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SA defence sector returns home with bag full of quality trade leads

Source: Government of South Africa

South African defence sector companies, which participated in the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Türkiye from 22 – 27 July 2025, will arrive in the country tomorrow with a bag full of quality trade leads.

The South African National Pavilion, which was set up by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) at the exhibition, provided a platform for exporters to showcase their innovative, proudly South African products and services, and actively explore opportunities to expand into new export markets, while strengthening their global footprint.

The Technical Manager of engineering company FimmTech, Kevin Mhlanga, said the show has been a great experience from both technical and business perspectives. 

“We managed to have engagements with our counterparts from Türkiye, Canada, China and the United Arab Emirates. 

“We shared ideas in terms of solutions in command and control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance reconnaissance (C4ISR) and we are looking forward to expand on the engagements we had. 

“We are committed to continue flying the South African flag higher and ensure that we build international relations through collaboration, sustainable partnerships and offer the international defence industry quality solutions,” he said.

The Managing Director of Kimona Holdings, Kim Bubu, said the support by the department afforded them an extraordinary opportunity to display their products for the first time on an international platform. 

Kimona is a 100% Black-owned manufacturer specialising in high-quality industrial protective clothing, corporate uniforms and employs 100 people.

Bubu said the show represented a significant achievement for the company. Furthermore, she said it demonstrated the impact of the dtic and the endeavours of the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa to support South African businesses, especially women, to access the global market. 

“The exposure and networking opportunity has not only strengthened our position in the defence and protective apparel manufacturing sectors, but has also opened doors to potential export markets, just to mention a few, Lebanon, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, a distributor in the whole of the Middle Eastern countries and Switzerland. 

“In addition, there are more than 20 Turkish companies in the defence sector that are keen to collaborate with us. This will not only strengthen our capabilities but it will bring about growth and excellence, and enable us to step into the global platform swiftly,” Bubu said.

Managing Director of Unipro Protective Wear, Zama Ledidi, described her participation at the show as momentous. It afforded her an opportunity to make connections, and to witness the technology advancements that are used in to make bulletproof vests. 

“We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Turkish body armour manufacturer, which has a lot of clientele in Africa and looking to work with a South African company to service the market. 

“We are optimistic that there will be tangible results from the contacts we made during the show, which we will follow-up on. Our main goal is to maintain the jobs that we have and grow the economy,” she said.

According to the International Sales Manager for Zebra Protection, the manufacturers of a range of ballistic helmets, body armour, ballistic plates, demining and shields, Ana Warburg, their presence at the show was beneficial. 

“It provided an opportunity to meet new clients and showcase our products to see what is happening in the markets and the new trends, so that we can also improve on our innovations. 

“We met prospective clients and we look forward to share all the contacts and new things we learned with the team in South Africa, and follow-up on the prospects,” Warburg said.

IDEF 2025 is an internationally acclaimed event showcasing the latest technological advancements and products in the defence industry. 

This premier exhibition brings together leading figures in the defence sector, offering a significant platform for South Africa to demonstrate its defence capabilities and build strategic partnerships with key role players in Türkiye, as well as with participants from other high-growth markets across Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa. 

The South African pavilion also hosted the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Aerospace Maritime and Defence Export Council (AMD Export Council), Unipro Protective Wear, Zebra Protection, Kimona Holdings, FimmTech Engineering, Imperial Armour, QP Dronetech, SVI Engineering, Swatek Defence And Aerospace, Bullet Proofing Technology and Redeployable Camp System SA. – SAnews.gov.za 

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2025 Country Report on Cameroon: the African Development Bank urges the country to strengthen capital mobilization for sustainable growth

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) officially launched its 2025 Country Report on Cameroon in Yaoundé on 22 July 2025. The launch ceremony featured frank and wide-ranging discussions on the country’s economic challenges.  

Country reports form part of the African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook 2025 which provides an annual assessment of the economic performance and outlook of the continent’s 54 countries by examining growth trends, socio-economic challenges, and development progress. The 2025 AEO report was released last May during the Bank Group’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, under the theme “Maximizing Africa’s Capital for Sustainable Development. 

“Making Cameroon’s Capital Work Better for its Development,” highlights the levers that will enable the country to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and boost inclusive and resilient growth. It calls on the government, the private sector, civil society, and development and financial partners to collectively re the drivers of the country’s structural transformation. 

The ceremony was attended by members of the Cameroonian government, notably representatives from the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade as well as the business sector. 

The report paints a picture of an economy in recovery, with estimated growth of 3.6 percent in 2024, mainly by continued investment in infrastructure and strong momentum in manufacturing industries, which have benefited from efforts to transform local agricultural and textile products. The country paper relies on a detailed analysis to identify sectors where Cameroon can make progress, particularly in mobilizing domestic resources, strengthening governance, improving the business climate, digitalization and optimizing its natural capital potential. 

The report also identifies several priority reforms to enable Cameroon to transform its potential into concrete growth drivers, including reducing tax exemptions and accelerating digitalization, restructuring strategic public corporations, particularly in the energy and refining sectors. 

Report findings also stress the importance of strengthening governance, transparency and the rule of law through greater accountability and the publication of the financial statements of public corporations. This includes the need to adopt the National Integrated Financing Strategy (SNFI) to diversify funding sources and leverage carbon market opportunities. 

Consolidating the financial sector, processing commodities locally and developing regional infrastructure round out the list of priorities. Finally, the report calls for preserving macroeconomic balances by gradually reducing fuel price subsidies at the pump while supporting investment spending, prioritizing concessional financing, accelerating development in insecure areas and strengthening budgetary capacity to better absorb shocks. 

Ameth Saloum Ndiaye, African Development Bank  Senior Country Economist for Cameroon and Godwill Kan Tange, Country Economist for Cameroon, presented the report’s main findings.  They emphasized the report’s concrete proposals to optimize the use of budgetary resources, as well as the country’s natural, human and financial capital, with a view to stimulating more inclusive and sustainable growth. 

The presentation also explored key issues such as public corporation reform, governance, debt management, industrial development, vocational training and the challenges of mobilizing innovative financing, as well as sovereign debt ratings for African economies. 

“The African Development Bank Group commends the Cameroonian authorities for their commitment to implementing a National Integrated Financing Strategy, which is currently being adopted and should enable the country to diversify financing sources for its development agenda. This means that the report is fully aligned with the government’s priorities,” said Mamadou Tangara, Head of Operations, speaking on behalf of the Bank’s Director General for Central Africa.  

The Secretary General of Cameroon’s Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Jean Tchoffo, representing the Bank’s Governor for Cameroon, welcomed the Bank’s recommendations, which are aligned with the National Development Strategy 2030 (SND30). 

“This report comes at a key moment, as we are conducting a mid-term review of the implementation of our National Development Strategy 2020-2030,” Tchoffo said. “We are convinced that its recommendations will enrich our thinking and strengthen our efforts to return to solid, sustainable and inclusive growth and accelerate the structural transformation of our economy.” 

Read the report : https://apo-opa.co/40DbzlW

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Solange Kamuanga-Tossou
Principal Regional Communications Officer for Central Africa 
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). With 41 country offices and an external office in Japan, the Bank is committed to improving economic and social conditions in its 54 regional member countries. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Media files

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Significant progress made in implementing State Capture Commission recommendations

Source: President of South Africa –

The Presidency is today, 28 July 2025, releasing the latest progress report on the implementation of actions arising from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response to the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, showing significant progress across both accountability measures and institutional reforms.

President Ramaphosa has also submitted the report to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Province.

The report, covering the period up to the end of Quarter 4 2024/25, reveals that of the 60 actions identified in the President’s October 2022 Response Plan, 48% are complete or substantially complete, 23% are on track and 29% are delayed but receiving attention.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACCOUNTABILITY

Criminal Justice Progress

The Integrated Task Force, led by the National Prosecuting Authority, is actively implementing 218 criminal investigation recommendations across multiple state capture focus areas. As of March 2025, 21% of these cases were either finalised or  enrolled for trial. Just over half were under active investigation. Several high-profile cases are scheduled for trial through 2025-2026, including matters related to the Free State Asbestos Removal Case, SA Express, Bosasa-related cases and Transnet contracts.

Four state capture-related cases have already concluded with guilty verdicts.

Asset Recovery Success

Government has achieved remarkable success in recovering stolen public funds, with total recoveries now reaching nearly R11 billion, a substantial increase from the R2.9 billion reported in October 2022. This includes R2.9 billion recovered by the Special Investigating Unit and R8 billion by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

Additionally, assets worth R10.6 billion are currently under restraint or preservation orders, indicating significant additional recoveries to come. Major recoveries include settlements from ABB (R2.55 billion), McKinsey (R1.12 billion), and SAP (R1.16 billion).

INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS TO PREVENT FUTURE STATE CAPTURE

Law Enforcement Strengthening

The National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act of 2024 established the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as a permanent entity with enhanced police powers and criminal investigation capabilities. IDAC officially commenced operations in August 2024.

Financial Crime Combat Measures

South Africa has implemented comprehensive anti-money laundering reforms through the General Laws Amendment Act of 2022, addressing all the deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force. Among other things, these measures have resulted in a 40% increase in compliance with anti-money laundering requirements between 2023 and 2024.

Public Procurement Transformation

The Public Procurement Act of 2024 represents a fundamental transformation of South Africa’s procurement landscape, consolidating previously fragmented systems into a single regulatory framework designed to enhance transparency and combat corruption.

Intelligence Services Reform

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, enacted in March 2025, disestablished the State Security Agency and created two separate entities – the South African Intelligence Service (foreign intelligence) and the South African Intelligence Agency (domestic intelligence) – restoring the pre-2009 structure and strengthening oversight mechanisms.

Public Administration Professionalisation

Government has made substantial progress in professionalising the public service through the National Framework for Public Sector Professionalisation. Key measures include mandatory lifestyle audits for senior officials and supply chain personnel, with 138 departments implementing these audits by 2024.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission has completed reviews of 10 private sector entities implicated in state capture, with six investigations ongoing. The National Treasury imposed a 10-year ban on Bain & Co from doing business with the South African state, running from September 2022 to September 2032.

Professional bodies have taken disciplinary action against implicated professionals, including the permanent disbarment of a chartered accountant by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, with a R6.1 million fine.

LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

Several critical pieces of legislation have been enacted to address state capture vulnerabilities:

· Electoral Matters Amendment Act (Act 14 of 2024): Criminalises donations to political parties in expectation of contracts or influence 

· Judicial Matters Amendment Act (Act 15 of 2023): Introduces corporate liability for failure to prevent corruption 

· Companies Second Amendment Act (Act 17 of 2024): Extends time limits for director delinquency proceedings 

· General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act (Act 37 of 2024): Reforms intelligence services structure and oversight 

LOOKING AHEAD: 2025-2026 PRIORITIES

President Ramaphosa emphasised that while substantial progress has been made, the work continues. Key priorities for the coming year include:

· accelerating high-profile prosecutions and bringing new cases to court;

· finalising the Whistleblower Protection Bill for presentation to Parliament; 

· finalising the National State Enterprises Bill as part of SOE governance reform;

· completing SARS Act amendments based on Nugent Commission recommendations;

· finalising anti-corruption architecture proposals under consideration by the Executive.

“The progress outlined in this report demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that those responsible for state capture are held accountable and that the systemic weaknesses that enabled this assault on our democracy are permanently addressed,” said President Ramaphosa.

“We have recovered nearly R11 billion in stolen public funds, strengthened our law enforcement capacity and implemented comprehensive reforms across government. However, our work is far from complete. We remain committed to the full implementation of the State Capture Commission’s recommendations and to rebuilding public trust in our institutions.”

The President emphasised that the effectiveness of these reforms will ultimately be measured by their ability to prevent future occurrences of state capture and restore public trust in state institutions.

The full progress report, including detailed annexures on implementation status, new legislation, court cases and asset recoveries, is available on The Presidency website. https://tinyurl.com/25rx85jr

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Accreditation for integrated service delivery outreach programme to the North West led by Deputy President Mashatile

Source: President of South Africa –

Members of the media are invited to cover the forthcoming service delivery outreach programme on 01-02 August 2025, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile in the North West Province, and to apply for accreditation.  

The outreach programme will commence on Friday, 01 August 2025, with the official hand over of a 25 ML Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Scheme Water Reservoir at Dilopye Village, as part of improving the provision of reliable water supply to communities.

Deputy President Mashatile will then embark on a Clean Cities and Towns campaign in Mogogelo Village, Moretele Local Municipality. This nationwide campaign, led by the Deputy President, is aimed at fostering cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces, while advancing sustainability, equality, and solidarity among all citizens.

Deputy President Mashatile and the delegation will have the opportunity to provide feedback on progress made in addressing service delivery issues affecting members of the surrounding communities. The Community Meeting is scheduled to take place at the Mogogelo Community Hall. 

On Saturday, 02 August 2025, Deputy President Mashatile will officiate at the Launch of the Provincial Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) at the ORBIT TVET College Mankwe Campus, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, in the North West. 

Amongst others, the HRDC mobilises various key stakeholders to rally behind the country’s revised Human Resource Development Strategy 2030, which is aimed at developing the requisite skills relevant which supports economy growth of the country.

DEADLINE FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION – Thursday, 31 July 2025.

For more information and accreditation please contact, Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Nearly 300 arrested in Northern Cape Operation Shanela

Source: Government of South Africa

A total of 293 suspects were arrested across all five districts of the Northern Cape as part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) ongoing anti-crime initiative, Operation Shanela 2.

The intensive, multi-disciplinary campaign – which ran from 21 July to 27 July 2025 – saw law enforcement conducting high-visibility vehicle patrols, roadblocks, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second-hand dealers, and various businesses. 

Police stopped and searched 3 088 vehicles and 6 868 individuals at vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks throughout the province.

According to a SAPS statement, 13 unlicensed liquor premises were closed following inspections for compliance with licensing conditions.

The arrests spanned a wide range of offences, including burglary, assault, drug possession, robbery, stock theft, malicious damage to property, and dealing in illegal liquor and narcotics. Police also recovered dangerous weapons, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, alcohol, drugs, and cash during the operation.

Detectives successfully traced 29 wanted suspects, and inspections were carried out at formal and informal businesses, farms, scrapyards, and liquor establishments.

“Police executed numerous actions… in an ongoing effort to address serious and violent crimes plaguing communities in identified hotspots,” SAPS said.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola praised all officers involved, as well as supporting departments, for their dedication and coordinated response.

“During Operation Shanela 2 and beyond, the SAPS will leave no one behind in its collective efforts to curb and eradicate crime.” – SAnews.gov.za

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G20 Employment Working Group technical meeting kicks off

Source: Government of South Africa

The 4th group of Twenty (G20) Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting will kick off today in George with discussions on a various labour market issues, culminating in the development of a declaration.

In a statement on Sunday, the department said the 4th G20 EWG meeting will focus on critical themes, including youth employment, gender equality in the world of work, social security and platform work, as well as addressing inequality and declining labour income share. 

The discussions come amidst transformations and global challenges driven by protectionism and anti-globalisation tendencies.

The two-day 4th G20 EWG meeting of technical experts will conclude with a two-day Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting (LEMM) from 30 – 31 July 2024. 

The theme of the G20 EWG stream is: “Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives”. The EWG theme is aligned to South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme — “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

“It is expected that the gathering will conclude with a LEMM declaration that will have been negotiated by technical experts. The declaration is also expected to build on the Brisbane (2025) to eThekwini Goal (2030) to address gender equality in the workforce,” the department said. 

Both the EWG and LEMM will bring together more than 150 local and international delegates, including Labour and Employment Ministers from G20 Member Countries, invited countries and international organisations.

“The G20 EWG’s mandate is to address labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and job-rich growth for all,” the department said. 

Founded in 1999 in response to several world financial economic crises, the G20 is a forum for international economic cooperation to coordinate policy aimed at achieving global economic stability and sustainable growth, promote financial regulations, and create a new international financial architecture.

The G20 member countries are – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, plus the European Union and the African Union. – SAnews.gov.za

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JSC announces shortlisted candidates for South African courts

Source: Government of South Africa

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted candidates for various courts around the country.

The commission had called for nominations for persons to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Labour Court and various Divisions of the High Court.

“The Constitutional Court advertised two vacancies. Six candidates have applied but only five of them are eligible to be shortlisted. This means that if one of the candidates does not make the final list to be recommended to the President, there will be one candidate short to fill the two vacancies. 

“The JSC has therefore decided to re-advertise the two vacancies. The advert was published on 18 July 2025, with a closing date of 6 August 2025 for interviews to be conducted during the October 2025 sitting,” the JSC said in a statement.

Furthermore, the vacancy at the Land Court has been withdrawn “pending the finalisation of the new judicial establishment of the Land Court in terms of the Land Court Act 6 of 2023”.

The shortlisted candidates are:

The Supreme Court of Appeal (one vacancy):
•    Judge Gerald Hercules Bloem.
•    Judge Busisiwe Shareen Masipa.
•    Judge Pitso Ephraim Molitsoane.
•    Judge Thandi Victoria Norman.
•    Judge Bashier Vally.
•    Judge Leonie Windell.

Labour Court (three vacancies in Johannesburg):
•    Suzanna Harvey.

Eastern Cape Division of the High Court (Deputy Judge President):
•    Judge Buyiswa Majiki.
•    Judge Mandela Makaula.
•    Judge Bulelwa Myra Pakati.

Eastern Cape Division of the High Court (three vacancies in Makhanda and Mthatha):
•    Gaynor Appels.
•    Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza.
•    Advocate Nicola Molony.
•    Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya.
•    Aron Sipho Zono.

Free State Division of the High Court (one vacancy):
•    Advocate Denise Greyling-Coetzer.
•    Matodzi Brian Nemavhidi.

Gauteng Division of the High Court (eight vacancies):
•    Advocate Thembi Precious Bokako.
•    Advocate Lesibana Gemine Philemon Ledwaba.
•    Advocate Sarita Liebenberg.
•    Judge Daphney Mahosi.
•    Advocate Khashane La Mmapowana Manamela.
•    Nkosingiphile Goodness Ma-Myeni Mazibuko.
•    Advocate Keitumetse Johanna Mogale-Makinta SC.
•    Richard James Austin Moultrie.
•    Advocate Ettian Raubenheimer.
•    Advocate Karin Strydom.
•    Stephens Anthony Thobane.
•    Advocate Petrus Arnoldus Van Niekerk SC.
•    Livhuwani Betty Vuma.
•    Advocate Susan Melissa Wentzel.

KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court (five vacancies):
•    Malizo Samkelo Gwagwa.
•    Sanele David Hlatshwayo.
•    Advocate Ranjiv Rajkumar Nirghin.
•    Advocate Murray Breval Pitman.
•    Advocate Mpumelelo Prosper Sibisi.
•    Nomfundo Sipunzi.
•    Judge Namhla Thina Yvonne Siwendu.

Limpopo Division of the High Court, Polokwane (one vacancy):
•    Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong.
•    Karin Leanne Pillay.

Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Middleburg (two vacancies):
•    Lerato Jane Nontando Bam.
•    Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong.
•    Advocate Daniel Desi Mogotsi.
•    Advocate Kganki Frans Phahlamohlaka.

The candidates will be interviewed from 6 to 17 October 2025.

Law bodies and any persons who wish to comment on the suitability or otherwise of a shortlisted candidate should address their comments to the Secretariat of the JSC at MSongca@judiciary.org.za and TPhaahlamohlaka@judiciary.org.za,  copied to: JSC@judiciary.org.za. 

“Comments in respect of each candidate must be submitted on a separate page in both pdf and word format and must reach the Secretariat by no later than 5 September 2025. Comments received after 5 September 2025 will not be considered,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Capacity building on medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) process for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) focal points

Source: APO


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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is hosting the second phase of its capacity-building on Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria from July 21st to 25th, 2025. This training is co-organized by the Human Resources Directorate in consultation with the Directorate of Budget and Treasury (DBT) and the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SPME).

This training will equip Focal Persons with the requisite tools and competencies to actively participate in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process, as well as the subsequent Management Arbitration meetings.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Molokwu Azikiwe, Director of Budget and Treasury at ECOWAS, highlighted the significance of this framework in facilitating dialogue and finding solutions to enhance the MTEF process, with the ultimate goal of utilizing public resources to drive meaningful improvements in citizens lives. He also added that, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity for collaborative learning, problem-solving, and exchange of experiences.

On behalf of the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, the Director of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SPME) at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Musa Gbogboto, stressed that the MTEF is a component that each Directorate needs to understand. “This workshop will permit to align your activities with the programs and projects that exist within the community… and to understand how the vision 2050 is linked to the community strategic framework, and how that community strategic framework is linked to our programs and projects.” He added.

This activity, organized in partnership with GIZ, marks the conclusion of Phase 2, which will wrap up on Friday, July 25th, and sets the stage for Phase 3, scheduled to take place next week, where another group of agents will receive training on the same theme.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Racines béninoises retrouvées : Des figures afrodescendantes renouent avec leur identité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


C’est avec émotion et fierté que les afrodescandants Ciara Princess WILSON, Gabendy JOSEPH et David Romuald SMERALDA ont reçu des mains des autorités béninoises, leurs attestations de nationalité béninoise. Cet acte d’une portée à la fois symbolique, humaine et historique n’est pas qu’un geste administratif. Il est un geste d’âme, un retour aux origines, une main tendue à ceux que l’Histoire, dans sa brutalité, avait arrachés à cette terre. 

Ce moment marque la concrétisation d’une ambition et d’une vision du Gouvernement du Bénin. Il s’agit du resserrement des liens historiques et culturels avec des personnes d’ascendance africaine dont les prémices ont été posées à travers l’adoption de la Loi 2024-31 du 02 septembre 2024, relative à la reconnaissance de la nationalité béninoise aux afrodescandants en République du Bénin. 

À travers cette démarche, le Bénin démontre qu’il reste une Nation lucide sur son passé, fier de son présent et ambitieux pour son avenir. 

« Madame et Messieurs, en renouant avec vos racines, vous réparez une partie du monde. Vous offrez à votre société une chance de se reconstruire sur ces valeurs républicaines que nous partagerons désormais ensemble. La présente cérémonie engage chacun de nous à regarder l’histoire en face, à la partager, à la réparer et à la transcender. Elle nous projette dans un avenir commun », a indiqué le Ministre de la Justice et de la Législation, Monsieur Yvon DETCHENOU. 

Il poursuit son propos en lançant un appel solennel aux bénéficiaires : « Soyez donc des citoyens actifs. Des ambassadeurs de notre culture et des défenseurs de notre vivre-ensemble ». 

En acceptant d’offrir la nationalité béninoise aux afrodescandants, le Bénin n’honore pas seulement la mémoire. Il bâtit un avenir commun, plus humain, plus digne et fier.

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

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La Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) condamne l’attaque du groupe armé Forces démocratiques alliées (ADF) ayant coûté la vie à 43 civils à Komanda et intensifie ses efforts de protection en Ituri

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) exprime sa ferme condamnation de l’attaque survenue dans la nuit du 26 au 27 juillet 2025 à Komanda (environ 60km au sud-ouest de Bunia), dans le territoire d’Irumu en Ituri.

Selon des informations officielles, cette attaque des éléments du groupe armé Forces démocratiques alliées (ADF) a causé la mort d’au moins 43 civils (19 femmes, 15 hommes et neuf enfants). La majorité des victimes auraient été tuées à l’arme blanche dans un lieu de culte. Plusieurs personnes ont été enlevées. Des habitations et boutiques ont également été incendiées, aggravant une situation humanitaire déjà extrêmement préoccupante dans la province.

La MONUSCO exprime sa profonde indignation face à ces actes de violence inqualifiables, qui constituent de graves violations du droit international humanitaire et atteintes aux droits de l’homme. Elle présente ses sincères condoléances aux familles et communautés endeuillées et réaffirme sa solidarité aux populations affectées. Elle exhorte les autorités congolaises à diligenter une enquête sur cette tuerie et à traduire les auteurs en justice. La Mission réitère également l’appel du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies aux groupes armés étrangers à déposer les armes sans conditions et à retourner dans leurs pays d’origine.

« Ces attaques ciblées contre des civils sans défense, notamment dans des lieux de culte, sont non seulement révoltantes mais aussi contraires à toutes les normes en matière de droit de l’homme et de droit international humanitaire. La MONUSCO continuera de travailler sans relâche aux côtés des autorités congolaises pour protéger les populations civiles conformément à son mandat », a déclaré Madame Vivian van de Perre, Représentante spéciale adjointe du Secrétaire général de l’ONU, chargée de la Protection et des opérations et Cheffe par intérim de la MONUSCO. En coordination avec les autorités locales, la Mission a apporté son soutien aux opérations de prise en charge des victimes, notamment à travers l’organisation des inhumations et la fourniture de soins médicaux aux blessés. Parallèlement, la MONUSCO a intensifié ses efforts de sécurisation autour de Komanda en augmentant la fréquence de ses patrouilles dans la zone.

La MONUSCO reste pleinement engagée aux côtés des autorités congolaises et des communautés locales afin de prévenir de futures attaques, protéger les civils, et contribuer à la réduction des tensions, et à la stabilisation des zones affectées par les violences armées.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).