Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner at Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons, underscored the importance of regional collaboration as Africa’s new wave of producers enter the global energy stage during the Angola Oil & Gas 2025 Conference and Exhibition last week. Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Kornelia Shilunga, Presidential Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President, Shino highlighted how lesson learned by Angola over the last 50 years can support Namibia’s journey as an emerging energy producer.
“Today, as independent nations, we stand together once again, this time not on the battlefield of liberation, but on the frontier of energy development,” said Shino. “Just as Angola celebrates its 50 years of independence with hard-earned pride, Namibia is preparing to celebrate its own journey of sovereignty and energy development.”
Angola’s half-century of oil production offers critical lessons for emerging producers like Namibia, where significant offshore discoveries have positioned the country on the cusp of transformation. Yet, Shino emphasized that hydrocarbons alone cannot guarantee inclusive development. “The policies we adopt, the partnerships we foster and the strategies we pursue will determine whether our resources become a blessing for all or a missed opportunity,” she stated.
Namibia and Angola share not only borders but also geological similarities in their offshore basins. This provides a natural foundation for closer cooperation in areas such as policy alignment, skills transfer, enterprise development and regional integration.
According to Shino, “Namibia can learn from Angola’s decades of experience in designing fiscal regimes, local content legislation and governance structures. Angolan institutions, universities and training centers can partner with Namibia to train engineers, geoscientists and technicians. Namibian SMEs can collaborate with established Angolan suppliers to integrate into the regional supply chain. By aligning infrastructure, ports, pipelines and power networks, we can build a more integrated and resilient energy market.”
Local content remains at the heart of Namibia’s petroleum strategy. Shino stressed that revenues from oil and gas must circulate within the economy to empower people, businesses and institutions rather than flow outward. “Our vision is to ensure that the wealth generated from petroleum resources does not leave behind only rigs and memories, but rather lasting development and prosperity.”
By strengthening Angola-Namibia collaboration, both countries stand to drive, not only the development of their oil, gas and energy resources, but the development of their broader economies.
Leading operators active in Angola reaffirmed their commitment to driving Angola’s next phase of exploration and production during an ENSA-sponsored panel discussion at the Angola Oil & Gas 2025 Conference and Exhibition last week. Representatives from ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Chevron, Sonangol and Cabship highlighted how the last 50 years of industry success has laid the foundation for Angola’s next phase of growth.
With a proven track record in delivering major offshore projects in Angola, ExxonMobil continues to invest heavily in exploration projects in the country. The company has made forays into frontier basins such as Namibe and is also reinvesting in producing assets with a view to maximize resources.
“ExxonMobil has produced more than 2.5 billion barrels and developed a capable workforce of over 200 people. After 30 plus years, we are still committed to many more years in Angola. ExxonMobil signed a license extension for Block 15 in 2025. These extensions enable further exploration. We also invested in Namibe last year, which is still an evaluation in progress,” stated Katrina Fisher, Country Manager, ExxonMobil Angola
With a rich history in Angola, TotalEnergies also reaffirmed its commitment investing in Angola’s oil future. The company enhanced its production capacity in Angola in 2025, with two major projects adding 60,000 bpd to the market. Looking ahead, the company will continue to bolster production, leveraging its history to deliver new projects.
“Angola has not only progressed in developing and producing offshore projects but made the [global] oil and gas industry progress. TotalEnergies has accompanied the country through this move with a pioneering spirit. I am sure that this will continue,” stated Martin Deffontaines, Country Manager, TotalEnergies E&P Angola.
Meanwhile, Sonangol continues to advance onshore and offshore developments, seeking to support national production goals while consolidating its position as an upstream driver.
Edson Pongolola, Director of Planning & Management Control, Sonangol, stated that “As a company, Sonangol – built by the government – has a mission to drive the goals of Angola. Sonangol has been growing and is exposing itself to various sectors across the country. Using Sonangol as a vehicle for the growth of other sectors in Angola, the government has been promoting economic development.”
For Chevron, a strategic focus for the company’s future investments in Angola is natural gas. The company has been at the forefront of Angola’s natural gas development strategy, with offshore projects providing vital feedstock for the country’s Angola LNG project.
According to Frank Cassulo, Managing Director, Southern Africa Strategic Business Unit, Chevron, “We continue to think of a future where gas can help us transition and grow the economy. Angola LNG is almost at maximum capacity and we continue to look at opportunities to deliver that gas reliably.”
Celebrating 16 years of operations in 2025, Cabship continues to strengthen Angola’s logistics sector with a view to support upstream and downstream projects. The company has expanded its infrastructure portfolio in recent years, secured contracts with major operators and is working to introduce an offshore diving and offshore support company in the Cabinda Special Economic Zone.
João Filipe, Chairman & CEO of Cabship, highlighted the company’s capacity as a strong local partner for operators. He said: “We manage oil and gas units in Malongo. From this base, we expanded in Soyo and we also came to Luanda where we do work for SONILS and Azule Energy. Last week, we signed a new contract with Angola LNG. We have been trying to give value to the logistics ecosystem. We want to build strong relationships.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
The Global Mercy™ (www.MercyShips.org), the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, has officially launched her third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone, with the successful surgery of its very first patient, 40-year-old kekeh driver Mohamed. This pivotal moment represents the beginning of a mission dedicated to providing hope and healing while strengthening the nation’s anesthetic and surgical systems.
For more than five years, Mohamed endured the daily pain of a hernia while navigating Freetown’s bustling streets to provide for his wife and four children. Despite the relentless discomfort, fear of complications kept him from seeking surgery.
Unlike in high-income countries, hernias often remain untreated in Sierra Leone. A population-based survey (https://apo-opa.co/464vE81) found a hernia prevalence of 7.7% among adult males, among the highest recorded globally.
When Mohamed heard that the Global Mercy was once again docked in Freetown, he found the courage to register. On August 29, after a thorough medical screening, he was cleared for surgery, marking the official start of this new season of service.
Shortly before, the field service was formally inaugurated with a Partner Welcome Event on board the Global Mercy. Government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, churches, nonprofit organizations, and private sector representatives gathered to celebrate this new chapter. The event reflected on past achievements while setting a hopeful vision for the work ahead.
Vice president Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh was visibly moved as he reflected on the impact of Mercy Ships’ work:
“We have seen Mercy Ships providing clinical services to children who were then able to reintegrate into the school system and their communities. This is a service that restores hope and dignity to patients who regain their eyesight, and importantly, supports countries like Sierra Leone that are working to strengthen their healthcare workforce.”
The floating hospital has been fully prepared for the start of surgeries, and the entire hospital community gave thanks for this momentous beginning.
“This milestone marks also a powerful testament to the dedication of our incredible hospital volunteers, whose commitment makes our mission possible every day,” said Dr. Steven Purdon, newly appointed Hospital Director.
Before Mohamed’s surgery, volunteer surgeon Dr. John Zwiacher (USA) arrived in Freetown to join the international team of medical professionals serving on board. Having volunteered with Mercy Ships nine times, Dr. Zwiacher emphasized the strength of the mission.
“We’ve all come here from every corner of the world; Canada, USA, UK, Sweden, and so many others. No matter our language or background, we share the same purpose; to provide surgery and care for patients.”
Mohamed’s one-hour surgery on board the Global Mercy successfully removed his hernia. For Mohamed, this was a major hallmark in his life. This surgery not only removed this physical ailment, but restored dignity, relief, and hope for his family’s future.
“This surgery is going to have a huge impact,” said Dr. Zwiacher. “It allows Mohamed to return to work without pain.”
With Mohamed’s surgery complete, the Global Mercy has made an impactful start to her field service and looks forward to welcoming many more patients on board.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.
ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.
Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal.
Thirty Libyan journalists, media professors, students and fact checkers joined a UNSMIL-backed online training session Thursday to sharpen their skills in digital research and verification, as part of wider efforts to strengthen the country’s media sector against the spread of false information.
“These tools don’t do the work for me,” she said. “They just help me. It remains essential for us to check a picture or a news story ourselves before presenting it to the public.”
Concern about the manipulation or fabrication of information, images, audio and video is rising as more people exclusively get their news from social media and the use of artificial intelligence becomes more widespread, Kesrouani said, citing a study published by the Pew Research Center, which found people perceived misinformation on the Internet as a top global threat, second only to climate change.
“Manipulating photos or video — whether by changing context or altering content with artificial intelligence — has become common during wars and natural disasters,” Kesrouani said. “Sometimes even the largest media outlets have used pictures in the wrong context.”
Digital research and fact-checking training is essential for Libyan media professionals, participants said, because of an abundance of rumours, manipulation and a lack of transparency in local media, limited access to original sources, and quickly changing dynamics. They also expressed concern about the impact spreading misinformation and disinformation online on the security situation, by potentially deepening divisions or inciting conflict.
Mahmoud Mukhtar, a fact checker from Tripoli who participated in the training, said he is finding it increasingly difficult to differentiate between authentic content and that created or manipulated using artificial intelligence or other techniques.
“It’s becoming really hard to tell, even for someone who has worked with Photoshop, who knows how AI operates and has had fact-checking training,” he said. “Even using AI to detect AI use is limited in its efficacy.”
Participants, in a post-training survey, said the skills they learnt, such as tips to cross check sources, verify source credibility and spot bias, would help strengthen their work.
“I feel more confident in detecting misinformation after this session because I learnt step-by-step methods to check content,” said Suad Kashlout, a journalist from Zliten. “I now know how to identify red flags more effectively.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Brad Cooper at Al-Ittihadiya Palace.
The meeting was attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production General Abdel Mageed Saqr. From the US side, US Ambassador to Egypt Herro Mustafa, Senior Defense Official at the U.S. Embassy and Defense Attaché Colonel Jason Wimberly and Senior Advisor to the USCENTCOM Commander Gabrielle Lamport attended the meeting.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the CENTCOM Commander conveyed the greetings of US President Donald Trump to President El-Sisi, which the President appreciated, praising the deep historical relations between the two countries.
The meeting reaffirmed the strategic nature of Egyptian-American relations. President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of the “Bright Star 2025” military exercises as a continuation of the close security and defense cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting also covered ways to enhance and develop the bilateral partnership across various fields in a manner that serves the interests of both the Egyptian and American peoples, in addition to supporting joint coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
There was agreement on the necessity of continuing close coordination between Egypt and the United States to contain the escalation in the Middle East and enhance efforts to maintain security, peace and stability, in light of the current security challenges.
Discussions also addressed developments in the Gaza Strip. President El-Sisi stressed the importance of the mediation undertaken by Egypt, the United States and Qatar to reach an immediate ceasefire, ensure the release of hostages and captives, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip.
President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s continued intensive efforts to achieve calm and reduce tensions in a sustainable manner, so as to revive the political process and lead to lasting and just peace in the Middle East.
The meeting also addressed developments in several countries in the region. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation and coordination between Egypt and the United States to contain regional escalation and support effective and sustainable political solutions to existing crises, therefore contributing to achieving development and prosperity for the region’s peoples.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on BRICS nations to take the lead in strengthening multilateralism and reshaping global trade to better serve developing economies.
Speaking at the virtual Extraordinary BRICS Leaders’ Meeting convened by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday, President Ramaphosa said the world was undergoing “seismic shifts” in trade and geopolitics that carried both opportunities and risks.
The extraordinary meeting was held to discuss current global geopolitical and economic issues that affect the state of the world and its multilateral system.
“We are witnessing seismic shifts in global trade that present both challenges and opportunities in the re-ordering of the global economy.
“There is a shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world. This moment is marked by intensifying global competition and growing geopolitical tensions,” President Ramaphosa told BRICS leaders.
He warned that unilateral tariff actions were creating an “increasingly protectionist environment” that posed “great hardships and danger for the countries of the Global South.”
“The uncertainty of the new trading regime has already negatively affected employment levels in my own country South Africa and is an obstacle to our economic growth.
“We are therefore supportive of meaningful BRICS initiatives that improve the resilience of our economies as BRICS countries and those of the Global South and also strengthen the global multilateral system,” he said.
President Ramaphosa also urged BRICS to strengthen trade partnerships with Africa, Asia, the Gulf, the Americas and Europe while supporting reform of multilateral institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN).
“South Africa remains firm that the multilateral trading system with the WTO and the United Nations at their core must be preserved until all member states are able to reach their developmental goals,” he said.
The President stressed Africa’s potential in the global economy, saying: “Our vision is of Africa that is the beating heart of global trade engaging the world not as a mere exporter of raw materials, but as a creator of value, a connector of regions and a catalyst for shared prosperity.”
He reaffirmed South Africa’s support for WTO reforms, noting that developing economies remain locked into the lower end of global value chains.
On the global stage, President Ramaphosa called for urgent reform of the United Nations to ensure it is “inclusive, representative and fit for purpose,” adding that BRICS should play a critical role in strengthening the multilateral system.
Turning to ongoing conflicts, the President reiterated South Africa’s backing for peace efforts in Gaza.
“That is why South Africa supports the call by Brazil for a ceasefire in Gaza, a two-state solution and self-determination for the Palestinian people,” he said.
He also announced that under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the country had launched an Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality, chaired by Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz. The committee will deliver the first-ever G20 report on global inequality, its impact, and solutions for leaders.
Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa said BRICS should move “from crisis management to strategic action” by finalising and implementing the BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2030.
“For South Africa, a BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy that contains a meaningful way forward on addressing the imbalanced structure of BRICS trade would send a clear message to the world that all BRICS members are committed to mutually beneficial trade that addresses the needs and interests of all its members,” he said.
He urged BRICS to show leadership through cooperation and consensus.
“Let us demonstrate how consensus is built through negotiation and not through coercion. Compromise and trade-offs are the foundation of mutually beneficial outcomes that tangibly improve the lives of our citizens,” he said.
President Ramaphosa concluded his statement by calling for unity among BRICS nations.
“Let us undertake all these important actions together, in a spirit of partnership and solidarity,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Diane Le Gouvello, Postdoctoral fellow, Nelson Mandela University
All sea turtle species are threatened worldwide. They migrate long distances in the oceans – often thousands of kilometres – and so fall under multiple countries’ laws and conservation targets. They also have a complex life cycle with changes in habitats and diet at different life stages. These things make it difficult to protect them from threats like illegal harvesting, fisheries bycatch, coastal development, diseases and pollution.
Although they predictably return to the same nesting grounds on beaches where they were born, and the movements of adults have been well studied (mostly using satellite tracking), very little is known about their early life. Once newly hatched turtles enter the sea and disperse, they are gone for several years, also known as the “lost years”.
Recently emerged sea turtle hatchling.Diane le Gouvello, Author provided (no reuse)
It’s hard to track hatchlings because they are small (just a few centimetres long), many die, and the survivors grow fast (so tracking devices don’t stay on). But knowing more about where they go during these “lost years” would help conservation scientists to improve their chances of survival and thus ensure recruitment and population viability.
Computer models are valuable tools for predicting the distribution of organisms in the oceans. The Sea Turtle Active Movement Model, for example, has been used to suggest how young turtles might disperse in the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans – not only drifting in currents but actively swimming to their preferred habitats. The two most important factors are water temperature and food availability.
I was part of a team of scientists in South Africa who worked with the creators of that model to set up a similar one for the western Indian Ocean turtles. These are the species that nest on the eastern coast of the African continent and offshore islands.
We knew something about the surface currents in the Indian Ocean, the sea temperatures, the tiny hatchlings’ swimming speed, their starting points, what food they might need to find, and their growth rate. All this could be combined in the model to calculate where they might be at different points in time. The model produced maps predicting the distribution of dispersal for each species of sea turtle in the western Indian Ocean.
We found that ocean currents were the most important driver of dispersal, as hatchlings’ swimming abilities are limited during the first year. Swimming becomes more important as the young turtles grow.
Young turtles don’t stay inside marine protected areas all the time. The maps we created can be used to show where and when they might be most vulnerable and which areas of the ocean are most important to protect.
Indian Ocean turtles
We chose to model the sea turtles of the western Indian Ocean for a few reasons. There are five species that nest here; all the countries on this coastline and offshore islands have turtle conservation and monitoring programmes; and the ocean currents are complex.
The five species are green turtles (Chelonia mydas); hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata); loggerheads (Caretta caretta); leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea); and olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea, which nest in smaller numbers and have not been included in our model). We had already studied their hatchling fitness, including their different swimming speeds, which was information the model would need.
Loggerhead female sea turtle coming ashore to nest.Diane le Gouvello, Author provided (no reuse)
The protected areas include South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The turtle rookery there is about 200km long and has been monitored since 1963.
Our model also incorporated a high resolution ocean model of the Mozambique Channel, a very turbulent and dynamic oceanic region. It mostly flows southward, but eddies also send surface water in all directions. At the western end of the channel’s Agulhas Current, the Agulhas Rings also transport water into the South Atlantic Ocean, connecting the two ocean basins and a potential route for young turtles.
Water temperature matters too. Sea turtles do not regulate their own body temperature and the newly hatched turtles are less tolerant of temperature changes than adults are, but vary depending on the species. Temperature is more important for their survival than food is (their food requirements are easily met during the first year, as they are so small).
The model uses data on surface ocean currents and primary productivity (as a proxy for food availability). For each nesting site and species, we “released” 5,000 “virtual hatchlings” over a one-month period of peak hatching. The daily location of each virtual hatchling was recorded over one year. The model simulated young turtle dispersal and thereby estimated their potential distribution at an individual level. We then analysed this to predict their dispersal corridors at the population level.
Where young turtles go
Green turtle dispersal pathways from Aldabra. Colours indicate the number of days since release.Diane le Gouvello, Author provided (no reuse)
The study revealed that the young turtles mostly go from their hatching site to a particular developmental area (the place where they develop for the first years) even though these are sometimes very far apart. Dispersal is mostly driven by ocean currents (during the first year) but differs among species. When they are older, currents are less important in their dispersal, and they start to actively swim towards favourable ocean areas.
There were three distinct dispersal corridors: among equatorial Indian Ocean islands (hawksbills); along east Africa (green turtles); and around southern Africa (loggerheads and leatherbacks).
Turtle dispersal pathways and corridors.Diane le Gouvello, Author provided (no reuse)
The study allowed us to predict and map where critical dispersal habitats might be for four species nesting in this ocean region. It’s the first study to provide a regional-scale estimate of the dispersal pathways and corridors used by young turtles (individually and as populations), which are usually lacking in conservation assessments.
The results can also assist to develop more targeted management measures for conservation managers and policy makers, which will enhance the protection afforded to each of these threatened migratory species. The UN’s new high seas treaty will be instrumental in extending these actions into areas beyond national jurisdiction.
– Baby turtles vanish into the Indian Ocean for years: now a model shows where they might go – https://theconversation.com/baby-turtles-vanish-into-the-indian-ocean-for-years-now-a-model-shows-where-they-might-go-261576
In April 2011, Ethiopia began construction of Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), on the Blue Nile river. The dam is expected to generate more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity, effectively transforming Ethiopia into the continent’s largest power exporter.
The dam affects 11 countries, two downstream and nine upstream.
Addis Ababa completed construction of the US$4 billion-plus project in July 2025, mainly with funds sourced from Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora, with an official launch on 9 September 2025. John Mukum Mbaku, who has researched the governance of the Nile’s waters, explains the dam’s potential for Ethiopia – and the controversies that have dogged it.
What are the simmering tensions around the official launch of the dam?
The dispute over the allocation and use of the Nile waters has been going on for many years. This has been exacerbated by climate change, and increased demand for food and water from growing populations.
The 11 countries that share the waters of the Nile have competing development priorities too. These states include Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya.
Egypt and Sudan lie downstream. They receive the river’s waters only after it has passed through the nine upstream states.
Initially, the downstream states, particularly Egypt, opposed the construction of the dam, arguing that it was a threat to their water rights.
However, Ethiopia powered ahead with construction. Egypt and Sudan then shifted negotiations to securing an agreement for filling and operating the dam.
The two downstream states had suggested that filling the dam should take about 12 to 21 years in order to protect their water supply. For domestic and political reasons, Addis Ababa prefered a shorter filling period. In addition, Egypt and Sudan argued that filling the reservoir without a legally binding agreement would disregard their interests and rights.
Egypt and Sudan’s political and diplomatic efforts highlight what they say is the illegality of unilaterally operating the dam without a binding agreement. Despite the intervention of the African Union and the US government, as well as appeals by Egypt to the UN Security Council, the three countries haven’t been able to secure a deal.
The location of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.Created with Datawrapper
Part of the reason is that Egypt has insisted that any negotiations on water allocation begin with the rights granted to it under its 1959 Nile Waters Treaty with Sudan.
Under this agreement, Egypt was granted 66% of the Nile’s estimated average annual water flow of 84 billion cubic metres. Sudan got 22%. The treaty ignores upstream countries’ legal claims to Nile waters, since 10 billion cubic metres were reserved for seepage and evaporation. Ethiopia’s highlands, for instance, supply more than 86% of the water that flows into the Nile River.
Egypt continues to argue that Ethiopia’s dam is a threat to its water security and that, if necessary, it will take measures to protect what it refers to as its “historical rights” to Nile waters.
Egypt relies on the Nile for more than 90% of its fresh water supplies. The country’s water needs have risen as its population has grown and its economy has expanded significantly.
However, Egypt and Sudan’s insistence on keeping their historical water shares cannot be considered equitable and reasonable. Additionally, Cairo doesn’t appear to be prioritising a water-use approach that acknowledges the legal claims of upstream states to the Nile’s waters.
Instead of improving and updating its water infrastructure, minimising wasteful irrigation practices and generally improving water use, Egypt has focused on grandiose mega projects that are putting significant stress on the region’s scarce water resources.
The legal framework regulating the allocation of the Nile’s waters has been dominated by colonial-era agreements. These have been embraced by the two downstream states, Sudan and Egypt, but contested by the nine upstream ones.
The 1959 treaty augmented the water allocations granted to Egypt and Sudan by the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Treaty. These treaties also granted Egypt veto power over any construction projects on the Nile or its tributaries.
The terms of these treaties, however, are only possible if the nine upstream riparian states don’t access or utilise any water from the Nile and its tributaries.
Most importantly, they make the water rights of the other Nile countries dependent on Egypt and Sudan’s goodwill.
Ethiopia and other upstream states have long argued that they were not parties to the colonial-era treaties and are, therefore, not bound by them.
What international principles guide water use across borders?
International legal scholars have noted that the 1959 Nile Treaty stands in sharp contrast to these principles. It disregards the sovereign rights of other riparian countries to their fair share of the Nile, and interferes with their development.
What does the dam promise for Ethiopians?
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a symbol of national unity and pride. It is significant that construction was undertaken without reliance on financing from external actors, such as international financial institutions or major industrial countries.
First, the electricity would provide a reliable source of energy for rural industrialisation, reducing deforestation by eliminating the need for households to cut down trees for firewood.
Second, it would reduce the pollution associated with burning wood, dung and other forms of biomass for cooking and other activities.
Third, it would improve access to education, effectively providing light that enhances the ability of pupils to complete homework assignments and study at night. During hot seasons, the electricity generated could be used to cool classrooms, improving learning outcomes.
Finally, higher electricity output would boost internet connectivity in rural areas in Ethiopia, effectively boosting access to the outside world.
– Ethiopia’s mega dam has taken 14 years to build: what it means for the Nile’s 11 river states and why it’s so controversial – https://theconversation.com/ethiopias-mega-dam-has-taken-14-years-to-build-what-it-means-for-the-niles-11-river-states-and-why-its-so-controversial-264665
The final of the ECOMIG Inter-Agency Football Tournament was held on Saturday, 6th of September 2025, at the Mini Stadium in West Serekunda, The Gambia. After several weeks of intense competition, the ECOMIG team won the trophy, confirming its team spirit and resilience.
The final rankings placed ECOMIG in first place, followed by the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) in second place and the Gambian Police Force (GPF) in third place. Gambia Radio and Television (GRTS) received the fair play award.
In their speeches, military officials praised the spirit of discipline, cooperation and fraternity shown by all the teams, highlighting the role of sport as a tool for bringing institutions closer together and promoting cohesion.
ECOMIG’s victory marks a new milestone in its community and inter-institutional engagement in The Gambia, where football is establishing itself as a vehicle for unity and solidarity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the role of diplomacy in advancing national development as Uganda’s Heads of Mission gathered on the third day of the Annual Ambassadors’ Conference at Gulu University.
Convened under the theme “Strengthening the Foreign Service’s Contribution to National Development”, the meeting has provided a platform for reviewing the performance of Missions abroad and aligning them with the country’s broader economic and political agenda.
In his opening address, Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended Uganda’s envoys for their resilience and dedication in representing the country under increasingly complex global conditions. He emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing transformation, describing the conference as a moment of renewal in both spirit and method. Noting recent additional funding provided to Missions by the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Bagiire stressed that effective teamwork, strong leadership, and clear delegation are critical if Uganda’s diplomatic service is to translate national priorities into measurable outcomes.
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, who attended, reinforced this call for results. While welcoming the Permanent Secretary’s proposals to enhance resourcing of Missions, she stressed that future support must be tied to clear and tangible outcomes. Recalling H.E. the President’s guidance, she urged the Envoys to reflect on substantive contributions, embrace accountability, and rise to the expectations of leadership. Her remarks delivered with characteristic humor—nonetheless carried a serious message of urgency for improved performance and visible impact.
Ms. Nakyobe also presided over the launch of three key policy instruments: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Strategic Plan IV, the Client Charter, and the Service Delivery Standards. She described these as essential tools to ensure that Uganda’s diplomacy delivers efficiently, upholds professionalism, and enhances accountability both to government and to citizens. She placed particular emphasis on consular services, urging ambassadors to remain accessible, responsive, and committed to protecting Ugandan nationals abroad.
The conference also highlighted the intersection between diplomacy and security, representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Inspector General Emeritus of Police, Rtd Gen. Kale Kayihura delivered reflections on the nexus between the Military and Diplomacy. Drawing on personal experience from past regional tensions, he underscored how diplomacy and defence are mutually reinforcing in safeguarding peace and stability. He emphasized that modern diplomats must appreciate the security environments in which they operate, just as the military must recognize the value of diplomacy in preventing and resolving conflict.
Discussions throughout the day reaffirmed economic diplomacy as a cornerstone of Uganda’s foreign policy. Envoys were reminded of their responsibility to attract foreign investment, open new markets for Ugandan exports, and facilitate the transfer of technology and skills. Strategic partnerships in science, innovation, and regional integration were identified as essential to Uganda’s long-term growth.
Closing the day’s deliberations, the Permanent Secretary reiterated that diplomacy is no longer defined solely by political representation, but by its ability to deliver concrete benefits investments mobilized, jobs created, and Uganda’s image strengthened globally. As the conference moves toward its conclusion, the message from Gulu is clear: Uganda’s foreign service must be measured not only by its presence but by its performance.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
