National Insurance Corporation of Eritrea (NICE): Shareholders’ Annual Regular Meeting

Source: APO


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The National Insurance Corporation of Eritrea (NICE) conducted its annual shareholders meeting today, 6 June, at Asmara Palace.

Mr. Paulos Tekleab, Acting Manager of the Corporation, indicated that the Corporation generated 321 million Nakfa in revenue from general insurance services in 2025. He went on to say that out of the 91 million Nakfa profit registered, 83 million Nakfa has been disbursed as dividends to shareholders.

Noting that, as a result of sustainable awareness-raising activities, public understanding of insurance is increasing from time to time, Mr. Paulos said that, compared to 2024, group life insurance increased by 16%, raising its contribution to the Corporation’s revenue from 10 to 11%.

Mr. Gebrebrhan Mihreteab, Chairman of the Board of Directors, emphasized that, with minimum payments, the Corporation protects citizens and institutions from losses caused by accidents beyond their control and, as a result, helps them feel secure. He went on to say that insurance facilitates trade, encourages saving and investment, protects families from becoming dependent due to the death of breadwinners, and boosts Government income in the form of taxes and other contributions.

Mr. Gebrebrhan also expressed expectation that the shareholders would conduct extensive discussion and come out with resolutions.

The participants, on their part, conducted extensive discussion on the report presented and adopted various recommendations, including strengthening awareness-raising activities targeting the public with a view to reducing accidents, identifying untapped sectors and investing in them, and conducting proper assessment of the progress of projects run by the Corporation.

They also adopted a six-point resolution, including the payment of 83 million Nakfa in dividends to shareholders, amounting to about 8 Nakfa per share.

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

Diplomatie : le Président de la Refondation de la République de Madagascar visite plusieurs réalisations emblématiques du Gabon

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À l’occasion de sa visite officielle en République gabonaise, le Président de la Refondation de la République de Madagascar, Son Excellence le Colonel Michaël RANDRIANIRINA, a visité plusieurs infrastructures emblématiques de la transformation engagée sous l’impulsion du Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Chef du Gouvernement, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA.

Cette visite s’inscrit dans la continuité des échanges entre les deux Chefs d’État autour du processus de refondation à Madagascar.

Accompagné par le Vice-Président du Gouvernement, la délégation malgache a pu découvrir plusieurs réalisations illustrant la capacité du Gabon à conduire simultanément sa transition politique, la restauration de ses institutions et la mise en œuvre de projets structurants au service du développement.

La délégation malgache s’est d’abord rendue à la Cité Émeraude, projet illustrant les efforts des autorités gabonaises en faveur de l’amélioration du cadre de vie des agents de l’État et de la modernisation de l’administration publique.

Le Chef de l’État malgache a ensuite visité la Baie des Rois, projet structurant appelé à devenir un pôle majeur de développement urbain, touristique et économique. Sur place, il a procédé à la plantation symbolique d’un arbre.

La visite s’est achevée à la Cité de la Démocratie, où le Président malgache a découvert le Palais des Congrès Omar Bongo Ondimba, entièrement reconstruit, symbole du renouveau institutionnel et lieu privilégié des grandes rencontres nationales et internationales.

À l’issue de cette visite, le Président de la Refondation de la République de Madagascar a salué les réalisations observées au Gabon. Il a relevé l’intérêt de l’expérience gabonaise, qui témoigne de la capacité d’un pays à poursuivre sa transformation et son développement tout en conduisant un processus de transition et de restauration institutionnelle.

Le Chef de l’État malgache a également exprimé son souhait de tirer les enseignements de cette expérience dans le cadre du processus de refondation engagé à Madagascar.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

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Foi et développement : une alliance au service de la communauté

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Chef de l’État Burundiais et Président en exercice de l’ Union Africaine, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, a pris part samedi 6 juin à Gitega la capitale politique, aux travaux communautaires de bétonnage du bâtiment de cinq niveaux qui abritera le bureau de l’Organisation pour le Développement de l’Archidiocèse de Gitega (ODAG), auxquels l’ Archevêque de Gitega, Mgr. Bonaventure Nahimana, s’est également joint à cette activité.

À cette occasion, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye a salué l’Église catholique pour la réalisation de cette importante infrastructure de développement. Il a appelé les citoyens à abandonner la culture de la plainte au profit d’un changement de mentalité fondé sur le travail, la responsabilité et l’engagement en faveur du développement national.

Le Chef de l’État a également exhorté les serviteurs de Dieu à sensibiliser les fidèles à l’importance de l’hygiène et de la propreté, tout en encourageant les chrétiens à adhérer aux coopératives, en commençant au niveau familial pour atteindre progressivement les échelons communal, provincial et national.

Le Président de la République, Evariste Ndayishimiye a invité la population à intensifier la lutte contre la fraude afin que chaque citoyen apporte sa contribution à la concrétisation de la Vision Burundi 2040-2060, pour un pays autonome et prospère.

Il a en outre rendu hommage à l’engagement et au dévouement des religieux et religieuses de l’Église catholique pour cette œuvre remarquable au service du développement communautaire.

En guise de soutien à la construction du bâtiment de l’ODAG-Caritas Gitega, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye a offert une contribution de mille sacs de ciment.

À l’issue de cette activité, le Président de la République a visité une machine innovante de fabrication de briques à partir d’un mélange de terre et de ciment. Conçue et fabriquée au Burundi par l’innovateur Claude Bimenyimana, cette technologie produit entre 5 000 et 8 000 briques par jour, illustrant ainsi le potentiel de l’innovation locale au service du développement du pays.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

World Cup accredited journalists raise concerns over unfair United States (US) visa restrictions, International Sports Press Association (AIPS) calls on FIFA to intervene

Source: APO – Report:

With only a few days to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, AIPS (www.AIPSMedia.com) finds it unacceptable that many colleagues, who have been duly accredited by FIFA to cover the tournament, are facing varying degrees of US visa challenges. 

AIPS is calling on FIFA to intervene and ensure that the affected media representatives are not wrongfully denied entry into the USA.

On Friday (June 5), the AIPS President Gianni Merlo, on behalf of the AIPS Executive Committee, sent the letter below to Bryan Swanson, the FIFA Director of Media Relations, and Jochen Steinhoff, the FIFA Head of Media Operations & Services.

THE LETTER 

In this difficult time for the entire world, on the eve of the futuristic 2026 FIFA World Cup, we find ourselves facing a long-standing and unacceptable problem for us journalists: the denial of entry visas to regularly accredited colleagues.

There are many cases: Iranian colleagues, African colleagues, some of whom have been given single entries, so if their team goes to play in Canada or Mexico and they follow it, they can no longer return to the States. The cases are countless and, I repeat, unacceptable. Politicians always say that sport unites and builds bridges between young people in countries in conflict, but in this case, we are going in the opposite direction.

We believe it is important to allow colleagues to attend the event and work, because their presence will be crucial to the image of sport and what it represents, especially in a country like the United States of America, where freedom of the press is a must.

I hope FIFA can do everything possible to secure visas. We’re already significantly behind schedule, and many colleagues have already lost the opportunity to use plane tickets booked on time, and they’ll also face significant additional expenses.

Thank you for your attention.

Gianni Merlo 
AIPS President 

– on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Repeated Iranian Attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | June 06, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemns the repeated Iranian attacks on the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, considering them a blatant violation of the sovereignty of both countries and a flagrant breach of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the need to spare the region the repercussions of these unjustified attacks and to work towards de-escalation in order to restore regional and international security and stability.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain and its support for all measures they take to preserve their sovereignty and security.

Qatar Condemns Israeli Attack Targeting Lebanese Army Patrol

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | June 06, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the Israeli attack that targeted a Lebanese army patrol on the Khardali-Nabatieh road, and resulted in the death of two officers and a soldier. Qatar considers the attack a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, as well as a clear breach of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities by compelling the Israeli occupation authorities to cease their repeated attacks on Lebanon, to respect international conventions and laws, and to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm stance towards the Republic of Lebanon, its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and its full support for all efforts that enhance its stability and prosperity. It also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Lebanon.

Ghana: President Mahama arrives in Belarus, lays wreath at Victory Monument

Source: APO – Report:

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Minsk to begin a state visit to the Republic of Belarus.

From the airport where he was received by Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich and a delegation of senior Belarusian officials, President Mahama visited the Victory Monument to lay a wreath in honour of Belarusian and Soviet Army soldiers who died liberating the country in World War II.

The wreath laying ceremony was witnessed by the Governor of Minsk, Vladimir Kukharev Governor, officials of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, and Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah.

President Mahama has also visited an agricultural exhibition, Belagro 2026 in the company of the Deputy Prime Minister. On exhibition are latest agricultural equipment, heavy farming and mining machinery, and other sectors.

He toured the Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ) product lineup, Minskyekspo ZAO displays, Bobruiskagromash fertilizer equipment, and a massive BelAZ-75710 haul truck.

In a brief remark, President Mahama said his visit, at the invitation of the Belarusian President, is timely because it feeds into his government’s vision to revolutionise the agriculture sector by tapping the experience of Belarus.

He praised the quality of the machinery but emphasised that flawless technical support, spare parts availability, and after-sales service are strict prerequisites for final transactions.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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Liberia: President Boakai Advances Clean Energy Agenda; Dedicates 20-Megawatt Solar Power Plant at Mount Coffee

Source: APO – Report:

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The dedication ceremony comes less than two years after President Boakai broke ground for the project on October 11, 2024, demonstrating steady progress in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.

The project includes the newly constructed 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility and supports plans for the expansion of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant by 42 megawatts.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, President Boakai described the solar facility as a major addition to Liberia’s energy infrastructure and a significant step toward increasing access to reliable and affordable electricity across the country.

The President noted that the project supports his Administration’s efforts to expand infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Liberians.
He explained that inadequate and expensive electricity has long hindered economic growth, discouraged investment, and limited the delivery of essential services. He emphasized that reliable electricity is vital for hospitals, schools, businesses, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and other productive sectors of the economy.

President Boakai also announced that his Administration secured an additional US$57 million in World Bank financing in March 2026 to further strengthen Liberia’s energy sector. The funding will support the expansion of solar generation capacity from 20 to 30 megawatts, the installation of a 12-megawatt battery energy storage system, and additional upgrades at the Mount Coffee facility.

The President disclosed that 22 megawatts of lost generation capacity at Mount Coffee have already been restored and revealed plans to further expand the hydropower facility by an additional 42 megawatts.

Highlighting the broader impact of expanded electricity access, President Boakai said the solar farm represents an investment in economic growth, job creation, improved public safety, and a more resilient future. He added that efforts are underway to strengthen transmission and distribution systems so that more communities across Liberia can benefit from reliable electricity services.
President Boakai further noted that, under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the Government is investing in energy, roads, ports, digital connectivity, and water systems. He stressed that increased electricity generation is essential for industrialization, value addition, private-sector growth, and the development of a vibrant 24-hour economy capable of creating opportunities for young Liberians.

The project is part of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention (RESPITE), an initiative launched in April 2022 by the World Bank and the Governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone to address electricity shortages and accelerate renewable energy development across West Africa.

– on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson mourns Passing of the Former Angola Minister of Foreign Affairs

Source: APO – Report:

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The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with deep sadness of the passing of H.E. Manuel Domingos Augusto, former Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, distinguished diplomat, and a committed Pan-Africanist.

The AUC Chairperson extends his heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the African Union Commission, to the Government and people of the Republic of Angola, as well as to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of the late diplomat.

The African Union joins Angola in mourning this profound loss and pays tribute to H.E. Manuel Domingos Augusto’s enduring legacy of service to his nation and to Africa.

May his soul rest in peace.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Welcomes Students on an Educational Visit to Its Headquarters

Source: APO – Report:

The ECOWAS Commission welcomed a group of primary school students to its new headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, on 4 June 2026 as part of an educational excursion aimed at introducing young learners to the work and mandate of the regional organization.The visit featured an interactive session during which the students introduced themselves and shared their future career aspirations. The engagement provided a unique opportunity for the children to learn about regional integration, leadership, and the role of ECOWAS in promoting peace, development, and cooperation across West Africa.

Delivering the opening presentation, Mrs. Kete Gillis-Harry, Head of Career Management and Training, provided the students with an overview of ECOWAS, its institutions, and its twelve Member States. She also engaged the students in an interactive discussion, encouraging them to explore the importance of regional cooperation and civic responsibility.

The students also received a presentation from Mrs. Eucharia Onwuneme of the Library Division, Directorate of Communication, who introduced them to the ECOWAS Library and highlighted its unique resources and services. Following the presentation, the students toured the library, gaining firsthand insight into one of the Commission’s key knowledge and information centres.

The visit concluded on a positive note, with the students expressing appreciation for the opportunity to visit the ECOWAS headquarters and learn more about the organization’s activities. The excursion served as an inspiring educational experience, broadening their understanding of regional institutions and encouraging them to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

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

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