Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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The UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan has condemned in the strongest terms a deadly drone strike allegedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Al-Safiya Mosque and adjacent homes in El Fasher, North Darfur, on 19 September. Calling for immediate action to protect civilians, the Mission warned that El Fasher remains under siege and at grave risk of further attacks, with civilians facing extreme danger.

The attack, which took place during dawn prayers, reportedly killed at least 75 worshippers, including children, and injured many others. It is the latest, and the most devastating, in a series of assaults on religious and cultural sites during Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

“Killing civilians, including children, while in prayer in a mosque shows a blatant disregard for the most fundamental principles of international law,” said Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission. “Those responsible must be held accountable.”

In its report presented to the Human Rights Council on 8 September, the Mission indicated its receipt of credible allegations of similar attacks on other places of worship by both warring parties, including the shelling of churches in El Fasher by the RSF and the bombing of mosques and of a Baptist church in Wad Madani and Khartoum by the Sudanese Armed Forces.

“Places of worship should be sanctuaries, not targets,” said Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, expert member of the Fact-Finding Mission. “This strike deepens the trauma of communities already suffering starvation, displacement and sexual violence. The world cannot look away while civilians are attacked in their most sacred spaces.”

The Mission stressed that attacks directed against cultural property and religious sites are flagrant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law that may amount to war crimes. It underscored that intentionally directing attacks against buildings dedicated inter alia to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, and historic monuments constitute war crimes, provided these sites are not military objectives. The onus falls on the attacking side to prove the military objective.

“Sudan’s rich and diverse religious and cultural tapestry forms part of its shared heritage,” said Mona Rishmawi, expert member of the Mission. “Deliberate attacks on worshippers, mosques, churches, and cultural sites risk erasing identity and dignity. The International Criminal Court has already condemned individuals for the intentional destruction of religious and cultural sites in other conflicts. The Fact-Finding Mission will continue to investigate these grave acts and seek accountability.”

The Mission called for concrete measures by all parties to protect civilians and safeguard and protect religious and cultural buildings.

“Every day of delay results in more bloodshed,” Othman said. “Justice and protection demand immediate action.”

– on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org/) is pleased to announce opening of nominations for the IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics (Knowledge Contribution) for the year 1447H (2026).

This cycle of the Prize is in the Knowledge Contribution category, aimed to recognize, reward, and encourage significant knowledge contributions in areas related to Islamic economics that have the potential to solve major economic and financial challenges of IsDB Member Countries.

Individuals and institutions are invited to nominate other individuals and institutions whose contributions to knowledge are groundbreaking and have a substantial effect on people’s lives and economic progress in accordance with Islamic principles. Self-nomination is not accepted for this category of the Prize.

The prize comes with a US$ 50,000 award for the first-place winner, US$ 30,000 for second place, and US$ 20,000 for third place.

The nominated contributions should have been made within the previous seven years and be potentially replicable elsewhere.

The nomination is a two-step process that can be initiated by visiting the ‘How to Apply’ (http://apo-opa.co/4mvmSVi) page on the  IsDB Prize Portal (http://apo-opa.co/3Vv7I7B). The first step is the registration of the nominator/applicant, which is open until 11 December 2025. The second step is for the nominator/applicant to upload the nomination form details and any relevant files before 14 December 2025.

For more information about the prize and nomination procedure, visit the IsDB Prize Portal (http://apo-opa.co/46DGL6T) or contact us on isdbprize@isdb.org.

The prize winner and runners-up will be honored at a ceremony during the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings on a date to be announced in due course.

– on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

Social media handles:
X (Twitter): https://apo-opa.co/4myh5OP
Facebook:  https://apo-opa.co/4nQRHFa
LinkedIn:  https://apo-opa.co/426QAsC

About the Islamic Development Bank Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/

Source: APO – Report:

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On September 21, 2025, in a rare and unexpected move, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi used his power under the constitution to reject a deeply flawed draft Criminal Procedure Code. He returned it to Parliament to “review objections to a number of the draft law articles.” 

For nearly a decade, consecutive parliaments under President Sisi have acted as a rubber stamp for government policies. Members should use this opportunity to substantially revise the bill.

Members should genuinely engage in transparent consultation with independent human rights groups, legal experts, and the lawyers’ syndicate to produce a draft law that is consistent with Egypt’s Constitution and its obligations under international human rights law. Human rights groups and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have expressed their readiness to support the process.

Numerous independent Egyptian human rights groups, international organizations, UN experts, and the OHCHR, urged President Sisi to reject the catastrophic draft law. A Human Rights Watch analysis showed that it would undermine Egypt’s already weak fair trial rights protections and further empower abusive law enforcement officials.

Chief among the draft law’s flaws is that it fails to end the routine, unjustified use of pretrial detention, a hallmark of repression in Egypt, further normalizing its excessive use, while it should be an exception.

The proposed draft also included provisions codifying and broadening the use of videoconference for prosecutorial and judicial hearings. Remote hearings undermine fair trial guarantees and hinder judicial officials from assessing defendants’ wellbeing, leaving them more vulnerable to abuse, including abusive prison conditions.

The presidency’s statement rejecting the draft acknowledged some of these flaws. It mentioned, for example, the need to “achieve further guarantees for the sanctity of a person’s home and the rights of the accused before investigation and trial authorities. This also includes increasing alternatives to pre-trial detention to limit its use.”

If parliament seizes this moment, it can have ramifications that go far beyond the draft law. If Sisi’s refusal to ratify the flawed draft law is put correctly to use, it can represent a golden opportunity to begin to reverse Egypt’s protracted human rights crisis, the worst in decades.

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Government of the Republic of Uganda will host the Second Session of the Uganda-Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) alongside an Investment and Business Summit from 7-8 October 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, under the theme “Promoting Uganda-Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade and Tourism, and Harnessing Opportunities in Both Countries.”

This was announced during the media launch for the Uganda-Somalia JPC, Investment and Business Summit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters. The meeting will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, and private sector representatives from both countries to review bilateral cooperation progress and unlock new trade and investment opportunities.

During his welcoming remarks, H.E. Prof. Sam Tulya Muhika, Head of Mission at the Uganda Embassy in Somalia, welcomed the press and noted that one of the hopes of the Summit is to raise awareness among the private sector in Uganda about available trade and investment opportunities between Uganda and Somalia. He emphasized that while Ugandans engage in business with Somalia, the reverse is currently limited.

H.E. Tulya Muhika highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, evidenced by the Somali community in Uganda since the 1920s. He also reflected on the progress of Uganda-Somalia relations, from establishing a permanent mission in 2014 to the 2016 framework agreement, which allows individual MDAs to enter Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation and implementation under the oversight of the JPC.

He noted achievements of the previous JPC, including the establishment of the Joint Permanent Council for Trade and Investment, and explained that the current JPC will: Review the implementation of agreements signed in 2022, covering defense, trade, and diplomatic cooperation.

• Conclude new MoUs on Immigration Management, Education and Sports, and a Bilateral Labor Agreement.

He said the Investment and Business Summit, to be graced by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, will provide a platform for the private sector and government to:

· Showcase products and services through exhibitions.                                         

· Hold Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions.

· Address challenges to doing business and explore access to wider markets, including the Gulf region.

H.E. Tulya Muhika stressed the importance of promoting investment between the two countries, noting that while Uganda already has an investment portfolio in Somalia, the primary expectation is to raise awareness of opportunities in both countries to create a balanced trade relationship.

Amb. Abdi Latif Ali, Deputy Ambassador of Somalia to Uganda, expressed gratitude for the second session of the JPC, calling the meetings a reflection of deep bilateral ties. He acknowledged Uganda’s support during Somalia’s difficult periods and recalled Somalia’s support for Uganda’s stability in the 1970s.

He highlighted that the 2016 framework agreement laid the foundation for the JPC, whose first session was held in Kampala in 2022. New MoUs will be signed to open avenues in education, migration, and labour, as well as agreements in security, health, and refugee affairs.

He emphasized that the partnership contributes to bilateral cooperation and regional peace and EAC integration, expressing confidence that brotherhood and mutual respect will boost the outcomes of the upcoming JPC.

Amb. Ali also cited economic cooperation examples, such as the potential for Ugandan avocados to reach Somali markets at higher prices, highlighting trade opportunities. He confirmed that Somalia’s Chamber of Commerce will participate, and additional MoUs are ready to be signed in labour, education, migration, and health.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation, thanked both missions for their efforts toward the JPC. He highlighted Uganda’s expanding export base:

“In the last 15 years, Uganda has added 31 new products to its export markets, and there is no better market than our neighbors and the region.”

Amb. Kabonero encouraged media members to raise awareness so Ugandans and private sector players can showcase and trade these products during the Summit. He emphasized aviation and education as key areas where Uganda holds a competitive advantage, and noted that strong economic linkages will help mitigate security challenges.

The First Session of the Uganda-Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) was held on 7-8 August 2022 in Kampala, focusing on cooperation across political, economic, and social sectors. Key MoUs were signed on diplomatic and political consultations, defense, trade, investment agencies, and chambers of commerce. 

On 10 August 2022, both Presidents attended an Investment and Business Summit, which resulted in the Kampala Declaration on Trade, Investment, and Tourism. The session reinforced the long-standing partnership between Uganda and Somalia, translating regional peacekeeping efforts into trade, investment, and sustainable development opportunities.

Uganda and Somalia share a long-standing partnership underpinned by political, security, and economic cooperation. Since deploying the first troops to Somalia, Uganda has led regional peacekeeping efforts through AMISOM, ATMIS, and AUSSOM. Both countries are now working to translate peace dividends into trade, investment, and sustainable development.

– on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a congratulatory message to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion commemorating the 95th National day of that Country on September 23, 2025.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Highness King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and through him to the people of Saudi Arabia as they commemorate this historic occasion.

The Liberian leader expressed that it is his utmost prayer that the bonds of friendship and cooperation so happily subsisting between the two Countries and peoples will be strengthened for the wellbeing of their both countries and peoples. 

President Boakai then prayed that Allah will continue to endow His Highness King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud with abundant wisdom, strength and good health as he leads his people to noble heights.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Source: APO – Report:

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The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Communication, has launched a two-day capacity-building workshop for Gambian journalists on information integrity and tackling misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and anti-democratic narratives.

Organised by ECOWAS in partnership with Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Government of Germany, the training, which held from 22–23 September 2025, aimed to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL) by equipping journalists and media practitioners with requisite skills and  tools to identify misinformation networks, strengthen conflict-sensitive reporting, and advance democracy, peace, and good governance in West Africa.

Over the past two days, 40 Gambian journalists drawn  from print, broadcast and online media platforms engaged in interactive sessions, expert presentations and practical exercises, covering advanced fact-checking and OSINT techniques, the use of AI to identify disinformation patterns, conflict-sensitive and human-rights reporting, and media information literacy to empower citizens to discern credible news.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of ECOWAS President H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in the Gambia, H.E. Ambassador Miatta Lily FRENCH, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting Member States and media practitioners through partnerships and innovation to ensure accuracy, fairness and integrity in the region’s information space. She underscored the importance of the ECOWAS media training on misinformation and disinformation as a cornerstone for democratic stability and social cohesion.

“This workshop is more than a training exercise; it is a crucial step in strengthening the fabric of our democracies, reinforcing peace and security, and empowering journalists to counter the pervasive threats of misinformation and disinformation that undermine the stability of our region,” Ambassador Miatta Lily FRENCH said.

She highlighted that ECOWAS Vision 2050 prioritises a peaceful, secure and inclusive region—an aspiration that depends on a resilient media and a well-informed public.

“A free, ethical and informed press is not only the lifeblood of democracy but also a cornerstone of peace and security. Together, we can counter harmful narratives, reinforce democratic values, and contribute to the vision of a prosperous and integrated West Africa.”

In her goodwill message, Ms. Barbara KIRSCH, representing GIZ on behalf of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), underscored their shared vision with ECOWAS of a peaceful, stable, and cooperative region where strong and independent media play a central role.

She reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening democracy and peace through support to independent and ethical journalism. Drawing on an African proverb, she reminded participants that “the path of a liar is very short,” stressing the vital role of fact-checking and media information literacy in protecting democratic values.

“We share with ECOWAS the vision of a region marked by peace, stability, and cooperation—and we believe that a strong and independent media is central to that vision. The training was an opportunity to strengthen the ability of journalists to identify, counter, and prevent harmful narratives before they take root. Ms. Kirsch said.

Participants – including journalists, media and communications experts in the Gambia – expressed their satisfaction and commended ECOWAS for organising the training describing the workshop as timely, highly beneficial and impactful.

President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU), Isatou KEITA, said “The training was very significant and timely, given the currently day and age of social media where there is increased in misinformation and disinformation which have contributed in eroding public trust in the media. Journalists at the frontline of truth and accountability need to be armed to be able to debunk as well as fact check news and information for the greater good of the society.”

Alagie Cherno SUWAREH, a reporter with Star TV, The Gambia, said, “I learnt from the ECOWAS training that we must embrace the best journalism practice to promote freedom of expression, peace, accountability, democracy and good governance in West Africa. As journalists, we should not spread misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and fake news because of their negative consequences on our country and region”  

Abdoulie GASSAMA, a Communication and Media Expert and Lecture at the School of Journalism and Digital Media, University of The Gambia, said, “The two day training workshop was crucial for The Gambian Journalists and the media fraternity as it has equipped them with the skills to identify and combat disinformation, misinformation, and malformation, ultimately promoting quality journalism and trustworthy information dissemination. By understanding the strategies to address fake news and propaganda, Gambian Journalists can better navigate the complex media landscape, ensuring the public receives accurate and unbiased information”

The workshop reinforces ECOWAS’ ongoing efforts and commitment towards tackling the growing menace of disinformation, misinformation, fake news and anti-democratic narratives in West Africa.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), a leading pan-African trade and investment platform, today announced Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and ARISE IIP as Headline Partners for The Africa Debate – UAE, taking place in Dubai on 30 September 2025 in partnership with the UAE Government.

This year’s forum comes as Africa and the Gulf prepare for COP30, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) moves from negotiation to implementation, and global capital continues to tilt towards the Global South. Designed around real transactions, real actors and real strategy, the programme will examine where the next UAE–Africa opportunities are emerging, what sustained partnership looks like beyond one-off deals, and how to unlock the next frontiers for investment, collaboration and innovation across the corridor.

Confirmed speakers include: H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates; H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, United Arab Emirates; H.E. João Jorge Matlombe, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Republic of Mozambique; H.E. Dr. José de Lima Massano, Minister of State for Economic Coordination, Republic of Angola; H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, President of the Republic of Somaliland; Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO, ARISE IIP; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World; Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Co-Founder and Chairman, Infinity Power; and Admassu Tadesse, Group President and Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank, among other senior leaders.

Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO, ARISE IIP, said: “We are thrilled to be a Headline Partner of The Africa Debate – UAE. The UAE–Africa partnership sits at the heart of ARISE IIP’s growth strategy, linking Gulf capital and logistics expertise with Africa’s industrial momentum to localise value, create jobs and build competitive exports. This forum is the right platform to bring governments, investors and operators together, align policies and finance, and convert strong pipelines into bankable, large-scale projects spanning ports, logistics zones and export manufacturing.”

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation, said: “AFC’s mandate is to mobilise long-term capital and execution capacity for Africa’s infrastructure and industrialisation. The UAE–Africa corridor is central to that mission, bringing together patient capital, ports and logistics expertise, and technology partnerships to deliver projects at scale. The Africa Debate – UAE provides the right platform to align incentives and move projects to bankability – advancing a pipeline across climate-aligned energy, efficient transport and competitive industrial zones with public and private partners.”

Chantelé Carrington, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Africa, commented: “The Africa Debate – UAE provides the right platform to align incentives and move projects to bankability – we are advancing a pipeline across climate-aligned energy, efficient transport and competitive industrial zones with public and private partners. Under ‘Shared Markets, Shared Future’, the agenda stays practical—ports and logistics, industrial zones, renewables and agri-value chains—grounded in clear market insight and targeted matchmaking. My thanks to our Headline Partners AFC and ARISE IIP, to our strategic partners Afreximbank and Standard Chartered, and to our supporting partners and speakers whose expertise will help move high-quality projects from discussion to delivery.”

Participating organisations include: UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade; ARISE IIP; Absa; Afreximbank; Africa Finance Corporation; A2MP – Africa Minerals and Metals Processing Platform; Control Risks; DLA Piper; DP World; Gemcorp Capital; Infinity Power; Lagos Free Zone; Moody’s Ratings; Oyo State Government; Plantations et Huileries du Congo; Premier Invest; S-RM; Spiro; Standard Bank; and Standard Chartered.

View the full programme and apply for accreditation: https://TheAfricaDebate.com/uae. Please note that registration is subject to approval.

– on behalf of Invest Africa.

Media enquiries:
Pippa van Breda
Marketing & Communications Manager, Invest Africa
T: +44 20 3730 5035
E: pippa.vanbreda@investafrica.com
W: www.InvestAfrica.com

About The Africa Debate – UAE:
The Africa Debate – UAE is a high-level investment forum hosted by Invest Africa in partnership with the UAE Government. The event brings together public and private sector leaders from across the UAE, Africa, and the global investment community to shape the next generation of UAE–Africa economic partnerships. The forum will focus on real strategy, real transactions, and cross-sector collaboration in infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, digital innovation, and climate finance.

https://TheAfricaDebate.com/uae

About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform, connecting global capital with African opportunity. With more than sixty years of experience and a network of over 400 member companies, Invest Africa provides trusted market insight, bespoke support, and curated events across its chapters in the UK, UAE, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States.

https://www.InvestAfrica.com/