Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Election Observation Mission observes peaceful, orderly and transparent election day in Bissau
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The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), led by Ambassador Issufu Baba Braimah Kamara, observed a calm, orderly and transparent voting process during the opening and closing of polling stations observed in Bissau. The Mission deployed a high-level delegation across key locations to assess procedural compliance, operational readiness, the presence of party agents and the early participation of voters. Initial findings reflected confidence in the conduct of the polls and reaffirmed ECOWAS' sustained commitment to strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity in Guinea-Bissau.
The observation process began with an internal coordination session with all observers, during which Ambassador Kamara underlined the regional mandate guiding ECOWAS observation work, emphasising impartiality, methodological precision and adherence to international standards. Senior officials presented included H.E. Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS); Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, ECOWAS Resident Representative; Ambassador Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, ECOWAS Permanent Representative; Hon. Edwin Snowe, Member of the ECOWAS Parliament; and Mr. Serigne M. Ka, Head of the Electoral Assistance Division.
On Election Day, the Head of Mission and team visited Escola Patrice Lumumba in Chão de Papel, where the Mission verified the availability of election materials, the setup of ballot boxes, the presence of party agents, and compliance with opening procedures. The environment was calm, with polling staff demonstrating professionalism and confidence.
The second stop in Praça/Bairro Setembro focused on the consistency of voter identification procedures, queue management and the early flow of voters. Party agents representing different political formations were visibly active, and cooperation between electoral officials and security personnel remained constructive and non-intrusive.
A third observation followed at Casa de Carfa M'baque in Bairro Militar, where the Mission confirmed timely opening, full availability of materials and encouraging early voter turnout. Accessibility and procedural integrity were assessed positively, with no disruptions recorded.
The delegation subsequently convened in the ECOWAS Situation Room for a strategic analytical briefing that integrated real-time updates from long- and short-term observers nationwide.
In the afternoon, the Mission returned to Escola Patrice Lumumba to observe the final stages of voting, including the conclusion of polling and the transition directly into the counting process. ECOWAS observers witnessed the opening of the ballot box for tallying, followed by the systematic sorting, verification and counting of ballots in the full presence of party agents, electoral staff and security personnel. The exercise was conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures, with each step clearly announced and visible to all accredited stakeholders. Polling officials demonstrated professionalism, composure, and strict adherence to the legal framework, contributing to an atmosphere of trust and reinforcing the credibility of the results management phase.
Across all locations observed, the Mission noted strong civic engagement by voters, disciplined conduct by polling officials and a security environment conducive to inclusive and credible participation. These observations will feed into the Mission's Preliminary Statement and reflect ECOWAS' commitment to fostering democratic consolidation and institutional stability in Guinea-Bissau.
According to data provided by the national electoral authorities, 966,152 registered voters were eligible to participate in the election. The presidential ballot featured 12 candidates, competing across 29 electoral districts and 11 regions nationwide. The ECOWAS monitoring dashboard received 43 validated opening reports and 669 voting-process updates, demonstrating extensive geographic coverage and intense observer presence across the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).Support to Senegal’s financing strategy: The Government of Senegal and the West African Development Bank (BOAD) enter into a strategic partnership for the structured...
The Government of Senegal and the West African Development Bank (BOAD) (www.BOAD.org) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a strategic partnership framework based on the country's public asset development.
This innovative mechanism is designed to strengthen Senegal's financing strategy, to consolidate its financial performance and support its development goals, while improving resource mobilization. Structured around leveraging the economic potential of the country's infrastructure, the Senegal Asset Development Fund (FOVAS) will use revenues generated from these assets to diversify funding sources and provide sustainable support to national economic growth.
Under this partnership, BOAD will provide expertise in financial structuring and act as a catalyst in attracting private investors and international development partners. This initiative will help consolidate strategic infrastructure within a dedicated vehicle in order to mobilize additional resources for the State and improve the quality of services provided to the population.
Mr. Cheikh Diba, Minister of Finance and Budget, stated: “This agreement is a major step forward for Senegal. The FOVAS, more than just a financial mechanism, reflects the State's drive to structure the economic leveraging of public assets in a bid to create greater value, increase fiscal flexibility and strengthen the financing of our development process. We are confident that BOAD's expertise will be instrumental to the success of this initiative.”
“This partnership reflects the shared commitment of BOAD and the Government of Senegal to work jointly to accelerate funding mobilization. Our role will consist of supporting the Senegalese Government to unleash the value potential of its strategic assets, thereby ensuring sustainable investments and strengthening the country's financial resilience for the benefit of regional integration” emphasized Mr. Serge Ekue, President of BOAD.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).For further information, please contact:
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About the West African Development Bank (BOAD):
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) is the common development finance institution of the member countries of the West African Monetary Union (WAMU). It is an international public institution whose purpose, as provided under Article 2 of its Articles of Association, is to promote the balanced development of its member countries and foster economic integration within West Africa by financing priority development projects. It is accredited to the three climate finance facilities (GEF, AF, GCF). Since 2009, BOAD sits as an observer at the UNFCCC and actively participates in discussions on devising an international climate finance system. Since January 2013, it has been home to the first Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC) on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), whose aim is to provide direct support to governments, NGOs and the private sector in identifying and developing CDM projects. Since 15 October 2023, the Bank has been co-chairing the International Development Finance Club (IDFC) and has been holding the club's sole presidency as of 27 February 2025. This Club brings together 27 national, regional and multilateral development banks from around the world.
About the Republic of Senegal:
Senegal, a founding member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), is located at the western end of Africa and bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. With a population of about 18 million, the country actively participates in regional integration mechanisms, notably the monetary, financial, and regulatory components. Its diversified and growing economy contributes significantly to the performance of the entire zone. Therefore, Senegal plays a key role in the implementation and strengthening of community policies.
The AFRICA24 Group offers you: International Forum of Dynamic Entrepreneurial Women (FIED)
From 25 to 30 November 2025, the AFRICA24 Group (https://Africa24TV.com) will provide exceptional coverage of the 14th edition of the International Forum for Dynamic Entrepreneurial Women (FIED), under the theme ‘The role and impact of women on industrialisation and the promotion of local products' and under the High Patronage of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of the Transition of Burkina Faso, Head of State.
This forum is a pan-African platform dedicated to the economic empowerment of women and the development of African economies.
FIED 2025: A major event in several stages:
- The Night of Merit: Rewards innovative companies and economic players who are changing Africa and the world.
- Exhibitions and stands: Presentation and marketing of products, strategic partnerships and international visibility.
- Panels and workshops: High-level debates on socio-economic themes, led by recognised experts and moderators.
About the International Forum of Dynamic Entrepreneurial Women (FIED):
The FIED is a unique African multi-sector platform created nearly 15 years ago. It promotes rural and urban female entrepreneurship, facilitates exchanges between economic actors and national/international leaders, and acts as a lever for development and economic growth for African countries. Supported by more than 30 global representations and partnerships with ministries and international institutions, FIED is based on three pillars: networking, visibility and economic impact.
The AFRICA24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households
Watch ‘FIED Special Days' live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at:
- AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle
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- On https://Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes.
AFRICA24 Group, Transforming Africa Together.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.Contact:
Communication Department
AFRICA24 Group
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About the AFRICA24 Group:
Launched in 2009, the AFRICA24 Group is the continent's leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, AFRICA24 in French and AFRICA24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. AFRICA24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with AFRICA24 Sport, Africa's leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and AFRICA24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.…
The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :
- AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia
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- AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.
The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world's first HD streaming platform in Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) ... More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.
Eritrea shines at Africa Cycling Championship
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The Eritrean National Cycling Team that participated in the Africa Cycling Championship 2025, held in Kenya from 20 to 23 November, clinched a total of 10 medals in both genders, including 3 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze.
At the final road race conducted on 23 November, Olympian Merhawi Kudus in the elite group, Awet Aman in the under-23 category, and Natan Medhanie in the junior category shined in their respective categories by winning gold medals.
Likewise, Nahom Efrem won a silver medal in the junior category, while Mewael Germay secured a silver medal in the under-23 category.
In the women's category, Adiam Tesfu won a silver medal in the junior time trial, Monaliza Araya won a bronze medal in the under-23 category, Suzana Fesehaye secured a bronze medal in the under-23 category, and Birikti Fesehaye won a silver medal in the road race.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.Press Release – United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) calls for an immediate end to fighting in Eastern Equatoria
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The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities following reports of renewed fighting and rising tensions in Eastern Equatoria state.
These incidents follow recent intercommunal violence, cattle raids and reported aerial bombardment in Ulang and Baliet counties, Upper Nile state, which have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries and displacement.
UNMISS reminds all parties that such violence directly contravenes commitments under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“These escalations must stop immediately,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS. “We call on all parties to pull back, engage in dialogue and allow humanitarian partners unhindered access to those in need.”
“Furthermore, host authorities must uphold their responsibility to prevent conflict, protect civilians and respond to community needs, especially at a time when UNMISS has been required to close its field office in Torit due to the UN-wide financial crisis,” she added.
For its part, the Mission has strengthened patrols in and around hotspots, and continues to work with all stakeholders, including authorities and communities, to deter further harm.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).