Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: APO

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The Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr.Ahmed Attaf, held phone talks on Wednesday with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr.Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

The talks provided an opportunity to address bilateral ties and discuss ways to boost them, said the source.

The two FMs stressed the need to continue coordination within the United Nations (UN) Security Council and discussed the most important issues on the agenda of this UN body this month.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Source: APO

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Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr.Ahmed Attaf, held Wednesday a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi.

The call allowed the two sides to review the various dimensions of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Algeria and China and prospects for elevating it to new heights, particularly in economic areas, in line with the special attention both countries’ leadership gives to the relations.

The two ministers also discussed key issues on this month’s UN Security Council agenda, notably the issue of decolonization in Western Sahara.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Source: APO

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• No member of the Eswatini security forces has been held accountable for deploying tasers, teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against participants and passers-by in the June 2021 pro-democracy protests.
• Over four years have passed since scores of students, activists, and passers-by were killed, and hundreds more injured, and many victims are in difficult situations but have been denied access to remedies.
• The government of Eswatini should strengthen its policies and procedures to guard against, and prevent, further unjustified and disproportionate use of force by security and law enforcement, and provide prompt and effective remedies to victims and survivors.

Eswatini has failed to conduct an effective investigation and to ensure justice and accountability for the students, activists, and passers-by killed and injured by security forces’ use of disproportionate and lethal force during the June 2021 pro-democracy demonstrations, Human Rights Watch said today. Instead, the government has intensified its crackdown on dissenting views by arresting government critics on spurious charges, hindering peaceful assembly, and ignoring longstanding calls for democratic reforms.

The 26-page report, “You’ll Die Waiting for Justice,” confirms that the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force improperly used tear gas, and rubber bullets, and physically assaulted civilians during the June 2021 unrest. The security forces also shot indiscriminately at protesters and passers-by with live ammunition, killing scores of protesters and injuring hundreds more, including children. The findings shine a spotlight on the absence of accountability since then and the precarious and desperate situation for the victims, requiring urgent action to remedy their situation.

“It is appalling that more than four years later, the victims and survivors are living with the consequences of the brutality they suffered without any remedies for their rights violations” said Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The government of Eswatini should promptly embark on effective and comprehensive investigations into all unjustified and disproportionate use of force against civilians by police and military officers implicated in the June 2021 protests.”

Human Rights Watch interviewed 15 people in-person, 6 women and 9 men, in April 2025. The individuals interviewed are all Swati nationals, ages 18 to 68, who were 14 to 64 at the time of the protests. Three of those interviewed had lost loved ones, while 8 were direct victims of security force violence.

Human Rights Watch also interviewed four key stakeholders in Eswatini’s political landscape, including a trade union representative, a representative of a political party, a businessperson, and a human rights lawyer. These four stakeholders, and one of the victims interviewed, fled Eswatini to escape persecution for their political activism and are living in exile in South Africa.

One of the victims opened a case with authorities after police shot and killed her husband in 2021, but has heard nothing from them since and has no indication if the case is still open or progressing. Her situation is emblematic of many of the victims and survivors.

The findings also highlight the impact of the killing of Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer and champion for democratic reforms, on justice for victims and survivors. Maseko was fatally shot on January 21, 2023, while at his home in Luhleko. Maseko often took cases that other lawyers considered too risky, including the woman who opened a case about her husband’s killing, and often did so pro bono. Maseko’s killing has left victims and survivors whom he was representing feeling disillusioned with the criminal justice system and hopeless that they will ever see justice.

In October 2021, the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration had released a report stating that 46 people were killed —2 of whom were children — and 245 people had gunshot injuries, including 22 people with multiple gunshot injuries. According to the Commission, all victims identified the Eswatini security forces as having shot them, but the Commission itself made no conclusions on the identity of those responsible. The Commission recommended a full, independent investigation into the June 2021 unrest. No such investigation has since taken place. Civil society in Eswatini believe the report downplays the number of civilians killed. Some of these groups estimate that the number of people killed may be over 100.

International human rights law obligates countries to ensure accountability in cases of security forces’ use of force, in particular lethal force, by conducting effective investigations capable of identifying those responsible and leading to prosecutions and remedies for victims.

“Eswatini authorities should initiate formal support mechanisms for the June 2021 unrest, victim and survivor networks, and work with such networks to build a victim-centred program of reparations,” Masiko-Mpaka said. “There needs to be effective investigations into the use of lethal and other excessive force with public reporting on the findings, and appropriate prosecutions and other sanctions for those responsible.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO

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Dr. Lanciné Condé, Director General of Guinea-Conakry’s national oil company (NOC) Société Nationale des Pétroles de Guinée (SONAP), has joined the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition as a speaker. Taking place in Dakar from December 8 –10, the event brings together policymakers, investors and industry leaders from across the region to explore opportunities in exploration, infrastructure and regional cooperation.

During the event, Dr. Condé is expected to highlight Guinea-Conakry’s growing role within the regional energy landscape as well as the country’s efforts to leverage high-quality geological data and strong governance to unlock investment opportunities. The event offers a strategic opportunity for the NOC to engage potential investors to drive exploration and development opportunities forward.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasandPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As the NOC, SONAP plays a central role in advancing Guinea-Conakry’s ambitions to develop its emerging oil and gas sector. Under Dr. Condé’s leadership, the company has strengthened its technical capacity through the acquisition of cutting-edge geological and gas detection equipment, enabling more efficient evaluation of both onshore and offshore prospects. SONAP has also established the National Seismic Data Visualization Center in partnership with SLB and TGS, giving investors access to an extensive database of more than 15,000 km² of 3D and 45,000 km² of 2D seismic data – a crucial foundation for exploration activities.

Initial exploration campaigns have yielded promising results. Wells such as GU-2B-1 and Sabu-1 have confirmed the presence of a functioning petroleum system in the Upper Cretaceous formations, with evidence of mature source rocks, quality reservoirs and hydrocarbon shows. These findings align with the geological characteristics of the Atlantic Equatorial Margin, shared by prolific hydrocarbon provinces such as Guyana and Suriname.

To attract investment and enhance transparency, SONAP has implemented a national petroleum cadastre and identified 22 exploration blocks for future licensing rounds. In 2025, the company also launched tenders for a storage and product management platform and for ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications in quality and safety – measures that underscore SONAP’s commitment to operational excellence and investor-friendly governance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

Emirates (https://www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, marks 30 successful years of flying to Nairobi, Kenya. Since the inaugural flight in October 1995, Emirates has carried over 6.6 million passengers to and from the country, on over 34,250 flights.

Served with a double daily Boeing 777 service, Emirates connects Nairobi, one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, with over 145 countries on its vast global network, facilitating trade and tourism. In the last year, key inbound traffic has been from Asia and Australasia, including South Korea, China, Thailand and Australia as well as ultra-long-haul passengers travelling from the US. The outbound traffic is similar, with travellers from Kenya visiting destinations such as Shanghai and Beijing, China; Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; and Seattle, New York and Washington.

Further expanding their combined footprints, Emirates and Kenya’s flag carrier, Kenya Airways, signed an interline partnership in 2023, offering seamless one-ticket-itineraries and unlocking connectivity to some of the most in-demand tourist destinations in East Africa. In the last 2 years, 31,000 passengers have taken advantage of the partnership – with almost a 50/50 balance between Kenya Airways passengers and Emirates passengers. The most popular destinations Emirates passengers travel to beyond Nairobi are Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro), Mozambique and Burundi.

Commenting on the milestone anniversary, Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, said: “Since launch, Nairobi has been one of the most consistently busy destinations on our African network, not just with international tourists but with corporate travellers connecting with one of the continent’s major economic hubs. Over the last three decades, we have steadily and strategically expanded our operations both in the skies and on the ground to provide our renowned world-class experience in Kenya. We are proud to play a key role in Kenya’s aviation, tourism and trade journey and remain committed to the destination for the decades to come.”

Nairobi is home to Africa’s very first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/43AdhpA) travel store, which opened its doors and introduced the airline’s reimagined retail concept in 2024. Centrally located in the ultra-modern Cube, Riverside Drive, the store offers customers expert travel advice, immersive displays and the airline’s elevated experience.

Since the very first flight, Emirates has provided an outstanding passenger experience and, to date, remains the only airline serving Kenya with private, enclosed First Class cabins. The airline also offers one of the most generous baggage allowances on the market, starting at two bags at 23KG each in Economy and two bags at 32KG each in First and Business Class, per traveller. Passengers in every cabin can enjoy regionally inspired menus prepared by award-winning chefs, and over 6,500 channels of entertainment, including Kenyan movies, TV shows and music.

Kenya and the UAE have deep-rooted and mutually beneficial bilateral and economic relations, headlined by the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, has played a key role in facilitating global trade with Kenya, operating three weekly freighters into Nairobi, in addition to the bellyhold capacity in passenger aircraft. Kenya is one of the top four flower producing countries in the world, growing popular buds such as roses, carnations and chrysanthemums. In 2024, Emirates SkyCargo uplifted over 16,000 tonnes of fresh cut flowers, transporting them from farm to florist in as little as 24 hours.

Emirates also created employment opportunities, both with the 50-person strong staff in Nairobi and across its global operations. Over 1,100 Kenyans work with The Emirates Group in a variety of different roles, from HR, sales and marketing, through to flight deck. 254 of those employees work as part of Emirates’ multinational Cabin Crew community, and a further 41 are employed as pilots, travelling all over the globe with the world’s largest international airline.

Beyond its operations, Emirates supports three Kenyan humanitarian organisations focused on child welfare through the Emirates Airline Foundation. The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School provides holistic education and rehabilitation for children, and the Foundation has supported its meal programme since 2014; Alfajiri Street Kids offers a safe space and a range of programmes focusing on art therapy for more than 200 children; and finally, the Foundation sponsors four-year scholarships for 10 students at the Starehe Boys’ Centre which delivers academic support for underprivileged boys and includes a high school and multiple tertiary programmes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

Source: APO

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South Sudan faces a renewed slide into full-scale conflict unless urgent international action is taken, the UN-appointed independent investigative body examining human rights there warned on Wednesday.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlighted escalating armed clashes, political detentions, and widespread human rights violations, calling for coordinated efforts to safeguard civilians and uphold justice.

“South Sudan’s political transition is falling apart,” Commissioner Barney Afako told the Assembly. “The ceasefire is not holding, political detentions have become a tool of repression, the peace agreement’s key provisions are being systematically violated, and the Government forces are using aerial bombardments in civilian areas. All indicators point to a slide back toward another deadly war.”

Fighting intensifies

The Commission noted that fighting has intensified since March, displacing over 370,000 civilians internally and driving many more to neighbouring countries.

Across South Sudan, nearly 2.6 million people remain displaced, in addition to some 600,000 refugees, mostly from Sudan.

“The suffering of South Sudan’s people is not collateral damage – it is the direct consequence of political failure,” said commission chair, Yasmin Sooka.

“Once again, civilians are being bombarded, women are being raped, children are being displaced and forcefully recruited into combat roles, and entire communities are living in fear – all of this is a tragic repetition of South Sudan’s painful past. This war on the people of South Sudan is man-made and preventable.”

Investigators highlighted the growing complexity of the conflict, with political power struggles intertwined with ethnic tensions and local grievances.

Government reshuffles and partisan appointments have deepened mistrust between signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, while localised fighting is being exploited for political and military gain.

Billions extracted, ‘while the population starves’

Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández linked the crisis to corruption: “Billions in oil revenues have been siphoned off while the population starves. Hospitals have no medicines, schools have no teachers, and soldiers go unpaid while elites enrich themselves through opaque contracts and off-budget deals. Corruption is not a side effect of the conflict — it is one of its engines,” he said.

The Commission’s report also details ongoing sexual violence, forced recruitment of children, and extrajudicial killings, with national authorities complicit in some cases.

Rule of law institutions remain underfunded and promises to reform detention powers have largely gone unfulfilled.

The investigators called on the UN, African Union, and regional partners to ensure accountability, expedite the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and engage the political class in an inclusive process.

Handshakes not enough

“Peace will not come through words or handshakes,” Sooka said. “It will come through concrete actions — ending impunity, protecting civilians, and building institutions that serve people, not power. Justice and accountability must not remain deferred promises. The international community must move beyond expressions of concern to concrete, coordinated action. Otherwise, the suffering will only intensify.”

The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2016, is an independent body tasked with investigating human rights violations in the country. Its mandate has been renewed annually, and its members serve without receiving any salary.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.