmacêutica Nacional. É presidido pelo membro do Governo responsável pela área da saúde, com a faculdade de delegar esta função no Diretor do Gabinete para Assuntos Farmacêuticos.

O CNM tem a seguinte composição:

  1. O membro do Governo responsável pela área da Saúde, que preside, podendo delegar a função no Diretor do GAF;

  2. O Diretor do GAF;

  3. O Diretor Nacional da Saúde;

  4. Os Diretores Clínicos dos Hospitais Centrais;

  5. Os Diretores dos Serviços Farmacêuticos dos Hospitais Centrais;

  6. Um médico da atenção primária, designado pelo Diretor Nacional da Saúde;

  7. Um técnico do GAF, designado pelo Diretor do GAF;

  8. Um representante da ERIS;

  9. Um representante da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos;

  10. Um representante da Ordem dos Médicos;

  11. O Comité Técnico-Científico.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Seychelles: President Ramkalawan Inaugurates New Baie Lazare Health Centre

Source: APO


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President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan and Vice-President Ahmed Afif, officially inaugurated the newly constructed Baie Lazare Health Centre on Monday afternoon, marking a significant milestone in the district’s healthcare infrastructure development.

The modern healthcare facility replaces the original health centre built in 1938. Entirely funded by the Government of Seychelles at a cost of approximately 9.2 million Seychelles rupees, the project demonstrates the administration’s commitment to enhancing community healthcare services. Construction commenced in February 2024, with temporary healthcare services provided at Baie Lazare Primary School to ensure uninterrupted medical care for residents.

The comprehensive health centre offers an extensive range of services with particular emphasis on preventive care, early detection, and health promotion. The facility features state-of-the-art amenities including public health services, physiotherapy units, dual consultation chambers, an observation unit, an emergency unit, equipment sterilization facilities, antenatal care and family planning consultations, pharmaceutical services, and storage facilities. Additionally, the centre is equipped with an advanced dental service unit featuring a dental X-ray system with high-end equipment generously sponsored by the German Dental Association, demonstrating   international partnership in Seychelles’ healthcare advancement.

Minister for Health Peggy Vidot expressed great honour at the facility’s opening, emphasizing its significance beyond mere infrastructure. “The inauguration represents more than just a new building,  it symbolizes a transformative chapter in the lives of individuals and families within the district,” Minister Vidot remarked. “This vibrant facility will propel the community forward through collective spirit, creating success stories that empower families to embrace healthier lifestyles.”

The Minister highlighted the government’s proactive healthcare approach, emphasizing both treatment and prevention strategies. “We will offer programs and services focused on early prevention, healthcare education, early detection programs, vaccination, and health promotion initiatives to equip residents with the knowledge and resources needed to take charge of their own health,” she explained.

Healthcare Agency Chief Executive Officer Dr. Danny Louange reinforced the agency’s dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare services throughout communities. “Our objective is to offer healthcare services of standard, respect, quality, and dedicated care. This centre is part of a broader national vision for the healthcare agency,” he explained. “We are working toward accrediting all our healthcare services, therefore we must ensure our healthcare facilities meet the standards required for accreditation.”

President Ramkalawan’s address underscored his administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access across all districts of Seychelles, with the Baie Lazare Health Centre representing one of several new healthcare infrastructure projects under the current administration.

The ceremony featured a testimony by Baie Lazare resident Mr. Berard Esparon, along with songs and poem recitals by Baie Lazare Primary School students.

The inauguration was attended by the Cabinet Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly Honorable Roger Mancienne, Brigadier General Jean Attala, Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe, Member of the National Assembly for the Anse Boileau District Honourable Philip Arissol, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Bernard Valentin, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jude Gedeon, representatives from the German Dental Association, healthcare professionals, community leaders, residents, students, and invited guests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus S.Lukashevich receives copies of Credentials of the Ambassador of Ethiopia

Source: APO


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On July 28, 2025 the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Sergey Lukashevich, received copies of Credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Belarus with residence in Moscow,Genet Teshome Jirru. 

During the meeting, topical issues of developing friendly Belarusian-Ethiopian relations were discussed, including deepening political dialogue, increasing trade and economic cooperation, expanding educational and humanitarian ties. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

République centrafricaine : Nana-Outa, symbole de la restauration de l’autorité de l’État et de la cohésion sociale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Située à une cinquantaine de kilomètres au nord-ouest de Kaga-Bandoro, la localité de Ouandago, chef-lieu de la jeune sous-préfecture de Nana-Outa, a réceptionné, le 18 juillet 2025, le bâtiment administratif de la sous-préfecture, et s’impose aujourd’hui comme un modèle émergent de consolidation de la présence étatique en République centrafricaine. Ce progrès remarquable s’inscrit dans une dynamique de stabilisation appuyée par des investissements stratégiques et un accompagnement constant de la MINUSCA.

Cette infrastructure, réalisée dans le cadre des Projets à impact rapide de la MINUSCA, symbolise un renforcement concret des capacités locales. Elle offre un environnement de travail fonctionnel aux autorités locales et permet à la population d’accéder plus facilement aux services publics. 

Nino Pierre Honoré Dangoua, préfet de la Nana-Gribizi, a exprimé sa reconnaissance envers la MINUSCA pour son appui constant à l’extension de l’autorité de l’État « afin de permettre aux autorités locales de se rapprocher des citoyens et de leur fournir les services essentiels dont ils ont besoin. Je suis très content d’inaugurer ce nouvel édifice, qui est un véritable joyau, qui offre au sous-préfet et à son équipe d’excellentes conditions de travail ».

Entre 2023 et 2024, plusieurs réalisations ont consolidé l’ancrage institutionnel et sécuritaire de cette nouvelle entité administrative : la réhabilitation et l’équipement de la Maison des femmes de Nana-Outa, qui offre des formations en cuisine, couture et saponification, la construction de la mairie de Ouandago et de la brigade territoriale de gendarmerie. Ces infrastructures constituent des leviers majeurs pour le développement local, la cohésion sociale et la légitimité des institutions.

« Grâce à l’appui de la MINUSCA, nous avons réussi à recréer le lien social entre toutes les communautés et composantes de la population de notre localité, Ouandago, ainsi que dans les villages environnants. L’autorité de l’État est de retour, l’administration est fonctionnelle. Nous vivons tous en paix et dans l’harmonie », a témoigné Jacqueline Manda, présidente de l’antenne locale de l’Organisation des femmes centrafricaines (OFCA). Elle a également exprimé sa gratitude pour l’implication active des femmes dans les activités de formation et de sensibilisation.

Soucieux de la durabilité des acquis, le maire François Lakouéténé « demande à la population, toutes communautés confondues, de protéger ces bâtiments (la mairie, la gendarmerie, la sous-préfecture et la Maison des femmes), parce que c’est notre patrimoine. On doit l’entretenir et le préserver ».

Un appel auquel Roger Ndomazalé, membre de la Croix-Rouge centrafricaine et habitant de Ouandago, a répondu en s’engageant à « sensibiliser les jeunes à bien protéger les bâtiments bien construits pour permettre aux autorités de l’État de travailler dans de bonnes conditions afin d’améliorer les services publics ».

La remise d’une moto au sous-préfet, en mai 2025, a aussi renforcé les capacités logistiques de l’administration, facilitant notamment le suivi des incidents liés à la transhumance et l’extension des services de proximité vers les zones les plus reculées.

Le regain de stabilité dans la Nana-Outa, longtemps en proie à l’insécurité chronique et aux tensions pastorales, est aussi consécutif au retour effectif des Forces armées centrafricaines (FACA) et des Forces de sécurité intérieure (FSI), avec un impact tangible sur le renforcement de l’autorité de l’État.

L’expérience de Nana-Outa met ainsi en lumière une synergie entre gouvernance locale renforcée, sécurité communautaire et développement durable, exemple inspirant de partenariat stratégique entre acteurs nationaux et internationaux au service de la paix et de la reconstruction en République centrafricaine.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Prime Minister and the Minister of Religious Endowments

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister, Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, and Minister of Religious Endowments, Dr. Osama Al-Azhari.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting discussed key areas of the Ministry of Endowments’ work and initiatives. Dr. Al-Azhari reviewed progress in the “Correct Your Concepts” awareness initiative, which was recently launched by the ministry. He noted that this initiative is a cornerstone of the ministry’s strategy to build enlightened religious and societal awareness by rectifying misconceptions and countering forms of non-religious extremism that contribute to the decline of values and ethics in society. The initiative also plays a pivotal role in restoring the balanced religious and national character of the Egyptians. President El-Sisi underscored the necessity of persistent follow-up on the initiative’s implementation mechanisms to ensure achieving its national objectives, in coordination with state institutions and civil society.

During the meeting, the President was updated on efforts to formulate a strategic vision for renewing religious discourse. The Minister of Religious Endowments noted that the relevant strategy comprises four main pillars. The first pillar focuses on confronting religious extremism in all its forms and the second addresses all forms of non-religious extremism, including the decline of values and negative behaviors. The third pillar concerns human development, while the fourth one is related to civilization building. Dr. Al-Azhari offered on overview of the “Renewing Religious Discourse” document, which outlines the executive procedures for all the aforementioned pillars in order to achieve the objective of formulating a rational religious discourse that promotes and solidifies values of peace, security, tolerance, and other noble principles for all humanity.

Dr. Al-Azhari outlined the latest developments in the ministry’s new digital platform. He emphasized that the platform is part of ongoing efforts to formulate a rational religious discourse that counters extremist ideologies, safeguards the nation, and enhances public awareness. The Minister of Religious Endowments added that it also encompasses several sections covering various aspects of Islamic and encyclopedic sciences. This is in addition to initiatives to rationalize behavior and address negative phenomena in society such as bullying, harming individuals with special needs, drug abuse, vandalizing public property, and disrespect for road manners. The Minister also discussed future plans to develop the platform and transform its content into visual and audio formats for dissemination across social media, while harnessing Artificial Intelligence technologies.

The meeting also discussed the latest developments in the implementation of the “Voices” competition, which seeks to discover the best voices in the recitation of the Holy Quran, religious invocations, and chanting, thus reflecting Egypt’s leadership in this field and its commitment to identifying outstanding talents. The President gave directives to strengthen coordination among the relevant authorities so as to enhance the capabilities of Imams and qualify distinguished cadres capable of addressing challenges, elevating the standard of religious discourse, and developing communication mechanisms, particularly in combating extremist ideologies and solidifying awareness and understanding of contemporary issues.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.