Africa

BBC Africa Eye uncovers two so-called "juju" practitioners, who offer to obtain body parts for ritual purposes.

BBC Africa Eye uncovers two so-called "juju" practitioners, who offer to obtain body parts for ritual purposes.

Fixtures, results and scorecards from Sri Lanka's ODI tour of Pakistan, and the Twenty20 tri-series that follows which also involves Zimbabwe.

Fixtures, results and scorecards from Sri Lanka's ODI tour of Pakistan, and the Twenty20 tri-series that follows which also involves Zimbabwe.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says there is a "renewed commitment to multilateral co-operation".

The raid on a Christian school came amid a surge of attacks by armed groups in the African nation.

The kidnapping comes amid a surge of attacks by armed groups in the African nation.

Beeindruckend, wie YB in der Startphase gegen Winterthur den Tabellenletzten überfährt. Das 5:0 am Ende ist nach dem 4:1 in St. Gallen schon das zweite Statement unter Gerardo Seoane. Walzen die Polarbären nun alles platt?

The authorities in landlocked Ethiopia have ratcheted up rhetoric over access to an Eritrean port.

The authorities in landlocked Ethiopia have ratcheted up rhetoric over access to an Eritrean port.

The authorities in landlocked Ethiopia have ratcheted up rhetoric over access to an Eritrean port.

André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President of Brazil, during a highly charged closing plenary. Credit: UN Climate Change/Kiara Worth

By Joyce Chimbi
BELÉM, Brazil, Nov 23 2025 (IPS)

Following tense, nightlong negotiations and bitter rows between more than 190 country delegations, a “politically charged Belém package” was finally forged at COP30—so named because of the highly contentious and difficult-to-negotiate issues within the climate talks. Belém was supposed to be ‘a how’ climate conference. Decisions made at the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change would shape how the Paris Agreement moves from word to action and to what extent global climate actions can be reached. In this COP of “implementation and multilateralism in action,” politics carried the day in more ways than one.

Observers, such as Wesley Githaiga from the Civil Society, told IPS that issues touching on trade, climate finance, and fossil fuels are politically charged because of competing and conflicting national interests.

Gavel came out without a roadmap for ending fossil fuels. Credit: UN Climate Change/Kiara Worth

“Some countries bear more responsibility for the climate crises than others and have a higher financial responsibility to address climate change,” Githaiga said. “Striking a balance between the needs of vulnerable developing nations and the economic priorities of developed wealthy countries is difficult.”

Conflicting national interests escalated when COP30 was suspended for additional side consultations just one hour before the final outcome on Saturday, following an argument that broke out over procedural issues.

The Elephant in the Room: Fossil Fuels

On one hand, a few highly organized petrostates from the Arab Group of nations, including Saudi Arabia, were opposed to Colombia, which was supported by the European Union and other Latin American countries like Panama and Uruguay regarding fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are by far the largest contributors to global warming. Scientists have warned of catastrophic temperature rises of up to 2.5°C by mid-century.

Githaiga says the issue was procedural because Colombia was objecting to an already-approved text. The main point of contention was the transition away from fossil fuels. COP28 achieved a historic breakthrough by advocating for a global shift away from fossil fuels. How to transition had been the most highly contentious issue at Belém.

So contentious that COP30 ultimately decided to sidestep ‘fossil fuels’ altogether.

Despite nearly 80 developed and developing countries standing firm demanding an end to the use of planet-warming fossil fuels, there is no mention of fossil fuels in the final COP30 agreement, only an oblique reference to the ‘UAE consensus.’ Despite the demands of Brazil’s neighbors Colombia, Panama, and Uruguay for stronger language, the announcement of a voluntary roadmap outside the UN process went ahead.

Throughout the tense climate talks, observers speculated that the COP30 outcome would include text on either “phasing away” from fossil fuels or “phasing down.” The end result did not include a roadmap for abandoning oil, gas, and coal. Recognizing that the world expected more ambition, Brazilian COP30 President André Aranha Corrêa do Lago told delegates, “We know some of you had greater ambitions for some of the issues at hand.”

Despite the lack of consensus, the COP30 President announced on Saturday that the presidency would publish a “side text” on fossil fuels and forest protection due to the lack of agreement. There will be two roadmaps on these two issues. The work will be done outside of the formal negotiations headed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the Brazilian COP Presidency.

Climate Finance

Nevertheless, all was not lost. According to Mohamed Adow, the Director of Power Shift Africa, the creation of a Just Transition Action Mechanism emerged as a positive development, acknowledging that the global shift away from fossil fuels will not abandon workers and frontline communities.

Adow nonetheless stressed that “developed countries have betrayed vulnerable nations by both failing to deliver science-aligned national emission reduction plans and also blocked talks on finance to help poor countries adapt to climate change caused by the global north.”

“Rich countries cannot make a genuine call for a roadmap if they continue to drive in the opposite direction themselves and refuse to pay up for the vehicles they stole from the rest of the convoy.”

Disagreements are not about climate finance in itself but about how funds will flow from the wealthy to the vulnerable, poor states. But the lack of ambition did not cut across the eight-page declaration developed at the mouth of the world largest rainforest—the Amazon.

The negotiations did succeed in their determination to deliver an economic transition, even though there are concerns that some of the climate finance agreements, such as those on adaptation, are too sweeping, too general, and lacking in specifics. COP 29 raised the annual climate finance target of developing nations from USD 100 billion to USD 300 billion. COP30 agreed to scale finance and to specifically mobilize USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate action.

On adaptation, Adow said, “Belém restored some integrity to the Global Goal on Adaptation, removing dangerous indicators that would have penalized poorer countries simply for being poor.”

“The slow pace of finance negotiations is worrying. The promise to triple adaptation lacks clarity on a base year and has now been delayed to 2035, leaving vulnerable countries without support to match the escalating needs frontline communities are facing. As it stands, this outcome does nothing to narrow the adaptation finance gap.”

Adow continues, “COP30 was intended to focus significantly on raising funds to assist vulnerable nations in adapting to climate change; however, European nations have undermined these discussions and removed the protections that poorer countries were seeking in Belem.”

“Europe, which colonized much of the global south and then imperiled it further through its industrialized carbon emissions, now works against even efforts to help it adapt to the climate crisis.”

Many of the countries that have submitted their National Adaptation Plans lack funding. The agreement moving forward is to double adaptation finance by 2025 and triple it by 2035. But it is not clear where this money will come from—public financing, private or wealthy nations.

On the frontlines of the climate crises, Sierra Leone challenged the emphasis on private capital to fund climate adaptation efforts, stating that the private sector is not known for its robust support of adaptation. Observers like Githaiga say instead, there is a need to triple public funding for adaptation.

“If you read the text carefully, you actually realize there is no agreement requiring countries to contribute more funds for climate activities,” he says.

Loss and Damage

On the Loss and Damage Fund, operationalization and replenishment cycles are now confirmed. A first in the history of COPs, trade was and will be discussed within the UNFCCC rather than just the World Trade Organization, in recognition of the intersection between trade and climate change.

The UN climate summit also delivered new initiatives such as the launch of the Global Implementation Accelerator and the Belém Mission to 1.5°C to drive ambition and implementation. This is about meeting the ambition gap by cutting emissions. The ‘Belem Package’ seeks to raise ambition by setting a new 1.5°C warming target to match the pace of the climate crisis. There was also a commitment to promote information integrity and counter false narratives.

Ultimately, COP30 will be remembered for increased climate activism and, more so, the visibility of Indigenous Peoples and the recognition of Afro-descendants. Importantly, it’s the recognition of the cross section between climate change and action and racial justice—although the reaction from some Indigenous peoples is that they would like to have a formal seat at the table.

Belém also raised ambitions for protecting the world’s forests, as the Forest Finance Roadmap is already backed by 36 governments, accounting for 45 percent of global forest cover and 65 percent of GDP. This roadmap seeks to close a USD 66.8 billion annual gap for tropical forest protection and restoration.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell summed up the positives.

“So COP30 showed that climate cooperation is alive and kicking. Keeping humanity in the fight for a livable planet. And that’s despite roaring political headwinds. That while one country stepped back. 194 countries have stood firm in solidarity. Rock-solid in support of climate cooperation.

“With or without Navigation Aids, the direction of travel is clear: the shift from fossil fuels to renewables and resilience is unstoppable, and it’s gathering pace,” Stiell said at a press conference at the end of the COP.

However, many others will also remember COP30 for its lack of ambition to deliver on a 2023 promise made to the world to phase out fossil fuels. The lack of a science-based pathway to facilitate a fast, fair and funded phaseout of fossil fuels is a blemish on Belém’s climate deal.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Excerpt:

Despite nearly 80 developed and developing countries standing firm demanding an end to the use of planet-warming fossil fuels, there is no mention of fossil fuels in the final COP30 agreement, only an oblique reference to the 'UAE consensus.'

Malcolm Marx is named men's player of the year at the World Rugby Awards, while Fabian Holland wins the breakthrough player prize.

Legalább kilencen meghaltak izraeli légicsapásokban a Gázai övezetben, emellett többen megsebesültek. ez ismét aláássa a Hamász és Izrael közötti törékeny tűzszünetet.

Brussels' bid to promote an ‘Economic Security Doctrine’ epitomises the EU Commission chief's grand strategy: to repeatedly churn out vacuous grand strategies

The host nation's goal of advocating for developing nations may be overshadowed by the absence of the US president.

AS FAR beat debutants ASEC Mimosas 2-1 in the African Women's Champions League final to become continental champions for the second time.

AS FAR beat debutants ASEC Mimosas 2-1 in the African Women's Champions League final to become continental champions for the second time.

A la suite d'un braquage perpétré le dimanche 16 novembre 2025, à hauteur du village Gango, dans la commune de Tchaourou, un suspect a été arrêté, et deux autres identifiés grâce à l'action coordonnée des unités de Police et des chasseurs traditionnels de la localité.

L'enquête ouverte par la Police après le vol à main armée du dimanche 16 novembre à Gango, porte ses fruits. L'un des auteurs présumés a été arrêté par la Police. Ceci, grâce à l'intervention rapide des éléments du commissariat de l'arrondissement de Tchaourou appuyés par les unités de Tchatchou et de Kassouala, ainsi que les chasseurs traditionnels.
Le suspect selon la Police, a été interpellé en possession de la moto de l'une des victimes. Deux autres complices présumés, ont réussi à prendre la fuite, mais ont été rapidement identifiés.
La Police républicaine en appelle à la vigilance et à la collaboration de la population pour la sécurité de tous.

F. A. A.

Le Bénin numérique, une inspiration pour l'Afrique ? Ce n'était pas un coup de chance, mais “un processus, une vision« . En 10 ans, le Bénin a transformé son écosystème numérique avec 100 projets majeurs et une méthode reproductible.

“Le Bénin rayonne depuis quelques années, et cela ne s'est pas fait rapidement. C'était un processus, une vision », souligne Melaine Aquereburu-Olouman, Directeur du Bureau de projets à l'ASIN. Aujourd'hui, plusieurs projets numériques ont été conduits avec succès, portés par des équipes pluridisciplinaires et une organisation rigoureuse.

Déploiement de la fibre optique, digitalisation des collectivités locales, extension de l'internet dans les localités, modernisation des services publics, et bien plus…. Depuis 2017, le Bénin a lancé une vaste stratégie de transformation numérique articulée autour de nombreux projets. Et avec une méthode que nous détaillons.

Voici les 6 recettes qui expliquent cette réussite

1. Une gouvernance de projets autonomes

Plus de 100 projets et 1 000 sous-projets sont suivis et pilotés par des responsables dédiés. Chaque acteur nommé dans la gouvernance dispose d'un réel pouvoir d'action, ce qui garantit efficacité et rapidité d'exécution.

2. Un portefeuille de projets structuré

Les initiatives numériques sont inscrites dans un portefeuille cohérent, permettant une vision globale, un alignement stratégique et un suivi rigoureux des priorités du pays, selon Melaine Aquereburu-Olouman.

3. Une agence d'excellence au cœur du dispositif

Le modèle béninois repose sur la création d'agences spécialisées dotées de talents hautement qualifiés.

4. Wekenou : un intranet collaboratif

Wekenou symbolisant les jarres dans lesquelles chacun dépose connaissances et savoirs permet une collaboration transparente. Tous les départements y consultent en temps réel le statut et l'avancement des projets.

5. L'ASIN Delivery Method

Il s'agit d'un ensemble de processus et de modèles standardisés qui garantissent qualité, efficacité et uniformité dans l'exécution des projets numériques. Tous les acteurs travaillent selon une même méthodologie reconnue.

6. Un arsenal d'outils opérationnels

Tableaux de bord, outils de reporting, systèmes de suivi en temps réel : le pilotage des projets s'appuie sur une panoplie complète d'outils modernes permettant un contrôle précis.

Et la “sauce secrète” du Bénin

Au-delà de ces six recettes, trois ingrédients distinguent particulièrement le Bénin et expliquent l'accélération de son écosystème numérique.

1. Une adoption du numérique au plus haut niveau

Tous les membres du gouvernement utilisent des solutions digitales, notamment la plateforme E-Conseil, qui élimine la paperasse lors des réunions.

2. Un leadership opérationnel engagé

Les autorités de tutelle maîtrisent les enjeux à tous les niveaux : fibre optique, cybersécurité, infrastructures, gouvernance numérique… Cette proximité opérationnelle garantit une exécution rapide et cohérente.

3. Le choix de catalyseurs stratégiques

Le pays s'appuie sur des figures clés qui orientent, supervisent et valorisent la politique numérique. Parmi ces acteurs figurent notamment : Serge Adjovi, Directeur général de l'Agence de Développement du Numérique (ADN) et Ouanilo Médégan Fagla, Directeur général de l'ANSSI-Bénin.

Pour Melaine Aquereburu-Olouman, le Bénin a su donc combiner vision, organisation, leadership et innovation pour bâtir un modèle de transformation numérique désormais cité en exemple en Afrique.

Edwige APEDO, Radio Djena (Togo)

Cet article est rédigé par l'équipe de la Rédaction Éphémère initiée à Cotonou du 17 au 22 novembre dans le cadre du projet MediAOS.