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New species discovered at Richtersveld National Park

Source: Government of South Africa

New species discovered at Richtersveld National Park

Scientists have identified several insect species previously unknown to science in the richly biodiverse Richtersveld National Park.

Internationally respected entomologists, Dr Massimo Meregalli (Italy) and Dr Roman Borovec (Czech Republic), recently published new research on flightless weevils collected in remote parts of the park. 

These soil-dwelling insects are notoriously difficult to study, living discreetly beneath shrubs and emerging mainly at night. Their discovery requires meticulous fieldwork in challenging terrain — conditions the Richtersveld is well known for.

“With the support and guidance of Richtersveld National Park Nursery Curator Pieter van Wyk, the researchers explored the remote Armmanshoek Valley, an area not previously surveyed for soil insects. 

“Their efforts resulted in the identification of multiple new species, further confirming the Richtersveld as a hotspot of endemism and scientific importance,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

In recognition of the park’s conservation significance and SANParks’ role in enabling biodiversity research, the scientists named a newly described genus and species Richtersveldiella sanparkensis — the first known insect species formally named after SANParks and Richtersveld National Park.

The researchers have also previously honoured the region’s cultural heritage by naming other genera Khoisan and Nama, acknowledging the deep historical connection between local communities and this unique landscape.

“These discoveries highlight the importance of continued scientific exploration within protected areas and reinforce SANParks’ commitment to conserving not only iconic wildlife and landscapes, but also the often-overlooked species that form the foundation of healthy ecosystems.

“The naming of Richtersveldiella sanparkensis stands as a lasting scientific tribute to the Richtersveld and SANParks’ ongoing dedication to biodiversity conservation,” SANParks said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government creating opportunities for young people

Source: Government of South Africa

Government creating opportunities for young people

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating work opportunities for young people, while improving the quality of education. 

The President on Monday said targeted interventions in schools are helping to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world. 

In his weekly newsletter today, following the recent State of the Nation Address, the President reflected on progress made in expanding access to education over the past three decades, including steady improvements in matric results. However, he acknowledged that significant challenges remain.

“Access to resources and quality teaching is uneven. Schools in townships and rural areas often struggle with overcrowding and educators have limited access to professional development and support,” the President said.

A key intervention to address these gaps is the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), which was founded in 2020 as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus. The initiative deploys young people to schools as education and general school assistants. 

To date, the programme has created more than 1.3 million work opportunities, making it the largest youth employment programme in the country’s history. It provides young people with critical work experience, while reinforcing teaching and learning in schools that need support the most.

General school assistants are required to have at least a Grade 9 qualification, while education assistants must have a matric certificate. In the most recent phase of the programme, 32% of education assistants had some form of tertiary qualification and 14% held a teaching qualification. Participants receive both compulsory and optional training in areas such as school safety, online safety, financial literacy, word processing, AI fluency and coding.

The President said the initiative advances the objectives of the Public Employment Stimulus by delivering large-scale public employment, while generating social value.

“The work of the education assistants allows teachers to spend more time on teaching and on lesson preparation, thereby contributing directly to improved educational outcomes,” he said.

Education assistants have been placed in 19 000 no-fee primary schools, where they support numeracy and serve as Reading Champions to improve literacy and bilingual reading. According to the President, improvements in foundational literacy skills are already being observed in many schools. 

In addition to curriculum support, assistants contribute to digital learning, provide care and support to at-risk learners, and serve as laboratory and workshop assistants.

The programme is also having a transformative impact on the young people involved, equipping them with practical skills and work experience that enhance their employability and career prospects. 

As part of broader efforts to expand access to Early Childhood Development (ECD), government is rolling out the Bana Pele mass registration of ECD facilities and increasing subsidies for ECD learners. Through the Social Employment Fund, support has been extended to the ECD sector.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, working with an implementing partner, is assisting more than 1 000 previously disadvantaged and underfunded ECD centres to meet subsidy requirements. These centres are receiving nutritional support, as well as toys, books and learning materials. The Social Employment Fund now reaches over 50 000 children in ECD centres nationwide.

The President emphasised that fulfilling the constitutional imperative of providing quality education requires collaboration across society.

“These initiatives illustrate clearly the benefits of multisectoral cooperation between government, the private sector and civil society. 
 
“It is our aspiration that this successful programme should continue to grow as we strive to create more work opportunities for young South Africans and at the same time, deliver quality education for all,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, represented President Herminie at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union

Source: APO


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Seychelles, through the representation of Vice President Pillay, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s shared priorities, following the successful conclusion of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union.

The theme of the African Union for the year 2026: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” was launched during the Assembly. This theme resonates deeply with Seychelles, where water is essential to national survival.

The Assembly also witnessed the customary annual handover of the Chairmanship of the African Union, from the President of Angola, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, to H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi. The President of Burundi will therefore chair the African Union up to February 2027. 

Intervening on the Report of the AU Commission on International Law on the issue of Colonisation and Slavery, Seychelles highlighted the concrete steps it has taken to honour this history. The Assembly was informed of the declaration of 1st February, for the first time in our national history, as a public holiday, commemorating the abolition of slavery, reflecting our commitment to remembrance, education, and national dialogue.

The Assembly proceedings featured insightful discussions on several important topics, including key reports from the African Union Peace and Security Council, this year’s AU theme, advancements in the Reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to secure permanent seats for Africa, as well as the African Union’s participation in the G20, among other significant matters.

On the margins of the Assembly, Vice President Pillay had the opportunity to interact with various leaders of both AU Member States, AU Organs, and Regional Organisations. In these high-level interactions, discussions focused on the Continent’s priorities and the strategic role of island nations in harnessing their unique specificities to contribute to the Continent’s progress.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Ghana: Mahama champions Pan-African Payment Systems & resource sovereignty

Source: APO


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President John Dramani Mahama used the closing remarks of his Accra Reset side event in Addis Ababa to synthesise wide-ranging proposals for African economic sovereignty, from conflict-free mineral certification to pan-African payment systems, and called for the urgent implementation of frameworks that have languished in discussion for too long.

The high-level gathering, titled “Accra Reset’s Addis Reckoning,” brought together government officials, private sector leaders, international partners, and civil society representatives on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Assembly of Heads of State to chart an action-oriented path toward African prosperity.

“DRC is at the epicentre of the resource curse, and so when we talk about the Accra Reset and natural resource sovereignty, then DRC is right at the core of what we’re talking about,” President Mahama stated.

He highlighted the call by DR Congo’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya, for certification mechanisms to distinguish between minerals extracted for the benefit of the Congolese people and those that fuel ongoing conflicts.

“When he talks about the certification of their minerals, Great Lakes certificates for their minerals, to be able to know what minerals are extracted generally in the interest of the people of DRC and those that are extracted due to the wars, then I guess he makes a very good point,” he noted.

The President drew attention to global complicity in the DRC’s suffering: “The world has closed its eyes to the carnage in the DRC because it needs the coltan, the tantalum, and all that to power the digital devices and systems we have.”

A recurring theme throughout the President’s remarks was the urgent need for intra-African payment systems that eliminate dependence on third-party currencies, a point he attributed to the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Wamkele Mene’s intervention.

“One of the issues he raised was why, as an SME in Accra or Ghana, I want to export my goods to my compatriots in Kenya, and yet, I must convert my local currency into a third-party currency, then exchange it again to pay my colleague SME in Kenya,” President Mahama recounted.

“So, the Pan-African payment and settlement system is a thing whose time has come, and with urgency. I should be able to ship my goods to Kenya and get paid in Cedis rather than a foreign currency. That’s something we need to work on.”

This emphasis on payment infrastructure aligns with the Accra Reset’s broader vision of creating economic systems that serve African interests rather than perpetuating dependency on external financial architecture.

While acknowledging historical challenges in moving goods and people across Africa, President Mahama painted an optimistic picture of emerging continental connectivity, crediting private sector initiatives.

He praised ASKY Airlines for connecting West African cities and Ethiopian Airlines for serving almost every African country, contrasting this with the challenges travellers faced in the past.

President Mahama also highlighted new maritime services, including reefer vessels redistributing cargo along the West Coast from Dakar to Douala, and a proposed ferry service to transport trucks and cargo between major ports from Accra to Lagos to Monrovia.

“Once supply and demand are in place, the logistics will follow,” he observed, expressing confidence that commercial imperatives will drive continued improvements in continental connectivity.

The President warmly acknowledged a UK representative’s contribution to the discussion, emphasising her observation that African prosperity serves global interests.

“He says, when Africa prospers, Europe prospers. That’s true. Africa’s prosperity is not a threat to anybody in this world. Africa’s prosperity will consolidate world prosperity. And it will be a positive for this world, not a threat.”

These framing positions the Accra Reset not as a confrontational initiative but as a pathway to mutual benefit, in which Africa’s development contributes to, rather than detracts from, global economic health.

President Mahama expressed appreciation to Egypt’s minister for foreign affairs, Badr Abdelatty, whose remarks he said, “transported me back to the time of Kwame Nkrumah,” praising the “true Pan-Africanist” spirit of the intervention.

However, the President repeatedly returned to the theme of urgency, echoing concerns about the gap between Africa’s ambitious frameworks and actual implementation.

“We come with the decisions. We agree. We do the frameworks. What is missing is urgency and implementation. We take time. And we behave like time is waiting for us,” President Mahama said, articulating a frustration shared across the continent.

He concluded with a clear challenge to participants and the broader African leadership.

“As we said, this is the Addis reckoning. From Addis, we must stop talking and start implementing,” he declared.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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Ghana: Mahama to present historic resolution on slave trade to United Nations (UN) in March

Source: APO


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President John Dramani Mahama will table a landmark resolution before the United Nations General Assembly in March, seeking global recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

The president announced this on Sunday in his report to the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government, in his capacity as the African Union Champion for Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations.

President Mahama’s draft UN resolution to the AU Assembly has been adopted.

According to Mahama, “all peoples of African descent have been waiting for this day. The truth cannot be buried. The legal foundations are sound; the moral imperative is undeniable.”

The resolution, first announced during the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025, represents a culmination of year-long efforts to elevate Africa’s reparatory justice agenda on the global stage.

President Mahama reported significant progress in establishing continental mechanisms to pursue reparations for the legacies of transatlantic enslavement, colonialism, and apartheid. These include the AU Coordination Team on Reparations, the AU Committee of Experts on Reparations, and a Reference Group of Legal Experts.

“This marked a historic turning point in the life of our Union, not as a symbolic or commemorative act, but as a strategic and international commitment,” he said, referring to the AU’s designation of 2025 as the Year of Justice for Africans through Reparations.

The President urged member states to establish national reparations commissions, engage formally with historical perpetrator states, and support the proposed Decade of Reparations to ensure sustained continental commitment beyond the commemorative year.

“Reparatory justice will not be handed to us. Like political independence, it must be asserted, pursued and secured through determination and unity,” Mahama declared.

The AU has engaged with UNESCO and the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent throughout 2025, ensuring Africa’s reparations agenda shapes global discourse on cultural restitution, historical truth-telling, and emerging issues, including artificial intelligence.

Major gatherings from Accra to Madrid, culminating in the 9th Pan-African Congress in Lomé, have “fundamentally reframed the global narrative,” presenting reparations as forward-looking instruments for justice and development rather than backwards-looking claims.

President Mahama called on the current generation of African leadership to be “remembered not for hesitation, but for courage in advancing justice, restoring dignity, securing restitution and shaping a future grounded in truth.”

The March presentation to the UN General Assembly will mark a pivotal moment in the continental campaign for global recognition and redress of historical injustices against African peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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Seychelles: Minister Barry Faure attends the High-Level Consultation on the Future of the United Nations and the Election of the Next Secretary-General

Source: APO


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Mr. Barry Faure, Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, participated in a high-level consultation led by H.E. Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia. The discussion centered on the future of the United Nations, the UN Security Council (UNSC), and the upcoming election of the next UN Secretary-General (UNSG).

President Boakai emphasised Liberia’s commitment to equitable representation in the UN and the importance of inclusive dialogue for global governance reforms. He also highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation among Africa’s elected non-permanent members and the permanent members of the UNSC.

The meeting agreed to continue to advocate for the common African position on the reform of the UN based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration on UN Reform.

Minister Faure supported the call for greater gender balance in international leadership. The consultation agreed that appointing a woman as the next UNSG would mark a significant advance in inclusivity within the multilateral system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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The Director of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Participates in Panel on De-escalation and Enhancing Security in the Gulf

Source: Government of Qatar

Munich – February 15, 2026

HE Director of Policy Planning  at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Fahad Al Khater, took part in a closed panel discussion titled “From Confrontation to Standing Together? De-escalation and Enhancing Security in the Gulf.” The session was organized by the New Ground Research Foundation in cooperation with the Munich Security Conference, as part of the conference’s 62nd edition.

The discussion was held within the framework of the “Next Middle East” initiative, which brings together participants from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Europe, and the United States. The initiative follows a three-phase approach aimed at examining the evolving dynamics of the Middle East and identifying new foundations for regional balance in the period ahead.

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HH the Amir Sends Written Message to King of Netherlands

Source: Government of Qatar

The Hague, February 15, 2026

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has sent a written message to HM King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning bilateral ties and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The message was delivered by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani.

HE the ambassador handed over the letter during a meeting with HE Hassan Outaklla, the personal adviser to HM King Willem-Alexander.

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39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Concludes in Addis Ababa

Source: APO


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The Thirty-Ninth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) concluded today at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following two days of high-level deliberations by African Heads of State and Government.

The Session was held under the outgoing Chairmanship of H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union for 2025, and welcomed the assumption of office by H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, as Chairperson of the African Union for 2026.

The Assembly was preceded by a State Dinner hosted by H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The Opening Ceremony featured statements by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission; H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed; H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; H.E. the President of the State of Palestine; and H.E. Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of Italy.

The Assembly formally welcomed President Évariste Ndayishimiye as Chairperson of the African Union for 2026 and launched the AU Theme of the Year 2026: “Ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.”

Peace and Security

The Assembly took note of the Report of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the state of peace and security in Africa and expressed deep concern over the persistence of conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, and humanitarian crises in parts of the continent.

Heads of State and Government reaffirmed the Union’s unwavering commitment to zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government and reiterated the determination to silence the guns in Africa. The Assembly underscored the imperative of predictable, sustainable and flexible financing for AU-led peace support operations.

The Assembly adopted the Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) on the utilization of the African Standby Force, calling for strengthened coordination and operational readiness.

Institutional Reform and Governance

The Assembly considered the Report on AU Institutional Reforms and reaffirmed the commitment to consolidating a people-centered, efficient, accountable and financially sustainable Union.

It took note of the Annual Report of the Chairperson of the Commission and adopted the reports of various Assembly Committees, including those relating to Africa CDC, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), AUDA-NEPAD, the Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council Reform, CAHOSCC, the AfCFTA, and the High-Level Committee on Libya.

The Assembly reaffirmed Africa’s Common Position on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated its demand for equitable representation of Africa in global governance institutions.

Africa and Global Governance (G20)

The Assembly welcomed the briefing on the outcome of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg in November 2025 and took note of the Report on AU participation in the G20.

Leaders underscored the importance of coordinated African positions in advancing continental priorities, including sustainable development financing, debt restructuring, climate action, food security, and digital transformation.

Continental Development Priorities

The Assembly reaffirmed the centrality of Agenda 2063 as Africa’s strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

It welcomed progress in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), emphasizing the urgency of transforming African food systems and strengthening resilience to climate shocks. The Assembly also commended progress in the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and called upon Member States to accelerate implementation to boost intra-African trade, industrialization and value addition.

The Assembly took note of continental development initiatives aimed at mobilizing resources for infrastructure, energy, water and sanitation, and climate adaptation programmes, and reaffirmed the importance of youth and women empowerment, innovation, digitalization and skills development as drivers of Africa’s transformation.

Historical Justice and International Solidarity

The Assembly considered a study on the implications of describing colonization as a crime against humanity and certain acts committed during the era of slavery, deportation and colonization as acts of genocide against the peoples of Africa. Leaders underscored the importance of historical justice, truth, remembrance, reparatory justice, and the preservation of the dignity of African peoples.

The Assembly also considered the Report of the Commission on the Situation in Palestine and reiterated the African Union’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and its support for a just, lasting and comprehensive solution in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Adoption of Decisions and Appreciation

The Assembly adopted the Decisions, Declarations and Resolutions of its Thirty-Ninth Ordinary Session.

Heads of State and Government expressed profound appreciation to President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for his leadership and dedicated service as Chairperson of the African Union for 2025, and pledged full support to President Évariste Ndayishimiye in the discharge of his mandate as Chairperson for 2026.

The Assembly also expressed sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for the warm hospitality and excellent facilities provided for the successful convening of the Summit.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Closing remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the C5 Meeting at the level of Head of State

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellencies, 
Heads of States, Ministers, 
Invited guests and 
My dear Brothers and Sisters, 

Thank you for your participation in this meeting. We have come to the end of our meeting. 

Firstly, I would like to  thank you once again President Kirr and the delegation of South Sudan, Ministers as well as other officials. 

I would like to thank them for their presence and participation because through their participation they have invited us on a number of issues that are germane to what the C5 meeting at the level of Heads of State has been all about. 

As we have come to the end of our meeting, I have no doubt that you would agree that this meeting has been long in the making, but it has been a very constructive and positive meeting. 

We are particularly pleased that we had a number of Heads of State who have participated and made statements in this meeting, statements that have helped to craft the way forward.

It should be said that the Government and the people of South Sudan have been in many ways looking at this Committee (C5) and IGAD and the UN for support and solidarity, on this difficult and complex journey that they have been on towards peace, stability and democracy in their country. 

The valuable interventions that have been made here reaffirm our collective commitment and revive our resolve to work with speed despite the challenges that are faced by the Government and people of South Sudan. 

I want to welcome that we met at Heads of State level to provide a clear direction on the way forward. We have agreed that the Revitalised Agreement remains the paramount legal instrument which all parties must comply and by which progress in South Sudan will be measured. We encourage inclusive dialogue in accordance with the Revitalised Agreement.

To this end, we should bring an end to all violence, hostilities and to allow all this and all other electoral processes to take place. It is for this reason that a clear recommendation is being made.

It is for this reason that a clear recommendation is being made, that (i) there should be a ceasefire and all hostilities must be brought to an end, (ii) as recommended by Heads of State, there should be a release of political detainees and this should also include people like the Vice President, Riek Machar who is going through various processes of a legal nature but we would want it to be given consideration by the Government of South Sudan, (iii) that there should be meaningful dialogue that is inclusive, that is thorough and leaving no stakeholder behind, (iv) elections must go on and not be postponed and there should no more postponements and the elections must be held on a free and fair basis including all the people who are eligible to participate in those elections (the citizens of South Sudan), (v) there should be coordination of the efforts and work through IGAD Secretariat as well as C5 and (vi) the Chair of the Commission should work together with three IGAD Heads of State (which is composed of sitting presidents) who will work together with the C5 and will have an oversight role to monitor and support the implementation of this process in South Sudan.

We also agree that the Government of South Sudan needs to agree, identify and implement  minimum standards which should be put in place for people of South Sudan to exercise their democratic right to vote and choose their leaders. And that in this process there should be credible and meaningful processes to prepare for the elections as articulated by the Under-Secretary General of the UN.

The inclusive dialogue, meaningful talks amongst all the parties should lead to the unification of forces and ensure that the political processes of preparing for elections do take place.

And the requisite funding for electoral bodies are all put in place to ensure that the elections do take place on a credible basis. 

As regional leaders we will do our utmost best to assist South Sudan to transition to a peaceful and stable country. However, it is up to the leaders of South Sudan to act in good faith and demonstrate a willingness to undertake an inclusive process that fosters national cohesion, solidarity and reconciliation. And upholds the rule of law; and ensures a transparent, credible and peaceful electoral process.

We have heard very clearly from President Salva Kiir that from their own point of view that they are committed to ensure that the roadmap is adhered to and that they would want us to assist them and support them without undue interference. 

That is something we should comply with and support the people of South Sudan without interference. That is what support should mean. Of course they will be open to counsel, to take advice and to be fully supported.

This we do by recognising that South Sudan is facing challenges and our task is to support. In addressing their challenges, we should be pleased that they are building consensus and will work with all parties.

In conclusion, I wish to thank you once again for honouring the invitation to deliberate on how we can better assist and coordinate our efforts in South Sudan in its journey to finding lasting solutions and peace. Consistent and continuous engagement and monitoring by the C5, IGAD and the AU is critical throughout this year. There is a lot of hope and goodwill towards our sister country and it is imperative that we act in concert with it. 

I especially appreciate the participation of President Salva Kiir at this meeting. Your contributions were most important to us in our effort to chart the way forward. I am confident that I speak on behalf of all those gathered here today as I wish South Sudan well in the lead up to your national elections. 

I thank you.