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Eastern Cape government urges families to assist in search for flood victims

Source: Government of South Africa

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has called on families who are still searching for missing loved ones in the areas affected by last month’s catastrophic floods, to come forward with information to assist ongoing recovery efforts.

“Your information is vital to help rescue teams determine if any individuals are still unaccounted for and to continue their search efforts,” Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, said during a media briefing on Wednesday.

Giving an update on the provincial disaster management response and recovery, Williams reported that the total number of people who lost their lives remains at 103, with 100 of them being positively identified and laid to rest with dignity.

“One child is still missing, and the rescue teams are still searching. Three bodies remain unclaimed, two of which have not been positively identified through the national population register.

“The deceased include five government employees, one educator and two nurses, as well as two firefighters from the Department of Transport,” Williams said.

Williams said the province has established a dedicated task team to assist bereaved families with the coordination of burial services support for all the deceased.

“Government burial support was provided ranging from death registrations with Home Affairs, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Education’s funeral support funding to families of deceased learners, distribution of groceries to needy families, [and] provision of burial services by AVBOB, as per need of the affected families,” Williams said.

Relief was also extended to survivors and families of the deceased through coordinated Social Relief of Distress (SRD) measures.

Over 1 300 displaced accommodated across centres 

The MEC announced that more than 1 353 displaced individuals have been accommodated across Mass Care Centres, while 122 are in Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA), prioritising the most vulnerable groups, with full access to healthcare, food, sanitation, dignity packs, mattresses, blankets, and school uniforms.

He said more than 6 869 households across the province were affected by the disaster, with 4 724 homes completely destroyed and 2 145 partially damaged.

In response, the Departments of Social Development, Health, Education, and the African Social Security Agency (SASSA), along with non-governmental organisations, such as Al Imdaad and Gift of the Givers, provided emergency relief to the affected families and individuals.

“Beneficiaries were issued SASSA food vouchers to alleviate immediate food insecurity. To date, more than 1 353 displaced individuals have been accommodated across Mass Care Centres and 122 in Temporary Emergency Accommodation, prioritising the most vulnerable groups, with full access to healthcare, food, sanitation, dignity packs, mattresses, blankets, and school uniforms.

“Numbers at Mass Care Centres are decreasing as people either seek shelter with their relatives or go back to their houses as they become habitable. Additionally, over 2 900 beneficiaries have received psychosocial support and dignity services through mobile teams and social workers deployed across the hardest-hit areas,” the MEC said.

The Department of Home Affairs has mobilised to assist disaster survivors in rebuilding their lives.

A total of 1 197 ID card applications have been received and are being processed, while 103 birth certificate applications have been finalised, with 22 certificates already collected by applicants. One hundred deaths certificates have also been registered and issued.

Recovery and resilience plan underway 

Despite the challenges, the MEC confirmed that recovery plans are well underway. A key focus is on a multi-pronged approach to rebuilding and improving the province’s resilience.

“Infrastructure reconstruction will be prioritised and aligned with risk reduction principles, ensuring greater resilience against future disasters. For the next two-three months, it is critical for government to have made strides in the implementation of infrastructure repair projects.

“The provincial government is also intensifying climate resilience planning and strengthening institutional capacity, including the debriefing and support of frontline responders, to ensure readiness and sustainability in future disaster responses,” Williams said.

The province is also in engagement with potential partners to build the much-needed capacity.

“While we support the victims of this disaster to rebuild their lives, it is equally important that we continue debriefing of teams that are involved in our response and recovery project. We remain indebted to these teams for the work they are doing,” Williams said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SABC marks 75 years of public service journalism

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Government has congratulated the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as its news division marks 75 years of public service journalism. 

“Since its inception in 1950, SABC News has played a critical role in informing, educating and empowering citizens across the country.

“Over the decades, SABC News has evolved alongside South Africa’s democracy, covering the country’s most defining moments, from the struggle for liberation to the birth of a democratic State, and beyond.

“Its continued commitment to accessible and balanced reporting has cemented its role as a trusted source of information for millions of people in our country,” said government in a statement.

Government has also paid tribute to veteran journalist and International News Editor, Sophie Mokoena, who signs off from the public broadcaster after 31 years of outstanding service to SABC News and the nation. 

“Mokoena’s reporting brought South Africans closer to the world and made global news more accessible and relevant to South African audiences. We commend her immense contribution to public broadcasting and wish her well in her future endeavours,” said the statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). – SAnews.gov.za

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Committee on Electricity Warns Against Job Losses as a Result of Just Energy Transition Plan

Source: APO – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy expressed its concern over potential job losses as a result of the Just Energy Transition (JET) plan when it received a briefing from Eskom on the revised plan, decoupled from the decommissioning of plants.

The Eskom JET strategy has been decoupled from the decommissioning schedule to ensure independence from plant operations. Eskom’s plan promotes the optimal use of the existing coal fleet while rolling out clean energy capacity to ensure security of supply and energy sustainability.

The committee engaged with the power utility on its R400 billion debt burden along with limited government support, as the fiscus cannot keep funding Eskom in the way it has in the past. Also, due to the inflated cost of electricity, the entity has declining energy sales, escalating municipal debt and less than cost-reflective tariffs.

The committee demanded an explanation from Eskom on how it plans to secure the substantial assistance and sustained funding required for the entire JET, including the estimated R257 billion for a minimum emission standards compliance and the 14,000 km of grid expansion needed by 2034.

Eskom said that it has a commitment to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030. Regarding minimisation of any disruption that might occur, Eskom said that the transition not only includes sustainability but also energy security and affordability.

The power utility stated that in its communication, it has been indicating that coal is not an issue. But to manage the transition, the entity uses technology to make it safe to reduce emissions. The committee heard that Eskom will not shut down coal-powered stations for the sake of shutdown and disrupt the economy but, where it is possible, coal will be used as optimally and efficiently as possible within the ambit of the commitments made.

Regarding the strategies that are being implemented to mitigate the risks of funding delays and the impact of the US withdrawal from the International Partners Group, Eskom said the dynamics and changes from the US have changed how the power entity traditionally views funding. However, Eskom believes that change comes with opportunity.

Eskom told the committee that the entity also engaged with the World Bank to source funding from various international funders. The committee heard that funders are aware of their five-year project from the discussions already undertaken.

Regarding job losses due to the closure of the coal power stations and the JET plan, Eskom told the committee that it wants to grow the economy on all fronts, while continuously using all the available resources to meet emission targets. The committee noted the difficulties arising from the decommissioning of power stations, which include job losses and economic and social impacts.

The committee expressed its appreciation to Eskom for stabilising the grid and avoiding loadshedding for a sustained period. The committee told Eskom that nuclear energy is probably the safest and cleanest energy source available. Members of the committee advised Eskom about the possibility of considering the new technology of using nuclear waste stored at fire pits for generating electricity.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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African Development Bank approves financing to advance Rwanda’s universal energy access

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved €173.84 million for the Rwanda Energy Sector Result-Based Financing (RBF II) program to modernize the electricity network, expand access to clean energy, and strengthen institutional capacity.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will provide an additional €86.92 million, bringing the total program cost to €260.76 million.

The Board approval on July 14 marks the African Development Bank’s second result-based energy sector operation in Rwanda, following a $305 million program approved in September 2018. This indicates Rwanda’s preference for a performance-based financing approach in closing power infrastructure gaps.

The RBF II program is anchored on Rwanda’s Energy Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP II 2024–2029) and aims to improve the quality of life of residents, drive economic growth, and reduce poverty through targeted investments in the energy sector.

Specifically, the program is focused on delivering results in 3 areas: modernizing and extending the electricity network and systems; increasing access to on-grid and off-grid electricity and clean cooking technologies; and strengthening technical and institutional capacity.

It will connect 200,000 households and 850 productive use customers to the national grid, add 50,000 new electricity connections through off-grid solutions, provide clean cooking devices to 100,000 households and 310 public institutions, and install street lighting on 200 km of roads in secondary cities across Rwanda.

The RBF II program is a key deliverable under the Bank’s High-5 priority areas of “Light up and Power Africa” and “Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa.” Additionally, it will contribute to delivering on the Mission 300 Initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Communication and External Relations Department 
media@afdb.org  

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.

For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Mashatile calls for SA and China to shift focus from raw material trade to collaborative industrialisation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and China are at a crucial juncture in redefining their economic partnership, moving from a focus on raw material trade to a collaborative approach to industrialisation. 

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking during a working dinner with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and Standard Bank at the China World Summit Wing Hotel Conference Hall in Beijing.

“South Africa and China are at a pivotal moment to redefine our economic partnership, from raw material trade to co-industrialisation. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future that brings prosperity to our people and strengthens the bonds between our nations.“

The Deputy President emphasised the need for collaboration in strategic sectors to promote investment and trade in areas such as battery manufacturing, critical minerals, renewable energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure, rail modernisation, and metallurgy revitalisation.

“South Africa presents significant investment opportunities in metallurgy and smelter revitalisation, driven by its rich mineral resources and the global shift towards a low-carbon economy.

“Let us turn commitments into concrete projects that create jobs, transfer technology, and position South Africa as China’s gateway to Africa.”

Mashatile is currently in China for a strategic working visit.

The purpose of the visit, which began on Monday, is to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance economic cooperation between South Africa and China.

He told the attendees that the gathering signifies the importance of fostering strong partnerships between South Africa and China in strategic sectors for investment and trade promotion. 

“With the diversified resources of South Africa and the economic strength of China, there is a great deal that we can accomplish together. We must augment our collaboration, especially in critical industries poised for investment and trade.” 

Currently, the Deputy President stated that South Africa and China have strong economic cooperation, with bilateral commerce amounting to US$34 billion in 2024 and Chinese foreign direct investment in South Africa being US$13.21 billion. 

The Deputy President believes that this partnership is characterised by a growing trade relationship, with China being South Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

“A notable aspect of the trade relationship is the trade imbalance, where South Africa exports primarily raw materials to China and imports manufactured goods, creating a trade deficit for South Africa. South Africa needs to benefit more from its active, albeit highly unequal, trading partnership with China,” he said. 

He said the dinner presented a strategic opportunity to leverage the institutions’ financial expertise and advisory market insights to deepen investment in SA’s priority sectors and to also address trade imbalances by promoting value-added exports and technology transfer. 

The Deputy President said the platform was crucial to advancing partnerships in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, and manufacturing under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.

“Through the process of recognising and capitalising on these key sectors, we can create an environment in which both of our economies benefit and in which we make progress towards our common objectives.

“I am certain that the many areas of expertise and knowledge that have been collected around these tables will make it possible for us to devise specific plans and strategies that can be put into action, which will propel our partnership ahead.” 

He also highlighted some opportunities in green industrialisation, infrastructure financing, and export diversification. 

“In addition to a rapidly expanding renewable energy industry, the country’s plentiful natural resources, which include minerals that are essential for the development of environmentally friendly technology, provide a solid basis for the expansion of green industrialisation.” 

Meanwhile, he stressed that strategic investments in infrastructure, particularly in water and sanitation, and a focus on export diversification can further drive sustainable economic development and job creation. 

Mashatile said there was potential for South Africa and China to work together to foster innovation, the transfer of technology, and the development of skills.

“There is the potential for us to form partnerships that are beneficial to both parties if we capitalise on our skills and explore new ways of working together.

“Through partnership and working together for a common purpose, we can realise the full potential of both our countries.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Global challenges require ‘bold, cooperative leadership’ – Godongwana

Source: Government of South Africa

The G20 bloc must remain a source of leadership and action in development, as the world economy and countries continue to face a multitude of challenges.

This is the word from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, who delivered the opening remarks at the 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.

“We meet at a time of a fragile global economic growth. While inflation is gradually moderating and financial conditions have started to stabilise in some regions, uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on global growth prospects.

“Rising trade barriers, persistent global imbalances and new geopolitical risks are… concerns,” he said.

Furthermore, many developing countries – particularly those in Africa – remain “burdened by high and rising debt vulnerabilities, constrained fiscal space and high cost of capital”, which limits their ability to invest in their economies.

“Technological shifts, especially in artificial intelligence and digital finance, offer tremendous potential but also demand robust governance and coordinated action to harness to the opportunities, mitigate risks such as job displacement, and bridge digital divides towards inclusive growth.

“At the same time, climate-related shocks and extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity worldwide, impacting lives, livelihoods and economic stability.  The cumulative impact of these cascading challenges is pushing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 further out of reach,” Godongwana said.

The Minister noted that developing countries, particularly those in Africa, face a “staggering” yearly financing gap of some $4 trillion for sustainable development.

“The message from the 4th Financing for Development Conference in Spain was unequivocal: We must act decisively, choose cooperation over fragmentation, unity over division and action over inaction before the window to deliver on our shared commitment closes.

“In the face of these complex challenges, the G20 must remain a source of strategic global leadership, cooperation and action. We must extend our efforts if we are to reach our true potential as a collective, to enable us to deal decisively with economic, environmental, developmental and social challenges that plague… low-income countries in other regions and small developing States.

“We have a critical role to play in revitalising and strengthening multilateralism by fostering inclusive dialogue, reinforcing rules-based cooperation and driving collective action in global challenges that no country can solve alone,” Godongwana said.

He called on the delegates to approach discussions at the meeting to with “open minds, collective purpose and a determination to deliver progress”.

“The need for bold, cooperative leadership has never been greater,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

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African Development Bank Approves $17 Million to Rebuild Conflict-Affected Northern Mozambique

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $17 million grant to support recovery and resilient-building efforts in conflict-affected northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.

The funding will support the Resilient Investment for Socio-Economic Empowerment, Peace, and Security (RISE-PS) Project, a bold new initiative to tackle the root causes of fragility through targeted economic empowerment. It will directly create 24,000 jobs, with 60% of opportunities earmarked for young people aged 18 to 35, and 50% reserved for women. Cumulatively, over 100,000 people are expected to benefit from the initiative.

Since 2017, violent extremist attacks in Cabo Delgado have killed at least 4,500 people and displaced more than one million. Approximately 4,965 small businesses have been destroyed, leaving communities without livelihoods. Youth unemployment currently stands at 25% in the province, with 35% of young women neither employed nor enrolled in education or training.

“This is about more than economic recovery – it’s about giving young people a reason to believe in their future,” said Babatunde Omilola, Manager for Human Capital, Youth and Skill Development at the African Development Bank’s Regional Office for Southern Africa. “The project emphasizes  youth as peacebuilding agents, unlocking their potential through skills development, entrepreneurship, and decent work opportunities to drive economic stabilization efforts.”

A cornerstone of the RISE-PS project is the creation of a Peace and Security Investment Hub, coordinated by Mozambique’s Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN).

“This hub will coordinate development work across the region and create investment opportunities for both public and private partners,” said Macmillan Anyanwu, the Bank’s Acting Country Manager for Mozambique. “By including local communities in planning and implementing projects — such as letting them choose which infrastructure gets rebuilt — we ensure development truly serves those who need it most.”

Comprehensive Support for Vulnerable Populations

  • Rehabilitation of 150 community facilities, including 30 schools, 45 youth centers, 14 health posts, 10 rural markets, and 33 water systems — providing immediate employment for 4,500 vulnerable youth and women
  • Training for over 9,200 individuals in market-oriented vocational skills, with 2,000 women and youth-led enterprises receiving grants to restart destroyed businesses, and 5,400 local micro-enterprises equipped to expand or consolidate operations.
  • Construction of a climate-smart SME village in the Afungi Industrial Hub, designed to accommodate 100 small and medium enterprises with modern facilities, including warehouses, workshops, and business incubation centers
  • Private sector partnerships, including TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, to provide 1,055 youth with 6-month internships, targeting 70% permanent job placement

The total value of the project stands at $28 million, including the African Development Bank’s $17 million grant through its Transition Support Facility, $4.2 million from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), $2.4 million from Germany, $3.1 million in parallel financing from private sector partners, and $1.3 million counterpart contribution from the Government of Mozambique.

MozParks, the national developer of sustainable economic zones, will lead the SME village construction, drawing on 23 years of experience that has attracted $4 billion in investments and created over 12,000 jobs nationwide.

The project’s conflict-sensitive design specifically targets the drivers of violent extremism. Research shows that 40% of young men join rebel movements due to a lack of economic opportunities. At the same time, women face additional vulnerabilities, including limited education and high rates of gender-based violence.

Implementation begins on 1 September 2025, under the leadership of the Government, with UNDP as the implementing partner. The project will run until August 2029.

ADIN will serve as the executing agency, with enhanced institutional support to strengthen its coordination role across northern Mozambique, which is home to 11.6 million people.

Recent security improvements, and a reduction in the number of internally displaced persons from over one million to 635,000 present an opportunity for sustained development investments and renewed investor confidence.

The RISE-PS project aligns with Mozambique’s National Development Strategy (2025-2044) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1 – No Poverty;  SDG 4 – Quality Education;  SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth).

It also aligns with the African Development Bank’s Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience (2022-2026), the Bank’s Country Strategy Paper 2023-2028 for Mozambique, its Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033, and many other strategies or action plans on jobs, gender, skills, private sector development and nutrition. In particular, the Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa strategy 2016-2025 aims to create 25 million jobs and positively impact 50 million African youth by 2025.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alan Hirsch, Senior Research Fellow New South Institute, Emeritus Professor at The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town

It’s not uncommon to find a Ugandan taxi driver in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, just as one regularly meets Zimbabwean Uber drivers in South Africa. But there is a big difference. A Ugandan working in Rwanda most likely has a secure legal right to be there, whereas Zimbabweans working in South Africa are often uncertain of their current or future legality.

East Africa has made greater strides towards the free flow of people crossing borders and seeking work than most of Africa. Only the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is in the same league.

While the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons protocol has faltered at a continental level, some of the regional economic communities have made progress. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) allows visa-free travel across almost all its borders.

Ecowas and the East African Community (EAC) have driven ambitiously towards regional common markets including the freeing up of job-seeking, residential settlement and business development across the borders of member states.

The New South Institute, a think-tank focused on governance reforms in the global south, is nearing the end of a research programme on migration governance reform in Africa. Our new report is on East Africa.

We have found that unlike much of the global north, the African continent is moving towards more open borders for people. In some of the global south the promise of economic growth outweighs political fears. Yet progress is slow, and not coordinated. Mostly migration reform happens in regions and between neighbours.

The progress in the East African Community is particularly notable compared with other African regional communities. We identify a number of reasons for this, including strong leadership and co-operation between state and non-state actors.

The commitment to free movement

The East African Community adopted its Common Market Protocol in 2010. The bloc is made up of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia.

The regional body’s common market pact includes the movement of goods, services, capital and people. It gives people the right – on paper at least – to find employment across borders, the right to reside and the right to establish a business. There is also a commitment to the harmonisation and mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications and labour policies to ease mobility.

Even before the common market protocol, the regional bloc began to establish one-stop border posts on many of its internal borders to facilitate the flow of goods and people. Though they don’t all operate the same way or equally well, they have been successful at easing movement.

Uneven outcomes

The common market’s impact on the movement of people has been uneven within the region. Most integrated are Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, which allow the cross-border movement of citizens with standardised identity documents – they do not need passports.

It is also relatively easy to get jobs across these borders.

Tanzania and Burundi are close to the inner circle but still require passports, though no visas. The three states which joined more recently, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia, are all fragile states with governance systems that do not always meet the standards needed for acceptance into all the privileges of the regional bloc.

In practice there is differential treatment. Generally, it is more difficult for citizens of the three latecomers to get regular access and jobs in their regional partners.

Another limitation when it comes to the mobility of people is that little progress has been made in the formal harmonisation of education, health and social welfare systems between member states. This inhibits job seeking across borders.

In addition, national labour laws, which tend to require permits for foreigners, still apply to varying degrees in the region. Some countries are more permissive. For example, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have a reciprocal no-fee work permit agreement.

Another shortcoming has been that the outcomes of court processes in enforcing the freedom of movement have been disappointing. This is so even though the regional bloc has an active East African Court of Justice. Its legal mandate includes the enforcement of the bloc’s treaty and its protocols.

In some cases the court has found that national actions inhibiting the movement of persons were trumped by the regional protocol. It has instructed the errant governments to comply. But its ability to enforce the decisions is minimal.

Reasons for success

Leadership has been important. The fact that the strongest economy in the region, Kenya, has been part of the leading echelon is significant.

Rwanda and Uganda have led by example too. Rwanda was one of the first countries on the continent to offer visa-free entry to all other African countries. For its part, Uganda is widely admired for its refugee inclusion programmes.

Another factor outlined in our report has been the opportunity for collaboration fostered by relationships between formal institutions, such as governments, and non-state actors such as the International Organisation for Migration. Interactions between these various players have created opportunities for officials and policymakers from states of the region to meet, discuss issues of concern, and develop relationships of trust and understanding.

Another non-state donor-funded actor, TradeMark Africa, which was established in 2010 to support in the implementation of the common market in east Africa, provided considerable support. For example it supported the implementation of the regional One-Stop Border Post programme..

Way forward

Based on our report we identified changes that could make a positive difference.

Firstly, the development of reliable, harmonised systems in the region to collect and manage data on population mobility and employment. This would build confidence that policy was being made on the basis of reliable information.

Secondly, reducing friction in cross-border monetary transactions, including migrants’ remittances. This would make it easier for migrants to send some of their income to their countries of origin.

Thirdly, improvements to population registers, identity documents, passports and cross-border migration management systems. Improvements would build mutual trust in the integrity of systems and pave the way for further commitments to lowering migration barriers.

Fourth, cooperation on cross-border access to social services such as health and education. This is one of the most important intermediate steps towards freeing up mobility for the citizens of the region.

Fifth, reconsidering some of the amendments made to weaken the East African Court of Justice in 2007. This would strengthen the de jure powers of the court, adding considerably to the entrenchment of cross-border rights in the region.

Ultimately, the key constraint in the region is political and security instability, which holds back social and economic development. Nevertheless, incremental progress on mobility is possible despite issues in the fragile states, even though it may result in asymmetric progress within the East African Community.

– East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go
– https://theconversation.com/east-african-countries-and-open-borders-great-strides-but-still-a-long-way-to-go-261021

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Qatar announces the success of a new stage of its mediation mission to reunite children with their families in Ukraine and Russia

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – July 17, 2025

The State of Qatar announces the success of its mediation efforts to reunite children with their families who were separated as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine — this July, as part of its ongoing efforts to reunite families, new reunifications have taken place.

 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that, as part of the new stage of the humanitarian mission, 11 children have been reunited with their relatives in Ukraine, and 3 children have returned to their relatives in Russia, bringing the total number of children reunited with their families since the commencement of Qatar’s mediation efforts to 100 children.

In this context, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to reunite children with their families in Ukraine and Russia represent an extension of its approach to mediation and conflict resolution through peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of international law. He also emphasized that these efforts also reflect Qatar’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles and international solidarity.

His Excellency also expressed the State of Qatar’s appreciation to Her Excellency Ms. Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights to the President of the Russian Federation, and His Excellency Mr. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, for their tireless efforts that contributed to the success of the endeavors aimed at reuniting separated families.

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets US State Department Senior Advisor for Africa

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 17, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Thursday with HE Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for Africa at the US Department of State Massad Boulos, who is currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States and discussed ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed joint efforts to address the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with a number of issues of mutual interest.