Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

Across the Middle East and North Africa, discriminatory family laws deny women and girls equal rights in marriage, divorce, inheritance, and guardianship.

Members of the Hurra Coalition (http://Hurra-Coalition.net), comprising 13 feminist and human rights organisations from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), convened their annual meeting in Istanbul to assess progress in their joint campaigns and strategies for comprehensive family law reform. The discussions focused on the Coalition’s three key pillars: ending child marriage, ensuring women’s financial rights, and securing mothers’ rights to custody and guardianship after divorce.

As one of the Coalition’s founding members and its elected secretariat, Equality Now (http://EqualityNow.org) reaffirmed its call on governments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to take concrete and urgent steps to end discriminatory family laws undermining women’s and girls’ rights to equality and justice.

In her opening remarks, Dr Dima Dabbous, Equality Now’s Regional Representative for MENA, emphasised: “This gathering is a critical moment to renew our shared commitment to reform laws that entrench discrimination against women. Together, we are building a united civil front that insists on equality, justice, and full citizenship for women and girls across the Arab world.”

Child marriage – changing minds alongside changing laws

Hurra Coalition members highlighted child marriage as one of the most harmful manifestations of gender discrimination, depriving girls of education, safety, and dignity.

Hala Abdelkader, Executive Director of the Egyptian Foundation for Family Development (http://apo-opa.co/4r065xe), presented the organisation’s national campaign against child marriage in rural communities surrounding Greater Cairo. Through interactive workshops targeting families and local leaders, the initiative has helped shift perceptions, with Abdelkader noting that “Communities are beginning to recognise child marriage as a form of violence and discrimination, not as a social custom.”

In Palestine, Sama Aweida, Director of the Women’s Studies Centre (http://apo-opa.co/485jdcR), shared the outcomes of their national campaign on ending child marriage conducted across Nablus, Jerusalem, and Hebron. Since 2023, the campaign has engaged over 250 workshops and dialogues with community members and school students on the dangers of child marriage. She warned, “Judicial exceptions that allow child marriages under legal pretexts remain a dangerous loophole that must be closed.”

Houda Mouqer, Project Coordinator at Mains Libres (http://apo-opa.co/43W0X36) Organisation in Morocco, presented the campaign led by the organisation to abolish the exceptions related to the legal age of marriage in the proposed amendments to the  Moudawana or Family Code. She noted that several dialogue meetings were organised with civil society organisations and parliamentary groups, saying:

“We call for the complete abolition of this exception and for raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 for everyone, without any exceptions, in line with international conventions.”

Meanwhile, Gulshan Sijlam, Director of Basme International (http://apo-opa.co/4p3FWeZ) Group in Lebanon, highlighted the institution’s role in national advocacy to implement suspended legal decrees such as Decision No. 62 of 2020 from Sunni Sharia courts, which sets a minimum marriage age of 18 for the Sunni sect.

Strengthening women’s financial rights across the Arab region

The discussions also focused on women’s persistent legal and procedural barriers in securing their financial rights after divorce or the death of their husbands, including maintenance, shared property division, and fair compensation.

Ghinwa Chinder, Campaigns Manager of the Lebanese Council to Resist Violence Against Women (http://apo-opa.co/4oDYeno) explained how women often endure “long and costly legal battles” to obtain alimony or a share of jointly acquired assets, urging for systemic legal reform and stronger enforcement.

In Tunisia, Samia Melki Fessi, Director General of Kadirat (http://apo-opa.co/4oBUZgk), presented findings from a high-level consultation on gaps in the enforcement of joint property division laws, calling for amendments to guarantee equality between spouses.

From Kurdistan, Iraq, Lara Maarouf of ASUDA (http://apo-opa.co/4qSog7S) discussed efforts to reactivate the alimony fund for divorced women and explore new collaboration frameworks to ensure sustainable support mechanisms.

In Palestine, Faten Nabhan of the Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling (http://apo-opa.co/488L8bU) discussed the practical challenges of raising awareness on the issue of marital property division. The centre has carried out digital awareness campaigns and specialised training for lawyers on providing legal aid to women in such cases, stressing the need to simplify legal procedures and ensure the effective implementation of rulings so women can access justice.

In this context, legal expert Nasser Al Rayes presented an extensive study on alimony rights in the Arab world, identifying legislative gaps and enforcement challenges. He emphasised that achieving economic justice for women requires “a comprehensive legal and social approach.”

From Bahrain, legal and Sharia expert Zahra Saleh Ibrahim presented the results of a study on applying the principle of “Kadd and S‘aya” (or toil and effort), which recognises women’s contribution to family income even in the absence of formal contracts. She explained how the study rooted this principle in Sunni and Jaafari Shiite jurisprudence and discussed the challenges women face in accessing justice based on real-life experiences.

Reforming family law and child custody rights in MENA countries

Coalition members also discussed the ongoing challenges surrounding child custody, emphasising the need for laws that prioritise the best interests of the child and protect mothers’ rights.

Rabha Fathy, President of the Association for Egyptian Female Lawyers (http://apo-opa.co/4qSZaph), highlighted the ongoing legal campaign supporting women with disabilities and their rights to custody and alimony, while advocating for amendments in Egypt’s current Family Law draft that address their specific needs.

From Algeria, Nadia Ait Zai, Executive Director of the Centre for Information and Documentation on the Rights of Children and Women (http://apo-opa.co/4qTwz3p), emphasised that “Work is ongoing to advocate for the repeal of Paragraph 1 of Article 66 of the Family Code, which deprives a wife of her right to custody if she remarries after divorce.”

Badriya Al Marzouq, Head of the Family Law Unit at the Bahraini Women’s Union (http://apo-opa.co/4qW1Jam), noted that the Union has submitted a proposal to Bahrain’s Parliament to amend specific articles of the Personal Status Law. While awaiting review in the current session, the Union is preparing a new set of amendments, including those related to custody, to be presented once the current proposals are approved.

Building a youth movement in MENA for women’s equal rights. 

The Hurra Coalition is committed to creating space for integrating young people across the Arab region, training them in legal and media advocacy, and helping them build regional networks with other organisations.

Six young women from Egypt and Jordan participated in this year’s meeting. Rahaf Al Obaidat from the Darbna Network (http://apo-opa.co/4qUozip) for Young Women in Jordan stated: “Being among a group of organisations working on women’s rights from various Arab countries is an important and inspiring opportunity that allows me to approach gender equality from a broader perspective. I no longer see it only as a national issue within my country’s borders, but as part of a larger human struggle in which we all have a role.”

A shared path toward just and equal laws for women and girls

Concluding the meeting, Naglaa Sarhan, Equality Now MENA Legal Adviser and Hurra Coalition Coordinator, emphasised that the Coalition’s true strength lies in “its diversity of experiences and its unified goal, reforming family laws across the Arab region based on equality and justice.” The Coalition’s member organisations reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination, knowledge sharing, and the launch of new regional initiatives to advance legal and social justice for women and girls.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.

For media inquiries, including interview requests, please contact:
Zeina Khalil,
Regional Communications Adviser,
Equality Now Middle East and North Africa,
zkhalil@equalitynow.org

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Source: APO

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• MSF teams are treating people who have fled horror in El Fasher, Sudan, and are arriving malnourished in Tawila.
• The malnutrition crisis in Sudan is not limited to El Fasher, with MSF teams also treating people in Blue Nile and Khartoum states.
• The warring parties must grant humanitarians safe and unimpeded access to people at risk of malnutrition.

As starved people continue trying to flee atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are providing urgent care to those who have reached the town of Tawila. Here, MSF is witnessing extreme levels of acute malnutrition, in what is now the most severe example of the malnutrition crisis that has gripped Sudan since the start of the war.

For months, MSF teams in Tawila have been treating malnutrition among patients who fled El Fasher, but malnutrition rates are now staggering. Among children under the age of five who reached Tawila between 27 October, when RSF seized control of El Fasher, and 3 November, over 70% were acutely malnourished, with 35% suffering from severe acute malnutrition. At the same time, 60% of the 1,130 adults MSF screened were acutely malnourished, 37% of whom were severely acutely malnourished. Malnutrition rates are even higher among pregnant and breastfeeding women.

MSF’s findings corroborate fears that famine has devastated people in El Fasher, which was besieged for more than 500 days. They also correspond with the recently released IPC report that found famine in El Fasher and in Kadugli.

Survivors arriving in Tawila have described to MSF teams how life had become unbearable in El Fasher. People report having had no access to food, as community kitchens shut down, humanitarian aid was blocked, and markets were shelled and depleted. In September, seven kilograms of millet cost SDG 500,000 (US$208) and one kilogram of sugar was SDG 130,000 (US$54).

In desperation, people were left with no choice but to turn animal feed into human food.

“We were so hungry we began eating ambaz (animal feed),” says a displaced woman in North Darfur. “At first it was free, then we had to buy it for SDG 20,000 per 1.5 kilograms (US$8), rising to SDG 50,000 (US$20) in June.”

Those trying to bring food into El Fasher were shot by the RSF. Dozens of those who survived managed to make it to Tawila, where they were treated by MSF. 

“My cousin disappeared in June while trying for the first time to bring food, and since then we have had no news,” says a woman who fled El Fasher in October. “At the exit of El Fasher, they faced RSF fighters on motorcycles who shot at them.”

MSF fears many people in and around El Fasher remain stranded, held for ransom, and unable to escape. The RSF and its allies must halt mass atrocities and provide safe passage for the survivors to flee.

People’s struggles are far from over once they reach Tawila. Since the start of the year, half of the 6,500 pregnant women MSF has seen for prenatal care were acutely malnourished, 15% with severe malnutrition and 35% with moderate malnutrition. This puts their children at serious risk of being born underweight or malnourished.

Beyond El Fasher, MSF teams across Sudan have seen a widespread deterioration in children’s nutrition status in recent months. The crisis is being fuelled by overlapping factors, including inadequate food, disease, insecurity, lack of livelihoods, and unsafe living conditions.

“Right across Sudan there is more that can be done to reduce the suffering caused by malnutrition,” says Myriam Laaroussi, MSF emergency coordinator. “We call on all warring parties to allow humanitarian organisations safe and unimpeded access to increase services and help reduce this crisis.”

Displacement, either for people moving within Sudan or from other countries, also plays a significant role in driving malnutrition. In Blue Nile state, eastern Sudan, the arrival of Sudanese returnees from South Sudan since June has pushed fragile resources to their limits.

Thousands of families live in makeshift camps with little access to clean water, food or hygiene services, leading to an ongoing outbreak of cholera and a surge of preventable deaths among children. Between July and September, MSF treated 1,950 severely malnourished children at the Damazin teaching hospital; 100 children died, many from combined cholera and acute malnutrition.                                                                                                                                        

Even when people can return home after being displaced, they often face significant challenges in finding or affording food or accessing services such as medical care. In Khartoum state, malnutrition has worsened since June, as more than 700,000 returnees have moved back into war-torn neighbourhoods with limited access to water and healthcare. 

Al-Buluk hospital in Omdurman, in Khartoum state, admitted 351 malnourished patients in September, while Al-Banjadeed hospital in Khartoum city found 46 per cent of children screened during consultations to be malnourished. The humanitarian response in Khartoum is still far below people’s needs, with few organisations present and major gaps in both emergency aid and longer-term recovery efforts.

What’s more, the true scale of the crisis is likely far worse than reported. Without warring parties granting safe and unimpeded access to people at risk, combined with increased funding and humanitarian support from international organisations, more children will be vulnerable to Sudan’s protracted malnutrition crisis.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

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Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA), has joined the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum – taking place November 21 in Johannesburg – as a speaker. Connecting global finance with African energy projects, the forum will chart new pathways for strengthening the continent’s energy value chain. Kragha’s participation underscores the growing emphasis on downstream development as a catalyst for industrialization and is expected to support dialogue around Africa’s path towards energy security.

Increasing investments in Africa’s downstream sector has emerged as a top priority for many nations. The continent’s refined product demand is set to rise from 4 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 to 6 million bpd by 2050, driven by population growth and increased economic activity. Gasoline consumption is projected to reach 2.2 million bpd by 2050, diesel consumption will rise 50% and jet fuel and kerosene is expected to expand 65%, reaching 465,000 bpd during the same timeframe. To meet anticipated demand growth, the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook highlights that $20 billion in investment in downstream infrastructure is required by 2050. The G20 Forum will serve as a bridge between global capital and African downstream projects.

Recent months have seen a series of milestones achieved across Africa’s downstream sector, with advancements in refining and pipeline projects supporting regional distribution. Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery is advancing towards full operational capacity following the start of operations in 2024. The 650,000-bpd refinery is Africa’s largest facility and is assessing expansion plans which would double output to 1.4 million bpd. Angola inaugurated the Cabinda oil refinery in 2025, introducing 30,000 bpd to the market. The country is also seeking investment to support the development of the 200,000 bpd Lobito facility while pursuing the construction of a 100,000-bpd facility in Soyo. Senegal is exploring the development of a second refinery – paired with a petrochemical plant – at its Société Africaine de Raffinage facility. The project aims to increase capacity from 1.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 5 mtpa. In the Republic of Congo, the Fouta Refinery is on track for production by the end of 2025 with a capacity of 2.5 mtpa, while South Africa has announced plans to rehabilitate the SAPREF facility, with goals to increase capacity from 180,000 bpd to 600,000 bpd once operations resume.

Beyond refining, African states are advancing pipeline projects with a view to increase exports and strengthen regional trade systems. The 1,443-km East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline – connecting Uganda’s Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields with the Port of Tanga in Tanzania – is underway and will start operations in 2026. The $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline is nearing the start of construction, with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Project Company established in October 2025. The pipeline will traverse 13 African countries along the Atlantic coast, connecting Nigerian gas fields with European markets. Agreements have also been signed between the Republic of Congo and Russia for the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Loutete-Maloujou-Trechot oil pipeline and between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea for the development of a joint natural gas pipeline, designed to increase cross-border gas trade. These developments will not only increase regional fuel distribution but lower costs and support economic development across Africa. 

Kragha’s participation comes as African nations rally behind downstream infrastructure development under broader efforts to reduce fuel imports, increase storage and refining capacity and strengthen intra-African supply chains. Platforms such as the upcoming G20 Forum offer a strategic opportunity for African nations to connect with global investors, addressing key challenges across the downstream industry and implementing actionable strategies for improving fuel security. 

“Africa cannot build a secure energy future if it remains dependent on imported fuels. Investing in our downstream sector is how we create real value. By refining our own crude, building local industries and ensuring energy access that supports economic growth, Africa can reduce costs, enhance fuel security and support long-term economic growth,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/4ozitCH).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

During the 15th Annual General Meeting of the AMAN Union, hosted in Jeddah by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org/)—the insurance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group—the Union held a special certificate presentation ceremony to recognize professionals who successfully completed its specialized online training programs. Certificates were presented by Mr. Silvan Said, Managing Director of RISC Institute DMCC, and Mr. Al-Tayeb Abbas Fadlallah, Chairman of the AMAN Union Academy, to Mr. Abderrahim Belkacemi of Dhaman and Mr. Samir Zaky of ICIEC, in acknowledgment of their exemplary dedication to professional development. 

This initiative underscores AMAN Union’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting professional excellence, and fostering continuous knowledge exchange among its member institutions across the OIC region. Through such efforts, the Union continues to invest in developing human capital within the Islamic insurance and export credit ecosystem—ensuring that professionals are equipped with the technical expertise and global competencies required to navigate the evolving demands of the industry. 

As part of its broader strategy to foster sustainable capacity building, AMAN Union, in collaboration with RISC Institute DMCC, launched an online professional development program leading to the Professional Certificate in Insurance (Cert. CII™), a globally recognized qualification awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in the United Kingdom. The program is designed to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals across OIC export credit and investment insurance institutions, integrating both theoretical foundations and practical insights. 

The training pathway comprises three comprehensive modules—Award in General Insurance (W01), Underwriting Essentials (WUE), and Claims Essentials (WCE)—covering critical areas such as risk and insurance fundamentals, underwriting practices, reinsurance, claims handling, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. Upon successful completion, participants earn the Cert. CII™ designation, enhancing their professional credibility and opening new opportunities for international advancement within the insurance and credit guarantee sectors. 

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Mourad Mizouri, Secretary General of the AMAN Union, stated: “At AMAN Union, we believe that the strength of our industry lies in the knowledge and professionalism of our people. Our partnership with RISC Institute reflects our determination to build a skilled, connected, and competitive community of insurance and export credit professionals across our member countries.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

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About AMAN UNION: 
The AMAN Union is a professional forum that brings together insurers and reinsurers covering commercial and non-commercial risks in the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman). The Union was established on October 28, 2009, following a bilateral agreement between Dhaman and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) to unify their efforts in creating a platform that enhances cooperation among insurers and reinsurers operating within their respective member countries. 

Read more at www.AMANUnion.org 

About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC): 
As a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investment by providing credit enhancement and risk mitigation solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world and has been at the forefront of delivering a comprehensive suite of de-risking solutions to support cross-border trade and investment for its 50 Member States. ICIEC has maintained its “Aa3” rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s for 17 consecutive years, positioning the Corporation among the leaders in the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC’s “AA-” rating for the second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting practices, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management framework. Since inception, ICIEC has cumulatively insured over USD 121 billion in trade and investment, supporting key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture in its member states. 

For more information, Visit https://ICIEC.IsDB.org   

Source: APO

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In an innovative move set to revolutionise how people send and spend money across East Africa, Rwanda and Tanzania have commenced bi-lateral discussions on technical modalities to link their national retail payment systems switches.  The move marks a crucial step toward enabling instant, low-cost cross-border money transfers for citizens and businesses across the region.

This landmark initiative, which moved into its technical implementation phase at an ongoing high-level meeting in Kigali, will connect Tanzania’s Instant Payment System (TIPS) with Rwanda’s National Payment Switch (RSWITCH). Once operational, the linkage will allow individuals and businesses in both countries to send and receive money between bank accounts and mobile money wallets seamlessly and in real time.

“This preparatory work marks a pivotal milestone in our regional payment system integration agenda, moving us closer to a single regional instant payment ecosystem that will facilitate secure, affordable, and real-time transactions across borders,” said Eng. Daniel Murenzi, EAC Principal Information Technology Officer.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of the meeting, Mr. Fabian Ladislaus Kasole, Assistant Manager, Oversight and Policy, National Payments Directorate, Bank of Tanzania, reaffirmed the collective commitment. “As a region, we remain committed to establishing a robust technical and operational framework that will ensure the successful interlinking of our national retail payment systems, ultimately enhancing cross-border payment efficiency and financial inclusion across the region.”

The integration of Tanzania’s TIPS and Rwanda’s RSwitch forms the core of a strategic Proof of Concept (POC) pilot. This pilot is designed to demonstrate the technical and operational feasibility of a direct, functional cross-border payment switch within the EAC. This crucial bilateral (Tanzania-Rwanda) model, serves as a pioneering model for future expansion to all EAC Partner States. The initiative serves as a practical and scalable first step, laying the foundational groundwork for the future aspiration of a fully integrated, centralised regional digital payments market.

For the citizens of Rwanda and Tanzania, this integration promises to transform everyday financial interactions. Individuals will be able to transfer funds to family, friends, or businesses across the border directly from their existing bank accounts or mobile money wallets in real-time, eliminating the delays and complexities of current systems. Importantly, by establishing a direct pathway between the national switches, the initiative is projected to significantly lower transaction costs, making cross-border payments more affordable and accessible for everyone.

The economic implications for businesses and traders are equally profound. The ability to make and receive instant, secure payments will greatly enhance trade and commerce, allowing businesses to settle invoices with suppliers and partners seamlessly. This efficiency reduces operational friction and unlocks new opportunities for growth and market expansion within the region.

Furthermore, by leveraging the digital payment platforms that millions already use daily, this initiative represents a major leap forward in financial inclusion. It extends the reach of formal financial services by making cross-border transactions as simple as a domestic transfer, thereby empowering a broader segment of the population, from small-scale merchants to individual consumers, to participate more fully in the regional economy.

The ongoing technical preparations for the interlinking represent the first tangible implementation of the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan and directly support the strategic aspirations of the EAC Heads of State for deeper regional financial integration.

The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), funded by the World Bank and coordinated by the EAC Secretariat, will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan. As a flagship regional initiative, EARDIP is supporting the building of the foundation for a modern and connected regional payment ecosystem by strengthening the linkage of payment systems between Partner States.

The project is also supporting the development of cross-border and local digital networks, ensuring that even rural and remote communities can benefit from faster, safer, and more affordable money transfers. This includes supporting real-time payments, cross-border mobile money services, and instant transactions between banks and financial platforms across the region.

EARDIP is also supporting the harmonisation of policies and standards that guide digital financial services in East Africa. By promoting common rules, shared standards, and strong cybersecurity and data protection systems, the project will ensure that cross-border payments are secure and trusted.

In addition, EARDIP will provide technical support and capacity building to help national institutions strengthen and manage their digital payment systems. Through these efforts, EARDIP will make it easier for citizens and businesses to send and receive money across borders, helping drive regional trade, inclusion, and economic growth.

The 10th – 14th November, 2025 technical meeting in Kigali, Rwanda has brought together representatives from the Central Banks, National Payment Systems, AfrikaNenda, Mojaloop Foundation and the EAC Secretariat. The technical teams are expected to hold a series of meetings to cover various matters, including an interoperability framework to address technical integration and operational designs as well as legal and regulatory alignment, governance and institutional arrangements, economic and business model, and strategic and regional alignment among others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Angola on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the country’s independence.

The Chairperson described the golden jubilee as a moment of pride for all Africans, marking five decades of Angola’s sovereignty, resilience, and remarkable progress. He pays tribute to the courage and unity of the Angolan people, recalling Angola’s historic role in the struggle against apartheid and colonialism, which contributed decisively to the liberation of Southern Africa and the advancement of freedom across the continent.

The Chairperson commended Angola’s unwavering commitment to continental integration and economic transformation, notably its active role in investments in regional infrastructure development and promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

Mr. Youssouf further highlighted the special significance of this milestone as H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, currently serves as Chairperson of the African Union. He lauded President Lourenço’s steadfast leadership in promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region and in supporting dialogue and mediation efforts towards the resolution of the conflict in Sudan.

The African Union Commission reaffirms its solidarity with the Government and people of Angola as they celebrate this historic occasion and look ahead to an even more peaceful, prosperous, and united Africa, guided by the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).