News & Events

Every year, on March 12, the island nation of Mauritius comes alive with vibrant celebrations that mark its independence. The streets fill with the rhythmic sounds of traditional music, as colorful parades wind their way through cities and villages, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.

The day begins with solemn flag-hoisting ceremonies across the country, where the Mauritian flag – with its striking red, blue, yellow, and green stripes – rises proudly against the tropical sky. Military personnel in crisp uniforms perform precision drills, while the national anthem echoes through the air, stirring patriotic sentiments among gathered crowds.

Today’s celebrations reflect both this historical journey and the nation’s deep connection to nature. Mauritians, known for their environmental consciousness, incorporate their respect for the natural world into their independence celebrations. Parks and public spaces become venues for community gatherings, where the aroma of traditional cuisines mingles with the sweet scent of tropical flowers.

Cultural performances showcase the island’s diverse heritage, with traditional dances, music, and artistic displays representing the various communities that make up modern Mauritius. Children in colorful conventional attire perform at school events, while community centers host exhibitions highlighting the nation’s progress from a colonial territory to a prosperous, independent state.

Join His Majesty The King as he shares a powerful Commonwealth Day message centered on unity and diversity. In this heartfelt address, the King reflects on the invaluable role of the Commonwealth—a family of nations—coming together to face today’s challenges. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we honour the brave men and women from across the Commonwealth who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s message emphasizes collaboration for peace, human rights, and environmental restoration. Let’s celebrate the strength found in our differences and the spirit of friendship that binds us.
Read the original message here: https://thecommonwealth.org/news/commonwealth-day-message-from-his-majesty-the-king

After eight years of complex negotiations, Botswana and De Beers Group have finalised a landmark diamond sales agreement, marking a crucial milestone for the southern African nation’s mining sector.

The agreement, signed recently in the capital city of Gaborone, includes provisions for a potential five-year extension to the initial term. President Duma Boko, speaking at the signing ceremony, hailed it as a “good deal” that promises to generate substantial employment opportunities for Botswana’s citizens.

Under the renewed partnership, the state-owned Okavango Diamond Company will secure a 40 percent share of Debswana’s production, revised from an earlier provisional figure of 50 percent. Debswana, a joint venture equally owned by Botswana and De Beers, will see its mining licences extended by 25 years, now running until July 2054. The agreement represents a significant step forward in Botswana’s diamond industry, promising long-term value creation through existing mining assets and future expansion projects.

Read the original article here: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202502/26/WS67be7a0da310c240449d7541.html