On the 28th of April 2026, the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Moldova established diplomatic relations in the spirit of promoting bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of friendship.
The establishment of diplomatic relations is founded on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respect for fundamental norms of international law. Similarly, to Seychelles, Moldova is a fellow member of the Forum of Small States and the Organization of La Francophonie.
The signing of the Protocol took place in New York between the Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Vivianne FOCK TAVE, and the Permanent Representative of Moldova to the United Nations, Ambassador Gheorghe Leucă.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.
In addition, the country has seen waves of military interventions by outside players like France, the US and most recently Russia. All have invested heavily in trying to contain the extremist threat in Mali.
But groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have continued to expand their influence. And in late April 2026 the military government found itself having to fend off coordinated attacks from separatists and jihadists across the country. The defence minister, General Sadio Camara, was killed.
Foreign interventions over the past decade have often misunderstood what was happening on the ground. Extremist groups have capitalised on issues such as land disputes, corruption, and resource competition to gain legitimacy, often aligning with the community’s tensions. The weakness of state institutions and security forces has allowed groups such as Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) to consolidate power.
These groups have adapted by forming alliances and tailoring their narratives to local grievances, prioritising immediate issues over ideological objectives.
We are political scientists who have researched the security situation in Mali and the Sahel. Our recently published paper showed that non-state armed groups in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, have emerged as key power brokers, shaping local governance by filling gaps left by weak state institutions.
While external actors such as France, the US and Russia have prioritised counter-terrorism and state-building, they often overlook the governance functions of non-state armed groups. These groups often provide essential services and gain local legitimacy.
Recognising the role of armed groups as local power holders does not mean accepting or legitimising their actions. However, ignoring this reality has led to policies that miss the mark. When interventions focus only on military solutions, they risk misunderstanding why people interact with these groups in the first place.
Our findings challenge conventional interventions that focus solely on defeating non-state armed groups or reinstating centralised state control. We argue that security solutions alone are insufficient. We advocate for a more nuanced approach that integrates the potential for non-state armed groups when it comes to governance, legitimacy and local agency. Non-state armed groups have provided governance over territories in countries like Colombia, Syria and South Sudan, among others.
Armed groups as de facto authorities
Armed groups in Mali are not just fighting forces. In many parts of the country, they play a more complex role. It is difficult to estimate the exact number of groups operating within Mali. The largest and best known, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen, is a coalition of five organisations and claims to have over 10,000 fighters in the country.
In central and northern Mali, bordering Algeria, the state is often distant, absent or mistrusted. Armed groups step into this vacuum. They settle disputes, enforce rules, collect taxes, and sometimes provide a basic sense of order.
For communities living with daily insecurity, these functions are not abstract; they shape everyday life.
Our study established that this does not necessarily mean the population agrees with these groups or supports their ideology. Many do not. However, when there are few alternatives, people adapt. They follow the rules because they need to survive, not because they believe in them.
This distinction is important. This helps explain why these groups are so difficult to dislodge. Their strength does not come only from weapons but also from how deeply they are embedded in local realities.
Why military strategies fall short
International efforts have largely focused on fighting these groups and rebuilding the authority of the Malian state. Although well intentioned, these kinds of interventions often overlook something essential: what happens to the spaces these groups leave behind?
An example is France’s 2013 intervention. The French army helped the Malian army to regain control of the northern part of the country from advancing Islamists during Operation Serval. The aim was to stop extremist forces from advancing to Bamako. This did not end the conflict. Many fighters moved to rural areas where the state had little presence and built ties with local communities.
In central Mali, where cattle farming is a key source of income, this dynamic contributed to the spread of violence between Fulani and Dogon communities, reinforcing grievances exploited by extremist groups.
Faced with this reality, people often turn to whoever can offer some level of predictability and protection, even if that actor is an armed group.
External involvement has also become increasingly fragmented. France’s withdrawal, rising anti-western sentiment, and the arrival of Russian-linked forces have created a crowded and sometimes conflicting intervention landscape.
Different actors bring different agendas, and their presence does not always translate into greater security. In some cases, it can even worsen things by reinforcing tensions or weakening trust in already fragile institutions.
Caught in the middle, civilians make difficult choices daily. Their decisions are rarely ideological but rather about survival.
Rethinking the response
We conclude from our findings that a more grounded approach would begin by listening to local realities. It would address the gaps that allow armed groups to take root. This means improving access to justice and security, supporting local institutions, and taking grievances seriously. It also means recognising that legitimacy is built from the ground up, not imposed from above.
Mali’s experience shows that there are clear limits to what military force can achieve on its own. As long as interventions overlook the everyday realities of governance and survival, they are unlikely to bring about lasting change. Until that shift happens, armed groups will remain hard to dislodge, not only because they can fight but also because, in many places, they have become part of how life is organised.
– Mali’s armed groups fill a government vacuum – addressing this is key to ending the violence – https://theconversation.com/malis-armed-groups-fill-a-government-vacuum-addressing-this-is-key-to-ending-the-violence-281648
Rock paintings are found throughout Zimbabwe. They were made during the last 10,000 years by hunter gatherer groups and later by farming communities.
These came to the attention of the ERC Artsoundscapes project, based in Spain, in 2021. The project brings together experts in archaeology, ethnography, psychology and acoustic engineering to explore how humans understood sound in prehistoric times. Our team has studied some of the rock art of South Africa in which dance scenes are depicted, and we have begun work on documenting and analysing similar rock art in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s rock paintings are concentrated in the country’s eastern provinces, which is where we’ve focused so far. More can be found in the Matobo World Heritage Cultural Landscape in Matabeleland South, which will be the focus of future study.
We have published an article describing dance scenes in this rock art and comparing them with information from ethnographic sources to understand what kinds of dances they depict. The ethnographic research was done by anthropologists and focused on hunter gatherer groups in the broader southern African region (Botswana and Namibia).
We found that all the kinds of dances that have been described in living cultures – dances for ritual, entertainment or special circumstances – are depicted in Zimbabwe’s rock art. But ritual is a central theme.
This points to the need to refine our classification of rock art scenes. We’ve been using features like the body posture of depicted figures to classify a scene as a dance. But ritual dances often involve going into a trance state – and this alters a person’s ability to control their body, move in synchrony with other people and follow “rules” of a dance. Therefore, it may be necessary to reconsider whether some rock art scenes in Zimbabwe, and in the whole of southern Africa, depict dances or not.
Here we will discuss some examples of the rock art in Zimbabwe and explain how we categorised them.
Analytical method
We reviewed published works by archaeology researchers such as the late Peter Garlake and university professor Ancila Nhamo. We also used online resources, including the British Museum online collection by rock art photographer and author David Coulson, which features rock art from Zimbabwe and other southern African countries.
Our inquiry aimed to determine whether all dances that have been recognised ethnographically, in living people, in Zimbabwe as well as in other countries of southern Africa, are also represented in Zimbabwe’s rock art.
We analysed the scenes by applying six attributes that have proved useful in studies in other parts of the world, such as the Middle East and the western Mediterranean. The attributes are divided into those related to the dancers themselves and those related to the type of dance. They are:
dancers’ body posture (including bent figures, outstretched arms and flexed legs)
items they hold, such as sticks, rattles, or headgear
interaction between dancers
evidence of synchrony
direction of movement
gender of the figures represented.
Dance scenes in Zimbabwe rock art
Using these attributes, we can say that a scene such as this one found at Lake Chivero is a dance because it has several men all wearing aprons, displaying the same body posture, and positioned in synchrony with outstretched arms.
Lake Chivero dance.Picture by Ancila Nhamo (with permission), Author provided (no reuse)
Yet, in other scenes we encountered unexpected problems with the second group of attributes (type of dance). Those were designed to analyse dance scenes in other parts of the world with different belief systems. But they are not always valid when dancers engage in trance dances.
One example of this type of scene that does not follow the norm is found at a site called Chivhu. A series of therianthropes (figures with both human and animal features) were painted associated with a large snake bearing two animal heads. In the scene we analysed there, the interaction between dancers is irregular, their movements are not synchronised, and the direction of the dance is not homogeneous, as would be expected in a regular dance. But regular interaction, synchronisation and uniform direction are simply not possible when dancers are in an altered state of consciousness. So, this scene might not look like a dance but it probably is one, based on what we know from studies of living people in cultures associated with the makers of the rock art.
Chivhu danceHuffman 1983, Author provided (no reuse)
Other dances recognised ethnographically as being of ritual character are initiation dances. An example of a dancing scene which may indicate a boys’ initiation dance can be found at a rocky outcrop in Glen Norah, Harare. American anthropologist Lorna Marshall, who undertook fieldwork among the !Kung people of the Kalahari Desert in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, described how the !Kung boys from Nyae Nyae in Namibia in the 1950s sometimes bent their upper bodies into an almost right-angle posture while dancing. The dancers in the painted scene are accompanied by other men who are not participating in the dance. These kinds of initiation dances are not documented or practised in Zimbabwe, however. So although the painted scene looks like an initiation dance, it probably isn’t one.
Rock art may also depict eland dances, the girls’ initiation dance. For example, dancing scenes depicting only women that may be interpreted as eland dances are found in Chipinge and Mudadi in Zimbabwe’s Chivi district.
Mudadi dance in Chivi district in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe.Photo Courtesy of Ancila Nhamo, Author provided (no reuse)
The Makonde dance from Mashonaland West, which features more than 30 performers, is not easy to interpret. It is not clear whether this represents a large dance scene or if the dancers can be divided into different groups. Some individuals are clapping, while others are dancing, which may indicate the presence of trance dancers (group labelled b). Additionally, there are female dancers with tufts on their legs and wearing back aprons (group labelled a). These could be dancing for entertainment, because in reality for an eland dance (a ritual) they would probably remove the aprons.
Makonde dance.Picture from Garlake 1995, Fig. 73, Author provided (no reuse)
Categorising certain dances can be challenging, and some may have been performed purely for entertainment purposes. For example, there is a dancing scene at Charewa that depicts women, men, and possibly children participating. We propose that this could represent an entertainment dance or a dance in some particular circumstance where everyone joined in.
Charewa site, Dance Scene 1.Garlake 1987a, Fig. 10, Fourni par l’auteur
Other elements emerging from the analysis of the dance scenes found in Zimbabwean rock art include the presence of musical instruments and a variety of artefacts associated with the dancers. Hand rattles frequently appear in dancing scenes and have been recognised as the most depicted musical instruments in Zimbabwean rock art, as we’ve discussed in an article about musical instrument representations.
Dance scene at Chikupu northern cave.Garlake 1995, Fig. 76., Author provided (no reuse)
Dancers are sometimes depicted with dancing sticks or other accessories, not only rattles. For instance, some figures appear to be holding round discs that are difficult to identify at Chikupu.
Charewa Dance Scene 2.Garlake, Author provided (no reuse)
Moreover, dancers may be adorned with beads, as observed at Charewa Panel 2, and often wear distinctive headgear, typically resembling antennae, which may symbolise feathers as described in ethnographic accounts.
It’s important to accurately identify and describe these scenes. Our analysis highlights the valuable information that can be gleaned from close examination of the depictions, as well as from the use of ethnohistorical sources related to dance.
– Rock art, dance and ritual: what we learned from paintings in Zimbabwe – https://theconversation.com/rock-art-dance-and-ritual-what-we-learned-from-paintings-in-zimbabwe-279266
Government working to restore order at borders and workplaces
Government says it has noted ongoing public discourse on immigration, particularly on issues related to illegal immigration.
On Wednesday, government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s sovereignty, security and the rule of law, while upholding the country’s constitutional values and respect for human dignity.
“Government is strengthening measures to address illegal immigration, including tightening border controls to combat unlawful entry, illicit trade, and fraudulent activities that undermine revenue collection and the rule of law.
“These efforts form part of a broader programme to modernise and reform South Africa’s immigration and border management system into one that is secure, efficient, and responsive to the needs of a modern economy.
“Key to this transformation is the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which will enhance the country’s ability to manage the movement of people in a secure, transparent and efficient manner,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement.
As part of ongoing reforms, government has also taken steps to improve infrastructure at ports of entry, including the planned redevelopment of major land ports through strategic partnerships aimed at improving security, efficiency and service delivery.
Government emphasised that South Africa is a peaceful and responsible member of the international community that is committed to maintaining strong and constructive relations with countries across the region and the world.
South Africa, government said, remains guided by the principles of cooperation, mutual respect and shared development, while firmly upholding the rule of law within its borders. It said all individuals within the country are expected to comply with the law and contribute positively to society.
It urged members of the public to work together with law enforcement authorities in addressing concerns related to illegal immigration and unlawful activities.
“Such concerns should be reported to the South African Police Service, immigration authorities, or other relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure they are addressed lawfully and effectively. In this regard, members of the public are urged not to take the law into their own hands,” said the GCIS.
To date deportations, have increased by 46%. Since April 2023, the Border Management Authority has deported 500 000 people. Immediate steps are being taken to demolish and rebuild South Africa’s six busiest land ports of entry as part of a transformative public-private partnership (PPP). The six ports are Lebombo, Beitbridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg.
In addition, as per President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026 announcement, the Department Labour and Employment is in the process of hiring 10 000 additional permanent labour inspectors this year to strengthen enforcement of labour laws, combat exploitation, and ensure compliance alongside the police and Home Affairs. This massive expansion aims to boost the existing +/- 2 300 inspectors and focus on auditing compliance.
“Government will continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that immigration is managed in a manner that protects national interests and the safety of citizens, while promoting economic growth and maintaining social cohesion,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), has been recognized among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa, a prestigious recognition celebrating influential women of African descent who are using their platforms to inspire change, amplify important social conversations, and drive meaningful impact across communities. The list features prominent women leaders and changemakers from 54 African countries and also includes the President of Tanzania. The list came out on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.
This latest recognition adds to a series of international accolades received by Dr. Rasha Kelej for her leadership and impactful social initiatives. She was recently named among the “100 Most Influential Africans 2025” by New African Magazine and has also been recognized among the “100 Most Influential African Women” by Avance Media for the seventh consecutive year, alongside Africa’s prominent leaders including Presidents, First Ladies, and Prime Ministers. These recognitions highlight her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa.
Expressing her gratitude, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition and to be included in the ‘100 Most Impactful Voices 2026’ list. I sincerely thank ABCD Africa for acknowledging my work over the past 14 years to build healthcare capacity, transform the patient care landscape, break infertility stigma, empower women, and support girl education in Africa and beyond. This recognition is truly very special to me, and it inspires me to continue my efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.
I also congratulate all the deserving women who have been recognized on this list. Together, we will continue to use our voices to inspire positive change and create a better future for our communities.”
Under Dr. Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the patient care landscape and built healthcare capacity across Africa and other developing regions.
“We have provided over 2600 scholarships for healthcare providers from more than 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, helping to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare,” shared Dr. Kelej.
Dr. Rasha Kelej is also the creator of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, a pioneering movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. Dr. Kelej works closely with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies who are the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” to lead Merck Foundation programs in their countries. “I really enjoy working with dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we are not just partners, we are more than friends, I enjoy our sisterhood and respect it,” Dr. Kelej emphasized.
Moreover, Dr. Kelej is a strong advocate for education as one of the most critical areas of women’s empowerment. Therefore, in partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has provided, year to date, more than 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential. The program is actively running across several African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others.
Dr. Rasha Kelej has established the “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community to address critical health and social issues, including breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending female genital mutilation and child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and raising awareness about diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. She has launched several community awareness programs including Health Media Trainings, Songs, Children Storybooks, Animation Films, Awards for best Media, Song, Film and Fashion design, and also a Pan-African TV program “Our Africa”.
Overview of Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact under the leadership of Dr. Rasha Kelej:
Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:
2600+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:
4000+ Media Representatives from more than 42 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.
9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili
6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.
1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.
15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4vPxiF8), X (http://apo-opa.co/3QzA15D), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4dcQC7T), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4ugra7h), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/42GYwAk) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4w0MGOW).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Le Bénin poursuit sa dynamique de transformation dans le secteur culturel. C’est ce qu’il convient de retenir au terme des travaux de la Conférence inaugurale organisée le mardi 28 avril 2026 à Cotonou, dans le cadre de la première session de la Commission Nationale de Protection du Patrimoine Culturel (CNPPC). Occasion pour Cadres institutionnels, Experts et Universitaires intervenant dans la sauvegarde et la valorisation du patrimoine culturel, de faire le point des avancées enregistrées, avec un regard sur les défis et les perspectives d’avenir.
À l’ouverture des travaux, le Directeur de cabinet du Ministère du tourisme de la culture et des arts, Monsieur Jacques AGUIA DAHO, a salué le regain d’intérêt des autorités pour le patrimoine culturel. Il a exhorté les membres de la Commission à faire preuve d’engagement pour relever les défis, dans un contexte marqué par la restitution et la circulation des biens culturels, au cœur d’une coopération culturelle dynamique, notamment entre le Bénin et la France. Il a, par ailleurs, réaffirmé le soutien des Institutions étatiques à la CNPPC pour la réussite de sa mission.
Placée sous le thème « Protection du patrimoine culturel au Bénin : acquis, défis et perspectives d’avenir », la rencontre a servi de cadre d’échanges autour des mutations profondes engagées par l’État depuis plusieurs années pour faire du patrimoine culturel un levier de développement.
Instituée par la loi N°2021-09 du 22 octobre 2021 et rendue opérationnelle par des décrets d’application, la Commission Nationale de Protection du Patrimoine Culturel s’inscrit dans une volonté de modernisation du cadre juridique et institutionnel. Elle se veut un organe consultatif chargé d’accompagner l’État dans la définition et la mise en œuvre des politiques de sauvegarde, de protection et de valorisation du patrimoine culturel matériel et immatériel.
Des acquis rassurants
Au cœur de cette conférence, deux communications majeures ont permis d’éclairer les participants. La première, animée par le Professeur Marcel Didier HOUÉNOUDÉ, Enseignant-Chercheur et spécialiste du patrimoine culturel, a porté sur les acquis du Bénin en matière de protection du patrimoine, les enjeux actuels et les perspectives d’avenir, avec un regard comparatif à l’échelle internationale. La seconde communication, présentée par le Directeur général de l’Agence de Sauvegarde de la Culture de l’aire Adja-Tado, Monsieur Paul AKOGNI, s’est appesantie sur les aspects juridiques et institutionnels de la protection du patrimoine culturel au Bénin, en mettant en lumière le cadre normatif existant.
Ces échanges ont permis de mettre en relief les efforts significatifs consentis par le Gouvernement au cours de la dernière décennie. Entre la restitution de biens culturels, la réhabilitation de sites historiques, la construction de quatre musées d’envergure et le renforcement du cadre institutionnel avec la création de quatre agences dédiées aux aires culturelles, le secteur culturel a connu une véritable mutation structurelle.
À noter qu’au terme de la conférence inaugurale, les membres de la Commission sous la présidence de Madame Gwladys GANDAHO, ont poursuivi les travaux de leur première session. Ils ont manifesté leur volonté d’accompagner l’Exécutif dans la poursuite d’une gouvernance plus structurée et ambitieuse du patrimoine culturel béninois, avec en ligne de mire sa préservation durable et sa valorisation au service du développement national.
Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.
The State of Qatar has continued a series of high-level consultative sessions aimed at shaping its National Human Rights Action Plan (2026–2030), with a strong emphasis on judicial reform and alignment with international standards.
The sessions are being presided over by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad. The latest session was hosted on Wednesday by HE President of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President of the Court of Cassation, Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al Mohannadi and brought together senior officials and stakeholders to review key pillars of the draft plan.
Discussions centered on strengthening coordination between national institutions and ensuring that legislation and public policies are consistent with global human rights frameworks.
Participants examined ways to enhance judicial procedures related to human rights, reinforcing the principles of justice and the rule of law. Improving the efficiency of the litigation system was highlighted as a priority, with the goal of safeguarding rights and freedoms more effectively.
Officials also pointed to recent progress in Qatar’s judicial sector, including the introduction of clearer timelines for legal proceedings and expanded digital access to court services. These measures, they said, are designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal access to justice.
The session further explored mechanisms to strengthen guarantees for access to justice, in line with international best practices and the broader objectives of the national strategy.
In closing, participants underscored the importance of the National Action Plan as a comprehensive framework to advance human rights protections and guide policy development. They noted that the initiative reflects Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development and to upholding principles of human dignity, equality and non-discrimination.
The consultative meetings form part of an inclusive approach adopted by the national committee responsible for drafting the plan, aiming to incorporate diverse perspectives and expertise.
The development of the National Action Plan is seen as a strategic step in reinforcing Qatar’s long-term commitment to human rights and institutional reform.
The State of Qatar affirmed that serious dialogue and adherence to the principles of international law and good neighbourliness are the fundamental pillars for resolving crises and avoiding their dangerous repercussions.
This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, before the United Nations Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question at the UN headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency noted that the Council meeting is being held amidst the current situation in the Arabian Gulf region, since Feb. 28, and the subsequent serious and multifaceted repercussions for it has on international peace and security. She reaffirmed Qatar’s condemnation of attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Qatar and Gulf states, as well as all violations targeting the national sovereignty of Qatar and the countries of the region, including attacks on residential areas, vital infrastructure, and energy facilities, which resulted in civilian casualties and material losses, constituting violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
The UN Security Council Resolution 2817, submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan and backed by 136 countries, underscored strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of these states, Her Excellency said, adding that it also emphasized respect for navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law, particularly concerning vital maritime routes. Regarding developments in the Strait of Hormuz, HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN stressed the importance of ensuring security of maritime routes, freedom of navigation and international trade in line with international law. The Strait’s security is linked to global energy security and supply chains, calling for concerted efforts to guarantee freedom of navigation and the opening of maritime routes, as it has regional and international implications.
She noted that Qatar welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire announcement on April 8, expressing appreciation for mediation efforts by Pakistan and other parties, and stressed the importance of full commitment to consolidating de-escalation and creating suitable conditions for dialogue.
Regarding the occupied Palestinian territories, Qatar condemned the illegal Israeli occupation’s measures in the West Bank, including reclassifying Palestinian land as so-called Israeli “state land,” accelerating settlement activity, approving legislation allowing the death penalty, and restricting freedom of worship in occupied Jerusalem. It reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution based on international legitimacy, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the necessity of ending the occupation, settlement activity, and all illegal Israeli practices in the occupied territory.
Regarding the current situation in the Gaza Strip, Her Excellency explained that the State of Qatar emphasizes the necessity for all parties to fully implement the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and to open the crossings to ensure the sustainable and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip. She affirmed Qatar’s full and unwavering commitment to the Peace Council since the inception of mediation efforts, up to and including the signing of the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement with partners. She also reiterated Qatar’s continued coordination of humanitarian efforts with partners in the United Nations and the Peace Council, supporting the recovery and reconstruction process and enhancing the prospects for sustainable peace.
As for the situation in the Gaza Strip, Qatar stressed the need for full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the opening of crossings to ensure sustained and unhindered humanitarian aid, and reaffirmed its continued commitment to mediation efforts and coordination with UN partners to support recovery, reconstruction, and prospects for lasting peace. HE affirmed Qatar’s unwavering commitment to the Peace Council up to, and including, the signing of the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement with partners.
She also reiterated Qatar’s continued coordination of humanitarian efforts with partners in the United Nations and the Peace Council to support the reconstruction process and enhance the prospects for sustainable peace. Her Excellency stated that Qatar reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and unity of Syria, condemning Israeli attacks that violate international law, and affirmed its firm stance on the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Lebanon, expressing full solidarity with measures taken to preserve its security and stability.
HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations also pointed out that Qatar welcomes the ceasefire as an initial step toward de-escalation and appreciates mediation efforts, including those by US President Donald Trump, stressing the need to uphold and build on the ceasefire.
South Africa strengthens FMD response with Argentina partnership
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has concluded a high-level working visit to Argentina, securing key agreements aimed at strengthening South Africa’s response to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and safeguarding the future of the livestock sector.
At the centre of the visit was a Ministerial engagement with Argentina’s Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Sergio Iraeta.
The meeting resulted in a firm commitment to a structured cooperation framework that will intensify joint efforts against FMD, while deepening bilateral ties in agricultural trade, food security, and animal health resilience.
The partnership is anchored in the 2026–2028 FMD Work Plan, a time-bound programme designed to translate existing bilateral agreements into coordinated action. It focuses on enhanced technical cooperation, targeted capacity building, and strengthened scientific collaboration, with a clear focus on improving prevention, preparedness, and rapid response capabilities.
Steenhuisen led a delegation of senior officials and stakeholders, including from the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and representatives of organised agriculture. The mission sought to align international expertise with domestic operational needs at a crucial moment for South Africa’s animal health system.
South Africa has already secured and distributed 2.5 million doses of FMD vaccines from Biogénesis Bagó, including one million doses of bivalent SAT-1 and SAT-2 vaccines and 1.5 million doses of trivalent SAT-1, SAT-2, and SAT-3 vaccines.
During the visit, the delegation inspected production facilities where a further five million doses are ready for export, pending approval by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority under Section 21.
To ensure sustained vaccine availability, OBP and Biogénesis Bagó concluded a distribution agreement aimed at securing a reliable and continuous supply pipeline.
“Our immediate priority is to secure a stable and sufficient vaccine pipeline so that we can scale up vaccinations rapidly across the country. Speed is non-negotiable. We must get ahead of this disease to protect our national herd, our farmers, and the broader agricultural economy,” the Minister said in a statement on Wednesday.
He added that South Africa’s response carries regional significance, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“Our livestock sector is deeply interconnected with the economies and food systems of the Southern African Development Community. This partnership is about integrating science, production, and implementation to build a resilient animal health system capable not only of managing the current outbreak, but of preventing future crises,” he said.
The Minister also underscored the importance of private sector participation in vaccine distribution, noting that government is expanding distribution mechanisms to include the private sector, under the strategic coordination of government, to ensure that vaccines reach farms efficiently and at scale.
“This is about closing the gap between policy and practice and delivering real outcomes on the ground.”
Looking ahead, discussions also explored positioning South Africa as a regional vaccine distribution hub for the SADC region, leveraging the expertise and partnerships developed through this collaboration.
In parallel, the ARC renewed and extended its cooperation agreement with Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Argentina’s leading agricultural research institution.
Building on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021, the renewed partnership will deepen collaboration in research, technology transfer, and skills development, particularly in the fields of animal health and vaccine innovation.
The strengthened alliance reflects a shared commitment to advancing scientific excellence and practical cooperation in support of more resilient, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sectors in both countries.
The visit marks a significant escalation in South Africa’s war against FMD, reinforcing the country’s determination to protect its national herd, secure rural livelihoods, and restore confidence in its biosecurity systems. – SAnews.gov.za
Marie-May Jérémie, Ministra do Ambiente, Clima, Energia e Recursos Naturais das Seychelles, participará como oradora na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 deste ano, que decorrerá de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo. A sua participação sublinha o papel crescente do país na definição da agenda de transição energética das pequenas ilhas africanas.
A presença da Ministra Jérémie na AEW 2026 surge num momento crítico, à medida que as Seychelles aceleram os esforços para reduzir a sua forte dependência de combustíveis fósseis importados. O evento proporciona uma plataforma para atrair investimento, reforçar o alinhamento das políticas e apresentar projetos viáveis, posicionando o país como um destino viável para a participação do setor privado nos sistemas energéticos insulares.
Em maio do ano passado, a instituição financeira internacional Banco Mundial aprovou o Programa de Aceleração das Energias Renováveis, uma iniciativa de sete anos destinada a modernizar a rede e aumentar a penetração das energias renováveis para 15% até 2030. O programa centra-se na mobilização de capital privado, reforçando simultaneamente as infraestruturas de transmissão para acomodar fontes de energia renováveis variáveis.
O desenvolvimento de projetos está a ganhar impulso no país, particularmente em tecnologias inovadoras adequadas às limitações de espaço das Seychelles. O projeto de energia solar fotovoltaica flutuante Seysun Lagoon, de 5,8 MW, desenvolvido pela produtora independente de energia renovável Qair, está em construção e deverá entrar em funcionamento em 2026.
A par das energias renováveis, as Seychelles continuam a explorar oportunidades a montante para diversificar a sua economia. O governo aprovou novos operadores de exploração em 2025 e prorrogou os acordos petrolíferos existentes, ao mesmo tempo que assegurou uma parceria de infraestruturas com a China. Estimativas multilaterais sugerem que serão necessários mais de 800 milhões de dólares em investimento nos próximos 25 anos.
A reforma regulatória é fundamental para esta transição, com as Seychelles a introduzirem um quadro de produtores independentes de energia para abrir o mercado a promotores privados. Estão a ser implementados acordos padronizados de compra de energia, reformas no acesso à rede e estruturas reforçadas de parceria público-privada para melhorar a transparência, reduzir o risco e acelerar a viabilidade financeira dos projetos em oportunidades de energia solar, armazenamento e energia eólica emergente.
«A participação da Ministra Jérémie destaca a importância estratégica das nações insulares na transição energética mais ampla de África», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «As Seychelles estão a demonstrar como a reforma política e a inovação podem desbloquear o investimento em ambientes restritos. As suas perspetivas serão fundamentais para fazer avançar o diá. sobre sistemas energéticos resilientes e de baixo carbono em todo o continente.»
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.
