Category: MIL-OSI

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South Africa: The International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) findings underscore that there is no legal ambiguity regarding Israel’s obligations

Source: APO – Report:

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South Africa welcomes the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 22 October 2025 on Israel’s obligations as a United Nations Member State and as an occupying Power, with respect to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Court’s Advisory Opinion authoritatively interpreted and reaffirmed Israel’s already existing obligations under binding international law.

The ICJ’s findings underscore that there is no legal ambiguity regarding Israel’s obligations to facilitate and respect the mandates of independent and impartial international and humanitarian organisations operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Israel’s binding obligations under international law to respect and protect the privileges and immunities of United Nations and entities, including their premises and personnel.

South Africa notes in particular that the Court recalled Israel’s obligation not to use starvation of the Palestinian civilian population as a method of warfare. The Court further states Israel’s responsibility as an occupying Power to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.

The Court referred to the United Nation’s indispensable role, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), other humanitarian actors and third States, in providing humanitarian relief in Gaza. The Court observed that Israel had not substantiated its allegations concerning UNRWA’s impartiality and referred to the immediate actions undertaken by the United Nations to address Israel’s concerns. Israel was therefore not permitted to take unilateral action against UNRWA, in violation of its UN Charter obligations to cooperate in good faith with the UN and to render it every assistance.

Consequently, any arbitrary restrictions or curtailment by Israel that impedes such relief operations are inconsistent with its obligations under international humanitarian law. As an occupying Power, Israel is prohibited from extending its domestic laws, such as the one banning UNRWA, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

This accords with South Africa’s submissions to the Court that Israel may not deny the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to territorial integrity and sovereignty over the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Importantly, the Court recalled the prohibition on the forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the right of Palestinian detainees as protected persons under international humanitarian law to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Further, the Court underscored that Israel must respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory – an obligation which persists even in cases of armed conflict.

Overall, the Court anchored its findings in the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, affirming that humanitarian and UN operations are essential to upholding this right.

South Africa reiterates that it remains imperative that all parties to the conflict must uphold their commitments under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, without exception and at all times.

As confirmed by the Court, South Africa maintains that the cornerstone of lasting regional peace and stability lies in the full realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, through a just and inclusive process.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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Visit of Vice President of India to Seychelles

Source: APO – Report:

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At the invitation of the Government of Seychelles, Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, will visit the Republic of Seychelles from 26–27 October 2025 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, President-elect of the Republic of Seychelles, on behalf of the Government of India.

2.​ During the visit, Hon’ble Vice President will convey India’s warm felicitations to H.E. Dr. Herminie and reaffirm the close, longstanding, and time-tested ties between the two countries.

3.​ Seychelles is an important partner under India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and in our commitment to the Global South. The visit underscores India’s deep commitment to further strengthen and expand its partnership with Seychelles.

– on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

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South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum address by President Cyril Ramaphosa during a State Visit to Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
His Excellency, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Phạm Minh Chính,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Parks Tau,
Ambassador Vuyiswa Tulelo,
All the Ministers Present,
Business and Industry leaders,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentleman,

A very good morning to you all.

It is an honour and a privilege to address you this morning at the South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum. 

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to our hosts and to the many dedicated officials and business leaders who have assisted in putting this business forum together.

I recall that on the side-lines of the 2025 BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Chinh expressed Vietnam’s desire to further deepen the partnership for cooperation and development between our countries.

He called for stronger cooperation in the economy, trade, investment, education and training, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. He said we should elevate our bilateral relations to new heights.

We exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, reaffirming our shared commitment to promoting multilateralism, respecting international law and strengthening South–South cooperation for peace and sustainable development.

Today, we are not only convening a meeting of business leaders. We are also here to deepen the bond between our two countries that share both a rich history and a promising future.

South Africa and Vietnam are, in many ways, innate partners. Both of our countries have faced histories marked by struggle, resilience and the pursuit of freedom and dignity. 

Both of our countries have demonstrated remarkable determination in overcoming adversity and in building societies that stand proud on the global stage.

This shared experience reminds us that economic cooperation is not simply about transactions. It is about building bridges of solidarity, trust and long-term prosperity.

The recent US tariff decisions have tested the resilience of many countries.

In response to these tariffs, the South African government has swiftly activated strategies to diversify our export markets. We have re-established trade offices and assistance desks, with our Asian trading partners as a central pillar in our outreach.

In recent years, trade between South Africa and Vietnam has expanded significantly. 

South Africa runs a sizable trade deficit with Vietnam. We import significantly more than we export. Between 2023 and 2024 we had a trade deficit of 30 percent. 

South Africa largely exports raw commodities – minerals, ores, fuels and agricultural products – while Vietnam exports manufactured goods of higher value. 

This imbalance calls us to move beyond the traditional trade in raw materials. We need to work toward greater value addition, diversification and industrial collaboration.

This challenge is our greatest opportunity.

South Africa has much to offer Vietnam – a rich resource base, advanced mining expertise, a robust agricultural sector and a growing manufacturing capability. 

Vietnam, in turn, brings extraordinary strengths in electronics, textiles, machinery and renewable energy technologies. 

Together, we can build supply chains that are not only profitable, but also resilient, sustainable and future-focused.

Investments between our two countries are low. 

There is no record of Vietnamese investments in South Africa. 

There are a number of financial and non-financial support measures available for Vietnamese companies that may be keen to invest in South Africa to diversify their supply chains.

South Africa has investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, mining and mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and services, among others.

Our cooperation must extend into strategic sectors that define the economies of tomorrow. These sectors include electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, renewable energy, agro-processing and digital innovation. 

By combining South Africa’s natural advantages with Vietnam’s manufacturing dynamism, we can create industries that generate jobs, drive exports and strengthen both our nations’ positions in the global economy.

I stand here today, deeply convinced that our partnership has great untapped potential and that forums such as this are designed to unlock that potential.

South Africa and Vietnam are both strategically placed within their regions.

South Africa, as the most industrialised economy on the African continent, is a gateway to the rest of Africa. 

With the African Continental Free Trade Area now in force, companies investing in South Africa can gain preferential access to a market of over 1.4 billion people, representing a combined GDP of approximately $3.4 trillion.

Vietnam has distinguished itself as one of Asia’s most dynamic and fastest-growing economies. 

It is a hub for manufacturing, a leader in agricultural exports and a key player in global supply chains. Vietnam also provides direct access to the ASEAN market, a region that is itself a driver of global growth.

Together, our two countries can serve as vital bridges between Africa and Asia, connecting supply chains, enhancing trade flows and creating new pathways for investment.

There are key opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.

South Africa is renowned for its fruit, wine, livestock and fisheries, while Vietnam is a global leader in rice, coffee and seafood.

Together, we can build resilient food supply chains, foster technology transfer in agro-processing and expand our mutual exports into new markets.

South Africa has demonstrated strengths in mining, automotive manufacturing and infrastructure development. These can complement Vietnam’s strong base in electronics, textiles and industrial production.

Both of our nations are committed to transitioning to cleaner forms of energy. 

South Africa is advancing renewable energy and green hydrogen projects, while Vietnam is also investing in sustainable energy infrastructure. 

We should pursue collaboration on electric vehicle production, battery manufacturing and clean energy technology.

Vietnam can leverage South Africa’s mineral wealth through investment and technology partnerships.

Both our nations are blessed with unique natural landscapes, rich heritage and vibrant cultures. 

By facilitating tourism and cultural exchanges, we can continue to deepen people-to-people ties and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our societies.

The future belongs to our youth. Partnerships in education, training, research and innovation can empower the next generation to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. 

There are opportunities for collaboration between our universities and technical institutions to enhance capacity-building in critical fields such as science, technology and digital transformation.

We are committed to reducing barriers to trade, strengthening investment protection frameworks, encouraging business-to-business partnerships, supporting chambers of commerce in their initiatives, and providing platforms such as this one to ensure direct dialogue between government and business leaders.

To business leaders here today, I urge you to seize this opportunity to explore new ventures, to diversify into untapped sectors and to build enduring partnerships that will generate jobs, transfer skills and stimulate inclusive growth.

This Business Forum is about shaping a shared vision of cooperation between South Africa and Vietnam – a vision that reflects our mutual aspirations for prosperity, sustainability and human development.

Trade between our countries is not only about goods and services. It is also about trust, innovation and shared values. 

It is about ensuring that the benefits of economic cooperation reach ordinary citizens, creating opportunities for workers, entrepreneurs and communities alike.

The relationship between South Africa and Vietnam is built not only on history, but also on the hope of a future defined by closer cooperation, stronger economic ties and deeper mutual understanding.

This Business Forum should chart a new course for our partnership.

It should be a partnership that builds bridges between Africa and Asia, that leverages the strengths of our two nations, and that delivers inclusive and sustainable prosperity for our people.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to work hand in hand with our Vietnamese counterparts, our business leaders and our people to ensure that the potential of this partnership is fully realised.

Together, let us move forward from friendship to partnership to shared prosperity.

I thank you.
 

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Gauteng residents warned of road closures

Source: Government of South Africa

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), together with other law enforcement agencies, will this weekend conduct a coordinated joint operation that will result in in temporary road closures, lane restrictions, and intermittent disruptions across key routes.

With the operations starting on Friday, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and consider alternative routes, where possible. 

“These measures are essential to enhance public safety, enforce traffic compliance, and support ongoing traffic law enforcement initiatives, including vehicle inspections and congestion management.

“Clear signage, traffic officers, and real-time updates will be provided to guide road users, and access for emergency and essential services will be prioritised at all times,” RTMC said.

The RTMC is working with the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, (JMPD), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) and South Africa Police Service (SAPS), in this operating, which is taking place on Friday, 24 October 2025 and Saturday, 25 October 2025. 

Affected metropolitan areas include the City of Tshwane, City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.

Operations will target high-security routes, including major national highways and central urban arteries.

National and regional routes are as follows:

  • N1, N3, N12
  • M1
  • R21
  • R24
  • R512

Major arterial and urban roads:

  • Rand Show Road
  • 5th Street, Maude Street, Daisy Street
  • Rivonia Road
  • Grayston Drive
  • Whiteley Road
  • Melrose Boulevard
  • Corlett Drive
  • Athol Oaklands Road
  • Oxford Road
  • Glenhove Road
  • Jan Smuts Avenue
  • Rand Show Road
  • Nasrec Road
  • Golden Highway (Nasrec)

Operation schedule and times are as follows:

  • Friday, 24 October 2025, from 9am – 1pm. During this period roads will be closed across the listed networks in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
  • Saturday, 25 October 2025, from 8am – 10am (morning operations) and 1pm – 2:30pm (afternoon operations). During these times roads will be closed across the listed networks in Johannesburg.

Alternative routes around Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni & Tshwane

  • Use M57 as an alternative to the R21 between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
  • Use Beyers Naudé Drive instead of R512 or N1 for west/northwest travel.
  • For east-west travel, use smaller regional roads through Germiston, Kempton Park, or Bedfordview instead of R24/N12.
  • Within Sandton/Rosebank/Parktown, use side streets parallel to Jan Smuts, Oxford, or Rivonia Road. Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive, 11th Avenue,

  • In southern Johannesburg, Riverlea, Nasrec and Ormonde View, use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road (Fordsburg–Crown Mines) Soweto Highway, N17.

    – SAnews.gov.za

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

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has welcomed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s obligations. 

As a Member State of the United Nations (UN) and an occupying power, the ICJ said Israel is expected to fulfil its responsibilities by facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and respecting the rights and needs of the people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

On Wednesday, the ICJ, which is the UN’s top court, delivered a non-binding opinion in The Hague, Netherlands.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the court’s advisory opinion “authoritatively interpreted and reaffirmed Israel’s already existing obligations under binding international law”.

“The ICJ’s findings underscore that there is no legal ambiguity regarding Israel’s obligations to facilitate and respect the mandates of independent and impartial international and humanitarian organisations operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Israel’s binding obligations under international law to respect and protect the privileges and immunities of United Nations and entities, including their premises and personnel,” DIRCO said.

South Africa has noted the court’s reminder that Israel must not use starvation of the Palestinian civilian population as a method of warfare.

“The court further emphasised Israel’s responsibility as an occupying power to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.” 

The department also noted that the court acknowledged the essential role of the UN, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), along with other humanitarian organisations and third-party nations, in delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

“The court observed that Israel had not substantiated its allegations concerning UNRWA’s impartiality and referred to the immediate actions undertaken by the United Nations to address Israel’s concerns.

“Israel was therefore not permitted to take unilateral action against UNRWA, in violation of its UN Charter obligations to cooperate in good faith with the UN and to render it every assistance.

“Consequently, any arbitrary restrictions or curtailment by Israel that impedes such relief operations are inconsistent with its obligations under international humanitarian law. As an occupying power, Israel is prohibited from extending its domestic laws, such as the one banning UNRWA, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” 

DIRCO stated that this aligns with South Africa’s submissions to the court, asserting that Israel cannot deny the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to territorial integrity and sovereignty over the entire Occupied Palestinian Territory, which includes the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

“Importantly, the Court recalled the prohibition on the forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the right of Palestinian detainees – as protected persons under international humanitarian law – to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

“Further, the court underscored that Israel must respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory – an obligation which persists, even in cases of armed conflict.

“Overall, the court anchored its findings in the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, affirming that humanitarian and UN operations are essential to upholding this right,” the department said.

South Africa, DIRCO said, insists on the necessity for all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, without exception, and consistently.

“As confirmed by the court, South Africa maintains that the cornerstone of lasting regional peace and stability lies in the full realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, through a just and inclusive process.” – SAnews.gov.za

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NERSA to consult on changes of calculations to Eskom losses charge

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has published a consultation paper regarding an application from Eskom to amend the losses charge calculation methodology for embedded generators. 

The generator losses charge is the cost that electricity generators pay to account for power lost when transporting electricity through the grid. 

“The proposed change aims to modify the existing formula for calculating technical losses incurred by embedded generators connected to the Eskom distribution network, ensuring that it better reflects the actual costs based on recent technical studies,” NERSA said on Thursday.

Eskom intends to implement the amended methodology in the 2026/27 financial year’s Eskom Schedule of Standard Tariffs.

According to NERSA  not all the generated electricity reaches end-users.

Some of it is lost as heat in conductors, transformers and other network equipment. 

“In practice, this means a generator must supply more electricity than what is delivered to consumers, with the difference representing transmission or distribution losses. 

Eskom motivates that the charge provides a financial signal that encourages generators to locate closer to demand centres, since plants that are far from major load areas typically result in higher losses,” the Regulator explained.

Eskom’s recent technical studies and power flow simulations revealed that seemingly embedded generators now contribute to increased network energy losses in most geographical areas. 

Moreover, Eskom’s studies show that the current rebate system, which offers financial advantages to embedded generators, is no longer cost-reflective and results in an unintended subsidy. 

Subsequently, Eskom considers it necessary to amend the losses charge methodology to more accurately represent the costs linked to the use of the distribution network by embedded generators.

Eskom’s application proposes changes to the formula, thereby constituting an amendment to section 5.5.1 of the Tariff Code. 

In terms of section 5.1 of the Governance Code, NERSA is the approval authority for the Grid Code, and any amendment, derogation or exemptions from the Grid Code shall therefore be approved only by NERSA, as guided by the Grid Code Advisory Committee (GCAC).

The recommendations from and input of the GCAC on Eskom’s application will be considered during the decision-making process of the Energy Regulator.

This public consultation process is undertaken in accordance with the requirement of procedural fairness, which necessitates that the Energy Regulator undertake a public consultation process to ensure that its decisions comply with section 10 of the National Energy Regulator Act, 2004 (Act No. 40 of 2004) (‘NERA’), read with sections 4 and 5 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000) (‘PAIA’).

Eskom’s application is available on the NERSA website at http://www.nersa.org.za under ‘Notices>Public Hearings’. Members of the public and stakeholders are requested to submit written comments to ertsa@nersa.org.za by Thursday, 13 November 2025.

A virtual public hearing to make oral representations on this application will be held on 24 November 2025 via MS Teams and livestreamed on X and YouTube. 

Members of the public and stakeholders who wish to attend or present their views at the hearing must submit their requests by 16:30 on Monday, 17 November 2025 to publichearings@nersa.org.za. –SAnews.gov.za

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République démocratique du Congo (RDC) : une épidémie de choléra de plus en plus préoccupante à travers le pays

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La République démocratique du Congo (RDC) est frappée par une épidémie de choléra d’une intensité alarmante. En seulement neuf mois, plus de 58 000 cas ont été enregistrés par le ministère de la Santé. Il s’agit de l’une des épidémies les plus graves de ces dix dernières années, révélant l’ampleur de la crise sanitaire qui touche le pays. Face à cette progression rapide, Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) appelle à une mobilisation immédiate et renforcée des autorités nationales, des acteurs humanitaires et des partenaires internationaux pour contenir la propagation de la maladie. 

Le choléra touche désormais 20 des 26 provinces du pays. Entre janvier et la mi-octobre, plus de 1 700 décès ont été enregistrés, avec un taux de létalité supérieur à 3.0 %. La situation ne cesse de s’aggraver, s’étendant à de nouvelles zones de santé, y compris des provinces jusque-là non endémiques au choléra.  

Les inondations, les conflits, les déplacements, les mauvaises conditions d’hygiène, ainsi que l’insuffisance des systèmes d’assainissement et d’approvisionnement en eau provoquent de vastes flambées de cette infection bactérienne hautement contagieuse qui, sans traitement, peut être rapidement mortelle. Or, à l’approche de la saison des pluies, la situation risque encore de se dégrader, notamment dans les zones urbaines densément peuplées comme Kinshasa, ou dans les zones rurales accueillant un grand nombre de personnes déplacées. Cette période favorise en effet une propagation accrue de la maladie, pourtant traitable et évitable. 

La réponse à l’épidémie se heurte à plusieurs obstacles majeurs : un financement insuffisant du gouvernement congolais, la présence limitée des acteurs humanitaires et un manque de coordination dans le mécanisme d’intervention d’urgence. De plus, la faiblesse des systèmes de surveillance et d’identification de cas suspects, le manque de personnel et de matériel médical, ainsi que la distribution limitée de vaccins, compromettent sérieusement la mise en œuvre d’une réponse rapide, efficace et durable face à l’épidémie.

Depuis janvier 2025, les équipes MSF ont intensifié leurs efforts pour pallier les faiblesses des mécanismes d’intervention d’urgence des autorités sanitaires et d’autres acteurs. Elles ont renforcé leurs activités dans plusieurs provinces du pays, notamment dans le Nord-Kivu et les zones les plus touchées, comme à Fizi (Sud-Kivu) et Kongakonga (Tshopo). Depuis janvier, elles ont déjà mené 16 interventions d’urgence en soutien au ministère de la Santé, permettant de soigner plus de 35 800 patients et de vacciner plus de 22 000 personnes contre la maladie. Mais « à ce stade critique, seule une mobilisation générale permettra de contenir la maladie sur le terrain et de freiner l’expansion alarmante des foyers épidémiques », insiste le Dr Jean Gilbert Ndong, coordinateur médical de MSF en RDC. 

Afin de ralentir la propagation de la maladie, MSF soutient également le ministère de la Santé dans la prise en charge médicale dans les centres de traitements spécialisés, la formation d’agents de santé communautaire et la mise en place de points de chloration, ainsi que le renforcement des systèmes d’approvisionnement en eau et d’assainissement. 

Mais les équipes de MSF doivent composer avec des difficultés logistiques, administratives et sécuritaires qui entravent leur accès aux patients. « L’insécurité persistante, marquée par les affrontements entre groupes armés le long des axes principaux, entrave les déplacements et retarde la livraison de l’aide, obligeant les équipes à effectuer de longs détours pour éviter les zones à risque », déplore Ton Berg, cheffe des programmes de MSF au Sud-Kivu. 

Pour les communautés elles-mêmes, l’accès aux soins de santé constitue un défi immense. Les distances à parcourir, le manque de transport ou l’insécurité rendent difficile l’accès aux structures médicales. Et même lorsqu’elles parviennent à rejoindre un centre de santé, celui-ci est souvent sous-équipé et incapable de répondre à leurs besoins essentiels, laissant les populations les plus vulnérables sans les soins indispensables.  

« Nous appelons à une action coordonnée et urgente pour garantir la fourniture rapide de soins médicaux, notamment un accès sans entrave et un investissement durable dans l’accès à l’eau potable et à l’assainissement », plaide Ton Berg. 

Distribué par APO Group pour Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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Inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the Sectoral Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture Strengthens Africa’s Policy Voice in Blue Economy Governance

Source: APO


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The inaugural Sectoral Committee of Ministers for Fisheries and Aquaculture convened on 23 October 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of the framework of the Revised African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM). This high-level ministerial meeting marked a significant milestone in ensuring that Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors have a structured, evidence-based reporting and coordination mechanism within the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment (STC-ARDWE).

The establishment of the Sectoral Committee followed years of institutional groundwork within the African Union’s policy architecture. The decision to institutionalize fisheries and aquaculture governance was endorsed through Executive Council Decision EX.CL/Dec.1074 (XXXVI) of 2020, building on earlier Conference of African Ministers in Fisheries and Aquaculture (CAMFA) held in Banjul, The Gambia (2010), and Addis Ababa (2014). These conferences produced the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), a blueprint for sustainable development, and established the African Fisheries Reform Mechanism as a platform for policy coherence, coordination, and technical dialogue.

The meeting brought together Ministers and Directors of Fisheries and Aquaculture from ten African Union Member States, representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC) and African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). The inaugural session aimed to operationalize the Sectoral Committee as a functional policy organ that consolidates technical recommendations from working groups and submits them to the STC-ARDWE for ministerial endorsement and subsequent transmission to the Executive Council and AU Summit.

Opening the session, on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), Director of AU IBAR Dr Huyam Salih emphasized the increasing recognition of fisheries and aquaculture as drivers of food security, job creation, and climate resilience in Africa. He noted that the establishment of this ministerial structure reflects the AU’s commitment to embedding fisheries and aquaculture governance within the broader continental agricultural agenda under the Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) and Agenda 2063. The Commissioner underscored that Africa’s fisheries sector generates approximately USD 24 billion annually, sustains over 17 million livelihoods, and plays a critical role in addressing malnutrition and fostering inclusive economic growth. The Commissioner reiterated AU-IBAR’s leadership role as the Secretariat of the AFRM and its mandate to coordinate evidence-based policy reforms.  AU-IBAR, therefore, has facilitated the operationalization of the PFRS, supported the establishment of the African Fisheries and Aquaculture Database (AFAData), and developed continental strategies addressing nature-based solutions for aquatic ecosystems. 

The meeting reviewed a comprehensive Technical Expert Report detailing the implementation progress of the PFRS, validated Terms of Reference of the SCFA, the achievements of the EU-funded Fisheries Governance II (FishGov II) project, and the Swedish-funded Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation project. These initiatives have operationalized six African Centres of Excellence in training and research, supported national policy harmonization in over 15 Member States and COMESA, and developed regional capacity on fisheries governance and trade facilitation. The report also outlined the strategic priorities of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan (2024–2028), whose five pillar, governance and policy coherence, resilient production systems, One Health principles, trade facilitation, and institutional strengthening, are aligned with continental frameworks including the PFRS, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES), and the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA).

Ministers welcomed these updates and engaged in substantive discussions on how the Sectoral Committee can better support Member States in implementing national fisheries policies and translating AU decisions into practical interventions. Several delegations stressed the importance of the timely dissemination of technical documents prior to ministerial sessions to enable adequate national consultations and informed decision-making. Others called for enhanced resource mobilization mechanisms, including engagement with the development banks and private sector partners, to ensure long-term sustainability of the AFRM and related continental programs.

A recurring theme throughout the deliberations was the need to accelerate aquaculture development as a strategic response to declining fish stocks and growing demand driven by population growth and urbanization. Ministers emphasized that aquaculture could serve as a vital source of protein, employment, and export earnings, particularly for landlocked countries and communities facing limited access to marine fisheries. They called for investment in feed systems, hatchery infrastructure, value-addition chains, and climate-smart aquaculture technologies. The meeting also underscored the importance of integrating cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, climate adaptation, and the One Health approach into fisheries and aquaculture programming.

Ministers further discussed the critical role of the AFRM in amplifying the African voice in global fisheries negotiations. They emphasized that a unified continental position, informed by robust data and evidence from the African Fisheries and Aquaculture Database, would strengthen Africa’s negotiating capacity and ensure that international commitments reflect the continent’s unique socio-economic and ecological contexts.

The Sectoral Committee endorsed several strategic recommendations, including the establishment of designated national focal points for improved communication between AU-IBAR, Member States, and RECs; the acceleration of aquaculture subsector development through targeted investment and capacity building; the mainstreaming of gender, climate change, and One Health principles into all fisheries and aquaculture policies; and the institutionalization of biennial reporting cycles to ensure continuity and accountability in implementing AU decisions.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Technical Experts’ Report of the Inaugural Sectoral Committee Meeting. Ministers commended AU-IBAR, AUDA-NEPAD, the European Union, SIDA, the World Bank, and other partners for their leadership and financial support in advancing continental fisheries and aquaculture governance. They reaffirmed their collective commitment to transforming the sector into a cornerstone of Africa’s food security, blue economy growth, and sustainable development agenda.

By establishing a direct and functional reporting pipeline between the AFRM and the STC-ARDWE, this inaugural meeting laid the institutional groundwork for evidence-based policy coherence, stronger inter-governmental collaboration, and accelerated implementation of continental strategies. It represents a defining moment in Africa’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture systems that contribute meaningfully to the realization of Agenda 2063 and the Kampala CAADP Agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

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The second day of the working visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Ryzhenkov to Algeria

Source: APO

On October 23, 2025 as part of a working visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, met with the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries of Algeria, Co-chairman of the Algerian side of the Belarusian-Algerian Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid.

The parties stated the need to increase mutual trade turnover. In particular, the Algerian side expressed interest in procuring Belarusian baby food, increasing the supply of powdered milk, as well as Belarusian meat products with a halal certificate.  

An agreement was reached to sign an intergovernmental agreement in the field of veterinary medicine and a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of agriculture. 

The parties exchanged mutual invitations to attend specialized exhibitions in the field of agriculture and food, in particular, “Belagro 2026” in Minsk. 

The interest in intensifying practical cooperation between the relevant departments was emphasized.

Maxim Ryzhenkov noted that Belarus, being a major producer of agricultural machinery and possessing extensive competencies and technologies in the field of agriculture, is ready to contribute to ensuring Algeria’s food security. 

In this context, the parties discussed the need for agricultural mechanization within the framework of a large-scale project implemented by the Algerian side to develop new lands in the desert with an area of up to 1 million hectares.

The Algerian side also expressed interest in continuing work on projects to create grain storage systems.

In addition to the main meetings, a number of point-to-point negotiations and consultations of expert groups on cooperation in industry, agriculture, business contacts, as well as other areas of trade and economic cooperation took place. An agreement was reached to organize a visit of a delegation of representatives of “Bobruiskagromash”, “MTZ”, “MAZ” and “Amkodor” enterprises to Algeria on November 3, 2025 to practice areas of further cooperation in the supply of Belarusian machinery to Algeria, as well as conditions for the creation of joint productions of tractors and utility vehicles and attachments and service centers in Algeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

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South Africa: Committee Tells Nelson Mandela Bay No Relocation of Red Location Museum and No Pumping of Millions While Project Stalls

Source: APO


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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has told the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality not to commit funds on Red Location Museum without a detailed empirical information that will inform a workable business plan.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, lamented the extent of decay in community infrastructure within the municipality. He said that it was shocking and unacceptable.

“There seems to be no care on government funded projects. The common thing about these projects is that they are within the communities and should serve to stimulate and drive economic activity in the townships,” said Mr Feni.

He added: “Vandalism took over everything but people and officials allowed for it to set in. That is why we are at this quagmire; this is government money.”

In the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, the committee visited the Red Location Museum, Dan Qeqe Stadium, KwaNobuhle Sports complex, Kyuga Sports Facility, and St Johns Swimming Pool.

Mr Feni said the committee was to spend money to visit the sites and be given the kinds of reports it received. “We are entirely disappointed with the collapse and the ruin we found on projects that are meant to be viable. It is evidently clear that the decay is a characteristic of Metro assets.”

Mr Feni said if the decay is allowed to manifest and expand as it has, what claim to legitimacy does the Metro have. “It is so sad that millions keep being allocated to refurbishing and reviving projects that should self sustain like the Red Location Museum.”

He said the committee will make firm recommendations with clear timeframes that it will strictly monitor every six months. “The Bay Metro must perhaps prepare to frequent committee meetings, the state of affairs in the Bay is unacceptable.”

The committee will visit Bay schools and TVET colleges on Friday.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.