Source: Government of Qatar
Doha | February 01, 2026
HE Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met on Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Qatar Sira Swangsilpa, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.
HE the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended thanks to HE the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties.
Source: APO
The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, will undertake an official overseas mission from 3 to 10 February 2026, encompassing participation in the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, followed by a State Visit to the Republic of India.
From 3 to 5 February 2026, President Herminie will participate in the World Governments Summit alongside more than 35 fellow Heads of State and Government. This year’s Summit marks the largest gathering in its history, providing an unparalleled platform for global dialogue on the future of governance and public policy. It will bring together international organisations, policymakers, business leaders, and thought leaders from over 40 countries to advance innovative, practical solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
The World Government Summit serves as a forum for shaping future-ready governments, focusing on critical themes such as health systems, social well-being, emerging technologies, sustainable development, and strategies to enhance quality of life. President Herminie’s participation underscores Seychelles’ commitment to forward-looking governance, people-centred development, and international cooperation in addressing shared global challenges.
Following the Summit, President Herminie will proceed to India for a State Visit from 5 to 10 February 2026, undertaken at the invitation of His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India. The invitation was formally conveyed by the Vice-President of India, Hon. Shri Chandrapuran Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan, during his visit to Seychelles in October 2025 for the inauguration of President Herminie as the sixth President of the Republic of Seychelles. The visit takes place at a particularly significant moment as Seychelles and India commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
During the State Visit, President Herminie will hold high-level bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of India, , the President of India H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the Vice-President and senior members of the Indian Government. He is also expected to engage with leaders from various Indian states and to visit cultural, environmental, and health institutions, providing opportunities to exchange best practices and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.
The State Visit is intended to further consolidate the long-standing partnership between Seychelles and India, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including healthcare, capacity building, economic development, trade and investment, climate and environmental sustainability, tourism, and regional and maritime security. Particular emphasis will be placed on cooperation that supports national priorities aimed at improving the efficiency of public services, strengthening resilience within the health system, fostering skills development, and supporting sustainable economic opportunities for Seychellois citizens.
President Herminie will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Ministers and senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Health, Environment, Climate Energy and Natural Resources, as well as Tourism and Culture. Representatives of the private sector will also form part of the delegation, reflecting the Government’s integrated approach to diplomacy, one that aligns foreign policy engagement with economic development, investment promotion, and job creation.
This overseas mission underscores President Herminie’s commitment to proactive and results-oriented diplomacy, aimed at strengthening Seychelles’ international partnerships while advancing initiatives that promote social well-being, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity. State House reiterates that the visit is undertaken in the national interest, with a clear focus on delivering tangible benefits for the people of Seychelles and reinforcing the country’s constructive role within the international community.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Source: APO
The National Library of Seychelles this morning hosted the first official commemoration of Abolition of Slavery Day, led by President Dr. Patrick Herminie, bringing together history, culture and national reflection
The ceremony opened with poetry by young Seychellois Tyler Rosalie, whose performance of “En let pou mon met” immediately set a reflective tone. His line, “We have broken the chains that bound our hands, now let us free our minds of the chains,” drew the attention of the President and resonated strongly with those present, capturing the spirit of a commemoration focused on the past and collective resilience.
In his address, President Herminie said the nation had gathered not only to mark a date in history, but to listen to its echoes. He described the abolition of slavery as not simply the end of a system, but the beginning of a long and unfinished journey, from enforced silence to voice, from dispossession to belonging, and from survival to self-definition.
The President noted that slavery tore people from their homelands and stripped them of names and lineages, yet from this rupture emerged something extraordinary: a Creole people forged through resilience, adaptation and creativity. He reminded those present that the ocean surrounding Seychelles is both a source of beauty and sustenance, and a witness that carried pain and separation, just as it now carries connection and possibility.
Traditional dance performances of Sokwe and Tinge followed, highlighting two endangered cultural expressions rooted in ancestral belief and resistance. Sokwe drew particular interest, with dancers clad in costumes made of banana leaves, a tradition believed to chase away evil spirits and symbolising protection, healing and continuity. The programme continued with the poem “I Gou” by Raspyek, offering a raw and powerful reflection on memory and identity
The most symbolic moment of the ceremony came with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by President Herminie alongside Ms. Cecilia Adrienne, a descendant of enslaved people. The plaque marks a permanent national commitment to honouring those who endured slavery. A tender will be launched later this year for the construction of a monument to be placed at the commemorative site.
As for her part, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Amanda Bernstein, placed the commemoration within its historical context, recalling that when the Emancipation Act came into force in 1835, the majority of Seychelles’ population were enslaved people drawn from across the region. While slavery ended in law, she noted, its impact extended far beyond abolition, shaping the country’s identity, culture and traditions.
Music added a message of hope and resilience with the performance of “En Referen Lespwar”, written and composed by Jean-Marc Volcy, and performed with accompanying singers Farhine Ali, Alessandro Evenor, Laureen Leon, Jose Bibi and Leah Celestine.
Guests were also given a preview of the exhibition “Echoes Across the Ocean”, featuring more than 50 artworks by five Seychellois artists exploring slavery, memory and identity. Emmanuel D’Offay honours forgotten faces erased from history, while Leon Radegonde reflects on labour and inherited memory through works of quiet strength. Urny Mathiot confronts an “atrocious” period of Seychelles’ early history with disquieting reflections, Egbert Marday’s “Pompe Story” recalls resistance and injustice, and Michel Denousse, through art photography, presents multiple perspectives on slavery.
The formal commemorative activities will continue over the coming week, concluding on 10 February with a cultural talk by Dr. Odile de Commarmond. The exhibition will continue at regional level until 1 May, ensuring that reflection on slavery, resilience and identity reaches communities across Seychelles.
Joining President Herminie at the ceremony were Vice President Mr. Sebastien Pillay, Cabinet Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and invited guests, reflecting the importance of the occasion and the nation’s collective dedication to remembering and honouring Seychelles’ history.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Source: APO
President John Dramani Mahama will pay a three-day State Visit to the Republic of Zambia from 4 to 6 February 2026, at the invitation of his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema.
President Mahama will be accompanied by Her Excellency Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady of the Republic.
During the visit, President Mahama will hold bilateral talks with President Hakainde Hichilema on matters of mutual interest, including strengthening diplomatic relations, enhancing trade and investment cooperation, and exploring collaborative opportunities within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A key highlight of the visit will be an address to the National Assembly of Zambia, where he is expected to share Ghana’s vision for a more integrated and prosperous Africa. President Mahama will also meet with members of the Ghanaian community in Lusaka to interact with compatriots living and working in Zambia.
There will also be a Ghana-Zambia Business Dialogue, co-chaired by Presidents Mahama and Hichilema. The dialogue will provide a platform for Ghana to showcase its digital technologies and fintech services to Zambian businesses and government institutions, fostering economic partnerships and knowledge exchange between the two countries.
President Mahama’s State Visit to Zambia underscores his unwavering commitment to his vision of an Africa that is seamlessly connected through enhanced transport infrastructure, expanded trade linkages, and the free movement of people and goods.
The President remains a strong advocate for the accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA, which he believes is critical to transforming African economies, creating sustainable employment opportunities for the continent’s burgeoning youth population, and positioning Africa competitively in the global economy.
Prior to the State Visit to Zambia, President Mahama will depart Accra on Sunday, 1 February 2026, for Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the invitation of His Highness the Ruler of the UAE, to participate in the World Governments Summit 2026, scheduled for 2 to 4 February.
The President will be transported to Dubai on board a special aircraft provided by the Ruler of the UAE, which will also take him and his delegation to Zambia to commence the State Visit.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Source: APO
President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday launched the Sheapark Resource Hub Project in Wa, noting that the launch was a deliberate policy choice, which reflects the government’s determination to reset Ghana’s development trajectory by investing in the people, unlocking regional strengths, and ensuring that no part of the country is left behind in the Reset Agenda.
President Mahama said the Upper West Sheapark Resource Hub is anchored in the powerful idea that national development must grow from the regions outward, not necessarily from the centre alone.
“It is part of a broader regional transformation agenda that aligns fully with our flagship national priorities in the Reset Agenda, the Big Push, and the 24-Hour Economy Initiative,” he said.
The President noted that the shea sector occupies a unique and strategic place in Ghana’s rural economy, particularly in the country’s savannah belts. He said across the Upper West Region and other regions of the north, shea trees are not merely economic assets but part of the cultural identity and ecological heritage.
Mr Mahama reiterated that for generations, women have sustained households and communities through shea picking and processing, and yet, despite Ghana’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of shea nuts, the women who form the backbone of this industry have remained trapped in poverty and at the lowest end of the value chain.
President Mahama thanked the Wa Naa, Alhaji Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo VI, who chaired the function, for declaring that the chopping down of shea nut trees should be made a crime and that assemblies and security agencies should enforce it. He appealed to charcoal makers to avoid selecting shea nut trees when selecting trees for charcoal burning.
President Mahama also took the opportunity to commend and express appreciation to the main drivers of this initiative, the Right Honourable Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and Professor Kwame Addo.
He said the Upper West Sheapark Resource Hub represents a decisive shift from raw extraction to value addition, from informality to enterprise, and from subsistence activity to agro-industrial production.
“This hub is envisioned as a world-class, phased agro-industrial ecosystem designed around sustainability, innovation, and inclusion, and it will bring together modern shea processing facilities for cosmetic production, for food, for nutraceuticals, and for pharmaceutical markets,” he said.
The President said it will also bring together quality control laboratories; training and capacity-building centres; storage, logistics, and warehousing; direct market access; solar-powered energy solutions; water treatment and recycling plants; business incubation; cooperative aggregation; and export facilitation.
He said at full maturity, the Sheapark ecosystem is expected to empower over 7,000 women in the Upper West and support thousands of youth jobs.
President Mahama said the project will anchor value chains not only for shea but also for associated products such as groundnuts, soybeans, sorghum, dawadawa, cotton, and honey.
He said the Sheapark Resource Project is aligned with the centrepiece of the Reset Agenda, which is adding value to products before exporting them.
The President said the Sheapark Resource Hub will operate across shifts, processing, logistics, quality control, packaging, and distribution, creating round-the-clock employment opportunities, especially for young people.
He said the Sheapark Resource Hub is grounded in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land use, renewable energy integration, waste valorisation and recycling systems, environmental stewardship of the Sheapark lands, and biodiversity.
He said the government has supplied 3,000 Wellington boots and 3,200 gloves to women in the region engaged in the shea industry.
“We know that one of the dangers of shea nut picking is snake bites—snake and scorpion bites. And so these boots will help our women when they go into the bush to pick the shea nuts, so that they can protect themselves against snake and scorpion bites,” he said.
President Mahama said the government is also well advanced in establishing the Women’s Bank, which will support women in business and entrepreneurship.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
La Direction Générale de la Société Immobilière et d’Aménagement Urbain (SImAU) a organisé, le samedi 31 janvier 2026, sur le site des logements sociaux de Ouèdo, une cérémonie officielle de présentation de vœux à l’endroit des nouveaux occupants de la Cité de Ouèdo et des logements sociaux de Porto-Novo.
Cette rencontre institutionnelle a réuni les bénéficiaires des logements sociaux, les partenaires du secteur de l’habitat ainsi que plusieurs autorités administratives et communales, dans une atmosphère conviviale marquée par des échanges et des animations dédiées aux familles et aux enfants. La cérémonie a également été ponctuée par des prières dites par un Prêtre, un Imam et un chef religieux traditionnel, illustrant le vivre-ensemble, la cohésion sociale et l’harmonie entre les habitants des cités.
Étaient présents à cette rencontre, Monsieur Angelo Évariste AHOUANDJINOU, Maire de la commune d’Abomey-Calavi, Monsieur Robert HOUNSOU, Secrétaire Général de la Préfecture de l’Atlantique, représentant le Préfet du département, Monsieur Victor ANANOUH, Directeur Général de la Construction et de l’Habitat, représentant le Ministre du Cadre de Vie et des Transports, en charge du Développement Durable, ainsi que de Monsieur Moïse Achille HOUSSOU, Directeur Général de la SImAU.
Dans son message de vœux au titre de l’année 2026, le Directeur Général de la SImAU, Monsieur Moïse Achille HOUSSOU, a rappelé que le programme de logements sociaux s’inscrit dans la vision du Gouvernement béninois, portée par le leadership du Président de la République, Monsieur Patrice TALON, en faveur d’un développement urbain structuré et inclusif. Il a indiqué qu’à ce jour, le programme enregistre environ 8.000 demandes, pour 500 attributaires déjà retenus, traduisant l’intérêt des populations pour cette initiative. Le Directeur Général de la SImAU a également annoncé la construction d’aires de jeux, d’une infirmerie, d’un Commissariat de Police, ainsi que d’autres infrastructures de proximité, en vue d’améliorer le cadre de vie et la sécurité des occupants.
Par ailleurs, il a rappelé que le programme, initialement réservé aux citoyens béninois, est désormais ouvert à toute personne, quel que soit son pays de résidence, vivant au Bénin ou à l’étranger.
À travers cette initiative, la SImAU réaffirme son engagement à promouvoir l’accès à un logement décent et à accompagner la mise en œuvre de la politique nationale du logement social.
Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
Le Bénin a officiellement procédé au désengagement du bataillon d’infanterie mécanisé de l’armée nigériane déployé sur la base militaire de Togbin, à la suite de la tentative de coup d’État avortée du 7 décembre 2025. La cérémonie de remerciement et d’au revoir s’est tenue le vendredi 30 janvier 2026, en présence des autorités militaires et diplomatiques des deux pays. À cette occasion, le Chef d’État-Major Général des Forces armées béninoises, le Général de Corps d’Armée Fructueux GBAGUIDI, a exprimé la gratitude du gouvernement béninois pour le professionnalisme et la solidarité du contingent nigérian.
Dans son allocution, le Général GBAGUIDI a rappelé que l’intervention de l’armée nigériane avait été sollicitée par le Président Patrice TALON auprès de son homologue nigérian, Bola Ahmed TINUBU, par l’entremise de la CEDEAO, afin de sécuriser les Institutions républicaines et de protéger les populations. Il a salué le rôle déterminant joué par les forces nigérianes, aux côtés de la Garde Républicaine et de l’ensemble de l’armée béninoise, pour contenir la crise et garantir la stabilité du pays. Le contingent nigérian, fort d’environ 200 militaires, était déployé depuis décembre sur la base de Togbin dans le cadre de cette mission de soutien.
La cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence notamment du Général de brigade Dieudonné TÉVOEDJRÉ, Commandant de la Garde Républicaine, du Général de brigade Faizou GOMINA, Chef d’État-Major de la Garde nationale, ainsi que de l’ambassadeur du Nigéria près le Bénin, Son Excellence Olukayode Olugbenga ALUKO.
À travers ce retrait, les autorités béninoises ont tenu à souligner l’efficacité de la coopération militaire entre le Bénin et le Nigéria, ainsi que le rôle central de la CEDEAO dans la préservation de la paix et de la stabilité dans la sous-région ouest-africaine.
Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha | February 1, 2026
The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemn Israel’s repeated violations of the ceasefire in Gaza which have resulted in the killing , and injuring of more than a thousand Palestinians.
These actions risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at consolidating calm and restoring stability, at a time when regional and international parties are working collectively to advance the second phase of the President Donald Trump’s peace plan and to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
The Ministers consider that these repeated violations constitute a direct threat to the political process and hinder ongoing efforts to create appropriate conditions for transitioning to a more stable phase in the Gaza Strip, both in terms of security and humanitarian conditions, and stress the necessity of full commitment to ensuring the success of the second phase of President Trump peace plan.
They also call on all parties to fully uphold their responsibilities during this critical period and to exercise the utmost restraint, in order to preserve and sustain the ceasefire, refrain from any actions that may undermine the current process, and create favorable conditions to move forward toward early recovery and reconstruction, as well as advancing a just and lasting peace grounded in the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.
Source: Government of South Africa
Government delivers relief to flood-affected communities in Limpopo
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has delivered essential supplies to individuals and communities affected by the recent floods across Limpopo.
The intervention underscores government’s commitment to supporting affected communities during a challenging period, while emphasising the values of solidarity, compassion and collective responsibility.
The relief effort was undertaken in partnership with Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), the Office of the President, the State Security Agency, and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). The collaborating departments donated clothing and food parcels to flood-affected communities.
Speaking during the outreach on Friday, Ntshavheni said the initiative was inspired by the resilience and community spirit displayed by those affected.
“When we saw that resilience and community spirit, we felt the need to contribute. We made a call to staff of the departments that constitute the Ministry of the Presidency, including the Presidency, GCIS, StatsSA and the State Security Agency, asking them to donate.
“We said to them, in you own wardrobes, there would be things that you do not use. Can you donate them? And they donated in large volumes. Those are the volumes that we have brough to Limpopo,” the Minister said.
She added that surplus donations would be distributed to other affected provinces.
“We are also going to take them to Mpumalanga, and if there are still remaining items, we will take them to northern KwaZulu-Natal,” she said.
Ntshavheni further noted that public interest in contributing had increased after the Ministry announced the donation drive. She said government would communicate mechanisms through which members of the public could continue donating, reinforcing the principle of “building together”.
In Tzaneen, the Minister acknowledged the support provided by the Department of Social Development (DSD), which delivered food parcels to residents who had been left without food. She appealed for donations of non-perishable food items to sustain ongoing relief efforts.
“The foundations can come and leave, but we need to be there as a community and support each other, and that is a call out (sic),” Ntshavheni said.
The Minister’s first visit was to Giyani, where she emphasised the strong cooperation between national and provincial government. She highlighted the establishment of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management, which is coordinating the response and recovery efforts across affected areas.
Her second visit was to Tzaneen, followed by a visit to Petanenge Training Centre, where she reflected on the recurring nature of flooding in Limpopo. The final stop was at Impala Park Stadium in Phalaborwa, where she handed over clothing and essential items to affected residents. She confirmed that efforts to restore electricity in impacted areas are underway.
Ntshavheni expressed her empathy for the Phalaborwa community and commended residents for their unity and cooperation during the crisis. She also called for stronger collaboration between local communities and mining companies operating in Limpopo.
Referring to the recent Cabinet Lekgotla, the Minister said flood response efforts were among the matters discussed, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring close coordination between national, provincial and local structures in responding to disasters. – SAnews.gov.za
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Source: Government of South Africa
Government brings relief to flood affected elderly woman
The Department of Social Development has urgently deployed Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks to Mpumalanga to assist an elderly woman heading a household of five, including two grandchildren, following the recent floods.
The children recently lost their mother, and their house collapsed during heavy rains in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga. Fortunately, no one was at home at the time of the incident, although most of the family’s belongings remain buried under the rubble.
During a site visit on Friday, Hendricks was moved by the condition of household items recovered from the debris and immediately mobilised assistance for the family.
The Deputy Minister sourced an eight-sleeper heavy-duty army tent, fully equipped with double bunk beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, a fire extinguisher and a wash basin. He also contacted the Chinese Embassy for assistance, which generously covered the cost of the tent and its contents.
In addition, five more fully fitted tents have been sourced through other donors. Hendricks indicated that efforts are under way to secure a total of 100 tents to support families affected by recent floods in the area.
Following the handover of temporary relief accommodation to the grandmother and her family, the Deputy Minister engaged with the members of the local Youth League to assist with monitoring the tent, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
“We are pleased that the granny can now have all the children she cares for living with her. The tent has taken up space previously used for her vegetable garden, and we hope that an alternative area will soon be identified so she can continue gardening.
“The living arrangements in tents for families take temporary relief to a new level, especially as many families feel uncomfortable staying in municipal halls, which affect privacy and, in some cases, separate families,” Hendricks said. – SAnews.gov.za
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