News & Events

The day marks a pivotal moment in Togo’s history, reflecting on its journey from a German protectorate to a French-administered mandate under the League of Nations and eventually achieving full independence on 27 April 1960. While the official Independence Day celebrates Togo’s autonomy, Liberation Day focuses on the ongoing struggle for political and social justice within the nation.

The origins of Liberation Day lie in the political upheaval of the early 1960s, particularly the assassination of Sylvanus Olympio, Togo’s first President, on 13 January 1963. Olympio was a key figure in Togo’s independence movement, championing economic self-reliance and resisting external pressures. His death marked a significant turning point in Togo’s post-independence political landscape, leading to decades of military influence and political challenges.

Liberation Day allows Togolese citizens to reflect on their history and reaffirm their commitment to building a just and prosperous nation. Celebrations often include cultural events, community gatherings, and educational programmes aimed at fostering national pride and unity. Speeches by political leaders and civil society groups typically underscore the importance of democratic values, human rights, and continued efforts to address social inequalities.

Malta has dropped to 34th in the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), continuing downward from 29th in 2024 to 18th in 2023. While the country performs well in energy use, ranking 16th, it struggles with renewable energy, placing 44th due to slow progress in solar adoption and stalled offshore wind projects despite discussions since the 1990s. The government launched a National Policy for Offshore Renewable Energy in October 2024, but tangible results remain absent. Malta’s reliance on fossil fuels persists, highlighted by purchasing a diesel-powered plant in 2024 to address electricity shortfalls.

In climate policy, Malta ranks 34th, with weak implementation despite the establishment of the Climate Action Authority in 2024. Subsidies aimed at reducing fuel poverty, while commendable, inadvertently promote high energy consumption and waste. The transport sector also lags, with automobiles dominating despite free public transport being introduced in 2022. Bicycle lanes remain limited, although subsidies for electric vehicles have led to increased adoption.

Read the original article here: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/133063/malta_drops_to_34th_place_in_climate_performance_index

Seychelles’ Principal Minister, Jean-François Ferrari, met Kenyan leader Raila Odinga at Maison Quéau de Quinssy to discuss Odinga’s candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the 2025-2029 term.

Odinga outlined his vision and priorities for the role, while Minister Ferrari highlighted Seychelles’ importance in the upcoming elections. He also emphasised the need for the AUC to address the challenges African island states face. He pledged Seychelles’ support for a candidate capable of transforming the organisation to meet member states’ aspirations. The AUC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson elections are set for February 2025 at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

Read the original article here: https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/seychelles-and-kenya-discuss-candidature-for-the-position-of-chairperson-of-the-african-union-commission?lang=en