Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, July 14
An official source at the Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced that Qatari citizens are now exempt from entry visa requirements for the Republic of Peru, for a maximum stay of 183 days, counted from the date of entry.
The permitted stay may consist of either a single continuous visit or multiple visits within one year, provided that the passport is valid for at least six months, the source explained.
Source: APO – Report:
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs representing the Government of Liberia signed the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG) The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Liberia, Assistant Minister for Afro-Asian Affairs, Honorable Charlyne A. Taylor, who signed the Convention, reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to advancing the women, peace and security agenda in Africa.
She noted that Liberia will continue to work with the African Union and all partners in implementing the Convention to protect and empower women and girl’s rights.
Minister Taylor praised the African Union and affiliated organizations for their work in protecting women and girls, and promised that Liberia will accelerate the process of ratifying the convention given that Convention aligns well with the agenda of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. who has made women empowerment and protection of women and girls a key program of his government.
The Vice Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Honorable Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, commended Liberia for the bold step and praised Liberia for its impressive record in promoting and protecting women’s rights, well as enhancing women’s participation in government and the economy.
She noted that Liberia is the fifth African country to sign the convention but encouraged Liberia to lead in the ratification process.
Also attending the ceremony were Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration; Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security; and Her Excellency Doris Mpoumou, UNWOMEN Special Representative to the African Union Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Source: APO
The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has received updates from the Department of Human Settlements, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, and the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and City of Cape Town on various petitions the committee is considering and has highlighted mixed reactions to the reports. The committee remains of the view that all stakeholders must not rest on their laurels in bringing finality to the petitions.
SLOVO PARK INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS UPGRADING
The committee welcomed the progress made by both the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the City of Johannesburg, including the completion of the electrification of households. Also, the committee welcomed the appointment of Joburg Water for the installation of water and sewage infrastructure. The committee has highlighted that in the context of the history of the promises made to the residents of Slovo Park, the movement is welcomed, albeit long overdue.
The committee also welcomed the collaboration between the City of Johannesburg and the provincial department to achieve the medium and long-term interventions planned for the area. The committee has also urged all stakeholders to expedite procurement and other related processes to ensure the achievement of targets.
Also, the committee welcomed the assurance that community engagements and sharing of information with residents have been enhanced to ensure a free flow of information between the government and the people. “The issue of stakeholder engagement is critical to allay fears and eliminate any flare-up of protests. It is critical that as new developments arise and some impediments delay projects, people are informed,” said Mr Nocks Seabi, the Chairperson of the committee.
MAWIGA PETITION
Members of the committee were disappointed with the slow response to finding solutions to the petitioners’ challenges. While the committee acknowledged that there is progress with sites identified and agreed to by two petitioners, the fact that the building of top structures will only commence next year is concerning. Despite this, the committee called for clear monitoring of the progress to ensure that timelines are adhered to, especially in the context of the length of time it has taken to get to this point.
The MAWIGA (Mabopane, Winterveld and Ga-Rankuwa petitioners) submitted a petition alleging maladministration against the City of Tshwane and North West Housing Corporation officials for illegally selling and transferring their properties without their consent.
The committee has called on the City of Tshwane and the Gauteng Provincial Government to expedite the processes to obtain the clearance certificate on the identified land for Mr Mere. The committee has mandated the city to provide regular progress reports on processes to obtain the clearance certificate.
With regards to the North West Provincial Government, the committee is concerned that the Rustenburg Municipality does not have the appetite to approve a house on the military veteran’s quantum on the site identified because the site is on prime land. The committee has called on the department to heighten engagement to ensure that an alternative site is found and that Mr Kgasoe is engaged to ascertain that he agrees with the site.
Despite these challenges, the committee noted that commendable work has been done to resolve the petitions.
New Mandela Square (Western Cape)
The committee has welcomed commendable progress in achieving the project milestones promised to the committee. Despite this, the committee has called for mechanisms to ensure that the implementation of the projects is not hampered by inter-departmental dependencies, such as the procurement of private land and installation of bulk services.
The committee is cognisant that in most cases, projects are affected by delays from varying spheres of government and has called for proactive measures to ensure that this does not hamper progress.
The committee remains committed to receiving regular reports to ensure the resolution of the various petitions being considered by the committee.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Source: APO
His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a message of condolence and sympathy to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the passing of former president Muhammadu Buhari.
In this message, HM the King expresses His deep sorrow upon learning of the passing of former president Muhammadu Buhari, may he rest in peace.
On this sad occasion, the Sovereign conveys His heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the Nigerian president, the grieving family as well as the people of the sister nation upon the loss of an illustrious son, who worked untringinly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people towards further progress and prosperity. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved.”
“I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased. They culminated in the launch of promising development projects that have ushered a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations,” HM the King concludes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
Source: APO
UN experts* today expressed alarm at the situation of lawyers in Tunisia, noting a serious deterioration in the last year.
“Targeting legal professionals solely for performing their role in the justice system or exercising their freedom of expression poses a direct threat to the integrity and fairness of legal proceedings in Tunisia and could jeopardise the right to a fair trial,” the experts said.
The experts noted that lawyer Ahmed Souab was arrested on 21 April 2025, following critical comments made publicly about the recent trial of several opposition figures. Souab was defending some of the clients who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for charges characterised as “conspiracy against State security”. Lawyer Sonia Dahmani was reportedly violently detained at the premises of the Tunisian Bar Association by masked men in May 2024 and is facing five criminal cases all initiated under Decree-Law 2022-54 on “cybercrime” before the Tunis First Instance Court solely for stating her opinion publicly. Dahmani was sentenced in January 2025 to 18 months in prison for her comments in a TV show, and this June, she received an additional two-year prison sentence.
The experts also deplored other reported cases of legal professionals in the country who have been criminally accused, and even sentenced to long prison terms, solely for defending their clients and for expressing their opinion publicly such as Dalila Msaddak, Islem Hamza, Ayachi Hamami, Ghazi Chaouachi, Mehdi Zagrouba, and Lazhar Akremi.
“The measures taken directly interfere with the independence of the legal profession, undermining the ability of lawyers to represent their clients,” the experts said. “They appear designed to ensure critics of the Executive are silenced.”
The experts stressed that free exercise of the legal profession contributes to ensuring access to justice, oversight of State power, protection of due process and fair trial rights.
“We call on Tunisia to comply with international standards providing that lawyers should be able to carry out all their professional duties without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference. They should not face prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognised professional duties, standards and ethics,” they said. “Like all human beings, lawyers are entitled to freedom of expression and opinion.”
The experts have been in contact with the Government of Tunisia regarding their concerns.
*The experts: Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
The Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Source: APO
Following the start of the rainy season in Sudan’s North Darfur region, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah said:
“The rainy season is a terrifying prospect for many Sudanese who have fled fighting in North Darfur between armed groups. Internally displaced persons and refugees have told Amnesty International that they fear the coming rains will heighten the risk of diseases and make already dire conditions in their areas even worse. They are desperate for food, including seeds to plant ahead of the rains, water and medical services. Adequate shelter also remains a major concern. One 90-year-old woman told us that she didn’t have any proper shelter and was living under the trees. Others are in similar situations.
“Sudan is the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crisis, yet the humanitarian response for 2025 is grossly underfunded. This will go down in history as an abject failure unless Sudan’s international partners rise to the occasion and increase emergency funding for the humanitarian response in Sudan, as well as for Sudanese refugees.
“To stop this humanitarian emergency from spiraling further, parties to the armed conflict must facilitate rapid, unconditional and safe access to humanitarian aid, and end all attacks on humanitarian objects and personnel.
“Sudan is the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crisis, yet the humanitarian response for 2025 is grossly underfunded. This will go down in history as an abject failure unless Sudan’s international partners rise to the occasion and increase emergency funding for the humanitarian response in Sudan, as well as for Sudanese refugees. More must be done to save lives. The international community cannot afford to look away.”
Background
Since the latest armed conflict broke out in Sudan in April 2023, over 11 million people have fled their homes. Displaced persons live in dire conditions in Sudan, including in Darfur, one of the regions most severely affected by fighting, as well as other countries. Cases of cholera outbreak are already being reported in North Darfur.
Parties to the conflict continue to impede humanitarian access and attack humanitarian objects and personnel.Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to ensure sufficient humanitarian aid to a suffering population.
The rainy season in Darfur typically lasts from June to September. In April, MSF already warned that the rainy season threatened to worsen the ongoing malnutrition crisis. In August 2024, the UN confirmed famine conditions in Zamzam camp and identified 13 other areas at risk of famine.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.
Source: APO – Report:
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $62.13 million emergency grant to support the Sudan Integrated Social Sector Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (SISSIRP). This vital support aims to restore essential health, education, and water services that have been severely disrupted by the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, which erupted in 2023.
The funding package, approved on 11 July 2025, comprises $44.57 million from Pillar 1 of the Transition Support Facility and $17.56 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional financing window for low-income countries.
Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises. An estimated 30.6 million people are in urgent need of assistance, including 11.5 million internally displaced persons, 54% of whom are women. The conflict has devastated critical infrastructure and services across the country, leaving healthcare facilities, schools, and water systems destroyed. This breakdown has deepened poverty, widened inequalities, and significantly limited access to basic services, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Commenting on the project, Mary Monyau, the Bank’s Country Manager for Sudan, highlighted the initiative’s importance: “This project is a crucial step towards rebuilding lives and livelihoods. By restoring access to clean water, healthcare, and essential infrastructure, we are not only addressing immediate humanitarian needs but also laying the foundation for long-term resilience and development.”
The two-year project (2025-2027) will focus on four Sudanese states– Aj Jazira, River Nile, Sennar, and White Nile – and is designed to improve the resilience and well-being of the population by rehabilitating and strengthening social sector services. The SISSIRP is structured around three core components:
The initiative aligns with the Bank’s extended Country Brief for Sudan. It also supports the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and contributes directly to one of its key “High 5” priorities, “Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.” It further aligns with sub-themes including access to basic drinking water services, coverage of essential health services, and youth inclusion in employment, education, and training.
– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Joyce Mulama
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
.
Source: APO
As the African continent continues to grapple with limited resources to finance its development agenda and ambitions, the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Hon. Veronica M. Nduva, has called for a unified, continent-wide resource mobilization strategy to replace fragmented and duplicative efforts and to strengthen Africa’s resource coalition.
The Secretary General observed that while the region has held various forums deliberating on strategies to pool resources for the continent, there is need for a harmonized and streamlined approach to deliver a common strategy. She emphasized the importance of coordinated action to unlock large-scale financing capable of advancing the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Hon. Nduva was speaking at a high-level roundtable convened by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on the sidelines of the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms.
The meeting brought together the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, heads of African Union institutions, Regional Economic Communities, African Union Member States’ representatives, development partners, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on how to fast-track the realization of Agenda 2063 through more effective and African-led resource mobilization.
The Secretary General advocated for blended financing that leverages public, private, and philanthropic capital. She urged greater involvement of African philanthropists and the private sector in defining and deepening their contributions.
“It is also critical that we consider the adoption of austerity measures to ensure that resources allocated for projects deliver the intended outcomes,” she stated.
Hon. Nduva further underscored the importance of integrating technology into all efforts to strengthen planning, coordination, and implementation.
Echoing this call for transformation, the AU Commission Chairperson,H.E. Youssouf stressed the urgency of moving away from donor dependency towards a model anchored in African ownership and alignment with the continent’s priorities.
“As we prepare for the official launch of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement during the 4th Tripartite Summit, it is essential that the key instruments critical to the operationalization of the TFTA are adopted by the next Meeting of the Tripartite Council of Ministers,” he emphasized.
At the same Summit, the EAC took over the Chairmanship of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Task Force (TTF) from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) , for the next one year.The Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement officially entered into force on 25 July 2024, having reached the required 14 ratifications by Member and Partner States. Preparations are now underway for its formal launch during the forthcoming 4th Tripartite Summit.
As a key building block of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the TFTA seeks to integrate the economies of the three regional blocs, eliminate trade barriers, ease the movement of goods, services and people and stimulate industrial growth across the region.
Hon. Nduva noted that the EAC will focus on advancing the finalization and exchange of tariff offers, completion and adoption of the rules of origin, ratification of the TFTA Agreement by the remaining Member/Partner States and ratification of the Tripartite Agreement on the movement of business and persons.
“We are committed to prioritizing the operationalization of the agreements made and the revival of the Industrial Development Pillar,” she stated.
Hon. Nduva also underscored the importance of strengthening the institutional framework around the TFTA, including the need for a dedicated Tripartite Secretariat to drive coordination and implementation.
“We see the Tripartite FTA as a strategic lever to deepen integration, enhance competitiveness, unlock intra-African trade and advance inclusive industrialization,” she added.
The meeting also explored options for mobilizing resources to support the TFTA’s operations and activities.
The COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA was first launched in June 2015 in Egypt by Heads of State and Government from the three blocs. It is anchored on three core pillars: market integration, infrastructure development and industrial development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
Source: APO
His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, received His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, during an official visit to the capital, Lusaka.
H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, to H.E. President Hichilema, along with their wishes for further development and prosperity for the government and people of Zambia.
For his part, H.E. President Hichilema, conveyed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with his wishes for further growth and development for the government and people of the UAE.
H.E. President Hichilema welcomed the visit by H.E. Shakhboot bin Nahyan, where they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. Furthermore, the two sides explored mutual efforts to expand and develop cooperation across various fields, for the benefit of both countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: APO
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a US$513 million Syndicated Murabaha Financing Facility with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, represented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to support the country’s critical energy sector needs.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the agreement was signed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, and Hon. Dr. Kazim Niaz, Federal Secretary for Economic Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.
This milestone facility marks the largest syndicated financing arranged by ITFC for Pakistan over the last three years, reaching US$513 million, which was significantly oversubscribed, with the final amount raised being more than double the initial target, reflecting strong interest and confidence from investors. The proceeds of the financing will be used for the import of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet Pakistan’s energy needs.
This milestone facility stands as the largest syndicated operation led by ITFC for Pakistan in recent years, with the final amount raised being more than double the initial target, underscoring the strong confidence and demand from the market.
On this occasion, Eng. Adeeb Y. Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated: “This syndicated financing is a clear vote of confidence by the market in both the ITFC capabilities and Pakistan’s economic trajectory. It demonstrates the growing trust of our financing partners and ITFC’s steadfast commitment to supporting energy security in Pakistan. Since 2008, our strategic partnership with the Government of Pakistan has resulted in the approval of more than US$8.1 billion in trade finance, reflecting our longstanding commitment to the country’s economic growth. This agreement represents a continuation in that partnership, as we remain dedicated to mobilizing Shari’ah-compliant resources that support Pakistan’s development priorities and strengthen its trade resilience.”
Commenting on the signing, Hon. Dr. Kazim Niaz, Federal Secretary for Economic Affairs, added that “This significant financing from the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) underscores the growing confidence of international capital markets and development partners in Pakistan’s economic trajectory. We are witnessing positive trends in our macroeconomic indicators, reflecting the resilient efforts towards economic recovery and stability. This facility will further bolster our trade capabilities and contribute to sustained growth. Pakistan remains committed to fostering an environment conducive to robust partnerships and enhanced economic cooperation. The Government of Pakistan is grateful for the continuous support extended by the ITFC”.
This latest financing reflects ITFC’s continued efforts to provide impactful, Shari’ah-compliant trade solutions that address the urgent needs of member countries. By supporting Pakistan’s energy sector, the facility contributes to broader goals of economic stability, sustainable development, and enhanced trade integration across the OIC region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
Contact us:
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About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
