Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, received H.E. Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, to discuss the executive status of the Presidential Initiative “Haya Karima” (Decent Life) and the projects of the Investment Plan for the Urban Development Sector.

The two Ministers discussed the developments in the implementation of the Investment Plan for the Urban Development sector with its various activities and fields in the water and sanitation sectors, construction and building, and real estate activities. The total estimated investments in the plan for the current fiscal year amount to about EGP 505 billion. The meeting also reviewed the implementation status of the projects of the Presidential Initiative “Haya Karima” (Decent Life), which is of great importance to the state given its contribution to developing services and infrastructure in the Egyptian countryside villages.

For her part, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reaffirmed the government’s keenness to move forward with the implementation of the “Haya Karima” (Decent Life) initiative, in light of the directives of the President of the Republic to develop human capital through the advancement of education and health services, supporting social protection programs, and improving the lives of citizens in the Egyptian countryside villages. She pointed out that the investments for the first phase of the initiative amount to about EGP 350 billion, with more than 86% of the projects listed in that phase already implemented.

In the same context, the Minister Al-Mashat noted the government’s efforts to enhance the private sector’s involvement in implementing the investment plan projects, by expanding partnership projects. This is in line with efforts to govern public investments and rationalize investment spending to make way for efforts to enable the private sector. She mentioned that the ceiling for investment spending for the current fiscal year amounts to EGP 1.16 trillion.

The Minister of Housing underscored that the various projects being implemented within the Presidential Initiative “Haya Karima” for the development of the Egyptian countryside are among the most important national projects currently underway across the country. These projects are being directly and periodically followed up by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, in order to provide a decent life for Egyptians.

Eng. Sherif El Sherbiny added that a number of projects are being implemented within the current fiscal year’s budget concerning drinking water and sanitation projects, and construction and building, and these are planned to be completed according to their scheduled timetables, whether in new cities or inside villages, as part of the ministry’s investment plan.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The European Union (EU) takes note of the proclamation by the Independent National Electoral Commission of Tanzania and the Zanzibar Electoral Commission of the results of the presidential elections held on 29 October 2025.

The EU is very concerned with the events that occurred throughout the Election Day and that are still ongoing, including violence, the internet shutdown as well as reports of irregularities in the election process in some places. Reliable reports of large number of fatalities and significant injuries are of extreme concern. The EU urges authorities to exercise maximum restraint to preserve human lives.

The lack of level playing field in the run up to the elections was marked by reports of abductions and disappearances and violence limiting the civic and democratic space. The EU calls for the release of all detained politicians and for a transparent and fair trial of those arrested on a sound legal basis and for swift and thorough investigations into all reported incidents of abductions, disappearances and violence.

The EU values its long-standing partnership with Tanzania in line with the joint commitments entered into under the EU-OACPS “Samoa” Agreement, in particular on strategic priorities. The EU encourages the Government of Tanzania to continue its efforts towards the implementation of a fully-fledged multi-party system, and to engage in an open and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, in particular opposition parties and civil society for reconciliation.

– on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community.

Source: APO – Report:

.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act and on the recommendation of the National Assembly appointed commissioners of the Independent Electoral Commission who will serve for a period of seven years.

Mrs Joyce Pitso will serve as a full-time member of the Electoral Commission.

Judge Dhaya Pillay will serve as a part-time member of the Electoral Commission.

Mr Mosotho Moepya will serve as a full-time member of the Electoral Commission.

President Ramaphosa has also, in terms of Section 8(1) of the Electoral Commission Act, designated Mr Moepya as the chairperson of the Commission.

The President wishes the commissioners well in safeguarding the integrity of diverse elections in the country.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

.

As the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system confirms catastrophic hunger levels in El Fasher and Kadugli, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is alarmed by the arrival of unaccompanied and separated children in Tawila, fleeing violence by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

IRC staff report that amidst the less than 5,000 people that have arrived so far in Tawila, at least 170 unaccompanied and separated children have been registered in recent days. They have reached the area without parents or relatives with many too young to even state their names or origins – while the whereabouts of their families remain unknown. This is a horrific illustration of what is happening in El Fasher and IRC and other humanitarian partners’ biggest concern remains the welfare of over 200,000 civilians in El Fasher whose whereabouts are unknown.

Arjan Hehenkamp, IRC Darfur Crisis Lead said

“The sight of these small children arriving alone, without knowing the whereabouts or the fate of the rest of their family, is harrowing. These children are at least now safe, but behind every one of these children is a missing mother, father, or sibling who may still be trapped in violence. Our biggest concern remains: where are their parents, where are the people of El Fasher? Extremely disturbing reports and satellite imagery confirm that people are not able to flee el Fasher to safe places like Tawila. Which means they are trapped, detained or worse. 

“We need urgent diplomacy at the highest levels to exert pressure on the RSF, other warring parties and their sponsors to ensure safe passage for civilians fleeing El Fasher and to ensure civilians remaining in El Fasher are protected from violence and attack. Warring parties must commit to protect humanitarian workers and ensure they can access those in need. This needs to happen immediately, the situation is deteriorating hour by hour.”

IRC continues to deliver critical humanitarian support in Tawila to displaced people from El Fasher including emergency health services, water trucking, and cash assistance. 

When the conflict began in 2023, the IRC adapted our programs and scaled up our response to address the increased humanitarian needs. Despite immense operational challenges, the IRC continues to provide support in Blue Nile, Khartoum, El Jezirah, Gedaref, River Nile, South Kordofan, West Darfur, North Darfur and White Nile. We also have a logistics and coordination office in Port Sudan and are exploring opportunities to expand our presence into other states.

– on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Source: APO – Report:

.

According to the latest IPC food security report, more than 21 million people across Sudan are facing high levels of acute food insecurity – the largest such crisis in the world.

Famine takes root

The analysis found that famine conditions are ongoing in El Fasher, North Darfur, and in Kadugli, South Kordofan, where families are trapped and surviving on leaves, animal feed and grass.

Around 375,000 people nationwide are facing “catastrophic” levels of hunger, meaning they are on the brink of starvation.

The IPC is a global system used by UN agencies and humanitarian partners to measure the severity of hunger: check out our explainer here.

It classifies food crises on a five-point scale, with Phase 5 – famine – representing extreme deprivation marked by starvation, acute malnutrition and rising deaths.

The latest findings for Sudan were reviewed and confirmed by the IPC’s independent Famine Review Committee.

El Fasher turning point

Conditions for civilians remain desperate. Following the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia’s takeover of El Fasher last week after more than 500 days of siege, the UN says hundreds of civilians – including humanitarian workers – have been killed, and many others are trapped behind barricades.

The city remains sealed off, with food, medicine and relief supplies blocked despite urgent appeals for access.

The UN’s humanitarian office, OCHA, has called this obstruction “unacceptable” and urged immediate, safe passage for aid convoys.

Nearly 71,000 people have fled El Fasher and surrounding areas since late October, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), many reporting killings, abductions and sexual violence along the way.

Conditions in Tawila around 70 kilometres away, where most have sought refuge, are dire: families are sleeping in the open, food stocks are depleted, and clean water is scarce.

In neighbouring Kordofan, violence has surged in recent days, driving tens of thousands from their homes.

Children’s agency, UNICEF, reported that missile strikes in Kadugli last Friday killed at least eight children sheltering in displacement sites.

Catastrophe for civilians

The UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, described the situation as “catastrophic for civilians who are caught between frontlines, cut off from assistance and facing hunger on a massive scale”.

She again urged an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and unimpeded humanitarian access.

With only 28 per cent of Sudan’s $4.16 billion humanitarian plan funded so far this year – amid an unprecedented fall off in aid expenditure by donor governments worldwide – the UN warned that critical life-saving operations remain at risk.

Without a halt to the fighting and a massive scale-up of aid, millions more could face starvation in the months ahead.

– on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The authorities in Tanzania responded to widespread protests following the October 29 elections with lethal force and other abuses, Human Rights Watch said today. On November 1, Tanzania’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, announced that the incumbent president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, won the election with 97.66 percent of the vote. She was sworn in on November 3 for a second term at a ceremony closed to the public amid continuing protests.

The protests, some of which were violent, erupted on election day and have continued over three days in Dar es Salaam and other cities. Police responded with tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds. The government imposed nationwide internet restrictions on October 29, and multiple internet monitoring organizations confirmed that internet connectivity had been disrupted. Reports on the evening of November 3 indicate that some internet access has been restored but that restrictions on social media and messaging platforms persist.

“The Tanzanian authorities’ violent and repressive response to election-related protests further undermines the credibility of the electoral process,” said Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The government has a responsibility to maintain security, but it needs to respect rights and ensure that all those responsible for violence are investigated and appropriately prosecuted.”

In October, Human Rights Watch reported that the Tanzanian government intensified political repression, suppressed political opposition and critics of the ruling party, stifled the media, and failed to ensure the electoral commission’s independence in the lead up to the elections.

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), had urged its supporters not to participate in the elections. An opposition party official and a resident of Dar es Salaam told Human Rights Watch that police officers and individuals in civilian clothes shot and killed protesters and passers-by on election day and in the two days that followed.

John Kitoka, the director of foreign and diaspora affairs of Chadema, said that the party had collected reports of up to 1,000 people killed by police and unidentified security force personnel in the aftermath of the elections in eight of Tanzania’s 31 regions.

Human Rights Watch has not been able to confirm these numbers but regional and international bodies such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the European Union have raised concerns in their public statements about the large number of fatalities.

A resident of Dar es Salaam’s Temeke district told Human Rights Watch via telephone that on October 30 at around 3:30 p.m., her neighbor, who was not participating in the protests, was shot and killed outside his home by a man that witnesses said was wearing civilian clothes.

From the evening of October 29 until November 3, the government imposed a 24-hour lockdown, ordering all residents to stay at home. A resident of Dar es Salaam told Human Rights Watch that shops were closed for three days after election day but were allowed to open briefly on November 2. The resident said the lockdown prevented them from leaving their homes to buy food and get money from the bank.

The lockdown prevented the media from being able to report on the elections and the ensuing protests. Two Tanzania-based journalists said they were unable to carry out reporting on the ongoing events because of the lockdown.

The authorities appear to have blocked foreign journalists from covering the elections by failing in some instances to respond to accreditation applications. The International Press Association of East Africa said it does not know of any journalists working for international media who were accredited to travel to the mainland to cover the elections.

Agence France-Presse reported on October 24 that its journalists, despite being accredited, were denied access to grounds in Stone Town, Zanzibar, where President Hassan was due to hold a rally.

One journalist told Human Rights Watch that he applied for accreditation to cover the election on mainland Tanzania via an online portal on the election commission’s website but did not receive any response. He followed up with phone calls to the commission and was told by a high-ranking official that they would return his call, but they did not.

The Tanzanian authorities should immediately end the use of excessive and lethal force against protests, and take steps to ensure accountability for allegations of election-related killings, beatings, and assaults by security forces, and hold those responsible accountable, Human Rights Watch said.

Tanzania is obligated to respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association under international human rights law and its constitution. Tanzania security forces should abide by the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which require law enforcement officials to apply nonviolent means and to use force only when strictly unavoidable to protect life. The principles also require governments to ensure that arbitrary or abusive use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials is punished as a criminal offense under national law.

Under international human rights law, Tanzanian authorities should refrain from imposing internet shutdowns, disruptions, or blocking access to websites and platforms including before, during, and after elections. The African Commission stated that the recent shutdown in Tanzania violates article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the rights to freedom of expression and access to information. It called on the Tanzanian government to respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.

“Street demonstrations against the conduct of elections should not be used as a pretext for violating people’s rights,” Nyeko said. “The authorities are obligated to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and fully restore access to the internet.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO – Report:

.

In response to the ongoing partial internet shutdown by Tanzanian authorities following the October 29 general elections, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda said: 

“For close to a week now, many people in Tanzania have suffered nationwide internet and electricity shutdowns.  Amnesty International is particularly alarmed by reports that amidst the blackouts, security forces have used excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests, resulting in the deaths and injuries of protesters.

“This is the third time in less than a year that Tanzanian authorities have resorted to an internet blockade to silence dissenting voices. Authorities must immediately refrain from suppressing protests and instead respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly. They must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.” 

“Authorities should promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate all killings by security agents and bring to justice in fair trials those suspected of being responsible.  Authorities must also provide victims and their families with access to justice and effective remedies.

“The authorities must also allow both local and international media to freely report on the human rights situation in the country and refrain from restricting access to information, both online and offline including by immediately restoring internet access and access to basic public services. The ongoing restrictions are making it difficult to verify information, and to document election-related human rights violations.” 

Background 

Tanzanians went to the polls on 29 October in an election dominated by the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, with the two main opposition presidential candidates, Tundu Lissu from Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo or the Party for Democracy and Progress), and Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo, barred from standing. Verified videos showed protesters on the streets of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza among other towns.  Ahead of the elections, Amnesty International issued a briefing outlining how the Tanzanian authorities have intensified their repression of peaceful dissent against the opposition, journalists, human rights defenders, activists and civil society organizations.   

Authorities imposed nationwide internet restrictions on election day disrupting mobile data services and blocking access to social media platforms across major networks. On Monday 3 November, residents reported partial resumption in some cities. 

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO – Report:

Seychelles reaffirmed its dedication to education, culture, and sustainable development at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 29 October to 14 November 2025. The Seychelles delegation, led by Ambassador Georges Tirant, Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Seychelles to UNESCO, joined global leaders and representatives for this historic session – the first in 40 years to be held outside UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Chaired by Bangladesh’s Ambassador, H. E. Mr. Khondker M. Talha, the Conference brought together UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia, and Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia, among others. As UNESCO’s highest governing body, the General Conference adopted the Draft Programme and Budget for 2026–2029 and discussed key areas including education, sciences, culture, and communication.

In his address, Ambassador Tirant thanked UNESCO for adopting the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), describing it as vital for addressing the challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He emphasised Seychelles’ ongoing commitment to good governance, transparency, and inclusive development under President Patrick Herminie.

Highlighting education as central to sustainable growth, he acknowledged UNESCO’s support through the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD), a Category II Centre in Seychelles that promotes regional collaboration. The IECD will host its second regional workshop in Mahé in November 2025.

During the session, Ambassador Tirant also announced Seychelles’ preparation of a nomination dossier for Venn’s Town to join the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The delegation included senior officials and youth representative Victoria Alis, who participated in the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, extend their heartfelt congratulations to the Proteas Women for their historic performance in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup.

While the team was narrowly defeated by India in the final, their journey to this pinnacle match marks a monumental first for a South African women’s cricket team. This milestone is a source of immense national pride and a powerful testament to the excellence and rising stature of women’s sport in South Africa.

Throughout the tournament in India, the Proteas Women demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Their path to the final, including a particularly inspirational semi-final victory against Australia, captivated the nation and showcased their place among the world’s cricketing elite.

The Presiding Officers commend the entire team, players, coaches and management, for their professionalism, unity and unwavering dedication. Their success has elevated the profile of women’s cricket and serves as a beacon of inspiration for a generation of young South African athletes.

This achievement signifies the unique power of sport to unite the nation and strengthen our shared identity. The team embodies the very principles that define our democracy: perseverance, collaboration and national pride.

On behalf of the people of South Africa, Parliament expresses its profound gratitude to the Proteas Women. You have lifted the nation’s spirit and made us all profoundly proud.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

.

Uganda has confirmed readiness to host the Edition of 15th East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games with major logistical, medical, and venue preparations finalised ahead of the December kickoff.

The Local Organizing Committee headed by Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliamenty, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa confirmed that all key venues have been inspected and approved, medical partnerships secured and hospitality arrangements completed.

“We are ready to host East Africa. Uganda is prepared both in facilities and spirit, and we look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters from the region. A list of hotels that will provide accommodation has been finalised and shared with all our delegates,” Basalirwa said while addressing the press on Monday, 03 November 2025.

The games will be held from 05 -17 December 2025 across Kampala at venues including Philip Omondi Stadium (Lugogo), Hams Stadium, Wankulukuku Stadium, Kyambogo University, Makerere University  and Namboole Stadium, among others. The Golf events will take place at Kampala Golf Club and Serena Golf Resort, Kigo.

The committee confirmed medical readiness with Hospitals such as Kampala Hospital, Nakasero, Aga Khan and IHK.  Mulago and Nsambya Hospitals are expected to join. 
“These hospitals have agreed to partner with us to provide medical services during the tournament,” Basalirwa said.

All fixtures will soon be made public and admission will be free, which according to EAC MPs is a gesture intended to promote community involvement.

Parliament of Uganda which is the defending has vowed to maintain its dominance with Basalirwa vouching that, ‘we cannot afford to lose on home soil. Even with a tight national electoral schedule, we are training hard to remain on top’.

Delegations from  Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)  have confirmed full participation, under the theme, “One Region, One Community: Advancing Integration through Parliaments and Sports.”

Kenya’s delegation represented by Hon. Vincent Kawaya announced that both the National Assembly and Senate will compete in all eight disciplines.
“We will take as many trophies as possible because we know Ugandans are busy preparing for elections but what matters most is the unity these games foster,” he said adding that Kenya fully supports Uganda’s hosting efforts.

South Sudan’s delegation praised Uganda for its organizational efficiency and confirmed entry in all events.

The EALA Secretariat urged East Africans to turn up in large numbers, saying the games belong to the people and play a vital role in “deepening, widening, and tightening regional integration.”  
SWe

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.