African and Indian Ocean civil society unite against child sexual violence, launch regional platform in Mauritius
via Le Mauricien4 min read
A Skills Strengthening Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, concluded with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, a collective call to action against child sexual violence. The regional meeting brought together civil society actors from Africa and the Indian Ocean, aiming to strengthen prevention efforts and improve response coordination. A significant outcome was the announcement of the To Zero Africa鈥揑ndian Ocean Islands regional platform, set to launch in January 2027 in Mauritius and hosted by the Halley Movement Coalition. Child sexual violence remains a critical and underestimated crisis, with many survivors enduring their experiences in silence. Organizations working on the ground often struggle to amplify their voices and influence policy, not due to a lack of action, but difficulty in crafting powerful narratives to mobilize public opinion. In this context, To Zero, alongside partners Raising Voices, FAWE Forum for African Women Educationalists, and ECPAT, convened leaders, activists, and practitioners in Nairobi, including Mahendranath Busgopaul, director of the Halley Movement Coalition. The workshop aimed to establish a common communication and advocacy approach, shifting the narrative from a sense of inevitability to viewing child sexual violence as a predictable problem requiring collective action. Over two and a half days, participants focused on effective communication strategies, developing solution-oriented narratives, strengthening media relations, and aligning me
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
ER Group has announced its entry into the banking sector through a strategic partnership with Swan Life and the regional group FMBcapital Holdings Plc. This follows an in-principle approval from the Bank of Mauritius. ER Group will participate in Rogers Global Financial Holdings Ltd RGFHL, a holding company co-owned with Swan Life. RGFHL will then form a 50:50 joint venture with FMBcapital Holdings Plc to establish a new bank in Mauritius. The in-principle approval from the Bank of Mauritius is a preliminary step, and the parties are currently working to meet regulatory conditions for a definitive banking license. This move represents a significant diversification for ER Group. FMBcapital Holdings Plc, based in Mauritius, is the parent company of the FMBcapital group, which operates in five SADC countries and offers a full range of financial services. FMBcapital is listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange and holds an A+ long-term credit rating from Global Credit Rating Co.
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