Category: Africa

Source: APO

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) have renewed their partnership through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a virtual ceremony attended by senior officials from both institutions.

The renewed five-year collaboration reaffirms FAO and RUFORUM’s shared commitment to advancing higher agricultural education, research, and innovation across Africa to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems. The partnership aims to strengthen institutional and technical capacities, promote knowledge exchange, and foster innovation for sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.

Speaking at the ceremony, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, highlighted that the renewed partnership underscores the vital role of academia in driving Africa’s agricultural transformation. FAO’s collaboration is aligned to the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and its Four Betters – better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Professor Patrick Okori, RUFORUM Executive Secretary, welcomed the renewed collaboration, emphasizing that FAO’s technical expertise combined with RUFORUM’s vast academic network of 175 universities in 40 countries provides a strong platform to nurture innovation, empower youth, and build resilient rural economies.

Under the new agreement FAO and RUFORUM will work together to:

• facilitate South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) and promote joint resource mobilization;
• advance knowledge generation and dissemination on food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture; and
• strengthen strategic alliances and policy dialogues for agrifood systems transformation in line with the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

This partnership aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031 and RUFORUM’s Vision 2030, reinforcing the joint mission to equip the next generation of African scientists, researchers, and policymakers with the skills and tools needed to transform agrifood systems for a sustainable future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received President of Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty, and Eritrean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that commencing the meeting, President El-Sisi welcomed President Afwerki, lauding his visit to Egypt and his participation in the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s pride in the deep-rooted strategic relations with Eritrea. The President underscored his keenness on strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly in the economic and investment sectors, in a way that supports President Afwerki’s efforts to advance national development, and aligns with what was agreed upon during President El-Sisi’s historic visit to the Eritrean capital, Asmara, in October 2024.

During the meeting, the two Presidents exchanged views on regional developments. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s firm commitment to supporting Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For his part, President Afwerki expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s role, led by President El-Sisi, in consolidating stability and advancing development efforts in the Horn of Africa and East Africa region. He welcomed the expansion of economic cooperation with Egypt and the strengthening of bilateral coordination with regard to international and regional issues of mutual interest.

President El-Sisi and President Afwerki also focused on developments in the Horn of Africa region. They affirmed the convergence of views between the two countries on ways to end the war in Sudan. President El-Sisi and the Eritrean President stressed the necessity to support national state institutions, first and foremost the Sudanese Armed Forces, and to reject any attempts to establish parallel entities.

In this context, President El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s efforts within the framework of the Quartet Mechanism, with seeks to end the war and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Sudanese people. The President emphasized Egypt’s commitment to working with the partners to ensure Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity, and the preservation of its national sovereignty.

The meeting also addressed the latest developments in Somalia. The two Presidents reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to what was stated in the Joint Trilateral Statement issued during the Summit between the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia in Asmara, October 2024. The statement underscored the need to respect the fundamental principles of international law, particularly the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Somalia and all countries in the region.

The two leaders also emphasized the importance of coordinating joint efforts to achieve regional stability and strengthen the capabilities of Somali state institutions to confront internal and external challenges. They also reiterated the importance of enhancing cooperation to ensure the security of the Red Sea, and preventing any impact on navigation in this vital waterway. The President stressed the necessity to intensify coordination between Egypt and Eritrea, as well as with the neighboring Arab and African countries, to contribute to consolidating security and stability in this important region.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

The Suriname Business Forum (SBF), a leading advocate for private sector growth in Suriname, has partnered with Caribbean Energy Week (CEW), the premier regional energy conference connecting stakeholders across the Caribbean and the Americas.

The Suriname Business Forum (SBF), established in 2007, serves as a national platform for formulating, implementing and monitoring Suriname’s strategy for local private sector development. Composed of representatives from key ministries, business associations, academia and labor unions, SBF fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve the country’s business climate and advance economic growth. Through initiatives such as the Suriname Business Development Center, the forum works to strengthen entrepreneurship, enhance trade and support job creation in line with emerging opportunities from international investment and the growth of Suriname’s oil and gas sector.

SBF’s partnership with CEW 2026 reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to fostering local content and ensuring that Suriname’s oil and gas boom delivers tangible benefits for the nation’s workforce, businesses and communities. President Geerlings-Simons has stated that Suriname will launch a National Local Content Program in 2026, designed to engage people and businesses directly in the emerging oil and gas industry through measures such as local hiring requirements, regional training and financing hubs and other legislative initiatives.

“Through our partnership with the Suriname Business Forum, Caribbean Energy Week is proud to offer SBF members direct access to international investors, policymakers and energy leaders,” says Sandra Jeque, International Conference Director at Energy Capital & Power. “This collaboration not only strengthens the dialogue between local and global stakeholders but also provides actionable insights and networking opportunities that will empower Surinamese businesses to play a meaningful role in shaping the country’s emerging oil and gas sector.”

As a partner of Caribbean Energy Week, SBF will serve as a bridge linking Surinamese businesses with regional and international players shaping the Caribbean’s energy landscape. The collaboration highlights Suriname’s growing private sector and will create opportunities for knowledge exchange, visibility and engagement across key discussions on investment, local content and economic development.

Taking place under the theme Leveraging Energy Diversity Across the Caribbean, CEW – taking place on March 30-April 1, 2026 in Paramaribo – will convene industry leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators to explore energy sector growth, investment opportunities and regional collaboration.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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Cany Jobe, Director of Exploration & Production at the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), will participate at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference and Exhibition from December 8-10. During the event, Jobe is expected to share insight into emerging oil and gas opportunities as the country pursues partners to accelerate offshore exploration campaigns.  

With over eight offshore and two onshore blocks currently open for investment, The Gambia represents one of West Africa’s most promising exploration destinations. Approximately 80% of offshore data coverage has already been acquired, de-risking exploration and offering investors faster entry timelines.  

The country’s attractiveness as an investment destination is further enhanced by its strategic location within the MSGBC basin and its geological similarities to those of neighboring Senegal and Mauritania – home to world-class discoveries such as Senegal’s Sangomar oilfield and Greater Tortue Ahmeyim.  

To incentivize foreign investment, the government is strengthening its regulatory framework to enhance investor confidence. The Gambia is finalizing a new Petroleum Exploration, Development & Production Bill designed to foster a transparent, efficient and investor-friendly operating environment. The upcoming bill will complement additional reforms to upstream legislation, all of which aim to create a more conducive operating environment for foreign investors.  

At MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power, Jobe is expected to elaborate on The Gambia’s regulatory reforms, investment incentives and collaborative strategies aimed at unlocking the nation’s offshore potential. Under the theme Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergy for inclusive Economic Development, the event will host Jobe in exclusive networking sessions, connecting global investors with emerging prospects within The Gambia’s energy space. 

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.  

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

Source: APO

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Ahead of the trial of prominent lawyer and human rights defender Ahmed Souab starting on 31October in Tunis, Heba Morayef, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said: 

“Ahmed Souab is facing unfounded charges that carry heavy prison sentences, including ‘forming a terrorist organization’ and ‘spreading fake news,’ solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and carrying out his professional duties as a human rights lawyer. His arrest and subsequent prosecution are in retaliation for his criticism of the lack of due process and independence of the court regarding the ‘conspiracy case’ in which he was representing three defendants. 

“Ahmed Souab should never have been detained in the first place, let alone be prosecuted. His case is a chilling example of the Tunisian authorities’ broader authoritarian practices to target critics, lawyers, and human rights defenders who dare to speak out against persistent violations of judicial independence and the rule of law and executive overreach. Authorities are using bogus “terrorism” charges as a pretext to crackdown on peaceful dissent and severely restrict the right to a fair trial and create a pervasive climate of fear. This travesty of justice must stop.

“The Tunisian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Ahmed Souab and drop all the baseless charges against him. They must uphold their international human rights obligations and cease the targeting of lawyers for defending their clients or criticizing the judiciary. Authorities must uphold the rule of law including judicial independence and allow lawyers to freely carry out their professional functions without any harassment, intimidation or improper interference.” 

 Background 

Ahmed Souab is a prominent Tunisian lawyer and human rights defender known for his outspoken criticism of violations of fair trial rights and executive interference with judicial independence, particularly under President Kais Saied’s administration. He previously served as a judge at the Administrative Court and has been a vocal critic of the dismantling of the rule of law following President Saied’s July 2021 power grab.  

Souab has represented several high-profile victims of human rights violations, including political opposition and activists in the “conspiracy case,” the highest-profile example of the broader authoritarian practices including crackdown on political opposition and the erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law in Tunisia. On 19 April, a Tunis criminal court sentenced 37 individuals including prominent political opposition figures, lawyers, and human rights defenders, to harsh prison terms ranging between four and 74 years on unfounded “conspiracy” charges.  The defendants have been convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. Their trial has been riddled with procedural and substantive violations and a blatant disregard of defense rights and was based on unsubstantiated charges. 

Ahmed Souab’s hearing will be held without his physical presence as the court extended its decision to hold terrorism trials remotely citing a vague “imminent danger.”  Souab is refusing to attend his court hearing remotely and insists on being physically present during his trial in order to defend himself. There is no justification to deny detainees their right to be brought physically before the court to challenge the lawfulness of their detention. Denying the detainees this right is also incompatible with the requirements of respect for due process law, as for example, it undermines the ability of the detainees to effectively participate in and follow the proceedings and to be heard without technical impediments. Such a denial is incompatible with the principles of due process guaranteed under both Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Tunisia is a State Party. 

Souab’s arrest on 21 April 2025 came just two days after he spoke at a press conference criticizing the lack of fair trial in the “conspiracy case,” in his capacity as defense lawyer for 3 of the defendants.  Following his arrest, authorities held him in incommunicado for detention 48 hours before his pre-trial detention was ordered. Amnesty International has documented a concerning pattern of the misuse of counter-terrorism laws to crackdown on peaceful dissent and a growing trend of targeting lawyers representing activists and political opposition groups in Tunisia.  

For instance, lawyer Dalila Msaddak faces trial on 25 November 2025 with journalist Borhene Bsaies for comments made on his TV show two years ago defending her clients detained in the notorious “conspiracy case”. In the November 2023 interview, Msaddak said the charges against her clients were unfounded and the case was “fabricated.” Two days later, prosecutors opened an investigation against Msaddak and Bsaies  under Decree-Law 54 accusing them of spreading “false news,” and then referred them to trial.    

Tunisian authorities have the legal obligations including under Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which the country is a state party to ensure the right to a fair trial includes the right to be defended by counsel of one’s choosing.  

Similarly, under Principle 16 of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, lawyers “shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics.”  Principle 20 provides that, “lawyers shall enjoy civil and penal immunity for relevant statements made in good faith in written or oral pleadings or in their professional appearances before a court.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO

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The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), through Honourable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem, Country Rapporteur for the Republic of Sudan, vice president of the Commission and Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, Focal Point on Human Rights in Conflict Situations, expresses its deep and grave concern over the continued escalation of violence, mass atrocities, and the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan.

Credible reports indicate that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) operations in El Fasher have reportedly been accompanied by grave breaches of international humanitarian law and serious violations of international human rights law, including attacks against civilians, committing killings, rape, torture, looting, and destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, markets, and humanitarian facilities. Thousands remain trapped in the city, with no access to food, medicine, or safe evacuation routes, amounting to collective punishment and acts that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.

The Commission reiterates the findings and recommendations of its Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Sudan, published during its 85th Ordinary Session on 21 October 2025 and calls for the full and urgent implementation of these recommendations, including the establishment of an independent accountability mechanism, unimpeded humanitarian access, and stronger protection for civilians, particularly women, children, and persons with disabilities.

The Commission welcomes the conclusions of the 1305th Emergency Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), held on 28 October 2025 in Addis Ababa, and welcomes its firm condemnation of the atrocities and grave human rights violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and its demand for the establishment of humanitarian corridors and accountability for perpetrators. The Commission further echoes the Council’s rejection of all forms of external interference, which undermines the right to self-determination of the people of Sudan guaranteed under Article 20 of the African Charter. 

Accordingly, the Commission:
•    Condemns in the strongest terms the heinous acts of violence being inflicted on the civilian populations in El Fasher  
•    Calls on the AU and the international community to bear their responsibility including under Article 4 (h) of the Constitutive Act of the AU for taking urgent action for halting the mass atrocities
•    Calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities in and around El Fasher;
•    Urges all parties to fully respect international humanitarian a law and the Geneva Conventions as well as human rights, including the right to life under Articles 4, the right to human dignity 5, the right to physical security of the person, the right to equality and existence of peoples under Articles 19 and 20 and the right to peace and security of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
•    Calls for the protection of medical personnel and humanitarian workers, and for the rapid delivery of aid to civilians in need;
•    Reiterates its call for African-led and coordinated action to stop the suffering of civilians and to restore peace, justice, and the rule of law in Sudan; 
•    Reiterates its conclusion in the Fact Finding Mission Report that ensuring accountability including through criminal prosecution is a pre-requisite for breaking the cycle of impunity in Sudan. 

The Commission expresses its solidarity with the people of Sudan and reaffirms that lasting peace, security, and justice can only be achieved through accountability, civilian protection, and respect for human dignity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).

Source: APO

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South Africa condemns the abhorrent attacks deliberately targeting civilians and essential civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. We firmly assert that there must be no impunity for the serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL). The principle of protection of civilians and the safeguarding of essential infrastructure remain non-negotiable legal and moral obligations.

These persistent acts of impunity have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe, leaving over half of the country’s population in dire need of life-saving aid.

The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the emergency meeting convened by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) concerning the gravely worsening situation in the Republic of Sudan. The decisive intervention of the African Union at this critical juncture is a paramount imperative for restoring peace and stability.

The South African government firmly calls upon the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately and unconditionally:

1. Implement an immediate and verifiable cessation of hostilities.
2. Adhere strictly to their obligations under IHL and IHRL, including protecting medical personnel and allowing safe passage for those seeking refuge.
3. Ensure rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected populations across Sudan.

We call upon all external actors and countries involved in this crisis to adhere to international law. This entails moving away from any form of supporting, supplying, or enabling the armed belligerents. South Africa stands ready to support a credible, inclusive process that would lead to a justice peace leading the re-establishment of civilian-led political transition. The sovereignty and will of the Sudanese people for a democratic future must be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.