Category: Africa

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has expressed significant concerns regarding the centralisation of state-owned entities (SOEs) as outlined in the National State Enterprises Bill (B1-2024).

During a meeting on Wednesday, the committee received a briefing from the National Treasury (NT) and the Financial Fiscal Commission (FFC) on the Bill, which aims to develop a strategic approach to enhancing the governance and operational efficiency of SOEs. National Treasury highlighted critical issues, particularly the proposed non-application of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to the holding company and its subsidiaries, which could undermine transparency and accountability in financial management. NT cautioned that the centralisation model poses risks, such as increased political interference and the potential for state capture, emphasising the importance of ensuring that SOEs remain financially sustainable without undue reliance on public funds.

In its presentation, the FFC stated that it does not support the Bill in its current form, noting that it fails to address longstanding governance concerns experienced over the past 30 years. The FFC recommended that the holding company be established within the National Treasury’s budget baseline, in accordance with Sections 213 and 216 of the Constitution.

During the questioning phase, committee members raised significant concerns about the centralisation issues presented in the Bill. They argued that a centralised model could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, making it more vulnerable to corruption and political interference. Members highlighted that consolidating oversight of SOEs under a single holding company might exacerbate existing vulnerabilities rather than mitigate them, potentially creating an environment where decision-making becomes opaque and less subject to scrutiny. Additionally, there were worries that centralisation could undermine the transformative goals for SOEs, distancing them from the necessary checks and balances that ensure equitable governance and public accountability.

The committee members expressed a strong sentiment that the Bill, as it stands, does not adequately protect the interests of the public or ensure the effective functioning of SOEs. Members highlighted the importance of maintaining robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the erosion of accountability, particularly given the historical context of governance challenges within SOEs. Members voiced their commitment to ensuring that any legislative framework promotes transparency and fosters public trust, arguing that the proposed centralisation could lead to a concentration of power that is detrimental to democratic principles.

While National Treasury did not explicitly call for the Bill to be withdrawn in its current form, it acknowledged the necessity for reworking the legislation. The committee flagged the risk that the holding company could be controlled by multinational corporations, raising concerns that Parliament might enact a law that leaves the state powerless in managing public funds effectively. Members articulated a shared apprehension that the proposed changes could inadvertently enable the very issues the Bill seeks to address, further complicating the governance landscape for SOEs.

The committee also raised alarms about the fiscal risks associated with establishing the holding company, particularly the significant funding requirement of R615 million. Members expressed scepticism regarding the feasibility of the innovative funding mechanisms proposed. Furthermore, committee members indicated that the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME) appears to be circumventing the public procurement process, suggesting that the DPME’s approach could remove SOEs from the public procurement environment altogether.

In response to the FFC’s presentation, the committee welcomed their directness, contrasting it with the more diplomatic approach taken by National Treasury. Following a robust engagement among committee members regarding the next steps for the Bill, there was a prevailing view to pause its progress in light of the presentations received. The committee resolved to seek further guidance and legal advice, as there was overwhelming sentiment among members to halt the process, despite the Bill already being before the committee.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Noting increased reports of continued military build-up in and around Tripoli, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly urges all parties to refrain from using force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes.  

As reiterated in the Security Council press statement on 17 May, UNSMIL reminds all political and security actors of their obligation under international law to protect civilian lives and property and that those responsible for attacks against civilians will be held accountable. 

The Mission continues its efforts to help de-escalate the situation and calls on all parties to engage in good faith towards this end.  UNSMIL urges the swift implementation of security arrangements developed by the Truce and Security and Military Arrangements Committees, which the Mission continues to support. Forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay.  

Dialogue – not violence – remains the only viable path toward achieving lasting peace, stability in Tripoli and across Libya.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO

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Effective immediately, and in keeping with the U.S. Government’s global efforts to tighten U.S. immigration requirements, the U.S. Embassy Yaoundé is revising its visa procedures, as well as the validity periods and issuance fees for most visa classifications. Cameroonian citizens who successfully apply for a tourist, business, exchange, or student visa are now issued a single-entry, three-month validity visa, with a significantly reduced issuance fee of $35 or its equivalent in FCFA (down from $215) to be paid if the visa is approved. Temporary work visas now also have a single-entry, three-month validity, with a reduced issuance fee of $45.

A U.S. visa permits the visa holder to travel to the United States up until the visa’s expiration date. The traveler’s authorized duration of stay in the United States is distinct from the visa validity and is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (that is, the U.S. immigration authorities travelers encounter upon arrival at port of entry).

In addition, the Embassy is suspending indefinitely the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program that allowed some visa applicants who had had prior visas to apply without coming into the Embassy for an interview. Henceforth, all nonimmigrant visa applicants applying in Cameroon are now required to appear for an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.

The Embassy remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining the integrity of its visa adjudication and issuance process. We strongly encourage all applicants to visit the Embassy’s website at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ for detailed procedural information and to schedule a visa interview accordingly. Applicants should also carefully review the legally-established visa eligibility criteria prior to paying for an appointment to try to assess objectively whether they are likely to qualify for the desired visa under U.S. law. Doing an objective self-assessment against the legal criteria will save applicants time, effort, and money on a visa application that is likely to be denied.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Cameroon.

Source: APO

The Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Madam Angie Lavela von Ballmoos, has officially taken leave of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio after three years of dedicated service in Sierra Leone.

Reflecting on her time in the country, Ambassador von Ballmoos noted that it was with a heavy heart that she bids farewell, marking the end of a fulfilling tenure in what she described as a beautiful and welcoming nation. She expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality she received and remarked that she would greatly miss the people, the shared cultural heritage, and the local cuisine.

Ambassador von Ballmoos also extended her heartfelt congratulations to President Bio on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“Your appointment brings hope not only to Sierra Leone but to the entire sub-region and Africa at large,” she stated. “We in Liberia are humbled and proud of your achievement, especially because of the personal and historical ties we share.”

She further commended President Bio’s leadership, particularly his role in the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10), his commitment to human capital development, and his advocacy for gender equality.

“We are optimistic about what ECOWAS can achieve under your leadership. The people of the region stand to benefit immensely from your efforts in fostering peace and building capacity across the sub-region,” she added.

In his response, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the outgoing ambassador for her outstanding service and contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.

“Your service in Sierra Leone has been impactful. You have championed Liberia’s interests with distinction, and as the exemplary public servant that you are, I am confident you will continue to make Liberia proud—and should be proud of yourself as well,” he stated.

President Bio added that Ambassador von Ballmoos would be deeply missed and assured her that Sierra Leone, especially Freetown, would always be home.

“You are always welcome to return anytime,” he concluded warmly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Source: APO

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Upon High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco reopened its Embassy in Damascus last Sunday, with all its administrative services resuming their activities.

HM the King had announced in His speech to the 34th Summit of the League of Arab States, held on May 17 in Baghdad, the Kingdom’s decision to reopen its Embassy in Damascus, which was closed in 2012, affirming that this move “will contribute to opening up broader prospects for the historical bilateral relations between our countries and our peoples in the two brotherly nations”.

The Sovereign also reiterated the Kingdom’s unchanging historic position on Syria, as expressed in the letter sent by His Majesty the King to President Ahmed Acharaa, namely support for the valiant Syrian people in their quest for freedom, security and stability, and commitment to the preservation of Syria’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On the same day, Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Al-Chaibani expressed his country’s thanks and gratitude for the decision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to reopen the Moroccan Embassy in Damascus.

The reopening of the Embassy took place with a view to completing the administrative procedures and rehabilitation work necessary for its transfer to a new headquarters, in line with the new momentum of Moroccan-Syrian ties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.