The Association for the Promotion of Friendship between Seychelles and China was launched on Monday evening Victoria with the aim of strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Seychelles' former Vice President Vincent Meriton is the chairman of the association, which was launched in an event at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Victoria, the capital. Meriton said the new association will be a way for any Seychellois who has studied in China, visited the country, or is trading with it, to continuously network. In his address at the launch, Meriton explained that the association will «place emphasis on resource mobilisation, enabling us to carry out meaningful projects and initiatives that will benefit our communities.» He added that the association aims to further consolidate the bond between the two countries on a «people to people level, promoting intercultural understanding through exchanges and partnerships.» The new association will also serve to fulfil the role of having agreements with organisations that share its objectives of friendship and collaboration. The association's logo was also revealed at the launching ceremony. Present at the ceremony was the Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress, Cai Dafeng, and his delegation who are currently on a working visit to the archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. On Tuesday, Dafeng met with Seychelles' Vice President Ahmed Afif at the State House. He also met with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Roger Mancienne.   Dafeng met with Seychelles' Vice President Ahmed Afif at the State House. (Foreign Affairs Department) Photo License: CC-BY  Seychelles and China established bilateral relations in 1976, although the first Chinese nationals landed on the archipelago's shores in 1863. China has contributed significantly to the development of Seychelles and helped with infrastructure projects, such as the National Assembly building, the Palais de Justice, and the ongoing project of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) House.

The  Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA) has launched two new initiatives to preserve and promote the island nation's rich cultural heritage. The Seychelles Cultural Encounters platform https://www.seychellesculturalencounters.com/ and the Bal Lasemenn (the Ball of the Week) were launched on May 29 at the Vye Marmit Restaurant, Domaine de Val des Pres, in the eastern Mahe district of Au Cap. In her address at the launching, Cecile Kalebi, the permanent secretary for culture, said, «As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, it is essential to reflect on the profound importance of cultural tourism and the role it plays in preserving our heritage.» Kalebi said cultural tourism is not just about showcasing Seychelles' beautiful landscapes and pristine beaches but also about sharing the soul of the island nation and these include the stories, traditions and customs that define the Seychellois people. The newly launched Seychelles Cultural Encounters platform is designed to be a dynamic space where the island nation's vibrant culture can be experienced, celebrated, and understood by both locals and visitors. «Through this platform, we aim to provide immersive cultural experiences that highlight the uniqueness of our Creole heritage, from our traditional music and dance to visits to museums and heritage sites, our culinary delights and artisanal art and crafts,» said the principal secretary. She added that cultural encounters are vital for fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse peoples and «they allow us to appreciate the richness of our heritage and the creativity of our ancestors.» Also launched on Wednesday was the Bal Lasemenn, a cultural event to encourage and promote the appreciation of Seychelles' traditional dances. (SNICHA) Photo License: All Rights Reserved  Kalebi said that «for visitors, these encounters offer a deeper connection to the places they visit instead of just seeing the beauty of our islands, they get to feel the heartbeat of our nation. They learn about our history, participate in our festivals, and engage with our communities, creating memories that last a lifetime.» The launch of the platform aligns with the SNICHA's mandate, the Seychelles National Development Strategy 2024-2028, and Sustainable Development Goalss Goals 8 to 12. It supports these strategies and goals by promoting cultural tourism, which boosts local economies, creates jobs, and preserves our natural and cultural resources. This platform will offer cultural experiences and events designed to increase awareness and appreciation of our cultural assets among Seychellois of all ages. Also launched on Wednesday was the Bal Lasemenn, a cultural event to encourage and promote the appreciation of Seychelles' traditional dances among the local community and foreign visitors. The event will be organised every last Wednesday of each month at a fee of SCR250 ($18) per person for an immersive experience of Seychellois traditional dances, like the moutya and the sega. 

Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan highlighted the various challenges affecting the African continent and stressed how these can only be addressed through collective collaboration and strategic partnerships in his address at the Korea-Africa Summit. Ramkalawan is currently leading the Seychelles delegation at the Korea-Africa Summit taking place from June 4 to 5.   According to State House, Ramkalawan said, «In addressing the complex challenges of our times, such as climate crisis, transnational crime, and conflicts, it is evident that no single nation can address these issues in isolation.» He said that the theme of our Summit, «The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity» resonates deeply with the vision outlined in Agenda 2063 for Seychelles and the entire African continent. It also emphasises the urgent need for collective action to foster mutual economic growth and realise shared aspirations as equal partners. «The potential for a transformative partnership between Africa and Korea is palpable, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. By leveraging our respective strengths and synergies, we have the opportunity to catalyse positive change not only within our regions but also on a global scale,» Ramkalawan stressed. He also emphasised the critical importance of the combined partnership for growth potentials that exist through the Korea-African enhanced relations. A group photo of the participants at the Korea-Africa Summit. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY  «Central to our discussions lies the imperative of inclusive growth. Korea's technological prowess, coupled with Africa's youthful demographic and abundant natural resources, presents a fertile ground for collaboration across various sectors. It is essential that our cooperation benefits all segments of society, empowering our youth through quality education and embracing sustainable economic models,» said Seychelles' President. He added that the robust economy of Korea and Africa's progress in economic integration, exemplified by initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), serve as cornerstones for fostering economic growth, enhancing trade, and increasing investment opportunities for both regions. Ramkalawan also took the opportunity to stress the important role of African small island nations and the cooperation possibilities African Small Island Developing States (Africa SIDS) have to offer. He also highlighted Seychelles' strong commitment to enhancing relations in various domains with South Korea. Ramkalawan said Africa also comprises of small African Island Developing States and Seychelles, with its strategic location and conducive business environment, is eager to enhance economic ties with Korea. «As fervent advocates for sustainability, Seychelles is committed to deepening cooperation with Korea in areas such as climate change adaptation, environmental protection, and the Blue Economy. Investing in sustainable infrastructure projects will not only bolster Africa's economic stability but also enhance resilience, fortifying the Korea-Africa partnership for the long term. Sustainability, I should emphasise, is not merely a goal but a moral obligation that underpins our collective future,» he added. 

Congratulations poured in from around the world Monday after Claudia Sheinbaum was elected Mexico's first woman president, sparking hope for change in a country where gender-based violence has long been rife. Flag-waving supporters sang and danced to mariachi music late into the night after the former Mexico City mayor won Sunday's election by a landslide, the magnitude of which spooked financial markets. Addressing cheering crowds, the 61-year-old ruling party candidate thanked the «millions of Mexican women and men who decided to vote for us on this historic day.» Maria Fernanda Vela, 27, said it was «an inspiration that in such a male chauvinist country, a woman has taken the top job. It fills your heart with pride.» US President Joe Biden welcomed Sheinbaum's «historic election» and said he looked forward to working with her «in the spirit of partnership and friendship.» Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, another key North American ally, also offered congratulations and said he was ready to work closely with Sheinbaum to further strengthen relations. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a fellow leftist, hailed a «victory for democracy» and vowed to deepen economic ties between Latin America's two biggest economies. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky were among other leaders offering congratulations. - Opposition complains - Sheinbaum, a scientist by training, won around 59 percent of votes with more than 93 percent of ballots counted, according to the National Electoral Institute. That was more than 30 percentage points ahead of her main opposition rival Xochitl Galvez, and nearly 50 percentage points ahead of the only man who ran, centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez. Galvez, who conceded defeat after initial results were announced, complained Monday that the opposition had faced «unequal competition against the entire state apparatus dedicated to favoring its candidate.» She expressed confidence in the official results but vowed to challenge the outcome, without specifying how, declaring: «This doesn't end here.» Mexican women cheered the breaking of the highest political glass ceiling in a nation where around 10 women or girls are murdered every day. «Our society is violent, sexist, misogynistic -- and Dr Sheinbaum as president will really be able to help change not only the laws but society,» said Lol-Kin Castaneda, 48, who waited late into the night to hear the winner speak. Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people. Sheinbaum owes much of her popularity to outgoing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a fellow leftist and mentor who has an approval rating of more than 60 percent but is only allowed to serve one term. Lopez Obrador, who will hand over the presidency in October, hailed his protege's victory as a «historic event.» - Election violence - But this year's election season was particularly violent, with more than two dozen aspiring local politicians murdered. The bloodshed continued after polls closed, with a local mayoral candidate killed in the country's south late Sunday, authorities said. More than 450,000 people have been murdered and tens of thousands have gone missing since the government deployed the army to fight drug trafficking in 2006. Sheinbaum will also have to manage delicate relations with the neighboring United States, in particular trade and the vexed issues of cross-border drug smuggling and migration. Financial markets reacted nervously to the size of Sheinbaum's win and the potential for a supermajority for her ruling Morena party in Congress that would make radical reforms easier. «Morena's landslide victory means fewer checks and balances, increasing institutional and regulatory risks,» said Arantza Alonso, an analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. The Mexican stock market closed down around six percent Monday, while the peso fell sharply against the dollar, giving back some of the gains that in recent years saw it nicknamed the «super peso.» Investors were worried the new administration would change the constitution and also undermine the central bank's autonomy, said Gabriela Siller, head of economic analysis at the financial group BASE. In an apparent attempt to calm the jitters, Sheinbaum announced that Finance Minister Rogelio Ramirez de la O had agreed to stay on in the key position to ensure «good financial and economic management.» «We're going to act with dialogue, harmony and great responsibility,» she said in a video published on social media. © Agence France-Presse

The United States on Monday announced a draft Security Council resolution supporting the Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan outlined by Joe Biden last week, urging Hamas to accept it. «Numerous leaders and governments, including in the region, have endorsed this plan,» said US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The draft text, seen by AFP, «welcomes the new deal announced on May 31, and calls upon Hamas to accept it fully and implement its terms without delay and without condition.» Biden outlined on Friday what he called an Israeli plan that in three phases would end the bloody conflict, free all hostages and lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power. However fissures between the two allies emerged when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stressed that the ongoing war in Gaza would continue until all of Israel's «goals are achieved,» including the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities. Israeli media have questioned to what extent Biden's ceasefire speech and some crucial details were coordinated with Netanyahu's team, including how long any truce would hold and how many captives would be freed and when. Earlier Monday, the White House said Biden told the emir of mediator Qatar that he saw Hamas as «the only obstacle to a complete ceasefire» in Gaza, and urged him to press the group to accept it. Hamas last week said it viewed Biden's outline «positively,» but has since made no official comment on the stalled negotiations, while mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States have not announced any new talks. Before Biden had made his Friday announcement, Algeria had last week circulated a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and a halt of the Israeli offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, citing the recent order to that effect from the International Court of Justice. Washington at the time had said that the text wouldn't be helpful, saying instead direct, on-the-ground negotiations were necessary for a truce. No vote is scheduled for either draft resolution. The council has struggled to find a unified voice since the war broke out with the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, followed by Israel's retaliatory campaign. After passing two resolutions centered on the need for humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, in March the council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire -- an appeal that had been blocked several times before by the United States. Washington, increasingly frustrated with the mounting civilian death toll, finally allowed that resolution to pass by abstaining from voting. © Agence France-Presse

The return of the cooling La Nina weather phenomenon this year should help lower temperatures somewhat after months of global heat records, the United Nations' weather agency said Monday. The impact is likely to be felt in the next few months because the warming El Nino weather pattern -- which has helped fuel a spike in global temperatures and extreme weather around the world since mid-2023 -- «is showing signs of ending», the UN's World Meteorological Organization said in its latest update. The WMO warned, however, that global temperatures would continue to rise in the long term due to human-induced climate change, which continues to make extreme weather worse and upend seasonal rainfall and temperature patterns. La Nina refers to the cooling of the ocean surface temperatures in large swathes of the tropical Pacific Ocean, coupled with winds, rains and changes in atmospheric pressure. In many locations, especially in the tropics, La Nina produces the opposite climate impacts to El Nino, which heats up the surface of the oceans, leading to drought in some parts of the world and triggering heavy downpours elsewhere. The WMO said there was a «60 percent» chance of La Nina conditions in the period from July to September and a «70 percent» likelihood during August-November. The chances of El Nino redeveloping are negligible, it added. Every month since June 2023, when El Nino returned, has set a new high temperature record, and 2023 was by far the warmest year on record globally. The WMO said the planet would continue to heat up overall from the use of fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gases. - Man-made global heating - «The end of El Nino does not mean a pause in long-term climate change, as our planet will continue to warm due to heat-trapping greenhouse gases,» WMO deputy secretary general Ko Barrett stressed. «Exceptionally high sea surface temperatures will continue to play an important role during next months.» Much of the planet's excess heat from climate change is stored in the oceans. In the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has already factored the expected La Nina into its forecasts for this year's Atlantic hurricane season. The NOAA said it expected four to seven major hurricanes in the Atlantic between June and November. «The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear,» the NOAA said on May 23. The WMO noted that the past nine years had been the warmest on record, even with the cooling influence of a La Nina event that lasted from 2020 to early 2023. The latest El Nino, which peaked in December, was one of the five strongest on record. «Our weather will continue to be more extreme because of the extra heat and moisture in our atmosphere,» Barrett said. The WMO has made it a priority to ensure that all regions of the world are covered by early warning systems by 2027, particularly the least well-equipped, such as Africa. «Seasonal forecasts for El Nino and La Nina, and the anticipated impacts on the climate patterns globally, are an important tool to inform early warnings and early action,» Barrett said. © Agence France-Presse  

Licensed tourism establishment operators on La Digue, Seychelles' third most populated island, who have additional unlicensed rooms  are being asked to apply for a change of use permit to the Tourism Department. The announcement was made on Monday by the principal secretary for tourism, Sherin Francis, during a press conference. Francis said this exercise will start on June 4 and end on July 4.  «According to our data, there are 764 licensed rooms on La Digue, but there could be unlicensed operational rooms,» explained Francis. She said that these unlicensed rooms may have skewed the results of the carrying capacity study done in 2021. The carrying capacity survey on La Digue was done from 2019 to 2021 to establish the current tourism development status concerning a number of key indicators such as the economy, the environment, social welfare, and productive infrastructure. Among the recommendations of the survey is that a moratorium be put in place for new establishments which was extended to December 2023. However, the Tourism Department has noticed that there are people who are illegally renting rooms that are meant for residential purposes. After presenting a proposed strategic accommodation establishment development plan for La Digue to the Cabinet of Ministers, the Tourism Department was instructed to ascertain the total number of rooms on La Digue, so that a phased review of the moratorium can be conducted. At the moment, there are 128 licensed tourism establishments on La Digue, with 764 rooms. «We are doing this exercise to find how many operational there are on La Digue. These rooms have already been built and so they are impacting on all the infrastructures on the island, such as electricity, water, sewage and waste management,» added Francis. The operators of these establishments will be given until July 4, to come forward and apply for the change of use for these unlicensed rooms. They must do so by submitting their applications to the Seychelles Planning Authority. To be considered, operators must include a copy of the current tourism accommodation licence, while also ensuring compliance with all existing minimum requirements stipulated in the Tourism Development regulations. They must also comply with other requirements set by other regulatory bodies such as health and fire departments. Francis added that having the correct data is very important, especially for policy planning purposes. She said it is in the best interest of those involved to come forward during this exercise and added that there will be no penalties to anyone who does come forward to make the change. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China on Sunday of working hard to stop countries from going to a peace summit, which Beijing has publicly criticised because Russia is not invited. Zelensky made the remarks at a security forum in Singapore as he sought to rally support for the conference and appealed for more military aid for Ukraine, which has been ceding ground to Russian troops. «China, unfortunately, is working hard today to prevent countries from coming to the peace summit,» Zelensky told reporters on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, which draws defence officials from around the world. Beijing believes the conference «should have the recognition of Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all peace plans», foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news conference on Friday. «Otherwise, it is difficult for the conference to play a substantive role in restoring peace,» she said. Zelensky also expressed disappointment that «some world leaders» had not signed up to the conference, with China signalling Xi Jinping will not attend while US President Joe Biden is yet to commit. China said it would be «difficult» for it to attend if Russia did not participate, which Ukraine has rejected. Through the peace summit, Kyiv hopes to win broad international backing for its vision of the terms needed to end Russia's war. Zelensky said on Sunday that more than 100 countries and organisations had signed up to the conference, and he urged Asia-Pacific nations to join. The peace summit threatens to be overshadowed if key Ukraine backer Biden -- who is locked in an election campaign against Donald Trump and has given no sign he would participate -- ultimately stays away. Zelensky said China was «a tool in Putin's hands» and accused Russia of using Chinese influence and diplomats to do «everything to disrupt the peace summit.» While China says it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow for its offensive. - 'Unwavering US support' - Zelensky also met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday on the sidelines of the Singapore security forum. Zelensky told reporters they had a «very good» meeting. In a post on X, Zelensky said the pair discussed «the defense needs of our country, bolstering Ukraine's air defense system, the F-16 coalition, and drafting of a bilateral security agreement.» In a readout of the talks, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said Austin reiterated «unwavering US support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression». Austin also «reaffirmed the US commitment to maintaining the strong support of a coalition of over fifty countries to help Ukraine defend its freedom,» Ryder said. The meeting came after Washington decided to partially lift restrictions on using US-provided weapons to strike inside Russia, which Zelensky has hailed as a «step forward». Zelensky and Austin last met face-to-face in December in Washington, where Zelensky made a last-ditch plea for US aid before it ran out. The US Congress approved in April a $61-billion aid package for Ukraine following months of political wrangling, unlocking much-needed arms for the country's outgunned troops. Chinese defence spokesman Wu Qian told AFP he was not aware of any plans for Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun to meet with Zelensky in Singapore. Ukraine is struggling to hold back a Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv region, where Moscow recently made its largest territorial gains in 18 months. Zelensky has been touring European nations in recent days seeking more military aid for Ukrainian troops, and warning partners of the risks if they show any signs of fatigue over the war. «It is very important for Ukrainians that the world does not get tired... that the world understands that it cannot get tired of the war launched by the aggressor,» Zelensky said in Portugal on Tuesday. © Agence France-Presse

The main opposition party, United Seychelles, officially nominated Dr Patrick Herminie as its candidate for the 2025 presidential election at its 37th congress on Sunday. He becomes the first candidate announced to enter the race for the presidential election due to be held on September 27, 2025, in Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. Herminie, the president of the United Seychelles party, says he is confident of winning the presidential election, thanks to the work his party has done since he took over the party's leadership. «We are working very hard and today I am very satisfied with the results that we obtained by going in front of the people, in Anse aux Pins, it was a huge success thanks to the work that we have done over the last three years,» he said. Herminie's nomination as a presidential candidate comes as part of the activities marking the party's 60th anniversary. The party, then called the (SPUP) , was set up on June 2, 1964, by the late President France Albert Rene.   United Seychelles held its 37th Congress on Sunday.  (Rassin Vannier, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY  After 43 years in power under various names, the United Seychelles party lost the presidential election for the first time in October 2020 and became the main opposition party. «We need to review where we were and analyse where we want to go. Our principles based on social justice remain relevant, even 60 years later. We have also made mistakes, and we must learn from them to create a better Seychelles,» said Herminie. He also criticised the policies of the current President Wavel Ramkalawan's government. «It is clear to me that the new political reality is a threat to our gains. The 13th month salary has been abolished, the seniority bonus has been abolished, even the bonuses for students returning from university have been cut, the price of public transport has increased, social assistance has been cut, but on the other hand taxes for the richest have been reduced,» said Herminie. Herminie referred to the previous 13th month salary system that was introduced as an automatic measure in government, which has been changed to a 13th month salary with a performance-based review, where underperforming employees do not get the full amount of their wage, and those who perform well do. For the moment, the party has not yet named Herminie's running mate, nor the members who will be standing for election to the National Assembly.

Le parti United Seychelles a officiellement désigné, dimanche, le Dr Patrick Herminie comme candidat à l’élection présidentielle de 2025, lors du 37e congrès. Il devient le premier candidat à se lancer dans la course à l’élection présidentielle qui devrait se tenir le 27 septembre 2025 dans l’archipel. Le Dr Herminie qui est le président du parti United Seychelles se dit confiant de remporter l’élection présidentielle, grâce au travail que son parti a effectué depuis qu’il a pris la direction du parti. « Nous sommes en train de travailler très dure et aujourd’hui je suis très satisfait avec les résultats que nous obtenons en passant devant chez les gens, à Anse aux Pins, il s’agissait d’un énorme succès qui s’est traduit grâce au travail que nous avons effectué durant ces 3 dernières années » a dit le Dr Herminie.  La nomination du Dr Herminie, comme candidat à l’élection présidentielle a lieu dans le cadre des activités marquant le 60e anniversaire du parti. United Seychelles a tenu son 37e congrès dimanche.  (Rassin Vannier, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY                       En 2020, pour la première fois le parti United Seychelles a perdu l’élection présidentielle, et s’est retrouvé dans l’opposition. « Nous devons revoir ou nous étions et analyser ou l’on veut aller, nos principes basés sur la justice sociale reste d’actualité, même soixante ans plus tard. Nous avons également commis des erreurs, et   nous devons en tirer les leçons pour créer des Seychelles meilleures » a dit Herminie. Il a également critiqué la politique du gouvernement du président Wavel Ramkalawan .  « Il est claire pour moi que la nouvelle réalité politique, est une menace pour nous nos acquis. Le 13e mois a été supprimé, la prime d’ancienneté a été aboli, même les primes pour les étudiants revenant de l’université ont été coupées, le prix des transports en commun a augmenté, les aides sociales ont été coupees, mais par contre les taxes pour les plus riches ont été réduits » a dit Herminie. Pour l’instant le parti n’a pas encore désigné le colistier du Dr Herminie, ni les membres qui seront candidats aux postes de député a l’Assemblée nationale.

A top opponent of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed Sunday to keep fighting «dictatorship» before he returned to jail Sunday, following elections widely expected to produce another landslide victory for the Hindu-nationalist leader. Arvind Kejriwal is among several opposition leaders under criminal investigation, with colleagues describing his arrest the month before the general elections began in April as a «political conspiracy» orchestrated by Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The chief minister of the capital Delhi and a key leader in an alliance formed to compete against Modi, Kejriwal was detained in March over a long-running corruption probe. He was later released and allowed to campaign but ordered to return to jail once voting ended. «When power becomes dictatorship, then jail becomes a responsibility,» said Kejriwal, who promised to continue «fighting» from behind bars. «I don't know when I will return,» he told supporters in an emotional departure speech at his Aam Aadmi party headquarters. «I don't know what they will do to me... every drop of my blood is for the country.» Kejriwal later returned to jail, his party spokesman told AFP. - 'Take care of yourselves' - Exit polls showed Modi was well on track to triumph, with the premier saying he was confident that «the people of India have voted in record numbers» to re-elect his government. Results are expected Tuesday but supporters of Modi in his constituency of Varanasi -- the spiritual capital of the Hindu faith -- said they believed their leader's win was secure. «His government is coming back,» said Nand Lal, selling flowers outside a temple. Voting in the seventh and final staggered round of the six-week poll ended on Saturday, held in brutally hot conditions across swaths of the country. At least 33 polling staff died from heatstroke in Uttar Pradesh state alone, where temperatures hit 46.9 degrees Celsius (116.4 degrees Fahrenheit), election officials said. India's top court granted Kejriwal bail last month, giving a fleeting boost to the opposition's quixotic campaign to oust Modi, but ordered him to return to custody after the election. Kejriwal, 55, has been chief minister for nearly a decade and first came to office as a staunch anti-corruption crusader. His government was accused of corruption when it implemented a policy to liberalise the sale of liquor in 2021 and give up a lucrative government stake in the sector. The policy was withdrawn the following year but the resulting probe into the alleged corrupt allocation of licences has since led to the jailing of two top Kejriwal allies. «All of you, take care of yourselves,» Kejriwal, who has consistently denied wrongdoing and refused to relinquish his post, said earlier on social media. «I will take care of you all in jail.» - 'Target political opponents' - Modi's political opponents and international rights groups have long sounded the alarm about threats to India's democracy. US think tank Freedom House said this year the BJP had «increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents». Rahul Gandhi, the most prominent member of the opposition Congress party and scion of a dynasty that dominated Indian politics for decades, was convicted of criminal libel last year after a complaint by a member of Modi's party. His two-year prison sentence saw him disqualified from parliament until the verdict was suspended by a higher court and raised concerns over democratic norms in the world's most populous country. Hemant Soren, the former chief minister of the eastern state of Jharkhand, was also arrested in February in a separate corruption probe. Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi and Soren are all members of an opposition alliance composed of more than two dozen parties, but the bloc struggled to make inroads against Modi. © Agence France-Presse

Chilli, particularly the varieties of bird's eye chilli and goat chilli, is considered an integral part of the local Seychellois Creole cuisine and a young Seychellois couple, Kevin Kumar and Elna Etienne-Kumar, has created a brand centered on chilli. The brand called 'The Goat' uses locally sourced goat chilli known in Creole as «piman kabri» to make chilli chutney. Kumar told SNA, «The recipe behind The Goat's chilli chutney is a labour of love. Perfected over the years, it's more than just crushed chilli but a flavour enhancer that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether with grilled fish, curries, 'bouyon bred', pasta, and even a surprising twist with bread, our chutney elevates every meal and is surely a versatile companion.» He added that the recipe was developed over time, through family lunches and getting feedback from family and friends and committed to supporting local agriculture and sustainable practices.  Kumar emphasised the importance of sourcing from local farmers and using reusable glass jars. «We believe in the importance of reviving the agricultural sector, celebrating the rich bounty of our islands. By sourcing our ingredients locally and partnering with Seychellois farmers, we're contributing to a sustainable, thriving agricultural community. Each jar of The Goat's chilli chutney is a testament to our commitment to preserving and celebrating Seychellois produce,» he said. The brand called 'The Goat' uses locally sourced goat chilli known in Creole as «piman kabri» to make chilli chutney. (Elna Etienne-Kumar) Photo License: All Rights Reserved  The couple has had a successful launch and his wife said that they have received positive reviews from customers, describing the responses as overwhelming, but in a good way. «Food enthusiasts have embraced The Goat's chilli chutney with open arms. People are not just enjoying our chutney, they're embracing it as an essential culinary companion. We've received positive feedback from locals and beyond. What is even more exciting is hearing from those who typically shy away from spicy condiments. We've had sceptics-turned-fans reach out after trying our chutney, amazed by its balanced flavours,» she said. The husband, who is behind the recipe, said they specially crafted their chilli chutney to suit the taste of people who may not have an affinity for spicy food. «What sets The Goat's chilli chutney apart is its harmonious blend of flavours and the fact that just like wine, each jar gets better with time. While it carries a satisfying kick from the Goat chilli peppers, our chutney isn't solely about heat and spiciness. We've carefully balanced the ingredients to highlight a spectrum of tastes - sweet, savoury, tangy, and of course, a subtle kick of spice. It's a product made with everyone in mind, designed to enhance dishes and delight taste buds regardless of spice tolerance,» he explained. Although they produce mainly locally at the moment, their vision is to eventually expand to a global market in the future. «We aim to see The Goat's products on international shelves, particularly in communities with Seychellois connections like France and the UK. Already, we're delighted to know that our chutney has travelled to homes across continents, bringing a taste of our island to friends and families abroad. To our knowledge, friends and families in the UK, France, Italy, Australia, and Kenya have tried our chutney. We hope that this list gets longer with time,» said Kumar. The Goat's chilli chutney is being sold in several local shops including ISPC Bois de Rose Avenue, SPAR Eden Island, Blue Ocean Traders Providence and Kot Fanmiy shop La Retraite on Mahe, the main island. It will also be made available on La Digue, the third most populated island at the La Digue Supermarket.

South Africa's ruling ANC awaited the imminent confirmation on Saturday that it had lost its three-decade-old absolute majority and would have to find allies if it is to remain in power. With more than 98 percent of the votes from Wednesday's election counted, President Cyril Ramaphosa's African National Congress had only 40.15 percent support, a catastrophic slump from the 57.5 it won in 2019. This marks an historic turning point for South Africa as the party has enjoyed an absolute majority since 1994, when liberation leader Nelson Mandela led the nation out of white-minority rule and into democracy. «We have been talking with everybody even before the election,» ANC's deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane told AFP on Friday, saying the party's decision-making body would set the course to follow after final results are announced. «Anything must be based on principles and not an act of desperation.» As votes continued to be validated, data from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) showed the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) held second place with 21.71 percent, slightly up on its 20.77 showing in 2019. But it was not a surge by the DA that cut into the ANC's vote share. In third place was former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) on 12.6 percent, a surprise score for a party founded just months ago as a vehicle for the former ANC chief. The radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was in fourth with 9.4 percent. The final results were to be formally announced on Sunday, but the IEC results website was being updated through the day and with the result no longer in doubt, politicians were turning their attention to the prospects of an ANC-led coalition. - No pardon, no party - The ANC has dominated South Africa's democracy with an unbroken run of five presidents from the party, but if President Cyril Ramaphosa is to remain at the helm he will have to decide whether to seek allies on his right or left. There will be resistance within his movement to a tie-up with the second-placed DA, under white politician John Steenhuisen, whose free market programme of privatisations and an end to black economic empowerment programmes sits at odds with the ruling party's traditions. Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, an outgoing ANC lawmaker, told AFP the DA held «different ideals» making it too difficult to partner with. The radical left groups led by former ANC figures: firebrand Julius Malema's EFF or Zuma's MK, were more likely bedfellows, he said. But these options might also meet resistance within the more moderate sections of the ANC. Analyst and author Susan Booysen, said the EFF was perceived as «too erratic» and «unpredictable» in its demands. And the rift between Ramaphosa and Zuma -- who has long been bitter about the way he was forced out of office in 2018 -- was «too far reaching» to mend, she said. MK spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela seemed to agree. «We will engage with the ANC but not the ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa,» he said. Any coalition partner should be willing to amend the constitution to enact radical reforms and grant Zuma, who has been declared ineligible over a contempt of court conviction, a pardon, he said. But Mokonyane dismissed the notion that Ramaphosa's leadership was at risk, saying: «In the ANC we don't work that way. It's not a presidential election. It was an election that the ANC went in as a party and we are happy with it.» The ANC retains the loyalty of many voters for its leading role in overthrowing white minority rule. Its progressive social welfare and black economic empowerment policies are credited by supporters with helping millions of black families out of poverty. But over three decades of almost unchallenged rule, its leadership has been implicated in a series of large-scale corruption scandals, while the continent's most industrialised economy has languished and crime and unemployment figures have hit record highs. © Agence France-Presse

The Seychelles' women's national team captain, Pascalina Moustache, has made history by becoming the first female of the island nation to become a professional footballer. Moustache, 32, has signed a contract with FK Saned Joniskis in the top division football in Lithuania.   She played for the local women's team Rovers from the central district of Mont Fleuri for many years and was awarded Female Footballer of the Year in 2017. Moustache went on a trial with the Lithuanian club and impressed the club with her vision, accurate and precise passing as well her intelligence on the field. She signed her contract alongside FK Saned Joniskis' technical director, Tihomis Sloboda, early this month. Moutache has already been involved in matches since she signed with the team, where she was put straight into the starting 11 for the club's games. Earlier this year, along with Reena Esther, went on trials in Singapore with the help and recommendation of their national team coach, Chris Yip-Au. FK Saned plays in the Lithuanian Women's A League, which is Lithuania's top level women's football league. The club is based in Joniškis, a city in northern Lithuania with a population of about 9,900.

A second twinning agreement has been signed between Seychelles' western Mahe district of Port Glaud with Savanne, a district from the south of Mauritius. The agreement was signed on Friday morning by Seychelles' acting Mayor of Victoria, Lydia Charlie, and the Savanne District Council President, Shubhowantee Seenavassen. «This is another great occasion, after the first signing earlier this week,» said Charlie who added that she hopes with the renewed partnership, all the programmes can be successful. «With the previous agreement, not all the plans materialised, due to various issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, but the hope is that now it all can be done,» said Charlie. The twinning agreement was first signed between the two districts in 2014, and the two districts have mainly collaborated in sports, but will now look to enhance that cooperation in other areas, such as craft, culture, and agriculture. «I am honoured to have renewed this agreement today, where this will consolidate our multi-faceted ties, as we have similar languages and culture,» said Seenavassen. He added that they will continue to promote exchanges and experiences in terms of strategy, policy and project development, in fields such as education, ecology and biodiversity. This is the second twinning agreement renewed this week with the first signed district of Anse Boileau and Mauritius' Black River signing their agreement on Tuesday. 

Seychelles and Cooks Islands formalised diplomatic relations through the signing of a joint communiqué on the margins of the Fourth Small Island States Conference (SIDS4) being held in Antigua and Barbuda. According to the Seychelles' Foreign Affairs Department on Friday, the joint communiqué was signed by Seychelles Minister Sylvestre Radegonde and the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, witnessed by Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan. The signing marks the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations and underscores the shared commitment of both governments to deepen friendship and cooperation in political, economic, and cultural areas, among others, according to the government. The ceremony on the margins of the SIDS4 conference highlights Seychelles' proactive advocacy for cooperation between SIDS to address their unique challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, environmental degradation, and economic vulnerabilities, the statement further adds. The signing is a result of recent bilateral talks held between President Ramkalawan and Prime Minister Brown in Spain at the United Nations' Ocean Decade Conference in April.  

Seychelles is not asking for free funding but access to affordable financing said Naadir Hassan, the Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade in an interview on the margins of the Fourth International Conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). Hassan, who is part of the Seychelles presidential delegation at SIDS4, made the statement in an interview with SNA journalist Alisa Uzice who is covering the event in Antigua and Barbuda. The minister said that one of the key focuses of the conference is the debt crisis and access to financing for small island developing states. The issue for Seychelles is that it is considered a high-income country, so its interest rates are higher. «Are there solutions? Yes, the solutions are there, it's just that the international financial institutions have to accept that because we are vulnerable, the small island developing states need access to affordable financing irrespective of their income status. This will help us put in place measures that would help mitigate the effects of climate change,» he highlighted.  Hassan added that the monumental challenge that SIDS are facing is the cost of taking necessary measures  and «the projection we have done shows that over the next 10 years, it will cost Seychelles around $600 million to set up climate mitigation and adaptation measures.» He reiterated Seychelles' position during the conference especially highlighting the importance of considering the vulnerability of SIDS and said so far, he's seen a positive change in this direction. «I believe that it is important for Seychelles to participate in these summits and we will continue to put forward the position of Seychelles at these events. It's a fight that has been going on for many years, but we've seen that there is traction to accept the vulnerability of SIDS and we need to continue to put this forward. We believe that in the near future we will achieve our objective of getting access to affordable financing and we will need this financing to face the challenges coming our way,» said the minister. Seychelles, is an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, and according to the World Bank Climate Change knowledge portal, the island nation faces similar problem to those threatening other SIDS. These are changes in rainfall patterns leading to flooding, landslides extended periods of drought, increases in sea temperature, changes in acidity and damage to marine ecosystems, increases in storms and storm surges, and sea level rise in the long term. The World Bank portal added that a recent United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) report has revealed that most disasters occurring in Seychelles were related to storms, floods, rain and landslides. The report recommended that future planning should focus on losses from flooding and landslides, which also caused the greatest economic losses.

The latest report of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) for 2022 for Seychelles shows there is a willingness for transparency in the sector, said a top official.   Philippe Michaud, Seychelles national' FiTI lead, made the statement in a press conference on Wednesday.   «When a government has transparency and participation, it brings interest to the country and Seychelles has gotten a good reputation in the region and globally,» said Michaud. He added that more still needs to be done, especially on available information on the Seychelles' fisheries sector. Fisheries is the second top contributor to the economy of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. The 2022 FiTI Report presents a comprehensive array of data identified by the 12 thematic areas of the FiTI Standard. It has catch statistics across different scales of fishing operations to the health of fish populations, along with detailed information on access agreements and governmental subsidies within the sector. The report also highlights the dedication of the national fisheries authorities to maintaining robust data collection practices and consistent information sharing with the public. Daniella Larue compiled the report and headed the consolidation of data for the 2022 FiTI Report. Seychelles' FiTI National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) made up of representatives from government, the private sector, and civil society, collectively reviewed and endorsed the report. «This report is on the transparency in the fisheries sector and not on fisheries itself. This means that when we are working on the report, what is looked at is whether there is information about the 12 thematic areas in the public domain,» said Larue. She added that accessibility to the report also looked at whether the public can make sense of the information or if it is used too much of scientific terminology .  «The other criteria we look at is whether the information is complete or not, whereby this can affected by various things such as the data collection technique or the technology available to acquire this information,» added Larue. During the 2022 reporting cycle, new information has been made available on government websites, including foreign fishing access agreements. Among them is a Sustainable Fisheries Agreement with management companies of Seychelles-Flagged vessels; an explanation for absent published procedures for joining the sea cucumber fishery; a list of convictions and offences in the fisheries sector from 2020 to 2023 along with relevant court cases; studies on the economic contribution of sub-sectors in the artisanal fishery; and a 2018 study on employment and job opportunities in the industrial tuna fishery. «Since 2019 until now, we have seen an increase in the amount of information available, but there still needs to more improvement in what information is available in the public domain,» said Larue.   According to the report, «concerted efforts by the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) and the small-scale fisheries sector are driving significant advances towards transparent, sustainable, and inclusive fisheries management.» The report added: «This commitment is underscored by the SFA's decision to release all stock assessment reports and an updated overview of fisheries stock assessments, and to include information on discards and gender in the artisanal fishery in the 2022 Fisheries Statistical Report.» The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) has been developed as a unique effort that complements and supports other national, regional and global efforts for achieving responsible fisheries governance. It is a global partnership that seeks to increase transparency and participation for more sustainable management of marine fisheries. By making fisheries management more transparent and inclusive, the FiTI promotes informed public debates on fisheries policies and 

Donald Trump on Thursday became the first former US president ever convicted of a crime after a New York jury found him guilty on all charges in his hush money case, months before an election that could see him yet return to the White House. The jury found him guilty on each of the 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a payment meant to silence porn star Stormy Daniels. He could in theory be sentenced to four years behind bars for each count but is more likely to receive probation. The 77-year-old Republican, who was released without bail, is now a felon -- a historic and startling first in a country where presidents are frequently described as the most powerful man in the world. Trump, however, is not barred from continuing his battle to unseat President Joe Biden in November -- even in the unlikely event he goes to prison. His lawyer, Todd Blanche, said his team was eying an appeal «as soon as we can.» And Trump himself voiced immediate defiance. «I'm a very innocent man,» Trump told reporters, vowing that the «real verdict» would come from voters on election day. He branded the trial «rigged» and a «disgrace.» Biden's campaign issued a statement saying the trial showed «no one is above the law.» It added that «the threat Trump poses to our democracy has never been greater.» Judge Juan Merchan set sentencing for July 11 -- four days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is due to receive the party's formal nomination. The 12-member jury had deliberated for more than 11 hours over two days before the foreman read out the unanimous conclusion within a matter of minutes. Merchan thanked the jurors for completing the «difficult and stressful task.» Their identities had been kept secret throughout proceedings, a rare practice more often seen in cases involving mafia or other violent defendants. Trump also faces federal and state charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election won by Biden, and for hoarding secret documents after leaving the White House. However, those trials -- on far weightier alleged crimes -- are unlikely to get underway before the presidential election. - Election conspiracy - Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to reimburse his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election, when her claim to have had sex with him could have proved fatal to his campaign against Hillary Clinton. The trial featured lengthy testimony from the adult performer, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford and who described to the court in graphic detail what she says was a 2006 sexual encounter with the married Trump. Prosecutors successfully laid out a case alleging the hush money and the illegal covering up of the payment was part of a broader crime to prevent voters from knowing about Trump's behavior. Cohen, who was the key witness as a tainted former aide who had turned on his old boss, called the verdict «an important day for accountability and the rule of law.» Trump has denied any sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels, but did not testify in his own defense. His lawyers argued that any payments made to the performer were entirely legal. - Campaigning from courthouse - The trial has distracted Trump in his campaign to unseat Biden. However, he milked the media attention throughout. Shortly after the verdict was issued, Trump's campaign put out a fundraising appeal, titled «I am a political prisoner!» He also announced he would make a public statement to journalists early Friday. Keith Gaddie, a political analyst and professor at Texas Christian University, said the political impact of the shocking events has yet to be determined. «It probably doesn't move a lot of votes, but in particular states with particular swing votes, it could matter around the margins. So in particularly tight races, it can tip things back from one direction to the other,» he said. Trump, who made his name as a brash real estate mogul before a stunning ascent to the nation's highest office in the 2016 election, most likely faces probation, because he is a first-time convict. An appeal is all but certain, but could take months to complete. Should he win the presidency he will not be able to pardon himself, given that the case was brought not by the federal government but by the state of New York, where only the governor could clear his name. © Agence France-Presse

Extreme temperatures across India are having their worst impact in the country's teeming megacities, experts said Thursday, warning that the heat is fast becoming a public health crisis. India is enduring a crushing heatwave with temperatures in several cities sizzling well above 45 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperature readings in the capital New Delhi rose into the high 40s Celsius this week, with power usage in the city -- where the population is estimated at more than 30 million -- surging to a record high on Wednesday. «Cities are more vulnerable to the compounding effects of urbanisation and climate change,» said Aarti Khosla, director at research institute Climate Trends. «Expect a greater number of hotter days, prolonged dry spells and less rainy days as weather patterns continue to change due to increased human emissions,» she told AFP. - Heat ward and ice baths - In Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, a specialised unit is busy treating patients with heat-related illnesses. Equipped with immersion ice baths, the unit has treated eight heat-struck patients in the past week. One person died Wednesday, medics said, with a body temperature that had surged to a fatal 41.5C (106.7F). Among those admitted to the unit were manual labourers, most aged between 40 and 50, who work under the blazing sun. «Treatment depends upon very quick, very rapid intervention and very rapid cooling,» hospital director Ajay Shukla said, warning that the mortality rate for severe cases is around «60-80 percent». The rising temperatures hit the vulnerable the hardest, including those on the economic margins, experts said. «When the individual is dehydrated, extreme heat exposure will thicken their blood and cause organs to shut down, resulting in death within hours, popularly called 'heat stroke’,» said Vidhya Venugopal, director at Sri Ram Institute of Higher Education and Research in Chennai. «We urgently need... action to protect exposed populations.» - 'About survivability' - India is no stranger to searing summer temperatures but years of scientific research have found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense. The highest confirmed temperature ever recorded in India was 51C (123.8F), in Phalodi on the edge of Rajasthan's Thar Desert in 2016. Khosla, from Climate Trends, described heatwaves as «the single largest threat to India's well-being today», adding that recent high temperatures were «proof that the issue is now about survivability». No relief comes at night. A study published by New Delhi's Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) this month said Indian cities were not cooling down after sunset as much as they had in the decade of 2001-2010. It found temperatures then had dropped after dusk nearly 2C more than today. «Hot nights are as dangerous as midday peak temperatures,» it said. «People get little chance to recover from daytime heat... exerting prolonged stress on the body.» - 'Caused by burning coal' - Researchers say human-induced climate change has driven the devastating heat impact in India and should be taken as a warning. «The suffering India is facing this week is worse because of climate change, caused by burning coal, oil and gas and deforestation,» said Friederike Otto, a climatologist at the Imperial College London and director of World Weather Attribution. The world's most populous nation is the third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases but has committed to achieve a net zero emissions economy by 2070 -- two decades after most of the industrialised West. For now, it is overwhelmingly reliant on coal for power generation. The government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a third term in ongoing elections, says the fossil fuel remains central to meeting India's rising energy needs and lifting millions out of poverty. «What we are seeing in India is exactly what scientists said would happen if we didn't stop heating the planet,» Otto said. © Agence France-Presse

A lecture in honour of Seychellois Africa activist, the late Achilles 'Kwame' Luc, was held on May 25 to coincide with Africa Day by Ananya Jahanara Kabir, professor of English Literature at King's College in London. Entitled «Archipelago and Continent: Africanity in the Creole Indian Ocean,» the lecture was organised by the Creole Language and Culture Research Institute and Bling Bling Poetry Association to mark Africa Day on May 25. Historians and African culture enthusiasts met at the University of Seychelles'  auditorium to learn of the effects and involvement of African heritage on Creole cultures in the Indian Ocean. Kabir carried out research on the creolisation in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions, critical philology and the relationship between literary texts and cultural expression. Her research brought her to Seychelles, Reunion - a French overseas department - and Mauritius in 2017. In her lecture, she remarked that what strikes her in Seychelles «is that there is a commitment to having Creole as a national identity compared to neighbouring Mauritius, where religious and ethnic aspects would feature when one was declaring their identity.» Concerning the archipelago's relationship to the mainland, she said, «Seychelles does not just have historical Africanism but it appears to have a balance in local attempts at self valorisation.» She said, «Seychelles could be an example of how to strike a balance in incorporating the different cultures of its forefathers.» Using the late Luc as an example, she highlighted the way he presented himself - by adorning himself with a wooden carving of the African continent in a pendant, various colourful beads in his hair and a 'sak vakwa' - a bag used locally in Seychelles made from the fibre of Vakwa. «This shows the way the Creole nations recycle and use everything in their environment,» she explained, linking this way of life as being the way forward in this age of caring for the environment. Achille Kwame Luc, was a well-known artist, a promoter of the islands' rich culture and heritage, an environmentalist, an ardent supporter of human rights, and a peace lover. Kwame was the African name he adopted. He died in October 2018 at the age of 55. Meanwhile, the Bling Bling Poetry Association representative, Reuben Lespoir, expressed the will to keep the memorial on the calendars as activities to mark Africa Day. «While many people did not think to associate Archilles with the academic venture, this event shows that he was a multi-faceted individual who had a lot to offer in that area,» he said. The association is also looking for other activities that would attract more youth for Africa Day celebrations since the number of youths showing up to the lecture has gone down from the first one held. The first lecture to honour Luc was first held in 2019, due to his contributions to  promoting arts, culture and heritage in the country, especially for Africa Day. Meanwhile, an exhibition showcasing African arts and culture was also organised to commemorate the day.

The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, has urged all stakeholders to support the Global Ocean Energy Alliance (GLOEA) and recognise the critical role of innovative financing in securing a sustainable future for small island developing states (SIDS) at a side event of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States. The SIDS DOCK event in Antigua and Barbuda was to address the importance of sustainable ocean energy as a nature-based solution. SIDS DOCK is an initiative among member countries of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to help SIDS transform their energy sectors and address adaptation to climate change. In his keynote address, Ramkalawan said, «We face a monumental challenge. Our Islands are burdened with outdated, inefficient diesel generators. We urgently need to replace ten thousand megawatts of ageing baseload diesel fuel electricity generation systems that power our country's hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure, part of the transition that we talk about so much these days.» He highlighted several key projects being developed in other SIDS that could also be implemented elsewhere. One such project is the first OTEC floating platform in Sao Tome to deliver 10 megawatts of baseload power. The project is in its design phase and needs an investment of $50 million to $60 million to become the first commercial-scale renewable energy power plant solely running on the ocean.    Ramkalawan said such innovative projects are important for SIDS and can be implemented in Seychelles. «We urgently call for support from the international financing community including development banks and climate funds to back these transformative projects. Without your support, our efforts to prevent an energy crisis and promote sustainable growth may falter leaving our younger generations at risk and prosperity simply out of reach,» he stressed. After the event, Ramkalawan told SNA that so far the conference is going well and added that even if all these discussions are happening it is important for the SIDS to present a unified front to the rest of the world and work together. «For example in COP28 where there wasn't a unified statement from SIDS. Now, we will be going into the next COP, I am expecting that through this conference, all the SIDS are unified. This will make it much easier to bring forward topics like the MVI and the Loss and Damage Fund,» he said. After the SIDS4 conference, the President of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, will attend the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, from June 2 to 6.

South Africa's ruling ANC was fighting Wednesday to defy expectations that it could lose its three-decade-long exclusive grip on power as voters turned out for a watershed general election. More than 27 million voters are registered for the most uncertain poll since the African National Congress (ANC) led the nation out of apartheid rule -- and with President Cyril Ramaphosa seeking re-election. With opposition challenges from both the left and right, unemployment and crime at near record levels and a new generation growing up with no memory of the struggle against white-minority rule, the ruling party may need to share power. After voting, Ramaphosa said: «I have no doubt whatsoever in my heart of hearts that the people will once again invest confidence in ANC to continue leading this country. »The people of SA will give the ANC a firm majority.« But the leader of the biggest opposition party, John Steenhuisen of the Democratic Alliance, predicted no single party would win an outright majority, creating an opening for his alliance of smaller parties. After voting in his home city of Durban, Steenhuisen said »for the first time in 30 years there's an opportunity for change in South Africa«. In Soweto, the president's hometown and the unofficial capital of the liberation battle, elderly ANC loyalists turned out early but as the queues lengthened there were signs of disillusionment. Kqomotso Mtumba, a 44-year-old bank official, sporting burgundy and black beaded braids, said she had voted ANC in the past but had now chosen an »upcoming party« whose manifesto had impressed her. »The last party I voted for, their promises didn't work out so I'll be trying this one,« she said. In the working-class Johannesburg district of Alexandria, even public sector workers like a young woman who gave her name only as »Keletso« were frustrated. »I really need to see change,« the 34-year-old said, wearing a pink house robe with a bunny-ears hoodie and slippers. »We need new people, fresh blood. Unemployment is bad. To put bread on the table some people do crime, others become prostitutes.« In Nkandla, in the volatile eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, some voters were confused by the new voting system -- for the first time, three ballots, two for the National Assembly and one for the provincial assembly. »There was a moment I was confused. I had to ask for help and explanation,« admitted 70-year-old Cynthia Ntshangase. Voters will choose the 400 members of the National Assembly who in the coming weeks will then choose a president from among their number. For the first time since the advent of democracy in 1994, the ANC could be forced to negotiate a coalition in order to remain in government. »South Africa's general election is a watershed moment in the political history of the country,« said Aleix Montana, an analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. Under the leadership of the late Nelson Mandela, the ANC won freedom for black South Africans after decades of apartheid, then lifted millions out of poverty by creating a broad social welfare system. - Strong foundation - But many in the country of 62 million are fed up with high unemployment, currently at 32.9 percent, rampant crime, corruption scandals, and regular power cuts and water shortages. The economy grew a meagre 0.6 percent in 2023, and polls suggest the ANC could win as little as 40 percent of the vote, down from 57 percent in 2019. If the ANC wins fewer than 201 seats, Ramaphosa would have to negotiate with opposition parties and independent MPs to secure a majority. It could face stark choices. On the right, it is challenged by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has vowed to »Rescue South Africa« through clean governance, privatisation and deregulation but has struggled to shake off its image as a party for the white minority. Polls put DA support below 25 percent. On the left, it is bleeding support to former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which are pushing for land redistribution and nationalisations. Polls estimate these two parties are tied at around 10 percent. Once an ANC stalwart, Zuma fell out with his old party after being forced out of office under a cloud of corruption allegations in 2018. He has been barred from standing as an MP because of a conviction for contempt of court, but remains extremely popular in KwaZulu-Natal, his home province. - Easier deal? - In Zuma's hometown Nkandla, call centre worker and teaching student Nokuthobeka Ngcobo, 26, declared she was »so happy« to have voted MK. »I'm voting for them because I want change... and I have hope that Zuma and the MK will bring change," she said. Were the ANC to come close to 50 percent it could strike an easier deal with some of the dozens of smaller groups in the running. Full results are not expected before the weekend. © Agence France-Presse  

Algeria has presented a draft resolution to UN Security Council members calling for an end to Israel's offensive in Rafah and an «immediate ceasefire,» according to a draft text seen by AFP. Defying pressure from the United States and other western countries, Israel has been conducting military operations in Rafah, which is packed with people who have fled fighting elsewhere in Gaza. The draft resolution, which draws on last week's ruling by the International Court of Justice, «decides that Israel, the occupying Power, shall immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in Rafah.» It also «demands an immediate ceasefire respected by all parties, and also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.» During its October 7 cross-border attack on Israel, which triggered the war, Hamas militants took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead. Algeria called an urgent UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday after an Israeli strike killed 45 people at a tent camp in Rafah for displaced people on Sunday, drawing international condemnation. A civil defense official in Gaza said another Israeli strike on a displacement camp west of Rafah on Tuesday killed at least 21 more people. Algeria's UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama has not specified when he hopes to put the draft resolution to a vote. «We hope that it could be done as quickly as possible because life is in the balance,» said Chinese ambassador Fu Cong, expressing hope for a vote this week. «It's high time for this council to take action. This is a matter of life and death. This is a matter of emergency,» the French ambassador Nicolas de Riviere said before the council meeting. The council has struggled to find a unified voice since the war broke out with the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, followed by Israel's retaliatory campaign. After passing two resolutions centered on the need for humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, in March the council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire -- an appeal that had been blocked several times before by the United States, Israel's main ally. Washington, increasingly frustrated with how Israel is waging the war and its mounting civilian death toll, finally allowed that resolution to pass by abstaining from voting. But the White House said Tuesday that Israel's offensive in Rafah had not amounted to the type of full-scale operation that would breach President Joe Biden's «red lines,» and said it had no plans to change its policy toward Israel. Asked about the new Algerian draft resolution, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, «we're waiting to see it and then we'll react to it.» © Agence France-Presse  

Job seekers and young people interested in joining the Seychelles tourism sector were given a broader view of what careers are available in the Tourism Careers Fair held on Wednesday at the National Museum grounds. The director for Human Resources Development in the Tourism Department, Diana Quatre, told SNA, «We felt there was a need to do more sensitisation work on what opportunities exist in the sector. More often when we hear someone talking about a career in the tourism industry, many think of service jobs such as waiting staff, barmen, or cooks.» The aim of the day-long activity was to show that there were many possibilities and opportunities available in the tourism sector. Among those showing the career opportunities available to them were tourism establishments such as Four Seasons, the Hilton properties in the country as well as the national carrier, Air Seychelles. Also present were those smaller establishments such as dive centres. The director general for Food and Beverage at Four Seasons, Ali Al Hakim, explained that the establishment was taking part as it is «looking for students as well as passionate young individuals who will grow» with them. Most of the visitors at the fair were secondary school students currently choosing a career as well as those already following courses at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA). «I have been applying for a job in the tourism industry since I dropped out of the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education,» Maria Joubert told SNA. She expressed her hope of clinching a job as she was filling out forms from as many of the establishments present as she could find. «I am hoping to get something after attending this fair because so far I have been unsuccessful in most of my applications and I have not been given the reason for my applications being unsuccessful,» she added. Meanwhile, Quatre told SNA that as this fair has a more «interactive feel, we are hoping to make it an annual event.» Tourism is the top pillar of the Seychelles economy, accounting for around 30 percent of employment and bringing in an estimated $960 million in revenue up to December 31, 2023, according to the Tourism Department.

A symposium to determine what marine research is being done in the Seychelles' waters was held recently in the island nation with the participation of a large number of scientists from around the world. The Seychelles Marine Science Symposium - an initiative of the Blue Economy Research Institute at the University of Seychelles (UniSey)- took place from May 22 to 24. According to a senior lecturer and researcher at the institution, Dr Murray Duncan, the scientists got to network and discuss their work on maritime research. Seychelles is an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 1.4 million square kilometres of which only 455 square kilometres is land. The island nation's EEZ is slightly larger than South Africa and about six times the size of the United Kingdom. «Because there are so many actors spread over such a large area often it is not well coordinated and there is a lack of collaborations sometimes,» said Duncan. He added that two experts might be working on the same research techniques and operating independently, and have never been in that area together to network and collaborate. Through the symposium, «different researchers in Seychelles got together in one place and built collaborations and made our research better,» said Duncan. More than 200 delegates from 18 countries and 83 different organisations, attended the event which included special scientific sessions organised by the Ocean Project on plastic pollution and SWIOFISH 3. Also attending were non-governmental organisations in the Seychelles related to the ocean such as the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) and Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS). The symposium was held under the theme: «A scientific glimpse into the past, present and future.» It included 66 presentations, 31 poster presentations and four keynote addresses and ended with a public science exhibition. 

The Seychelles' district of Anse Boileau and Mauritius' Black River signed a new twinning agreement on Tuesday, extending their relationship into a third decade. The agreement was signed by Seychelles' Minister for Community Affairs and Local Government, Rose-Marie Hoareau, and the acting Mayor of Victoria, Lydia Charlie. On the Mauritian side, it was signed by Veenabye Jeewajee, the chairperson of the Black River District Council. The twinning agreement between Anse Boileau and Black River (Rivière Noire) was established in February 2004. Its objectives are to develop relations for the benefit of the populations of the two regions, bringing them together, and also fostering educational, sporting, cultural, social, and economic exchanges. «It is an honour for me to sign this agreement today, and I am looking to forward to continuing this relationship with Anse Boileau district, where the children and the elderly can continue to exchange our cultures,» said Jeewajee after signing the agreement. On her part, Charlie said, «Each time I witness a signing of an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between cities and districts, I know that I am being part of an initiative that serves to build bridges and bring down barriers between countries, rather than distance people.»   Anse Boileau is a district located on the west of the main island of Mahe and is well known for its cultural aspects, farms and fishing activities. Meanwhile, Black River or Riviere Noire, is also on the western side of Mauritius. It is the third largest district of Mauritius in area, but the smallest in terms of population. The district is mostly rural but includes the western part of the capital city of Port Louis and the western part of Quatre Bornes. Seychelles has had several such agreements between its districts and those in Mauritius. There are twinning agreements between the Municipal Town Council of Beau Bassin/Rose Hill and the district of Mont Buxton and between the Municipal Town Council of Vacoas/Phoenix and the district of Plaisance. Such agreements were also signed between the districts of Moka and Pointe Larue, Savanne and Port Glaud, Pamplemousse and Grand Anse Praslin, Rivière du Rempart and Beau Vallon, and Anse Royale the district of Flacq.

Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan emphasised the importance of the small island developing states (SIDS) presenting a united front at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) that officially began on Monday in St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda. Ramkalawan made this statement during his address at the heads of state and government general debate Plenary Segment of the SIDS4 conference. «Today, as we convene, our shared commitment is to confront the distinctive challenges confronting small island nations. Despite three decades of recognition of the special considerations deserved by SIDS, we face a complex web of interlinked issues, from climate change and rising sea levels to environmental degradation, devastating pandemics, geopolitical tensions, economic vulnerability, and sustainable development,» said Ramkalawan. He added that the outcomes have spiralled into mounting debt levels and a dearth of capacity to invest in resilience and climate action, making the pursuit of enduring prosperity a daunting and seemingly unending endeavour. Ramkalawan said all SIDS are insular and not attached to continents and therefore face similar challenges and vulnerabilities. «The climate crisis will destroy all of us. Already, we are being hit by coastal erosion, coral bleaching, rise in sea level, stronger storm surges, and destruction of our biodiversity and sea life in general. Tourism forms an important part of our economy and this is closely linked to the beauty of our environment. Speaking with one voice will ensure we protect our economic gains and thus allow us to continue giving our children and people good education, appropriate health services and a good standard of living,» he stressed. The head of state of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, emphasised the importance of the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) for SIDS and said, «Our intention is not to beg or rob others, but rather we simply want access to concessionary financing for us to be able to face the future and survive. That is why we believe in an MVI.» In his address, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, called out to the Group of 20 (G20), which represent 80 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, to take accountability for the effects that climate change is having on SIDS. He reaffirmed the United Nations' stance of supporting the SIDS. «We cannot accept the disappearance of any country or culture under the rising waves. The idea that an entire island state could become collateral damage for profiteering by the fossil fuel industry or competition between larger economies is simply obscene,» said Guterres.  He added that the SIDS «served as the world's conscience in the climate crisis and it's in large part because of you, the SIDS, to your effort that we have the UN framework convention and the Paris agreement.» Guterres said that the past decades have delivered a series of blows that have set behind the SIDS development such as natural catastrophes like hurricanes, which have caused enormous amounts of damage. He added that SIDS also deserves economic justice and some of these countries desperately need resources for climate mitigation and finance is the fuel. The SIDS4 is taking place from May 27-30.Under the overarching theme of «Charting the course toward resilient prosperity,» the conference will assess the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference is held every 10 years and brings together representatives from around 37 member states of the United Nations.  Discussions will focus on revitalising SIDS' economies, aid effectiveness and increasing climate finance in the wake of the 28th UN Framework Conference on Climate Change (COP28). Participants will also discuss human capital, health and youth, as well as address data and digital technologies – an area of focus of the upcoming Summit of the Future in September 2024.

The UN Security Council was set to convene an emergency meeting Tuesday over an Israeli strike that killed dozens in a displaced persons camp in Rafah, as three European countries were slated to formally recognise a Palestinian state. AFP journalists on the ground early Tuesday reported fresh Israeli strikes overnight in the southern Gaza border city, where an Israeli attack targeting two senior Hamas members on Sunday night sparked a fire that ripped through a displacement centre, killing 45, according to Gaza health officials. The attack prompted a wave of international condemnation, with Palestinians and many Arab countries calling it a «massacre». Israel said it was looking into the «tragic accident». «There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop,» UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres posted on social media. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths pointed to the widespread warnings of civilian deaths that circulated ahead of Israel's incursion into Rafah, saying in a statement: «We've seen the consequences in last night's utterly unacceptable attack.» «To call it 'a mistake' is a message that means nothing for those killed, those grieving, and those trying to save lives,» he added. Diplomats said the UN Security Council would convene Tuesday for an emergency session called by Algeria to discuss the attack. The EU's foreign policy chief said he was «horrified by news» of the strike, while French President Emmanuel Macron said he was «outraged», and a US National Security Council spokesperson said Israel «must take every precaution possible to protect civilians». The Israeli military said it was launching a probe. - 'Don't know where to go' - Displaced Gazan Khalil al-Bahtini was preparing to leave the impacted area, telling AFP Monday that «last night, the tent opposite to ours was targeted». «We have loaded all our belongings, but we don't know where to go.» Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told parliament the deaths occurred «despite our best efforts» to protect civilians. The outcry over the strike came as Spain, Ireland and Norway were set to formally recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday in a decision slammed by Israel as a «reward» for Hamas. «Recognising the state of Palestine is about justice for the Palestinian people,» Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Monday in Brussels. It was also «the best guarantee of security for Israel and absolutely essential for reaching peace in the region», he said alongside his Irish and Norwegian counterparts. On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he had told Spain's consulate in Jerusalem to stop offering consular services to West Bank Palestinians from June 1 as a «preliminary punitive» measure. - 'Charred bodies' - Israel launched the deadly strike on Rafah late Sunday, hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at the Tel Aviv area, most of which were intercepted. Israel's army said its aircraft «struck a Hamas compound» in the city and killed Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, senior officials for the militant group in the occupied West Bank. Gaza's civil defence agency said the strike ignited a fire that tore through a displacement centre in northwestern Rafah near a facility of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. «We saw charred bodies and dismembered limbs... We also saw cases of amputations, wounded children, women and the elderly,» said civil defence agency official Mohammad al-Mughayyir. One survivor, a woman who declined to be named, said: «We heard a loud sound and there was fire all around us. The children were screaming.» Adding to already heightened tensions since Israel launched its Rafah ground operation, the Israeli and Egyptian militaries reported a «shooting incident» on Monday that killed one Egyptian guard in the border area between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip. Both forces said they were investigating. - 'Dangerous violation' - Footage from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society showed chaotic nighttime scenes of paramedics racing to the attack site and evacuating the wounded. Mughayyir said the rescue efforts were hampered by war damage and the impact of Israel's siege, which has led to severe shortages of fuel and «water to extinguish fires». The Israeli attack sparked strong protests from Egypt and Qatar, both of which have played key roles as mediators in efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange. Egypt deplored what it called the «targeting of defenceless civilians», saying it was part of «a systematic policy aimed at widening the scope of death and destruction in the Gaza Strip to make it uninhabitable». Qatar condemned a «dangerous violation of international law» and voiced «concern that the bombing will complicate ongoing mediation efforts» towards a truce. The top world court, the International Court of Justice, on Friday ordered Israel to halt any offensive in Rafah and elsewhere that could bring about «the physical destruction» of the Palestinians. The war in Gaza started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,050 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, which has been central to aid operations in the besieged territory during the war, said on social media platform X that «with every day passing, providing assistance & protection becomes nearly impossible». «The images from last night are testament to how Rafah has turned into hell on Earth,» he said. © Agence France-Presse

The Seychelles National Alliance Party (SNAP) will soon reveal its new interim leader, said the new chairman of the party on Monday. Cyril Lau-Tee told reporters that SNAP has already sent the name of the new interim leader to the Electoral Commission of Seychelles (ECS). The announcement comes after the ECS announced the termination of the membership of the party leader, Vincent Padayachy on May 15. Ernesto Lionnet, a member of the executive committee, said, «Our decision to revoke the membership of our then leader shows that we are a serious party that does not take too well to our leaders doing whatever they want.» The executive committee of SNAP had already revoked Padayachy's membership to the party on April 15 as per Article 4.5 of its constitution. Lionnet said the former party leader committed over 10 violations from the date it was registered to April 15 and this included disregarding the executive committee when making decisions. Lautee said that after Padayachy was voted out, the party informed the ECS of the decision but on April 24 Padayachy announced the suspension of Lautee and Hermitte from their roles as chairman and secretary general respectively.  According to the Electoral Commission, Padayachy ceased to be a member of SNAP effective on April 15, 2024, and any resolution or action taken on behalf of the party after this date is deemed invalid. With the matter settled, SNAP revealed it plans to hold its convention at the end of this year to elect its presidential and vice presidential candidates. «We have already begun the work to identify who will stand as candidates for the National Assembly,» said Hermitte, who added that the party is working to ensure it has all the members it needs for its executive committee. Presidential and legislative elections in Seychelles will take place on September 27 if a proposed 11th amendment to the Constitution on a fixed date for elections is approved by the National Assembly.

It is «very unlikely» more survivors of Papua New Guinea's deadly landslide will be found, a UN agency warned Tuesday, as thousands at risk from further slips were ordered to evacuate. Some 2,000 people are feared buried by a massive landslide that entombed a remote highland community in the early hours of May 24. Since then, locals have been picking through a hellscape of metres-deep churned-up earth, uprooted trees and car-sized boulders in the search for loved ones -- often using little more than their hands, shovels and digging sticks. But hopes are dimming that anyone is alive underneath the mountain of rubble. «It is not a rescue mission, it is a recovery mission,» UNICEF Papua New Guinea's Niels Kraaier told AFP. «It is very unlikely they will have survived.» Full-scale rescue and relief efforts have been severely hampered by the remote location, the only road link being severed, heavy rainfall and nearby tribal violence. The Papua New Guinea Defence Forces have struggled to access the site with heavy earth-moving equipment. Early on Tuesday, Enga provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka warned the disaster could worsen further, as clumps of limestone, dirt and rock continue to shear off the side of Mount Mungalo. Tsaka told AFP authorities were now trying to coordinate the evacuation of almost 7,900 more people. «The tragedy is still active,» he said. «Every hour you can hear rock breaking -- it is like a bomb or gunshot and the rocks keep falling down.» Aid officials said many residents were refusing to leave at-risk areas because they were holding out hope of finding loved ones. - 'Wiped out' - Satellite images show the enormous scale of the disaster. A vast smear of yellow and grey debris can be seen cutting through once verdant bushland and severing the region's only road. «This was an area heavily populated with homes, businesses, churches and schools, it has been completely wiped out. It is the surface of the moon -- it is just rocks,» said Tsaka. «People are digging with their hands and fingers,» he said, expressing anguish at the unde-resourced government's inability to meet the enormity of the disaster. «I am not equipped to deal with this tragedy,» Tsaka admitted. Overwhelmed Papua New Guinea authorities held an online emergency meeting with United Nations agencies and international allies Tuesday, hoping to kickstart the relief effort. - 'Immediate' response needed - Papua New Guinea's national disaster centre has told the United Nations that the initial «landslide buried more than 2,000 people alive». According to a letter obtained by AFP, the slide also «caused major destruction to buildings, food gardens and caused major impact on the economic lifeline of the country.» The scale of the catastrophe required «immediate and collaborative actions from all players», it added, including the army, and national and provincial responders. Australia has announced millions of dollars worth of aid, including emergency relief supplies such as shelters, hygiene kits and support for women and children. China's President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Joe Biden -- more accustomed to scrapping for influence in the strategically located country -- both offered assistance. More than 1,000 people have already been displaced by the catastrophe, aid agencies have estimated. UN Development Programme official Nicholas Booth said up to 30,000 people could have been cut off by the disaster across several villages. These communities had enough supplies for the coming weeks, but opening up that road remained essential, he said. «This landslide has blocked the road westward, so not only are there challenges in accessing the village itself, but it does mean the communities beyond that are also cut off.» Locals said the landslip may have been triggered by recent heavy rains. Papua New Guinea has one of the wettest climates in the world, and research has found shifting rainfall patterns linked to climate change could exacerbate the risk of landslides. The estimated death toll has climbed significantly since the disaster struck, as officials reassess the size of the population. Many people fleeing tribal violence have moved into the area in the past few years. The area is located about 600 kilometres (370 miles) from Port Moresby. © Agence France-Presse  

The heads of state of Seychelles and Maldives discussed strengthening diplomatic relations in tourism, air connectivity, environment protection, capacity building and exchange of best practices as well as maritime security. According to State House, President Wavel Ramkalawan and his counterpart from Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, held bilateral talks on the margins of the International Conference of Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda. Ramkalawan and Muizzu highlighted the excellent relations between Seychelles and Maldives and how important it was for them to agree and address the real concerns affecting small island states. «Since July 1980, our two nations have engaged in a vast array of areas of cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. It was an honour to visit your country in June last year, and our meeting today is the ideal occasion to assess what we have accomplished thus far and reinforce our efforts to ensure successful implementation. I look forward to working closely with you to build further on the existing partnership between our two countries,» said Ramkalawan. Muizzu stressed the very good relations between the two islands and their people and conveyed his country's interest in strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring new avenues.  The climate crisis remains top on the agenda of discussions as both nations seek to continue to use international platforms to call for greater global solidarity towards the socio-economic, political, security and ecological plight of SIDS. Other topics discussed were the rise in sea level, coral bleaching and exchange of technical expertise were also addressed. Ramkalawan and President of the Marshall Islands, Hilda Heine. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY  Ramkalawan also held talks with the President of the Marshall Islands, Hilda Heine. The two leaders agreed to further cooperate in key areas of mutual interest and explore new possible areas to strengthen the relations between the two island nations. Discussions touched on the existential issue of the climate crisis, such as rising sea levels and adverse weather patterns. Both nations are keen to further discuss short and long-term climate adaptation strategies and sound climate-based government policies. The two leaders talked about initiatives that can be implemented locally to enhance resiliency and reliably achieve sustainable development for both peoples' benefit. 

When countries invest in healthy living, the climate wins, the planet wins, the environment wins and diseases lose, said Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan in a special prerecorded address to the 36th annual health ministers of the Commonwealth meeting. The annual health ministers of the Commonwealth meeting took place from May 24 to 25 in Geneva, Switzerland, on the margins of the 77th World Health Assembly. According to State House, Ramkalawan made the address on Saturday, which centred on how Seychelles is adapting to and mitigating the vagaries of climate change to ward off its impact on the health sector.  «Our national campaign against obesity which I have the honour and privilege to lead is not only an effort to reduce non-communicable diseases but it must also be seen as part of Seychelles' conscious effort to phase out fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions by encouraging walking and cycling as more active and less polluting forms of travel,» he said. Ramkalawan highlighted how global warming is affecting Seychelles and said, «Each country must do its fair share. And fair share must continue to mean that those who have contributed the most and are still contributing the most to damage the climate must now also contribute the most to undo the damage.» Earlier, at the same meeting, Seychelles' Minister for Health, Peggy Vidot, stressed how climate change, resulting in sea-level rise and heavy rainfall, pose a significant threat to Seychelles' health infrastructure and continuity of essential health services. 

As the Seychelles' government continues its work to raise funds for the construction of a proposed new hospital, several companies and individuals have made their contributions, and the latest donations of up to SCR750,000 ($52,000), were made on Monday. The donations were made to the New Hospital Fund in a short ceremony at State House and the cheques were handed over to Vice President Ahmed Afif in the absence of President Wavel Ramkalawan, who is on overseas missions. The cheques were from Amsa Healthcare, Marlu Seychelles and Amazon Betting Seychelles. Amsa Healthcare pledged SCR5 million, ($344,000) to the fund and made a first contribution of SCR500,000 ($34,000) as part of the pledge. The other donation from Marlu Seychelles,  a semi-industrial fishing company in the country, was for SCR150,000 ($10,000).   Amazon Betting Seychelles donated SCR100,000 ($8,000) to the fund. The Vice President said it was a pleasure to receive such donations from these companies. «This is a very kind gesture, which will go to building an infrastructure that will benefit everyone in Seychelles,» said Afif. He added that while a new building will be constructed, it is the hospital services that the government wants to bring to the highest standard. The New Hospital Fund was launched last year to raise funds for the construction of a new and modern Seychelles Hospital. It is expected to be built on part of the premises of the current Seychelles Hospital in the central district of Mont Fleuri. The estimated sum for the construction of the new hospital is SCR1 billion ($69 million). When he announced the setting up of the New Hospital Fund Last year, President Ramkalawan revealed that the new hospital will be built where the current one is and that details of the plan when finalised will be shared with the public.   A technical committee was set up in October 2023 to kickstart the project which is scheduled to commence in 2024.

An intense cyclone smashed into the low-lying coast of Bangladesh on Sunday, with nearly a million people fleeing inland for concrete storm shelters away from howling gales and crashing waves. «The severe Cyclone Remal has started crossing the Bangladesh coast,» Bangladesh Meteorological Department Director Azizur Rahman told AFP, adding the raging storm could continue hammering the coast until at least the early hours of Monday morning. «We have so far recorded maximum wind speeds of 90 kilometres (56 miles) per hour, but the wind speed may pick up more pace.» Forecasters predicted gusts of up to 130 kilometres (81 miles) per hour, with heavy rain and winds also lashing neighbouring India. Authorities have raised the danger signal to its highest level. Cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh in recent decades, but the number of superstorms hitting its densely populated coast has increased sharply, from one a year to as many as three, due to the impact of climate change. «The cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to 12 feet (four metres) above normal astronomical tide, which can be dangerous,» Bangladeshi senior weather official Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told AFP. Most of Bangladesh's coastal areas are a metre or two above sea level and high storm surges can devastate villages. «We are terrified,» said 35-year-old fisherman Yusuf Fakir at Kuakata, a town on the very southern tip of Bangladesh in the predicted route of the storm, speaking just before its arrival. While he had sent his wife and children to a relative's home inland, he stayed put to guard their belongings. At least 800,000 Bangladeshis fled their coastal villages, while more than 50,000 people in India also moved inland from the vast Sundarbans mangrove forest, where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet the sea, government ministers and disaster officials said. «We want to ensure that a single life is not lost,» said Bankim Chandra Hazra, a senior minister in India's West Bengal state. - Ferry sinks - As people fled, Bangladeshi police said that a heavily laden ferry carrying more than 50 passengers -- double its capacity -- was swamped and sank near Mongla, a port in the expected path of the storm. «At least 13 people were injured and were taken to a hospital,» local police chief Mushfiqur Rahman Tushar told AFP, adding that other boats plucked the passengers to safety. A young man drowned in rough seas at Kuakata on Sunday afternoon, district government administrator Nur Kutubul Alam told AFP. Bangladesh’s disaster management secretary Kamrul Hasan said people had been ordered to move from «unsafe and vulnerable» homes. «At least 800,000 people have been shifted to cyclone shelters,» Hasan said. The authorities have mobilised tens of thousands of volunteers to alert people to the danger, but local officials said many people stayed home as they feared their property would be stolen if they left. He said around 4,000 cyclone shelters have been readied along the country's lengthy coast on the Bay of Bengal. - Airports close - In addition to the villagers and fishermen, many of the multi-storey centres have space to shelter cattle, buffaloes and goats, as well as pets. On the low-lying island of Bhashan Char, home to 36,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, 57 cyclone centres were opened, deputy refugee commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque told AFP. The country's three seaports and the airport in the second-largest city Chittagong were closed, officials said. India's Kolkata airport closed Sunday, while the Indian navy readied two ships with aid and medical supplies for «immediate deployment». While scientists say climate change is fuelling more storms, better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced the death toll. In the Great Bhola Cyclone in November 1970, an estimated half a million people died -- mostly drowned by the storm surge. In May last year, Cyclone Mocha became the most powerful storm to hit Bangladesh since Cyclone Sidr in November 2007. Sidr killed more than 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Last October, at least two people were killed and nearly 300,000 fled their homes for storm shelters when Cyclone Hamoon hit the country's southeastern coast. © Agence France-Presse