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DWYPD calls for unity to protect rights of people with albinism

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on all South Africans to work together in creating inclusive and safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear.

The appeal comes as the country observes National Albinism Awareness Month, marked annually in September to promote understanding, fight stigma, and protect the rights of persons with albinism.

Albinism is a rare, genetically inherited condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for colouring the skin, hair, and eyes.

This year’s awareness campaign is being observed under the theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”

DWYPD Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, highlighted that people with albinism face not only health challenges, such as sensitivity to the sun and vision impairments, but also harmful discrimination, stigma, and violence.

“This month provides an opportunity for South Africans to raise awareness about the realities of living with albinism, dispel harmful myths, and promote inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and community life,” Chikunga said.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of advocating for the protection of persons with albinism against discrimination, exploitation, and violence; while also celebrating their diversity by recognising the achievements, talents, and contributions to society.

“Through collaborative efforts, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, we can build a society where diversity is embraced, rights are respected, and every person – regardless of skin colour or condition – is valued. Together, let us stand for inclusion, equality, and the protection of persons with albinism.

“We call on all citizens, communities, schools, faith-based institutions, and the private sector to unite in creating inclusive, safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear,” Chikunga said.

The department also urged all stakeholders to align their efforts with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism, adopted on 17 August 2024 at the SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The declaration demonstrates commitment by governments to protect the rights of persons with Albinism who are faced with numerous attacks ranging from abductions, killings, maiming, discrimination and trafficking. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Gauteng police honour fallen heroes

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has honoured four officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the 2025/26 financial year.

Held on Sunday, the ceremony honouring three male officers as well as a female officer was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The four were remembered for their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community of Gauteng with the Commissioner posthumously thanking the officers for serving their country with loyalty, bravery and dedication. 

He also thanked their families for supporting the members during the time when they were out on the streets of Gauteng ensuring that communities are safe. 

“On behalf of Gauteng police management, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, their loved ones. Your selfless support and unwavering strength inspired them throughout their career in law enforcement. We are thankful for the time we had with them, and we are honoured that you are here with us today as we salute them for the last time,” he said.

Captain Wynand Du Toit of the Springs Police Station was shot and killed as he intercepted the suspects who were committing a business robbery in Springs on 16 February 2025.

Sergeant Winnie Ntila was shot and killed by the suspects who were committing a house robbery in Vosloorus on 03 September 2024.

Warrant Officer Sello Joel Masedi was knocked down by a car at an accident scene in Mohlakeng while Warrant Officer Mzukisi November was knocked down by a speeding vehicle while conducting a roadblock in Springs.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni assured the families that the SAPS will take care of the educational needs of the children of the fallen heroes and heroine through the SAPS Education Trust. 

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, government hosted the annual South African Police Service Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

READ | ‘Attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself’

The day honoured the lives of the 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year with Deputy President having issued a  warning against the killing of police officers.

“Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” Deputy President Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Rand Refinery Joins African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 as an Associate Sponsor

Source: APO


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South Africa’s Rand Refinery – the world’s largest integrated precious metals refining and smelting complex – has joined the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) as an Associate Sponsor. The company’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering partnerships with global mining stakeholders to advance Africa’s local beneficiation agenda, in line with the event’s theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth. 

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

AMW 2025 will connect Africa’s leading gold-producing nations and companies – including Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Egypt, Nigeria, Uganda and B2Gold – with downstream players like Rand Refinery to unlock the full potential of Africa’s gold sector. 

Rand Refinery continues to reinforce Africa’s role as a global gold powerhouse, having refined approximately one-third of the world’s mined gold to date. The company has a crucial role to play as African-gold rich countries seek to maximize gold production and monetization of value-added products for GDP growth. Rand Refinery is advancing the sustainability of gold processing, deploying a 4.5 MW solar PV system to meet its peak power demand, reducing its annual carbon footprint by 8.500 tons. The firm is also spearheading Africa’s responsible gold monetization agenda through innovative traceability and transparency solutions such as RandTrack and the Gold Bar Integrity platform, while aligning with international standards including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for responsible gold sourcing. The company is also the only refinery in Africa certified by the London Bullion Market Association for good delivery practices. 

AMW 2025 provides an ideal platform for Rand Refinery to showcase its industry milestones and investment strategy. AMW will feature high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, providing an ideal platform for Rand Refinery to engage with African public and private sector leaders, as well as global investors, to shape the future of Africa’s gold industry. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets UK National Security Adviser

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 14, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Sunday with HE National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom Jonathan Powell, who is visiting the country.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, as well as the developments in the region, particularly the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Doha.

During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty in response to the blatant Israeli attack.

In turn, HE the National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom reiterated the UK’s solidarity with the State of Qatar, its strong condemnation of the Israeli attack, and its categorical rejection of any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar and undermines the security and stability of the region.

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Government engages public on fiscal framework

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

The National Treasury has encouraged the public to submit written comments on the Fiscal Anchors Discussion Document, which proposes reforms to stabilise South Africa’s debt and aims to improve public sector efficiency.

The discussion document outlines how slow economic growth and persistent budget deficits have led to a tripling of public debt over the last 15 years. This has forced the government to spend more on interest payments, crowding out services and investment. 

In response to this challenge, the document proposes two broad reform options namely a Numerical Fiscal Rule, and an enhanced Parliamentary Procedures Mode.

The National Treasury recently held a first round of consultative stakeholder workshops on the document, marking the opening stage of a broader consultation process aimed at strengthening the sustainability, credibility, and transparency of South Africa’s fiscal framework.

“We are encouraged by the thoughtful contributions made during these initial workshops. This was the beginning of a much wider conversation. We look forward to hearing from many more voices in the months ahead,“ Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said.

Three workshops were convened with a broad group of experts with a direct interest in macro-fiscal issues: 
•    Civil society organisations (workshop held in Pretoria on 28 July 2025),
•    Participants in the debt-capital markets (workshop held in Sandton on 30 July 2025), and
•    Academics (workshop held in Cape Town on 7 August 2025)

Building on the success of these first workshops, government will host public webinars, followed by a conference alongside the consideration of the 2026 Budget. 

“In the months ahead, government will have further public engagements, including a larger conference. The conference will provide a formal platform for broad public participation and expert contribution, culminating in a published conference report. 

“This report will feed into the preparation of a refined Treasury proposal for consideration later in 2026. Written submissions are invited ahead of the conference, with selected contributions to be presented during the event,” National Treasury said.

Interested parties are encouraged to read the discussion document and submit their written feedback to: fiscal.policy@treasury.gov.za by 15 December 2025. 

The Discussion Document and presentations shared at the workshops are available on the National Treasury website (https://www.treasury.gov.za/) . –SAnews.gov.za

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The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business Visits Hamilton to Strengthen Trade and Investment Links

Source: APO


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The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.ca) is pleased to announce its official visit to Hamilton last week, underscoring the city’s growing role as a hub for trade, investment, and international partnerships.

The visit formed part of the 3-day Africa Accelerating 2025 program (https://apo-opa.co/48gTxdK), which brought together business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from both Canada and African markets to explore opportunities in a host of sectors. Delegates from South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Kenya were among those who joined the High-Level Visit to the City of Hamilton, reflecting the diverse and growing interest in partnerships with Hamilton and the broader Canadian economy. 

As part of the program, delegates toured various Canadian firms, as well as Trident Engineering Institute and Nexim Healthcare Consultants — two companies operating under the leadership of Henry Lukenge, who has expanded his presence into Hamilton as a leading entrepreneur from the African continent.

“Hamilton offers many benefits versus other cities, some of which include – but not limited to – a diverse highly skilled and vibrant workforce, an affordable real estate market and many incentives to help with your investment decision-making”, said Henry Lukenge, during a tour of the Trident campus in Hamilton.

“Therefore, as an investor and business owner, I am delighted to have chosen Hamilton and privileged to welcome fellow Africans and indeed all investors, seeking to expand to Canada through this wonderful city.” 

“Hamilton is proud to welcome the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business,” said Norm Schleehahn, Director Economic Development for the City of Hamilton. “Our city has transformed into a leading destination for global investment, built on our strengths in manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, and a vibrant innovation ecosystem. This visit is an important opportunity to showcase how Hamilton is open for business and ready to grow international partnerships.” 

“The Chamber’s engagement in Hamilton reflects our mission of fostering stronger commercial ties between Canada and African markets,” said Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business. “By spotlighting Hamilton as a destination for investment, the Chamber is committed to building bridges that create opportunities and highlight economic growth. Thank you to Henry Lukenge for his sponsorship of our organization that helped make this program possible.” 

“This collaboration highlights Hamilton’s global outlook,” added Mr. Schleehahn. “We look forward to deepening our ties with African markets and leveraging the Canada–Africa Chamber’s leadership in creating meaningful business connections.” 

The visit to Hamilton forms part of the Chamber’s Canada-wide programming to advance trade and investment opportunities, ahead of the upcoming Canada–Africa Business Conferences on the African continent, including in Zambia and Namibia. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

Media Contact: 
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business 
+1.437.780.8340 
press@canadaafrica.ca  

Norm Schleehahn, Director Economic Development  
Planning and Economic Development Department, City of Hamilton 
Telephone: 289-260-0849 
Email: Norm.Schleehahn@hamilton.ca  

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Winners of inaugural Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Junior Chef Competition unveiled

Source: APO

Fatma Zohra Bendjelida was crowned winner of the inaugural Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Junior Chef Competition which celebrates young aspiring chefs’ creativity and flair in African cuisine and culture. 

Loubna Ali Cherif and Aouis Akkouch were named first and second runners up in the competition that was open to young aspiring Algerian chefs aged between 16 and 21 years. Participants were required to prepare dishes rooted in African ingredients and traditions.  

The two-day final cook-off was held on the sidelines of the recently concluded and remarkably successful Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025). It had eight finalists battling for cash prizes, medals and mentoring sessions from industry leaders. Judges included Chef Robert, Rabah Ourrad, Andile Sondaka, and Taymor Mason. There was also special appearance on the judging panel by Mrs Chinelo Oramah, Matron of Afreximbank Spouse Network (ASNET) together with Chef Coco and Chef Stone. 

Delivering the keynote address during the award ceremony, the First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Auxillia Mnangagwa called for support to food festivals, nurturing youth innovation in the culinary industry, and investment in platforms for African cuisines to shine on the global stage and for culinary wealth to become a force for unity, empowerment and prosperity 

“Gastronomy can become a unifying platform for culture, tourism and economic development locally. Gastronomy tourism is a fundamental component for promoting local cultures and as a major element of intangible heritage. It is a key driver for socio-economic development characterised by the conservation of cultural heritage and community empowerment,” H.E. Mnangagwa added. 

The CANEX Junior Chef Competition provided a platform to spotlight Algeria’s rich and vibrant culinary culture while highlighting local products, celebrating young rising talent, and promoting a dynamic cultural exchange. The final cook-off of the CANEX Junior Chef Competition began with four finalists on the first day. On the second day of the competition, the finalists worked in teams of two, guided by culinary mentors Andile Somdaka, Rabah Ourrad, and Taymor Mason. 

Afreximbank’s Director for Intra African Trade and Export Development (Creatives and Diaspora), Temwa Gondwe noted that the competition is a powerful demonstration of how nations can harness their food culture to build pride, promote tourism.  

“This is more than just a culinary show. It is an intentional strategy to assert Africa’s culinary elements and African cuisine as a strategic tool for economic empowerment, and cultural diplomacy. We are at a turning point in how the world sees Africa, while African music and fashion have already captured global audiences, it’s time for African gastronomy to take its rightful place on the world by investing in African-owned businesses and building vibrant, contemporary African restaurant chains,” Mr Gondwe added. 

The CANEX Junior Chef Competition is one of the gastronomy-focused activities at IATF2025 in Algiers. Other activities lined up include world-class cooking demonstrations from some of Africa and the Caribbean’s greatest chefs as part of  the Jollof  Wars. 

CANEX is billed as the largest gathering of creatives from Africa and the Diaspora across value chains of diverse creative and cultural industries from film, music, and fashion to culinary arts, sports, and visual arts amongst others. The weeklong summit has convened continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services, and to explore business and investment opportunities within the rapidly expanding creative economy. It is being held as part of IATF2025, hosted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and co-convened by Afreximbank, the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat. The weeklong event is projected to facilitate trade and investment deals worth over US$44 billion.  

IATF is a platform for businesses to showcase their goods and services to visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging information. IATF aims to tap into opportunities from AfCFTA’s single market of over 1.4 billion people and GDP of over US$3.5 trillion. The just ended fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) was a huge success, exceeding all its targets. The event drew over 112,000 participants, both in person and online, and generated more than US$48 billion in trade deals. It featured over 2,100 exhibitors and was attended by 20 Heads of State and Government representatives, along with several ministers and other senior government officials, captains of industry and other participants from 132 countries across the world. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contact:
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com 

About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Union Commission (AUC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development.  

For more information, please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com

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Leading energy and water security events to drive South Africa’s industrial resilience

Source: APO

The organisers of the C&I Energy+Storage Summit Johannesburg (https://Energy-StorageSummit.com/) are pleased to announce the co-location of Water Security Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4n0RaAd) and the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) Conference (https://apo-opa.co/4pth2qk) with the Summit on 4-5 November 2025.  

Taking place at the Maslow Hotel, Johannesburg, this strategic alignment brings together over 300 leaders from commercial, industrial, government and finance sectors to address interconnected challenges in energy volatility, water scarcity and sustainable growth. By convening these events under one roof, participants gain unmatched access to cross-sector networking while still having the benefit of sector-specific content and actionable strategies to build resilience amid South Africa’s evolving resource landscape. 

Water Security Africa: transforming water risks into competitive advantages  

Water Security Africa Johannesburg delivers strategies for water reuse, efficiency and sustainable supply, strengthening operations across water-intensive industries like mining, agro-processing and manufacturing in the context of the water-energy-food nexus. 

Programme highlights feature a joint opening keynote across all three events on national resilience strategies, a frank discussion questioning the scale of water challenges, sector-specific panels on securing operations from field to factory and pit to plant, project spotlights on innovative reuse and smart management initiatives and discussions on financing large-scale efficiency projects.  

Key sessions include case studies from key industry leaders, focusing on quality control, circular models and regulatory compliance. Download the full programme here https://apo-opa.co/4n0RaAd

EIUG Conference: challenges and opportunities facing South Africa’s energy-intensive users  

The EIUG Conference builds on the group’s 25th anniversary launch event in 2024 to advance policy discussions, technology innovations and long-term strategies for industrial sustainability and competitiveness. 

Programme highlights include opening addresses by EIUG Chairman Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi, panels on integrated water-energy risk frameworks and market reforms, project spotlights on high-load growth and solar wheeling, fireside chats on industrial energy storage leadership, debates on small modular reactors and gas as a transitional fuel and a symposium on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) impacts on sectors like iron, steel and cement. Download the full programme here https://apo-opa.co/4pth2qk

“These co-located events represent a pivotal moment for South Africa’s C&I sectors to collaborate on resilient, sustainable solutions that drive economic growth,” said Fanele Mondi, CEO of the Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa. “By integrating energy and water agendas, we’re equipping leaders with the tools to navigate volatility and unlock new opportunities.” 

With dedicated networking forums and exhibits, the events foster partnerships to accelerate projects in renewable energy, storage and water infrastructure. 

Join the discussion: register for these upcoming webinars brought to you by EIUG Conference and Water Security Africa 
 
Thursday 25 September 2025: Building energy security and affordability into your operations  
Speaker: Kobus Breytenbach, Director at Assayline 
More information and to register: https://apo-opa.co/4ntU7ZU
 
Tuesday 7 October 2025: From pit to plant: Scalable  mine water rehabilitation & reuse 
More information and to register: https://apo-opa.co/465MeUX

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

For Speaking opportunities Contact: 
Water Security Africa: 
Yolisa Nyoka
Yolisa.nyoka@wearevuka.com 

EIUG Conference:
Mediacy Mudekwa 
mediacy.mudekwa@wearevuka.com   
 
C&I Energy + Storage Summit:
Boipelo Motlhowa  
boipelo.mothlowa@wearevuka.com 

Sponsorship and Exhibition enquiries:  
Water Security Africa:
Stephen Campbell 
Stephen.campbell@wearevuka.com 

C&I Energy + Storage Summit and EIUG Conference:
Marcel du Toit   
marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

About the Organisers:
As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com), this Summit aligns with VUKA’s mission to connect industries, spark innovation and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing and business development in energy and related sectors. 

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Azentio reimagines speed and personalization for retail, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), and corporate lenders with its next-gen loan origination offering

Source: APO


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Azentio Software (www.Azentio.com) , a leading technology enabler in the BFSI space, announced the launch of Azentio Loan Origination, its next-generation product that redefines how financial institutions scale credit operations across retail, SME, and corporate segments, and supports both conventional and Islamic financing.

According to Deloitte (http://apo-opa.co/46lKYvA), today’s lending market demands speed, personalization, and easy digital access. Azentio Loan Origination enables banks and financial institutions to onboard customers quickly, make accurate credit decisions, and provide a seamless borrower experience, all while staying compliant with evolving regulations.

Reimagining speed and personalization in lending

With Azentio Loan Origination, lenders can launch new products up to 70% faster. Built-in compliance for each region shortens time-to-market from months to weeks. This enables lenders to avoid delays, accelerate innovation, and identify new growth opportunities.

Smarter credit decisions for precision and efficiency

Azentio’s new loan origination offering streamlines every step of credit decisioning with automation at its core. Its policy-driven framework seamlessly integrates with KYC, AML, and credit bureau systems to reduce approval delays and minimize manual errors. Pre-configured integrations and dynamic workflows make onboarding faster and simpler, helping banks lower drop-offs and improve decision accuracy. With compliance built in for both conventional and Islamic finance, lenders can grow without regulatory risk.

Future-ready architecture for scalable growth

Azentio Loan Origination is cloud-ready, scalable, and integrates easily with existing technology stacks, enabling financial institutions to expand into new regions. Its open framework ensures resilience, adapts to regulatory change, and supports new capabilities such as advanced analytics and alternative data without causing significant disruptions.

“Banks are under pressure to deliver seamless digital experiences while navigating tougher regulatory landscapes,” said Guru L, Senior Vice President, Lending – Product Management, Azentio. “Azentio Loan Origination brings speed, intelligence, and compliance together in a single offering, enabling financial institutions to innovate and scale. With this launch, we are equipping the industry not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.

About Azentio:
Azentio is a leading provider of purpose-built, intelligence-driven technology solutions designed to transform the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors. By combining cutting-edge innovation with deep domain expertise, Azentio empowers businesses to accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. With a strong presence across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Azentio delivers world-class technology that streamlines processes and delivers tangible results, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable success. For more information on Azentio, please visit www.Azentio.com.

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Qatar Expresses Solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Offers Condolences over Boat Tragedy

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – 14 September 2025

The State of Qatar expresses its solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the tragic sinking of two boats in the northwest of the country, which resulted in a number of fatalities and injuries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveys the State of Qatar’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and wishes the injured a swift and full recovery.