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Joint Statement by Eight Arab and Islamic countries expressing their strong condemnation of the repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire in Gaza

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | February 1, 2026

The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemn Israel’s  repeated  violations of the ceasefire in Gaza which have resulted in the killing , and injuring of more than a thousand Palestinians.

These actions risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at consolidating calm and restoring stability, at a time when regional and international parties are working collectively to advance the second phase of the President Donald Trump’s peace plan and to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.

The Ministers  consider that these repeated violations constitute a direct threat to the political process and hinder ongoing efforts to create appropriate conditions for transitioning to a more stable phase in the Gaza Strip, both in terms of security and humanitarian conditions, and stress the necessity of full commitment to ensuring the success of the second phase of President Trump peace plan. 

They also call on all parties to fully uphold their responsibilities during this critical period and to exercise the utmost restraint, in order to preserve and sustain the ceasefire, refrain from any actions that may undermine the current process, and create favorable conditions to move forward toward early recovery and reconstruction, as well as advancing a just and lasting peace grounded in the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.

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Government delivers relief to flood-affected communities in Limpopo

Source: Government of South Africa

Government delivers relief to flood-affected communities in Limpopo

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has delivered essential supplies to individuals and communities affected by the recent floods across Limpopo.

The intervention underscores government’s commitment to supporting affected communities during a challenging period, while emphasising the values of solidarity, compassion and collective responsibility.

The relief effort was undertaken in partnership with Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), the Office of the President, the State Security Agency, and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). The collaborating departments donated clothing and food parcels to flood-affected communities.

Speaking during the outreach on Friday, Ntshavheni said the initiative was inspired by the resilience and community spirit displayed by those affected.

“When we saw that resilience and community spirit, we felt the need to contribute. We made a call to staff of the departments that constitute the Ministry of the Presidency, including the Presidency, GCIS, StatsSA and the State Security Agency, asking them to donate.

“We said to them, in you own wardrobes, there would be things that you do not use. Can you donate them? And they donated in large volumes. Those are the volumes that we have brough to Limpopo,” the Minister said.

She added that surplus donations would be distributed to other affected provinces. 

“We are also going to take them to Mpumalanga, and if there are still remaining items, we will take them to northern KwaZulu-Natal,” she said.

Ntshavheni further noted that public interest in contributing had increased after the Ministry announced the donation drive. She said government would communicate mechanisms through which members of the public could continue donating, reinforcing the principle of “building together”.

In Tzaneen, the Minister acknowledged the support provided by the Department of Social Development (DSD), which delivered food parcels to residents who had been left without food. She appealed for donations of non-perishable food items to sustain ongoing relief efforts.

“The foundations can come and leave, but we need to be there as a community and support each other, and that is a call out (sic),” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister’s first visit was to Giyani, where she emphasised the strong cooperation between national and provincial government. She highlighted the establishment of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management, which is coordinating the response and recovery efforts across affected areas.

Her second visit was to Tzaneen, followed by a visit to Petanenge Training Centre, where she reflected on the recurring nature of flooding in Limpopo. The final stop was at Impala Park Stadium in Phalaborwa, where she handed over clothing and essential items to affected residents. She confirmed that efforts to restore electricity in impacted areas are underway.

Ntshavheni expressed her empathy for the Phalaborwa community and commended residents for their unity and cooperation during the crisis. She also called for stronger collaboration between local communities and mining companies operating in Limpopo.

Referring to the recent Cabinet Lekgotla, the Minister said flood response efforts were among the matters discussed, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring close coordination between national, provincial and local structures in responding to disasters. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government brings relief to flood affected elderly woman

Source: Government of South Africa

Government brings relief to flood affected elderly woman

The Department of Social Development has urgently deployed Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks to Mpumalanga to assist an elderly woman heading a household of five, including two grandchildren, following the recent floods.

The children recently lost their mother, and their house collapsed during heavy rains in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga. Fortunately, no one was at home at the time of the incident, although most of the family’s belongings remain buried under the rubble.

During a site visit on Friday, Hendricks was moved by the condition of household items recovered from the debris and immediately mobilised assistance for the family.

The Deputy Minister sourced an eight-sleeper heavy-duty army tent, fully equipped with double bunk beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, a fire extinguisher and a wash basin. He also contacted the Chinese Embassy for assistance, which generously covered the cost of the tent and its contents.

In addition, five more fully fitted tents have been sourced through other donors. Hendricks indicated that efforts are under way to secure a total of 100 tents to support families affected by recent floods in the area.

Following the handover of temporary relief accommodation to the grandmother and her family, the Deputy Minister engaged with the members of the local Youth League to assist with monitoring the tent, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

“We are pleased that the granny can now have all the children she cares for living with her. The tent has taken up space previously used for her vegetable garden, and we hope that an alternative area will soon be identified so she can continue gardening.

“The living arrangements in tents for families take temporary relief to a new level, especially as many families feel uncomfortable staying in municipal halls, which affect privacy and, in some cases, separate families,” Hendricks said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Move to strengthen global alignment in higher education sector

Source: Government of South Africa

Move to strengthen global alignment in higher education sector

The Department of Higher Education and Training is in the process of conducting a sector-wide workshop on international relations, which is aimed at strengthening coherence and strategic alignment across the higher education and training sector.

This was announced by Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, at the South African Students in China Association (SASCA) 3rd Virtual National Conference held on 31 January.

Delivering her keynote address, Dube-Ncube described the conference as a critical platform for advancing discussion, research and a deeper understanding of South Africa–China relations.

She emphasised that the engagements are valuable not only from a government-to-government perspective, but also through the lived experiences of students, who are the “end-product of this developmental partnership”.

She noted that the conference takes place at an opportune time, as the current dispensation reconsiders the significance of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system in addressing urgent national priorities. These include inclusive economic growth, economic recovery, skills development and innovation, while manoeuvring an increasingly competitive and complex global context.

Dube-Ncube reflected on the evolution of South Africa–China relations over the past few decades, stating that the partnership cannot be viewed solely through the lens of economic engagement, but also rooted in shared historical experiences, political interests, and strategic calculations that have shaped the trajectory of the relationship in a deliberate and sustained manner.

She underscored that mutually beneficial cooperation between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in the field of higher education and training, particularly within the framework of the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM), remains both timely and strategic.

She said this cooperation is underpinned by focus areas that are designed to translate policy commitments into practical and measurable outcomes.

A central pillar of this collaboration is the expansion of international scholarship opportunities and short-term training seminars.

“These initiatives are essential to equipping South African students and professionals with advanced skills, global exposure and specialised training in priority areas aligned to South Africa’s development needs. They also contribute to building a cadre of globally competent graduates, who are well-positioned to contribute to the economy and public service upon their return,” Dube-Ncube said.

Internationalisation and national development linkage

The Deputy Minister highlighted that internationalisation has become essential for innovation, competitiveness and high-quality research in higher education.

“Alliances with foreign organisations offer opportunities for collaborative research, jointly supervised postgraduate education, innovation hubs and information sharing, especially in developing nations.”

Referencing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Beijing in 2024, Dube-Ncube reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which is firmly embedded in the country’s foreign policy ambitions.

She explained that the department’s sector-wide engagement on international relations will inform the finalisation of its International Relations Strategy. The initiative, she said, recognises that in an increasingly interconnected global environment, South Africa’s engagement in international education and research must be both coordinated and purposeful.

“Importantly, this sector-wide engagement will also contribute to the finalisation of the department’s International Relations Strategy, which will provide a clear policy framework to guide South Africa’s international cooperation in higher education and training. This strategy will serve as a critical instrument in aligning global partnerships with national skills needs, research priorities, and South Africa’s broader development agenda,” she said.

She stressed that while international partnerships are essential, they must be guided by clear national priorities, mutual benefit, and a long-term commitment to capacity building.

South Africa’s long-standing collaboration with China in various areas of higher education and training, Dube-Ncube said, continues to grow and contribute significantly to the country’s knowledge and skills development, alongside partnerships across other regions of the world.

Geopolitical focus-strategic partnership

Through trade, investment, infrastructure development, and technological collaboration, Dube-Ncube said China has strengthened strategic alliances on a bilateral level.

On multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, G20 and BRICS, China has played an increasingly prominent role in advancing collective action, South-South cooperation, and a more inclusive and multipolar global order.

The Deputy Minister said China is widely expected to play a leading role in advancing the BRICS agenda, leveraging its economic strength and global reach to deepen cooperation among Member Dtates.

In closing, the Deputy Minister emphasised that SASCA as more than a student organisation, but a bridge of unity, learning, and cultural exchange, empowering South African students to thrive abroad while proudly representing our nation and fostering enduring ties between the two countries.

She encouraged students to lead with passion, embrace challenges as opportunities and build lifelong connections.

“Let us carry the spirit of South Africa wherever we go, inspiring others through our actions, our culture, and our commitment to excellence,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Freetown’s property tax is designed to plug funding gap: how Sierra Leone’s capital went about it

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Astrid R.N. Haas, Research associate at African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town

Property taxes remain one of the most underperforming sources of revenue for urban development across Africa. One reason is that they are often opposed by the economic elites and large property owners. Freetown, the economic and administrative hub of Sierra Leone, has successfully implemented a property tax regime aimed at raising revenue the city needs for its development.

Freetown is where 15% of the country’s population lives, out of a total population of nearly 9 million. The city accounts for 30% of Sierra Leone’s economic output as measured by gross domestic product (GDP). GDP in 2024 was nearly US$7 billion.

Urban economist Astrid R.N. Haas asked Manja Kargbo, who leads the Mayor’s Delivery Unit in the Freetown City Council, how Freetown pulled it off.

Can you walk us through the process Freetown went through to design and implement its property tax reform, from the initial idea to where you are today, including why you decided to focus on property tax reform?

Freetown’s property tax reform began in September 2019 with a recognition that the city’s revenue base was severely underutilised, and property tax offered a sustainable, locally controlled source of funding. Freetown could not rely on central government transfers to finance core urban services. In recent years these grants to the city have continued to fall.

Therefore, the reform was designed to increase the city’s own source revenue by improving fairness, transparency and compliance while modernising outdated property identification, valuation, billing and enforcement systems.

The reform process included:

  • Creation of a digital platform, (Moptax), to manage assessments, billing and payments.

  • A comprehensive valuation cycle supported by satellite imagery, field discovery and digital mapping.

  • Development of standard operating procedures for each stage of the tax cycle, from the identification of a new property within the city’s boundaries to enforcement.

  • Strategic engagement with stakeholders, including councillors, community leaders and taxpayers, to build trust and understanding.

  • A phased rollout of the new property tax system, starting with pilot testing, training of council staff and continuous feedback loops.

The reform has now reached a point where the city has institutionalised many of these processes, with the Freetown City Council administration taking the lead and the reform team providing technical support.

Property tax is often referred to as the “tax people love to hate”. How did you attain the necessary buy-in and a sense of fairness around Freetown’s new system?

Stakeholder engagement was central to the reform’s success.

Key strategies included:

  • digital town hall meetings across 31 wards to explain the reform and gather feedback

  • radio, posters, WhatsApp and community meetings to demystify the tax

  • transparent communication about how revenues would be reinvested locally, including a commitment to allocate 20% of ward-level revenue to community projects

  • engagement with councillors and the Communications Committee to ensure political buy-in and local ownership

  • a help desk and appeals process to address taxpayer concerns and ensure fairness.

Digital tools have been central to your reform. How did you ensure that technology worked for the city rather than the other way around?

Technology was designed to serve the reform, not drive it, reflecting lessons drawn from earlier property tax reforms in Sierra Leone and comparable cities where technology-led approaches had underperformed in the absence of political buy-in, administrative capacity and public trust.

We ensured this by:

  • building Moptax around the city’s operating cycles, so that digital processes aligned with operational needs

  • training Freetown City Council staff through a “train the trainer” model, ensuring local capacity to manage and adapt the system

  • using satellite imagery and GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping to improve accuracy, but validating data through fieldwork and appeals

  • creating dashboards and audit trails that supported transparency and accountability

  • ensuring that all digital tools were backed by policy decisions, council resolutions and community feedback.

What were some of the most unexpected challenges your team faced along the way, and how did you adapt?

Some of the key challenges included:

  • resistance to change from internal departments. This was addressed through structured training and leadership engagement.

  • bank reconciliation with property tax payments issues. This required deep dives with finance teams and meetings with bank representatives to resolve.

  • data tampering by enumerators and audit capacity gaps. This led to the creation of an internal audit framework and training for the audit department.

  • limited internet and technological infrastructure, such as sufficient data storgage capacity. This was mitigated by cloud hosting and procurement of equipment like MiFi devices and power banks.

  • repeated outreach efforts began to lose their effectiveness and residents became disengaged. The city then shifted towards multimedia and community-led messaging.

What advice would you give to other African cities that want to embark on property tax reform but feel daunted by where to start?

Start with clarity of purpose and build from the ground up:

  • Map your processes before digitising them. Technology should follow strategy.

  • Engage stakeholders early and often – reform is as much about trust as it is about systems.

  • Invest in training and documentation to build institutional memory.

  • Pilot, learn and adapt – don’t wait for perfection before starting.

  • Use data to drive decisions, but always validate it with field realities.

  • Celebrate small wins to build momentum and confidence.

– Freetown’s property tax is designed to plug funding gap: how Sierra Leone’s capital went about it
– https://theconversation.com/freetowns-property-tax-is-designed-to-plug-funding-gap-how-sierra-leones-capital-went-about-it-268781

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Should private sector executives sit on the boards of non-profits? There are risks and benefits

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ron Soonieus, Director in Residence, INSEAD

Serving on a non-profit board can be deeply fulfilling and beneficial to the cause – but only if you’re fully committed and prepared for the role.

It must be flattering to be offered a seat on the board of a non-profit organisation (NPO). After all, the non-profit sector has long valued for-profit executives for their business acumen, result-orientation and decision-making abilities.

Along with their expertise in areas such as finance, legal, human resources, marketing and management, the ability of for-profit executives to translate broad strategic goals into actionable decisions can help non-profit boards navigate complexity and ambiguity with greater confidence. They also often bring extensive networks that can open doors – be it for partnerships, fundraising or advocacy – which can significantly enhance an NPO’s ability to achieve its mission.

The appeal to serve on the board of an NPO may be an emotional one: service and meaning. As a bridge between the government, society and the business sector, NPOs play a vital role in addressing market and government failures. They advocate for accountability, counterbalance profit-driven motives, mediate between stakeholders, complement government services and even foster social innovation.

At the same time, non-profits have reached a transformation moment. As public donations shrink – a trend now accelerating with recent shifts in aid policies by the United States and Europe – non-profits must take a proactive approach by refining their priorities, strengthening operational resilience and preparing for future shocks.

But to achieve these, NPOs need strong leadership and effective governance. This is where the board comes in.

In an ideal world, the relationship can be mutually beneficial. But executives without prior board experience may struggle to transition from an “action-oriented” mindset to one of board oversight and, as a result, sometimes slip into micromanagement and undermine the delineation of roles between governance and management. Also, there is the question of fit.

Before embarking on the journey as a non-profit board member, it is critical for both the executive and NPO to assess their readiness and alignment. We’ve developed a set of questions to consider, drawing from our work in this field, as well as the insights gained from non-profit board members, executives, governance practitioners and academic experts whom we meet at Governance and Leadership Community of Practice meetings we’ve been organising regularly.

Assessing your motivation, capacity and commitment

Do I share a genuine passion for the non-profit’s mission and values? Would I feel fulfilled contributing to this cause, even if it didn’t yield professional benefits?

Do I have the time and energy to commit to this role? Am I truly prepared to attend meetings, participate in committees and provide support beyond the boardroom when required?

Can I balance this commitment with my professional and personal responsibilities? What impact might this role have on my other obligations? Can I really commit to the task, especially when it requires additional commitment in times of crisis?

Am I honest to myself and the organisation about my real motivation? Is it to give back, support a cause I’m passionate about, expand my network, for professional development, or a mix?

Evaluating your expertise

Can my skills and experience contribute to the non-profit’s success? Are there specific areas, such as strategy, fundraising or financial oversight, where I can add value?

Do I have a full appreciation of the specific complexities and challenges of non-profit governance? Am I prepared to navigate the differences between for-profit and non-profit operations, such as stakeholder dynamics, funding models and mission-driven objectives?

Understanding the role

Am I clear about the expectations and responsibilities of a board member in this organisation? Have I reviewed the organisation’s bylaws, financial status and strategic priorities to understand the role fully?

Do I understand (or am I willing to learn) the oversight role of a trustee or director? Can I maintain a strategic, supervisory perspective without micromanaging the management team?

Am I comfortable asking tough questions and holding the organisation accountable? Will I speak up when necessary to ensure transparency, ethical behaviour and good governance?

How can I align my expectations with the non-profit’s operating realities? Non-profits often lack the resources and support that for-profit organisations possess. Faced with a different operational reality, it can be challenging to understand whether what is being delivered is all that can be expected or if there is room to push for more.

Evaluating risks

Am I prepared to associate my personal reputation with this NPO? Have I researched the NPO’s reputation, leadership, financial health, bylaws and legal compliance, and am I willing to accept any potential risks that could impact my professional ambition?

Are there potential conflicts of interest? Could my professional role or personal interests lead to ethical challenges or perceived biases?

Am I prepared to use my network repeatedly? Engaging your network can be one of the most powerful ways to support a non-profit, whether for fundraising, partnerships or advocacy. However, you should consider whether you’re ready to tap your network repeatedly as the organisation’s needs arise.

Committing to learn and engage

Am I open to learning and adapting to the non-profit sector? Am I willing to invest time in understanding the mission, community and operational nuances of the non-profit world?

Can I work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders? Am I prepared to engage with and learn from individuals from varying professional, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds?

Put mission at the core

Serving on a non-profit board can be rewarding, both personally and professionally. However, this role requires more than experience – it also demands knowledge of the NPO sector, self-awareness, intentionality and a genuine commitment to the organisation’s mission. A for-profit executive’s skills and experience can help shape the strategic direction and success, but only if approached with the focus, time and humility the role demands.

For non-profits, the inclusion of for-profit executives brings valuable expertise, networks and decision-making capabilities that can elevate their professionalism and impact. Yet, non-profits should not overestimate their added value and must ensure their boards are balanced, with diverse skills and perspectives that complement the organisation’s needs.

A final reflection for the passionate executive: If you truly care about the mission, periodically ask yourself (as well as your fellow board members and management): “Am I the best fit to help advance it?” Reflect on whether you are bringing your fullest value or if stepping aside might better serve the organisation and its purpose.

Ultimately, by prioritising the mission, both non-profits and for-profit executives can forge partnerships that build stronger, more effective organisations that drive meaningful and lasting change. Keeping the mission at the core ensures every decision contributes to lasting impact.

This article is published courtesy of INSEAD Knowledge, the portal to the latest business insights and views of INSEAD, The Business School for the World. Copyright 2025.

– Should private sector executives sit on the boards of non-profits? There are risks and benefits
– https://theconversation.com/should-private-sector-executives-sit-on-the-boards-of-non-profits-there-are-risks-and-benefits-261011

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Receives King of Jordan HM King Abdullah II

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will receive the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein. The two leaders are scheduled to hold an official session of talks to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. Additionally, they will review the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest.

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

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Qatar Joins Second Arab-India Cooperation Forum Ministerial Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

New Delhi, January 31, 2026

The State of Qatar participated on Saturday in the ministerial meeting of the second session of the Arab-India Cooperation Forum, held in New Delhi.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, headed the Qatari delegation to the meeting.

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Eritrea: Activity assessment meeting of Ministry of Education

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Education conducted an activity assessment meeting for 2025 and discussed its action plan for 2026.

At the meeting, which was attended by heads of departments and units, representatives of Eritrean schools in Sudan, as well as representatives of the UNESCO office, a detailed report was presented focusing on activities implemented in 2025 and the action plan for 2026.

According to the reports presented, over 35,000 adults, including 89% females, were registered for adult education, of whom 76% successfully completed their education; out of the 70,349 students who sat for the eighth-grade national examination, 68.8% scored passing marks; over 700 students graduated from technical, agricultural, and music schools with certificate programs; and a five-year strategic plan was designed. The reports also indicated that shortages of human resources and facilities were among the main challenges encountered.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the reports presented and adopted various recommendations, including the preparation of research papers and the strengthening of cultural, history, and language training programs for students, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Halima Mohammed, Minister of Education, said that the assessment meeting would make a significant contribution to identifying strengths and challenges, thereby preserving the achievements registered and addressing shortcomings.

Minister Halima further stated that the education sector is one of the priority development programs of the Government of Eritrea. She added that enhancing teachers’ capacity, strengthening relations with government institutions and stakeholders, and aligning resources for the development of the teaching-learning process are among the priority tasks of the Ministry.

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

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Qatar Condemns Attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, January 31, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the attacks that occurred in Balochistan province in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which resulted in deaths and injuries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm position rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts in all forms, regardless of their motives or justifications.

The Ministry also expresses the State of Qatar’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Pakistan, and extends its wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.