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4 things every peace agreement needs – and how the DRC-Rwanda deal measures up

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Philipp Kastner, Senior Lecturer in International Law, The University of Western Australia

The governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda concluded a peace treaty in June 2025, aimed at ending a decades-long war in eastern DRC. The United Nations welcomed the agreement as “a significant step towards de-escalation, peace and stability” in the region.

I have analysed several different peace negotiations and agreements. It’s important to distinguish between what’s needed to get warring parties to the table, and what’s eventually agreed on. In this article, I examine whether the DRC-Rwanda deal has got the four essential components that usually signal that an agreement will hold.

Two broad points about peace agreements, first – and one particular complication in the DRC-Rwanda case.

Firstly, one agreement is rarely enough to resolve a complex conflict. Most deals are part of a series of agreements, sometimes between different actors. They often mention previously concluded ones, and will be referred to by subsequent ones.

Secondly, peace is a process, and requires broad and sustained commitment. It is essential that other actors, like armed groups, are brought on board. Importantly, this also includes civil society actors. An agreement will be more legitimate and effective if different voices are heard during negotiations.

One major complication in relation to the DRC-Rwanda deal is that the United States has been the prime broker. But rather than acting as a neutral mediator trying to bring about peace, Washington seems to be pursuing its own economic interests. This does not bode well.

There is no simple recipe for a good peace agreement, but research shows that four elements are important: a serious commitment from the parties, precise wording, clear timelines and strong implementation provisions.

What underpins a good agreement

First, the parties need to be serious about the agreement and able to commit to its terms. It must not be used as a cover to buy time, re-arm or pursue fighting. Moreover, lasting peace cannot be made exclusively at the highest political level. Agreements that are the result of more inclusive processes, with input by and support from the communities concerned, have a higher success rate.

Second, the agreement must address the issues it aims to resolve, and its provisions must be drafted carefully and unambiguously. When agreements are vague or silent on key aspects, they are often short-lived. Previous experiences can guide peace negotiators and mediators in the drafting process. Peace agreement databases established by the United Nations and academic institutions are a useful tool for this.

Third, clear and realistic timelines are essential. These can concern the withdrawal of armed forces from specified territories, the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and the establishment of mechanisms providing reparations or other forms of transitional justice.

Fourth, an agreement should include provisions on its implementation. External support is usually helpful here. Third states or international organisations, liked the United Nations and the African Union, can be mandated to oversee this phase. They can also provide security guarantees or even deploy a peacekeeping operation. What is crucial is that these actors are committed to the process and don’t pursue their own interests.

Read more: DRC and Rwanda sign a US-brokered peace deal: what are the chances of its success?

To know what to realistically expect from a specific peace agreement, it’s important to understand that such agreements can take very different forms. These range from pre-negotiation arrangements and ceasefires to comprehensive peace accords and implementation agreements.

A lasting resolution of the conflict should not be expected when only a few conflict parties have concluded a temporary ceasefire.

The DRC-Rwanda agreement: an important step with lots of shortcomings

It’s difficult to tell at this point how serious the DRC and Rwanda are about peace, and if their commitment will be enough.

Their assertion that they will respect each other’s territory and refrain from acts of aggression is certainly important.

But Rwanda has a history of direct military activities in the DRC since the 1990s. And the treaty only includes rather vague references to the “disengagement of forces/lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda”. It doesn’t specifically mention the withdrawal of the reportedly thousands of Rwandan troops deployed to eastern DRC.

The Paul Kagame-led Rwandan government has also supported Tutsi-dominated armed groups in the DRC since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) is the current primary military actor in eastern DRC. But the agreement between the governments of DRC and Rwanda didn’t include the M23 or other groups. The two governments only commit themselves to supporting the ongoing negotiations between the DRC and the M23 facilitated by Qatar.

The agreement also foresees the “neutralisation” of another armed group, the Hutu-dominated Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Rwanda (FDLR). This group claims to protect Rwandan Hutu refugees in the DRC, but is considered “genocidal” by the Rwandan government. The group has reacted to this plan by calling for a political solution and a more inclusive peace process.

What’s needed

The DRC-Rwanda agreement includes provisions that are vital to the people most affected by the conflict, such as the return of the millions of people displaced because of the fighting in eastern DRC. But it does not address other key issues.

For instance, aside from a general commitment to promote human rights and international humanitarian law, there is no reference to the widespread violations of human rights and war crimes reportedly committed by all sides. These include summary executions, and sexual and gender-based violence, including violence against children.

Some form of justice and reconciliation mechanism to deal with such large-scale violence should be considered in this situation, as for instance in the fairly successful 2016 agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC). This could contribute to preventing further violations as it sends a clear signal that committing crimes will not be rewarded. It also helps the population heal and gives peace a better chance.

There is no single model for this, and so-called transitional justice (defined as the “range of processes and mechanisms associated with a society’s attempts to come to terms with a legacy of large-scale past abuses, in order to ensure accountability, serve justice and achieve reconciliation”) remains highly controversial. For instance, insisting on war crimes trials can be seen as endangering a fragile peace process.

But peace agreements across the world, from Libya to the Central African Republic, have over past decades moved away from blanket amnesties. They have increasingly included provisions to ensure accountability, especially for serious crimes. The DRC-Rwanda deal is silent on these questions.

A twist in the tale

The DRC-Rwanda deal is complicated by Washington’s role and pursuit of economic interests.

The two states agreed to establish a joint oversight committee, with members of the African Union, Qatar and the United States. It foresees a “regional economic integration framework”, which has been criticised as opening the door for foreign influence in the DRC’s rich mineral resources. The country is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, for instance, which is essential for the renewable energy sector.

Such a neocolonial “peace for exploitation bargain” does not send a positive signal. And it will probably not contribute to ending an armed conflict that has been fuelled by the exploitation of natural resources.

– 4 things every peace agreement needs – and how the DRC-Rwanda deal measures up
– https://theconversation.com/4-things-every-peace-agreement-needs-and-how-the-drc-rwanda-deal-measures-up-260944

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G20’s ability to respond to multilateral tests critical

Source: Government of South Africa

The G20 countries’ ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development.

This is according to National Treasury Director-General, Dr Duncan Pieterse, who delivered remarks at the opening session of the G20 Finance Track meetings being held in KwaZulu-Natal this week.

“The multilateral system is being tested, and our collective ability to respond, will shape the pace of our recovery, but also the prospects for inclusive and sustainable development. 

“As the G20, we have the responsibility to demonstrate leadership, and our Presidency places a very strong emphasis on strengthening the role of the G20 in delivering concrete solutions, fostering a more stable and effective and resilient international financial architecture, enhancing debt sustainability, addressing liquidity challenges, as well as strengthening multilateral development banks, and ensuring financing for development,” Pieterse said.

He added that the meetings take place at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty.

“While there are signs of resilience in some areas, various challenges remain: uneven growth trajectories, elevated debt levels, persistent inflationary pressures, and the complex implications of tightening financial conditions. 

“At the same time, various long-term transitions including digitalisation, climate finance and demographic shifts are reshaping the foundations of our economies,” the DG noted.

Finance track meetings

Pieterse explained that this week, sessions have been dedicated in line with “our commitment to deepen policy dialogue at the Deputies level”.

“These discussions are instrumental in shaping the outcomes of the Finance Track, and reaffirming our commitment as the Presidency to Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” he said.

On Monday, the sessions kicked off with an update from the Council of Europe Development Bank on its monitoring and reporting framework.

“[This framework] is a critical tool for tackling the implementation of the G20 MDB roadmap as it enables MDBs to assess how they are working better as a system, enhancing their effectiveness and maximising developmental impact.

“This will be followed by a pandemic response financing simulation exercise that will be facilitated by the World Bank and the objective of this exercise is to simulate a coordinated pandemic response financing scenario, enabling participants to explore practical mechanisms for mobilising and deploying resources rapidly and effectively during a global health emergency,” he said.

On Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank will give updates on the global sovereign debt roundtable.

“This discussion is geared towards promoting information exchange between the GSDR and the G20 to enhance the effectiveness of both platforms while respecting the distinct roles. 

“Significant progress has been made on the GSDR work, including the publication of the GSDR playbook on sovereign debt restructurings during the Spring Meetings in April, and another important milestone that was achieved was the publication of a G20 note on the steps of debt restructuring under the common framework,” Pieterse explained.

On the same day, the Chairperson of the Africa Expert Panel, led by former Minister of Finance for South Africa, Trevor Manuel, will give an update on the work of the panel. 

“[This] section will provide Deputies with an overview of the work of the Panel, which…aims to advance Africa’s collective development interest within the G20 Finance Track. We will be getting an update from Minister Manuel on this so that we can ensure that we align African priorities with the global economic reform efforts that we are discussing in the G20,” he said.

Over the next two days, the delegates will have sessions dedicated to the drafting of a communique.

“We really want to thank the G20 members for very constructive inputs and engagements thus far, which started last week virtually, and we believe that those engagements have set a very strong foundation for our discussions over the next two days.

“We are very pleased with the collaborative spirit shown during the virtual discussions, and we believe that we are able to achieve agreement in most of the areas which will enable us to provide the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors with an opportunity to achieve the first Communique under South Africa’s Presidency,” Pieterse concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Turning the Tide: Democratic Republic of Congo’s Emergency Food Production Project Sows Resilience, Plants Hope

Source: APO – Report:

In the early morning, the fields stretch as far as the eye can see, bathed in the soft light of the rising sun. In Kwilu, Kasai, and Tshopo provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rural communities are reclaiming their land with renewed energy. Here, every furrow in the earth tells a story of resilience and hope.

These fertile lands have long been trapped in a vicious circle of poor-quality seed, limited access to fertilizers, outdated farming techniques, low yields, and unstable incomes. A tradition of subsistence farming has confined families to day-to-day survival, leaving them vulnerable to climate shocks and food crises.

That has changed thanks to the deployment of the Emergency Food Production Project (https://apo-opa.co/3TDmJmU) (PURPA in the French acronym), which is being implemented by the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) as part of the African Emergency Food Production Facility (https://apo-opa.co/4kAFbr2). The project aims to restore food production in the most vulnerable rural areas of the DRC as rapidly as possible.

Large-scale distribution of seeds and other agricultural inputs lies at the heart of the project and has delivered a decisive impact:

  • More than 325 tonnes of rice, 388 tonnes of maize and 1.4 million linear metres of cassava cuttings have been distributed, far exceeding initial forecasts.
  • 49,749 farming households have been reached, primarily women, who are often on the front line in the battle to feed their families.

Villagers in the communities covered by the project are enthusiastic, reflecting a rebirth of hope as the fields come back to life. The seed is in the ground and local people believe the harvest should be sufficient to meet their families’ needs while leaving a surplus for sale on the market.

Beyond the distributions, PURPA has strengthened the capacities of agricultural research stations such as the one at Kiyaka in Kwilu province in the centre of the country, enabling local production of improved maize and rice seeds. Over 100 tonnes of maize seed, 33 tonnes of rice and 2.55 million cassava cuttings have been produced. The distribution of 334 tonnes of fertilizer also offers a guarantee of suitable and affordable seeds for future seasons.

Targeted training programmes have also been launched. The Project financed the training of 300 managers and administrative staff, 30% of whom were women, using the “farmers’ field-school” approach with a focus on seed production and technical itineraries. These initiatives not only improve yields but also strengthen the capacities of women and agricultural cooperatives.

A final push to distribute fertilizer and seed produced by the research centres is scheduled for the coming months. Multiple outcomes are expected: increased farm incomes through the sale of surpluses; the creation of new economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people; significant improvement in food security with a reduction of lean periods; and the development of more autonomous agriculture that is less dependent on external aid.

Local authorities in several provinces are also observing a reduction in rural exodus as young people return to their towns to participate in this new-style agriculture, attracted by more promising prospects.

For these communities, the Emergency Food Production Project is not just a response to the global food crisis. It is a veritable “school of resilience” where solidarity, local know-how and agricultural innovation support and encourage each other.

In these regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, farming is no longer just about survival. In these newly seeded fields, it has become a means of development, investment, and heritage. Much remains to be done, but the transformation is underway. In these once fragile rural lands, a conviction is taking root: change, from now on, comes from here.

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

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Environment Deputy Minister urges G20 leaders to prioritise climate action

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has urgently called for global leaders to address climate action and provide the necessary support for mitigation and adaptation.

Singh was speaking during the second Group of 20 (G20) Environment and Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, on Monday. 

“I wish to reiterate what was said during the first G20 ECSWG meeting in March this year: we are less than five years away from our deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the end of this critical decade for climate action. 

“Yet, we are still far from attaining these goals and action targets,” he said. 

According to the Deputy Minister, poverty levels are worsening, pollution from hazardous chemicals has been increasing, and greenhouse gas emissions reached record highs last year.  

“This calls for an urgent acceleration of our efforts. Our commitment to achieve these goals must not waver, as we are all negatively affected. That is why South Africa has placed solidarity, equality and sustainability at the centre of our G20 Presidency.” 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency has outlined an ambitious agenda for this Working Group following the successful convening of the inaugural virtual meeting earlier this year. 

Singh said the five interrelated priorities have now been expanded into six, with the splitting of the climate change and air quality priorities into separate areas of focus. 

“This will provide us with an opportunity to delve into these two key issues more deeply and systematically.” 

During this five-day meeting, delegates from G20 member nations will focus on several key priorities. 

These include biodiversity and conservation; land degradation, desertification, drought; chemicals and waste management; air quality; oceans and coasts; and climate change, with a particular emphasis on Just Transitions.

According to Singh, Just Transition encompasses energy transition, adaptation, resilience, loss and damage.

“This priority also includes a sub-priority on mitigation within the context of low-carbon economic development and other co-benefits beyond the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.” 

Singh stated that the G20 process offers a chance to discuss and agree on actions that can expedite climate action and support at the necessary scale, as highlighted in the results of the first global stocktake.

As a primary outcome of South Africa’s G20 Presidency this year, the country will explore ways that the G20 can leverage opportunities to increase the scale and flows of climate finance. 

“It is paramount for developing economy countries to be actively supported in their efforts to achieve ‘whole of society and whole of economy’ Just Transitions to sustainable development on the ground, through scaled access to low-cost finance, technology, capacity development, and skills transfer,” the Deputy Minister said.

Singh believes that the blue economy approach can make a significant contribution to the livelihood of coastal communities around the globe, as well as addressing climate change. 

“It’s sustainable, long-term development should be promoted and enhanced through collective action at the level of the G20. 

“It is also recognised that plastic pollution poses a significant threat to coastal and marine environments, affecting marine life, human health, and livelihoods, which needs to be addressed in an integrated and coordinated manner.” 

Singh announced that the final meetings of the Working Group and Ministerial sessions will be held from 13-15 October in Cape Town. 

During these meetings, the final versions of the technical papers and the draft of the Ministerial Declaration will be discussed.

This will be followed by the G20 ECSWG Ministerial meeting scheduled for 16 – 17 October in Cape Town, where the Ministerial Declaration and other deliverables of the Working Group will be presented. – SAnews.gov.za

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Set on Enriching Lives and Driving Change: Inside MultiChoice’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy

Source: APO – Report:

As Africa’s leading entertainment platform, MultiChoice (www.MultiChoice.com) is setting a bold benchmark for corporate citizenship, not only on screens, but in communities across the continent. With the release of its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, the Group reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable Africa.

“This report doesn’t just sum up what we’ve done – it’s a call to keep building a future that’s more inclusive, more sustainable and more connected,” says Calvo Mawela, Group CEO of MultiChoice. “Whether we’re backing entrepreneurs, nurturing talent, or promoting climate solutions, our purpose stays the same: to enrich lives and deliver real, lasting value across Africa.”

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), MultiChoice’s ESG strategy targets areas where it can make the greatest impact from clean energy and climate action to education, equity, and economic growth.

Impact through film and sports development 

From film sets to football fields, MultiChoice continues to unlock opportunity through education, training, and community development.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has trained 486 emerging filmmakers across 14 countries. In FY2025, 86 graduates completed the programme, which includes mentorship, masterclasses, and production placements with partners like Zee World, Sony, and the Mastercard Foundation.

Sport remains a cornerstone of MultiChoice’s social impact. The DStv Schools Netball Challenge reached over 28,000 schoolgirls from 2,800 schools – with standout teams like Khombindlela High earning provincial recognition. 

The DStv Diski Challenge, celebrating its 10th year, has helped over 350 players enter professional football. In the last season alone, 23 players were selected for national U17 and U20 squads, while 19 earned Premiership promotion.

Through the Let’s Play programme, more than 140,000 learners now benefit from school-based sports infrastructure. And in 2025, 250 teachers completed training through Premier Skills, a coaching development partnership with the English Premier League.

Shaping environmental impact through innovation and collaboration 

Africa is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions and MultiChoice is acting with urgency and intention.

In the last year, MultiChoice recorded a carbon footprint of 72,399 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (Scopes 1 & 2), showing steady progress in emissions reduction. More than 1 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy were generated through solar and green infrastructure, while 7,048 trees were planted across local communities to boost biodiversity.

MultiChoice also partnered with The Earthshot Prize, the world’s leading environmental award, to bring the 2024 ceremony to Cape Town – the first time it was hosted in Africa. The event, broadcast across the continent, spotlighted local innovators including Kenya’s Keep It Cool and Ghana’s GAYO, both recognised for breakthrough climate solutions.

Since 2021, Africa has produced 10 Earthshot finalists, 3 winners, and nearly 400 nominations in 2024 alone, with over £6 million raised to fund African-led sustainability efforts.

Bold anti-piracy action to safeguard contentGovernance is the backbone of MultiChoice’s ESG approach. Its sustainability disclosures align with GRI and JSE guidelines, underpinned by Board-level oversight and clear ethical principles.

One of the Group’s most active areas is anti-piracy enforcement. In FY2025, MultiChoice supported over 155 raids, resulting in the shutdown of 4,351 illegal networks and the arrest of 107 individuals involved in digital piracy.

The Partners Against Piracy (PAP) coalition also grew its regional footprint. In 2024, Ethiopia became the latest country to formalise cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the fight against intellectual property theft across the continent.

Inclusive growthBeyond its internal operations, MultiChoice plays a catalytic role in advancing economic inclusion by supporting black-owned, women-led, and youth-driven enterprises.

MultiChoice’s economic footprint extends beyond direct employment, with significant investments in black-owned businesses and women-led enterprises. The MultiChoice Innovation Fund (MIF) supported 79 black-owned SMMEs, with 50% women-owned businesses benefiting from over R410 million in funding. This has created 1,000+ jobs and provided key support for sustainable local growth.

In addition, the Youth Employment Service (YES) created 1,980 new jobs in FY2025, providing opportunities for young South Africans to gain experience and access career pathways in the media and digital industries.

“Through all of this, it’s the people around us – our customers, employees, partners, and communities – who give us strength,” adds Mawela. “ESG isn’t a side project. It’s part of who we are and how we show up for Africa every day.”

To learn more about MultiChoice’s ESG pillars and performance, download the full 2025 ESG Report at: www.MultiChoice.com 

– on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

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Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates French President on National Day

Source: APO – Report:

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, on the occasion of his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign expresses His warmest congratulations to President Macron and His best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of France and the French people.

“Having expressed the wish to build a future rooted in solidarity, our two countries are once again, as in every pivotal moment of their shared history, working to reshape their cooperation in order to better meet the demands of the present”, His Majesty the King writes in the message.

The Sovereign stresses that “the Reinforced exceptional partnership whose foundations we have laid is proof of our firm determination to approach the future of bilateral relations with a long-term strategic vision”.

HM the King took the opportunity to assure President Macron of Morocco’s willingness to advance the implementation of this Reinforced exceptional partnership, “in the same spirit of trust and mutual esteem that guided its foundation, and in line with the high ambitions that Your Excellency and I share for the Morocco-France friendship”.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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Africa-Asia dialogue on agrifood systems transformation to open in Viet Nam

Source: APO – Report:

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Agriculture ministers and top-level policymakers from 14 African countries will meet with their counterparts from three Asian countries in Hanoi on 15 July 2025 to discuss making agrifood production more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable to reduce high levels of hunger, malnutrition and poverty in both regions.

The High-Level Inter-regional Knowledge Exchange on One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Models, co-organized by the Government of Viet Nam and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is the first intercontinental dialogue on agrifood systems transformation, guided by the FAO ‘Four Betters’ vision – Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life, leaving no one behind.

The dialogue is an initiative of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu to familiarize developing countries in Africa with Viet Nam’s success in agrifood systems transformation, which is helping reduce wide urban-rural economic disparities in the Southeast Asian nation.

The event includes an exchange of national experiences in implementing FAO’s flagship One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, which was launched in 2021 to promote sustainable value chains of special agricultural products with unique geographical and cultural traits.

“We look forward to this exchange of knowledge and ideas, and to learn together how to transform agrifood systems for the benefit of all,” said Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, in a video message ahead of the event.  

“This special event in Viet Nam offers a critical opportunity for Africa and Asia to learn from one another. Sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and building partnerships are vital to overcoming the common challenges we face, building on each other’s successes, and ensuring no one is left behind,” said Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa in his video message.

Ministers and top agriculture officials from Bhutan, Cameroon, Cote d‘Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tunisia, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe, will share national perspectives on promoting the Four Betters through the OCOP initiative.

Producing more food with less inputs, making agriculture climate-resilient, sustainable and profitable for all, is critical for both Africa and Asia and the Pacific, the regions with the world’s highest levels of hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

Viet Nam’s agrifood transformation model

The inter-regional knowledge exchange will begin with a briefing on Viet Nam’s transformative One Commune One Product programme, a cornerstone of the country’s rural economic development strategy, and an inspiration for FAO’s OCOP initiative.

Launched nationwide in 2018, it has significantly increased rural incomes and jobs by developing sustainable value chains for local specialties and traditional products. The programme provides comprehensive support for capacity building, product development, quality management and market access, to the rural manufacturers of these special products.

The OCOP Four Betters Models

The agriculture ministers from Africa will also be briefed on how FAO is leveraging science and innovation to accelerate agrifood systems transformation through OCOP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region, in support of the Four Betters.

Strategic partnerships with leading science and innovation centres in the region are enhancing value chains of special agricultural products (SAPs) identified by member countries under the OCOP initiative. This includes the application of an innovative geographical and environmental traceability tool that will increase access of SAPs to high-end markets and incentivize sustainable production.

Nutrition science and technology is also being used for SAPs-based food product development, suited to different age groups and tastes. In addition, OCOP implementation is supporting Asia-Pacific countries with market intelligence to integrate SAPs into national, regional and international markets.

Strengthening the FAO-Viet Nam partnership

The inter-regional exchange further cements the FAO-Viet Nam partnership, anchored in Viet Nam’s active role in the FAO South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) framework. This was reaffirmed by the signing of an FAO-Viet Nam Memorandum of Understanding, during the FAO Director-General’s visit to Hanoi in February 2025, to promote the sharing of technical knowhow, and institutional and policy experiences under the SSTC framework.

– on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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African Development Bank Project Enhances Water Access in Malawi Town

Source: APO – Report:

In the green hills of Rumphi, northern Malawi, the hum of progress can be heard at the newly established Rumphi Technical College. With its modern buildings, new equipment, and a sense of optimism, the college has quickly become a symbol of opportunity. In just four years, enrollment has grown from a small group of students to a thriving community of 534 young men and women, supported by 45 staff members.

These students are full of ambition, hoping that their technical skills will pave the way for a brighter future. But behind the progress lies a daily challenge that affects everyone on campus: the lack of safe and reliable water.

“Sometimes, we’re left with no choice but to send students to fetch water from unprotected sources including a salty borehole left by the contractor,” the college’s principal Akuzike  Nkhoma explained, a concerned expression crossing his face. “It’s neither safe nor sustainable.”

Students share similar worries. They speak of long walks in the early morning to distant water points—time that could be spent in class. Just a few months ago, 100 students were taken to Rumphi District Hospital after a cholera scare on campus. The taps had run dry, and students had turned to unprotected sources, putting their health at serious risk.

The water challenge at the college reflects a broader issue impacting the entire Rumphi community as revealed by a series of community engagements the Board has been conducting to prepare people for the upcoming project implementation. For many households, especially those in higher-altitude areas, access to water is unreliable, limited by the capacity of a small 200,000-liter tank that has long outgrown its ability to serve the town’s needs. 

Francis Munthali, Chief Executive Officer for Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) acknowledges the strain Rumphi’s growth has placed on the aging water system, “Back then, this tank was enough because there weren’t as many people as possible. But now, with more households, schools, and the town expanding, it simply can’t meet the demand.”

“For example, if we are to sustain supply to the college, it means we have to ration in town where there is the main hospital and several facilities needing water. It’s becoming clear that we’re facing a real crisis,” highlights Munthali.

The water supply infrastructure, managed by the NRWB, has reached its limits. The Rumphi Water Supply Scheme was last upgraded in 2003, designed to meet the demands of 2010, estimated at 1.5 million litres per day. Today, however, demand has surged to over 10 million litres per day,  a more than tenfold increase. Despite this, no major rehabilitation work has been done since 2004, and the aging system can only serve 23% of the town’s population. Water is available to residents for just a few hours.

Not surprisingly, frustration echoes across Rumphi customer forums. One resident Dora Mkandawire highlights the toll persistent water challenges are exerting on women.

“We are the most heavily impacted because our society is programmed that it is us women who go to fetch water. These persistent interruptions are stealing our valuable time and affecting our productivity,” laments Mkandawire

The water system is also concentrated in the town, leaving major trading centers reliant on unprotected traditional water sources, such as wells. Additionally, the district lacks a functioning sewer system.

This limited access hampers not only households but also the broader economic potential of the area. In key trading centers along the national M1 road, such as Phwezi, Bwengu, and Enukweni, the situation is even bleaker. These communities rely on unprotected sources, whereas Bolero, home to Senior Chief Chikulamayembe, has a basic community-led gravity-fed water system that struggles to keep pace with local demand. 

Chief Chikulamayembe notes: “Our people need more. Growth centres like ours should have reliable water sources to foster prosperity and health.”

To address these challenges and pave the way for sustainable development, the Northern Region Water Board with financing from the African Development Bank and Malawi Government is implementing the Rumphi Water and Sanitation Services Project. The goal? To turn frustration into relief and ensure no community is left thirsty. 

The project which is expected to increase access to sustainable and climate resilient potable water supply and safely managed sanitation services at Rumphi Town and surrounding areas will benefit over 158 000 people of which 51 percent are expected to be female.

The project will span almost the width and breadth of Rumphi – extending to some parts of Northern Mzimba.

The project is also leaving no stone unturned and no-one behind as it prioritizes all key components including restoration of forest landscapes and ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives for sustainable water supply.

“Under this project, we are upgrading both water and sanitation facilities including planting and nurturing 700 000 trees as part of catchment management. For the first time, Rumphi town will have a proper sewer system to cater for residents apart from improved supply,” explained Catherine Mwafulirwa, Director of Infrastructure Development at Northern Region Water Board. “We are also extending the water supply from the town to new areas such as Bolero, Phwezi, Bwengu and Enukweni. Presently, consultants are on the ground to prepare detailed designs and tendering assistance for both water supply and sanitation works. We expect to recruit contractor for the works before year end.”

In this planting season, the NRWB has planted 264 000 trees according to Mwafulirwa which among other things led to the creation of hundreds of short-term jobs for the local communities in the raising of the nurseries for the tree seedlings as well as the planting exercise.

“Rumphi is growing, but without water and improved sanitation, development stalls,” District Commissioner for Rumphi Emmanuel  Bulukutu laments.  

“This project is critical as it will not only support the thriving Technical College but also improve the quality of life for all residents, fostering a healthier, more prosperous community.

“We will therefore diligently work with the NRWB and all stakeholders to ensure that this project is successfully implemented within the stated period,” adds Bulukutu.

Once completed, the project will complete the water supply puzzle of the M1 road stretch between Mzuzu and Rumphi. It means all people lying along the 83 kilometre Mzuzu-Ekwendeni-Enukweni-Bwengu-Phwezi stretch will have access to safely managed drinking water.

“With reliable water infrastructure and sanitation improvements, Rumphi would be poised to unlock its potential as a vibrant hub of human capital and economic activity in northern Malawi. This change would give students the chance to focus solely on their studies, ensure that households no longer struggle for basic resources, and create an environment where both people and businesses can thrive. For the people of Rumphi, this project isn’t merely about water; it’s about hope, dignity, and a future they can depend on,” emphasized the District Commissioner 

The African Development Bank Group is providing a $32.2 million grant with the Malawi Government contributing $3.67 million for the project to be implemented over a period of 4 years from December 2023 to December 2027.

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

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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United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) public poll hits 10,000 responses — add your voice!

Source: APO – Report:

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More than ten thousand people have completed UNSMIL’s online public poll, submitting their views on the best way to approach the political process to take Libya to elections.  

The Mission encourages all Libyans to put their voices forward before the poll closes. The poll seeks feedback on the Advisory Committee’s four proposed plans to take Libya to elections, preconditions for a successful power transfer, and ways to guarantee progress – among other things. The data collected, along with the outcomes of in-person consultations across the country, will be used to inform the development of the roadmap for the next step of the political process. 

“Public participation is crucial to ensuring a Libyan-led, Libyan-owned political process,” said Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hanna Tetteh. “We want Libyans from all walks of life, across the country to share their opinions and ideas. We are listening.” 

In particular, the Mission would like to hear from more women, cultural components, and people with disabilities. Libyans from the south and east are especially urged to join the conversation.  

In addition to online polling, the Mission will also be undertaking two telephone surveys, delivered through third parties, to ensure that as many people as possible are included in the process. 

Among those who have responded to the poll so far, the largest share indicated that they see unifying state institutions and eliminating political division as the most urgent issues to address, followed by security sector reform.  

When asked how the political division affects their life, respondents indicated their top two concerns were the security situation and a lack of rule of law and accountability for human rights violations.  

“There is no proper education or healthcare, and every day there is a shortage of services – especially in areas where no party has clear influence,” wrote a student from Tripoli. “Every area is ruled by a group or militia, and we don’t know anyone we can turn to in times of hardship. Fear is constant. Prices are skyrocketing and people’s money is blocked in the banks. Unemployment has reached dangerous levels. Then, there is no real justice or accountability.”  

In addition to voting on their favourite of the Advisory Committee’s four proposed roadmaps, more than 3,000 people submitted written ideas to strengthen the political process. Some commonly raised suggestions included: forming a new transitional government to oversee elections with a binding timetable and guaranteeing the people’s right to participate in elections.  

“We should let people decide which kind of country they want to have,” one woman from Zwara wrote. “This can only be done by removing all current characters from the field.” 

A university professor from Wadi Ashshati argued that the Advisory Committee’s first option, which entails conducting simultaneous presidential and legislative elections, was the only option that “represents the voice of all components of Libyan society without exception” and “fully renews legitimacy by eliminating current bodies that have proven their failure.”  

“This is the true path if the United Nations is serious about supporting Libyans to achieve stability and prosperity,” he wrote.  

In support of Option 2, which proposes holding legislative elections first, followed by adopting a permanent constitution, and then holding presidential elections, a woman from Benghazi wrote: “I do not want the current bodies. I want parliamentary elections for a new national assembly with two chambers so that the House of Representatives does not monopolize power.”  

“I believe a permanent constitution will pave the way for fair and free, democratic elections,” wrote an Al Kufra man, voicing support for Option 3, which calls for the adoption of a permanent constitution prior to any elections. This is critical, a Tripoli man wrote, because “the constitution will decide whether the governmental system is a presidential, monarchy or parliamentary system.” 

Another man from Tripoli voted for the Advisory Committee’s fourth option, which proposed a political dialogue forum be launched to establish new transitional arrangements for elections in line with Article 64 of the Libyan Political Agreement, because, he wrote, “of the difficulty of holding elections and unifying the military and security establishment, and the fear that the results will not be accepted by the parties that possess weapons.” Appointing a constituent assembly, he wrote, would help to “enforce election results.”  

Asked about their priority for a political roadmap, respondents were equally divided among the importance of political feasibility, avoiding the extension of transitional periods, and establishing the fastest road to elections. 

One respondent from Azzawya underlined the need to “restore trust between the people and the state.” 

“All parties must be compelled to make concessions for the sake of the country,” wrote a respondent from Ghiryan. 

Results are preliminary.  

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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SASSA warns against non-compliance with review process

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned that failure to comply with the current review process may result in the suspension, and possible permanent lapsing of their grants.

“Continued non-compliance may lead to the permanent lapsing of their grants. Beneficiaries are advised that SASSA is also empowered by the Act to recoup any money that would have been paid to the beneficiary incorrectly.

“This means that, should we find out that you have been receiving social grants that you were not eligible to receive, SASSA will institute a debt recovery process where you will have to pay back the money,” SASSA CEO Matlou warned.

Matlou’s warning came during a media briefing on the current social grant review process, held in Pretoria on Monday.

Over 140 000 notifications sent to beneficiaries

Matlou announced that the review process has already seen over 140 000 SMS notifications sent to beneficiaries selected for review.

However, Matlou noted that the non-responsiveness is an indication that some beneficiaries may have changed their contact details but failed to inform SASSA.

Matlou acknowledged that while SASSA communicated the changes through various media platforms and public announcements, some beneficiaries may have missed the communication.

“SASSA has in previous years noticed that many beneficiaries do not update their contact details with SASSA and consequently do not receive the notices for them to come in to conduct a review. We have sent out bulk SMS messages and registered letters to the addresses we have in our possession.

“We are working on strengthening our communication approach, including through more robust community-level engagement and increased visibility of information on official and public platforms. We will also increase the operating hours, employ additional capacity to address long queues that have been recently experienced during this important review process,” Matlou said.

He said the agency is also working hard to automate the review process by introducing self-service options using online platforms to make it easier for the beneficiaries to complete their reviews and reduce the queues in local offices.

Matlou urged beneficiaries who have not received their payment, or are uncertain about their payment status to contact SASSA through the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 or visit www.sassa.gov.za.

Budget allocation conditions

While SASSA is mandated by the Social Assistance Act to review social grants, Matlou said the agency is also operating under strict budgetary conditions set by the National Treasury.

He said in February 2025, the National Treasury issued SASSA with a preliminary allocation letter for the 2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which contained compliance framework strict conditions the agency needed to put in place since they became binding and form part of the approved budgetary allocations for the financial year.

“These conditions direct SASSA to find mechanisms to save costs through its review process to ensure money is not paid to those undeserving beneficiaries to enhance fiscal accountability, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the integrity of the Social Assistance Programme.

“They cover critical areas such as income verification, biometric checks, inter-agency data cross-referencing, and quarterly reporting obligations. The conditions also reflect Treasury’s intent to strengthen oversight and promote transparency in the administration of social grants,” Matlou said.

Matlou reaffirmed SASSA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement of the social grant system.

“We take our responsibility seriously to serve the most vulnerable in our society and will work harder to ensure that no beneficiary is left confused or disadvantaged. SASSA remains committed to protecting the right and dignity of each beneficiary by ensuring that no one who qualifies is unfairly penalized.

“Our efforts are directed at preserving the social assistance system for those who genuinely need it. SASSA enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and corruption, both from beneficiaries and within its own ranks,” the CEO said.

He said the agency is also finalising the implementation of biometric identification infrastructure aimed to enhance security and integrity in grant administration processes. – SAnews.gov.za