The Indian Ocean Region during the past week witnessed significant developments that focused on maritime security. While Seychelles hosted officials from 20 countries for Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) platform meet, Seychelles and Mauritius jointly intercepted a vessel that curiously has links with Taiwan. Oman on its part upheld commitment to UNCLOS. Mauritius hosted the 17th Edition of the African Economic Conference (AEC) that focused on the theme Supporting Climate-Smart Development in Africa. Among the African states that are based along the Indian Ocean Region, Tanzania has been ranked one of the best investment destinations in Africa. In Kenya the new President has assured better disaster preparedness.
Around 80 senior officials involved in maritime security from 20 countries in the Indian Ocean region are meeting in Seychelles to discuss how the Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) platform can be used to effectively respond to maritime threats. During the two-day conference at the Seychelles Coast Guard auditorium, participants will also be looking at the challenges to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and how IORIS can support the coordination and decision-making process. Additionally, they will address maritime safety by looking at emergency prevention, preparedness and response.
Seychelles News Agency |5th December 2022
An investigation has been initiated into a vessel of interest after it was intercepted in the Joint Management Area of the Mascarene Plateau Region, co-managed by Seychelles and Mauritius. According to director of the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC), Sam Gonthier, the interception happened during the first bilateral operation of the centre within the area undertaken by the military of the two countries. Dubbed Operation Yellowfin, the mission saw the deployment of assets from Seychelles and the Mauritian Coastguard and Air Force. The operation, which took place from November 14 to November 21, resulted in a Taiwanese fishing vessel being directed to Mauritius for further investigation by the relevant authorities there.
The country as a sustainable international financial centre, states PM
Mauritius Govt Information Service | 9th December 2022
Mauritius intends to develop an Environmental Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) framework so as to position the country as a sustainable international financial centre, stated the Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. He was delivering his keynote address at the opening of the 17th Edition of the African Economic Conference (AEC) held from 9 to 11 December in Mauritius. The AEC 2022 is focusing on the theme Supporting Climate-Smart Development in Africa.
Tanzania ranked among best investments destinations in Africa
The Citizen | 9th December 2022
Tanzania has been ranked one of the best investment destinations in Africa, thanks to its strong regulatory framework, sound macroeconomic fundamentals and a vibrant financial market. This is according to the Absa Africa Financial Markets Index 2022, an annual report highlighting economies with the most supportive environment for effective markets. The report rates countries based on six pillars, including market depth, access to foreign exchange, and market transparency.
Ruto: We will increase our resilience against future threats
The Star | 9th December 2022
President William Ruto said the Government will work with institutions of higher learning to strengthen Kenya’s resilience against future threats. Ruto said it was time the country re-invented itself in the wake of rare disruptions such as climate change and COVID-19. He noted that the Government was keen on developing appropriate innovations that will help in the pre-warning and countering of such turbulent occurrences.
Oman celebrates 40th anniversary of UN’s Law of the Sea
The Arabian Stories | 9th December 2022
The Sultanate of Oman confirmed its commitment to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and was among the first 69 countries to deposit instruments of ratification of the Convention on August 17, 1989. As part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on Law The Seas, Second Secretary Mohammed bin Ali Al Shehhi of Oman’s permanent delegation to the United Nations in New York delivered a speech about Oman’s history of joining the convention. Oman indicated that this celebration represents an important event in the field of international cooperation and understanding of issues related to the Law of the Sea, and can be seen as a great achievement that guarantees the consolidation of international law.
Madagascar starts works on first motorway
Africa News | 5th December 2022
Authorities in Madagascar have started works on the country’s first motorway linking the capital, Antananarivo, to Tamatave, the country’s economic hub and largest port. Egyptian company Samcrete will be in charge of the 4-year project for a budget of nearly $1 billion. “The highway will allow us to relieve the congestion of the national road number 2 because in fact it is estimated that the traffic will be multiplied by 5 in the next three years. So it will be unbearable for the national road number 2 to handle this extra traffic”, said Public Works Minister of Madagascar, Jerry Hatrefindrazana.
