Seychelles represented at the 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union
The 47th Ordinary Session was conducted under the theme: ' Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through reparations '. It adopted the African Union Commission budget for 2026, assessed the implementation of the Agenda 2063, considered the roadmap on the theme of the year 2026, and endorsed decisions on critical issues affecting the African Continent.
During the discussions on the roadmap of the theme for the year 2026: ' Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063 ', Ambassador Pillay recognised the inseparable linkage between water and other factors such as health, agriculture, and climate resilience. He further underscored that 'Seychelles, as a Small Island Developing State, will always be a strong advocate for environment sustainability and climate change, due to its vulnerabilities mainly from the devasting effects of climate change'.
The Ordinary Session further witnessed the election of Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona from Burundi as the new African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) and Mrs Francisca Tatchouop Belobe from Equatorial Guinea as the new Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM). This completes the election and appointment process of the Senior Leadership of the African Union Commission, a process which started in February 2025.
Ambassador Pillay was accompanied by Mrs Patricia Ilunga, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Seychelles in Addis Ababa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Improving climate governance in West Africa: Three calls for inclusive climate action in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal
Climate change is a growing threat across Africa, with West Africa feeling its effects especially intensely. According to the ND-GAIN index, Burkina Faso (162nd out of 182), Senegal (144th), and Côte d'Ivoire (134th) rank among the most vulnerable countries. They face a dangerous mix of low capacity to adapt and high exposure to climate hazards. This vulnerability shows up in more extreme weather, worsening food insecurity, and growing precarity—particularly harming women and young people. To tackle this urgent challenge, the Union of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions of Africa (UCESA), supported by the African Development Bank, has developed three national advocacy papers. These papers promote participatory climate governance that reflects citizens' real needs. They also aim to strengthen the role of Economic and Social Councils in shaping national climate policies. 'These advocacy plans put citizens back at the centre of climate action,' said Arona Soumare, Principal Climate Change and Green Growth Officer at the African Development Bank. 'By giving them full backing, the African Development Bank is reiterating its commitment to inclusive, equitable climate governance rooted in local realities. These initiatives lay the foundations for sustainable and resilient development in Africa.' According to Abdelkader Amara, current head of UCESA and President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) of Morocco, 'UCESA is aware of these challenges and consequently intends to promote and support actions taken by African Economic and Social Councils and similar institutions that help to integrate sustainability and resilience into the frameworks for defining, implementing, and evaluating relevant institutional and policy mechanisms.' Burkina Faso: Building resilience in a Sahelian setting Located in the middle of the Sahel belt, Burkina Faso is one of the countries that is most vulnerable to climate change. This fragility is exacerbated by a limited ability to adapt, which is particularly pronounced among women and young people. The advocacy effort developed by the Economic and Social Council of Burkina Faso, aided by technical support from UCESA, reflects citizens' perceptions of the real effects of climate change. It proposes responses rooted in local realities, with a view to steering public policies towards a more inclusive, participatory and community resilience-oriented approach. Côte d'Ivoire: Towards citizen-centred climate governance Côte d'Ivoire lies in a region highly vulnerable to climate shocks. This vulnerability is compounded by the limited involvement of women, especially in rural areas, and the still marginal role of civil society. The national advocacy paper, developed through extensive consultation, captures citizens' expectations and offers clear recommendations for more equitable climate governance. It underscores the importance of fully including people's voices in decision-making processes—an essential element for effective climate action. Senegal: Citizen participation and climate resilience Senegal, a country in the Sahel-Sudan region, is already bearing the brunt of climate change. The national advocacy campaign draws on a citizen perception survey to inform a participatory discussion on future policy directions. Led by Senegal's Economic, Social and Environmental Council, in partnership with UCESA and the African Development Bank, the resulting document calls for a unified effort from civil society, researchers, NGOs, and policymakers to create climate strategies that are inclusive, locally grounded, and capable of sustainably strengthening national resilience. A regional dynamic These three advocacy papers are part of a regional dynamic propelled by UCESA, with the support of the African Development Bank. They demonstrate a shared commitment to rooting climate action in citizen participation, stakeholder synergy, and regional solidarity. Through this initiative, the Economic and Social Councils are re-asserting their role as a strategic interface between civil society and public authorities in responding to the continent's climate challenges. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Zawya
8 hours ago
- Zawya
Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) Announces 20th Plenary Assembly in Rwanda
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( is pleased to announce its 20th Plenary Assembly, scheduled to take place from 30 July to 4 August 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.' This Assembly, coinciding with the Jubilee Year, offers a moment of deep ecclesial grace to evaluate the life and mission of the Church in Africa and to set forth a visionary roadmap for the next 25 years (2025–2050). A Continental Ecclesial Milestone The Plenary Assembly of SECAM is the most important gathering of the Catholic Church in Africa and its Islands. Held every three years, it brings together a significant number of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the continent and beyond. This 20th edition is expected to host approximately 250 participants from all 54 African countries and its islands, along with invited dignitaries and Church partners from other continents, making it a truly continental and global ecclesial event. It will serve as a privileged moment of reflection, communion, and decision-making for the life and mission of the Church in Africa. The Assembly will be presided over by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM. Building on the mandate of the 19th Plenary Assembly in Accra (July 2022), the Kigali Assembly will evaluate progress in strengthening synodality, institutional autonomy, theological foundations, and regional collaboration across the Church in Africa. Advancing a Shared Vision Since 2022, SECAM has worked through its Standing Committee and Secretariat to promote greater communion and mission through: Advancing synodality and participation at all levels; Strengthening institutional and financial self-reliance; Enhancing theological reflection and pastoral care; Fostering intercontinental and ecumenical partnerships; Raising Africa's voice on global issues such as climate change, justice, and peace. Addressing Pastoral and Cultural Realities One major issue under review will be the pastoral accompaniment of Catholics in polygamous unions, a complex cultural reality in African societies and beyond. SECAM has engaged theologians across the continent to explore this topic theologically and pastorally. The Assembly will also feature key presentations, including: A theological reflection on the theme: 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace' A draft document entitled: 'The Vision of the Church–Family of God in Africa and its Islands: 2025–2050' A pastoral document on 'Accompaniment of Persons in Polygamous Situations' These will be complemented by plenary discussions, working groups, liturgical celebrations, departmental reports, and a concluding message to the Church and society. The Twelve Pillars of the Church's Future Earlier this year, in preparation for the Assembly, SECAM held a high-level seminar in Accra (April 2025) to develop a long-term vision for the African Church. Discussions centered around twelve key pillars: Evangelization (Catholic education and theological formation) A self-reliant Church; Family-based models of leadership; Missionary discipleship and synodality; Care for creation; Youth engagement and ecclesial renewal; Justice, peace, and integral human development; Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue; Digital evangelization; Health and well-being of God's people; Liturgical life in African contexts; Church and political engagement. This strategic vision document will be presented for discussion and possible adoption by the bishops at the Kigali Assembly. Engaging Africa's Socio-Political Challenges In keeping with its prophetic mission, SECAM will also assess current political and social dynamics across the regions of Africa, with a focus on: Governance and public leadership; Human rights and social justice; Poverty and debt; Climate and environmental stewardship; Dialogue, peacebuilding, and interreligious relations; Safeguarding and youth protection. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Júnior Secretary General, SECAM Accra, Ghana About SECAM: Founded in 1969 during Pope St. Paul VI's historic visit to Africa, SECAM is the continental structure of the Catholic Church in Africa and Madagascar. Its mission is to foster communion, promote evangelization, and be the moral and spiritual voice of the Church across the continent. Its key departments include: Commission for Evangelization; Justice, Peace and Development Commission (JPDC); Department of Social Communication. In addition, SECAM operates a Liaison Office to the African Union based in Addis Ababa to ensure Church participation in continental policymaking and advocacy. SECAM is composed of eight regional episcopal bodies:

Zawya
9 hours ago
- Zawya
President Ramaphosa appoints acting Minister of Police
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, as Acting Minister of Police with immediate effect. Minister Mantashe will serve in this capacity until Prof Firoz Cachalia, who will retire from his position at the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of this month, assumes his position at the start of August. Minister Mantashe will retain his responsibilities as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.