Staff Writer

 Experts from ECOWAS Member States and Commission, as well as regional organizations dealing with environmental and fisheries issues, are meeting from 18 to 21 March 2025 in Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, to discuss the issue of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU) in West Africa. Initiated by the ECOWAS Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, this regional meeting aims to establish a regional cooperation framework to improve the […]

 Recognizing the critical role of tourism as a driver of regional integration and economic growth, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a multi-day capacity-building program in Banjul, The Gambia, on March 17, 2025. This initiative aims to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools to enhance tourism standards, foster investment, and strengthen cooperation across all 12 ECOWAS Member States. The program is implemented in accordance with the […]

 As the conflict in Sudan continues to drive mass displacement, an estimated 500 Sudanese refugees are arriving daily in Alkufra, a remote border city in southern Libya. The health system in Alkufra, not designed to support such a large population, is now overwhelmed, leaving many refugees without access to essential healthcare. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warns that without urgent international support, the situation will deteriorate further, with devastating consequences for […]

 The three counties making up the greater Tonj region are sadly familiar with intercommunal violence and its dire consequences. A lack of mobility among law enforcement agents and community peacebuilding organs has made it difficult to prevent crimes and issue early warnings of potential security incidents, but now they and their efforts have received a significant boost – in the shape of 33 pairs of motorized wheels. “These motorbikes will […]

 Some of the key findings from the Human Capital Review, a new World Bank report, highlight that strengthening human capital is crucial for reducing poverty and fostering long-term sustainable growth in Guinea-Bissau. Investments in health, nutrition, social protection, and education are key to enabling individuals to reach their full potential as future workers and contribute to the country's economic growth.   “The Human Capital Review provides a critical assessment of the […]

 Regional and international peace partners are calling on South Sudan’s leaders to take urgent, collective action to de-escalate tensions and prevent a relapse into civil war, which would cause unprecedented suffering and impact the whole region. The partners spoke at a virtual meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on the situation in South Sudan. “As we gather today, South Sudan is on the cusp of a full-scale […]

 The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by Vice President Mr. Ahmad Afif, presided over the official handover ceremony of the new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) headquarters at Union Vale this morning. Funded through a generous grant from the People's Republic of China, construction of the state-of-the-art facility commenced in April 2019 and was carried out by Hunan No.6 Engineering Co. Ltd. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 […]

 Maixent Raoul Ominga, Director General of Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will deliver a keynote address at the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March. Leading the expansion of the Republic of Congo’s upstream sector, the national oil company is advancing key onshore assets across the country – including the Nanga I, Kouakouala II, Zingali II and Le Mayombe II fields – aligning with Congo’s goal of […]

 On March 18, Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, hosted a dinner with the Honourable Mr. Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, who is visiting Japan upon the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overview of the dinner is as follows. At the outset, State Minister Fujii welcomed Deputy Minister Mashatile's first visit to Japan, and expressed his wish to work closely […]