Category: English

Source: APO

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MONUSCO reinforced its presence in Bamande, in Irumu Territory, on Monday, August 31, following clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), supported by the Ugandan army (UPDF), and suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The violence prompted several residents to flee the area. Two rapid reaction teams of peacekeepers were dispatched to the area, followed by the deployment of a mobile operating base to strengthen the protection of civilians.

The clashes broke out early in the morning in Bandikafu, a village located approximately 1.5 kilometers east of Bamande. The area is crossed by National Road 4 (RN4), an important route linking, among other places, Komanda and Bunia, the provincial capital.

The presence of suspected ADF elements had been reported in the area that morning. The FARDC, supported by the UPDF, intervened. The exchange of fire reportedly lasted about two hours.

The clashes quickly affected the civilian population. Several residents left Bamande and surrounding areas, with some using the RN4 toward Komanda to seek safety.

Rapid response to protect the population

Alerted by local sources about the situation in Bamande, two reaction teams from MONUSCO’s Indonesian contingent were dispatched from the permanent operating base in Komanda. Upon arrival, the peacekeepers observed civilians moving along the RN4, fleeing areas affected by the clashes.

Ground patrols were conducted, while drones were used to monitor the area and track developments. Information gathered through this surveillance also helped improve situational awareness on the ground.

Given the continued risks to the population, MONUSCO subsequently deployed a mobile operating base (MOB) from Komanda to Bamande. This arrangement enables peacekeepers to maintain a presence close to exposed communities, monitor high-risk areas, and respond rapidly in the event of a new threat.

A medical team was also placed on standby to provide assistance or carry out a medical evacuation if necessary.

According to initial information available from the area, no civilian casualties have been reported. However, one house was reportedly set on fire during the incident, and two Congolese soldiers were reportedly killed in the clashes. Five individuals suspected of belonging to the ADF were also apprehended.

The situation remains under surveillance. Peacekeepers are maintaining their presence in Bamande and continuing their protection activities to help prevent further violence and reassure civilians.

A strengthened presence

The intervention in Bamande is part of MONUSCO’s efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians in areas of Irumu Territory exposed to the activities of armed groups.

MONUSCO maintains a presence in Komanda, an important crossroads in southern Ituri. From this base, peacekeepers regularly conduct patrols and can deploy mobile operating bases to areas where the security situation requires it.

MONUSCO Force Commander Lieutenant General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes recently visited the area to assess the security situation and evaluate the measures in place to protect the population.

The deployment to Bamande therefore reinforces this presence and enables peacekeepers to remain closer to communities facing threats from armed groups.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).

Source: APO

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On September 1, the Government of Japan has decided to provide an Emergency Grant of USD 5 million to support strengthening epidemic prevention and other measures in response to the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
With this Emergency Grant, Japan will deliver humanitarian assistance in sectors such as epidemic prevention and health. This assistance will be implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, this morning received the Letters of Credence of H.E. Mrs Siv Cathrine Moe, Ambassador Designate of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Seychelles, during an official ceremony held at State House.

President Herminie warmly welcomed Her Excellency Mrs Moe and congratulated her on her appointment as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Seychelles. The President also passed on his sincere condolences and sympathy to the Ambassador on the passing of King Harald V. The presentation of credentials marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations, established since 1 February 1985, and reflects their shared commitment to expanding practical cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.

During their meeting, President Herminie and Ambassador Moe held wide-ranging discussions on areas of mutual interest, reaffirming the strong partnership between Seychelles and the Kingdom of Norway. Both leaders acknowledged the shared opportunities and challenges, particularly in advancing climate change resilience through resilience funding, and how Norway can support the adoption of the Index as well as support in disaster and risk management.

Mental health was also identified as a priority area for future cooperation. President Herminie outlined the recent establishment of Seychelles’ Mental Health Agency, which has been tasked with addressing the country’s growing mental health challenges and developing long-term strategies to improve mental health services. In this regard, Norway recognised that best practices could be a beneficial support to Seychelles in strengthening its mental health framework and enhancing the delivery of care.

Another area of discussion was ocean management, the blue economy, fisheries management and aquaculture, as both are ocean nations.

Tourism also formed part of the discussions. The two leaders recognised the importance of expanding cooperation in this sector by reinforcing connectivity between the two countries through Air Service Agreements. They also discussed collaboration on tourism management opportunities, including opportunities for Seychellois students and the exchange of best working practices between the two countries.

President Herminie is keen to also collaborate with Norway to increase Seychelles’ renewable energy production capacity to 15% by 2030, as anticipated by the government.

Her Excellency Mrs Moe thanked President Herminie for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to her upon her arrival in Seychelles and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to present her Letters of Credence. She reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Her Excellency stated that she looks forward to working closely to enhance cooperation between the two nations, as both share the same goals and challenges.

The President once again congratulated Her Excellency, expressing his hope that her tenure would bring a fruitful partnership between the two countries.

Her Excellency Mrs Moe will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will hold a tenure of four years.

Also in attendance were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure; Ambassador Ian Madeleine, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora; and members of the Foreign Affairs team and the Norwegian delegation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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Estêvão Tomás Rafael Pale, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mozambique, has been confirmed to participate in African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 on behalf of H.E. Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique. His participation provides investors with direct access to the government leadership overseeing Mozambique’s efforts to monetize its world-class gas resources, expand electricity access and position the country as a major regional energy hub.

AEW is timely with Mozambique advancing its National Electrification and Just Energy Transition strategies, leveraging natural gas and renewables to expand electricity access from 60% to universal coverage by 2030.

Central to these strategies is a concerted push to accelerate the development of Mozambique’s 160-plus trillion cubic feet of natural gas through strategic international partnerships. Flagship developments – including TotalEnergies’ $20 billion Mozambique LNG, ExxonMobil’s Rovuma LNG Phase One, and Eni’s Coral North FLNG – are cementing the nation’s position as a vital regional and global gas supplier.

In a major step forward for the Chapo administration’s energy agenda, ExxonMobil issued a letter of intent to McDermott for engineering and procurement services on the Rovuma LNG Phase One project. The award signals accelerating momentum ahead of an anticipated final investment decision (FID) later this year.

Further driving this momentum, Technip Energies secured an engineering and procurement contract in June for the Eni-led Coral Norte FLNG project. This follows the African Development Bank’s $150 million financing approval earlier this year, underscoring robust institutional confidence in Mozambique’s gas sector. Capitalizing on this growth, Eni has launched an international tender for a third FLNG platform at the Rovuma project to help meet global energy demand.

TotalEnergies’ January restart of the Mozambique LNG project marked a major turning point for the nation’s energy sector. Set to create over 17,000 jobs during construction, the development will strengthen energy security, boost government revenues, and drive local workforce development.

These gas developments will be pivotal in enhancing domestic energy reliability, directly supporting Mozambique’s goal to expand clean cooking access from 17% today to 54% by 2030. Against this backdrop, AEW provides an ideal platform for Minister Pale to highlight these flagship projects, present policy reforms designed to fast-track discoveries, and showcase high-yield opportunities for global investors across the supply chain.

Mozambique’s investment potential extends well beyond oil and gas. To reinforce grid security following a recent El Niño drought that reduced hydropower capacity by 25%, the country is actively expanding its power infrastructure and targeting an 80.6% renewable energy share by 2032. Key developments driving this transition include the 450 MW Temane Thermal Plant and the 1,500 MW Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project.

To position itself as a regional power hub, Mozambique is also constructing a 400 kV transmission backbone to connect its Northern, Central, and Southern regions while expanding cross-border interconnectors. With the country seeking $18.6 billion to fund its broader power sector reforms, AEW 2026 offers Minister Pale an ideal platform to negotiate deals and secure strategic investor partnerships.

“Mozambique is a blueprint for how rich oil and gas resources, a favorable business environment, and strong government resolve combine to optimize energy development,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The country’s gas sector offers immense potential to create jobs for youth and enable local businesses to thrive.”

At AEW, Minister Pale will participate in high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, connecting global investors directly with emerging opportunities across Mozambique’s energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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The American Chamber of Commerce in Libya (AmCham Libya) has joined the fifth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2027 as an Official Partner, reinforcing U.S.-Libya commercial engagement at a time of growing investment across the country’s energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

Taking place amid renewed momentum in U.S.-Libya relations, LEES 2027 comes as American companies continue to explore opportunities across Libya’s energy and infrastructure sectors. U.S. energy companies including ConocoPhillips, Halliburton and SLB have maintained long-standing relationships in the country, while technology and engineering firms are increasingly assessing opportunities linked to upstream development, gas infrastructure and power sector modernization.

Since its establishment in 2011, AmCham Libya has served as a leading facilitator of U.S.-Libya business relations, connecting American companies with opportunities across oil and gas, renewable energy, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, electricity and information and communications technology. Through executive trade missions, policy engagement and targeted business forums, the organization has worked to improve market access while promoting transparent, commercially attractive investment conditions.

Momentum has continued to build in 2026 following the U.S. State Department’s announcement of a phased reopening of its embassy in Tripoli, reflecting growing confidence in Libya’s commercial outlook and strengthening support for greater private-sector engagement.

AmCham Libya has played an increasingly prominent role in expanding bilateral commerce. In 2025, it coordinated the largest Libyan government business delegation ever to visit Washington, D.C., presenting more than $71 billion in prospective investment opportunities to American companies. Earlier this year, AmCham Libya also brought a delegation of leading U.S. energy, engineering and technology companies to LEES 2026, facilitating direct engagement with Libyan institutions and project developers.

At LEES 2027, AmCham Libya will continue to foster dialogue between international investors and Libya’s public and private sectors as the country advances major investments across hydrocarbons, natural gas, electricity and digital infrastructure. Discussions will examine how international technology, financing and technical expertise can accelerate project delivery, improve operational efficiency and support Libya’s broader economic diversification agenda.

Bringing together senior government officials, national oil companies, international operators, financial institutions and service providers, LEES 2027 continues to strengthen its position as Libya’s premier platform for commercial engagement. AmCham Libya’s participation underscores the event’s growing role in connecting international investors with the partnerships and opportunities shaping the country’s next phase of energy and economic development.

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

Source: APO

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Angola’s downstream expansion is gathering pace, with the Cabinda Refinery ramping up production and the 200,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) Lobito Refinery reaching 25% overall completion. As the country moves to strengthen domestic fuel supply while creating new industries around its hydrocarbon resources, Luís José Alves Fernandes, General Manager of Angola’s downstream regulator, the Institute for the Regulation of Petroleum Derivatives (IRDP), will speak at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Luanda this September.

Fernandes will lead a high-level IRDP delegation to the conference, including Antonio Feijó, Deputy Director General; Nelson de Carvalho, Head of the Commercial Relations, Tariffs and Pricing Department; and Hamilton da Silva, Head of Inspection Department. Responsible for regulating, controlling and supervising Angola’s petroleum derivatives sector, IRDP is playing an increasingly important role as new refining, storage, distribution and gas-related investments reshape the domestic downstream market.

Recent progress across Angola’s refinery program underscores the scale of this transformation. The Cabinda Refinery, which entered production in March 2026, is currently processing 15,750 bpd. Work is also progressing on the project’s second phase, with conceptual engineering for the UOP units and engineering of the buildings complete. FEED studies are 60% complete, with engineering completion scheduled for November 2026.

At Lobito, overall project execution has reached 25%, with the $3.8 billion refinery designed to process 200,000 bpd and produce diesel, gasoline, fuel oil, LPG, jet fuel and sulfur. The Pre-EPC phase is 95% complete and the first phase of EPC is at 69%, while EPC for Phase 2A has yet to begin. Alongside the planned Soyo facility, Cabinda and Lobito are expected to lift Angola’s refining capacity to upwards of 445,000 bpd.

Beyond refining, Angola is seeking to strengthen the downstream gas value chain by converting domestic natural gas into higher-value products that support industrialization and economic diversification. AMUFERT – a company owned by Sonangol and Grupo OPAIA – is advancing a $2.6 billion ammonia and urea plant designed to monetize Angolan natural gas while strengthening domestic agricultural production. The facility will have capacity to produce 2,300 tons of ammonia and 4,000 tons of urea per day. As of July 31, 2026, approximately $477 million had been disbursed on the project, with construction, engineering and equipment procurement underway.

These projects create new regulatory and commercial requirements as Angola moves from reliance on imported petroleum products toward greater domestic processing and value addition. IRDP has already sought to address financing constraints through initiatives such as “Café com a Banca no Downstream,” which brought commercial banks and downstream operators together in March 2026 to encourage greater financial-sector participation in petroleum derivatives projects.

Fernandes’ participation at AOG 2026 will bring the regulator’s perspective into discussions around the market structures, investment conditions and regulatory frameworks required to support this next phase of downstream growth. With new refining capacity coming online and gas increasingly directed toward domestic industry, Angola is building a more integrated oil and gas value chain capable of strengthening fuel security while creating greater value from resources produced within the country.

Taking place September 9-10, with a pre-conference program on September 8, AOG 2026 will connect IRDP and other government stakeholders with investors, operators, financiers and service companies as Angola advances its downstream investment agenda. Visit www.AngolaOilandGas.com for more information.

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