Category: MIL-OSI

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Director of the United States (U.S.) Central Intelligence Agency, the CIA

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, the CIA, Mr. John Ratcliffe. The meeting was also attended by Director of the General Intelligence Service, Minister Hassan Rashad.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting touched upon avenues to bolster the strategic relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America. President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt values the long-standing and distinguished relations binding the two nations, which continue to witness ongoing development across various fronts. The President commended the high level of coordination and consultation on regional and international issues of mutual concern. President El-Sisi stressed that Egypt views the United States as a key strategic partner in the political, security, and economic spheres, lauding U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve security, peace, and stability worldwide.

During the meeting, the President reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, reaffirming Egypt’s full support for efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement that resolves the Iranian crisis, thereby contributing to the restoration of regional security and stability and ensuring the freedom of international navigation. President El-Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt’s firm stance in support of the security and sovereignty of Arab countries and its vehement rejection of any aggression against them. The President reiterated the paramount importance of settling regional crises through political and diplomatic tracks and addressing their root causes in a comprehensive manner, so as to preserve the institutions of nation-states and safeguard their territorial integrity and regional sovereignty.

The CIA Director conveyed the greetings of U.S. President Trump to the President, expressing his appreciation for the meeting and underscoring the U.S. administration’s commitment to continuing close cooperation and coordination with Egypt to bolster security and stability in the Middle East. Mr. Ratcliffe lauded Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting efforts aimed at reaching peaceful, comprehensive settlements to regional crises. He pointed out the existing level of cooperation between the CIA and the Egyptian General Intelligence Service in the fields of security, intelligence, counterterrorism, organized crime, and transnational crimes.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed developments regarding the Palestinian cause. President El-Sisi confirmed the critical necessity of the full implementation of the second phase of the U.S. President’s plan aimed at consolidating the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The President also commended the efforts exerted by the mediators to reach a roadmap that guarantees the execution of this phase. President El-Sisi underscored the fundamentals of the Egyptian position, primarily the imperative of consolidating the ceasefire, protecting civilians, and ensuring adequate and unfettered access of humanitarian aid into the Strip. This is in addition to creating the appropriate conditions for the resumption of the political process toward a fair and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the two-state solution. For his part, Mr. Ratcliffe commended Egypt’s pivotal role in achieving the Gaza ceasefire agreement and Cairo’s ongoing efforts to advance the peace process and promote regional stability.

The meeting also tackled the Sudanese crisis. President El-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s steadfast position in support of Sudan’s unity, stability, and the preservation of its legitimate national institutions. The President emphasized that Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity represent non-negotiable principles. President El-Sisi also highlighted Egypt’s active and constructive engagement across various international and regional frameworks addressing the Sudanese crisis, aimed at bringing an end to the war, alleviating human suffering, and supporting the political settlement track.

The talks also covered developments in the Horn of Africa. President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s full support for efforts exerted to reinforce security and stability in Somalia, as well as its categorical rejection of any infringement upon its sovereignty or territorial integrity.

The CIA Director expressed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s active role in fostering security and stability across the African continent. He emphasized the importance of sustained coordination and consultation between the relevant authorities of both Egypt and the U.S.s, particularly with regard to the Sudanese crisis, the situation in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, and international maritime security. This cooperation aims to bolster efforts to address security and geopolitical challenges, terrorist organizations, and organized crime, as well as enhance the exchange of visions, assessments, and intelligence on various regional and international developments impacting the region’s security and stability.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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PSC Chairperson ushers in era of Public Service Commission Act

Source: Government of South Africa

PSC Chairperson ushers in era of Public Service Commission Act

Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Professor Somadoda Fikeni, has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s assent to the Public Service Commission Bill, which strengthens the Commission’s role in promoting effective and efficient public administration and professional ethics in the public service.

The bill is now known as the Public Service Commission Act. It is aimed, among other things, at strengthening the Commission’s independence as a constitutional institution and extending its mandate to include local government and public entities.

During a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Fikeni highlighted the importance of the PSC, noting that a weak public service and administration will – even in the face of good policies – lead to “governance failures; it leads to poor service delivery, it allows for crime and corruption to thrive.”

“It makes investment difficult; the economy doesn’t grow; it makes the country vulnerable to the world, because the close to 1.9 million public servants are the ones on the ground, and the Public Service Commission is that institution…which is there as an oversight body, which is there to ensure effective and efficient public administration.

“It is for that reason that we celebrate, finally, that Public Service Commission, like other Chapter 9 institutions…will have its own independent secretariat. All along, it was dependent on a secretariat which was created as a government department, and now it will finally be an institution that is independent,” the Chairperson said.

A major provision of the Act expands the PSC’s mandate to cover local government, state-owned companies and state entities, while also empowering it to conduct investigations on its own accord.

“The genius in that is that most of these entities, the shareholder is just a Minister, and the person who signs and appoints the Chairperson and the members of the board or council is generally the Minister. Yes, in some instances you may have some process.

“So, when you say there is some governance failure, the Minister investigates; you are saying the Minister investigates the people they appointed. But this time, PSC is empowered to have its own accord investigation without having to depend on the shareholder.

“But of course, we will work with all the institutions concerned, we’ll do the stakeholder engagement, we will work, we’ve been consulting with SALGA [South African Local Government Association], we’ve been consulting with the Minister of local government and the department itself,” Fikeni said.

A new approach

Fikeni acknowledged a period of decline, adding that the reforms now underway represent a course correction.

“[At] some point, the country seemed to drop the ball. Hence, the patrimonial system comes up: patronage, where loyalty instead of capability, instead of competence, became the measuring stick for who to appoint, where the political-administrative interface became murky. Hence, we had concepts such as state capture and corruption on an industrial scale

“But now, in the season we’re in, it’s where you have started seeing a number of reforms coming in. Professionalisation framework, which was approved by cabinet in October 2022. You now have the Public Administration Management Act. You now have the Public Service Amendment Act. You now have the work towards whistleblower protection, which is underway. You now have the white paper on local government.

“So that whole basket is an effort to redeem ourselves, to move away from the detour we’ve taken back into the highway where we ought to make sure that the state and the public service can serve our people. And it is not only able to solve the problems as we have seen them, but also to anticipate the new key driving forces that will shape the public service of the future,” Fikeni noted.

The PSC will now embark on an implementation plan for the Act under the following parameters:

  • The Act provides for a phased-in approach to this confirmed mandate. In phase one, the Commission’s confirmed mandate over municipalities and public entities/enterprises is pended for a 12-month period. This will allow the Commission time to implement certain operational requirements in anticipation of the mandate. The Act furthermore provides that the full implementation of this confirmed mandate must be completed within three years after the expiry of the initial 12-month pended period.
  • For PSC employees, the new Act ensures continuity, protection and fairness throughout the transition. All current PSC employees automatically become employees of the new Secretariat, with no break in service or interruption to employment. A joint employer-union task team will be established to assist with the placement of employees as part of the consultation processes for the PSC Secretariat migration of staff and function shift.
  • Existing collective agreements and performance agreements will continue to apply as if concluded under the new system. Importantly, employees retain the right to opt out of moving to the Secretariat within 30 days, and those who choose not to move are safeguarded, with their salaries and conditions preserved until they are placed elsewhere in the public service or seconded to the Commission. A joint task team of employer and union representatives will oversee the migration process, while the PSC Bargaining Forum remains recognised as the collective bargaining structure.
  • The expansion of the PSC’s mandate to municipalities and public entities/enterprises will be phased in over 12 months, ensuring gradual and well-resourced implementation. In essence, no employee will lose their job, salary, benefits, union rights or continuity of service because of this transition, which has been designed to guarantee a smooth and protected transfer with full consultation and safeguards.

“Let’s just try to focus on working together on how we make sure that the issues of statecraft, issues of accountability, and the oversight ecosystem are in place.

“We will now be given 12 months to start consulting, to start helping with unfolding, to meet with treasury, to say we have costed this particular Act. We need resources now to make it happen. But if there are no resources, it’s a Rolls-Royce without an engine,” Fikeni concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Burkina Faso : Suivi de la campagne agropastorale 2026-2027 : la production fourragère, une réponse à la pression foncière

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Ministre d’État, Ministre de l’Agriculture, de l’Eau, des Ressources animales et halieutiques, le Camarade Commandant Ismaël SOMBIÉ, a poursuivi, ce 16 septembre 2026, le suivi de la campagne agropastorale 2026-2027 dans la région du Nakambé. Il s’est rendu au périmètre fourrager de Zangoula, situé dans la zone pastorale de Doubegué-Tcherbo, pour apprécier les initiatives développées en faveur de l’alimentation du cheptel.

Sur ce site, plus de 18 hectares sont consacrés à la production de fourrage à base notamment de maralfalfa, de niébé fourrager, de brachiaria et de dolique. Grâce à un dispositif d’irrigation, la production attendue est estimée à environ 1 000 tonnes de fourrage.

Pour le Ministre d’État, cette expérience apporte une réponse concrète aux contraintes auxquelles fait face l’élevage, notamment la pression croissante sur les espaces pastoraux. Il a salué l’engagement des producteurs et les a encouragés à poursuivre leurs efforts pour développer des systèmes d’élevage plus intensifs, mieux adaptés à la réduction des espaces disponibles.

« Face à la pression foncière, nous devons adapter nos modes de production. Il faut progressivement privilégier l’élevage intensif, qui permet de produire davantage sur des superficies maîtrisées, notamment grâce à une meilleure disponibilité de l’alimentation animale », a-t-il souligné.

Le Ministre d’État a également insisté sur la nécessité de renforcer l’encadrement technique des producteurs, notamment en matière de couverture vaccinale du cheptel. L’amélioration de l’alimentation animale, la prévention des maladies et un meilleur suivi sanitaire constituent, selon lui, des leviers essentiels pour accroître la productivité et consolider durablement l’élevage.

À travers le développement des périmètres fourragers, le Gouvernement entend ainsi favoriser une production régulière d’aliments pour le bétail, réduire la pression sur les pâturages naturels et accompagner la transformation des systèmes d’élevage.

Distribué par APO Group pour Ministère de l’Agriculture, de l’Eau, des Ressources Animales et Halieutiques – Burkina Faso.

Media files

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Houthi Attacks on Riyadh

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | September 20, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest possible terms the Houthi group’s targeting of Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a ballistic missile, as well as its attempted targeting of civilians and civilian assets in the cities of Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that such attacks amount to a reprehensible hostile act and an unacceptable underestimation of civilian lives, as well as a flagrant violation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and an unequivocal breach of the rules-based international order.

The Ministry underlines the State of Qatar’s vehement rejection of assaults on civilians and civilian assets, underscoring the importance of halting these irresponsible actions immediately.

The Ministry also reiterates the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all legitimate measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and interests. It affirms that the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an integral part of Qatar’s security and the collective security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

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McKenzie conveys condolences following death of SABC sports presenter Owen Ndlovu

Source: Government of South Africa

McKenzie conveys condolences following death of SABC sports presenter Owen Ndlovu

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed deep sadness following the death of Owen Ndlovu, the former SABC sports presenter and music industry figure.

The 54-year-old was found dead in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, after he was reportedly hijacked and kidnapped in Katlehong the previous evening.

Ndlovu was a familiar voice and face to South African sports audiences during his years with the SABC. He remained active in the country’s creative industries through Michael Owen Production and his advocacy for local musicians and their rights, including his work with Artists United.

“Owen Ndlovu gave many years of his life to South African sport and South African music, informing and entertaining our people and standing up for the rights of our artists. His death, under circumstances no family should ever have to endure, is a profound loss to our broadcasting and creative sectors,” McKenzie said in a statement on Saturday.

The Minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to Ndlovu’s wife, family, friends and colleagues. In line with the family’s request through their spokesperson, he appealed to members of the public and the media to exercise sensitivity and respect the family’s privacy.

McKenzie expressed his full support for the South African Police Service investigation and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Kenya: Keeping Kismayo’s Seaport Clean, One Community at a Time

Source: APO

A clean and healthy environment depends on shared responsibility. At Kismayo Seaport, that responsibility brought together security personnel and port workers in a collective effort to improve sanitation, protect the coastal environment and promote safer working conditions.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), alongside Somali Security Forces (SSF) and port workers, conducted a joint clean-up exercise at the Seaport Tactical Operating Base (TOB) and its surrounding areas.

The exercise involved collecting and disposing of accumulated litter and other waste, clearing unwanted vegetation and cleaning designated areas within and around the port. Through the coordinated effort, participants helped restore a cleaner, safer and more orderly environment for personnel and communities using the facility.

Beyond the physical clean-up, the activity provided an opportunity for AUSSOM personnel to sensitise port workers on the importance of proper waste management, environmental hygiene and the protection of marine ecosystems. Particular emphasis was placed on preventing waste from reaching the shoreline and surrounding waters, where it can negatively affect the coastal environment.

The engagement also strengthened cooperation among AUSSOM personnel, Somali Security Forces and port workers. Working alongside one another demonstrated how collective action can address shared challenges while fostering mutual responsibility for the facilities and environment upon which communities depend.

Similar clean-up activities are expected to be conducted periodically to sustain the gains achieved and encourage responsible waste-management practices among stakeholders operating within the seaport.

For KDF personnel serving under AUSSOM, such engagements complement the broader mission of promoting peace and stability by strengthening relationships with local communities and supporting conditions that enhance their well-being.

By keeping Kismayo Seaport clean, security personnel and port workers are not only improving their immediate working environment but also protecting an important maritime facility and reinforcing a culture of shared responsibility for Somalia’s coastal environment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Media files

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President extends Madlanga Commission’s final report deadline

Source: Government of South Africa

President extends Madlanga Commission’s final report deadline

President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted the Madlanga Commission a final extension to submit its final report.

The new deadline has been moved from 16 November 2026 to 25 January 2027.

“The new deadline allows the Commission to process additional evidence, including the testimony of various experts who have made recommendations relating to the Commission’s terms of reference.

“President Ramaphosa once again expresses his deepest appreciation for the work conducted by the Commission as well as for the manner in which law enforcement agencies are following up on testimony emerging from Commission hearings,” the Presidency said in a short statement.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels welcomed the final extension of the Commission’s deadline.

“This extension to 25 January 2027 will allow the Commission to hear outstanding testimony and write the Final Report,” Michaels said.

The Commission has submitted two interim reports to the President so far.

The President established the commission to investigate the alleged infiltration of South Africa’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies, prosecution service, the judiciary, and correctional services. – SAnews.gov.za

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McKenzie pays tribute to race driver Robert Wolk

Source: Government of South Africa

McKenzie pays tribute to race driver Robert Wolk

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has paid tribute to race driver Robert Wolk following his death.

In a statement issued on Saturday, McKenzie said he had learnt with shock and sadness that the 41-year-old had been shot and killed in an alleged road-rage incident in Kempton Park, Gauteng, on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.

“Robert Wolk was a champion in every sense of the word: a driver who competed at the highest level for South Africa across multiple disciplines in motorsport. That his life was cut short in an act of senseless violence, on our roads, is a tragedy that should trouble every South African. Our sportspeople should be able to travel our roads in safety, as should everyone else,” McKenzie said.

Wolk was one of South Africa’s most accomplished motorsport competitors, with a career spanning nearly three decades. He was the SA Formula Volkswagen champion in 2013, Formula 1600 champion in 2015, back-to-back SA GTC champion in 2021 and 2022, and SA Touring Cars champion in 2024.

Earlier this year, Wolk claimed his second Simola Hillclimb “King of the Hill” title.

McKenzie said Wolk had represented South Africa with distinction, earning both Junior and Senior Protea Colours for motorsport.

McKenzie conveyed his condolences to Wolk’s family, friends and the broader motorsport community, and expressed support for the South African Police Service investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wolk’s death. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Waste to Energy: Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Advances Sustainable Waste Management Through Innovation

Source: APO – Report:

Effective waste management is increasingly becoming an important part of building clean, efficient and sustainable military installations.

Through Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is developing practical solutions that transform waste from a disposal challenge into a valuable source of energy and reusable resources.

At Water Camp Cantonment, Defence National Security Industries (DNSI), under the leadership of Director General Major General Faustino Lobaly, is implementing the Defence Headquarters Camp Administration Unit (DHQ CAU) Integrated Solid Waste Management System (ISWMS). The initiative is transforming how waste is collected, processed and recovered within the installation.

Central to the system is a waste-to-energy model that integrates biogas production, recycling and resource recovery. Food waste generated from the messes is channelled into a modern biogas plant, where it is processed to produce renewable energy. The resulting biogas is compressed and stored for use at the DHQ CAU Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess, turning everyday organic waste into a practical source of energy.

The project also incorporates a paper and plastic baler for processing non-biodegradable waste. By compacting recyclable materials, the equipment improves waste segregation and handling, facilitates recycling and reduces the volume of waste requiring final disposal.

Technical collaboration between DNSI and the Numerical Machining Complex (NMC) has further enhanced the system’s efficiency and reliability. NMC has supported the restoration of the biogas supply, rerouting of pipelines and improvement of slurry preparation. Backup shredders have also been incorporated to strengthen the processing of biodegradable waste and sustain continuity of operations.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the system’s development. Plans to integrate smart waste bins and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled monitoring of the biogas digester will provide improved oversight of waste collection and processing. Automated baling systems are also expected to enhance efficiency in handling recyclable materials.

Beyond renewable energy generation, the process produces bioslurry, a nutrient-rich by-product that can be utilised as organic fertiliser. This creates a circular system in which waste generated within the installation is progressively converted into energy, recyclable materials and agricultural inputs.

The ISWMS at Water Camp demonstrates the practical application of RSTI in addressing everyday operational and environmental challenges within military establishments. It also illustrates how locally driven innovation can contribute to resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and reduced dependence on conventional energy and waste-disposal systems.

By turning waste into value, KDF is advancing a more sustainable approach to managing its installations while strengthening energy efficiency and institutional self-reliance. The initiative provides a practical model that can inform the development of similar waste-management solutions across other KDF establishments.

– on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

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Mabe condemns violence against women

Source: Government of South Africa

Mabe condemns violence against women

Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe has strongly condemned the continuing violence against women following the discovery of several women’s bodies in and around Kempton Park and other parts of Ekurhuleni.

The Deputy Minister’s remarks came after police discovered the body of a ninth woman on Thursday, 17 September 2026, in Dawn Park, Boksburg. This followed the discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.

“The responsibility for ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cannot be placed on women by constantly telling them where they should or should not go. We must confront the perpetrators and the conditions that allow violence against women to continue. Men must become active partners in challenging harmful behaviour, reporting abuse and protecting the dignity and safety of women and children,” the Deputy Minister said in a statement on Saturday.

She said the incidents represent a devastating attack on women’s rights to life, dignity and freedom of movement.

Mabe noted that the recent killing of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, a mother and member of the running community, along with the discovery of other women’s bodies in the area, has caused widespread fear, anger and grief.

“No woman should fear that going for a run, walking to work, being at home in her safe space, going to a mall, moving through her community or simply going on a date could cost her life. Women have the right to participate in sport, exercise outdoors and occupy public spaces without fear of being attacked or killed,” the Deputy Minister said.

She extended her heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all the women whose lives have been taken by GBVF.

The Deputy Minister said she stands in solidarity with the running community; civil society organisations, non-profit organisations and non-governmental organisations working in the justice, gender and women’s rights, and GBVF sectors; residents of Ekurhuleni; and the broader public demanding justice and safer communities for women.

Mabe welcomed the prioritisation of investigations by law-enforcement authorities and called for all necessary resources to be deployed to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and bring those responsible to justice.

She encouraged communities to share any information that may assist the police.

“We cannot become accustomed to the killing of women. Every victim has a name, a family, dreams and a future. Their lives matter. Justice must be pursued without fear or favour, and our collective response must demonstrate that there is no place for violence against women in South Africa,” Mabe said. –SAnews.gov.za

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