Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday reinforced his administration’s commitment to an independent yet accountable judiciary at the induction of 37 new High Court judges.

“Judicial independence is the lifeblood of our democracy, and it must never be compromised,” President Mahama declared during the swearing-in ceremony. “But independence does not mean isolation. Courts must remain open to accountability, must be guided by transparency and fidelity to the Constitution of the Republic.”

The President said the judiciary plays a critical role in Ghana’s development aspirations, particularly as the government pursues its Resetting Ghana Agenda, including the 24-Hour Economy initiative and the Big Push infrastructure programme.

“Your judgments will shape not only our jurisprudence, but also affect investor confidence, human rights, and our national stability,” he told the new judges, stressing that Ghana needs “a judiciary that is both firm and facilitative, one that enforces contracts fairly, protects innovation, and delivers justice without undue delay.”

President Mahama reminded the judges that their work extends beyond legal documents to the lives of real people.

“Behind every written affidavit was a human story of loss of hope, of survival, a dismissed teacher, a family displaced, a young person wrongfully accused,” he noted.

He urged the newly sworn-in judges to reject unnecessary delays and embrace modernisation.
“For as the saying goes, when lawyers play with time, justice becomes a casualty. Let the High Court be both the temple of the law and the house of humanity.”

Reaffirming executive support for the judiciary, the President stated: “As President, I wish to reaffirm my government’s unwavering commitment to defending judicial independence. Yet with that freedom comes the sacred duty to uphold ethical discipline and professional excellence.”

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Justice Francis Asong Obuojo expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged impartial service.

“We are here to assure you, the President, that for the confidence imposed in us and for this appointment, we will deliver justice to the people and the citizenry,” he said, committing to uphold justice “with integrity and without partiality.”

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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Cassava Technologies (Cassava) (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, proudly announces that it has received an investment from NVIDIA.  

According to Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava Technologies, “Cassava is Africa’s leading technology company, driving the continent’s digital transformation with digital infrastructure and digital services. Securing this investment is an important milestone that we expect to unlock additional value from and catalyze the further expansion of our digital infrastructure and services to bridge the digital divide on the continent” 

Cassava’s impressive roster of investors now includes Econet Group, British International Investment, DFC, Finnfund, Fund for Export Development in Africa (Afreximbank/FEDA), Gateway Capital, Google LLC, International Finance Corporation (IFC), NVIDIA, Public Investment Corporation and Royal Bafokeng Holdings. 

Cassava Technologies operates across Africa, the Middle East and Latin America through a strong portfolio of business units comprising Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa Data Centres, Liquid C2, Cassava. ai, and Sasai Fintech, all of which are leaders in their respective sectors. The organisation will continue collaborating with its partners and customers on the continent and beyond, establishing it as a leading technology company of African heritage. 

– on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage, providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure, enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage. 

Source: APO – Report:

Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya Hanna Tetteh joined thirty-five young women from across Libya on Monday in a discussion on youth empowerment as they started their journeys on the UN in Libya’s annual Ra’idat training programme. 

In a panel discussion alongside UN Women’s Representative Florence Batsy, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative Abdulsalam Al-Souhigi and UNDP Project Manager, Filip Warnats, the SRSG highlighted how the skills taught in the programme teach young women to become leaders, build a network and ensure that their voices are heard. 

“The young women on the Ra’idat programme have been selected because they are talented, and because they want to be leaders in their communities, bringing issues they care about to the attention of leaders at all levels of society – municipal to national,” said SRSG Tetteh. “It is important for Libya, and society, that young women’s voices are heard and their concerns addressed.” 

The Ra’idat participants posed questions to all the panelists on leadership, how to manage online hate speech and how to build confidence and knowledge in order to convince people to listen to their ideas. It was stressed that the programme is about building a supportive network of women who can work together on challenges they think are important. 

“Women in Libya are very resilient,” said UN Women Representative Florence Batsy. “They are educated, have a lot of skills, and are leaders. We need to focus on them as this is a great opportunity for the country to move forward,” she added. 

SRSG Tetteh highlighted the role that youth and women will play in the roadmap implementation, including in the Structured Dialogue. There will be dedicated mechanisms to ensure youth and particularly young women, have the ability to engage in the process and be represented. 

The Ra’idat programme takes thirty-five young women annually for an intensive year of training focused on building communication, leadership, teamwork and advocacy skills. This year, the programme received 899 applicants, with 85 selected for interview. Cohort 3 of the programme runs until August 2026 and is generously supported by the governments of Italy and Germany.

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO – Report:

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Responding to reports that Roberto Mosquera del Peral, a Cuban national who was deported from the United States along with 13 others to Eswatini in July 2025, has begun an indefinite hunger strike at Matsapha Correctional Centre to protest his ongoing detention, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:

“Roberto Mosquera del Peral’s hunger strike is a stark warning about the human cost of secret transfer arrangements and unlawful detention without due process. The authorities in Eswatini must urgently facilitate a medical assessment for Roberto by a qualified health professional (providing health care in compliance with medical ethics), ensure confidential access to lawyers and families for all detainees, and disclose the legal basis for these detentions. Both Eswatini and the United States must be transparent about the terms of their agreement.

“No one should be transferred to a country where they are at real risk of serious human rights violations (including unlawful detention). Such transfers breach the principle of non-refoulement as laid out in international human rights law. Moreover, no one should be unlawfully detained, and the Eswatini authorities must promptly either facilitate the release of Roberto and the 13 others, or establish lawful grounds for their detention before a competent court.”

Background

Roberto Mosquera del Peral is among 14 men deported to Eswatini under a secretive transfer arrangement between the two governments. None are known to have ties to Eswatini. According to lawyers and family members, the men remain detained without charge and attempts by legal representatives to obtain confidential access have been repeatedly refused.

Roberto Mosquera del Peral’s hunger strike reportedly began on 15 October and his health has deteriorated.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO – Report:

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His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, represented the UAE at the opening session and the ministerial debate of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum, which was held at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Sierra Leone. The session brought together ministers and senior officials to explore practical pathways for accelerating renewable energy deployment and sustainable industrial development across Africa.

The opening session, titled “Boosting Energy Transition and Green Industrialization in APRA Countries”, highlighted how partner countries, including the UAE, can enhance collective support and align global engagement with Africa’s broader sustainable development goals.

As a supporting member of APRA, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to Africa’s energy transition through long-term partnerships, investment cooperation, and knowledge exchange. 

H.E. Balalaa joined his ministerial counterparts from Ghana, Djibouti, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe in a moderated dialogue addressing the urgent need for favorable environments, financial innovation, and regional cooperation to unlock transformative renewable energy projects across the continent. 

“The UAE remains committed to deepening partnerships that support Africa in achieving its clean energy and industrialization goals. Together, we can unlock greater investments, empower local communities, and advance shared prosperity,” His Excellency said.

The discussions emphasized the importance of reducing perceived risks and addressing structural barriers to investment, including issues related to revenue models, infrastructure limitations, and market stability. H.E. Balalaa’s participation reflected the UAE’s focus on supporting scalable, locally anchored solutions that drive both energy access and green industrial growth.

The Ministerial Debate officially opened the APRA Forum, setting the tone for subsequent technical sessions and grounding the agenda in the lived policy experiences and development realities of APRA member states.

This engagement reflects the UAE’s commitment to energy diplomacy that delivers shared value, local opportunity, and sustainable impact, underscoring the nation’s role as a bridge between innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.

Reinforcing its enduring partnership with Africa, the UAE highlighted its USD 4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative (AGII), launched during its COP28 Presidency to unlock the continent’s clean energy potential, strengthen collaboration and mobilize climate finance. The initiative aims to deliver 15 GW of new clean power capacity by 2030 while catalyzing sustainable industrial growth. In parallel, the UAE continues to strengthen strategic economic ties with African nations through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities in key sectors.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Security and Justice received a comprehensive briefing from acting Provincial Manager Mr Majoro Tshweu on operations at the Phuthaditjhaba Home Affairs office. The committee was visiting the Department of Home Affairs and the Magistrates Court in Phuthaditjhaba, in the Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality, as part of its weeklong programme focusing on departments in the safety, security and justice cluster.

The committee completed the fourth day of its week-long oversight week programme in the Free State yesterday.

Mr Tshweu highlighted several key operational challenges, including electricity outages caused by load-shedding and load reduction, water shortages, network problems affecting mobile offices, slow collection of Smart ID cards and inadequate vehicle capacity for deportations due to the small size of the Criminal Assets Recovery Account vehicles. Mr Tshweu further highlighted a high vacancy rate in Phuthaditjhaba, particularly among immigration and inspectorate officers, which continues to affect service delivery.

To address these challenges, the committee heard that the department has introduced several mitigation measures, including the installation of solar systems and a backup generator to alleviate electricity disruptions, the use of JoJo tanks and the ongoing installation of a borehole to improve water supply, and the implementation of dual network service providers to ensure stable connectivity.

The committee expressed concern about the slow collection of Smart ID cards and requested details on measures to encourage residents to collect their documents. The Home Affairs office indicated that it is working closely with community structures and stakeholders to raise awareness and promote timely collection. The committee was also informed that the province is in the process of procuring heavier vehicles to improve deportation operations.

The committee also expressed a serious concern over the high vacancy rate. The department stated that it continues to receive operational support from the South African Police Service, traffic officers and the South African National Defence Force to mitigate capacity constraints.

During its oversight programme yesterday, the committee also visited the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court, one of the medium-sized courts in the Free State, which is currently undergoing repairs and renovations to its old structure, including the addition of new accommodation facilities.

Court management briefed the committee on several challenges affecting operations, including water outages, a dysfunctional motor gate, structural defects in the building and the disbandment of the Phuthaditjhaba Child Justice Centre Court Operations by the judiciary.

The committee was concerned about the shortage of judicial officers, which has resulted in the combination of court rolls and backlogs in finalising cases. In some instances, one judicial officer handles cases for three courts daily, leading to repeated postponements.

The committee was further informed that domestic violence, harassment and maintenance cases often experience delays, as judicial officers must first attend to criminal matters before hearing these cases. Additionally, the rate of finalising Small Claims Court cases has declined following a decision to remove this responsibility from judicial officers, the committee heard.

Regarding the problems that were raised, the committee requested a detailed report outlining the interventions being implemented, along with clear timelines for finalising pending remedial action from both institutions to be submitted within 14 days.

The committee further requested a comprehensive report from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure on all the infrastructural challenges that were observed in the province during this weeklong oversight visit. The report will form the basis for the meeting with the Minister of Public Works.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that institutions within the justice and security cluster are adequately supported and resourced to deliver efficient, timely and accessible services to all South Africans.

Programme: Friday, 24 October 2025
Venue: Harrismith police station
08:15 Welcome and introductions
08:30 Briefing on the station upgrades and service delivery to the area
09:00 CPFs briefing on cooperation with police and challenges
09:15 Inspection of the facility
10:30 Travel to Harrismith Magistrates Court
11:00 Harrismith Magistrates Court: Welcome and Introductions
12:30 Committee discussion (working lunch)
13:30 Site visit of court facility

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND JUSTICE, INKOSI MWELO NONKOYANA. 

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Ms Malentsoe Magwagwa
Cell: 081 716 5824
Email: mmagwaga@parliament.gov.za

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to President Hichilema on the occasion.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (including Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, and Water & Sanitation) has called on the council and administration of Madibeng Local Municipality to urgently restore effective service delivery and place the needs of residents above self-interest.

The call follows the committee’s oversight visit to the municipality, prompted by an ongoing investigation initiated under Section 106(4) of the Municipal Systems Act, which authorises a probe into allegations of maladministration and irregularities.

Committee Chairperson Mr Mxolisi Kaunda expressed concern over what he described as “a position of paralysis” within the municipality, citing wrong council decisions, chaotic meetings, poor financial performance and persistent allegations of malfeasance. “It is unacceptable that the municipality seems to be paralysed by internal conflicts and governance failures. Residents deserve stability, accountability and efficient service delivery,” said Mr Kaunda.

The committee noted the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs’ progress report indicating that investigators have requested an extension beyond the legislated 90 days to finalise the Section 106 report due to the scale of issues under review. The committee agreed that the department should be afforded the necessary time to complete a thorough investigation.

However, several urgent governance and operational challenges were identified:

• Instability in the Office of the Municipal Manager:

The committee expressed alarm over repeated suspensions of the municipal manager, many of which have been overturned by courts. “The municipal manager is a critical pillar of governance. These wanton suspensions undermine administrative stability and service delivery,” said Mr Kaunda.

• Low Revenue Collection:

The municipality currently collects only 60% of rates and taxes, jeopardising its financial sustainability. The committee urged the municipality to strengthen its revenue collection mechanisms.

• High Vacancy Rate:

With a 39% vacancy rate, the municipality’s capacity to deliver services is severely constrained. The committee called for urgent strategies to fill key posts and address the high turnover.

• Instability in the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC):

The MPAC chairperson position has changed hands three times since the 2021 local government elections, weakening governance oversight. The committee emphasised that this instability must be urgently addressed.

• Delayed Infrastructure Projects:

The Brits Water Treatment Plant, launched in 2012, remains incomplete. The committee expressed scepticism about its scheduled completion by January 2026 and urged the municipality to review and present a realistic timeline.

Considering these challenges, the committee has given Madibeng Local Municipality 14 days to submit comprehensive plans addressing:

• Improvement of revenue collection rates

• Filling of vacant positions

• Spending and impact assessment of conditional grants; and

• Implementation of effective consequence management measures

The committee will continue its oversight work today with a visit to the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, which is currently under Section 139(5) intervention of the Constitution. This intervention allows the provincial executive to step in when a municipality is in financial crisis or unable to deliver basic services.

The visit will assess the impact of the intervention and include site visits to human settlements and water and sanitation projects.

Details of the visit are as follows:
Date: Friday, 24 October 2025
Venue: Kgetlengrivier Municipal Chamber
Time: 10:00

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, MR MXOLISI KAUNDA.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.