Latest news with #Malabo
Russia Today
21-07-2025
- General
- Russia Today
Russian training warship arrives in African state
Russian naval training ship the Smolny has docked in Equatorial Guinea for its second official visit, the African Initiative news agency reported on Sunday. The vessel, part of Russia's Baltic Fleet, was received in the capital Malabo by senior officers of the Equatorial Guinean Navy, Russian Ambassador Karen Chalyan, and embassy staff. Unlike previous deployments, this year's voyage for the Smolny begins in Equatorial Guinea and will include stops in South Africa, Tanzania, Sao Tome and Principe, the Republic of the Congo, and Vietnam, before concluding in Vladivostok, Russia, in late September. The ship is carrying around 400 personnel, including 200 naval cadets enrolled in at-sea training. During the Malabo stopover, the cadets are expected to take part in military and cultural events, including a parade, friendly football match, and meetings with local Russians. The Baltic Fleet's training ship "Smolny" (Project 887) arrived at the port of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea ./July 20/Next:🇸🇹➡️🇨🇩➡️🇿🇦➡️🇹🇿➡️🇻🇳➡️Vladivostok➡️.. As part of the official program, the commander of the Smolny gave a tour of the vessel to Malabo's senior naval officials. The visit included an inspection of the ship's living quarters – where 15 Tanzanian cadets currently studying in Russian naval academies are also housed – as well as the command bridge and medical bay with the onboard operating room and dental clinic. This visit follows the Smolny's 2024 port tour across several African countries, including Cameroon, Benin, the Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. In recent years, Russia has dispatched various naval assets to African ports as part of a broader push to deepen military cooperation and maritime outreach. In October, the Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov docked at the port of Bizerte in Tunisia to mark the 100th anniversary of a stay in Tunisia by the Russian squadron. Last June, two Russian warships, the Slava-class guided missile cruiser Varyag and the Udaloy-class frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, arrived at the Libyan naval base in order to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two countries' fleets.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cihan Media Communications Releases Strategic Insight Report on Reparations Advocacy Ahead of UNGA 2025
'Africa's Reparations Call Now a Unified Demand' – President Mahama MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report released by Cihan Media Communications underscores growing continental consensus around reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent. This comes as African nations prepare for a major high-level side event during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025, co-sponsored by Ghana and Togo. As outlined in the report, the call for reparations has transitioned from fragmented advocacy to a unified, coordinated demand, rooted in historical accountability, moral clarity, and Africa's pursuit of sovereignty and dignity. Delivering a progress report at the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Malabo, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and African Union Champion for Reparations, declared: "Africa's call for reparative justice is no longer a whisper—it is a unified demand grounded in historical truth, moral clarity, and our unwavering commitment to dignity. As we implement the 2025 Theme of the Year on Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations, we reaffirm our shared resolve to correct historical wrongs through restitution, healing, and holistic systemic transformation." President Mahama welcomed the African Union Executive Council's recent decision to extend the reparations focus across a decade (2026–2036), describing it as a crucial step toward mobilizing resources and institutionalizing the agenda across member states. He emphasized that reparations must shift from rhetoric to actionable state policy, calling on every African government to integrate reparations into national development plans, diplomatic priorities, and legal frameworks. "This undoubtedly affords us, as a Union, the opportunity to sustain the momentum for the realization of this noble cause," he noted. Restitution, Not Charity: A Strategic Framework The Cihan report draws on Mahama's call to action, framing reparations as essential to Africa's political and economic self-determination. According to the report, achieving reparative justice will require: Financial compensation for forced labor, resource theft, and systemic injustices; Technology transfer to bridge industrial and innovation gaps; Reparations funds, managed transparently, to support education, cultural restoration, and economic empowerment. Mahama further stressed the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the cause: "Restitution to the African, therefore, is restoration of our full human dignity," he said. "We cannot speak of development without identity or speak of unity without acknowledging the erasure that has fractured our heritage." He also highlighted the importance of partnerships with global allies, particularly the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in presenting a unified voice at international platforms. "We call upon all nations, within and beyond Africa, to partner with us in shaping a more just and equitable world for the sons and daughters of the motherland." Despite resistance from former colonial powers, the report stresses that the call for reparations is not a plea but a rightful demand—a moral and economic imperative to correct centuries of stolen wealth and identity. Looking Ahead to the United Nations General Assembly In a significant diplomatic move, Mahama announced that Ghana and Togo will co-sponsor a high-level event at UNGA 2025 to accelerate global recognition and support for Africa's reparations agenda. "As we do more to correct historical wrongs, we are reasserting our full humanity. We are reaffirming our sovereignty. We are reigniting the flame of dignity that has always burned within the African soul." About Cihan Media Communications Cihan Media Communications is a Pan-African strategic communications and insights firm focused on amplifying African narratives, supporting justice and governance campaigns, and delivering data-driven reports that inform policy and public discourse. Photo: Contact: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cihan Media Communications
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Ghana: Africa's Reparations call now a unified demand- President Mahama
'Africa's call for reparative justice is no longer a whisper—it is a unified demand grounded in historical truth, moral clarity and our unwavering commitment to dignity. As we implement the 2025 Theme of the Year on Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through reparations, we reaffirm our shared resolve to correct historical wrongs and injustices through restitution, healing and holistic systemic transformation.' This powerful declaration was made by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and the African Union Champion for Reparations, as he delivered a progress report in Malabo on the AU's 2025 Theme, 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.' Addressing the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, President Mahama stated that notable progress has been achieved by the AU Commission and Member States in implementing the theme. He expressed particular satisfaction with the recent decision by the Executive Council to extend the focus on reparations for a decade, covering the period from 2026 to 2036. 'This undoubtedly affords us, as a Union, the opportunity to sustain the momentum for the realisation of this noble cause, as well as map out well-thought-out strategies to mobilise adequate resources to champion implementation of the theme domestically,' President Mahama stated. President Mahama issued a call for global partnership, saying, 'We call upon all nations, within and beyond Africa, to partner with us in shaping a more just and equitable world for the sons and daughters of the motherland.' The former Ghanaian President noted the deep connection between reparations and African identity and dignity. 'Restitution to the African, therefore, is restoration of our full human dignity,' he stated, adding that the movement aims 'to speak of history on African terms, of healing deep civilisational wounds and of restoring to African peoples our rightful agency in shaping our past, present and future.' He underscored the necessity of reparations for African progress and unity, arguing, 'We cannot speak of development without identity or speak of unity without acknowledging the erasure that has fractured our heritage.' President Mahama stressed the importance of a unified African narrative on the global stage and encouraged robust partnerships, particularly with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Looking ahead, he announced that Ghana and Togo will co-sponsor a high-level event in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025 'to further bolster efforts at achieving the justice and closure which has eluded us for centuries.' 'As we do more to correct historical wrongs, we are reasserting our full humanity. We are reaffirming our sovereignty. We are reigniting the flame of dignity that has always burned within the African soul,' assuring the Union of Ghana's continued support for this agenda towards 'The Africa We Want.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Civil Society Shaping a Reparative Future for Africa
MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 7, 2025, the Civil Society Forum of the African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and the 2025 Interregional Dialogue of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) commenced at the Sipopo International Conference Center in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The forum's key points will be included in the final communiqué of the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, held under the 2025 theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations", scheduled for July 11–13, 2025. The panel discussion "The Role of Civil Society in a Future Rooted in Reparative Justice" brought together over 200 participants and served as a foundational dialogue of the forum. Central to the debates—both in formal sessions and informal discussions—were potential mechanisms for colonial reparations to African nations by former colonizing powers. Thus, the basic reparations model involves calculating the unpaid labor of enslaved Africans. Applying this framework to the transatlantic slave trade: if 12.5 million Africans worked for 10 years without pay, with an estimated historical wage of $5 per day, the total amounts to over $2 trillion—excluding interest and compound growth. An alternative model assesses the resources extracted during the colonial period. Between 1880 and 1960, European powers extracted billions in agricultural products, minerals, and taxes. For instance, some estimates suggest Britain drained over £100 billion (in today's value) from India. Similar calculations for Africa place colonial extractions between $4 and $6 trillion, accounting for lost revenues, forced labor, and the long-term effects of chronic underinvestment. Discussions also explored the possibility of establishing a Global Reparations Fund, financed through: State contributions from former colonial powers, Windfall taxes on corporations that profited from exploitation, Climate levies on polluters in Global North countries. Kwesi Pratt Jr., a member of the International Coordinating Committee of the Pan-African Progressive Front and Director of Pan African Television, presented his book "History, Struggle, Politics, and the Case for Reparations" at the forum. Published in June 2025 with a foreword by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the book offers a comprehensive study of the reparations movement, integrating historical, political, legal, and social perspectives. Pratt seeks to bridge the divides in reparations discourse, which often frames them as either a purely political, legal, or compensatory endeavor. "No amount of money can repay the millions of lives lost in the transatlantic slave trade. Reparations are about restoring our world," Pratt stated. The book examines key historical milestones, such as the Pan-African Congresses, as well as contemporary initiatives like CARICOM's reparations campaign. It also provides practical guidance for civil society on mobilizing global support for reparative justice. Pratt expressed hope that his work would serve as a catalyst for a unified Pan-African movement, inspiring new generations of activists. Dr. Catherine Brooks, Partnership Specialist at the UNDP's African Facility for Support to Inclusive Transitions (AFSA), highlighted that transitional periods—whether post-conflict or following unconstitutional government changes—present a unique opportunity to renegotiate social contracts. Ambassador Amr Aljowaily, Director of the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the AU Commission, emphasized the institutional foundations of reparative justice. He referenced AU decisions that provide a mandate and framework for civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate. "ECOSOCC and CIDO are platforms specifically designed to enable civil society to shape the Union's agenda. The Year's Theme is not a one-off event but a long-term commitment," stated Aljowaily, stressing the importance of partnerships, including collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Makmid Kamara, Executive Director of Reform Initiatives, called for replacing traditional human rights education with reparative education that acknowledges historical crimes against Africans. "Reparative justice is not charity—it is a right. We must revive African consciousness, reconnect the continent with its diaspora, and restore stolen lands to their people," Kamara asserted, highlighting the psychosocial dimensions of reparations. Photo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Civil Society Forum of the African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC)
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
H.E. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea today received H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson & his accompanying delegation
H.E. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea today received H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion Commission&his accompanying delegation that included Deputy Chairperson @DCP_Haddadi&Chief of Staff @souefmo_elamine at the State House in Malabo, ahead of the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) of the AU, RECs,&RMs, scheduled for 10–13 July 2025. The Chairperson expressed appreciation to President Obiang for the warm welcome graciously hosting the Meeting&for his continued support for the work of the Union. President Obiang reaffirmed his Government's full readiness to host the MYCM. Convened under the auspices of the AU Commission&the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the Meeting will bring together the AU Bureau, Heads of RECs, senior AUC officials, AU specialized bodies, and institutional partners to advance continental coordination and integration. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
