Category: MIL-OSI

The Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave received the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr Gunnar Andrea Holm at Maison Quéau de Quinssy on Tuesday 01st July 2025.

Principal Secretary Fock Tave thanked Ambassador Holm for the work done during his tour of duty, noting that the bilateral cooperation between Seychelles and the Kingdom of Norway has strengthened, namely in the fields of capacity building, climate change and maritime security through EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

They touched on the issue of drug trafficking, whereby Norway is working alongside the UNODC on an information sharing mechanism with the Seychelles to help tackle this scourge.

Plastic pollution was another issue addressed, with Norway being the co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution.

Climate change, tourism and current international and regional issues were among the other topics broached by PS Fock Tave and Ambassador Holm during his farewell call.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Download logo

The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has learned with shock about the brutal assassination of Mr Mpho Mafole, the City of Ekurhuleni’s group divisional head of corporate and forensic audits.

According to media reports, the 47-year-old was gunned down on Monday while driving along the R23 in Esselen Park. Police reportedly discovered Mr Mafole’s body inside his vehicle, riddled with gunshot wounds.

Mr Mafole, who was appointed to the position only three months ago, brought with him an impressive track record of public service, including 14 years in the Office of the Auditor-General of South Africa. He was tasked with uncovering financial irregularities and promoting transparency in the City of Ekurhuleni, one of the country’s largest municipalities.

Committee Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize said the nature of Mr Mafole’s work underscored the often-dangerous responsibilities undertaken by those at the forefront of rooting out corruption in our public institutions. “The committee condemns this cowardly and violent act as this not only threatens the lives of dedicated public servants but also seeks to intimidate and hinder efforts to build clean and accountable governance, particularly in our municipalities where systemic failures persist,” said the Chairperson.

Dr Mkhize said this tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen the protection of whistleblowers and anti-corruption officials. “Reforms to safeguard those who speak out and act against corruption must urgently be expedited.” He said municipalities, and the rest of government, must uphold the highest standards of financial oversight and integrity.

The Chairperson also noted that this tragedy comes as the committee prepares for the start of extensive oversight visits across provinces to demand accountability from municipalities following the latest dismal municipal audit outcomes. “The committee will continue to exercise its oversight mandate, working with all spheres of government to ensure that those who risk their lives in service of public accountability are protected and that the rot that enables criminality is eradicated,” he said.

“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr Mafole’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. We urge law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.”

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

Download logo

His Excellency Mr. Gunnar Andreas Holm, Ambassador of Norway to the Republic of Seychelles, paid a farewell courtesy call to President Wavel Ramkalawan on Tuesday afternoon, marking the conclusion of his distinguished three-year diplomatic tenure.

During the meeting, President Ramkalawan expressed his profound appreciation for the robust bilateral relationship between Norway and Seychelles that has flourished under Ambassador Holm’s stewardship. The President commended His Excellency for his unwavering dedication and exemplary commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations through the exploration of diverse avenues of cooperation.

“We are deeply grateful for your exceptional service and effort to deepen our partnership with Norway,” President Ramkalawan remarked. “Your dedication has been instrumental in advancing our shared interests and mutual values.”

The farewell meeting provided a valuable opportunity for both parties to reflect upon the key areas of cooperation that have characterized the Norway-Seychelles partnership during Ambassador Holm’s tenure. These collaborative initiatives have encompassed the blue economy, maritime security and sustainability, climate change mitigation, and environmental protection – sectors that remain at the forefront of joint efforts between the two nations, reflecting their unwavering commitment to sustainable development and ocean conservation.

In a gesture of enduring friendship, His Excellency Holm extended a gracious invitation to President Ramkalawan to undertake an official visit to Norway, further reinforcing the strong diplomatic bonds between the two countries. President Ramkalawan concluded the meeting by extending his best wishes to Ambassador Holm for success in his future endeavours and expressing confidence that the solid foundation established during his tenure will continue to yield mutual benefits for both nations.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Chrystol Chetty, Honorary Consul for Norway, Ms. Wendy Isnard, Director General for Bilateral Affairs, and Mr. James Caprin, Desk Officer for Bilateral Affairs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Download logo

Alain Rusuku, Country Director, IRC Chad, said:

“Following concerns expressed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) about the spread of the unprecedented Cholera epidemic in Sudan to neighbouring countries, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is launching prevention efforts, including raising awareness amongst vulnerable communities of how to prevent the spread of disease, to prepare for a possible cholera outbreak. With the rainy season approaching in Chad, health teams warn that the risk of an epidemic is increasing. We know how quickly flooding can overwhelm sanitation systems and create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of cholera. We’re working closely with communities to raise awareness and reduce risks before the disease reaches eastern Chad. This includes surveillance at the borders and awareness-raising in the camps, where the IRC is actively involved, alongside coordination with the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and partners to strengthen overall response preparedness.”

In Sudan, which is now the largest displacement crisis in the world, the epidemic saw a dramatic resurgence at the end of May, with more than 82,000 cases and over 2,100 deaths reported across the country, with Khartoum, South Darfur and East Darfur showing increasing trends. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Download logo

As part of its series of dedicated youth consultations, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General – Political, Stephanie Koury, held an online consultation on Sunday with fifty-seven young men and women from across the country to discuss their ideas on the next steps in the political process. 

All participants were encouraged to complete the online poll [link] and share it with their friends and families to ensure all community voices are heard by the Mission while designing the roadmap. 

A primary concern highlighted by participants was the volatile security situation and the need to prioritize stability to create an environment conducive to political progress. They further stressed the need for a clear and realistic roadmap with a mechanism for including those who are marginalized or have previously been excluded from the political process, and decision-making. 

“Inclusion should not be symbolic, it should be built into every part of government,” said one participant, adding, “we cannot build a lasting peace while regions, tribes and communities are under-represented or excluded.” 

Participants also flagged the importance of tackling the worsening economic situation, noting a degradation of services and the lack of transparency in managing public resources.  They further stressed the need to integrate a security dimension in the economic approach to provide youth with viable alternatives.  

“We must integrate young people who have joined armed groups back into society and state institutions,” said one participant. “We have to provide them with better economic opportunities.” 

In May, UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s Report which outlines four proposed options to move the political process forward: 

1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously; 

2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution; 

3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or 

4. Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.  

The different options presented by the Advisory Committee were broadly appreciated by the participants, with participants conveying different preferences. Participants also highlighted that working on the constitution was crucial to the process – some said that should come first, others after a parliamentary election. While several expressed support for option 4, some  also raised concerns that any dialogue forum created through option 4 would become permanent. In this regard, they emphasized the need for guarantees to prevent repeating past mistakes and put the country on a path of real change. 

Participants also criticized UNSMIL for not putting forward a roadmap at the UN Security Council briefing on 24 June, saying that they did not want to wait any longer.    

DSRSG Koury explained that the SRSG will be presenting the roadmap to the Security Council in her briefing in August, stating that we are moving forward as soon as possible but that the Mission also wanted all Libyans to participate in developing the upcoming roadmap.  

“It is important that sufficient consensus is built on a way forward and this includes through consultations like this, which we will be holding more of over the next month, to ensure that we reach as many people as possible. This process is about the Libyan people and for the Libyan people,” Koury said.   

DSRSG Koury further explained that Libya is not under chapter 7 in relation to the political process, but only for arms embargo and assets freeze, and thus, our role is to support and facilitate a Libyan led political process that addresses the Libyan people’s needs and aspirations.  

Further youth consultations will be taking place throughout July with more information available here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Download logo

On Wednesday at around 7.30 a.m., an African Union helicopter operated by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent crash-landed just before touching down at the Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu, while enroute from the Baledogle military airbase.

Three of the eight passengers on board were immediately rescued and rushed to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Level II hospital in Mogadishu for medical attention.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway to retrieve the remaining crew and passengers.

Meanwhile, aviation authorities have commenced investigations to establish the cause of the accident.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies welcomes Natangwe Paulus Ithete, Namibia’s newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialization, Mines and Energy, as a featured speaker at this year’s edition, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Minister Ithete’s confirmation comes at a defining moment for Namibia’s energy sector, as the country accelerates large-scale investments in hydrocarbons, renewables and industrial infrastructure.

Appointed in March 2025 as part of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new administration, Minister Ithete steps into his role amid a surge of high-impact activity across Namibia’s energy landscape. The country has captured international attention following a string of offshore oil discoveries by Shell, TotalEnergies and Galp, positioning Namibia as one of the world’s most promising new petroleum frontiers. Since Minister Ithete took office, momentum has only accelerated: TotalEnergies is expected to submit a development plan for its giant Venus discovery by July 2025, targeting a final investment decision next year for what could become Namibia’s first major offshore oil development. Galp confirmed a significant light oil find at its Mopane-3X well in February, while Rhino Resources struck oil at the Capricornus-1X well in April. Chevron is advancing plans to drill a new exploration well in the Walvis Basin, and Namibia is expanding licensing opportunities through its open-door system introduced last year. These developments are backed by government efforts to streamline fiscal terms, de-risk investment and solidify Namibia’s position as one of the most dynamic and closely watched frontiers in global oil and gas.

In parallel, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up renewable energy and positioning Namibia as a green hydrogen hub for the region. The $10-billion Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, which aims to produce green ammonia for export from the Tsau //Khaeb National Park, is progressing steadily, backed by international partners including the EU and Germany. Namibia’s renewables strategy has also attracted global developers to solar and wind projects across the country, contributing to regional energy security and industrial expansion.

Minister Ithete has moved swiftly to align policy with these opportunities. In his first few months in office, he outlined the government’s intention to streamline regulatory processes, accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen fiscal and legal frameworks for investment. Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference in April, he emphasized the importance of building an enabling environment for energy companies, while ensuring that Namibians benefit meaningfully from the country’s natural resource wealth.

These priorities are reinforced by Namibia’s broader industrialization agenda. In May, Minister Ithete introduced a NAD 637.5 million budget to support industrial growth and renewable energy expansion. The funding targets the development of value-added industries, energy infrastructure and technical capacity across key sectors, forming part of a longer-term strategy to move beyond resource extraction and into domestic processing and export-led industrialization.

“Namibia’s transformation from a frontier market to a serious energy and industrial contender has been nothing short of remarkable,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The appointment of Minister Natangwe Ithete reflects a strong political commitment to getting the fundamentals right – from regulatory clarity to infrastructure and local content. His leadership brings new energy to Namibia’s vision for growth, and we look forward to welcoming him at AEW 2025.”

With a growing number of bilateral and commercial partnerships underway – including recent cooperation talks with China on energy and industrial development – Namibia is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most dynamic energy investment destinations. The country is pursuing a holistic approach that leverages its oil and gas potential, renewable resources and strategic geographic location to become a regional supply hub and industrial center.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.