Category: MIL-OSI

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Ghana: Ignore the mischief, tricycles for the Free Primary Healthcare are not ambulances

Source: APO


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“Recently, at Dodowa, where I launched the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, we handed over equipment, including vehicles, for distribution to CHPS compounds. Among them were tricycles. Let me be clear for those who don’t understand the policy. Those tricycles are not ambulances. They are meant for the health workers and volunteers to commute from village to village for screening. The cooler compartments at the back of the tricycles are meant for vaccines”, President Mahama has stated in response to some political statements on social media claiming that the tricycles are ambulances.

Speaking on the first day of his #ResettingGhana tour of the northern region, the president explained that in many rural communities, the common means of transport for nurses is motorcycles, which most ride themselves; those who are not able to ride prefer tricycles.

“Most of these health workers can ride motorcycles, and that’s what they use. Where many cannot ride themselves to work, they will use tricycles. So let me emphasise again. These are not ambulances, but vehicles meant to enhance community outreach under the Free Primary Healthcare programme.”

President Mahama, who is passionate about expanding access to affordable health care and preventive measures to reduce costs, expressed hope that the public will not be misled by those on a mischief spree.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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From Frontline Voices to National Impact: Strengthening Health Systems in The Gambia

Source: APO


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Across various health facilities in the Central River Region (CRR), The Gambia, a quiet but impactful collaboration is unfolding: one that places frontline health workers at the heart of improving health outcomes nationwide. As health partners in The Gambia, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) undertook an H6 joint scoping mission from 8–10 April to engage directly with frontline health workers, better understand service delivery realities at facility level, and identify system gaps and opportunities for strengthening essential health services. This mission was also conducted in preparation for the development of a United Nations joint programme aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes in the Central River Region.

While the mission included visits to health facilities in the Central River Region, its broader aim is to strengthen health system delivery across the country. The exercise created space for dialogue, learning, and co-creation of solutions alongside health workers at both community and facility levels ensuring that national priorities are grounded in frontline realities.

As part of the mission, the joint team visited key facilities including Bansang, Brikamaba, Janjanbureh, Njau, Karantaba Tenda, Kudan, Kuntaur, and Kaur, as well as the Regional Health Directorate. At each site, the team worked closely with frontline staff to understand how essential services are delivered in practice, with a focus on maternal, newborn and child health, reproductive health and family planning, immunization, nutrition and adolescent-friendly services.

Frontline health workers shared practical insights into service delivery dynamics across facilities, under the tenets of the Ouagadougou declaration of primary health care and health systems viz: Leadership and governance, service delivery, health system financing, health workforce, medical products, vaccines and technologies and health information systems, community ownership and participation, partnerships for health development and research for health. 

Overall, service delivery capacity was broadly aligned with service utilization patterns, as reflected in key outputs such as deliveries, immunization coverage, and outpatient consultations. The health workforce was found to be adequate to meet current service demands across facilities. In addition, essential supplies and equipment were sufficiently available to support ongoing service delivery.

Opportunities to strengthen the use of available health products were highlighted during discussions, including the need for continued orientation of service providers and enhanced community engagement to support their effective use within routine service delivery. The mission also reviewed key system enablers such as oxygen supply systems. At Bansang Government hospital, the importance of uninterrupted oxygen availability for essential clinical care was emphasized. The oxygen plant has been inoperable for over three months, forcing the hospital to procure oxygen from private providers at a high cost. This underscores the need for the immediate repair of the oxygen plant to ensure a reliable supply of critical care services. 

By engaging directly with frontline health workers, WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA worked in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health to identify service delivery priorities grounded in real-world conditions. This approach reflects a shared commitment to using frontline evidence to guide decisions, strengthen service delivery, and support continuous improvement of health systems. It is consistent with this year’s World Health Day theme, “Together for Health: Stand with science,” which underscores the value of collaboration and evidence in advancing health outcome

The mission further underscored the importance of strengthened coordination among partners and with the Ministry of Health. Harmonized planning and integrated service delivery were identified as essential to reducing fragmentation and improving overall system efficiency. Equally important were the enabling factors highlighted by health workers themselves: supportive supervision, continuous capacity strengthening, and enhanced community engagement.

Looking ahead, the findings from this mission will guide coordinated follow-up with the Ministry of Health, regional health authorities, and local partners to address the identified priorities and strengthen service delivery in the Central River Region. WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA remain committed to working alongside frontline health workers and government counterparts to translate identified priorities into concrete, actionable interventions that strengthen health systems across The Gambia.

Through sustained partnership and collective action, these agencies aim to support resilient, responsive, and people-centered health services ensuring equitable access to quality care and that no one is left behind.

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

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President Ramaphosa calls for global progressive renewal

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa calls for global progressive renewal

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for action “grounded in hope, unity, and progressive change”.

Addressing the Global Progressive Mobilisation Plenary during a working visit to Spain on Saturday, the President highlighted the current global situation, which is increasingly defined by aggression, war, conflict and destruction.

Institutions of global governance, he said, are being undermined or maliciously repurposed.

“The laws and norms that have long defined relations between nations are wilfully violated. The principles of solidarity, cooperation and friendship are being challenged by the resurgence of narrow nationalism, prejudice and intolerance,” President Ramaphosa said in Barcelona.

He linked the resurgence in unlawful wars of aggression and genocide in places like Palestine to enduring global inequalities rooted in historical systems of colonialism and imperialism. These ideologies of superiority, he argued, continue to treat the peoples of Africa, Asia and Latin America as second class global citizens.

Beyond geopolitical tensions, President Ramaphosa highlighted the deepening climate crisis, growing inequality within and between countries, widespread poverty due to no work and skills, and many societies becoming more fragmented and isolated.

He warned that political discourse is being reshaped by algorithms that fuel extremism and hate.

“These are not separate crises, they are connected. They reflect a world that has yet to overcome the severe imbalances of power, opportunity and material well-being that have for so long held back inclusive and sustainable human progress,” President Ramaphosa said.

Despite this assessment, the President said this was not a moment for doubt or despair, but a moment of unique opportunity. “This is a moment for action, for mobilisation, and renewal.”

He called for a “global progressive revival”, reinvigorated movement rooted in its values, clear in its purpose and united in its resolve.

“This moment of severe crisis is at the same time a moment of unique opportunity. It is an opportunity to galvanise the forces of progressive change to forge a new path of peace, democracy, and social justice. It is an opportunity for a new generation of progressives to emerge and to develop a vision of a better, more justice and more inclusive world.

“This is an opportunity to confront the forces of reaction, who have gained much ground by offering people easy answers to complex problems. They have exploited legitimate grievances — about jobs, about security, about identity — and they have redirected people’s fears and anger toward the most vulnerable,” the President said.

Building a global movement

President Ramaphosa emphasised the building of a global movement that enables countries to undertake just and inclusive transitions that drive social and economic development while protecting affected communities, workers and businesses.

“We must build a world of genuine multilateral cooperation, with global institutions that are representative, democratic, and capable of meeting the challenges of the present and the future. We must restore the United Nations to its position at the centre of international relations.

“We must advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy, through the consistent application of international law and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter. 

“We must address the debt burden that holds back many developing economies [and] reform the financial architecture and close the financing gap for development,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

GabiK

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South Africa withdraws accreditation of dog import agent

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa withdraws accreditation of dog import agent

The Department of Agriculture has announced the immediate and permanent withdrawal of accreditation for Animal On the Move as a recognised dog import agent.

This follows the confirmed use of fraudulent import permits in contravention of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act No. 62 of 1998).

“The department enforces a zero-tolerance stance on fraud to safeguard the integrity and traceability of South Africa’s canine population,” the department said in a statement on Friday.

The department urged members of the public and industry stakeholders to engage only with authorised import agents to ensure compliance with national regulations.

For enquiries related to animal improvement permits, the department advised the public to contact the Office of the Registrar of Animal Improvement at AnimalImp@nda.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations out for public comment

Source: Government of South Africa

Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations out for public comment

National Treasury has published the draft Capital Flow Management Regulations of 2026 for public comment.

The regulations appeared in Government Notice No. 54520 in Government Gazette No. 7375, published on 17 April 2026. 

The draft regulations, which will replace the Exchange Control Regulations of 1961, can be accessed on the National Treasury website at www.treasury.gov.za. 

The due date for submitting public comments is 10 June 2026.

According to National Treasury, since the abolition of the financial rand in 1991, South Africa has adopted “a prudent approach to managing cross-border capital flows by gradually recalibrating exchange controls to reflect the macroeconomic policy stance”.

“In recent years, National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) have been reviewing the country’s exchange control framework under the Exchange Control Regulations of 1961. 

“These reviews aimed to refine policies and support South Africa’s growth and global integration, while also acknowledging the economy’s susceptibility to volatile capital flows and exchange rate swings. 

“Global integration drives foreign investment growth and technology exchange, while also developing human capital and knowledge and mitigating investment risks through diversification,” said Treasury in a statement at the weekend.

In this context, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced in the 2026 Budget Speech that amendments to the Exchange Control Regulations of 1961, under the Currency and Exchanges Act 9 of 1933, would be published for public comment.

Treasury said the amendments signal South Africa’s readiness to modernise and adopt a “positive bias” approach to managing cross-border capital flows through fewer transaction pre-approvals, a focus on reporting, the surveillance of high-impact and high-risk cross-border transactions, and the combating of illicit financial flows. 

This shift will align South Africa with international best practice, while also managing various risks using a risk-based approach and existing macroprudential tools.

These amendments address gaps in the current regulations, including in relation to cross-border crypto asset transactions, which will complement existing regulation by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and Financial Intelligence Centre. 

They also provide for new and amended definitions; transitional arrangements; administrative sanctions on regulated entities; increased penalties; the removal of any ambiguity with regard to the declaration of foreign assets; and the removal of restrictions on dealing in securities belonging to non-residents. 

The amendments also address uncertainty regarding local businesses controlled from outside of South Africa.

The promulgation of the final Capital Flow Management Regulations of 2026, and their replacement of the Exchange Control Regulations of 1961, will enable the implementation of the capital flow management framework announced by the Minister of Finance. 

“The relevant manuals will be updated, and various exemptions will be considered and granted to enable the transition. Certain measures that are common in other countries could still be retained in the interest of supporting South Africa’s economy,” said the department.

Written comments on the draft regulations must be sent to National Treasury at Commentdraftlegislation@treasury.gov.za by close of business on Wednesday, 10 June 2026.

Following the deadline, National Treasury and the SARB will consider the written comments and make appropriate revisions where necessary. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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Joint Statement on Progress Between the Representatives of Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23)

Source: Government of Qatar

Joint Statement on Progress Between the Representatives of Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) on the Protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection, the Operationalization of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism, and the Release of Prisoners

APRIL 18, 2026

The following statement was released by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement, as well as the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), the African Union Commission, and Switzerland, on the meetings held April 13 to April 17 in Montreux, Switzerland, on the implementation of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement.   

Begin text

From April 13 to April 17, representatives from the Government of the State of Qatar, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), along with the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), the African Union Commission, and Switzerland, convened in Montreux, Switzerland, to discuss the protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection, pursuant to the provisions of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of the DRC and AFC/M23, signed in Doha on November 15, 2025. 

The Government of the DRC and AFC/M23 (the Parties) agreed on the critical importance of ensuring life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people of eastern DRC and made substantial progress toward conclusion of a protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection.  

During the negotiations, the Parties agreed to comply with all of their obligations under international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international refugee law, as applicable, and to refer to the fundamental principles of the DRC constitution. 

The Parties also agreed to refrain from any attack, destruction, removal, or rendering useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including foodstuffs, agricultural areas for the production of foodstuffs, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works, as well as infrastructure and the provision of telecommunications and energy services, as well as hospital and school facilities.  

The Parties recognized that humanitarian assistance includes but is not limited to activities and services related to the provision of food, nutrition, health care, water, sanitation, and hygiene, shelter, and ensuring that the protection of civilians remains paramount during the conduct of hostilities. This includes protection activities, including activities aimed at preventing and responding to violence, exploitation, and abuse of civilians, including of women and children and promoting respect for international humanitarian law and of international human rights law. 

The Parties agreed to respect and protect humanitarian actors including local responders and beneficiaries, and their objects used for humanitarian relief operations, and allow them to operate safely.  

The Parties agreed, each in their own capacity, to do their utmost to avoid humanitarian aid being diverted or pillaged. The Parties also committed not to unduly influence the selection of providers and beneficiaries. 

The Parties agreed to refrain from any action that would undermine the principled delivery of humanitarian assistance within the territories impacted by the conflict.  

The Parties agreed to facilitate rapid, unimpeded, safe, and sustained humanitarian access and freedom of movement for humanitarian personnel, goods, and services, including for the delivery of principled humanitarian assistance for populations in need, based on independently assessed needs without regard to any distinction based on religion, family origin, social condition, residence, opinion or political convictions, or belonging to a certain race, ethnicity, tribe, or cultural or linguistic minority within the territories impacted by the conflict. 

The Parties agreed to facilitate passage and to allow freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel, assets, and humanitarian convoys.   

The Parties agreed to respect, protect, and facilitate the continuous provision of essential services to the civilian population and to refrain from any action that would compromise such services and shall facilitate the access of the population to basic social services (food, water, healthcare, housing, education). The Parties agreed, when implementing measures affecting these basic social services, to take into account the humanitarian impact on the civilian population. 

To the fullest extent practicable and with the least possible delay, the Parties agreed to undertake to afford the medical care and attention required by the condition of the wounded and sick, including by taking all possible measures to search for, collect, and evacuate the wounded and sick. To this end, the Parties undertake to facilitate the transport of medical and humanitarian relief supplies by impartial humanitarian organizations to support the functioning of healthcare facilities and other medical units in areas affected by armed conflict. 

In addition to these commitments, the Parties, along with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), signed a memorandum of understanding which operationalizes the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+).  The operationalization of the EJVM+ allows for the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism (COVM), established within the Doha Framework, to begin conducting surveillance, monitoring, verification, and reporting on the implementation of the permanent ceasefire between the Parties.  The Parties and the ICGLR expressed readiness to discuss and begin planning within a week the initial verification missions of the COVM, enabled by logistical support from the UN Organization Mission for the Stabilization of the DRC (MONUSCO).  

Parties also agreed within ten days to release prisoners consistent with the Mechanism for the Liberation of Detainees signed on 14 September 2025 to continue building confidence.  The Parties thank the ICRC for providing the lists in accordance with established procedures.   

The Parties are committed to maintaining momentum in the peace process and continuing to build on the progress achieved on the Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection Protocol and at the same time expediting negotiations on the remaining protocols, including by providing proposals for concrete plans for next steps to the facilitation. The Government of the DRC and AFC/M23 expressed their gratitude to the State of Qatar, the United States, Switzerland, the Republic of Togo, and the African Union Commission, as well as the United Nations, notably through MONUSCO, for their steadfast support in advancing peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. 

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Qatar Condemns Attack on UNIFIL Patrol in Southern Lebanon

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 18, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the attack that targeted a patrol of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the death of a French soldier and injuries to several others. Qatar considers the attack a serious violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Qatar’s complete rejection of any attack targeting UNIFIL, which plays a vital role in maintaining security and stability in the sisterly Republic of Lebanon. The Ministry stresses the need for an immediate investigation into the attack and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The Ministry expresses Qatar’s condolences to the family of the soldier and to the government and people of the French Republic, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

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Joint Statement on Progress on the Protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – April, 18, 2026

The following statement was released by the Governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement, on the meetings held April 13 to April 17 in Montreux, Switzerland, on the implementation of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. 

Begin statement text: 

From April 13 to April 17, representatives from the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), along with the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), and Switzerland, convened in Montreux, Switzerland, to discuss the protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection, pursuant to the provisions of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of the DRC and AFC/M23, signed in Doha on November 15, 2025.  

The Government of the DRC and AFC/M23 (the Parties) agreed on the critical importance of ensuring life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people of eastern DRC and made substantial progress toward conclusion of a protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection. 

During the negotiations, the Parties agreed to comply with all of their obligations under international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international refugee law, as applicable. 

The Parties also agreed to refrain from any attack, destruction, removal of, or rendering useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including foodstuffs, agricultural areas for the production of foodstuffs, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works, as well as infrastructure and the provision of telecommunications and energy services, as well as hospital and school facilities. 

The Parties recognized that humanitarian assistance includes but is not limited to activities and services related to the provision of food, nutrition, health care, water, sanitation, and hygiene, shelter, and ensuring that the protection of civilians remains paramount during the conduct of hostilities. This includes protection activities, including activities aimed at preventing and responding to violence, exploitation, and abuse of civilians, including of women and children and promoting respect for international humanitarian law and of international human rights law.

The Parties agreed to respect and protect humanitarian actors including local responders and beneficiaries, and their objects used for humanitarian relief operations, and allow them to operate safely. 

The Parties agreed, each in their own capacity, to do their utmost to avoid humanitarian aid being diverted or pillaged. The Parties also committed not to unduly influence the selection of providers and beneficiaries.

The Parties agreed to refrain from any action that would undermine the principled delivery of humanitarian assistance within the territories impacted by the conflict. 

The Parties agreed to facilitate rapid, unimpeded, safe, and sustained humanitarian access and freedom of movement for humanitarian personnel, goods, and services, including for the delivery of principled humanitarian assistance for populations in need, based on independently assessed needs without regard to any distinction based on religion, family origin, social condition, residence, opinion or political convictions, or belonging to a certain race, ethnicity, tribe, or cultural or linguistic minority within the territories impacted by the conflict.

The Government of the DRC agreed to facilitate the timely and efficient legal establishment of, and registration and renewal of registration of, humanitarian organizations, including humanitarian international organizations, and national and international NGOs operating in territories impacted by the conflict.

The Parties agreed to facilitate passage and to allow freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel, assets, and humanitarian convoys.  The Parties also agreed to define, in coordination with the Technical Consultation Framework (CTC) and the National Humanitarian Consultation Framework (CNCH), a harmonized mapping of intervention zones and priority humanitarian corridors.

The Parties agreed to respect, protect, and facilitate the continuous provision of essential services to the civilian population and to refrain from any action that would compromise such services and shall facilitate the access of the population to basic social services (food, water, healthcare, housing, education). The Parties agreed, when implementing measures affecting these basic social services, to take into account the humanitarian impact on the civilian population.

The fullest extent practicable and with the least possible delay, the Parties agreed to undertake to afford the medical care and attention required by the condition of the wounded and sick, including by taking all possible measures to search for, collect, and evacuate the wounded and sick. To this end, the Parties undertake to facilitate the transport of medical and humanitarian relief supplies by impartial humanitarian organizations to support the functioning of healthcare facilities and other medical units in areas affected by armed conflict.

In addition to these commitments, the Parties, along with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), signed a memorandum of understanding which operationalizes the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+).  The operationalization of the EJVM+ allows for the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism (COVM), established within the Doha Framework, to begin conducting surveillance, monitoring, verification, and reporting on the implementation of the permanent ceasefire between the Parties.  The Parties and the ICGLR expressed readiness to launch within a week the initial verification missions of the COVM, enabled by support from the UN Organization Mission for the Stabilization of the DRC (MONUSCO). 

Parties also agreed with immediate effect and without delay the release of prisoners consistent with the Mechanism for the Liberation of Detainees signed on 14 September 2025 to continue building confidence.  The list of detainees shall be provided by the ICRC in accordance with established procedures.  The Parties agreed that this action shall be implemented immediately without obstruction or intentional delay.

The Parties agreed to continue discussing next steps for the reopening of Goma Airport and relevant financial institutions to facilitate the humanitarian response.

The Parties commit to consult regularly on issues relating to humanitarian access, at a senior level including through coordination with the existing CNCH and CTC and the facilitation for the Doha Process, as appropriate.  The Parties welcome the anticipated visit of the AU facilitation, Presidents Samba-Panza and Sahle-Werk, to Goma next month.

The Parties are committed to maintaining momentum in the peace process and continuing to build on the progress achieved on the Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection Protocol and at the same time expediting negotiations on the remaining protocols, including by providing proposals for concrete plans for next steps to the facilitation. The Government of the DRC and AFC/M23 expressed their gratitude to the State of Qatar, the United States, Switzerland, the Republic of Togo, as well as the United Nations, notably through MONUSCO, for their steadfast support in advancing peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.

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Minister of State at Foreign Ministry Partakes in High-Level Session on Sidelines of Fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Source: Government of Qatar

Antalya, April 18, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi participated in a high-level session on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) titled, “Emerging Partnerships in International Mediation for Peace.”

In remarks delivered during the session, His Excellency said that mediation is not viewed as a matter of media visibility or international competition, but rather as a responsibility and an effective tool for conflict resolution, emphasizing that the guiding principle is the ability to meaningfully contribute to de-escalation and support progress toward political solutions.

He added that leadership in mediation is exercised when trust exists between parties and when a clear diplomatic opportunity is available, noting that trust constitutes the essential currency of mediation. Over the past two decades, Qatar has invested in building that trust through consistency, prudence and by maintaining open channels of communication with all sides, he added.

He pointed to mediation efforts in Africa, including peace processes in Chad, and more recently, the facilitation of dialogue between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 movement, which resulted in the Doha Declaration of Principles. These examples, he noted, reflect cases where a credible platform was provided to help parties reach tangible understandings.

He stressed that escalation inevitably complicates the diplomatic environment, as it hardens positions, deepens mistrust, and shifts priorities toward immediate security concerns rather than long-term political solutions. It also increases logistical constraints, limits direct engagement, and places additional pressure on stakeholders.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the ongoing war in the region has affected mediation efforts and made negotiations more complex, adding that while conflict complicates mediation, it simultaneously reinforces its necessity.

He further stated that, despite exposure to attacks, commitment to mediation in various international issues has remained firm, underlining that sustaining dialogue and pursuing peaceful solutions remain essential, particularly during periods of escalation.

He explained that the approach adopted is based on continued engagement, flexibility, and pragmatism, prioritizing de-escalation, supporting ceasefires where possible, and maintaining platforms for dialogue even when political conditions are not conducive to immediate breakthroughs.

He also highlighted that the most promising opportunities for advancing peace efforts lie in bridging existing gaps, between regions, international actors, states and non-state actors, as well as across political, humanitarian, and development tracks, towards a more integrated approach to conflict resolution.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded that growing recognition of the need to protect mediators and negotiation processes opens important prospects, adding that clearer international frameworks to safeguard dialogue from disruption would help preserve ongoing processes and encourage broader participation in peace efforts with greater confidence and continuity. 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Participates in Ministerial Committee Meeting on Gaza

Source: Government of Qatar

Antalya, April 18, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated Saturday in a meeting of the ministerial committee tasked by the joint extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit to address developments in the Gaza Strip. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the resilience of the brotherly Palestinian people, based on international law and the two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.