Amid a surge in arrivals of Sudanese people fleeing the escalating conflict in Darfur and heading towards Libya, the European Union is allocating Euros 500,000 in humanitarian funding to the World Health Organization (WHO). This funding will be used to provide primary healthcare to the most vulnerable people.

Currently, there are more than 1,200 Sudanese individuals entering Libya daily from Al Kufra. This number represents a six-fold increase compared to December 2023. It is worth noting that almost half of these arrivals are women and children. These new arrivals join the already existing 40,000 Sudanese people who are scattered throughout Southeast Libya.

With EU funds, the WHO will be dispatching medical teams, which will include mental health specialists, as well as providing kits and equipment to reinforce health services in six primary healthcare facilities. Additionally, mobile clinics will be deployed to directly provide medical treatment to the vulnerable Sudanese. The focus of this humanitarian intervention will be the border areas, which have been most affected by the growing number of vulnerable Sudanese fleeing the conflict.

To proactively address potential outbreaks and strengthen rapid response capabilities, local health workers will receive training. Furthermore, laboratories will be supplied with the necessary reagents and equipment.

This emergency intervention, funded by the EU, will last for six months and aims to reach up to 160,000 vulnerable individuals, including displaced people and Libyans alike.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Libya.

This morning, Her Excellency Mrs. Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas, the new High Commissioner of Mozambique to Seychelles, presented her credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House.

President Ramkalawan welcomed and congratulated High Commissioner Lucas on her accreditation. He expressed his satisfaction with the longstanding cordial friendship and mutual commitment between Seychelles and Mozambique, which have flourished since the establishment of diplomatic relations in August 1983.

Her Excellency, Mrs. Dos Santos Lucas, conveyed the best wishes of the President of Mozambique to the people of the Seychelles on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of independence in June 2024. The new High Commissioner also reaffirmed her government’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries during her tenure.

Discussions included the expansion of cooperation in areas such as tourism, agriculture, fishing, and culture. Proposals were also tabled to explore further collaboration possibilities, particularly in combating illegal narcotics trades affecting both countries.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, High Commissioner Dos Santos Lucas expressed her honour at being accredited to Seychelles and her desire to explore new opportunities for cooperation for the benefit of both the people of Seychelles and Mozambique.

Her Excellency Mrs. Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas will be based in Pretoria, South Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

The new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Guillermo Antonio Lopez Mac Lellan, presented his credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan during an accreditation ceremony held at State House this morning.

The President congratulated H.E. Ambassador Mac Lellan on his accreditation, which will enable the two countries to further bolster bilateral relations to greater heights in areas of mutual interest.

“Seychelles and Spain have enjoyed very good relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Our cooperation, which extends to mutually beneficial areas, is indicative of the value we attach to our partnership. You have my full support in maintaining this fruitful collaboration and my earnest commitment to working with you to explore ways in which we can further our bilateral ties,” said the Head of State.

The areas of discussion with President Ramkalawan centered on fisheries, tourism, climate change, and marine security. Ambassador Mac Lellan will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In attendance at the ceremony this morning were the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Principal Secretary for the Foreign Affairs Department, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave, Director General of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Lindy Ernesta, and the Third Secretary of the of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Mr. James Carpin.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.