Category: MIL-OSI

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SA, Nigeria reaffirm commitment to cooperation in science and innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and Nigeria have reaffirmed their full commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI) as this remains a priority within the countries’ science diplomacy agendas.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, met with Alexander Temitope Ajayi, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa in Pretoria on Wednesday, on the margins of the Nigerian Independence Day celebration. 

The engagement was aimed at strengthening dialogue and exploring avenues to operationalise the Bilateral Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, signed between the two countries in 2001.

Speaking at the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of revitalising STI collaboration between the two nations.

Since South Africa and Nigeria signed the bilateral agreement, cooperation in the STI between the two countries has been dormant in recent years, despite both countries being key players in Africa’s STI landscape, with strong research institutions and innovation ecosystems. 

“Reviving our STI partnership could unlock immense potential for collaborative research, technology transfer, capacity building, and joint innovation projects,” said Deputy Minister Gina.

The Deputy Minister further highlighted that renewed collaboration could open new opportunities in renewable energy, health innovation, digital transformation, and space science, areas that align with both countries’ development priorities and the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034).

Meanwhile, Ajayi said South Africa and Nigeria have the required resources to operationalise the existing STI agreement, within which several areas of collaboration could be exploited, further expressing commitment in this regard. 

This and other areas of cooperation will be discussed during the upcoming binational commission in Abuja between the two countries’ foreign affairs ministers.

“The time has come for technology to play a very revolutionary role in the development of Africa, and South Africa and Nigeria can collaborate in digital technologies to position the continent to the outside world as a leader in this sector,” said Ajayi, pointing to the plethora of innovators and entrepreneurs in Africa. 

He noted a proposed establishment of a Special Technology Envoy on Digital and Emerging Technologies, as another area of collaboration to exploit with South Africa. 

This establishment will be a high-level diplomatic mechanism that will serve as the permanent representative body within the African Union systems, leading on all technology-related matters, both within Africa and globally.

“This initiative aims to position the African continent as an active voice and contributor in the formulation of international technology investments, geopolitics, policy, governance norms, and innovation-driven development,” he said.

Other areas of cooperation discussed included technical visits, people-to-people exchanges, as well as collaboration on research and development among universities in both countries. 

Congratulating Nigeria on its independence, Gina reflected on the deep historical ties between South Africa and Nigeria, noting the latter’s unwavering support during the struggle against apartheid and its continued leadership in advancing African unity and development.

“As Africa’s two largest economies, South Africa and Nigeria share a responsibility to drive the continent’s development agenda and ensure that innovation becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s growth,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Vitol remporte le prix « Deal of the Year » lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 dans un contexte d’expansion régionale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La société mondiale de négoce d’énergie et de matières premières Vitol a reçu le prix « Deal of the Year » lors de la conférence African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energy 2025. Ce prix récompense la stratégie d’expansion audacieuse de Vitol en Afrique occidentale et centrale. La société est saluée pour ses participations stratégiques dans Baleine et Congo LNG, qui renforcent son exposition en amont dans le secteur des énergies à faible teneur en carbone et consolident sa position sur le marché gazier africain.

En septembre 2025, Vitol a finalisé l’acquisition d’une participation de 30 % dans le champ offshore de Baleine en Côte d’Ivoire, la plus grande découverte d’hydrocarbures du pays, marquant ainsi son expansion dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier ouest-africain. Le champ de Baleine, découvert par le géant énergétique Eni en 2021, a commencé sa production en 2023 et a augmenté sa production avec la mise en service de la phase 2 en décembre 2024. À l’issue de la transaction, Eni conserve 47,25 % en tant qu’opérateur, Vitol détenant 30 % et la compagnie pétrolière nationale Petroci 22,75 %.

Avec une production actuelle de 62 000 barils de pétrole et 75 millions de pieds cubes de gaz par jour, les partenaires envisagent désormais la phase 3, qui pourrait porter la production à 150 000 barils de pétrole et 200 millions de pieds cubes de gaz par jour. Ce projet consolide le statut de la Côte d’Ivoire en tant que plaque tournante énergétique régionale et reflète la stratégie plus large de Vitol consistant à aligner ses investissements sur les priorités nationales en matière de développement.

En mars 2025, Vitol a renforcé son partenariat avec Eni en acquérant une participation de 25 % dans le projet Congo LNG. Ce projet, qui a commencé ses exportations en février 2024, a fait de la République du Congo un nouveau pays exportateur de GNL. Il produit actuellement 1 milliard de mètres cubes de GNL par an, et une deuxième phase d’expansion est prévue d’ici la fin 2025 afin d’augmenter la capacité annuelle à 4,5 milliards de mètres cubes. Le projet utilise l’installation de liquéfaction flottante Tango FLNG et l’unité de stockage Excalibur FSU pour permettre le traitement et la livraison du gaz en mer.

« Les investissements de Vitol dans les projets Congo LNG et Baleine reflètent un engagement stratégique envers la prochaine phase de croissance énergétique de l’Afrique. Sa capacité à aligner sa stratégie commerciale sur les priorités nationales en fait un partenaire essentiel dans la transition de l’Afrique vers la sécurité énergétique et la compétitivité des exportations », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Grâce à des partenariats stratégiques, à l’expansion du GNL et à l’intégration des marchés, Vitol continue de renforcer sa position parmi les acteurs privés les plus dynamiques du secteur énergétique en Afrique, favorisant à la fois la monétisation des ressources et le développement à long terme.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Vitol Wins Deal of the Year at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Regional Expansion

Source: APO – Report:

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Global energy and commodity trading firm Vitol has been honored with the Deal of the Year award at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference. The award recognizes Vitol’s bold expansion strategy across West and Central Africa, with the company celebrated for its strategic stakes in Baleine and Congo LNG, thereby enhancing low-carbon upstream exposure and strengthening Africa’s gas position.

In September 2025, Vitol finalized the acquisition of a 30% stake in Ivory Coast’s Baleine offshore field – the largest hydrocarbon discovery in the country – signaling its expansion across the West African oil and gas sector. The Baleine field, discovered by energy major Eni in 2021, began production in 2023 and ramped up output with Phase 2 coming online in December 2024. Following the transaction, Eni retains 47.25% as operator, with Vitol holding 30% and national oil company Petroci 22.75%.

With current production at 62,000 barrels of oil and 75 million cubic feet of gas per day, the partners are now considering Phase 3, which could boost production to 150,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of gas per day. The project cements Ivory Coast’s status as a regional energy hub and reflects Vitol’s broader strategy of aligning investments with national development priorities.

In March 2025, Vitol deepened its partnership with Eni through the acquisition of a 25% stake in the Congo LNG project. The project, which began exports in February 2024, established the Republic of Congo as a new LNG-exporting nation. It currently produces 1 billion cubic meters of LNG per year, with a second expansion phase expected by the end of 2025 to increase annual capacity to 4.5 billion cubic meters. The project utilizes the Tango FLNG floating liquefaction facility and the Excalibur FSU storage unit to enable offshore gas processing and delivery.

“Vitol’s investments in the Congo LNG and Baleine projects reflect a strategic commitment to Africa’s next phase of energy growth. Their ability to align commercial strategy with national priorities makes them a critical partner in Africa’s journey toward energy security and export competitiveness,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Through strategic partnerships, LNG expansion and market integration, Vitol continues to reinforce its position as one of Africa’s most dynamic private energy players, driving both resource monetization and long-term development.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Typhoon Launches Program to Empower Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) in Ghana

Source: APO – Report:

Ghana-based gold mining company Typhoon Greenfield Development has initiated an in-house program to empower artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) operating near its mining clusters, according to CEO Kwaku Nsiah-Asare.

In an exclusive interview with African Mining Week 2025, Nsiah-Asare said the aim is to establish an association of ASM operators to address key sector challenges, including access to financing, regulatory compliance and formalization.

“People appreciate the level of standardization we have achieved. We intend to assist miners with financing and practical solutions to overcome challenges related to ASM standardization and responsible mining,” stated Nsiah-Asare.

Typhoon is Ghana’s first small-scale mining company to achieve compliance with the London Bullion Market Association standards.

“African countries can learn from Ghana’s approach to making mining greener and more environmentally conscious. Once miners understand how to minimize their environmental impact and organize their operations safely, formalization becomes much easier,” stated Nsiah-Asare.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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inDrive Partners with Mpho Popps and Skhumba to Champion Stability, Choice, and Fairness in Everyday Mobility

Source: APO – Report:

In a time when rising costs and unpredictability affect families across South Africa, inDrive (https://inDrive.com), the global mobility and urban services platform, has launched a new campaign to highlight how upfront pricing brings stability, choice, and fairness to everyday life.

The campaign taps into themes of “How to Avoid Hidden Costs in Everyday Life” and “Why Upfront Pricing Matters for Families,” showing that while essentials like fuel, groceries, and transport continue to rise unpredictably, inDrive provides a reliable alternative. With inDrive’s unique model, riders and drivers agree on fares upfront, offering families peace of mind and eliminating the uncertainty of surge pricing.

The Rising Cost of Living

South Africans are increasingly feeling the pinch, with transport inflation averaging around −4%year-on-year, and fuel prices fluctuating dramatically in recent months. Against this backdrop, inDrive is positioning itself as the fair and people-driven alternative, helping families plan with confidence in an unpredictable economy.

Influencers Lead the Conversation

To bring the campaign message home, inDrive has partnered with well-known comedians and fathers, Mpho Popps and Skhumba, who understand first-hand the daily juggling act of balancing family responsibilities with rising expenses.

Mpho Popps said:

“For me, inDrive makes sense because it’s all about fairness and being upfront. You see the price, you know what you’re paying, no funny business. That honesty and transparency? That’s exactly why I can back them.”

Skhumba added:

“Yazi what I like about inDrive, it’s not just a ride app, it actually puts people first. It’s straight up, no tricks, just a fair way of doing business. That’s the kind of thing I respect, and honestly more companies must learn from that.”

A People-Driven Promise

“By working with trusted voices like Mpho Popps and Skhumba, inDrive reinforces its commitment to challenge injustice in mobility, ensuring that riders and drivers alike benefit from fairness, transparency, and stability, even when the economy is anything but predictable.”

– on behalf of inDrive.

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Noor Dubai Foundation and Choithrams Mark Completion of First Cataract Surgery Outreach Cycle in Sierra Leone

Source: APO – Report:

  • Advancing Sustainable Outcomes, the multi-year project will Strengthen Ophthalmic Capacity in Sierra Leone through Ministry of Health Collaboration
  • Over 1,500 cataract surgeries have been carried out in the initiative’s first year—delivering vital eye care to some of Sierra Leone’s most underserved communities, helping restore vision and dignity where it’s needed most

In a concerted push to reduce avoidable blindness, Choithram International Foundation (www.Choithrams.com) and Noor Dubai Foundation (a member of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives), working in coordination with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health (MOH), has embarked on a sweeping three-year cataract outreach programme. Teaming up with Choithram Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Freetown and boosted by proven expertise of India’s Choithram Netralaya (Eye Hospital), the programme sets its sights on reducing the prevalence of avoidable blindness in the West African nation.

Download Infographic: https://apo-opa.co/48nrcmm

A 2021 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) study revealed that 5.4% of Sierra Leoneans aged 50 and above suffer from blindness, affecting more than 43,000 individuals. The leading cause—untreated cataracts—accounts for nearly 60% of cases, yet less than a third of those affected receive effective surgical intervention. Further, deep gender-based disparities exist for both coverage and surgical outcomes.

Over the next three years, an estimated 60,000 screenings and 6,000 cataract surgeries will be performed, offering thousands the chance to regain their sight—and with it, renewed opportunities for work and a better quality of life. Beyond immediate relief, the programme takes a long-term view, with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sending two ophthalmologists and four nurses each month to re-train under the specialists from Choithram Netralaya. The effort underscores not only the urgency of addressing avoidable blindness but also the need to cultivate local expertise that will sustain eye care in the years to come

Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO, Noor Dubai Foundation, said, “Ensuring access to quality eye care is not just about restoring sight—it’s about restoring dignity, independence, and opportunity. Through this initiative, we aim to empower communities by eliminating avoidable blindness and strengthening local ophthalmic capacity for long-term impact. This milestone  project is yet another showcase of the strength of UAE’s private-public partnerships towards bringing relief to communities in need, no matter where they are. I thank all our stakeholders, specially Choithram International Foundation for their outstanding contribution.” 

Recognizing the need for urgent action, each year, a six-month surgical outreach camp will be held between January and June—avoiding the rainy season—to ensure the highest quality of care and optimal patient participation. Screenings will be conducted at multiple levels. The first round will take place at district-level government hospitals, followed by online assessments conducted by CMH experts. A final screening will be held one day before the scheduled operation in Freetown.

Mr. L.T. Pagarani, Chairman of Choithrams Group, praised the UAE leadership for fostering a spirit of outreach and humanitarian support. “Their vision inspires us, and through this guiding initiative—the Lighthouse Project—we aim to bring that vision to life by combining the strength of public-private partnerships to generate outstanding humanitarian outcomes,” he said. “It’s yet another opportunity to deliver Goodness—the way we do every day at Choithrams.” Acknowledging the critical role of collaborators Noor Dubai and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, Pagarani emphasized the long-term commitment to ensuring sustainable social and economic impact for the people of Sierra Leone.

With a track record of more than 200,000 no-cost cataract surgeries, Choithram Netralaya of India brings deep expertise to the initiative that is designed with patients at its core. Logistics have been carefully mapped out: Choithram Memorial Hospital will coordinate transport to and from the facility, eliminating cost and distance as barriers. To ensure accessibility, patients will receive a per diem covering meals, lodging, and transport during their three-day stay in Freetown for surgery. Upon discharge, medication will be provided free of charge, smoothing the path to recovery. Crucially, post-operative care will be available at district hospitals, allowing patients to receive ongoing support without having to travel far from home.

To ensure that the programme delivers lasting impact, researchers Dr Gabriel Osei-Anokye and Dr Ving Fai Chan from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB)—a globally recognised institution known for its excellence in medical and public health research in collaboration with the research team of Noor Dubai Foundation  is conducting  a comprehensive evaluation of the programme. The  evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the cataract surgery outreach programme in improving vision, enhancing quality of patient care, and delivering the broader psycho socioeconomic benefits to those who need the services most but currently lack access. Drawing on their expertise in global health and eyecare, the  evaluation team generate data-driven insights to improve future outreach efforts and enhance the sustainability of cataract treatment programmes in Sierra Leone and globally.

– on behalf of Choithram International Foundation.

About Noor Dubai Foundation, Dubai, UAE:
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai launched the “Noor Dubai Initiative” on September 3, 2008. Noor Dubai started as an international charitable initiative for the prevention and treatment of blindness and impaired vision.

Noor Dubai was launched with the vision of a world free from avoidable causes of blindness.  therapeutic, preventative and educational programmes to treat and prevent blindness and visual impairment in developing countries on a regional and international scale.

Following the success achieved of reaching out to over 5.8 million individuals worldwide in its first year, a decree was passed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launching the Noor Dubai Foundation as a non-governmental, non-for-profit organization, aiming to eliminate all forms of preventable blindness globally.

About Queen’s University Belfast, UK:
Queen’s University Belfast is a prestigious research-intensive institution and a member of the Russell Group, which represents the UK’s leading universities committed to excellence in research and education. Founded in 1845 as Queen’s College Belfast, the university became independent in 1908 and has since established itself as a global leader in innovation and academic excellence.

About Choithram Netralaya – Indore, India:
Choithram Netralaya- CN (Eye Hospital) is a NABH-accredited eye care hospital that has been in operation for more than 25 years. Since its inception, CN has transformed thousands of lives with the gift of sight. The eye hospital facility outside the central Indian city of Indore can accommodate more than 250 patients across 8 general wards with a provision of 12 fully-equipped operating theatres – a team of 13 specialists perform cataract surgery all day and all night. More than 20,000 patients from the rural areas visit CN every year to avail of free cataract surgery, the hospital conducts more than 78% of all cataract surgeries across central India (14 districts, total population of ~20million)

Choithram Netralaya is a one-stop solution for all eye problems, and provides comprehensive eye care services covering Cataracts, glaucoma, Orbit & Oculoplasty, Cornea & Retina, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Community Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Corneal Transplant, Squint, Ocular Trauma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Uveitis, Low vision aids & visual rehabilitation, Ocular Prosthesis, and Ophthalmic Anaesthesia, among other services.

About Choithram Memorial Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone:
Choithram Memorial Hospital (CMH) is a leading multispecialty healthcare provider in Freetown, Sierra Leone, committed to delivering high-quality, accessible medical care. Established in 1993, CMH has grown into one of the country’s most trusted hospitals, offering a wide range of services, including cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and emergency care. Situated on a five-acre campus, the hospital is equipped with modern facilities and a dedicated team of medical professionals. CMH plays a vital role in Sierra Leone’s healthcare ecosystem, providing comprehensive treatment while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all patients

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12th Conference of Advisory Board on Law of the Sea Concludes in Doha

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 8, 2025

The 12th Conference of the Advisory Board on the Law of the Sea (ABLOS) of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) concluded in Doha on Wednesday, with the participation of a select group of judges, experts, and specialists in the field of the law of the sea.
In his closing remarks, HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, who is also Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all participants and speakers for their valuable contributions.
He commended the efforts of the ABLOS in organizing the conference and ensuring its success.
His Excellency stressed that the conference reaffirmed that the seas represent a common space that unites humanity and requires continued international cooperation based on justice and respect for international law.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime governance and the sustainable use of marine resources, and addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and marine biodiversity.
His Excellency reiterated Qatar’s commitment to continuing international dialogue and cooperation to promote the rule of law at sea and support efforts to achieve peace and sustainable development in the world’s oceans. 

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Qatar Stresses Importance of Continuing to Strengthen International Solidarity to Address Root Causes of Displacement, Asylum

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, October 8 , 2025

The State of Qatar has stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen international solidarity to address the root causes of displacement and asylum, provide sufficient resources to meet urgent humanitarian needs, support refugee-hosting countries, and work to find durable and sustainable solutions for refugees.

The State of Qatar emphasized that achieving peace and ending conflicts are the best way to end the suffering of millions of displaced persons and refugees around the world.

This came in a statement by the State of Qatar, delivered Wednesday by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during her participation in the (76) session of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as part of the general debate held in Geneva.

Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s deep appreciation for the great efforts made by HE Filippo Grandi during his leadership of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) over the past ten years, and his distinguished contributions to enhancing refugee protection and coordinating international humanitarian action, wishing him every success in his future endeavors.

Her Excellency stressed that the figures issued by the UNHCR reflect a disturbing reality, with the number of forcibly displaced people exceeding 122 million, including more than 42 million refugees. This comes at a time when the Commission and the humanitarian community are facing a severe funding gap that threatens the continuity of essential life-saving programs.

Her Excellency strongly condemned the ongoing aggression, crimes of genocide, starvation, and forced displacement perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

She called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and take urgent measures to compel the occupying authorities to immediately halt their aggression, ensure full access to humanitarian aid, and enable the return of all Palestinians to their areas of origin.

She emphasized that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East is to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian refugee issue.

Her Excellency also called for increased support for UNRWA to enable it to fulfill its mandate towards more than 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, and to reject any attempts to reduce its role or end its mandate, as this would undermine the rights of Palestinian refugees and undermine their just cause.

Her Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with UNHCR, noting the holding of the first high-level strategic dialogue between the two sides last May, with the aim of enhancing cooperation to address the challenges of asylum and forced displacement globally.

She noted that this dialogue resulted in the signing of three agreements: the first to provide $8 million to support the UNHCR’s budget for 2025-2026; the second, worth $3 million, to support the UNHCR’s health program in Jordan, enabling Syrian refugees to access healthcare; and the third, to provide cash assistance to approximately 2,500 of the most vulnerable people in Yemen.

She also said that the total contributions provided by the State of Qatar and Qatari entities to UNHCR since 2010 amounted to approximately $423 million, covering various sectors, most notably education, health, relief, and development.

Her Excellency highlighted Qatar’s effective contribution to supporting refugees and displaced persons and alleviating their suffering around the world without discrimination, in addition to its diplomatic and humanitarian mediation efforts aimed at reducing conflicts and promoting peace.

She said that the State of Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), signed a $5 million agreement with UNHCR last September to rehabilitate social infrastructure in Ukraine. Qatar also continues its efforts to reunite Ukrainian and Russian children with their families, with 107 children reunited with their families since the start of Qatari mediation.

Her Excellency also noted the success of Qatari mediation last July in the signing of the Doha Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement, an important step toward achieving peace and security and the safe and dignified return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes.

She noted the opening of the Al Amal Residential City in northern Syria last January to shelter those affected by the crisis, in partnership between Qatar Charity and the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation, providing decent housing for hundreds of displaced families returning to Syria.

Her Excellency noted that in Sudan, the State of Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development, launched a humanitarian initiative in the Wadai region of eastern Chad to assist approximately 2,000 refugee families affected by the war.

In October 2024, it signed a $2 million agreement with the UNHCR to provide essential assistance in South Sudan to approximately 240,000 people fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva reiterated Qatar’s unwavering commitment to shared humanitarian values, its support for multilateral humanitarian action, and the strengthening of partnerships that preserve human dignity, provide protection, and support sustainable solutions for refugees and displaced persons worldwide.

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Gauteng detectives secure over 1 200 convictions in three months

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng detectives secure over 1 200 convictions in three months

Detectives in the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng have secured 1 208 convictions between 1 July and 30 September 2025, marking a substantial step forward in the province’s ongoing fight against crime. 

According to the SAPS, a total of 178 suspects, aged between 20 and 62, were sentenced to imprisonment for various serious crimes.

“The Convictions included house robbery, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, shoplifting, malicious damage to property, assault, house breaking and theft, common robbery, assault GBH, illegal immigrant theft, rape, possession of suspected stolen property and culpable homicide,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units also recorded notable successes, securing 44 life sentences and a combined 637 years of imprisonment against 68 accused for crimes against women and children during the three months period.

The High Court on 8 September 2025, sentenced two accused aged 25 years, for their roles in terrorizing communities in Germiston, Elsburg, Vosloorus and Zonkizizwe. 

“The suspects were sentenced for house robbery, rape, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The accused were both sentenced to13 life imprisonments for rape, 150 years for robbery and housebreaking (10 counts of 15 years), 18 years for kidnapping (6 counts of 3 years), 5 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm, and 3 years for possession of ammunition,” the SAPS said.

Some of the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 13 life sentences and 165 years imprisonment for each accused.

In a separate case, a 36-year-old man was sentenced to two life terms for two counts of murder, three years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and eight years for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances. 

The sentences will run concurrently, and the offender was declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

He was found guilty on 11 August 2025 by the Pretoria High Court following a case reported at SAPS Lyttelton on 28 January 2025. 

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has commended the detectives for their dedication and tireless efforts in securing these convictions. 

“This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community in driving crime reduction initiatives forward,” Mthombeni said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Brussels to advance trade and investment at the EU Global Gateway Forum

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this evening, 08 October 2025, arrived in Brussels in the Kingdom of Belgium following a successful Official Visit to Ireland.

At the invitation of the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF) taking place from 09 – 10 October 2025.

On Thursday, 09 October 2025, President Ramaphosa will address the Opening Plenary Session on the theme “Advancing Global Connectivity in the Face of Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Challenges.” Later, on the margins of the Forum, the President will hold bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government attending the GGF and engage with leading CEOs of industry.

South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum aims to attract trade and investment, strengthen relations, and leverage mutual opportunities in the lead-up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The European Union’s external investment strategy, known as Global Gateway, seeks to boost smart, clean, and secure links in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems across the world.

President von der Leyen will lead the GGF, which brings together Heads of State and Government, along with senior representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The Forum will explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries.

Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity amid geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, will attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate in the Forum.

The visit to Brussels follows recent engagements between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen, including their meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, and the successful 8th South Africa–EU Summit held in March 2025. On the margins of the GGF, the two Leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and subsequently address a joint media briefing on the EU–South Africa Investment Announcement.

This engagement takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. The EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner and a key development cooperation partner. South Africa’s exports to the EU increased by 82%, from approximately R203.2 billion in 2016 to R370.7 billion in 2024, while imports from the EU rose by 38%, from R308.8 billion in 2016 to R427 billion in 2024 over the same period.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande; the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi; and senior Government officials.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria