Category: MIL-OSI

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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.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Head of Government of National Unity of Libya

Source: Government of Qatar

Antalya, April 18, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Saturday with HE Head of the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya Abdul Hamid Mohammed Al Dbeiba, on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation relations and prospects for advancing and expanding them. They also discussed regional developments, particularly the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the ongoing efforts aimed at de-escalation to enhance security and stability in the region.

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Protection de l’enfance : École de Formation des Professions Judiciaires (EFPJ) renforce le système judiciaire avec de nouveaux éducateurs qualifiés

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La cérémonie officielle de sortie des élèves éducateurs de l’éducation surveillée s’est tenue le vendredi 17 avril 2026 à l’École de Formation des Professions Judiciaires (EFPJ), à Abomey-Calavi. Cet évènement solennel a marqué l’aboutissement de douze mois de formation initiale au profit des agents de la protection de l’enfance, de l’adolescence et de l’éducation surveillée. 

Organisée à l’EFPJ, cette cérémonie s’inscrit dans la tradition de l’institution de célébrer la fin de formation de ses apprenants, à l’instar des précédentes promotions d’auditeurs de justice. Elle a réuni plusieurs personnalités du secteur judiciaire, dont la Directrice de l’EFPJ, Madame Bernadette HOUNDEKANDJI CODJOVI, le Directeur de cabinet du Ministre de la Justice et de la Législation, Monsieur Florentin GBODOU, ainsi que des formateurs, parents et invités. 

Dans son allocution, la Directrice de l’EFPJ a salué l’engagement et la détermination des élèves éducateurs tout au long de leur parcours. Elle a rappelé que cette formation, désormais structurée en deux phases de six mois chacune, une phase théorique suivie d’une phase pratique vise à renforcer les compétences professionnelles des apprenants. Elle a insisté sur l’importance de leur mission auprès des mineurs en conflit avec la loi ou en situation de danger moral, ainsi que sur leur rôle dans la consolidation du dispositif de protection judiciaire de l’enfance au Bénin. 

Au nom des récipiendaires, Monsieur IDOHOU Dalil Bankolé, a exprimé sa reconnaissance envers les autorités administratives et pédagogiques pour la qualité de la formation reçue. Il a réaffirmé l’engagement de ses pairs à exercer leur métier avec responsabilité, humanisme et professionnalisme, au service de la protection et de la réinsertion sociale des jeunes. 

Le Directeur de cabinet, représentant le Garde des Sceaux, a pour sa part adressé ses félicitations aux nouveaux diplômés. Monsieur Florentin GBODOU les a exhortés à faire preuve de rigueur, d’intégrité et de dévouement dans l’exercice de leurs fonctions. Il a souligné l’importance stratégique de leur rôle dans la prévention de la délinquance juvénile et la prise en charge des enfants en situation de vulnérabilité. 

La cérémonie a été marquée par la remise officielle des diplômes aux élèves éducateurs déclarés admis. À l’issue de leur formation, ces derniers seront mis à la disposition du Garde des Sceaux pour leur affectation dans les différentes structures de l’éducation surveillée. 

Cette sortie officielle consacre ainsi l’entrée dans la vie professionnelle d’une nouvelle génération d’éducateurs, appelés à contribuer activement à la protection de l’enfance et au renforcement du système judiciaire béninois.

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

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Qualité de l’eau et des produits de santé : Le Bénin se dote d’un laboratoire de référence à Abomey-Calavi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans sa politique de développement et d’amélioration des conditions d’hygiène sanitaire des populations et afin de lutter efficacement contre les contrefaçons, le Gouvernement du Bénin, avec l’appui de la Banque Mondiale, s’est engagé dans la construction d’un laboratoire national moderne de contrôle de la qualité de l’eau et des produits de santé dans la commune d’Abomey-Calavi. 

En vue de la réception provisoire de ce laboratoire de référence dans la sous région, construit avec une technologie de pointe, une mission de contrôle s’est rendue sur le site le vendredi 17 avril 2026 pour apprécier la réalisation des ouvrages. 

En présence de Madame Noëlle SADELER, chargée de mission du Président de la République, du Coordonnateur du projet PEPRAU, Monsieur Eloi AHOUMENOU, et du Directeur Général de l’ANCQ, Dr Achille YEMOA, l’équipe de contrôle a passé au peigne fin tous les compartiments du joyau architectural qui s’impose par sa modernité, mais aussi par le rôle qu’il est appelé à jouer pour garantir la fiabilité et la précision des résultats en matière de contrôle de la qualité microbiologique et physico-chimique des produits de santé et de l’eau. 

Composée de 39 pièces au rez-de-chaussée et de 41 pièces à l’étage, l’infrastructure a subjugué les membres de la Commission qui n’ont pas vu le temps passer. Ils ont, pièce par pièce, à l’interne comme à l’externe, procédé à une inspection minutieuse allant du bâtiment principal au bâtiment de support en passant par les bâtiments techniques, mais aussi au dispositif de sécurité, afin de s’assurer du respect des contenus du cahier de charge. 

Construit sous l’autorité contractante de l’ANAEPMR au profit de l’ANCQ avec une technologie de pointe, ce laboratoire de référence dont les résultats ne souffriront d’aucune contestation, permettra de garantir la qualité des produits de santé et de l’eau consommés sur toute l’étendue du territoire national. Il permet également de protéger la population, d’assurer la sécurité sanitaire et de prévenir les contrefaçons.

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

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Seychelles: Upcoming Working Visits of the President, Dr Patrick Herminie, to Russia and Abu Dhabi

Source: APO – Report:

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The Office of the President wishes to inform that the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, will undertake working visits to the Russian Federation this weekend, followed by a visit to Abu Dhabi.

The visits aim to reinforce bilateral cooperation and advance Seychelles’ strategic engagement with key partners. Discussions will focus on tourism, investment, and transport connectivity, as well as priority areas such as air connectivity and food security, in support of economic resilience and sustainable development.

The President will be accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora.

The visits underscore Seychelles’ commitment to constructive and balanced international engagement in the national interest. During his absence from the country, his duties and responsibilities will be discharged by the Vice President, Mr Sebastien Pillay.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Qatar Participates in Talks on Hormuz Shipping Security

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 17, 2026

The State of Qatar participated on Friday in a meeting on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, hosted by HE President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and HE the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer via video conference.

The State of Qatar was represented by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

The meeting reaffirmed full diplomatic support for unrestricted navigation through the Strait and the need to uphold international law. 

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SA pushes global inequality agenda with proposed UN panel

Source: Government of South Africa

SA pushes global inequality agenda with proposed UN panel

South Africa has announced plans to table a landmark draft resolution at the United Nations aimed at tackling one of the world’s most persistent challenges, inequality.

Speaking at the Plenary on Extremism and Inequality at the In Defence of Democracy initiative, during a working visit in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, 18 April 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that 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.

He said the proposed panel, inspired by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, will monitor global trends and assess drivers and consequences of inequality.

It will evaluate alternative policies for addressing inequality to inform governments, policy makers and the international community.

President Ramaphosa said placing inequality firmly on the global agenda was essential for strengthening democracy and advancing social justice.

“We are gathered not merely to defend democracy but to build democracy [and] more importantly to advance democracy. We have come together because we believe fervently in the right of every person, without exception, to determine their own destiny.

“At the heart of democracy lies the principle that all people must have equal opportunities and equal means to contribute to decisions about their lives, their communities and their environment,” President Ramaphosa said.

The initiative stems from South Africa’s G20 Presidency, during which it commissioned the first-ever global inequality report from a committee of independent experts led by Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz.

The report concluded that inequality is neither inevitable nor permanent and can be addressed through deliberate policy choices.

The committee made the important observation that inequality is neither inevitable nor interminable and can be addressed through the policies adopted and the actions taken.

The President noted that the proposal has received the endorsement of the African Union.

He called on UN member states and all leaders across society to lend their support to “this initiative to ensure that we take forward the struggle to end inequality”.

“If we are to build democracy, to strengthen democracy across the world, if we are to empower people to take charge of their lives, it is essential that we intensify the struggle for equality and social justice,” President Ramaphosa said.

He acknowledged that South Africa is possibly the most unequal society in the world, inherited from a history of Apartheid.

“We are committed to this endeavour and hope you will join us in it. We have the determination and the means to end inequality. Now we must act. This is the time for us to lead the world to address inequality,” The President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Seychelles and China sign development cooperation agreement supporting national development priorities

Source: APO – Report:

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Seychelles, Ms. Lin Nan, signed the Development Cooperation Agreement, on Thursday 16 April, which includes a grant of RMB 100 million, announced by the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Han Zheng during his official visit in March 2026.

In a short address following the signing ceremony, Ambassador Nan noted that Seychelles and China have enjoyed a long-lasting friendship, which has stood the test of time and changing international circumstances. She added that the cooperation between the two countries has deepened over the years, elevating into a strategic cooperation, spanning over different sectors, such as: tourism, trade, health, education, infrastructure, defense and people to people exchanges. She affirmed that she was confident that the grant would positively contribute to the economic and social development of Seychelles.

On his side, Minister Faure noted that the signing of the agreement was being done on a historic occasion as the two countries celebrate five decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties and 50 years since Seychelles received its independence. He remarked that this signing represented a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership, reflecting the continued trust, solidarity and goodwill that has guided the relations between the two countries for the past 50 years. He touched on the areas of national priority that the government had earmarked to use the funding, notably social housing, food, national security, energy transition initiatives and critical infrastructure development; highlighting that these areas formed the backbone of the government’s development agenda.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of mutual goodwill, as both diplomats conveyed their best wishes to the people and leaders of their respective countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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SA and Lesotho to launch Senqu Bridge as LHWP Phase II gains momentum

Source: Government of South Africa

SA and Lesotho to launch Senqu Bridge as LHWP Phase II gains momentum

South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho will next week officially unveil the completed Senqu Bridge, marking a major milestone in Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

In a significant boost for regional integration and water security, the bridge will be declared ready for use by motorists on 22 April 2026 in Mokhotlong District, Lesotho.

Constructed at a cost of approximately R2.4 billion, the Senqu Bridge is the largest of three major bridges being developed as part of Phase II, alongside the Mabunyane and Khubelu bridges. 

These crossings are designed to ensure continued access across the Polihali Reservoir once water levels rise following the dam’s completion.

Measuring about 825 metres in length and standing roughly 90 metres high, the Senqu Bridge will provide a vital transport link across the reservoir, maintaining connectivity to the national road network via the A1 route, which links Mokhotlong to Maseru.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, the bridge is a “legacy infrastructure asset” that will ensure uninterrupted access to key areas such as Mokhotlong and surrounding communities, even after existing routes are submerged by the Polihali Dam. 

Strengthening a flagship regional project

The Senqu Bridge forms part of the broader LHWP, a multi-phased, treaty-based partnership between South Africa and Lesotho established on 24 October 1986 to address water security, energy generation and socio-economic development.

The project harnesses the Orange–Senqu River system through a network of dams and transfer tunnels, supplying water to South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System, which supports the economic hub of Gauteng. 

At the same time, Lesotho benefits through hydropower generation, infrastructure development and long-term economic opportunities.

Phase II of the project is currently under construction and includes the Polihali Dam, a concrete-faced rockfill structure approximately 165 metres high, as well as a 38-kilometre transfer tunnel that will connect the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Once completed, this phase will increase water supply capacity from 780 million cubic metres per annum to 1 270 million cubic metres per annum, significantly strengthening long-term water security for South Africa.

Engineering achievement and economic impact

Beyond its strategic importance, the Senqu Bridge represents a major engineering accomplishment in one of Southern Africa’s most challenging terrains.

It is the first extradosed bridge in Lesotho, combining cable-stayed and prestressed girder design, and was constructed using an incremental launching method to improve safety and reduce environmental disruption. 

The project has also delivered tangible economic benefits. It created approximately 250 000 person-days of employment, with a peak workforce of around 1 200 workers, the majority of whom were Basotho. 

In addition, procurement processes were structured to promote inclusivity, with significant expenditure directed towards local enterprises in both countries, including South African black-owned firms.

Phase I: Laying the foundation

Phase I of the LHWP, completed in 2003, laid the foundation for the current expansion. It comprised two sub-phases and included the construction of major infrastructure such as the Katse and Mohale dams, as well as the Muela Hydropower Station.

The Katse Dam, completed in 1997, is one of the highest dams in Africa and serves as the main storage reservoir of the project. It is connected to the Mohale Dam through a transfer tunnel, forming an integrated system that delivers water to South Africa via an extensive network of tunnels.

Phase I currently delivers approximately 780 million cubic metres of water annually to South Africa, significantly enhancing water security for Gauteng and surrounding areas, while enabling Lesotho to generate hydropower and earn revenue through water royalties.

Phase II: Expanding capacity and impact

Phase II, which commenced in 2022 following earlier delays, builds on this foundation and is estimated to cost around R42 billion.

Key components include the construction of the Polihali Dam, a 165-metre-high concrete-faced rockfill dam, and the 38-kilometre transfer tunnel linking Polihali to Katse. Additional infrastructure includes bridges, feeder roads, accommodation facilities, power lines and telecommunications.

Once completed, Phase II will increase water transfer to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic metres per year, raising total supply to approximately 1 270 million cubic metres annually into the Integrated Vaal River System.

Progress on major components is advancing steadily, with the Polihali Dam over 50% complete and tunnelling work nearing the halfway mark.

Build-up event to spotlight tunnel construction

Ahead of the official launch, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko will on 20 April unveil the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at the Polihali construction site.

The TBM is a critical piece of equipment that will be used to drill the 38-kilometre tunnel connecting the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, a central feature of Phase II aimed at increasing water transfer capacity to South Africa.

Advancing regional integration and development

The LHWP continues to stand as a flagship example of regional cooperation, demonstrating how shared natural resources can be managed through rules-based collaboration for mutual benefit.

Through joint governance structures and coordinated implementation, the project reflects a high level of trust and interdependence between South Africa and Lesotho.

As Phase II progresses, infrastructure such as the Senqu Bridge is expected to play a critical role not only in supporting construction and connectivity, but also in enabling long-term development outcomes, including improved mobility, access to services and expanded economic opportunities. 

The launch of the bridge signals continued progress in one of Africa’s most ambitious water infrastructure projects, reinforcing the role of regional partnerships in addressing shared development challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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