Protection de l’environnement : Six organisations distinguées pour leur engagement écocitoyen au Bénin

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


L’engagement des organisations de la société civile en faveur de la protection de l’environnement est désormais reconnu au plus haut niveau au Bénin. À l’issue d’un processus de sélection conduit par la Direction Générale de l’Environnement et du Climat (DGEC), six (06) organisations ont reçu les Labels Écocitoyens 2026. Il s’agit du Réseau Béninois du Parlement Mondial de la Jeunesse pour l’Eau (RB/PMJE), de SEKO GREEN, de l’ONG PAULY AFRIQUE BIO, de la Fondation GNIDEHOUE, de l’ONG JEVEV et de l’ONG TAMAEE, récompensées pour l’impact de leurs initiatives en faveur du développement durable. 

Les organisations lauréates se sont illustrées dans plusieurs domaines, notamment l’éducation environnementale, le reboisement, la gestion durable des ressources naturelles, la promotion de l’économie verte, la sensibilisation communautaire et l’innovation écologique. À travers leurs actions, elles contribuent à renforcer les valeurs écocitoyennes et à améliorer durablement le cadre de vie des communautés béninoises. 

La cérémonie officielle de remise des distinctions s’est déroulée le jeudi 25 juin 2026 à l’Hôtel Novotel Orisha de Cotonou, sous la présidence du Ministre du Cadre de Vie et des Transports chargé du Développement Durable, Monsieur Georges ALE. Cette initiative vise à valoriser les organisations qui s’investissent activement dans la promotion de l’écocitoyenneté et dans la préservation de l’environnement au Bénin. 

Dans son allocution, le Ministre Georges ALE a salué l’engagement des lauréats et rappelé que l’écocitoyenneté constitue un levier essentiel de la politique gouvernementale en matière de développement durable. Il a souligné que les investissements réalisés dans l’assainissement, les infrastructures et l’aménagement urbain ne produiront pleinement leurs effets qu’avec l’adoption de comportements responsables par les citoyens. « L’écocitoyenneté n’est pas simplement une question de propreté. Elle est une condition essentielle pour notre santé collective, la préservation de notre biodiversité et notre qualité de vie », a-t-il déclaré. 

Pour sa part, la Cheffe du Département de la Promotion de l’Écocitoyenneté, Madame Arielle AKOUÉTÉ ACCROMBESSI, a mis en lumière le rôle déterminant des organisations distinguées dans la diffusion des bonnes pratiques environnementales. Elle a également présenté la plateforme numérique « 229 Cadre de Vie », un outil participatif permettant aux citoyens de signaler les atteintes à l’environnement et de contribuer activement à l’amélioration du cadre de vie. 

Organisée par la DGEC à travers le Département de la Promotion de l’Écocitoyenneté, la cérémonie a réuni plusieurs personnalités politiques, administratives et des partenaires au développement. Elle a été marquée par la présentation de la plateforme « 229 Cadre de Vie », la remise des distinctions aux lauréats et une photo de famille. 

En clôturant les travaux, le Ministre Georges ALE a réaffirmé la volonté du Gouvernement de poursuivre les actions de sensibilisation et d’accompagner les initiatives citoyennes afin de construire un Bénin plus propre, plus résilient et respectueux de son environnement.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Aviculture : Le Bénin part à la conquête de sa souveraineté protéique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En lançant le premier Salon Expo Avicole, le jeudi 25 juin 2026 à Cotonou, le Gouvernement béninois a fixé le cap : combler le gouffre entre les 20.000 tonnes produites et les 100.000 consommées chaque année, et tarir une coûteuse fuite de devises. Récit d’une ambition affichée pour 2033. 

Le chiffre, à lui seul, dit l’ampleur du défi. Chaque année, le Bénin consomme au moins 100.000 tonnes de produits avicoles. Il n’en produit que 20.000. Tout le reste, ce gouffre de 80.000 tonnes, franchit les frontières à coups d’importations, emportant avec lui une importante fuite de devises. C’est ce déséquilibre que le gouvernement entend désormais renverser, et c’est pour le dire qu’il a réuni, le jeudi 25 juin 2026 au Palais des Congrès de Cotonou, toute une filière autour de la première édition du Salon Expo Avicole. 

C’est Adin Yeton BLOUKOUNON GOUBALAN, Ministre de l’Agriculture, de l’Élevage et de la Pêche, qui a procédé au lancement officiel, au nom du Président de la République, Monsieur Romuald WADAGNI. L’occasion, pour le membre du gouvernement, de réaffirmer les ambitions de l’État béninois pour une filière qu’il tient pour stratégique. 

Bâtir une souveraineté protéique 

L’objectif s’inscrit dans la Vision Bénin Vert 2033, qui fait de la réduction progressive de la dépendance aux importations un cap national. Derrière le mot d’ordre, une idée simple et lourde de sens : un pays qui dépend de l’étranger pour nourrir sa population en protéines reste vulnérable. Construire sa souveraineté protéique, c’est reprendre la main sur son assiette. 

Pour y parvenir d’ici à 2033, le Gouvernement mise sur une alliance large, nouant l’État, l’interprofession, les investisseurs privés, les institutions financières, la recherche, les partenaires techniques, les organisations professionnelles et les producteurs. « L’avenir de notre aviculture dépendra de notre capacité collective à produire davantage, à transformer davantage et à créer davantage de valeur sur notre territoire », a souligné le Ministre BLOUKOUNON GOUBALAN. Pour lui, l’enjeu déborde la seule question alimentaire : l’aviculture est une filière de création d’emplois, particulièrement pour les jeunes et les femmes. 

Le salon de toute une filière 

Structure initiatrice de l’événement, l’interprofession avicole du Bénin a voulu un rendez-vous qui parle d’abord à ceux qui font le métier. Producteurs, couvoiristes, fabricants d’aliments, vétérinaires, transformateurs, distributeurs, chercheurs, investisseurs et décideurs : tous étaient conviés. Le salon, a expliqué son président Léon ANAGO, doit être à la fois un cadre de réflexion sur les défis du secteur et une vitrine des opportunités qu’offre l’aviculture béninoise pour la sécurité alimentaire, la création d’emplois et la croissance économique. 

Monsieur Léon ANAGO a tenu à saluer l’engagement et les appuis de la Fédération interprofessionnelle du secteur avicole du Maroc, dont le concours a permis la tenue du salon. Un partenariat qui ne s’est pas seulement dit, mais qui s’est vu. 

Rabat aux côtés de Cotonou 

Car le Maroc avait fait le déplacement au plus haut niveau. Le ministre marocain de l’Agriculture, de la Pêche maritime, du Développement rural et des Eaux et Forêts, Ahmed El BOUARI, a honoré de sa présence la cérémonie de lancement. Devant l’assistance, il a salué les réformes engagées par le Bénin pour la modernisation et le développement de son agriculture, l’aviculture en particulier.
Pour le ministre marocain, la coopération entre les deux pays dépasse le cadre bilatéral. Elle traduit, a-t-il estimé, la volonté commune de Rabat et de Cotonou de faire de la coopération agricole un levier de développement, de prospérité partagée et de souveraineté alimentaire à l’échelle du continent africain. 

Une manière de rappeler que la bataille du Bénin pour son autosuffisance en protéines s’inscrit dans une ambition plus vaste, celle d’une Afrique qui entend, elle aussi, nourrir les siens.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Seychelles: President Herminie to Welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Golden Jubilee Independence Celebrations

Source: APO – Report:

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President Dr Patrick Herminie will later this afternoon welcome the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, on a State Visit to Seychelles, where he will serve as the Guest of Honour for the nation’s 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit reflects the longstanding friendship and enduring partnership between Seychelles and India, which have enjoyed diplomatic relations since Seychelles attained Independence in 1976. 

During the visit, President Herminie and Prime Minister Modi are expected to hold bilateral discussions aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The Indian Prime Minister will also participate in official engagements commemorating Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations.

Over the past five decades, the two countries have continued to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including maritime security, defence, healthcare, education, capacity building, climate resilience, sustainable development and the blue economy.

India remains one of Seychelles’ closest and most valued development partners, supporting numerous infrastructure, healthcare, education and community development initiatives while working closely with Seychelles to promote peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

The visit reaffirms the close and enduring ties between Seychelles and India and reflects the shared commitment of both nations to deepening their partnership for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Tshwane Metro Police warn of road closures ahead on 30 June

Source: Government of South Africa

Tshwane Metro Police warn of road closures ahead on 30 June

The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) has issued a traffic advisory ahead of a planned march on 30 June 2026, warning motorists of road closures and traffic disruptions in Pretoria’s city centre.

According to the media alert, the march is being held to protest against undocumented foreign nationals.

Participants are expected to gather at Church Square in Pretoria Central at 10:00 before marching to the Sunnyside Police Station. Authorities said no private vehicles will be permitted at the gathering point.

Buses transporting participants will drop commuters off at the corner of WF Nkomo and Bosman streets at the Church Square entrance before proceeding to the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad for parking. Private vehicles will be directed to an open parking area at the corner of Kgosi Mampuru and Madiba streets.

The procession will follow a route from Church Square along Paul Kruger Street before turning onto Francis Baard Street. 

Marchers will then continue via Lillian Ngoyi Street, Madiba Street, Nelson Mandela Drive, Kotze Street, Van Boeschoten Avenue, Robert Sobukwe Street and Leyds Street before arriving at Sunnyside Police Station.

Motorists have been advised to expect delays and make use of alternative routes, including Nana Sita Street, Visagie Street, Justice Mahomed Street, Jeff Masemola Street, Bosman Street, Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Struben Street, Bloed Street, Kgosi Mampuru Street and Eskia Mphahlele Drive.

The march is expected to conclude at approximately 3pm, when participants will disperse from Sunnyside Police Station.

The TMPD said officers, together with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), will be deployed throughout the day to monitor the march and ensure public safety along the affected routes.

Authorities have urged motorists and commuters to plan their journeys in advance and exercise patience while travelling through the Pretoria CBD during the demonstration. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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State Minister at MOFA Says Maritime Security Requires Global Cooperation

Source: Government of Qatar

Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 26, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi has said maritime security can no longer be the responsibility of any single country, warning that growing geopolitical rivalry, cyberattacks and threats to critical infrastructure require greater international cooperation.

Speaking at the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia on Friday, HE Dr Al Khulaifi said recent developments in the Middle East had demonstrated how disruption to a narrow maritime passage could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, energy markets and international supply chains.

He said freedom of navigation was not only a commercial interest but a cornerstone of international law, adding that open sea lanes were a strategic necessity for Qatar and the Gulf states, whose economies depend on a rules-based international trading system.

It is not believed the world is moving towards a system based on exclusive or politically controlled corridors, he said, warning that such an approach would lead to greater fragmentation and instability.

HE Dr Al Khulaifi said sustainable maritime security rests on three pillars: adherence to international law, freedom of navigation without discrimination, and diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. While military capabilities could deter threats, he said, they could not replace trust between states.

Drawing on Qatar’s mediation experience, he argued that deterrence alone rarely delivers lasting security, and that durable stability requires dialogue, political solutions and diplomacy.

On the role of the United States, HE Dr Al Khulaifi said Washington remained an indispensable player in maritime security because of its naval capabilities and strategic presence. However, he added that recent regional events had shown military superiority does not necessarily translate into political stability.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass each day, stressing that it must remain open, secure and governed by international law.

Dr Al Khulaifi concluded by renewing Qatar’s call for respect for international law, protection of critical maritime infrastructure, freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes, saying diplomacy and dialogue remain the best guarantee of lasting maritime security. 

State Minister at MOFA Holds Series of Bilateral Talks on Sidelines of Dubrovnik Forum

Source: Government of Qatar

Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 26, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi has held a series of bilateral meetings with senior foreign officials on the sidelines of the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia.

HE Dr Al Khulaifi met separately with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Abdisalam Abdi Ali; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov; HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for European Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Mehmet Kemal Bozay; and HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Anis Matta.

According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation. The meetings also covered the latest regional developments, as well as several issues of mutual interest.

The Dubrovnik Forum is an annual international conference that brings together political leaders, diplomats and policymakers to discuss global and regional challenges. 

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Dubrovnik, June 26, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met Friday with HE Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Grlic Radman, on the sidelines of the Dubrovnik Forum.

The meeting addressed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, as well as regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

HE the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs praised the State of Qatar’s constructive role in mediation and peaceful dispute resolution, and its efforts in supporting ongoing US–Iran negotiations to strengthen dialogue and regional stability. 

Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile during a visit to the South Africa Commodity China Exhibition and Trade Centre (SACC), Dongguan, Shenzhen District, China

Source: President of South Africa –

Chairperson,
Distinguished Executives of the South Africa Commodity Centre,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for meeting with us today and for the important work you continue to undertake in strengthening commercial and economic relations between South Africa and China.

South Africa values institutions that create practical mechanisms for expanding trade, attracting investment, and facilitating business partnerships. The South Africa Commodity Centre represents exactly this type of strategic platform.

We are encouraged by the vision of SACC as a comprehensive China–South Africa economic cooperation hub that promotes two-way trade, industrial collaboration, and market integration. 

Your investment in a permanent South Africa National Pavilion demonstrates confidence in South Africa’s products, industries, and long-term economic potential. 

We note the significant opportunities being developed through your four core business areas:

– Two-way commodity exhibition and trade
– Cross-border e-commerce
– Industrial incubation
– Skills and talent development.

South Africa possesses a rich portfolio of products and industries that align strongly with growing demand in China, including:

– Critical minerals and mineral beneficiation
– Agricultural products and agro-processing 
– Premium wines and beverages
– Citrus, avocados, and fresh produce 
– Seafood and aquaculture products
– Jewellery and precious metals
– Advanced manufacturing and industrial products.

We are particularly interested in expanding market access opportunities for South African exporters and strengthening participation by South African companies in digital commerce platforms and integrated supply chains.

The Centre’s focus on cross-border e-commerce and digital trade presents exciting opportunities for South African SMEs and exporters seeking direct access to Chinese consumers and business partners. 

We would welcome further collaboration in developing e-commerce channels, digital trade platforms and market-entry programmes that support South African businesses. 

We are equally encouraged by your industrial incubation and talent development initiatives, which support enterprise growth, knowledge sharing and skills transfer between our two countries.

South Africa views SACC as a strategic platform capable of supporting broader cooperation in investment promotion, manufacturing partnerships, industrial development, and value-added trade.

I therefore invite the South Africa Commodity Centre and its partner enterprises to participate in the next South Africa Investment Conference and engage directly with investment opportunities across priority sectors of our economy.

I also encourage your investors and business partners to explore opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which provides access to one of the world’s largest emerging markets and positions South Africa as a gateway to the African continent.

Finally, I encourage your organisation and affiliated companies to work closely with InvestSA and our One Stop Shop mechanisms, which are specifically designed to facilitate investment establishment, resolve bottlenecks and accelerate project implementation.

We look forward to strengthening this partnership and creating new opportunities for trade, investment and shared prosperity between South Africa and China.

Thank you, Xie Xie.

Liberia: President Boakai Issues Executive Order Banning Export of Unprocessed Natural Rubber to Boost Local Manufacturing

Source: APO


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The Executive Order forms part of the Boakai Administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and is intended to stimulate domestic industrialization, create jobs, increase government revenue, and strengthen Liberia’s value-added manufacturing sector.

The Order notes that the continued export of raw natural rubber has deprived Liberia of significant downstream manufacturing opportunities, industrial employment, expanded tax revenues, and improved foreign exchange earnings. It further acknowledges that previous efforts to regulate the export of unprocessed rubber were undermined by widespread abuse, necessitating stronger executive action.

Under the Executive Order, the export of unprocessed natural rubber, including natural latex, coagulum, cup lump, tree lace, bark scrap, ground scrap, and other forms of raw rubber, is prohibited for an indefinite period. 

However, processed rubber products such as latex concentrate, Technically Specified Rubber (TSR), ribbed smoked sheets, crepe rubber, and other internationally recognized processed rubber products remain eligible for export.

The Order provides for strict enforcement measures against violators, including the immediate seizure and forfeiture of illegally exported goods, administrative fines of up to US$100,000 for corporations and US$50,000 for smallholder farmers for first offenses, permanent revocation of export privileges for repeat offenders, and criminal prosecution under Liberian law. Shipping companies and agents found complicit in the illegal export of unprocessed rubber will also face sanctions.

To ensure effective implementation, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Liberia Revenue Authority, and the Rubber Development Fund have been directed to jointly enforce the ban. Customs authorities, port officials, and law enforcement agencies have also been instructed to inspect, detain, and confiscate any shipment of unprocessed rubber intended for export.

Within thirty days, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant stakeholders, is required to establish regulations that improve domestic market access for rubber farmers, particularly those in remote communities who have traditionally depended on cross-border trade in raw rubber.

As part of broader industrial support measures, the Government will prioritize incentives for domestic rubber processing industries through tax relief, concessional financing, infrastructure support, and policies aimed at expanding manufacturing into finished rubber products such as tires, gloves, footwear, adhesives, and other value-added products.

The Executive Order takes effect on July 1, 2026, and shall remain in force until repealed or amended by an Act of the Legislature. It will be reviewed annually to assess its impact on Liberia’s industrial development and the rubber sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Eritrea: Ministry of Education conducts activity assessment meeting

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Adi-Halo Human Resources Office, conducted an activity assessment meeting on the progress of pre-education services for 2025/2026 from 23 to 25 June at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall.

The meeting was attended by the Governors of the six regions of the country, heads and representatives of ministries, partners, as well as invited guests.

Indicating the substantial investment made by the EPLF during the armed struggle for independence and by the Government of Eritrea after independence in the education sector, Ambassador Abdella Musa, Minister of Local Government, commended the initiative to establish pre-schools in all villages across the country. He also reminded administrations at all levels of their responsibility in the effort.

Dr. Halima Mohammed, Minister of Education, on her part, noted that the policy of the Ministry of Education to provide equal access to education is a central pillar in the journey to ensure social justice. She also said that, in Eritrea, basic education is a free and obligatory citizenship right.

Noting that, as part of the program initiated at the national level to expand pre-education opportunities, pre-schools have been established in all villages and training programs have been organized for about six thousand female pre-school teachers, Dr. Halima said that the successful program has been implemented through the coordination of Adi-Halo Human Resources Office and the involvement of other partner institutions.

Heads of education branches in the regions also provided reports regarding the progress of pre-education in general, and the construction of new pre-schools and renovation of existing ones in particular, in terms of the success registered and the experience gained.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the reports presented, as well as on the activity programs for 2026/2027.

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