- The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the progress achieved in Madagascar towards the establishment of a Government of National Unity.
In a statement today, Ban Ki-moon urged the Malagasy leaders to quickly conclude the negotiations for the appointment of members of the transitional government and make the necessary concessions to ensure that the transitional process runs smoothly.
The statement reaffirmed that the United Nations will remain engaged in the mediation process through the Joint Mediation Team on Madagascar, chaired by former President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano. It is committed to support the full implementation of the Maputo agreements and a rapid return to constitutional order through credible elections, Mr Ban said.
President Marc Ravalomanana resigned in early March amid a dispute with Andry Rajoelina, mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, who now leads the country.
Yesterday in Antananarivo, the UN Special Envoy Tiébilé Dramé read a communiqué from the International Contact Group on Madagascar supporting the government’s request that sanctions imposed on the country be lifted.
The communiqué also endorsed Madagascar’s request for international financial aid, backing for the political transition, including preparations for agreed-upon elections, and support for development and other aid projects.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español