Tag: AfricaNews

Awut Deng Achuil, South Sudan’s Minister of Education, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement HWPL peace education as a regular part of the curriculum in South Sudanese schools and the Minister and Vice Minister of Youth and Sports of South Sudan also promised active cooperation with HWPL through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The representatives from the Islamic Council, the Presbyterian Church, and the Archbishop of the Anglican Church also met with the HWPL delegation. They acknowledged that peace and harmony are values shared by their respective scriptures and agreed to participate in The World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices. They also pledged to host a HWPL Religious Peace Camp to foster a network of religious leaders dedicated to peace

This meeting was covered by the state media, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), highlighting President Kiir’s strong endorsement of the DPCW nationwide. This demonstrates South Sudan’s active participation in international efforts for world peace and the cessation of war.

The signing of the MOA with the Ministry of Education and the MOU with the Ministry of Youth and Sports marks the starting point for strengthening peace education not only in the field of education but also in youth sports and culture.

Awut Deng Achuil, South Sudan’s Minister of Education, expressed her optimism regarding the signing of the MOA, stating, “In South Sudan, sudden rainfall is seen as a sign of peace. With the beginning of peace between HWPL and South Sudan, rain falls as a blessing.

HWPL will constantly collaborate with the education department, religious leader, youth, and media to achieve substantive peace in South Sudan through the dissemination of peace culture and institutionalization of peace. In particular, they will strive to introduce HWPL Peace Education as a regular curriculum in all schools in South Sudan, and efforts will be made to train peace educators through the Peace Academy.

HWPL organized this event to promote peace education in Burkina Faso, a region long plagued by conflicts in Africa, aiming to instill a passion for peace education in the hearts of citizens and achieve sustainable peace. From April 2nd to 5th, Peace Camps were conducted at Tampouy C School, Nioko 2B School, and Lycee municipal Bambata School in Ouagadougou, during which MOUs were signed with each school.

During this period, meetings were also held with the Secretary-General of UNESCO, the Minister of Education, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education. In the meeting on the 2nd day, UNESCO expressed its desire to collaborate with HWPL to implement peace education.

Furthermore, UNESCO mentioned the necessity of obtaining approval from the Education Ministry before implementing education initiatives, proposing continued meetings with Education Ministry officials. HWPL proposed signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Education Ministry for nationwide peace education during the meeting with the Education Ministry.

The Education Ministry stated, “Such education is needed for the children of Burkina Faso, and since our curriculum already includes content on peace, integrating peace education would likely generate positive synergy.” HWPL plans to formally propose cooperation with the Ministry of Education to implement peace education through formal procedures.

According to news from The Gudian media outlet, nearly 2 million people became refugees in Burkina Faso due to conflicts that spread from Mali at the end of 2016. An estimated 800,000 are believed to be living under blockade by the Islamist militants, who have reportedly attacked water supplies and forced school closures. UNICEF reports that around one million are still unable to go to school due to violence and insecurity. Emilie Roye, UNICEF’s education officer in Burkina Faso, stated, “Some 6,000 are still schools closed, which represents around 25 percent of the country’s schools,”

In relation to this situation, HWPL introduced peace camps during the event to achieve sustainable peace in Burkina Faso and explained the importance of peace.

HWPL conducts peace educator training and peace camps worldwide to foster peace-oriented citizens. Peace teacher training helps educators learn HWPL’s 12 peace education curricula, enabling them to teach students about peace. Peace camps provide opportunities to experience peace through fun activities, teaching participants what peace is and how to bring peace into daily life.

At Tampouy C School and Nioko 2B School, students learned peace dances and danced to songs of peace. At Lycee municipal Bambata School, students experienced cooperation through a cooperative game called “We Are One Game.” As a common activity, they learned about gratitude, the most fundamental of HWPL’s peace values, and then wrote thank-you letters to their teachers.

They also wrote commitments on paper handprints and attached them to heart-shaped cards that read “I Love Peace,” as part of the “Hand Peace Commitment Writing” activity. Additionally, they also briefly explained the spirit of peace and the 12 aspects of peace education, and shared plans for future online peace educator training.

Ouedraogo Risnata, who attended the event, said, “The Peace Camp is a fascinating initiative, as it immerses participants in the culture of peace from its very foundation. This approach effectively mitigates potential conflicts that might otherwise threaten social stability.”

Adama Yago, who attended the event, said, “The arrival of this much-needed camp in our country is greatly appreciated, particularly considering the challenging circumstances we currently face. We dare to envision that by instilling the values of love within the hearts of our children, we will ultimately harvest peace as the fruit of our endeavors—something our nation desperately requires.”

Schools that signed MOUs will implement HWPL’s peace education program. HWPL will plans to continue to conduct peace education programs in Burkina Faso, fostering a culture of peace dissemination, and will maintain ongoing cooperation with local organizations and schools through MOAs and MOUs.

A total of 22 medical personnel will work in Benin for one-and-a-half years, the commission said. This is the 27th medical team from Ningxia to travel to Benin.

The medical workers have been dispatched from hospitals in Ningxia, covering fields of surgery, orthopedics, internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Yang Ping, a doctor from the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and the leader of the team, said that the team will help improve Benin’s health, medical treatment and hygiene levels, and promote exchanges and cooperation in the field of TCM.

China has been dispatching medical teams to Benin since 1978. By the end of 2023, Ningxia had sent 616 medical personnel across 26 teams to the country, providing medical services to more than 3 million people.

Medical teams from Ningxia last year officially established a TCM department at a local hospital in Benin, and have been pushing forward the development of telemedicine since 2019.

This came during a special ceremony held Tuesday to mark the topping-out of a Chinese-funded, multi-purpose school building for Alpha School for the Deaf in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopia capital, attended by senior Ethiopian government officials, Chinese diplomats in Ethiopia, representatives from international charitable organizations, and members of the school community.

The latest support also features the donation of much-needed educational supplies to the vulnerable students at Alpha School for the Deaf.

Addressing the ceremony, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Women and Social Affairs Huria Ali acknowledged the Chinese government, companies and charitable organizations for their continued assistance in targeting vulnerable Ethiopians.

“In Ethiopia, the vast majority of people with disability are estimated to live in poverty and many of them depend on family support for their livelihood. They often experience discrimination, stigma and exclusion from education, health, employment and social protection,” Ali said.

The state minister commended the Chinese government’s assistance in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in basic services. She said the latest support provided to Alpha School for the Deaf demonstrates the Chinese government’s commitment to supporting the East African country’s efforts to create a conducive environment for students with disabilities.

“The support empowers our dedication to addressing the educational gaps faced by the deaf community in Addis Ababa and most of Ethiopia,” she said.

The multi-purpose school building, contracted by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a Chinese construction company, is under construction with 1.5 million U.S. dollars donated by the Chinese government to Rehabilitation International (RI), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the rehabilitation and welfare of disabled persons.

Zhang Haidi, president of Rehabilitation International, at the ceremony emphasized the crucial role that the Alpha School for the Deaf is playing in terms of providing the necessary educational development for its students.

“When I think about children in the Alpha School studying in spacious and bright classrooms and how their fate might be changed with their time in this school, I feel that our work is so important and meaningful,” said Zhang. “We are in deep love with this school. It is the seed we have sowed in Africa, someday the seed will grow into the most beautiful flower.”

Zhang, who visited the Alpha School for the Deaf for the second time after her first visit in 2017, fondly interacted and motivated the school children, as she encouraged the school community to further sustain their positive contribution to students’ overall development in life.

Mola Wulie, the school director, said the continued support by Rehabilitation International (RI), with support from the Chinese government, has meaningfully contributed to the provision of quality education.

“With these various awards, it helps encourage the school community to work better,” said Wulie, noting that the assistance has enabled the school to address the long-existed gaps that hindered the teaching and learning process.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan emphasized the positive outcomes of the multifaceted Sino-Ethiopian cooperation, with socioeconomic contributions benefiting all segments of the two countries’ people.

Noting the importance of the recent establishment of the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries, Zhao underscored the two countries’ strong commitment to advance cooperation targeting people with disabilities.

“This strategic decision will surely further enhance cooperation and exchanges in all fields including undertakings for disabled persons. China is ready to join hands with Ethiopia to advance further the international cause for the disabled,” the ambassador said.

Liu Dong, deputy general manager of CCECC, pledged the company’s strong commitment to the timely and quality completion of the multi-purpose school infrastructure, as witnessed in the timely completion of the building’s main structure.

With a total construction area of 660 square meters, the building features classrooms, offices, a meeting room, a faculty lounge, a canteen for teachers, as well as playground facilities for students.

In a recent interview with Chinese media, Tsenoli shared his insights on the significance of the initiative and its impact on the multifaceted relationship between China and African countries.

The initiative “magnifies the impact China is making on our relationship,” Tsenoli said. “Indeed, it strengthens our ability to work together across the continent, as well as with China itself in a variety of areas.”

He stressed the importance of the transportation infrastructure that has developed under the initiative, citing the railway lines that have been built in the African continent, such as the one between the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, and the coastal city of Mombasa.

As of Aug. 31, the railway is operating an average of six passenger trains per day; a total of 11 million passengers have been carried, and the average occupancy rate is above 95 percent; an average of 17 freight trains operate daily, and a total of 28 million tonnes of goods have been transported, according to a white paper on the BRI released on Tuesday.

By June, China had signed more than 200 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations across five continents, yielding a number of signature projects and small-scale yet impactful projects, said the white paper titled “The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future.”

“The provision of infrastructure for the African Union … is a significant thing that China is contributing towards,” said Tsenoli, a respected figure in African politics.

The initiative “requires good country relationships” and its growing importance underscores the profound impact on nations that benefit from their association with China, said the politician.

The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held in Beijing from Oct. 17 to 18, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Wednesday.

It serves as a valuable mechanism for fostering relationships, not only for China but also for the Belt and Road countries, he said, adding that statistics are suggesting a growth in the quality and content of the relationship between Africa and China.

Africa and China, he said, can use their collective influence to “drive things for the better” for the continent in particular and the world in general.

He applauded the progress made in Africa-China collaboration on the global level, including in global organizations and other international forums. “We sing from the same song sheet, as I said.”

On the second day of the event, Caroline Wanga, CEO of Essence Ventures, emphasized the importance of authentically portraying African narratives. She highlighted that the continent’s rich heritage has traditionally been expressed through its unique storytelling methods. Wanga stated, “In discussing Africa, it’s vital to engage in genuine dialogue. We’ve celebrated our heritage through our distinct method of storytelling, which the world is longing for now more than ever. As the overseer of Essence Ventures and other platforms, I am committed to ensuring our tales are told from a position of strength and authenticity.”

The final day featured a chorus of leading private sector voices. Notably, leaders from the business and media world such as Jeff Wong, EY Global Chief Innovation Officer; Niraj Varia, CEO of iProcure Ventures; Lakeshia Ford, Founder of Ford Communications; Claudia Kwarteng–Lumor, Founder of Kollage Media, producers of GLITZ AFRICA Magazine; Somachi Chris-Asoluka and CEO of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).

Complementing these luminaries were esteemed figures from government and international organizations, including President Masisi, Adebayo Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy for Nigeria, Joy Basu, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs at the US Department of State.

Also speaking were NBA stars Bismack Biyombo and Gorgui Dieng from the sports world and Senegalese singer Baaba Maal.

Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, the entity that coordinates GABI, underlined the critical importance of unleashing Africa’s green potential. Ojiambo’s message stressed the urgent need for businesses to expedite and amplify their efforts toward achieving “just, inclusive, and sustainable growth.”

Assistant Secretary-General Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre extended an invitation to businesses to participate in the ITC SheTrades network. This flagship program for women’s economic empowerment has already made a substantial impact, offering vital support to over 200,000 women entrepreneurs since its inception in 2015. The ITC SheTrades initiative plays a pivotal role in maximizing the boundless opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

With over a thousand attendees, GABI’s influence is gaining momentum across Africa, setting the stage for a future defined by opportunity and sustainable development. The vibrant exchange of ideas, the engaging, thought-provoking discussions, and the connections forged during the event solidify its position as a premier convening for those invested in Africa’s growth and economic future.

UNDP’s Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, announced the Timbuktoo initiative, an ambitious movement dedicated to harnessing Africa’s rich heritage of innovation and knowledge. Ms. Eziakonwa stated, “Inspired by the historical heartland of civilization, ‘Timbuktu’ is our commitment to bridge the gap between the burgeoning talent in Africa and global opportunities that await. We envision tearing down barriers that have historically limited Africa’s vast potential, creating a future where the continent’s talent seamlessly connects with global prosperity.”

The event concluded with inspiring remarks from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, highlighting the importance of collective action in realizing Africa’s potential and achieving sustainable development. She called for unity and support from the global community and the private sector. She closed by emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in Africa’s story, one marked by sustainable economic growth, empowerment, and the realization of the continent’s full potential.

BRICS economies have “emerged as powerful engines of global growth,” and “the changes that have taken place in BRICS economies over the past decade have done much to transform the shape of the global economy,” Ramaphosa said while addressing the BRICS Business Forum Leaders’ Dialogue here ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit.

The BRICS countries make up a quarter of the global economy, a fifth of global trade and more than 40 percent of the world’s population, while trade between BRICS countries totaled some 162 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, he said, stressing the important role of foreign investment in the growth of BRICS economies.

“However, the new wave of protectionism and the subsequent impact of unilateral measures that are incompatible with WTO rules undermine global economic growth and development,” he warned.

“We therefore need to reaffirm our position that economic growth must be underpinned by transparency and inclusiveness. It must be compatible with a multilateral trading system that supports a developmental agenda,” he said.

He also called for “a fundamental reform of the global financial institutions so that they can be more agile and responsive to the challenges facing developing economies, hailing the New Development Bank established by BRICS countries in 2015 for having demonstrated ability to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging economies without conditionalities.

Noting that the rapid economic, technological and social changes underway create new risks for employment, equality and poverty in many BRICS countries, he called on the business community “to join hands with us to identify solutions to these and other challenges affecting our respective economies.”

The president also invited BRICS countries to invest in Africa, which will be positioned as “the next frontier of productivity and growth” with its rich critical minerals and massive untapped potential for investment in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, new energy, the digital economy as well as in skills development, small and medium enterprises, and others.

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement that the self-defense strike which was carried out on Tuesday at the request of the Somali government was in support of Somali National Army (SNA) forces who were engaged by the terrorist group.

“Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that the U.S. airstrike killed five al-Shabab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed,” AFRICOM said in a statement.

The latest airstrike came amid intensified onslaught against al-Shabab since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an all-out war against the militants in 2022. The airstrikes have largely targeted al-Shabab figureheads who are based in southern and central Somalia where the group still maintains a strong grip in some regions.

According to Botswana Minister for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Kabo Neal Sechele Morwaeng, government continues to provide presidential benefits to its estranged former leader.

This is contrary to recent claims by the self-exiled former leader Khama who accused the Botswana government of refusing to facilitate his retirement benefits.

Minister Morwaeng underscored that the government continues to take care of Khama, who is reportedly residing in South Africa.

“I can assure you that every time we follow our Constitution, we always do that where we need to assist,” he said.

“Our only delay is that if they write a letter on a Friday, and we have Saturday, Sunday, and we see it on Monday, to them, it’s a delay.

“We have instructed our officials to ensure that all former presidents’ benefits are facilitated without delay, including him. The law requires that we facilitate and always do,” added Minister Morwaeng.

Since 2018, the incumbent Botswana President, H.E Mogkweetsi Masisi, has been at loggerheads with his predecessor, with the government accusing Khama of trying to manipulate and influence the current administration’s direction.

Meanwhile, the disappointed Minister revealed that several ruling Botswana Democratic Party [BDP] leaders had tried to facilitate peace talks between Khama and the incumbent Mogkweetsi Masisi. However, the two leaders are still at loggerheads, with Khama accusing his successor of plotting to assassinate him.

At the start of May, Khama posted on social media that the government had “not acted” on a request to facilitate his travel to Europe for a democracy conference.

He had been invited to a Democracy Forum in Gdansk, Poland and had to confirm his attendance by May 31 2023, for the June 21 event.

“Delaying or refusing to facilitate the former President on his constitutional and retirement privileges by the government is a clear and deliberate violation of the constitution of the Republic of Botswana and deserves condemnation by all,” wrote Khama in a Facebook post on 2nd of May.
Surprisingly, last week, Khama attended the Democracy Forum funded by the same Botswana government he is accusing of failing him.

Botswana Government Communications and Information Systems’ Permanent Secretary, John Thomas Dipowe, stated that the benefits of former Presidents are covered under the green book in the Constitution of Botswana.

“He’s still entitled to all his benefits. Recently he travelled to London and Poland, and the government was paying for that trip as per the provisions of his retirement benefits.
“He still enjoys his retirement benefits. Nothing has changed about that,” Dipowe said.