Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, December 06, 2025
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Saturday with HE Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Panama Carlos Hoyos, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2025.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and develop it, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.
Source: Government of South Africa
Home Affairs withdraws 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian passport holders after “systematic abuse”
The Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn South Africa’s 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders, following investigations that found the provision was being deliberately abused by Israeli-linked actors involved in “voluntary emigration” efforts for Gaza residents.
“Following investigations and recommendations by national intelligence structures and consultations conducted within the Security Cluster – which confirmed the deliberate and ongoing abuse of the 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders by Israeli actors linked to “voluntary emigration” efforts for residents of the Gaza Strip – the Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn the exemption,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.
Short-stay visa exemptions, the department said, are a commonly used instrument by countries around the world to incentivise tourism and short-term travel. However, investigations into the recent arrival of two charter flights transporting Palestinian passport holders revealed systematic abuse of this exemption, with travel designed not for the purposes of tourism or short-stays as intended, but to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
“Rather than using ordinary commercial flights, entire airplanes were chartered not by the travellers themselves, but by intermediaries. Most passengers were given one-way tickets to South Africa and prohibited from bringing luggage with them, while only being allowed to carry US dollars and essentials.
“Upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, it was further discovered that many of them lacked departure verification and accommodation in South Africa, in addition to not possessing return or onward flight tickets.
“Taken together, this constituted obvious abuse of the exemption by external actors for purposes other than its intended use,” the department said.
The department said this sequence of events also amounted to abuse of the passengers themselves, as those who arranged the flights were “apparently content to leave the travellers destitute upon their arrival in South Africa”.
The department explained that most of the travellers indicated that they did not want to claim asylum in South Africa, necessitating civil society organisations to take responsibility for their welfare.
Investigations also indicated that the arrival of these charter flights was not intended to be a once-off events but that they may be part of a broader, ongoing effort to relocate Palestinians to other parts of the world.
“This includes reports that a Dubai-based broker, with offices in South Africa, recently requested bulk quotations for more charter flights to commence as soon as possible,” the department revealed.
In the wake of the withdrawal of the visa exemption, the department said will duly process any asylum applications submitted by the travellers who arrived on the two charter flights, while upholding the terms of the 90-day exemption for those who do not seek asylum.
The department said that going forward, visa applications from bona fide Palestinian travellers will be processed accordingly to enable them to visit South Africa, while any further attempts at abuse will be rejected.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said: “When the most recent charter flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport, President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that the travellers may have been flushed out of Gaza. Subsequent investigations have confirmed this to be the case.
“Withdrawing the visa exemption is the most effective way to prevent further flights of this nature, while ensuring that bona fide travellers from Palestine are safely able to visit South Africa without being subjected to abuse. South Africa will not be complicit in any scheme to exploit or displace Palestinians from Gaza.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
La Commission africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples (La Commission), à travers son Groupe de travail sur la peine de mort, les exécutions extrajudiciaires, sommaires ou arbitraires et les disparitions forcées en Afrique, exprime sa profonde préoccupation à la suite de l’adoption en Conseil des ministres le 4 décembre 2025 d’un projet de loi portant rétablissement de la peine de mort au Burkina Faso.
La Commission rappelle que l’abolition de la peine capitale constitue un acquis majeur dans la protection de la dignité humaine et la reconnaissance de la sacralité du droit à la vie. Par conséquent, toute tentative de réintroduction de cette pratique constituerait un recul grave, contraire aux engagements internationaux du Burkina Faso et aux standards de protection définis dans son Observation générale n° 3 sur le droit à la vie.
La Commission exhorte les autorités nationales à réaffirmer leur attachement à la consolidation des avancées réalisées dans la préservation du droit à la vie, garanti par l’article 4 de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples, et les appelle à surseoir à toute initiative qui serait de nature à remettre en cause les acquis en matière d’abolition de la peine de mort.
Honorable Dr Idrissa Sow, Président de la Commission africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples ,
Président du Groupe de travail sur la Peine de mort, les Exécutions extrajudiciaires et les Disparitions forcées en Afrique
Distribué par APO Group pour African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).
Source: APO – Report:
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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission visiting Egypt within the framework of the implementation of the 5th and 6th reviews of the Economic Reform Program. The meeting included a presentation on the most prominent developments in economic and structural reforms and the growth model under “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development,” in addition to the growth rates achieved during the first quarter of the current year, and the State’s efforts regarding private-sector empowerment and strengthening public investment governance. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials of the Ministry.
During the meeting, H.E.Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reviewed the developments in GDP growth announced by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation for the first quarter of the current fiscal year, which reached 5.3%, exceeding expectations explaining that the most important feature of this growth is the continued improvement in industrial production and the increase in growth rates of several industries such as vehicles, textiles, and ready-made garments—reflecting the State’s shift toward high-productivity, tradable sectors.
The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation also pointed out that, for the first time, the “Quarterly GDP Note” issued by the Ministry includes the structural reforms implemented during the period, which were reflected in positive developments in the economy, thereby reinforcing the principles of transparency and governance in presenting economic reform indicators.
H.E. added that with the continued pace of economic and structural reforms, we expect the Egyptian economy to achieve growth of at least 5% by the end of the current fiscal year. She also presented the Public Investment Governance Report for last fiscal year, which is a fundamental pillar for maintaining macroeconomic stability and enhancing the efficiency of resource allocation, adding that commitment to the investment ceiling of EGP 1 trillion last year opened the way for greater private-sector investment.
The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation noted that the government launched “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development,” which represents a comprehensive framework achieving integration between Vision 2030 and the Government Program, as well as transforming sectoral strategies and directions into clear indicators and targets. It also promotes the transformation of the Egyptian economic growth model to focus more on production and exports.
H.E. also noted that the State is implementing the programs-and-performance methodology, that enhances the monitoring and evaluation system and the periodic review of national, sectoral, and spatial policies and objectives through the “Adaa” System, and its role in strengthening the commitment of all units to provide all information and data that allow for the monitoring and evaluation of programs, projects, and activities, which reflects on the effectiveness of the development plans implemented and the targets set, and ensures the efficiency of public spending by linking the allocated appropriations to the results to be achieved.
In a related context, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat spoke about the State’s efforts to implement the State Ownership Policy Document to empower the private sector, and to establish the State-Owned Enterprises Unit to maximize the benefits of these companies, explaining that the unit has clear powers to implement the most appropriate scenarios for state-owned companies.
The reforms implemented by the ministry to facilitate resilience and flexibility were also presented, which include adding two new projects to the “NWFE” Program to enhance the transition toward renewable energy, as well as a review of the executive position of climate-responsive public investment management reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, particularly with regard to integrating environmental dimensions into the methodology and criteria for evaluating and selecting investment projects included in the plan, studying the climate changes to which investment assets may be exposed and developing measures to address these changes, and increasing the number of green projects included within the “NWFE” Country Platform.
Al-Mashat reaffirmed that the government is continuing with reform efforts to increase growth, enhance economic resilience, achieve development, and create job opportunities.
– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.
Source: Government of South Africa
Justice Minister sends condolences to the Van der Merwe family
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent her condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed in front of his family in Brakpan last night.
Van der Merwe was “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission and had recently testified before the Commission.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Kubayi said.
Addressing the media in Pretoria this morning, Kubayi said Van de Merwe was offered security but he declined the offer, saying he had his own security and he owned a security company.
“After this development, I did interacted with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Commission, to discuss security issues. There is a need to review security issues,” Kubayi said.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home.
The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the killing of Van der Merwe.
The Madlanga Commission — officially called the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — this morning issued a statement on the passing of Van der Merwe.
“The Commission has noted with profound sadness the brutal killing of one of its witnesses, Mr Marius van der Merwe.
“The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department.
“The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Source: Government of South Africa
Justice Minister sends condolences to the Van der Merwe family, friends
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent her condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed in front of his family in Brakpan last night.
Van der Merwe was “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission and had recently testified before the Commission.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Kubayi said.
Addressing the media in Pretoria this morning, Kubayi said Van de Merwe was offered security but he declined the offer, saying he had his own security and he owned a security company.
“After this development, I did interacted with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Commission, to discuss security issues. There is a need to review security issues,” Kubayi said.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home.
The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the killing of Van der Merwe.
The Madlanga Commission — officially called the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — this morning issued a statement on the passing of Van der Merwe.
“The Commission has noted with profound sadness the brutal killing of one of its witnesses, Mr Marius van der Merwe.
“The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department.
“The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
Le gouvernement met en place des programmes pour renforcer la sécurité alimentaire des populations, lutter contre la cherté de la vie et améliorer les conditions de vie et de travail des acteurs du secteur agricole.
À Ferkessédougou, une coopérative d’une centaine de productrices de maraîchers bénéficie chaque année d’un important appui en matériels agricoles, en semences et en engrais.
Le groupement a également été doté de châteaux d’eau, de trois forages, d’un système d’irrigation et d’un tricycle. Des équipements qui ont profondément amélioré les conditions de travail de ces femmes.
« Ici, les engrais sont très coûteux. Ne plus avoir à les acheter est un immense soulagement. Disposer de l’eau directement sur notre site est également un atout considérable. Nous n’avons plus besoin de dépenser en carburant pour aller louer des terres cultivables et travailler ailleurs : tout est désormais réuni sur notre propre parcelle », se réjouit la présidente de la coopérative, Christine Yéo.
À Debegnanvoguo, toujours dans le département de Ferkessédougou, la coopérative Yirivongon, forte de 65 membres, reçoit elle aussi des intrants et des matériels agricoles pour soutenir ses activités et renforcer l’autonomisation de ses membres.
« Grâce à l’appui du gouvernement, nos producteurs ont pu étendre leurs superficies de culture et améliorer significativement leurs revenus. Certains sont aujourd’hui en train de construire leur propre maison », confie Solange Ouattara, Animatrice de Développement Rural (ADR) de l’ANADER.
Ces accompagnements s’inscrivent dans le cadre du Projet d’Appui au Programme Social du Gouvernement (PA-PSGouv), qui vise une meilleure exploitation des potentialités agricoles du pays et l’autonomisation durable des producteurs et productrices.
De 2022 à fin 2024, 781 hectares ont été exploités pour une production de 12 169 tonnes de légumes, contre un objectif initial de 10 450 tonnes.
Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, December 06, 2025
HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab met, separately, Saturday with HE Director General for Global Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Mikaniel Lindvall; HE Political Director and Director General for Middle East Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ireland Gerard Kyon; HE Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia James Swan; HE EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber; and HE African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye, on the sidelines of Doha Forum 2025.
During the meetings, they discussed bilateral cooperation, as well as a number of issues of common concern.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, December 06, 2025
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani affirmed that Qatar is committed to the stability of the region, seeing it as an essential component of its own national security. He cautioned, however, that Qatar does not aspire to project power through military means, but rather through diplomacy, investment, and strategic partnerships – an approach he described as Qatar’s defining contribution in this field.
Speaking in a session titled “Mediation in a Fragmented World” during the Doha Forum 2025, His Excellency noted that Qatar works to resolve conflicts through mediation in an increasingly fractured international landscape. He stressed that Qatar consistently seeks to keep channels of communication open with all parties and refrains from taking sides, because without such openness, no dispute can be meaningfully resolved. He added that all progress achieved by Qatar in this sphere since 2013 has stemmed from its engagement with every stakeholder.
His Excellency explained that mediation inherently involves stepping in to help resolve disputes between two parties or among several states – something he described as natural practice in international relations. He lamented, however, that divisions within the region often arise among states and factions alike, and for that reason Qatar keeps its lines of communication active with all sides to find solutions acceptable to everyone – an approach that has repeatedly proven effective over the years.
Responding to a question, he pointed to Qatar’s success in mediating between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan, noting that Doha facilitated the talks and invested sustained, long-term efforts spanning more than seven years to help achieve the desired outcome and move both sides towards peace.
His Excellency also underscored that Qatar’s achievements from 2023 onward in efforts related to peace in Gaza – culminating in the 2025 peace agreement – were made possible only because it engaged with every relevant actor. Despite this, he noted, Qatar continues to face politically motivated criticism for hosting Hamas. He reiterated that Qatar does not support any particular side, but rather provides a neutral platform to keep dialogue going so that negotiations can produce constructive outcomes that alleviate human suffering.
In a related context, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani explained that each conflict has its own unique dynamics; therefore, mediation between the United States and Afghanistan cannot be equated with mediation between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized that a major challenge in the latter case was that the United States, as one of the mediators, initially engaged only with the Israeli side. Once Washington began speaking with both sides, he said, this shift enabled meaningful progress toward securing the Gaza ceasefire. He added that the ceasefire cannot be regarded as fully in effect unless Israeli forces withdraw entirely, stability is restored in Gaza, and people can move in and out of the territory without obstruction.
His Excellency stressed that the conflict extends beyond Gaza and encompasses the West Bank as well as the Palestinian people’s aspirations for statehood. He expressed hope that the Israeli government will cooperate toward realizing these aspirations.
“We are at a decisive moment with respect to the Gaza ceasefire,” he observed, noting that mediators are currently working together on the second phase of the agreement, which he described as another interim step. He added that Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, and the United States are jointly shaping the trajectory of this next phase.
His Excellency underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – an endeavor that must go beyond ending the catastrophe in Gaza to include the situation in the West Bank and the fulfillment of Palestinian national aspirations. He voiced hope that cooperation with the US administration would ultimately make this vision attainable, while acknowledging that the road ahead is difficult. He cautioned that significant challenges and political attacks lie ahead, but stressed Qatar’s determination to press forward until a durable solution is secured – one that ensures justice for both peoples, both within the ceasefire framework and in the broader 20-point plan.
He continued by noting that the experience of the past two years has made one reality unmistakable: without accountability and enforcement, conditions on the ground remain unchanged, leaving societies vulnerable to extremist agendas – precisely the outcome Qatar and its partners seek to prevent. He added that the collective efforts invested in reaching the ceasefire were essential not only to conclude the first phase but also to lay the foundations for stability in the second phase, while the third phase must ultimately establish a Palestinian state.
His Excellency warned that should extremist agendas prevail over the concerted efforts of the international community, it would signal a structural failure in the very framework through which global actors are attempting to resolve the conflict. He expressed his belief that the United States has a central role to play, bearing responsibility for ensuring compliance and guiding the process onto the right track.
In response to a question, His Excellency emphasized the importance of building negotiations on the basis of shared interests among the parties to the conflict, as this is essential for achieving peace and stability. He also highlighted the key role of economic diplomacy in fostering prosperity and economic growth alongside political progress.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, December 06, 2025
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Saturday met separately with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Jose Manuel Alvarez; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic Georgios Gerapetritis; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Constantinos Kombos; and HE High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaya Kallas, on the sidelines of the 23rd Doha Forum 2025.
During the meetings, they discussed cooperation relations and ways to support and develop them, and exchanged views on the topics on the forum’s agenda, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.
