Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, January 3, 2026
The State of Qatar expresses its solidarity with Afghanistan as it confronts the effects of floods that strike several regions of the country, resulting in deaths and injuries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveys Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims, the caretaker government, and the people of Afghanistan, and extends its wishes for a swift recovery to those injured.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha / 3 January 2026
The State of Qatar welcomes the efforts undertaken by the legitimate Yemeni government to support the Yemeni dialogue process and address the Southern Issue. In this context, Qatar commends the request of the President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council to convene a conference in the city of Riyadh to bring the parties together for dialogue and to discuss fair solutions, reflecting his commitment to dialogue as a means of addressing national issues.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Qatar’s appreciation to the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting this conference, within the framework of its continued support for efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the sisterly Republic of Yemen.
The Ministry underscores the importance of the constructive participation of all southern components in the forthcoming conference in Riyadh, in a manner that prioritizes the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people. It also stresses the need to adhere to the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference as the consensual framework and comprehensive mechanism for reaching an inclusive political solution that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people in all their components, and preserves Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that unilateral declarations and measures taken without consultation and consensus among Yemeni parties, and without engaging in serious and responsible dialogue, could lead to a slide toward chaos, harming the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people and undermining prospects for reaching a sustainable political settlement.
The Ministry reaffirms the State of Qatar’s full support for all regional and international efforts aimed at advancing the political process, contributing to an end to the Yemeni crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, in a manner that serves the security and stability of Yemen and the region.
Source: APO – Report:
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The World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of over US$625,000 (approximately BIF two billion) from the Government of Japan to provide life-saving food assistance for refugees fleeing the recent violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundians returning from refugee camps in Tanzania.
In December, Burundi received 85,000 refugees fleeing renewed violence and insecurity in eastern DRC. WFP has rapidly scaled up assistance to provide hot meals and dry foods for 80,000 new arrivals. With the latest influx, WFP is now supporting double the number of refugees with the same resources.
“The generous support from the Government and people of Japan comes at a critical moment for families fleeing violence and insecurity as well as for those returning from exile with almost nothing. This contribution enables WFP, in close collaboration with the Government of Burundi, to deliver food assistance that saves lives and protects dignity during this emergency,” said Jean-Noel Gentile, WFP’s Country Director in Burundi.
With up to 93,000 returnees also expected from Tanzanian refugee camps by mid-2026 due to planned closures, pressure on WFP’s limited resources has further intensified. Currently, around 1,500 returnees are arriving in Burundi each week, and estimates indicate this could rise to 3,000 per week.
“The Embassy of Japan is honoured to support the urgent food needs of refugees from DRC and returnees from Tanzania. Japan’s humanitarian assistance is based on the philosophy of Human Security – highlighting human-centred cooperation, dignity, and solidarity,” said Mr. Kazuya Nakajo, Ambassador of Japan to Burundi.
The Government of Japan has been a major contributor to WFP in Burundi, providing US$16 million to humanitarian operations since 2016. This contribution is part of a US$1 million allocation from the Government of Japan for WFP and UN Women to support refugees from DRC and returnees from Tanzania.
– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
Les électeurs de Berberati et des localités environnantes, dans la préfecture de la Mambéré-Kadeï, ont pris part aux élections groupées du 28 décembre dans un climat apaisé. Grâce à un dispositif de sécurisation renforcé mis en place par la MINUSCA, en coordination avec les Forces de défense et de sécurité centrafricaines, le scrutin s’est déroulé sans incident majeur, suscitant une perception largement positive au sein des populations locales.
Dès les premières heures de la journée électorale, un dispositif sécuritaire renforcé, mis en place par les Casques bleus de la MINUSCA, a permis de garantir l’ouverture des bureaux de vote dans des conditions appropriées. La présence visible et dissuasive des forces de sécurité a contribué à rassurer les électeurs et à prévenir tout acte susceptible de troubler l’ordre public. Cette mobilisation s’est poursuivie sans interruption jusqu’à la fermeture des bureaux de vote, au démarrage des opérations de dépouillement ainsi qu’au transport sécurisé des urnes.
Présente sur le terrain, la Cheffe de Bureau de Berbérati, Aissetou Sanogo, a salué l’engagement, le professionnalisme et la discipline des personnels déployés. Elle a souligné que la coordination étroite entre la police de la MINUSCA et les Forces de défense et de sécurité centrafricaines a permis de créer un environnement propice à l’expression du droit de vote.
Gervais Yakouma, un étudiant ayant voté pour la première fois, a exprimé une vive émotion et une grande satisfaction. « La présence rassurante des policiers de la MINUSCA aux côtés des FSI a été déterminante pour le bon déroulement de cette première expérience électorale », a-t-il indiqué.
Klarissa Ngbayakoron, une ménagère rencontrée à proximité d’un bureau de vote, a affirmé n’avoir jamais connu un tel niveau de calme et de sécurité lors des élections en République centrafricaine. Elle a exprimé sa profonde gratitude envers les Forces de sécurité nationales et internationales, soulignant que : « cette atmosphère sereine m’a permis de voter sans crainte, dans la dignité et la tranquillité ».
Joseline Kara, une jeune fille de 16 ans, non encore éligible au vote, a partagé son ressenti en indiquant que ses grandes sœurs avaient pu voter dans le calme et la sécurité. Elle a exprimé l’espoir que, lors des prochaines élections auxquelles elle participera, les mêmes conditions de paix et de sécurité soient réunies afin qu’elle puisse exercer son droit de vote avec la même fierté.
Les élections à Berberati et sur les axes environnants se sont déroulées dans des conditions sécuritaires globalement satisfaisantes. La forte implication des forces de sécurité a non seulement garanti le bon déroulement du scrutin, mais a également contribué à renforcer la confiance de la population dans le processus électoral et dans les institutions chargées de sa sécurisation.
Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
Dans le cadre de son appui à l’accès à une information fiable, la MINUSCA a procédé à la distribution de postes récepteurs radios solaires aux communautés.
Dans la préfecture de la Nana-Mambéré, la MINUSCA a remis environ 600 radios solaires aux autorités locales, membres du Comité préfectoral de mise en œuvre de l’Accord de paix (CMOP), leaders communautaires et religieux, femmes, jeunes, forum local des droits de l’homme, Forces de défense et de sécurité, médias, commerçants et conducteurs de taxis-motos.
Pour les autorités administratives locales, ce don constitue un outil essentiel de participation citoyenne. Selon Pierre Minang Fils, Secrétaire général de la préfecture de la Nana-Mambéré, « Ces radios sont des outils d’information qui permettront aux citoyens d’assumer pleinement leur citoyenneté en ayant accès à l’information sur leur environnement immédiat. Ce geste symbolise l’excellent partenariat entre la MINUSCA et les autorités administratives de la Nana-Mambéré. »
Les femmes bénéficiaires saluent également cette initiative. Marthe Mbita, présidente sous-préfectorale de l’Organisation des femmes centrafricaines (OFCA), se réjouit de ce don : « Ces récepteurs radios contribueront à l’autonomisation des femmes, qui seront ainsi au même niveau d’information que tout le monde, tout en faisant entendre leurs propres voix. Cela leur permettra de réaliser leur plein potentiel dans la consolidation de la paix en République centrafricaine. »
Du côté des médias et des acteurs de la paix, l’accès à une information fiable est perçu comme un facteur clé de prévention des conflits. Rodrigue Privat Lekpanga, homme de média et membre du CMOP, souligne que « l’accès des populations à l’information joue un rôle important dans la prévention et la résolution des conflits ».
Les leaders religieux partagent cet avis. Pour l’abbé Christ Durant, vicaire à la paroisse Marie-Mère de l’Église à la cathédrale de Bouar, « Ces radios permettront à la communauté de mieux s’informer et pourra contribuer à la promotion de la culture de la paix, contrer la radicalisation et les idéologies extrémistes qui pourraient conduire à la violence. »
Les défenseurs des droits humains voient dans ces radios un puissant outil de sensibilisation. Emmanuel Ngaliboy, coordonnateur du forum local des droits de l’homme, explique que « ces radios permettront à la communauté d’écouter des émissions et des messages qui peuvent combler les écarts, éliminer les stéréotypes et promouvoir la compréhension. Elles constituent également un outil important de sensibilisation pour la promotion des droits de l’homme ».
À travers cette remise de radios visant à améliorer l’accès des populations à l’information, la MINUSCA réaffirme son engagement en faveur de la consolidation de la paix, en promouvant la communication, la compréhension mutuelle et la collaboration au sein des communautés de la Nana-Mambéré.
Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Source: APO
The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, has conveyed his deepest condolences to H.E. Mr. Guy Bernard Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, following a tragic fire that occurred in the Swiss resort town of Crans -Montana on New Year’s Eve.
In his message to President Parmelin, President Herminie stated:
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives caused by a fire on New Year’s Eve in the Swiss resort town of Crans -Montana.
On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Seychelles and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and to the People and Government of Switzerland.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.
Source: APO
The Government of Liberia has taken a key step towards implementing the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) following the signing of a national declaration of commitment after a three-day national technical workshop held in Monrovia from 15–17 December 2025, with support from World Health Organization (WHO).
The workshop brought together 80 multisectoral experts from government institutions, partner organizations, academia and civil society to review the amended regulations and agree on national steps for domestication. The process concluded with the signing and endorsement of a national declaration outlining Liberia’s commitment to implementing the amended International Health Regulations.
During the policy and domestication session on 18 December 2025, Dr Sia Wata Camanor, Chair of the One Health Technical Committee and Acting Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), presented the agreed steps for domestication, including institutional arrangements and an implementation roadmap. These were formally endorsed by senior ministers and signed by His Excellency Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.
In his closing remarks, Vice President Koung, who also serves as Chair of the One Health Steering Committee, expressed appreciation for WHO’s continued support and emphasized the importance of preparedness and coordinated leadership in addressing public health threats.
“Public health threats do not respect borders.Therefore, preparedness, coordination and decisive leadership are essential to protecting lives and development,” he said.
He noted that reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to the International Health Regulations (2005), as amended in 2024, reflects national ownership of health security responsibilities and lessons learned from past and ongoing public health emergencies.
The vice president highlighted the designation of the Ministry of Health as the National International Health Regulations Authority and NPHIL as the National International Health Regulations focal point, noting that this clarification strengthens accountability and enables timely, high-level decision-making.
“This declaration reflects Liberia’s resolve to align national laws and preparedness plans with the amended Regulations, strengthen multisectoral coordination through a One Health approach, and invest in surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce capacity and sustainable domestic financing,” he said.
Vice President Koung also underscored Liberia’s decision not to opt out of the 2024 amendments, reaffirming the country’s commitment to solidarity, transparency and shared responsibility, while ensuring that implementation remains guided by constitutional processes, national priorities and sovereign interests.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Olushayo Oluseun Olu, WHO Representative to Liberia, commended the country’s resilience in responding to recent health emergencies, including COVID-19, mpox and other emerging public health threats.
“The amendments adopted by the World Health Assembly were shaped by the real experiences of countries, including Liberia, over the past two decades,” Dr Olu said. “They respond to the need for clearer national authority, stronger coordination across government and faster, more decisive action when public health threats emerge.”
He added that Liberia’s commitment to domesticating the amended International Health Regulations and strengthening coordination through a One Health approach demonstrates strong national ownership of its health security agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Musa Abdullahi, Acting Country Director, said the key areas of the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) are aligned with Africa CDC’s continental priorities.
“Africa CDC will support Liberia in strengthening its core capacities for preparedness and response,” Dr Abdullahi said.
Other speakers at the event included representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education, the Civil Service Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, as well as development partners, academia, civil society organizations and the media.
The International Health Regulations (2005), revised in 2024, are a legally binding global framework that guides 196 countries to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks that may spread internationally, while avoiding unnecessary interference with international travel and trade.
WHO continues to support Liberia through legal, policy and operational assistance, capacity-building and multisectoral collaboration. The amended International Health Regulations provide an opportunity for Liberia to strengthen disease surveillance, modernize emergency response systems, reinforce laboratory networks and advance implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security, in line with national priorities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Liberia.
Source: APO
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the new cohort of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 tenure, in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024).
Following due consideration of all submitted nominations, President Ramaphosa has appointed a total of twenty five(25) commissioners who are representative of broader sections of South African society including business, labour, civil society, traditional leadership, youth and South African Local Government Association as the new commission
The commissioners bring in diverse experience and relevant experience in climate change, environmental policy, sustainable development, economic development, energy, social justice and were appointed with a strong consideration to achieving diversity in gender, age, geographic spread and background in line with national transformation goals and procedural justice principles.
The appointments are a culmination of a public nomination process, which was initiated in August this year in accordance with Section 10(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act.
The initial establishment of the PCC was an outcome of the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed to create a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient economy and society.
President Ramaphosa has reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing commissioners on their leadership and achievements over the first five years and commends their role in shaping domestic climate policy, fostering inclusive national dialogue, and amplifying South Africa’s Climate Diplomacy.
The President calls on the new commissioners to individually and collectively continue to fulfil their role and mandate of providing independent, evidence-based advice; facilitate inclusive dialogue in the pursuit of a consensus to address South Africa’s complex climate and development agenda and to put into practice, the country’s just transition framework.
The President will announce the Deputy Chairperson at the first Meeting of the Commission in 2026 and further outline high-level priorities for the Commission for the next five years.
Herewith is the list of the appointed commissioners.
1. Dr Phindile Masangane
2. Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
3. Ms Ndiambani Magadagela
4. Ms Shaamela Soobramoney
5. Dr Sarushen Pillay
6. Ms Catherine Constantinides
7. Ms Tracy-Lynn Field
8. Ms Khungeka Njobe
9. Ms Zaynab Sadan
10. Dr Dipak Patel
11. Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe
12. Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi
13. Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya
14. Dr Moegamad Riedwaan Gallant
15. Mr Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu
16. Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli
17. Ms Thandile Zonke
18. Mr Errol Andile Mlambo
19. Prof Imraan Valodia
20. Prof Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni
21. Ms Joanne Yawitch
22. Ms Boitumelo Molete
23. Mr Brandin Abdinor
24. Mr Waheed Hoosen
25. Ms Shamini Harrington
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Source: APO
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the loss of life resulting from a devastating fire in the Swiss town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2026.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, President Ramaphosa conveys heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as to the people and Government of the Swiss Confederation during this time of profound grief.
“South Africans stand in solidarity with the people of Switzerland as they mourn this tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa also extended words of support to the emergency services and first responders who acted with courage and dedication in the face of this tragedy, and expressed confidence that the Swiss people will draw strength from their unity and resilience in this difficult moment.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Source: APO
The executive committee of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers conducted an activity assessment meeting of 2025 and held discussions on the plan of action for 2026 in Asmara on 29 and 30 December.
The meeting conducted extensive discussions on the reports presented, focusing on labor relations; foreign relations; administration and finance; human resources development; women and youth workers; as well as public relations. The meeting also discussed the action plan for 2026.
According to the reports presented, the number of new employment opportunities increased by 18%; training programs were organized with a view to enhancing the capacity of workers and productivity; seminars focusing on safety and health were conducted; commendable initiatives were undertaken to develop relations with international organizations as well as newly established professional associations; and vocational training in seven fields was provided to 150 workers at the Massawa Workers’ Vocational Training Center.
The reports also indicated that special attention was provided to workers across the regions of the country, and encouraging activities were conducted to enhance the capacity of women workers.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
