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Qatar Urges Greater Humanitarian Diplomacy to Protect Civilians at UN Event

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, May 20, 2026
The State of Qatar has renewed its call for stronger humanitarian diplomacy as a critical tool for safeguarding civilians in conflict zones during a high-level United Nation event in New York.

The event, organized on the sidelines of the Protection of Civilians Week 2026, was hosted by the State of Qatar’s permanent mission to the UN in partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and several international partners, including the permanent missions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Center for Civilians in Conflict, the Qatar Red Crescent Society, the International Humanitarian Law Center, Geneva Call and Save the Children. 

It brought together diplomats and humanitarian organizations to discuss ways of improving civilian protection amid growing global crises.

In a recorded address, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad said humanitarian diplomacy remained central to Doha’s foreign policy, which she said was based on dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution and respect for international law.

Her Excellency described mediation as a cornerstone of Qatar’s approach, highlighting what she called an “integrated model” combining mediation efforts with rapid humanitarian response to improve aid access and support protection initiatives in complex conflict environments.

Dr Al Misnad said challenges facing civilian protection were no longer purely operational, but increasingly political, particularly regarding respect for international humanitarian law and the delivery of aid to affected populations.

Opening the event, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said humanitarian assistance was often obstructed while civilians continued to face attacks and violations of international humanitarian law.

Her Excellency warned that decisions concerning humanitarian corridors and aid delivery were frequently made far from realities on the ground, stressing the need for stronger political and diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.

Sheikha Alya said humanitarian diplomacy had become an essential tool for mobilizing political will and integrating humanitarian concerns into political and multilateral processes.

She also reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to mediation and humanitarian efforts in several regions, including joint initiatives in Gaza and support for peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

HE Tom Fletcher, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged the international community to use its political influence and diplomatic leverage to protect civilians, praising the State of Qatar’s partnership with OCHA. 

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Qatar and Italy Discuss Regional Security and Efforts to Reduce Escalation

Source: Government of Qatar

Rome, May 20, 2026
The State of Qatar and the Italian Republic have held high-level talks focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional security, including efforts to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and reduce tensions across the Middle East.
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met on Wednesday in Rome with senior Italian officials, including HE Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi, HE Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and European Union Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, Giulio Tremonti, and HE Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Inter-group for the Gulf Countries at the Italian Parliament, Salvatore Caiata.
The meetings reviewed relations between the two countries and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across a range of areas.
Discussions also focused on developments in the region, particularly the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and reinforcing regional stability.
During the meetings, HE Dr Al Khulaifi reiterated the State of Qatar’s support for resolving conflicts through peaceful means and reaffirmed Doha’s commitment to promoting peace and stability at both regional and international levels. 

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Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Demand for African-Led Financing Grows

Source: APO – Report:

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Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim – an industry veteran and former Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) – has joined the 2026 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition as a speaker. His participation comes amid a broader continental drive to accelerate upstream projects and strengthen downstream energy systems, opening the door for discussions surrounding energy financing and African-led project development.

Dr. Ibrahim’s joins the conference at a defining moment for Africa’s energy sector, as governments, financiers and operators move to close the continent’s widening upstream financing gap – estimated between $30 billion and $45 billion in annual financing – and strengthen energy integration. Dr. Ibrahim has long-advocated for the use of African-led financing mechanisms to address this gap, emphasizing that African priorities must be positioned at the forefront of investment agendas.

A cornerstone of this strategy has been the establishment of the African Energy Bank (AEB) – spearheaded by APPO alongside Afreximbank. As one of the central figures behind the creation of the bank, Dr. Ibrahim played a strategic role in bringing this institution to reality. Designed to fill the vacuum created by the decline in foreign capital for African oil and gas projects, the bank aims to mobilize African funds to accelerate the development of strategic hydrocarbon projects across the continent. This comes as over 150 projects remain stalled across Africa due to capital shortfalls.

Established with an initial capitalization of $5 billion, the AEB targets $10 billion in phase one deployments, with over $15 billion planned by 2030. Momentum behind the institution accelerated in February 2026 when Nigeria officially handed over the bank’s Abuja headquarters to APPO and Afreximbank, marking a critical step toward operationalization. Dr. Ibrahim’s presence at the conference underscores the growing momentum behind African-led financing mechanisms designed to sustain oil and gas investment across the continent.

Beyond financing, Dr. Ibrahim has also consistently championed the development of stronger regional energy systems across Africa, arguing that the continent’s structural energy imbalance cannot be solved through production growth alone. Despite holding approximately 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and an estimated 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Africa continues to export the majority of its hydrocarbons while importing large volumes of refined petroleum products due to insufficient refining and distribution infrastructure.

This imbalance has become increasingly costly amid heightened geopolitical volatility, supply chain disruptions and rising global energy demand. Dr. Ibrahim has repeatedly emphasized the need for expanded pipeline systems, storage infrastructure, refining capacity and cross-border distribution networks capable of strengthening intra-African energy trade and reducing import dependency.

“Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim has been instrumental in shaping Africa’s push toward energy financing independence and stronger regional energy systems. His leadership around the African Energy Bank reflects a broader shift taking place across the continent, where African institutions are stepping forward to finance and develop Africa’s energy future on African terms,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

As Africa works to secure investment, strengthen industrial capacity and expand access to reliable energy, discussions around financing sovereignty, infrastructure development and regional integration are expected to dominate the agenda at AEW 2026. Taking place from October 12-16 in Cape Town, the conference will convene African energy leaders, global investors, policymakers and technology providers to shape the next phase of the continent’s energy growth trajectory.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) Director General Marilyn Teta Logan Selected for Prestigious 2026 Amujae Initiative

Source: APO – Report:

Marilyn Teta Logan, Director General of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), has been selected as a member of the fifth cohort of Amujae Leaders by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development. Logan joins a distinguished group of African women leaders shaping governance, business and public policy across the continent. Her inclusion represents not only a significant personal achievement, but also international recognition of the governance reforms, institutional professionalism and transparent regulatory standards being advanced within Liberia’s petroleum sector under her leadership.

Founded by former Liberian President and Nobel Peace Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Amujae Initiative supports high-potential African women leaders through executive mentorship, strategic leadership development and access to an influential network of global policymakers and business leaders. With the fifth cohort – considered the most geographically and sectorally diverse selection in the initiative’s history – the network now spans 70 women leaders from across 29 countries in Africa.

Selected out of hundreds of applicants across the continent, Logan is one of only 15 women chosen for the 2026 cohort. As a member, Logan will receive mentorship from former President Sirleaf and other internationally recognized leaders committed to strengthening women’s leadership across Africa.

Logan’s selection is a testament to both her professional accolades and leadership at the LPRA. As the first woman to lead the LPRA, Logan has overseen a transformative period for Liberia’s oil and gas sector. Her tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on institutional accountability, regulatory clarity and investor engagement at a time when African frontier markets are increasingly competing for global upstream capital.

Among the most notable milestones under her leadership was the conclusion of the country’s first petroleum Production Sharing Contracts in over a decade. Signed in 2025 with international oil company TotalEnergies, the agreements pave the way for investment in Blocks LB 6, LB 11, LB 17 and LB 29. The move not only represents a critical step toward advancing deepwater exploration in Liberia but signals renewed international confidence in the country’s hydrocarbon potential and operating environment.

Logan has also played a defining role in advancing governance reform within Liberia’s petroleum industry. She served as Officer-in-Charge of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) in 2018 and co-chaired the initiative that operationalized the separation of commercial (NOCAL) and regulatory (LPRA) functions in the hydrocarbon sector. This move helped establish the foundation for a more modern, transparent and investor-oriented petroleum governance model in Liberia, positioning the country as an increasingly credible destination for long-term energy investment.

Logan’s selection as a member of the fifth Amujae cohort reflects these efforts as well as her broader commitment to empowering women across the continent’s energy sector. Beyond her primary role at the LPRA, Logan actively mentors rising women professionals and champions women-focused initiatives across Liberia, providing in-roads for women across the largely male-dominated sector. Her selection also demonstrates the close alignment between the LPRA’s broader values of leveraging Liberia’s natural resources to empower people with the Amujae’s goal of moving from ‘tokenism to true value’ – supporting women and the institutions and communities that surround them.

As such, the announcement sends an important signal to global investors and international oil companies evaluating opportunities in Liberia and the broader West African market. With an Amujae leader at the helm of the LPRA, Liberia’s regulatory environment is increasingly associated with strategic clarity, ethical leadership and internationally recognized governance standards.

At a time when capital allocation decisions are increasingly influenced by governance quality, institutional stability and ESG considerations, Logan’s recognition further enhances Liberia’s standing within the global energy investment community.

Energy Capital & Power serves as the media representative for the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

For all enquiries, please contact communications@energycapitalandpower.com

About LPRA:
The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) is the premier regulatory body for the petroleum sector in Liberia, dedicated to overseeing, regulating, and licensing petroleum operations. We create a transparent, accountable, and investor-friendly environment that fosters responsible exploration and production activities

About Energy Capital & Power: 
Energy Capital & Power works with governments and private industry leaders to drive investment into energy and mining markets. Through world-class events, strategic communications, market intelligence and global stakeholder engagement, we create opportunities, connect investors with projects and strengthen the international visibility of resource sectors. Our work is focused on helping our core markets attract capital, driving project execution and building partnerships that underpin long-term resource development.

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SA, Botswana to sign Limpopo water management agreement

Source: Government of South Africa

SA, Botswana to sign Limpopo water management agreement

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Botswana’s Minister of Water and Human Settlements Onneetse Ramogapi are expected to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the joint management of water quality and aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin.

The agreement forms part of ongoing cooperation between South Africa and Botswana on the management of shared transboundary water resources.

Majodina is currently on a working visit to Gaborone for the 6th Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), taking place on 20 and 21 May 2026.

The two countries enjoy strategic water cooperation on shared water resources in the Limpopo River Basin and are both members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LimCom), established between South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to ensure the protection, ecosystem-based management, development and equitable utilisation of the shared river basin.

The Limpopo River Basin is a critical transboundary water resource that supports the livelihoods of a population of approximately 14 million people across the four nations through agriculture, domestic water supply, industry, biodiversity, and economic development.

The river transverses across the four countries, and as upstream members, South Africa and Botswana have a responsibility of ensuring that the quality of water in basin does not negatively impact the other countries.

The Upper Limpopo River Basin includes the Crocodile West, Marico, Mokolo, and Mogalakwena catchments in South Africa and the Notwane, Lotsane, Motloutse, Mahalapye, Tswapong, Bonwapitse, and Tuti Rivers in Botswana.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said Majodina will also participate in a ministerial meeting ahead of the BNC session, where discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing cooperation on transboundary water resources between the two countries and progress made on the joint feasibility study on Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer (LBWT) project.

The LBWT project aims to supply water for domestic, agricultural and industrial usage by Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa through a 700 km water conveyance pipeline from a dam on the Makhaleng River, a tributary to the Orange-Senqu River in the lowerlands of Lesotho. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SA government contributes $2.5 million to Ebola outbreak response

Source: Government of South Africa

SA government contributes $2.5 million to Ebola outbreak response

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed South Africa’s multimillion-dollar contribution to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak.

The US$2.5 million pledge was made through the Africa CDC Africa Epidemics Fund.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an outbreak of the disease a public health emergency of international concern, with hundreds of cases reported. 

“Africa CDC expresses its sincere appreciation to the people and Government of South Africa, and to H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for this timely demonstration of leadership, solidarity and commitment to Africa’s collective health security.

“At a time when the continent faces increasing public health threats with significant risks of cross-border transmission, South Africa’s contribution sends a strong and reassuring message that Africa stands united in protecting the lives and well-being of its people, a pathway for Africa’s health security and sovereignty,” the continental health body said.

The pledge will support: 

  • Strengthening critical response operations including continental coordination,
  • Surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response deployment,
  • Infection prevention and control, cross-border preparedness, and support for affected communities.

“South Africa’s leadership reflects the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms and reinforces the vision of a more resilient, self-reliant and health-secure continent.

“It is a practical demonstration of African solidarity in action and a reflection of the continent’s collective responsibility to respond rapidly and decisively to public health emergencies,” the Africa CDC said.

The CDC encouraged AU member states, donor countries, development partners, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to “follow this example by contributing to the Africa Epidemics Fund and supporting ongoing response efforts”.

“The current outbreak demands urgent, coordinated and adequately financed action to contain transmission, save lives and prevent wider regional escalation.

“Africa CDC remains fully committed to working closely with affected Member States, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and global partners to ensure a rapid, effective and Africa-led response,” the Africa CDC said.

The WHO response

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is ramping up efforts to support the government of the DRC to swiftly implement critical measures to control and halt the outbreak of Ebola in the country.

“More than 35 experts and first responders from WHO and the Ministry of Health have been deployed to the field. 

“Additional teams are being deployed as the response intensifies to reinforce key measures including disease surveillance for early detection; clinical care; infection prevention and control; and engaging communities to ensure public health measures are observed.

“Collaboration with partner organisations and the private sector has been crucial in the timely delivery of the emergency supplies.

“The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has provided essential airlift support for transporting supplies from Nairobi and facilitated ground access to enhance operational effectiveness,” the WHO said in a statement.

WHO Africa Head of Regional Emergency Operations and Logistics, Adama Thiam added: “The collaboration with MONUSCO has been pivotal in ensuring a swift response. Their ability to provide airlift support significantly enhances our logistics capabilities, allowing us to respond to the needs of the community effectively.”

Additionally, following negotiations, Ethiopian Airlines has reprioritised their flights to “ensure urgent delivery of cargo, demonstrating the commitment of our partners to assist during this critical time”.

“The supplied materials include personal protective equipment, medical kits, tents, and water, sanitation and hygiene items – all crucial for preventing infection and managing cases effectively.

“Additional supplies are already in transit from Kinshasa and will reach Ituri in the coming days to bolster response operations, save lives, protect frontline responders and help end the outbreak,” the WHO said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Third Round of Qatar-Ethiopia Political Consultations Convenes

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 20, 2026
The third round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was held on Wednesday in Doha.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari side, whereas HE State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hadera Abera Admassu chaired the the Ethiopian side.
The round of consultations addressed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to boost them. 

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Rand Water announces major planned maintenance

Source: Government of South Africa

Rand Water announces major planned maintenance

Rand Water has announced major planned maintenance at its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems, which will lead to water supply interruptions between 29 May and 17 July 2026.

Rand Water said the maintenance will focus on critical electrical and pumping infrastructure aimed at improving system reliability, operational flexibility and long-term water supply stability.

According to Rand Water, some pumps will need to be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period, which may affect water supply to several municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The planned maintenance activities are necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity.  They also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems, reduce the risk of plant trips and equipment failures,” the utility said in a statement.

Rand Water said the work had been coordinated with Eskom and deliberately scheduled during the winter season, which is traditionally a low-water-demand period.

Key maintenance activities will include Eskom-related electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems; the installation and upgrading of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4; replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at Palmiet, Vereeniging and Foresthill systems; and M11 pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.

The planned maintenance will affect parts of Gauteng, the North West, Free State and Mpumalanga.

Municipalities expected to be affected include the Metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as local municipalities such as Mogale City, West Rand, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe and the Royal Bafokeng Administration.

Rand Water said various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.

In line with its commitment to operational transparency and excellence, Rand Water has issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The notification is intended to provide all customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions to consumers,” Rand Water said.

The utility added that regular updates on the maintenance programme would be communicated through its official channels, including social media platforms. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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SIU welcomes crackdown on TERS fraud

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU welcomes crackdown on TERS fraud

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a series of major breakthroughs in the fight against COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) fraud.

This includes arrests in Mpumalanga, a conviction in the Free State and the preservation of assets obtained through the proceeds of crime.

“Together, these outcomes represent more than R27 million in UIF [TERS] funds that were siphoned from the state and are now preserved or recovered for the benefit of South Africans,” the unit said in a statement.

Mpumalanga ghost employees

In Mpumalanga, three people appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud involving ghost employees in the UIF-TERS scheme.

The three people – Fumu Mkalira Msiska, his wife Gladness Mkhonto Msiska and his brother-in-law, Bongani Zoran Mkhonto – allegedly fabricated employees and submitted fraudulent claims to the scheme.

“These ghost employees were used to channel public funds into private hands, depriving genuine workers of relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is further alleged that the funds were subsequently transferred from A and F Consulting to Khulani Quality Contribution, a company linked to Msiska’s wife. The brother-in-law, Mkhonto, allegedly acted as a runner by sourcing identification particulars used to facilitate fraudulent claims involving ghost employees and former workers of the company.

“When the SIU and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [the Hawks] interviewed some of the people from the North West and Mpumalanga whose details were used for these claims, and their details were obtained through scams that promised special grants, they were receiving free driving licenses or the details allegedly stolen from the local Sheriff’s office,” the SIU explained.

The husband-and-wife duo were granted R300 000 bail while Mkhonto was granted bail of R3 000.

“The High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, issued a preservation order against assets suspected to be the proceeds of crime, including three properties in Pretoria, Middelburg, and White River, which were preserved, along with household goods, office equipment and bank accounts, ensuring that unlawfully acquired wealth is safeguarded pending forfeiture,” the corruption busting unit said.

Additional assets frozen include:

  • 2019, Land Rover, Range Rover L560,
  • A 2011 Toyota Fortuner
  • A 2005 Mercedes-Benz, C180 Kompressor
  • A 2015 BMW X6
  • A 2019 Mercedes-Benz V250 D,
  • 2010 Caterpillar, backhoe loader

In the Heilbron Magistrates’ Court, a 51-year-old man, Ente Thibello Sekhoto and his company, Batlokoa Circle 12 Plaster Services were convicted and sentenced for fraud and money laundering.

“The SIU’s investigation found that Sekhoto fraudulently applied for relief funds on behalf of individuals who were not employed by his company, cheating the Unemployment Insurance Fund into paying R201 812.36 into his company’s bank account. The Department of Employment and Labour suffered direct financial loss,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit said the conviction and preservation order “demonstrate the effectiveness of SIU investigations in ensuring accountability and restitution of stolen public funds.

“The SIU continues to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, to ensure that perpetrators of corruption face the full might of the law. These outcomes reaffirm the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting public funds and restoring trust in institutions.

“The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets UK Minister for International Development

Source: Government of Qatar

London| May 20, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE Minister of State for International Development at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Baroness Jenny Chapman, on the sidelines of the Global Partnerships Conference held in London.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and strengthen it, as well as mechanisms for developing innovative approaches to humanitarian diplomacy and development work at both the regional and international levels.

The two sides discussed ways to unify and integrate Qatari-British efforts in directing humanitarian support and urgent relief aid to a number of regions and countries facing exceptional humanitarian challenges. They further discussed coordinating medical efforts to support the Gaza Strip and joint development programs and projects in Syria, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.