Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Centrale thermique de Maria-Gléta 2 : Modernité et performance toujours au rendez-vous après 36.000 heures de marche sur les moteurs

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Conduit par le Coordonnateur, Monsieur Janvier YAHOUEDEHOU, le collège des Ministres Conseillers a effectué une visite à la Centrale thermique dual-fuel 127 MW de Maria-Gléta 2, dans la commune d’Abomey-Calavi, le mardi 28 octobre 2025. 

Inaugurée en 2019, cette infrastructure énergétique moderne constitue aujourd’hui un maillon essentiel du dispositif national de production d’électricité. Dotée d’une capacité installée de 127 MW, la centrale fonctionne avec sept moteurs dual-fuel, capables d’utiliser aussi bien le gaz naturel que le fuel lourd, selon la disponibilité des ressources. 

Après cinq (5) années d’exploitation sans arrêt, la Centrale de Maria-Gléta 2 affiche des performances remarquables, ayant déjà franchi le cap des 36.000 heures de marche. Ce résultat témoigne de la fiabilité de ses équipements et de la qualité du suivi technique assuré par les équipes chargées de son exploitation. 

Cette visite guidée des Ministres Conseillers, conduite par le Directeur Général de la SBPE, Monsieur Éméric TOKOUDAGBA, s’inscrit dans une dynamique de suivi de la mise en œuvre des politiques publiques dans le secteur énergétique, pilier stratégique du développement économique du Bénin. Elle a permis aux visiteurs de constater de visu le bon fonctionnement des installations et les efforts continus du Gouvernement du Président Patrice TALON pour garantir un approvisionnement électrique stable et durable à la population. Une dynamique saluée par les Ministres Conseillers, qui invitent les populations à toujours accompagner les efforts du gouvernement pour un Bénin rayonnant. 

Avec la Centrale de Maria-Gléta 2, le Bénin poursuit sa marche vers l’autonomie énergétique et le renforcement de ses capacités de production pour accompagner la croissance économique et le bien-être des citoyens.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Posted on

Parliament joins global movement to eradicate TB

Source: Government of South Africa

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has signed the Barcelona Declaration on Tuberculosis (TB), which signifies South Africa’s formal commitment to a renewed global parliamentary movement aimed at eradicating TB within a generation.

The declaration was co-signed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, during a special signing ceremony in Parliament on Tuesday.

In her speech at the ceremony, the Speaker reaffirmed Parliament’s leadership role in the fight against TB.

She emphasised that despite being a treatable disease, TB continues to pose a significant health challenge worldwide.

“To raise the level of awareness, parliamentarians across the globe decided to become a voice that mobilises society… by advocating for better investments by government in addressing the disease,” Didiza told MPs. 

She further highlighted Parliament’s commitment to “mounting popular campaigns that highlight the importance of treating the disease and also complying with treatment for those who have the disease”.

The signing ceremony coincided with the official launch of the South African TB Parliamentary Caucus, held in the presence of parliamentary peers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including the Chairpersons of Health Portfolio Committees from Lesotho and Zambia, who attended to demonstrate regional solidarity. 

The event also followed a statement in the National Assembly, presented by the Minister of Health, outlining government’s ongoing fight against the TB scourge.

READ | Motsoaledi calls on MPs to lead the fight against TB

The Barcelona Declaration, first adopted by international parliamentarians, recognises that TB has killed more people than any other infectious disease in human history and continues to claim 1.5 million lives annually.

“It calls for the disease to be treated as a global political priority, demanding accelerated progress, investment in research, and equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for all.” 

The declaration urges signatories to encourage governments to increase investments in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB, while promoting affordable and accessible healthcare for all TB patients.

It also calls on leaders to support research and innovation for new TB drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines.

In addition, it emphasises the importance of integrating care for co-infections such as HIV and diabetes, and mobilising community and civil society participation to combat stigma and ensure treatment adherence.

By signing the Declaration, the Parliament of South Africa joins a global parliamentary caucus that collaborates with the World Health Organisation, Global Fund, Stop TB Partnership, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, and other multilateral organisations to end the TB epidemic within a generation.

The Speaker emphasised that the ceremony symbolises Parliament’s renewed commitment to health equity and global solidarity.

She highlighted the need for activism by Members of Parliament on this matter and encouraged the TB Parliamentary Caucus to be a champion towards eradicating TB in the country and globally. 

In South Africa, TB has been the country’s leading cause of death for several years and continues to pose a significant public health threat.

Despite significant progress, in 2023 alone, approximately 56 000 lives were lost to this disease. 

Didiza said the Barcelona Declaration represents both a national commitment and a continental responsibility, reaffirming that South Africa’s Parliament will remain a strong advocate for universal health access, regional collaboration, and community mobilisation against TB. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Police Minister commends drug bust in Midrand

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has commended members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their outstanding work following a major drug bust in Midrand, Gauteng, which led to the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately R20 million.

On Tuesday, 28 October 2025, a crime intelligence-driven, multidisciplinary operation led by Crime Intelligence Head Office, with the support of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, SAPS Johannesburg K9 Unit and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), resulted in the discovery of 80 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a storage room on a small holding in Blue Hills, Midrand.

The team had been acting on intelligence regarding the storage of illegal narcotics on the premises. Preliminary investigations revealed that the drugs had been brought into South Africa from a neighbouring country and were destined for Cape Town. 

A 56-year-old male, believed to be the owner of the property, was arrested on the scene and is expected to appear before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court later this week on charges of possession and dealing in drugs.

Cachalia commended the operation, describing it as a significant step in the ongoing fight against the scourge of drugs and organised crime.

“This successful operation is yet another example of the dedication and professionalism of our men and women in blue. It demonstrates what can be achieved when intelligence and operational capacity work hand in hand,” the Minister said. 

“The removal of R20 million worth of cocaine from our streets is a major blow to organised criminal syndicates and a massive victory for law enforcement agencies and the long suffering parents whose children have been victims of these drug cartels. 

“We will continue to intensify our efforts to root out drugs and dismantle criminal syndicates that threaten the safety and wellbeing of our people. We commend every member involved in this operation for their relentless pursuit of justice,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

SA condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza, urges adherence to ceasefire

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 30, 2025

The South African government has expressed serious concern regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order for immediate “powerful strikes” on Gaza, citing Hamas’s violation of the truce deal.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the air strikes have already killed over 100 Palestinians on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. 

“It is disheartening to note that these developments happened after Israel recently claimed that it had resumed enforcing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire after conducting dozens of deadly strikes, killing Palestinians, since the Gaza Peace Plan came into effect on 10 October 2025. 

“The Gaza Peace Plan had brought hope that the ceasefire agreement would hold, that adequate humanitarian assistance would be allowed into Gaza, and that Israel’s military offensive would be halted,” the department’s statement read.

Government, through the department, has since called on Israel to adhere to the agreement it signed and to ensure a peaceful resolution to the devastating war in the besieged Gaza Strip. 

“South Africa is further concerned that Israel’s actions come days after the International Court of Justice issued a legal opinion,” said DIRCO.

The legal opinion confirmed, among other things, that Israel, as the Occupying Power, is required to act in accordance with the law of occupation, specifically the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The non-binding opinion issued by the United Nations court last week also stated that any actions taken to protect its security interests must be conducted in good faith and should align with the need to safeguard the rights and promote the best interests of the occupied population.

READ | SA welcomes ICJ’s advisory opinion calling Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid in Gaza

“South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and calls for full adherence to the ceasefire deal by Israel, as it is vital for preserving the prospects for lasting peace and ensuring regional security.“ – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

GNU Clearing House Mechanism adopts terms of reference

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, convened a virtual meeting on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, where the terms of reference (TOR) were adopted.

This mechanism was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024 to resolve policy disagreements within the 10-member GNU, with Deputy President Mashatile appointed to lead it. 

During the meeting, the Deputy President’s Office reported that the Working Group had finalised the draft TOR.

According to the Deputy President‘s Office, the draft TOR document was initially presented in October 2024, but due to some disagreements, the Secretariat sought the expertise of constitutional law specialist, Professor Jaap de Visser for legal refinement. 

The main points of contention involved deadlock-breaking mechanisms and specific clauses from the GNU statement of intent, particularly clauses 18 and 19.3.

A Working Group was formed to address these issues, consisting of representatives from the Democratic Alliance, Rise Mzansi, and the Pan Africanist Congress, and was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel.

The Working Group received submissions on the draft TOR from the representatives of the parties and was tasked with finalising its work within two weeks to report back to the GNU Clearing House Mechanism.

The group proposed several initiatives, including the creation of a dispute resolution process flow diagram to clarify the decision-making process of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism. 

It was emphasised that the Clearing House Mechanism serves as a recommending body rather than a decision-making entity, and monthly meetings were proposed. 

In addition, the group suggested that any unresolved issues be referred to the Political Leaders Forum instead of directly to the President.

“The Working Group also supported a resolution to ‘agree to disagree’ when consensus fails.

“The GNU Clearing House Mechanism agreed that the statement of intent is foundational to the work of the GNU Clearing House and equally agreed that sufficient consensus applies only to decision-making bodies – the GNU and Political Leaders Forum and not the Clearing House. 

“Lastly, it agreed on referral procedures and the non-inclusion of provincial or local government matters.” 

The GNU Clearing House Mechanism acknowledged the efforts of the Working Group and the Secretariat and agreed that the adopted TOR will be presented to the Political Leaders’ Forum for ratification.

The GNU Clearing House Mechanism further agreed that future concerns should be addressed through amendments, as the adopted document is now a “living document.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

President Ramaphosa honoured with Official Banquet

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Bern, Switzerland – President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded the first day of his historic State Visit to Switzerland with an official banquet hosted in his honour by Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter at the Bernerhof in Bern, marking a day of strengthened diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.

During his toast to the guests, President Ramaphosa said he was honoured to be part of the auspicious occasion.  

“Switzerland is one of our most important international partners and we value the relationship that we have with this country,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, highlighting the significance of this State Visit as a milestone in the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

“During our discussion earlier today, we focused on international issues and bilateral relations between our two countries. We are proud of the longstanding relationship that we have with the Confederation of Switzerland,” the President said. 

The banquet followed a day filled with historic engagements, including official talks at the Bernerhof, the signing of five agreements on economic cooperation, technical and vocational training, arts and culture, urban development, and peace mediation, as well as the symbolic restitution of cultural artefacts to the Nkuna royal family of South Africa.

The evening commenced with a Guard of Honour by the Honorary Grenadiers of the Canton of Bern, followed by a welcoming reception and photo opportunities before guests were conducted into the Banquet Hall. The dinner was attended by ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials from both governments, accompanied by simultaneous interpretation.

Reflecting on the day’s events, President Ramaphosa highlighted the growing trade, investment and tourism links between the two nations, as well as their collaboration in multilateral forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“I am pleased to note the growth in trade, investment and tourism links between our two countries, as well as the good cooperation we have whenever we share membership of international bodies, for example, currently on the United Nations Human Rights Council,” he said.

President Ramaphosa concluded his address by proposing a toast to the Swiss President and the enduring partnership between the two nations. 

“With these words, I propose a toast to Her Excellency Karin Keller-Sutter and to the continued relationship between the people of the Confederation of Switzerland and the people of South Africa,” he said. 

The banquet was a fitting finale to a day of diplomatic milestones, leaving both nations confident that their partnership will continue to flourish and deliver tangible benefits for their peoples. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Le directeur général de la SONAP mettra en lumière le potentiel pétrolier de la Guinée-Conakry lors de la conférence MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Lanciné Condé, directeur général de la Société Nationale des Pétroles de Guinée (SONAP), la compagnie pétrolière nationale de Guinée-Conakry, a rejoint la prochaine conférence et exposition MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 en tant qu’orateur. Cet événement, qui se tiendra à Dakar du 8 au 10 décembre, réunira des décideurs politiques, des investisseurs et des chefs d’entreprise de toute la région afin d’explorer les possibilités d’exploration, d’infrastructure et de coopération régionale.

Lors de cet événement, M. Condé devrait souligner le rôle croissant de la Guinée-Conakry dans le paysage énergétique régional, ainsi que les efforts déployés par le pays pour exploiter des données géologiques de haute qualité et une gouvernance solide afin de débloquer des opportunités d’investissement. L’événement offre une opportunité stratégique pour la NOC d’engager des investisseurs potentiels afin de faire avancer les opportunités d’exploration et de développement.

Explorez les opportunités, encouragez les partenariats et restez à la pointe du secteur du pétrole, du gaz et de l’électricité de la région MSGBC. Visitez le site www.MSGBCOilGasandPower.com pour garantir votre participation à la conférence MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025. Pour sponsoriser ou participer en tant que délégué, veuillez contacter sales@energycapitalpower.com.

En tant que CNO, la SONAP joue un rôle central dans l’avancement des ambitions de la Guinée-Conakry de développer son secteur pétrolier et gazier émergent. Sous la direction de M. Condé, la société a renforcé ses capacités techniques grâce à l’acquisition d’équipements géologiques et de détection de gaz de pointe, permettant une évaluation plus efficace des gisements à terre et en mer. La SONAP a également créé le Centre national de visualisation des données sismiques en partenariat avec SLB et TGS, permettant aux investisseurs d’accéder à une vaste base de données comprenant plus de 15 000 km² de données sismiques en 3D et 45 000 km² de données sismiques en 2D – une base essentielle pour les activités d’exploration.

Les premières campagnes d’exploration ont donné des résultats prometteurs. Des puits tels que GU-2B-1 et Sabu-1 ont confirmé la présence d’un système pétrolier fonctionnel dans les formations du Crétacé supérieur, avec des preuves de roches mères matures, de réservoirs de qualité et d’indices d’hydrocarbures. Ces résultats correspondent aux caractéristiques géologiques de la marge équatoriale de l’Atlantique, que partagent des provinces prolifiques en hydrocarbures telles que la Guyane et le Suriname.

Pour attirer les investissements et améliorer la transparence, la SONAP a mis en place un cadastre pétrolier national et identifié 22 blocs d’exploration pour les prochains cycles d’octroi de licences. En 2025, la société a également lancé des appels d’offres pour une plateforme de stockage et de gestion des produits et pour les certifications ISO 9001 et ISO 45001 en matière de qualité et de sécurité – des mesures qui soulignent l’engagement de la SONAP en faveur de l’excellence opérationnelle et d’une gouvernance favorable aux investisseurs.

Distribué par APO Group pour Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

Algeria: Mr Attaf had a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart

Source: APO


.

The Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr.Ahmed Attaf, held phone talks on Wednesday with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr.Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

The talks provided an opportunity to address bilateral ties and discuss ways to boost them, said the source.

The two FMs stressed the need to continue coordination within the United Nations (UN) Security Council and discussed the most important issues on the agenda of this UN body this month.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Posted on

Algeria: Mr. Attaf held a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart

Source: APO


.

Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr.Ahmed Attaf, held Wednesday a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi.

The call allowed the two sides to review the various dimensions of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Algeria and China and prospects for elevating it to new heights, particularly in economic areas, in line with the special attention both countries’ leadership gives to the relations.

The two ministers also discussed key issues on this month’s UN Security Council agenda, notably the issue of decolonization in Western Sahara.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Posted on

Eswatini: No Justice for June 2021 Security Force Violence

Source: APO


.

  • No member of the Eswatini security forces has been held accountable for deploying tasers, teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against participants and passers-by in the June 2021 pro-democracy protests.
  • Over four years have passed since scores of students, activists, and passers-by were killed, and hundreds more injured, and many victims are in difficult situations but have been denied access to remedies.
  • The government of Eswatini should strengthen its policies and procedures to guard against, and prevent, further unjustified and disproportionate use of force by security and law enforcement, and provide prompt and effective remedies to victims and survivors.

Eswatini has failed to conduct an effective investigation and to ensure justice and accountability for the students, activists, and passers-by killed and injured by security forces’ use of disproportionate and lethal force during the June 2021 pro-democracy demonstrations, Human Rights Watch said today. Instead, the government has intensified its crackdown on dissenting views by arresting government critics on spurious charges, hindering peaceful assembly, and ignoring longstanding calls for democratic reforms.

The 26-page report, “You’ll Die Waiting for Justice,” confirms that the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force improperly used tear gas, and rubber bullets, and physically assaulted civilians during the June 2021 unrest. The security forces also shot indiscriminately at protesters and passers-by with live ammunition, killing scores of protesters and injuring hundreds more, including children. The findings shine a spotlight on the absence of accountability since then and the precarious and desperate situation for the victims, requiring urgent action to remedy their situation.

“It is appalling that more than four years later, the victims and survivors are living with the consequences of the brutality they suffered without any remedies for their rights violations” said Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The government of Eswatini should promptly embark on effective and comprehensive investigations into all unjustified and disproportionate use of force against civilians by police and military officers implicated in the June 2021 protests.”

Human Rights Watch interviewed 15 people in-person, 6 women and 9 men, in April 2025. The individuals interviewed are all Swati nationals, ages 18 to 68, who were 14 to 64 at the time of the protests. Three of those interviewed had lost loved ones, while 8 were direct victims of security force violence.

Human Rights Watch also interviewed four key stakeholders in Eswatini’s political landscape, including a trade union representative, a representative of a political party, a businessperson, and a human rights lawyer. These four stakeholders, and one of the victims interviewed, fled Eswatini to escape persecution for their political activism and are living in exile in South Africa.

One of the victims opened a case with authorities after police shot and killed her husband in 2021, but has heard nothing from them since and has no indication if the case is still open or progressing. Her situation is emblematic of many of the victims and survivors.

The findings also highlight the impact of the killing of Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer and champion for democratic reforms, on justice for victims and survivors. Maseko was fatally shot on January 21, 2023, while at his home in Luhleko. Maseko often took cases that other lawyers considered too risky, including the woman who opened a case about her husband’s killing, and often did so pro bono. Maseko’s killing has left victims and survivors whom he was representing feeling disillusioned with the criminal justice system and hopeless that they will ever see justice.

In October 2021, the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration had released a report stating that 46 people were killed —2 of whom were children — and 245 people had gunshot injuries, including 22 people with multiple gunshot injuries. According to the Commission, all victims identified the Eswatini security forces as having shot them, but the Commission itself made no conclusions on the identity of those responsible. The Commission recommended a full, independent investigation into the June 2021 unrest. No such investigation has since taken place. Civil society in Eswatini believe the report downplays the number of civilians killed. Some of these groups estimate that the number of people killed may be over 100.

International human rights law obligates countries to ensure accountability in cases of security forces’ use of force, in particular lethal force, by conducting effective investigations capable of identifying those responsible and leading to prosecutions and remedies for victims.

“Eswatini authorities should initiate formal support mechanisms for the June 2021 unrest, victim and survivor networks, and work with such networks to build a victim-centred program of reparations,” Masiko-Mpaka said. “There needs to be effective investigations into the use of lethal and other excessive force with public reporting on the findings, and appropriate prosecutions and other sanctions for those responsible.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).