Category: MIL-OSI

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Eight Arab and Islamic countries condemn Israel’s repeated violations of the historical and legal status quo at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, particularly the ongoing incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha , April 23, 2026

The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt condemned the repeated violations of the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites by Israeli occupation authorities, particularly the continued incursions by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers into Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif under Israeli police protection, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards.

The Ministers reiterated that these provocative actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and represent an unacceptable provocation to Muslims around the world, and a flagrant violation to the sanctity of the holy city. They reaffirmed their categorical rejection of any attempts to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, and stressed on its preservation while recognizing the special role of the historic Hashemite custodianship in this regard.

The Ministers reiterated that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al Haram Sharif, which amounts to 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, and that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the legal entity with exclusive jurisdiction to administer the affairs of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif and to regulate entry thereto.

The Ministers further condemned the accelerating illegal settlement activity, including Israel’s decision to approve over 30 new settlements, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, including United Nations Security Council resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

The Ministers also condemned the continued and escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including recent attacks on Palestinian schools and children, and called for those responsible to be held accountable. They emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They categorically rejected any attempts to annex the Occupied Palestinian Territory or to displace the Palestinian people.

The Ministers stressed that such actions constitute a deliberate and direct attack on the viability of the Palestinian State and on the implementation of the two-State solution, increase tensions, undermine peace efforts, and hinder ongoing initiatives aimed at de-escalation and the restoration of stability.

The Ministers reiterated their call for the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities and compel Israel to halt its dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank, and to put an end to its illegal practices.

The Ministers called upon the international community to assume its responsibilities and take clear and decisive steps to halt these violations. They also called on the international community to intensify all regional and international efforts to advance a political solution that achieves a comprehensive peace based on the two-State solution.

The Ministers reiterated their unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination and to realize the independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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Cabo Verde – Cerimónia de acolhimento dos novos Agentes de 2ª Classe, recém colocados no Comando Regional do Sal e de imposição de patentes a efetivos da Polícia Nacional

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Administração Interna, Paulo Rocha, presidiu nesta segunda-feira, dia 20 de abril, a cerimónia de acolhimento dos novos Agentes de 2ª Classe, recém colocados na ilha do Sal, e que coincidiu com a cerimónia de imposição de patentes aos atuais Subchefes Principais e Agentes Principais que agora transitaram para o posto de Subchefe Coordenador e de Agente Coordenador, respetivamente.

Dos 201 novos Agentes de 2ª Classe da Polícia Nacional que foram nomeados por despacho do Ministro da Administração Interna, publicado em Boletim Oficial no passado dia 13 de abril, 51 foram agora colocados no Comando Regional do Sal.

Na mesma ocasião, procedeu-se também à imposição de patentes a 1 Subchefe Principal que agora transitou para o posto de Subchefe Coordenador e de 13 Agentes Principais que agora transitaram para o posto de Agente Coordenador.

Recorde-se que esta promoção, que ocorre por via de transição na carreira por antiguidade, decorre da recente alteração ao Estatuto do Pessoal Policial da Polícia Nacional, que estabeleceu o alargamento da carreira policial, prevendo a criação de dois novos postos, um na carreira de agente e outro na carreira de subchefe.

Com a implementação desta medida, e conforme despacho publicado no Boletim Oficial no passado dia 13 de abril, a nível nacional operou-se a transição de 243 efetivos, dos quais:

  • 38 Subchefes Principais, para o posto de Subchefe Coordenador;
  • 205 Agentes Principais, para o posto de Agente Coordenador.

Durante a sua intervenção, o Ministro Paulo Rocha explicou que o reforço do contingente visa dar resposta às necessidades de uma ilha em constante crescimento. Segundo o Governante, o desenvolvimento contínuo da região, impulsionado pelo aumento substancial do turismo e da atividade económica, justifica este forte investimento. O objetivo central é aumentar a visibilidade e reforçar a prontidão operacional para garantir a ordem pública. Sublinhou ainda que o investimento no capital humano é fundamental para dar continuidade ao combate à criminalidade e, neste sentido, para reforçar a segurança e o sentimento de bem-estar da população.

Por sua vez, o Diretor Nacional da Polícia Nacional, Superintendente-Geral Jorge Humberto Andrade enalteceu o compromisso dos novos agentes e o mérito dos promovidos, sublinhando o impacto positivo deste contingente na capacidade operacional da força. Dirigindo-se aos novos efetivos, recordou que a disciplina é o pilar de uma instituição com mais de um século de história, defendendo que “ser polícia é muito mais do que vestir uma farda”. Concluiu, assegurando que a corporação manterá o foco no respeito mútuo e na total responsabilidade dos seus membros perante as obrigações policiais.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Algeria eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

Source: APO


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The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Algeria as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 10th country in WHO’s African Region and the 29th country globally to achieve this significant milestone.

Affecting the eye, trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, Globally, the disease remains endemic in 30 countries and is responsible for the blindness or visual impairment of about 1.9 million people. According to latest figures, 97 million people live in trachoma endemic areas and are at risk of trachoma blindness. The disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing, or flies. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the inner part of the upper eyelid, turning eyelashes inward to scratch the eyeball: a painful condition known as trachomatous trichiasis that can lead to visual impairment and blindness.

“Algeria’s elimination of trachoma is a historic triumph that connects the past, present, and future of public health, and is rooted in a century-long commitment,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This milestone proves that with sustained political will and on-the-ground leadership from committed health professionals, we can eliminate neglected tropical diseases and build a healthier, more resilient future for all.”

Algeria’s fight against trachoma dates back to the early 20th century with the establishment of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria in 1909. After independence, Algerian physicians, led by Prof Mohamed Aouchiche, took charge of this work. Their efforts were strengthened by the creation of a national public healthcare system that began to provide services free of charge to patients in 1974.

For decades, Algeria implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma. These activities included provision of surgery to treat the late blinding stage of the disease (“trachomatous trichiasis”, TT), conducting mass administration of antibiotic treatment, carrying out public awareness campaigns to promote facial cleanliness and personal hygiene as well as improvement in access to water supply and sanitation.

To accelerate trachoma elimination, Algeria implemented a three-year strategy in 2013–2015 and established a National Expert Committee. The focus was on eliminating trachoma in 12 southern wilayas (provinces), including Adrar, Laghouat, Biskra, Béchar, Tamanrasset, Ouargla, El Bayadh, Illizi, Tindouf, El Oued, Naama, and Ghardaïa, where the disease remained a public health problem.

WHO-compliant surveys conducted in 2022 confirmed that the elimination threshold for active trachoma was achieved in all areas and the TT threshold was achieved in all but three areas. In those three areas, full geographic coverage with door-to-door screening and management of TT cases was subsequently carried out to ensure TT elimination was attained.

In December 2025, the Ministry of Health of Algeria compiled and submitted a dossier in which evidence was provided that the country meets the criteria set by WHO for elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. The existence of a well-functioning school health system, a health information system, broad access to water and sanitation, and extensive coverage of specialized eye care throughout the country are notable strengths, as they provide assurance for the post-validation period in the country.

“Trachoma devastates individuals and communities profoundly, with blindness or visual impairment causing painful economic and livelihood loss. The milestone by Algeria is a major achievement that transforms the health and well-being of children, women and entire families and demonstrates that eliminating neglected tropical diseases is possible with consistent and coordinated efforts,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

WHO recommends that surveillance continues even after validation of the elimination, with the aim of closely monitoring populations in which trachoma was previously endemic to ensure there is no resurgence. WHO is currently supporting Algeria’s health authorities in this endeavour.

“WHO’s validation marks the culmination of sustained efforts, exemplary multisectoral coordination, and enduring commitment. It attests to our country’s capacity to meet the most rigorous public health standards – standards grounded in prevention, equitable access to care, and the improvement of living conditions,” said Professor Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, Minister of Health. “This achievement represents a collective victory – the fruit of nearly fifty years of national mobilization – and underscores the Algerian State’s unwavering commitment to the health of its population. This success was made possible through the mobilization of all stakeholders, the dedication of health professionals, the support of key partners, and the technical assistance of the WHO.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

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Various Activities by Diaspora Eritrean Communities

Source: APO


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Eritrean communities in Switzerland, Sweden, the US, and Qatar have conducted various activities focusing on their attachment to their homeland.

Accordingly, nationals residing in the Swiss cities of Basel, Lugano, Lucerne, and Geneva conducted a seminar aimed at strengthening their role and contribution in national resilience and development programs.

At the seminar, Mr. Ismail Mohammed-Nur, head of Public and Community Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, gave an extensive briefing on development programs based on self-reliance, with a view to expanding social service provision institutions and ensuring economic independence.

Mr. Ismail called on nationals to strengthen their organizational capacity and unity and become part of the overall national development programs and commended their contribution to the successful implementation of the Akordet boarding school.

Commending the efforts being exerted to facilitate timely and effective consular services, the participants called for the continuity of the seminar.

In the same vein, Mr. Mohammed-Ali Mohammed-Seid, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in the Scandinavian countries, conducted a seminar for nationals residing in Umea, Sweden.

Mr. Mohammed-Ali said that the main objective of the 4th Front is to strengthen Eritrean communities and their participation in national development programs and called for reinforced participation by all.

The participants noted that the measures introduced to provide timely and effective consular services have brought evident solutions and commended the contribution that the city committees are making to address the challenges observed in the process.

Likewise, the national committee of Eritreans in the Midwest of the US conducted its annual conference on 18 April in Chicago. The conference, which was attended by representatives from 13 cities in the US, reviewed the implementation of the 2025 programs and discussed programs for 2026.

At the event, Mr. Berhane Gebrehiwet, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, provided an extensive briefing on the three political actions of the PFDJ.

Nationals in Doha, Qatar, also commemorated International Women’s Day, 8 March, under the theme “Our Cohesion – Our Armour,” featuring various programs depicting the day.

At the program, which was organized on 17 April, Mr. Ali Ibrahim, Eritrea’s Ambassador to Qatar, and the Chairperson of the National Union of Eritrean Women gave an extensive briefing on the role and contribution of Eritrean women in realizing national independence, safeguarding national sovereignty, and advancing national development programs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Uganda: Parliament Passes Reforms to Professionalise Teaching Sector

Source: APO – Report:

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Parliament has passed the National Teachers Bill, 2024, marking a significant legislative shift aimed at professionalising and regulating the country’s teaching workforce.

The Bill seeks to operationalise the National Teachers’ Policy adopted by Cabinet in 2019, by embedding its provisions into law and introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework to standardise teacher training, registration, licensing and professional conduct.

The Bill was approved during a plenary sitting presided over by Speaker Anita Among, on Thursday, 23 April 2026.

According to the State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo, once enacted, the law will establish a statutory body, the National Teachers Council, mandated to oversee the registration and licensing of teachers, enforce ethical standards, and administer disciplinary procedures.”

Hon. Jonathan Odur (UPC, Erute County South), observed that the Bill comes against a backdrop of persistent challenges in Uganda’s education sector.

”This Bill will address teacher absenteeism, weak professional standards, low qualifications and limited oversight mechanisms,” he said.

While the Education (Pre-Primary, Primary and Post-Primary) Act, 2008 provides for teacher registration and licensing, Hon. Odur argued that it lacks “a coherent institutional framework to regulate the profession comprehensively.”

Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, (FDC, Budadiri West County) pointed out that the new law aims to close these gaps by consolidating scattered provisions into a single, robust legal regime.

“It also aligns with broader public sector reforms, including the phasing out of certain administrative positions that previously created ambiguities in teacher management,” he said.

The Chairperson Committee on Education and Sports, Hon. James Kubeketerya outlined that the National Teachers Bill introduces several far-reaching reforms that include mandatory registration and licensing, teacher and internship programme and continuous Professional Development (CPD), among others.

“All teachers will be required to register with the National Teachers Council and obtain a valid teaching licence before practising,” Kubeketerya said.

He added the Bill provides for collaboration between the proposed Council and the National Council for Higher Education in accrediting teacher training programmes.

The Committee noted that the Bill would “promote, maintain and protect ethical standards” while providing a clear institutional framework for teacher management.

The Bill will be forwarded to the President for assent.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Sierra Leone Signs Offshore Petroleum License with Marginal Energy

Source: APO

The Government of Sierra Leone has signed a new offshore petroleum license agreement with Nigerian-based independent energy company Marginal Energy, advancing efforts to attract upstream investment and unlock the country’s hydrocarbon potential.

The agreement was formalized on April 23 at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s growing profile among frontier exploration markets.

Signed through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), the license grants Marginal Energy exclusive rights to explore, develop and produce hydrocarbons across five offshore blocks – G-Blocks 145, 146, 147, 160 and 161 – covering approximately 6,800 KM2.

The deal establishes a full-cycle upstream program, spanning exploration through to potential production, under a fiscal and regulatory framework designed to balance investor returns with national value creation.

According to details released by PDSL, the agreement includes a structured exploration period of up to seven years, alongside a minimum work program incorporating 3D seismic acquisition, advanced geoscience studies and drilling commitments. The company has committed to invest more than $225 million during the exploration phases.

In a statement released by PDSL, President Julius Maada Bio said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to “responsibly harnessing Sierra Leone’s natural resources for sustainable economic transformation,” adding that partnerships with capable investors will help accelerate development of the country’s petroleum sector.

PDSL Director General Foday Mansaray described the deal as “an important step in unlocking Sierra Leone’s offshore potential,” emphasizing the country’s focus on transparency and competitiveness. The agreement also includes provisions for local content development, technology transfer and environmental management, aligning with Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to ensure long-term economic benefits from resource development.

For Marginal Energy, which brings over two decades of experience in the Niger Delta, the agreement represents an entry into a largely underexplored basin with significant upside potential. The company said it is committed to deploying its technical and financial capabilities to advance exploration while maintaining high standards of environmental and operational performance.

The signing comes as African governments continue to position their upstream sectors to attract capital amid shifting global energy dynamics. It also follows a reconnaissance permit agreement signed by PDSL with Shell at the forum a day earlier, enabling Shell to conduct advanced geological and geophysical surveys across multiple offshore blocks.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

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Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the position of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Union Buildings, Tshwane

Source: President of South Africa –

Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia,
Deputy Ministers,
Members of the media,
Fellow South Africans,

In the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) in February, I said that our primary focus this year is on stepping up the fight against organised crime, corruption and violence.

For this fight to be successful, it is vital that our law enforcement agencies are capable, ethical and effective. It is vital that they have the confidence and the trust of the South African people.

We have worked hard over the last few years to rebuild our law enforcement agencies and security services in the wake of state capture, to restore their credibility and integrity.

We have taken measures to uncover malfeasance and investigate allegations of wrongdoing within the ranks of the police and other institutions.

 These measures have been necessary to ensure accountability and to devise remedial action to prevent the abuse of office and the theft of public resources.

It is in pursuit of these objectives that I established a commission of inquiry under Justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga to investigate allegations of police collusion in organised criminal activity. The work of the commission is ongoing and we look forward to its recommendations.

In all these efforts, we have promoted respect for the rule of law and upheld the principle that law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies must be able to act without fear, favour or prejudice.

It is this principle that informs our response to the appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court earlier this week of the SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, on charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role of the National Commissioner in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with General Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case.

To ensure stability and continuity in the South African Police Service, I have appointed Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as the Acting National Commissioner of Police.

Lt-Gen Dimpane is currently the Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services of the SAPS and has a long and distinguished career both in the SAPS and in other public institutions. 

Having been in the police service for close on two decades, she has extensive experience in policing, strategic management, financial management and governance. Lt-Gen Dimpane has a reputation for professionalism and integrity.

I am confident that she has the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the SAPS during this challenging period.

Lt-Gen Dimpane will be supported by a strong team of experienced and dedicated police leadership throughout the country.

She will lead a police service that, notwithstanding substantial challenges, is comprised of men and women who are committed to serving the people of this country and the cause of justice.

A key area of attention for the Acting National Commissioner and the police leadership is to urgently address weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services.

In the report of the Zondo Commission and through the proceedings of the Madlanga Commission, procurement has been identified as the source of corruption, abuse of office and instability within the police service.

The Minister of Police will support the work that the SAPS leadership must now undertake to insulate procurement processes from any form of manipulation. This work will feed into the broader restructuring of public procurement that was announced in SONA.

The Acting National Commissioner will be expected to sustain the momentum of our national fight against crime and corruption.

There has been a reduction of contact crime over the last two financial years, largely due to the focus on police visibility. 

Focused initiatives to address gender-based violence and femicide, as well as the implementation of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy remain central to our ongoing fight against the scourge of violent crime. 

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster has made great progress towards the adoption of an Organised Crime Strategy, for which significant resources have been allocated from Departments in the Cluster as well as from the Criminal Assets Recovery Account. 

Important steps have been taken with regards to organised crime, including gang violence, illegal firearms, illegal mining, drug trafficking and kidnappings. These efforts have been strengthened by collaboration between the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The SAPS Task Team investigating matters arising from the Madlanga Commission has made significant progress, leading to a number of arrests. We commend the team and wish it continued success. 

As we embarked on the task of rebuilding our law enforcement agencies and security services, we knew that it would be a difficult undertaking.

We have been guided at all times by the need for transparency, accountability and respect for due legal process.

It is understandably a cause of great concern for all South Africans that the National Commissioner of Police is in court facing criminal charges.

However, we should not allow this development to weaken our determination or diminish our ability to fight against crime and corruption. We should not allow anything to destabilise the police service or undermine the morale of those entrusted to protect our people.

We must hold firm to the values of our Constitution and, in this case as in all cases, allow the law to take its course.

Minister Cachalia and Acting National Commissioner, Lt-Gen Dimpane, will be holding a briefing soon to outline further actions that will be taken to stabilise the SAPS and strengthen its work.

I wish Lt-Gen Dimpane and the entire SAPS leadership well in building on the progress that has been made in our fight against crime.

I thank you.

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President Ramaphosa to address Global Inequality Dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa to address Global Inequality Dialogue

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday deliver a keynote address to the public Global Inequality Dialogue at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

“During its 2025 G20 Presidency, South Africa commissioned the first-ever global inequality report from a committee of independent experts led by Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz. The key recommendation from the report was the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality (IPI),” the Presidency said on Thursday.

It is intended that the panel, which was inspired by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, will monitor trends and assess drivers and consequences of inequality.

The Presidency said the founding International Panel on Inequality Committee (IPI) is convening for the second time with leading academics and think tanks over two days starting on Friday, 24 April at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at Wits University.

The gathering will deliberate on the structure and governance of the IPI and will be accompanied by a public Global Inequality Dialogue.

Nobel Economics Laureate Professor Joseph E Stiglitz, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, and distinguished experts Dr Adriana Abdenur and Professors Jayati Ghosh, Imraan Valodia, and Wanga Zembe-Mkabile will join representatives of the Panel’s founding governments – Brazil, Norway, South Africa and Spain – in two panel sessions to discuss the state of global inequality.

This platform will also engage on progress towards establishing an International Panel on Inequality.
“Having received the endorsement of the African Union, South Africa will present a draft resolution on the establishment of the International Panel on Inequality for adoption by the United Nations General Assembly during its 80th resumed session in 2026,” said the Presidency.

READ | SA pushes global inequality agenda with proposed UN panel

–SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Ramaphosa appoints Acting National Police Commissioner

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa appoints Acting National Police Commissioner

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Divisional Commissioner for Financial Management Services, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, as the Acting National Commissioner of Police.

This after National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension following his appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

READ | Police Commissioner General Masemola placed on precautionary suspension

The President described Dimpane as having served a “long and distinguished career both in the SAPS and in other public institutions” for nearly two decades.

“[She] has extensive experience in policing, strategic management, financial management and governance. Lt-Gen Dimpane has a reputation for professionalism and integrity.

“I am confident that she has the qualities and the standing necessary to provide effective leadership to the SAPS during this challenging period,” President Ramaphosa said at a media briefing on Thursday.

The Acting Commissioner will be supported by a “strong team of experienced and dedicated police leadership throughout the country”.

“She will lead a police service that, notwithstanding substantial challenges, is comprised of men and women who are committed to serving the people of this country and the cause of justice.

“A key area of attention for the Acting National Commissioner and the police leadership is to urgently address weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services.

“In the report of the Zondo Commission and through the proceedings of the Madlanga Commission, procurement has been identified as the source of corruption, abuse of office and instability within the police service,” the President said.

Furthermore, Acting Police Minister Cachalia will support the work that SAPS leadership will take to “insulate procurement processes from any form of manipulation”.

“This work will feed into the broader restructuring of public procurement that was announced in SONA [State of the Nation Address].
“The Acting National Commissioner will be expected to sustain the momentum of our national fight against crime and corruption,” he noted.

Shoots of progress
President Ramaphosa highlighted some of the successes the police have made in tackling crime, including:
•    A reduction of contact crime over the last two financial years, largely due to the focus on police visibility.
•    Focused initiatives to address gender-based violence and femicide.
•    The implementation of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy remain central to South Africa’s ongoing fight against the scourge of violent crime.
•    Progress made by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster towards the adoption of an Organised Crime Strategy.

“Important steps have been taken with regards to organised crime, including gang violence, illegal firearms, illegal mining, drug trafficking and kidnappings. These efforts have been strengthened by collaboration between the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force.

“The SAPS Task Team investigating matters arising from the Madlanga Commission has made significant progress, leading to a number of arrests. We commend the team and wish it continued success,” the President stated.

He acknowledged that the task of rebuilding law enforcement agencies and security services “would be a difficult undertaking”.

“We have been guided at all times by the need for transparency, accountability and respect for due legal process.

“I wish Lt-Gen Dimpane and the entire SAPS leadership well in building on the progress that has been made in our fight against crime,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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New strategic partnership in the Arab States region to enhance access to green finance for small and medium-sized enterprises

Source: APO


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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has signed a Joint Statement of Intent with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-PS.org) and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) —both members of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group—introducing a new blended finance structure that leverages credit insurance to catalyze private investment in climate-smart sectors.

This partnership will unlock capital for green small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and support national efforts to achieve climate and sustainable development goals across the Arab States region. It will support financing across a broad range of sustainability-related areas, including climate change mitigation and energy transition, climate adaptation and resilience, sustainable water usage and governance, circular economy and management, sustainable agriculture and food systems and other green finance sectors.

“Across our region, SMEs are the backbone of economies and helping them grow and innovate is critical to strengthening economic resilience and climate ambition,” said Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States. “Through this new partnership we will work closely with regional financial institutions to expand SMEs access to green finance, to accelerate inclusive, climate-resilient development in line with UNDP’s flagship Green Finance Platform.”

In countries benefiting from the new partnership, ICD will provide financing facilities to partner banks and financial institutions while ICIEC will offer comprehensive credit insurance and risk-sharing solutions to encourage financial institutions to expand financing to green sectors, in addition to leveraging reinsurance partnerships to enhance the facility’s capacity and long-term sustainability.

“By uniting ICIEC’s risk mitigation, ICD’s financing, and UNDP’s development network, we are creating a scalable engine for green private sector growth,” stressed Mohammad Asheque Moyeed, Acting Director, Banking Department at ICD. “This partnership is our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for SMEs across our member countries.”

“Our role in this partnership is to unlock capital for the SMEs driving a greener, more diversified economy,” explained Yasser Alaki, Director of Business Development, ICIEC. “Through our credit insurance solutions, ICIEC provides the essential risk assurance that enables financial institutions to confidently channel financing toward this vital growth sector.”

Serving as a convener of the partnership, UNDP will facilitate linkages between financial institutions and SMEs engaged in its programmes and will coordinate joint efforts to mobilize resources to lower the cost of risk-sharing mechanisms.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

Media Contacts:
Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Nabil Al-Alami   
Manager, Communication & Corporate Marketing
Email: nalami@isdb.org

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
Ahmed Bazzoum | Communications Analyst
Email: ahmed.bazzoum@undp.org

Follow UNDP at: 
@UNDP (https://apo-opa.co/3QFj0qu)

Follow ICIEC on: 
X: http://apo-opa.co/4eE75mP
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About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution that supports the economic development of its member countries. ICD is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group with an authorized capital of $4 billion, ICD’s shareholders include the IsDB, 56 member countries, and five public financial institutions. ICD’s mandate is to provide financing for private sector projects in member countries, promote competition and entrepreneurship, and encourage cross border investments.  ICD focuses on financing projects that contribute to economic development, including job creation, the development of Islamic finance, and export growth. ICD is rated ‘A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A+’ by Fitch, and ‘A’ by S&P.

For More Information, visit: https://ICD-PS.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 18 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 139 billion in trade and investment, supporting key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture in its member states.

Visit: http://ICIEC.IsDB.org

About UNDP:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

Learn more at www.UNDP.org