Category: English

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has expressed his deepest shock and outrage at the cold-blooded murder of public prosecutor Ms Tracy Brown in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, yesterday.

“This is indeed a tragedy where the protectors of our criminal justice system are not safe anymore. This is unacceptable and no stone should be left unturned to bring the culprits to book,” he said.

According to reports, Ms Brown was ambushed and shot multiple times by four armed assailants while sitting in her car, in full view of her partner and child. “The brutal nature of this assassination-style killing is deeply disturbing and represents a direct attack on the justice system and those who serve it with dedication and courage,” emphasised the Chairperson.

This incident follows the tragic murder of Ms Elona Sombulula, a court official at the Engcobo Magistrates Court, in April this year. The committee is gravely concerned by what appears to be a pattern of targeted violence against officials within the justice sector.

Mr Nqola stated: “The murder of Ms Brown is not only a devastating loss to her family and colleagues, but an attack on the rule of law in South Africa. Prosecutors serve at the forefront of our fight against crime and corruption. When they are targeted, it threatens the foundations of our constitutional democracy.

“The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to Ms Brown’s loved ones and colleagues during this painful time. The committee also calls on law enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation and ensure that those responsible are swiftly apprehended and face the full might of the law.”

He said the portfolio committee will engage with the Department of Justice and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on urgent measures to enhance the safety and security of prosecutors and court officials across the country.

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

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water & Sanitation), Mr Mxolisi Kaunda, is concerned by reports of the closure of the Emfuleni Local Municipality client service centre due to unpaid rent.

“The closure of the client service centre negatively impacts the ability of the municipality to collect rates and taxes, a key driver of municipal revenue. The inability to collect revenue will have an unintended negative impact on the ability to deliver quality services to the people,” Mr Kaunda said.

The 6th Parliament select committee visited the municipality and criticised the lack of progress in resolving material risks of governance and financial control within the municipality, which exacerbate the already dire state of poor service delivery. Furthermore, the continued attachment of the municipality’s bank accounts by service providers, such as Eskom and Rand Water, due to non-payment for services requires a focused and deadline-driven approach.

“While it is not sustainable that the accounts of the municipality are attached, it is also unsustainable that the municipality does not pay for services. The residents of the municipality deserve better basic services in line with the objects of municipalities as envisioned in Section 152 of the Constitution,” Mr Kaunda suggested.

The Chairperson also highlighted the importance of government departments paying the municipality for services to improve cash flow management and enable the municipality to provide services.

The Chairperson called on the municipality and the provincial executive to find a workable solution to ensure that the client service centre is reopened and that service providers are paid on time.

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

Source: APO

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President Donald Trump has sent a letter to President Isaias Afwerki, on 30 July this week, underlining that he is “reversing the negative, harmful damage of the Biden Administration around the globe”.

In his message that also expressed appreciation for President Isaias’ letter of congratulations of November last year for his election as the 47th President of the United States.

President Trump referred to his Administration’s readiness to re-establish a respectful and productive national relationship between the US and Eritrea “based on honesty, respect, and opportunities to improve peace and prosperity across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea”.

As it will be recalled, President Isaias Afwerki had sent a warm message of congratulations to President Donal Trump in November last year on his “historic comeback and election as the 47th President of the United States at very crucial time when global peace is of paramount importance more than ever before”.

President Isaias had at the time expressed his hopes that President Trump’s “election will open a new chapter of fruitful and constructive ties of cooperation between Eritrea and the United States”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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Oando (www.OandoPLC.com), Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions provider has published its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2025. The company’s upstream business recorded strong production performance with a 63% year-on-year growth averaging 37,012 boepd in H1 2025. This includes crude oil production up 77% to 10,479 bopd, gas volumes up 54% to 25,399 boepd, and NGL production up 375% to 1,135 bpd. The company attributes this performance to the consolidation of the NAOC JV interest and improved uptime across key assets

The Group reported revenue of ₦1.72 trillion, representing a 15% decline driven by lower trading activity and weaker realised prices, despite stronger upstream contributions. Gross Profit fell by 28% to ₦59 billion reflecting both a topline contraction and changing segment mix.  Nevertheless, the company maintained a Profit-After-Tax of N63 billion, consistent with the result recorded in H1, 2024.

Following, its recent acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from Italian oil giant, Eni, the company has focused heavily on infrastructure upgrades, production optimisation, and integration of the NAOC asset base leading to increased capital expenditure increase of ₦44 billion. Additionally, Oando’s commitment to safety is demonstrated by achieving zero lost-time injuries (LTIs) and recording 12.3 million LTI-free hours, underscoring its continued excellence in HSE performance.

The Trading subsidiary increased its crude oil liftings to 14 cargoes (12.9 MMbbl) in H1 2025, compared to 10 cargoes (10.6 MMbbl) in H1 2024, reflecting improved offtake execution.

Speaking on the 2025 half year results, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu CON, commented “In H1 2025, we advanced our growth agenda in our upstream division, the primary driver of the Group’s performance, by achieving a 63% year-on-year increase in production volumes. This was driven by the successful consolidation of NAOC’s assets, early gains from our optimization programme and our assumption of operatorship, which enabled us implement holistic security measures amid improved community relations, resulting in enhanced infrastructure reliability, higher production volumes, and greater operational resilience.”

“Our trading segment faced headwinds which exerted pressure on the entity’s revenue and the Group’s topline as a result of declining PMS imports into the country due to rising local refining capacity from Dangote Refinery, a positive development that enhances Nigeria’s energy security and self-sufficiency. In response, we diversified our crude offtake sources, optimized trade flows, and expanded into LNG and metals. These initiatives are already gaining traction and will support stronger performance in H2.” He added.

Similarly, another independent player Aradel Holdings Plc, released its H1, 2025 unaudited financials and reported revenue of ₦368.1 billion, up 37.2% and Profit after Tax of ₦146.4 billion, up 40.2% driven by stable average production volumes.

Additional highlights in the first half of the year include the company securing operatorship of Block KON 13 in Angola, marking its strategic entry into the Kwanza Basin and a significant step in expanding its upstream footprint Africa. Looking ahead, the company is preparing for capital restructuring initiatives, including an equity raise and debt conversions, which it plans to present at the upcoming Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled to hold in August. These plans follow the successful upsizing of the RBL 2 facility to $375 million, strengthening its financial flexibility to accelerate development of the Group’s expanded 1 billion boe upstream portfolio.

Looking forward, Tinubu remarked “As we enter the second half of the year, our priorities are clear: accelerate upstream monetization through drilling and production assurance, strengthen trading performance, and execute our capital restructuring initiatives to restore balance sheet flexibility. With a focused strategy and a clear execution roadmap, we remain committed to delivering sustained value to our shareholders.”

Oando has set its sights on maintaining full-year production of 30,000–40,000 boepd, driven by a balanced capital program of 3 new wells and 6 rig-less interventions. The company’s trading guidance includes 25–35 MMbbl crude oil and 750,000–1,000,000 MT refined products. Additionally, Oando projects capex of $250–270 million focused on drilling, infrastructure, and ESG projects, with a 20% cost reduction goal.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Oando PLC.

Source: APO

Once, almost 400 people called Mosso, some 50 kilometers from Tambura, home. Isolation and years of insecurity-induced displacement have reduced the current population to 15 hardy souls.

“Killings and ambushes created fear and made this happen,” says one of them, Rebecca Evariste, a mother of nine. “The rest have fled,” she adds, mentioning Yambio, Ezo, Nzara and Bagidi as some of their favoured destinations. 

Reduced numbers further increase the villagers’ sense of being cut off, not least from goods and services. To get hold of even the most basic of necessities, they must go to a relatively distant market, at great risk. Their prospects of accessing healthcare are equally bleak. 

“Even if you have money, it’s just too dangerous to travel to the market, and if you are sick, you have to make do with whatever herbs you can find.” 

In fact, these difficulties are shared by several communities, representing different ethnic groups, in the greater Tambura area, with many having left their homes for a handful camps for internally displaced persons. 

While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the national government, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is doing its best to support efforts to keep citizens safe.

In a bid to better protect as many civilians as possible from the increase of violence having been observed in this part of Western Equatoria, the peacekeeping mission has increased its patrols. Apart from almost forgotten, disappearing villages like Mosso, Blue Helmets visit all camps for internally displaced persons, regardless of what ethnic group those seeking shelter belong to. 

Hopefully, residents of these camps take as much comfort in seeing UN vehicles and friendly, impartial peacekeepers as the people of Mosso do. 

“We have come to know and enjoy that calm is likely to remain for the next two or three days after the patrols and visits here. During that time, there will be no ambushes on the road,” says Ms. Evariste. 

Some of the people having been displaced from Mosso make the most of these windows of opportunity and relative security. One of them is William Anthony, who currently stays in Bagidi with his family. 

“I came back yesterday to uproot cassava and harvest some farm produce, and because of the timing, I am confident that I will be able to return safely to my family” he says. 

Among the few remaining residents in Mosso, their course of action will largely depend on developments on the ground. 

“Those who fled are suffering and the government should help them return. People are likely to come back if they see security forces being deployed and health workers return. Regular UN patrols, maybe once a week, will also help convince them,” says John Nkumbo, a father of seven whose family is separated from him, currently in Bagidi. 

The UNMISS patrol team leader, Major Lul Brhane, reassured Mr. Nkumbo, at least when it came to the latter part of his plea. 

“We will continue our patrols. We are here because of you, because your safety remains our top priority.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

“Where is Angelo?” 

It’s been three years since they met, with the last one, without tiring fighting, having rendered Anguei Angelo Madit unrecognizable even to his old friends. 

In 2022, during an outbreak of violence around the South Kiir River in Twic County, south of Abyei, a resource-rich border region contested by South Sudan and Sudan, Angelo and his peers were wearing army uniforms and fatigued looks matching them. 

Fast-forward to July 2025 and, with the heat-excused exception of the jackets, he and the four young men accompanying him are dressed in suits. More importantly, they are delegates of the Twic Peace Committee, which Angelo helped form in April this year. 

“At one point, I just realized that this fight wasn’t ours. I was producing what was hate speech on social media without realizing it, while the people we fought, our brothers, seemed to give us no reason to do so,” he recalls. 

Instead, he says, it was a violent battle inherited from his elders, and one that he certainly does not want to pass on to his three children. 

Reaching that insight took two years of conflict that claimed hundreds of lives, many of them children, but once Angelo had had his eureka moment, he was quick to forge a new path. 

He created a Civil Affairs Department in Twic and connected with Abyei counterparts who shared his vision of peace. Together, they spent many a long night elaborating resolutions and recommendations for a peace proposal.

They shared their draft with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), hoping for and receiving their inputs and other technical support. 

A revised version of their initial draft is now a witnessed and signed formal document that serves as the basis of their shared, cross-border commitment to overcome their pasts and work together for peace. 

So far, the Committee’s collective efforts have yielded rather positive, concrete results, with a significant reduction of violence being key among them. Residents of Abyei will also appreciate the removal of numerous checkpoints in Twic County, making it possible for them to move freely from Juba, Wau and other locations to their home area. 

Meanwhile, similarly extensive advocacy by Abyei delegates has greatly facilitated the return of South Sudanese citizens stuck in war-torn Sudan. These days, they can travel through the contested region, using a previously blocked and significantly time-saving passage. 

“Arranged peace talks seemed to have little impact, but then you came, the most powerful solution, right from within the center of the conflict. You did this together, setting an example for youth all around South Sudan and, in fact, the world,” said Hiroko Hirahara, Director of the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division, as she addressed the Peace Committees during an online meeting between delegates from both sides. 

For the next few months, they are planning joint community rallies, radio collaborations and targeted efforts to bring elders on board the peacebuilding project once initiated by Anguei Angelo Madit. Before going their separate ways, he makes a solemn pledge. 

“While we cannot rebuild our tormented past, we can and will do everything in our power to change our common future.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the call touched on various aspects of the bilateral relationship between Egypt and the Netherlands.

The two sides emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen and develop these relations, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, water resource management, financial services, and energy.

The call also reviewed ways to enhance cooperation on migration. The Dutch prime minister praised Egypt’s efforts in combating illegal immigration and lauded the continuous coordination between the two countries in this area.

Additionally, the two sides discussed cooperation in confronting terrorism and extremism. The Dutch prime minister affirmed Egypt’s leading role and significant expertise in this regard.

The call discussed the current regional situation. President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s unwavering efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and ensure the urgent and sufficient entry of humanitarian aid.

The President also highlighted endeavors to secure the release of hostages and captives and to create an environment conducive to resuming the political process. The aim is to implement the two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the June 4, 1967 borders, as the only path to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

In this context, the Dutch prime minister expressed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s diligent efforts to secure a ceasefire, release hostages, and provide humanitarian aid to the Strip.

President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s firm stance rejecting attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land. He also stressed the need to expedite the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as soon as a ceasefire is reached.

The President emphasized the necessity of respecting international law and relevant international agreements, which obligate countries to provide security protection for diplomatic missions and not to harm foreign embassies operating on their soil. This matter was affirmed by the Dutch prime minister.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and the people of the Republic of Benin on the anniversary of their Independence.

This historic occasion not only commemorates Benin’s rich and remarkable heritage but also celebrates its continued and steadfast role as a valued member of the African Union. Benin has been a strong advocate for peace, democracy, and regional integration, consistently contributing to the realization of our shared continental aspirations.

As a founding member of the Organization of African Unity, Benin’s enduring legacy is a powerful testament to its unwavering commitment to the ideals and values of Pan-Africanism.

The African Union remains fully committed to supporting the Republic of Benin in its efforts to promote democratic governance, human rights, and sustainable development.

May Benin continue to shine as a beacon of resilience, unity, and progress. Let us all draw inspiration from its journey as we collectively work toward a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa.

Happy Independence Day!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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July 31st every year marks Pan-African Women’s Day (PAWD). The annual celebration serves as a powerful moment to honor the unwavering spirit, resilience, and revolutionary contributions of African women in the ongoing struggle for liberation, justice, and self-determination. It also commemorates the founding of Pan-African Women’s Organization (PAWO), the vanguard of women’s emancipation on the continent, and the embodiment of collective fight against imperialism, patriarchy, and systemic exploitation.

Marking the 63rd anniversary of PAWO, this year’s celebration will be held under the transformative theme: “Advancing Social and Economic Justice for African Women through Reparations.” The theme is a call to action rooted in the urgent need to confront the enduring legacies of colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and imperialist exploitation that have systematically devalued and dispossessed African women and communities.

Objectives of PAWD 2025 include:

• Advocating for comprehensive, intersectional reparative justice frameworks that confront historical injustices and current systemic inequalities faced by African women and girls.
• Amplifying the voices of women and girls, particularly those from marginalized and conflict-affected communities, in decision-making processes related to reparations, transitional justice, and gender equality.
• Building capacity and consciousness among women, youth, grassroots movements, and civil society to understand and mobilize around reparations and transformative justice.
• Promoting the ratification, implementation, and harmonization of continental instruments such as the African Union Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG) and the Maputo Protocol – as tools of resistance and accountability.
• Honouring and celebrating PAWO’s legacy of resilience, solidarity, and revolutionary struggle.

Celebrating PAWD 2025 is a collective effort. Public and private sector institutions together with PAWO National chapters, grassroots women’s rights organizations, and development partners are called upon to galvanize efforts to observe the day across the continent, fostering grassroots mobilization and strategic advocacy. Participatory activities and dialogues on the PAWD theme featuring critical conversations, storytelling, and knowledge-sharing as well as targeted social media campaigns will be central the celebration of PAWD 2025.

To share and amplify stories of women’s resistance, resilience, and reparative demands, follow #PAWD2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).