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Le Général à la retraite Pancrace Brathier est décédé, mercredi 13 novembre 2024, des suites d'une longue maladie.

Le général Pancrace Brathier n'est plus. Il est passé de vie à trépas dans la matinée de ce mercredi 13 novembre 2024, au CNHU de Cotonou des suites d'une longue maladie.
Pancrace Brathier a été ministre délégué chargé de l'Intérieur, de la Sécurité publique et de l'Administration territoriale aôut 1989 et mars 1990 sous le défunt président Mathieu Kérékou.
En avril 2000, il a été nommé en qualité de Directeur général de la Gendarmerie Nationale. Pancrace Brathier fut également membre de la Cour constitutionnelle.

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The phrase was used in a political context and not commercial, with the aim of expressing and promoting support for Ukraine.

Financial solutions for the global South are under the spotlight during COP29. Credit: UN Climate Change/ Habib Samadov

By Umar Manzoor Shah
BAKU, Nov 13 2024 (IPS)

Riad Meddeb, Director of the Sustainable Energy Hub at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), stressed the urgency of finding innovative financial solutions during COP29.

Meddeb was speaking to IPS in an exclusive interview at the conference. He said the negotiations were expected to focus heavily on finance—a core issue that has historically hampered climate action in developing and least-developed nations.

The Finance COP Expectations

Meddeb highlighted the historical challenge of meeting the USD 100 billion annual target for climate finance, which has been a central but elusive goal in previous COPs. He noted that Azerbaijan’s COP 29 presidency aims to overcome this by ensuring the necessary funds are available, especially for countries most vulnerable to climate impacts. 

“This year’s COP is considered the ‘Finance COP’ because it’s crucial we not only set targets but also mobilize the resources to help countries adapt and mitigate climate impacts,” he explained.

A key focus will be developing sustainable financing mechanisms for countries that struggle with debt. Many nations in the global South face significant financial burdens, and accelerating their energy transitions requires resources that may be challenging to secure within their existing economic constraints. Meddeb also stressed the need for concrete financial schemes that can attract private sector investments to supplement international climate funding.

Riad Meddeb, Director of the Sustainable Energy Hub at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Progress at COP 28 and Hopes for COP 29

Reflecting on COP 28, Meddeb noted key successes, including establishing the Loss and Damage Fund and reaching consensus on a targeted increase in renewable energy capacity.

“The agreement to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030 was a significant breakthrough at COP28,” he said. “Now, COP29 must translate that ambition into action by securing the financial support needed to achieve these goals.”

Making sure that the commitments made at COP28 are more than just empty words is one of the main challenges going forward, according to Meddeb.

“By COP30, we want a global commitment on the pathway to adaptation and mitigation,” he added.

UNDP’s Role in the Climate Action Landscape

UNDP plays a critical role in translating international climate targets into real, on-the-ground actions. Through initiatives like the UN’s “Climate Promise,” UNDP supports countries in implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and operationalizing climate goals. Meddeb explained that UNDP is uniquely positioned to facilitate these efforts due to its extensive network of country offices in 170 nations. This network enables UNDP to address climate issues from a development perspective, integrating energy solutions into broader sectors such as health, education, and poverty alleviation.

“UNDP’s approach is not just about energy,” he said. “It’s about sustainable energy for development. We link energy needs with development needs, connecting climate action to real improvements in health, education, and economic opportunities. This is the difference UNDP makes.”

Addressing the Debt Issue in Climate Finance

A significant portion of the interview focused on the complex financial situations faced by many global South nations, where debt often limits capacity to implement ambitious climate plans. Meddeb pointed out that addressing these financial constraints is essential for equitable progress toward climate goals. He suggested that international financial institutions should provide debt relief or restructuring options to allow these countries to invest more readily in clean energy and climate adaptation.

“Pushing countries with heavy debt burdens to accelerate their energy transition requires a nuanced approach,” Meddeb said. “We need financial structures that acknowledge their debt situations while still allowing them to contribute meaningfully to global climate targets.”

Implementation of the Paris Agreement: From Words to Action

Meddeb stressed the importance of shifting the Paris Agreement’s commitments from paper to practice, especially regarding emission reductions by developed nations. He believes that developed countries have a moral obligation to reduce their carbon footprints, given their historical contribution to climate change and their financial capacity.

“The plan is clear, and it’s agreed upon by all parties in the Paris Agreement. Now it’s just about accelerating implementation,” he asserted. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to get it moving.”

When asked whether the current pace of implementation is sufficient, Meddeb offered a candid view: “The Secretary General was very clear—it’s now or never. We need optimism and ambition but also an unyielding focus on practical solutions. There are obstacles, yes, but there are solutions too. Together, we can save our planet.”

The Responsibility of Developed Nations Toward Vulnerable Countries

As climate impacts disproportionately affect poorer nations, Meddeb urged developed countries to support those bearing the brunt of climate change. He pointed to the Loss and Damage Fund as a critical mechanism for this purpose. Set up at COP28, the fund has already garnered around USD 700 million, and Meddeb hopes COP29 will build on this initial success by accelerating funding mobilization.

After all, as the UN secretary general António Guterres noted this week, while the Loss and Damage Fund was a victory, the initial capitalization of USD 700 million doesn’t come close to righting the wrong inflicted on the vulnerable.  “USD 700 million is roughly the annual earnings of the world’s ten best-paid footballers,” Guterres said.

Meddeb agrees. “Mobilizing funds for loss and damage is a positive first step. But we must continue pushing to ensure that the support reaches the most affected communities quickly and effectively.”

A Call to Action

For Meddeb, the stakes could not be higher, and the time for incremental progress is over. He said that COP 29 must not only focus on setting ambitious goals but also make real progress on securing the necessary financing to turn aspirations into achievements.

“Now is the moment to turn pledges into action,” he said. “We’ve reached a point where the world cannot afford to wait any longer. This is the COP for finance, and we need to ensure the resources are in place for meaningful climate action.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Les membres de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) sont encore loin d’avoir conclu un accord sur les pandémies, l’accès aux agents pathogènes et le partage des bénéfices (PABS) restant un point de friction majeur.

Die WHO ist noch weit davon entfernt, sich auf ein Pandemieabkommen zu einigen. Der Zugang zu Krankheitserregern und die Nutzenverteilung bleiben auch nach der Hälfte der zwölften Verhandlungsrunde einer der Hauptstreitpunkte.

Le ministère des Finances en Algérie a récemment émis une circulaire stipulant l’achèvement des documents budgétaires pour l’année 2025 dans les délais impartis. Cette mesure […]

L’article Le budget 2025 : Une feuille de route détaillée pour l’année à venir est apparu en premier sur .

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Reconciliation, peacebuilding, regional co-operation and intercultural learning were the focus of the OSCE-supported three-day capacity building training course for potential grant applicants to the ongoing Open Call of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) “RYCOnnecting You(th)”.

From 6 to 9 November, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, representatives of 20 NGOs from across Montenegro learned how to develop project proposals through innovative methodologies for youth outreach and to establish regional partnerships to enhance project impact and visibility.

Opening the training session, Minister of Sports and Youth Dragoslav Šćekić stated that the Open Call for projects that address peacebuilding and reconciliation through youth engagement laid the foundations on which we can build a better and more connected future for all of us. “The funds that have been set aside for this call indicate RYCO’s commitment to investing in projects that, by building the capacity of NGOs, will provide young people with the opportunity for dialogue, mutual connection and intercultural learning,” said Minister Šćekić.

Giovanni Gabassi, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, stated that this workshop provided participants with the opportunity to learn more about regional co-operation and intercultural learning. “It provides young people with opportunities that create space for dialogue and mutual understanding through projects, in partnership with their peers from the Western Balkan region,” said Gabassi.

Edin Koljenović, Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro, said that almost 200 NGOs had participated in such training courses over the last two years. “We have prepared them not only to apply for funds awarded by RYCO, but we have strengthened their capacities to develop project proposals for other funds,” said Koljenović.

Together with RYCO, the Mission recognizes the role of youth in Montenegro, and will continue to promote the spirit of reconciliation, dialogue and co-operation between them, enhancing youth participation and mobility.

VIENNA, 14 November, 2024 – A conference on media freedom in the OSCE region will take place in Vienna on 22 November. It is being organized by the Maltese Chairpersonship of the OSCE, in collaboration with the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the 3CL Foundation.

This high-level event will delve into the critical role of free, independent, and pluralistic media in strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing security across the OSCE region. The conference will address key challenges to media freedom, including the safety of journalists, the rise of disinformation, and the rapidly changing digital landscape.

The agenda will feature three key sessions. The first will focus on the safety of journalists, addressing the pressing issue of impunity for crimes committed against them, with particular emphasis on the challenges faced by women journalists and those reporting from conflict zones. The second session will explore the complexities of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, discussing strategies to combat these challenges while fostering a healthy and vibrant online information space. Finally, the third session will engage youth in shaping the future of journalism, emphasizing resilience and innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Media representatives interested in covering the event are invited to complete the registration form and send it to oscechair2024@gov.mt no later than Wednesday, 20 November 2024. Photography and filming will only be allowed during the opening session.

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Kétou va accueillir la construction de six (06) infrastructures modernes de transformation de manioc, de riz et de maïs. Le Ministre de l'Agriculture, de l'Élevage et de la Pêche, Gaston Dossouhoui, a procédé, mardi 12 novembre 2024, à la remise officielle du site devant abriter les infrastructures.

Les productions agricoles seront bientôt localement transformées à Kétou. Ce grâce au projet construction de six (06) infrastructures modernes de transformation de manioc, de riz et de maïs dans cette commune du département du Plateau. « Nous n'allons pas nous peiner pour labourer, pour planter, pour entretenir nos champs et envoyer nos productions ailleurs sans les transformer. Non. Nous allons les transformer sur place en divers produits pour la consommation au Bénin puis envoyer le reste dans d'autres pays pour plus de valeur ajoutée », déclaré le ministre de l'Agriculture, de l'Élevage et de la Pêche.

Selon Gaston Dossouhoui, l'usine de Kétou va produire du lafou labellisé, certifié. Sans oublier la production de la farine panifiable pour contribuer à la fabrication du pain, et suppléer au blé de plus en plus cher. « L'unité va créer un marché pour toutes les productions. C'est ça l'action de développement prônée par le Chef de l'État, Patrice TALON. Kétou est le grenier du Plateau et ce n'est que justice faite avec l'installation prochaine de ces unités. Le chef de l'État vient de rendre l'ascenseur aux populations productrices de Kétou », a affirmé le ministre.

A en croire Éric Renaud, Directeur Général de la SoNaMA, le fonctionnement de l'usine en 300 jours sur 365 va nécessiter 1.500 tonnes de manioc. Le coût du projet est évalué à 4.592.644.493 FCFA TTC. Le projet est co-financé par le Gouvernement du Bénin et le FIDA à travers le Projet d'Appui au Développement Agricole et à l'Accès au Marché (PADAAM). La fin des travaux est prévue juin 2025.

La remise du site à la Société Nationale de Mécanisation Agricole (SoNaMA) a été faite en présence de Jean-Pascal Kabor, Directeur pays FIDA pour le Bénin et le Togo, de Raouf Rabiou, Représentant du Maire de Kétou et des populations bénéficiaires.

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L’éclairage public, élément incontournable de notre quotidien, est souvent perçu comme un simple moyen d’éclairer les villes. Pourtant, il a un impact bien plus large […]

L’article Belux Éclairage / Tizi-Ouzou 2024 : de l’urgence de protéger la faune nocturne est apparu en premier sur .

En Conseil des ministres, mercredi 13 novembre 2024, des nominations ont été prononcées au ministère du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts et au ministère des Enseignements Secondaire, Technique et de la Formation Professionnelle.

Sur proposition des ministres respectifs :

■ Au ministère du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts

Directeurs généraux des Agences de Sauvegarde de la Culture ainsi qu'il suit :

– Aire culturelle Adja Tado

Monsieur Paul AKOGNI

– Aire culturelle Grand Borgou

Monsieur Marcel Bonaventure OROU-FICO

– Aire culturelle Montagnes

Monsieur Yaïwa Blaise TCHETCHAO

– Aire culturelle Yoruba

Monsieur Aboudou Fataï FADEYI

■ Au ministère des Enseignements Secondaire, Technique et de la Formation Professionnelle

Directeur de l'Enseignement secondaire général

Monsieur Slassifi DRAMANE

Directeur de l'Alphabétisation et de la Promotion des langues nationales

Monsieur Coffi SAMBIENI

Directeur général du Fonds de Développement de la Formation continue et de l'Apprentissage

Monsieur Koffi Kintossou Arsène ZOCLI

Directeur de l'Enseignement secondaire technique et de la Formation professionnelle

Madame Sèdjro Jemima Ketsia AKLE épouse KEREKOU

Directeur des Examens et Concours

Monsieur Armand Kuyema NATTA.

Meta senkt Preise für werbefreie Dienste und führt eine Option für weniger personalisierte Werbung in der EU ein. Damit reagiert das Unternehmen auf wachsenden Druck der EU-Regulierungsbehörden und laufende Verfahren zu Werbepraktiken.

Turkana women recover with white bandages over their eyes after undergoing surgery to treat trachoma, the world's leading cause of blindness. Efforts like these are crucial in preventing the spread of this debilitating disease in vulnerable communities. Credit: Robert Kibet/IPS

By Robert Kibet
ELANKATA ENTERIT, Kenya, Nov 13 2024 (IPS)

Draped in the vibrant red of his Maasai shuka, 52-year-old Rumosiroi Ole Mpoke sits cross-legged on a worn cowhide mat outside his hut, his face etched with a sorrow deeper than the lines of age. His once-sharp eyes, now clouded by trachoma, can barely make out the shadows of the cattle he once tended with pride.

“I should have done something when I still could see,” he says quietly, his voice thick with regret. “Now, I am useless with my livestock, and my children must guide me around our land. I can no longer provide for them as a father should.”

In Elankata Enterit, Narok County, a remote village tucked 93 miles northwest of Nairobi, Rumosiroi has been stripped not only of his sight but of his role as a provider, now trapped in a cycle of poverty and dependence that gnaws at his spirit.

The Maasai, known for their resilience and deep bond with the land, are among Kenya’s pastoralist communities, particularly vulnerable to trachoma. The dusty, arid environment they inhabit fosters this infectious disease, which tightens its grip on communities already cut off from adequate healthcare services. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Sightsavers, and Kenya’s Ministry of Health are working to tackle the disease, but for communities like Rumosiroi’s, the struggle is unrelenting.

Pascal, a Community Drug Distributor (CDD), hands azithromycin tablets to a woman identified as Abedi during a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Kajaido, near the Kenyan-Tanzania border. Credit: Sightsavers/Samuel Otieno

In Kenya’s harsh, sun-baked lands of Kenya’s Rift Valley and the north, where water sources are scarce and sanitation is poor, trachoma—a neglected tropical disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis—leads to chronic suffering and blindness, affecting pastoralist communities who rely on livestock for survival. Addressing trachoma is essential to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, specifically SDG 3, which aims to provide universal health coverage, including access to quality healthcare and affordable medicines.

Elsewhere, at Chemolingot Hospital in East Pokot, Baringo County, a group of elderly women sits in the courtyard, not for medical care but to collect relief food distributed by the county government. Six frail figures lean heavily on walking sticks, guided by young boys to the right spot. Each woman is blind, their sight stolen by trachoma. With red, swollen eyes, they rub incessantly, trying to ease the relentless pain that marks their faces with lines of resignation and fatigue.

“They’ve given me so much eye ointment,” mutters Kakaria Malimtich, her voice tired and defeated. “I don’t even care about treatment anymore—now, it’s just about getting food.”

Malimtich, like many here, has lost her battle with trachoma, which afflicts 1.9 million people globally, primarily in poor regions. In the arid lands of Baringo, people battle blindness along with hunger, poverty, and a lack of basic resources.

Julius, a Community Drug Distributor (CDD), educates two women about trachoma and encourages them to take the treatment during a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Kajaido, near the Kenyan-Tanzania border. Credit:Sightsavers/Samuel Otieno

Cheposukut Lokdap, a 68-year-old resident of Chemolingot, sits nearby, rubbing her eyes to relieve the sharp stinging pain. “It feels like something is cutting into me,” she whispers, half to herself, half to anyone who’ll listen. Two years ago, her remaining vision faded, plunging her into “the dark world.” She remembers that day vividly—the eye she’d relied on to see the sun and shadows finally failed.

Trachoma is prevalent across Kenya, particularly in pastoralist regions like Turkana, Marsabit, Narok, and Wajir. According to WHO, it’s the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, yet it remains underfunded and largely overlooked. The disease thrives in communities with limited access to clean water and healthcare—conditions common among pastoralists.

According to April 2024 data from the World Health Organization, approximately 103 million people live in areas endemic to trachoma and are at risk of blindness from the disease.

“Here in Marsabit, clean water is a luxury, not a right,” says 40-year-old Naitore Lekan, whose husband is a cattle herder. “Our children suffer from eye infections all the time, and there’s no proper clinic to take them to. Sometimes we use herbs or hope it heals on its own, but it often doesn’t.” Naitore’s experience highlights broader issues in pastoralist communities, where traditional beliefs and lack of awareness hinder effective treatment and prevention.

She recounts her family’s struggle with trachoma. “My daughter, Aisha, started losing her sight last year. We thought it was just a simple eye infection, but at the clinic, they told us it was trachoma. They gave her antibiotics, but we couldn’t return for follow-up because the clinic is too far and we can’t afford transport.” For families like Naitore’s, the distance to healthcare centers and financial constraints make trachoma treatment challenging.

In Marsabit, community health worker Hassan Diba is determined to fight trachoma. “Awareness is key,” he says. “I travel to different homesteads, teaching families about trachoma, its causes, and prevention. But I can only reach so many people. We need more resources and support to tackle this issue on a larger scale.”

Trachoma’s impact goes beyond health; it disrupts pastoralist families’ economic stability. “When someone in the family is sick, everything stops,” says Rumosiroi. “I can’t go to graze the animals, and if our livestock aren’t healthy, we can’t sell them. Then we can’t buy food or pay school fees.” According to WHO, the economic burden of trachoma deepens poverty, as families divert resources to medical expenses.

Kenya’s health system faces major challenges, particularly in remote pastoralist areas. The government’s commitment to universal health coverage is commendable, yet implementation lags in regions where access to health services is hindered by geography and infrastructure.

Pascal, a Community Drug Distributor (CDD), measures 3-year-old Praygod’s height to determine the correct dose of azithromycin syrup during a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Kajaido, near the Kenyan-Tanzania border. Credit: Sightsavers/Samuel Otieno

“Most health facilities here are understaffed and under-resourced,” says Dr. Wanjiru Kuria, a public health official in Marsabit. “We need to prioritize funding for preventive measures like clean water and sanitation and train health workers to manage trachoma cases. Without these basics, the fight against trachoma won’t succeed.”

Moses Chege, Director of Sightsavers Kenya, explains that “trachoma disproportionately affects the poorest communities, and eliminating it has profound benefits for individuals and their broader communities.” He adds, “Kenya has made significant strides in the fight against trachoma, which is transforming lives—allowing more children to attend school and more adults to work and support their families.”

“The challenge to eliminate trachoma in Kenya is immense—over 1.1 million people remain at risk,” he told IPS. “Keeping hands and faces clean is essential to prevent the spread, but it’s difficult to maintain good hygiene when communities lack access to clean water. For nomadic groups like the Maasai, reaching them with consistent health services is challenging. There’s also a cultural aspect—some Maasai see the presence of houseflies as a sign of wealth and prosperous livestock. However, these flies carry the bacteria that cause trachoma.”

According to Moses Chege, Kenya has the potential to eliminate trachoma through strategic, evidence-based investments and urgent action, joining the ranks of 21 other countries that have already eradicated the disease. Since 2010, Sightsavers Kenya has been a strong partner to the Ministry of Health, distributing over 13 million trachoma treatments, including 1.6 million treatments in 2022 alone to protect Kenyans from the disease.

The recent launch of Kenya’s Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) master plan by the Ministry of Health is also expected to accelerate efforts in preventing, eradicating, eliminating, and controlling trachoma and other NTDs across the country.

Organizations like Sightsavers and the Ministry of Health have implemented programs to combat trachoma through mass drug administration and education campaigns. These efforts aim not only to treat the infected but also to promote hygiene practices to prevent the disease’s spread. “We’re seeing positive changes,” says Wanjiru. “When communities understand hygiene’s importance and have treatment access, they can break the cycle of trachoma. But it requires commitment from everyone.”

In 2022, Malawi became the first country in Southern Africa to eliminate trachoma, while Vanuatu achieved this milestone as the first Pacific Island nation.

As the world moves closer to the 2030 SDG deadline, addressing trachoma in pastoralist communities is essential for fulfilling the promise of health for all. It demands a multi-faceted approach combining community education, infrastructure development, and equitable healthcare access. For pastoralists like Naitore, Rumosiroi, and Malimtich, these interventions are not just a promise of restored health but a lifeline to a better future.

Note: This article is brought to you by IPS Noram in collaboration with INPS Japan and Soka Gakkai International in consultative status with ECOSOC.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Az ukrán emberi jogi biztos azt mondta, az Ukrajnából elrabolt gyerekeket militarizálják, és belőlük akarják kinevelni az orosz hadsereg új generációját. Az ukrajnai háború kezdete óta Oroszország több mint 19.500 ukrán gyereket deportált erőszakkal, akik közül Kijevnek csak alig több mint ezer gyereket sikerült visszahoznia.