Category: MIL-OSI

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Rule of law must guide fight against illegal immigration, says Cachalia

Source: Government of South Africa

Rule of law must guide fight against illegal immigration, says Cachalia

Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration, while warning that vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals have no place in South Africa.

Delivering his department’s Budget Vote speech in Parliament on Tuesday, Cachalia said government agrees that illegal immigration is unacceptable and that stronger measures are needed to improve border security and enforce immigration laws.

“Our country’s sovereignty and the rule of law are not negotiable. But I must make myself absolutely clear: we condemn any violent protest action targeting people from other countries,” he said.

Cachalia warned that attacks on foreign nationals damage South Africa’s standing in the region and globally, undermining efforts to attract investment and grow the economy.

“[It] limits foreign investment and undermines our chances to grow our economy and create jobs. It also could harm the cooperation we need with our regional neighbours to address organised criminal networks that bring drugs into our country and that traffic people across our borders,” he said.

He stressed that only the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA) are authorised to arrest people for immigration offences.

“You cannot build a country that effectively implements the rule of law by breaking those laws,” Cachalia said, adding that police will continue to act against both illegal immigration and those who resort to violence during protests.

The Minister noted that police officers are already under immense pressure as they confront crime under often difficult and dangerous conditions.

Bringing back accountability

Turning to the recent suspension of senior SAPS officials, Cachalia said accountability remains a key pillar of the Police Reset Agenda.

“The most recent suspensions announced by the Acting National Commissioner on Tuesday are pursuant [to the] terms of an internal SAPS investigation. The Acting National Commissioner and I are fully aligned in pursuing consequence management,” he said.

READ | SAPS suspends additional five senior police officers

At the same time, Cachalia praised the vast majority of police officers, who continue to serve communities with dedication and professionalism.

“Your contribution is highly appreciated, and I stand with you,” he said, while also paying tribute to officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Cachalia described attacks on police officers as unacceptable, citing the deaths of Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo of Crime Intelligence in KwaZulu-Natal. The officers were attacked by armed men while on duty in Verulam. Captain Nel died at the scene, while Sergeant Khuzwayo succumbed to his injuries 25 days later.

On the police budget, Cachalia said the allocation is about more than funding.

“It is about whether a child in Lusikisiki can walk to school safely, whether a woman in Thohoyandou can return home from work without fear, and whether a business in eThekwini or Ekurhuleni can invest and create jobs with the confidence that the State will protect its people,” he said.

As the largest institution in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, SAPS has been allocated R127.072 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, increasing to R135.8 billion by 2028/29. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Bill proposes foreign worker quotas, tougher employer penalties

Source: Government of South Africa

Bill proposes foreign worker quotas, tougher employer penalties

The Employment Services Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament, proposing significant changes to South Africa’s labour market framework, including new measures to regulate the employment of foreign nationals and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

The Bill aims to amend the Employment Services Act of 2014 by updating and clarifying several definitions within the legislation, while extending its application to include foreign nationals, workers, and private employment agencies that do not operate for profit.

A key feature of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a more comprehensive framework governing the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa.

The Bill seeks to align labour migration policies with the objectives of the Employment Services Act, as well as existing provisions contained in the Immigration Act and the Refugees Act.

It introduces substantially tougher penalties for employers who fail to comply with the new rules governing the employment of foreign nationals.

Before recruiting a foreign worker, employers will be required to satisfy themselves, in a manner prescribed by regulation, that there are no suitably qualified South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees or asylum seekers available to fill the position.

Employers who breach these requirements could face escalating fines imposed by the Labour Court, ranging from up to R100 000 for a first offence, R200 000 for a repeat offence within three years, and up to R1 million or 10% of annual turnover for employers found guilty of multiple contraventions.

The proposed measures are aimed at ensuring that foreign recruitment takes place only where genuine skills shortages exist, while strengthening deterrents against the unlawful employment of foreign nationals.

Under the proposed amendments, the Minister of Employment and Labour will be granted additional powers to develop regulations relating to labour migration and the employment of foreign workers.

The Bill also proposes expanding the responsibilities of the Employment Services Board to strengthen oversight and policy implementation.

The legislation further provides for the establishment and governance of Supported Employment Enterprises, which are intended to create and support employment opportunities for designated groups of workers.

Authorities are expected to receive stronger powers to investigate and act against non-compliant employers and employment agencies.

The proposed amendments also make provision for exemptions from certain requirements of the Act and empower the Minister to issue further regulations where necessary.

Government says the changes are intended to improve labour market governance, promote fair employment practices, and ensure that the employment of foreign nationals is managed in a manner that supports South Africa’s economic and social objectives.

The Bill is currently before Parliament and will undergo the legislative process, including committee scrutiny and opportunities for public participation, before any amendments can be enacted into law.

This comes after government has announced plans to intensify action against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals, with President Cyril Ramaphosa warning that businesses found flouting immigration and labour laws will face tougher penalties and stricter enforcement.

President Ramaphosa said illegal immigration continues to undermine efforts to create decent jobs, protect labour standards and expand employment opportunities for South Africans.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, the President said some employers deliberately hire undocumented migrants because their vulnerable legal status makes it difficult for them to challenge unfair treatment in the workplace.

Investigations have uncovered workplaces where undocumented foreign nationals are subjected to poor working conditions, low wages and excessive working hours without proper compensation.

He warned that employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers are not only breaking the law but are also undermining fair competition and weakening labour protections for all workers.

As part of government’s Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, authorities will step up inspections at companies suspected of employing undocumented foreign nationals.

The inspections will involve joint operations by the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Employment and Labour.

In a move aimed at strengthening enforcement capacity, the Department of Employment and Labour has begun the phased recruitment of 10 000 labour inspectors during the current financial year.

President Ramaphosa said authorities can no longer allow employers found guilty of exploiting undocumented workers to simply pay fines and continue operating without consequence.

The latest measures signal government’s intention to tighten oversight of labour migration while tackling worker exploitation and promoting compliance with South Africa’s employment and immigration legislation.

The Bill can be accessed at https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Bills/Employment%20Services%20Amendment%20Bill.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za

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Condolences for His Majesty King Makhosonke II

Source: Government of South Africa

Condolences for His Majesty King Makhosonke II

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences following the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II of the AmaNdebele nation.

“It is with deep sadness that I mourn the passing away today, Tuesday, 9 June 2026, of His Majesty King Makhosonke II – Enock Makhosonke Mabhena – reigning King of the AmaNdebele nation,” the President in a statement on Tuesday.

His Majesty, the traditional leader of the AmaNdebele akwaManala, passed away at the age of 65 after 40 years on the throne.

“My thoughts and prayers – and I know those of the nation – go out today to the Royal Household, Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, AmaNdebele and the Basotho nation from whom Her Majesty is descended.

“We will in due course pay tribute to the King as a pillar of national unity in diversity and as a champion of development, with education and land restitution as part of his vision,” said the President.

He added that the nation stands alongside AmaNdebele in this moment of grief.

“We offer our deep condolences to the Royal Household once more,” said President Ramaphosa. –SAnews.gov.za

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SAPS Gauteng Commissioner to visit scene of deadly Cleveland incident 

Source: Government of South Africa

SAPS Gauteng Commissioner to visit scene of deadly Cleveland incident 

Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, will today visit the scene of a crime where 12 people were killed in Cleveland.

The provincial Commissioner’s visit on Wednesday follows the deadly shooting, which also left several others injured at Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland on Tuesday evening, 9 June 2026.

“It is reported that at approximately 11:10pm, SAPS members responded to a complaint of a shooting in progress at the informal settlement. Upon arrival, police found numerous victims, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services were immediately summoned to the scene to assist the injured,” said the police on Wednesday.

Preliminary investigations reveal that eight adult males and three adult females were declared dead at the scene, while one additional male victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. At least nine other victims were transported to various medical facilities for treatment of gunshot wounds.

It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland. 

The suspects allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances and moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.

Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilised to investigate the incident and track down the suspects.

“The motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage,” said police.

Meanwhile, SAPS is calling on anyone with information that may assist with the investigation to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. –SAnews.gov.za

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Yanar Mohammed a été assassinée il y a 100 jours ; personne n’a été inculpé

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le 2 mars 2026, Yanar Mohammed, l’une des principales militantes des droits des femmes en Irak, a été abattue devant son domicile à Bagdad par deux hommes armés non identifiés circulant à moto. Cent jours après son assassinat, personne n’a été inculpé pour son meurtre. L’absence de progrès tangibles dans l’enquête reflète la culture de l’impunité que Yanar a consacré sa vie à changer, une culture dans laquelle la violence à l’égard des femmes et des filles est systématiquement tolérée et reste impunie.

Le meurtre de Yanar a suscité indignation et chagrin dans le monde entier. Sa mort est une perte profonde pour sa famille, ses amis et ses collègues, pour le mouvement des droits des femmes en Irak et au-delà, et pour les innombrables femmes et filles qu’elle s’efforçait de protéger. C’est aussi un rappel brutal des risques auxquels sont exposées les militantes des droits des femmes en Irak. L’incapacité du gouvernement à inculper qui que ce soit en lien avec le meurtre de Yanar envoie un message glaçant: celles et ceux qui s’en prennent aux défenseuses et défenseurs des droits humains peuvent agir sans avoir à en répondre.

Justice pour Yanar Mohammed

La Coalition Hurra (https://apo-opa.co/3QwR08Q), une association d’organisations féministes du Moyen-Orient et de l’Afrique du Nord (MENA) œuvrant à la réforme du droit de la famille discriminatoire, et Equality Now (https://apo-opa.co/4v2k1YY), qui en assure le secrétariat, exhortent le gouvernement irakien à rendre justice à Yanar en menant une enquête rapide, approfondie et indépendante.

Les autorités de l’État doivent veiller à ce que toutes les personnes responsables de sa mort soient identifiées, poursuivies et tenues pleinement responsables, conformément aux normes internationales relatives aux droits humains.

Yanar Mohammed avait bâti un réseau de maisons sûres pour les survivantes fuyant la violence

Âgée de 65 ans, Yanar était une défenseuse courageuse de la laïcité, de l’égalité et des droits des femmes et des filles. En tant que cofondatrice et directrice de l’Organisation pour la liberté des femmes en Irak (OWFI) (https://apo-opa.co/4fC0Xfn), elle venait en aide aux survivantes de violences basées sur le genre, de violences domestiques et de la traite des êtres humains, et militait pour mettre fin aux crimes dits «d’honneur».

Sous sa direction, l’OWFI a créé les premiers foyers pour femmes en Irak et a développé un réseau de maisons sûres à travers le pays. Ces foyers continuent d’offrir non seulement un refuge essentiel contre la violence et l’exploitation, mais aussi un accompagnement psychosocial, un soutien juridique et une formation professionnelle, permettant à plusieurs centaines de femmes de reconstruire leur vie.

Kawthar Bashar al-Husayjawi, tuée après avoir refusé un mariage forcé

Dans un entretien accordé à Nobel Women’s Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/4ggRASu), Yanar déclarait: «Mon travail consiste à protéger les femmes en Irak des crimes du patriarcat. Le gouvernement a laissé s’installer un programme qui méprise les droits des femmes. Les politiques gouvernementales sont fondées sur la religion; elles sont extrêmement patriarcales et tribales, et prêchent la haine des femmes. L’Irak est devenu un endroit où la polygamie est encouragée, où les crimes d’honneur sont autorisés, et où le “mariage d’enfants” est un phénomène quotidien.»

Cette cruelle réalité a été tragiquement illustrée par le meurtre, en mai 2026, de Kawthar Bashar al-Husayjawi, une adolescente de 15 ans originaire de Bagdad. Dans les colonnes du Guardian, une parente a raconté comment Kawthar avait tenté d’échapper à un mariage forcé (https://apo-opa.co/4oiT4xy) avec un cousin plus âgé qui venait d’être libéré de prison. Kawthar aurait été atteinte de dix balles tirées par son père, son oncle et son cousin, tandis qu’une vidéo non vérifiée, largement diffusée en ligne, montrerait des membres de sa famille célébrant sa mort.

Cette parente a expliqué que Kawthar avait déjà survécu à un premier “mariage d’enfants” marqué par les abus. À seulement 13 ans, elle avait été retirée de l’école et forcée d’épouser un homme alcoolique bien plus âgé qu’elle. Après avoir enduré une année de mauvais traitements violents, elle était retournée auprès de sa famille pour y chercher protection. Au lieu de cela, celle-ci a tenté de faire pression sur elle pour qu’elle retourne auprès de son agresseur et l’a maintenue dans une situation assimilable à une assignation à résidence.

À la suite de menaces répétées de mettre fin à ses jours, Kawthar a obtenu le divorce auprès d’un tribunal à la fin de l’année 2025, avant d’être de nouveau confrontée aux tentatives de sa famille de la contraindre à un autre mariage non désiré.

L’affaire de Kawthar exige le même engagement urgent en faveur de la justice que celle de Yanar. Les autorités irakiennes doivent mener une enquête approfondie et garantir que toutes les personnes impliquées répondent pleinement de leurs actes. À défaut, elles renforceraient la culture de l’impunité qui enhardit les auteurs potentiels, favorise la violence basée sur le genre et compromet les efforts visant à protéger les femmes et les filles en danger. Briser ce cycle fait partie intégrante de l’hommage rendu à l’héritage de Yanar.

En solidarité avec les défenseuses des droits humains

En ce moment critique, les membres de la Coalition Hurra expriment leur pleine solidarité avec les défenseuses des droits humains, en particulier celles d’Irak. Nul ne devrait être diffamé, menacé ou agressé en raison de son travail en faveur des droits humains, et aucune barrière institutionnelle ne devrait servir à restreindre ou à étouffer leur militantisme.

En tant que mouvement régional couvrant le Moyen-Orient et l’Afrique du Nord, nous continuerons de faire entendre le travail essentiel de la société civile irakienne et de soutenir les efforts visant à faire progresser les droits des femmes et les libertés fondamentales. Nous exhortons les autorités irakiennes à prendre des mesures immédiates pour protéger les défenseuses et défenseurs des droits humains et à garantir un environnement sûr et favorable dans lequel ils et elles puissent mener leur travail sans risque de harcèlement, de violence ou de représailles.

Plus déterminées que jamais, nous restons engagées à faire avancer les causes que Yanar a défendues tout au long de sa vie. Son courage, son leadership et son dévouement sans faille à la lutte contre la violence basée sur le genre continuent d’inspirer nos efforts pour bâtir un avenir où toutes les femmes et toutes les filles pourront vivre dans l’égalité, la dignité et la liberté, en Irak et dans toute la région.

Distribué par APO Group pour Equality Now.

Réseaux sociaux :
Bluesky : equalitynow.bsky.social (https://apo-opa.co/3PR9FvZ)
Facebook : @equalitynoworg (https://apo-opa.co/3QcMFaD)
Instagram : @equalitynoworg (https://apo-opa.co/4alJcxo)
LinkedIn : Equality Now (https://apo-opa.co/4fC9SO0)

À propos la Coalition Hurra :
La Coalition Hurra est un réseau régional d’organisations féministes et de défense des droits humains présentes au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique du Nord, qui œuvre à la réforme du droit de la famille discriminatoire et à la garantie de l’égalité et de la justice pour les femmes et les filles. Créée en 2019 à l’initiative d’Equality Now et de six membres fondateurs, elle constitue une plateforme de solidarité, de plaidoyer juridique et de campagnes régionales coordonnées.

Aujourd’hui, Hurra réunit 15 organisations nationales de défense des droits des femmes issues de neuf pays arabes, parmi lesquelles des associations juridiques, des centres de recherche, des institutions de lutte contre la violence et des organisations de développement. Cette diversité permet à la coalition de s’appuyer sur une expertise nationale approfondie et sur des stratégies régionales collectives pour faire progresser les réformes.

Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3Q7Zd3g).

À propos d’Equality Now :
Equality Now est une organisation mondiale de défense des droits humains qui se consacre à obtenir les réformes juridiques et systémiques indispensables pour éliminer la discrimination envers toutes les femmes et filles, partout dans le monde. Depuis sa création en 1992, elle a contribué à la réforme de 130 lois discriminatoires, impactant positivement la vie de centaines de millions de femmes et de filles, leurs communautés et nations, tant pour les générations d’aujourd’hui que celles de demain.

En partenariat avec des acteurs aux niveaux national, régional et mondial, Equality Now mobilise une expertise juridique pointue ainsi qu’une diversité de perspectives sociales, politiques et culturelles, afin de continuer à guider, influencer et porter les transformations nécessaires pour atteindre une égalité de genre durable, bénéfique à tous.

Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur www.EqualityNow.org.

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Yanar Mohammed was assassinated 100 days ago; no one has been charged

Source: APO

On March 2, 2026, Yanar Mohammed, one of Iraq’s leading women’s rights defenders, was shot outside her home in Baghdad by two unidentified gunmen. One hundred days after her assassination, no one has been charged with her murder.

The absence of meaningful progress in the investigation reflects the culture of impunity that Yanar dedicated her life to changing, a culture in which violence against women and girls is routinely tolerated and left unpunished.

Yanar’s murder sparked global outrage and grief. Her death is a profound loss for her family, friends, and colleagues, for the women’s rights movement in Iraq and beyond, and for the countless women and girls she sought to protect. It is also a stark reminder of the risks faced by women’s rights activists in Iraq. The failure by the government to charge anyone in connection with Yanar’s killing sends a chilling message that those who target human rights defenders can act without consequence.

Justice for Yanar Mohammed

The Hurra Coalition (https://apo-opa.co/3QwR08Q), an association of 15 feminist organisations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) working to reform discriminatory family laws, and Equality Now (https://apo-opa.co/4v2k1YY), the coalition’s Secretariat, urge the Government of Iraq to deliver justice for Yanar by conducting a prompt, thorough, and independent investigation.

State authorities must ensure that all those responsible for her death are identified, prosecuted, and held fully accountable in accordance with international human rights standards.

Yanar Mohammed built a network of safe houses for survivors fleeing violence

Yanar, 65, was a courageous advocate for equality and the rights of women and girls. As co-founder and director of the Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) (https://apo-opa.co/4fC0Xfn), she assisted survivors of gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and trafficking, and campaigned to end so-called “honour” crimes.

Under her leadership, OWFI established Iraq’s first women’s shelters and developed a network of safe houses across the country. These shelters continue to provide not only much-needed refuge from violence and exploitation but also counselling, legal support, and vocational training, enabling many hundreds of women to build new lives.

Kawthar Bashar Al-Husayjawi killed after resisting forced marriage

In an interview with Nobel Women’s Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/4ggRASu), Yanar said: “My work is focused on protecting women in Iraq from the crimes of patriarchy. The government has allowed an agenda that is dismissive of women’s rights. The government policies are based on religion and are extremely patriarchal and tribal, and they preach hatred of women. Iraq has become a place where polygamy is encouraged, where honour killings are allowed, and child marriage is an everyday occurrence.”

This cruel reality was tragically demonstrated by the killing in May 2026 of Kawthar Bashar al-Husayjawi, a 15-year-old girl from Baghdad. Writing in The Guardian, a female relative described how Kawthar had tried to escape a forced marriage (https://apo-opa.co/4oiT4xy) to an older cousin who had recently been released from prison. Kawthar was allegedly shot ten times by her father, uncle, and cousin, while an unverified video circulating widely online reportedly shows family members celebrating her death.

The female relative explained that Kawthar had already survived one abusive child marriage. At just 13 years old, she was removed from school and forced to marry an alcoholic who was much older than her. After enduring a year of violent mistreatment, she returned to her family seeking protection. Instead, they tried to pressure her to return to her abuser and kept her under effective house arrest.

Following repeated threats to kill herself, Kawthar was granted a divorce by a court in late 2025, only to face new efforts by her family to force her into another unwanted marriage. 

Kawthar’s case demands the same urgent commitment to justice as Yanar’s. The Iraqi authorities must conduct a thorough investigation and ensure full accountability for all those involved. Failure to do so would reinforce the culture of impunity that emboldens would-be perpetrators, enables gender-based violence, and undermines efforts to protect women and girls at risk. Breaking this cycle is integral to honouring Yanar’s legacy.

Standing in solidarity with women’s human rights defenders

At this critical moment, Hurra Coalition members stand in full solidarity with women human rights defenders, particularly those in Iraq. No one should be defamed, threatened, or harmed because of their human rights work, nor should institutional barriers be used to restrict or suppress their activism.

As a regional movement spanning the Middle East and North Africa, we will continue to amplify the vital work of Iraqi civil society and support efforts to advance women’s rights and fundamental freedoms. We urge the Iraqi authorities to take immediate steps to protect human rights defenders and guarantee a safe and enabling environment in which they can carry out their work without risk of harassment, violence, or reprisals.

More determined than ever, we remain committed to advancing the causes that Yanar championed throughout her life. Her courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to ending gender-based violence continue to inspire our efforts to build a future where all women and girls can live with equality, dignity, and freedom in Iraq and across the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.

Social Media:
Bluesky: equalitynow.bsky.social (https://apo-opa.co/3PR9FvZ)
Facebook: @equalitynoworg (https://apo-opa.co/3QcMFaD)
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LinkedIn: Equality Now (https://apo-opa.co/4fC9SO0)

About The Hurra Coalition:
The Hurra Coalition (https://apo-opa.co/3QwR08Q) is a regional network of feminist and human rights organisations across the Middle East and North Africa working to reform discriminatory family laws and ensure equality and justice for women and girls. Established in 2019 as an initiative by Equality Now and six founding members, it serves as a platform for solidarity, legal advocacy, and coordinated regional campaigning.

Today, Hurra includes 15 national women’s rights organisations from nine Arab countries, encompassing legal associations, research centres, anti-violence institutions, and development organisations. This diversity enables the coalition to draw on deep national expertise and collective regional strategies to advance reform.

About Equality Now:
Equality Now is a worldwide human rights organisation dedicated to securing the legal and systemic change needed to end discrimination against all women and girls. Since its inception in 1992, it has played a role in reforming over 130 discriminatory laws globally, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of women and girls, their communities and nations, both now and for generations to come.

Working with partners at national, regional and global levels, Equality Now draws on deep legal expertise and a diverse range of social, political and cultural perspectives to continue to lead the way in steering, shaping and driving the change needed to achieve enduring gender equality, to the benefit of all.

For more details, go to www.EqualityNow.org.

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Qatar, Federated States of Micronesia Forge Diplomatic Ties

Source: Government of Qatar

New York | June 9, 2026

The State of Qatar and the Federated States of Micronesia signed a joint statement to establish diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The signing took place at the headquarters of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in New York.

On the State of Qatar’s side, the joint statement was signed by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, while on the Federated States of Micronesia’s side, the statement was signed by HE Permanent Representative of the Federated States of Micronesia to the United Nations, Jeem S. Lippwe.

Following the signing ceremony, both parties underscored the desire to strengthen and advance relations of friendship and cooperation.

They emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations and international law, as well as respecting and reinforcing international peace and security.

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Association africaine des raffineurs et distributeurs (ARDA) renforce sa coopération avec l’Algérie alors que l’expansion du secteur aval en Afrique prend de l’ampleur

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Une nouvelle feuille de route pour le secteur pétrolier aval africain se dessine à la suite des discussions de haut niveau qui se sont tenues en Algérie le 7 juin. Le ministre algérien des Hydrocarbures, Mohamed Arkab, a reçu Anibor Kragha, secrétaire exécutif de l’Association africaine des raffineurs et distributeurs (ARDA). Les discussions ont porté sur la transformation des réseaux d’infrastructures de raffinage, de pétrochimie et de GPL du continent, ouvrant ainsi de nouvelles voies pour l’expansion du secteur aval sur le continent.

La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) – en tant que porte-parole du secteur énergétique africain – soutient fermement cette étape importante de la collaboration entre l’ARDA et l’Algérie. La Chambre considère cet engagement comme une étape cruciale vers la sécurité énergétique du continent et la réduction de la dépendance vis-à-vis des importations de produits étrangers. En tirant parti de la vaste expertise technique de l’Algérie, l’AEC estime que l’Afrique peut rapidement accélérer la réalisation de ses objectifs d’intégration en aval.

Les réunions ministérielles ont rassemblé les dirigeants des entreprises énergétiques algériennes soutenues par l’État, notamment Sonatrach et Naftal. Les discussions ont porté sur la création de cadres réglementaires et juridiques unifiés afin d’attirer les investissements régionaux. Les deux parties ont mis l’accent sur la sécurité industrielle, la protection de l’environnement et l’évaluation des tendances du marché mondial afin de protéger les économies africaines vulnérables contre les chocs externes.

Au cours des réunions, le ministre Arkab a souligné que l’Afrique devait passer d’un modèle d’exportation traditionnel basé sur les rentes à un développement intégré. Cette stratégie repose sur la transformation locale des matières premières naturelles afin de construire des chaînes de valeur nationales et régionales résilientes. Le cadre algérien montre comment la gestion souveraine des ressources et les entreprises publiques peuvent stabiliser les marchés tout en favorisant les transferts de technologie.

De son côté, l’ARDA a exprimé un vif intérêt pour la reproduction du modèle algérien d’infrastructures en aval, qui a fait ses preuves, dans d’autres États membres. M. Kragha a souligné la nécessité de renforcer la solidarité énergétique africaine grâce à des chaînes d’approvisionnement transfrontalières coordonnées. L’association vise à utiliser des technologies de transformation avancées pour soutenir le développement économique et pallier les déficits énergétiques régionaux.

Cette coopération s’inscrit dans le cadre de la stratégie algérienne d’expansion massive du secteur en aval, d’un montant de 7 milliards de dollars, gérée par Sonatrach. Cette initiative de traitement constitue un pilier central du Plan de développement des hydrocarbures 2026-2030 du pays, d’un montant global de 60 milliards de dollars. L’objectif stratégique est de faire passer le taux de conversion local des hydrocarbures de 32 % à 50 % d’ici 2030.

La modernisation du secteur du raffinage en Algérie s’appuie sur six raffineries nationales dont la capacité de traitement combinée s’élève à 657 000 barils par jour. Parmi les projets en cours figure la modernisation de la raffinerie d’Arzew en collaboration avec Sinopec, visant à doubler la production d’essence pour atteindre 1,2 million de tonnes par an d’ici mi-2028. De plus, le projet de craquage de fioul à Skikda permettra de produire 1,75 million de tonnes de diesel d’ici janvier 2029.

Le secteur pétrochimique est également en pleine expansion grâce à un effort de production de plusieurs milliards de dollars axé sur les intrants industriels essentiels et les plastiques. Parmi les installations clés figurent l’usine de polypropylène STEP d’une capacité de 550 000 tonnes par an et un complexe d’alkylbenzène linéaire d’un milliard de dollars à Skikda. Par ailleurs, une nouvelle usine de MTBE est entrée dans son cycle de démarrage progressif de la production début 2026.

Dans le secteur gazier, l’Algérie exploite quatre méga-complexes de liquéfaction de GNL et deux complexes de séparation de GPL à Arzew et Skikda. Cette vaste infrastructure gazière offre une base fiable pour l’expansion des réseaux continentaux de distribution de GPL.

Pour soutenir cette expansion, la loi algérienne de 2019 sur les hydrocarbures offre des dispositions fiscales attractives et de solides protections des investissements aux compagnies pétrolières internationales. Si Sonatrach s’appuie sur des partenariats d’ingénierie étrangers pour les équipements lourds, elle s’emploie activement à atténuer les risques d’approvisionnement. Parallèlement, un investissement de 1 milliard de dollars vise à contrer les taxes européennes sur le carbone en capturant le gaz brûlé à la torche et en menant des projets pilotes sur l’hydrogène vert.

« Ces discussions entre l’Algérie et l’ARDA marquent un tournant décisif dans le parcours de l’Afrique vers l’indépendance énergétique totale et l’industrialisation structurelle. En tirant parti des infrastructures en aval de classe mondiale et de l’expertise souveraine de l’Algérie, le continent peut opérer une transition complète, passant du statut d’exportateur de matières premières à celui de puissance autonome », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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A Associação Africana de Refinadores e Distribuidores (ARDA) reforça a cooperação com a Argélia à medida que a expansão do setor a jusante em África ganha impulso

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Um novo roteiro para o setor petrolífero a jusante de África está a tomar forma na sequência de discussões de alto nível realizadas na Argélia, a 7 de junho. O ministro argelino dos Hidrocarbonetos, Mohamed Arkab, recebeu Anibor Kragha, secretário executivo da Associação Africana de Refinadores e Distribuidores (ARDA). As conversações centraram-se na transformação das redes de infraestruturas de refinação, petroquímica e GPL do continente, criando novos caminhos para a expansão do setor a jusante a nível continental.

A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) – enquanto voz do setor energético africano – apoia veementemente este marco de colaboração entre a ARDA e a Argélia. A Câmara considera este compromisso um passo vital para alcançar a segurança energética continental e reduzir a dependência das importações de produtos estrangeiros. Ao tirar partido da vasta experiência técnica da Argélia, a AEC acredita que África pode acelerar rapidamente os seus objetivos de integração a jusante.

As reuniões ministeriais reuniram a liderança executiva das empresas energéticas apoiadas pelo Estado argelino, incluindo a Sonatrach e a Naftal. As discussões centraram-se na criação de quadros regulamentares e jurídicos unificados para atrair investimentos regionais. Ambas as partes enfatizaram a segurança industrial, a proteção ambiental e a avaliação das tendências do mercado global para proteger as economias africanas vulneráveis de choques externos.

Durante as reuniões, o Ministro Arkab salientou que África deve fazer a transição de um modelo tradicional de exportação baseado em rendimentos para um desenvolvimento integrado. Esta estratégia assenta no processamento local de recursos naturais em bruto para construir cadeias de valor nacionais e regionais resilientes. O quadro da Argélia demonstra como a gestão soberana dos recursos e as empresas públicas podem estabilizar os mercados, promovendo simultaneamente a transferência de tecnologia.

Por seu lado, a ARDA manifestou profundo interesse em replicar o modelo bem-sucedido de infraestruturas a jusante da Argélia noutros Estados-Membros. Kragha destacou a necessidade de reforçar a solidariedade energética africana através de cadeias de abastecimento transfronteiriças coordenadas. A associação pretende utilizar tecnologias de transformação avançadas para apoiar o desenvolvimento económico e atenuar os défices energéticos regionais.

Esta cooperação está em sintonia com a estratégia de expansão a jusante da Argélia, no valor de 7 mil milhões de dólares, gerida pela Sonatrach. Esta iniciativa de processamento constitui um pilar central do mais abrangente Plano de Desenvolvimento de Hidrocarbonetos 2026–2030 do país, no valor de 60 mil milhões de dólares. O objetivo estratégico é elevar a taxa de conversão local de hidrocarbonetos de 32% para 50% até 2030.

A modernização da refinação da Argélia assenta em seis refinarias nacionais com uma capacidade de processamento combinada de 657 000 barris por dia. Os projetos atuais incluem a modernização da refinaria de Arzew com a Sinopec para duplicar a produção de gasolina para 1,2 milhões de toneladas por ano até meados de 2028. Além disso, o projeto de craqueamento de fuelóleo de Skikda irá produzir 1,75 milhões de toneladas de gasóleo até janeiro de 2029.

O setor petroquímico também está a expandir-se através de um impulso de produção de vários milhares de milhões de dólares, visando insumos industriais essenciais e plásticos. As principais instalações incluem a fábrica de polipropileno STEP, com capacidade para 550 000 toneladas por ano, e um complexo de alquilbenzeno linear de mil milhões de dólares em Skikda. Além disso, uma nova fábrica de MTBE entrou no seu ciclo de arranque de produção faseado no início de 2026.

No setor do gás, a Argélia opera quatro mega complexos de liquefação de GNL e dois complexos de separação de GPL em Arzew e Skikda. Esta extensa infraestrutura de gás proporciona uma base fiável para a expansão das redes continentais de distribuição de GPL.

Para sustentar esta expansão, a Lei dos Hidrocarbonetos de 2019 da Argélia oferece disposições fiscais atrativas e proteções de investimento robustas para as empresas petrolíferas internacionais. Embora a Sonatrach dependa de parcerias de engenharia estrangeiras para maquinaria pesada, está a mitigar ativamente os riscos de abastecimento. Simultaneamente, um investimento paralelo de mil milhões de dólares aborda as tarifas de carbono europeias através da captura de gás queimado e da implementação de projetos-piloto de hidrogénio verde.

«Estas conversações entre a Argélia e a ARDA marcam um ponto de viragem decisivo na jornada de África rumo à independência energética total e à industrialização estrutural. Ao tirar partido da infraestrutura a jusante de classe mundial da Argélia e da sua experiência soberana, o continente pode fazer a transição completa de um exportador de matérias-primas para uma potência autossuficiente», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) Strengthens Cooperation with Algeria as Africa’s Downstream Expansion Gains Traction

Source: APO


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A new roadmap for Africa’s downstream oil sector is taking shape following high-level discussions in Algeria on June 7. Algerian Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab hosted Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA). The talks focused on transforming the continent’s refining, petrochemicals and LPG infrastructure networks, creating new pathways for continental downstream expansion.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – strongly supports this collaborative milestone between ARDA and Algeria. The Chamber views the engagement as a vital step toward achieving continental energy security and reducing dependence on foreign product imports. By leveraging Algeria’s extensive technical expertise, the AEC believe Africa can rapidly accelerate its downstream integration goals.

The ministerial meetings brought together executive leadership from Algeria’s state-backed energy enterprises, including Sonatrach and Naftal. Discussions centered on creating unified regulatory and legal frameworks to attract regional investments. Both parties emphasized industrial safety, environmental protection and evaluating global market trends to shield vulnerable African economies from external shocks.

During the meetings, Minister Arkab stressed that Africa must transition from a traditional rent-based export model toward integrated development. This strategy relies on processing raw natural resources locally to build resilient national and regional value chains. Algeria’s framework showcases how sovereign resource management and public companies can stabilize markets while fostering technology transfers.

For its part, ARDA expressed deep interest in replicating Algeria’s successful downstream infrastructure blueprint across other member states. Kragha highlighted the necessity of strengthening African energy solidarity through coordinated cross-border supply chains. The association aims to utilize advanced processing technologies to support economic development and alleviate regional energy deficits.

This cooperation aligns with Algeria’s massive $7 billion downstream expansion strategy, managed by Sonatrach. This processing initiative serves as a core pillar of the country’s broader $60 billion 2026–2030 Hydrocarbon Development Plan. The strategic goal is to elevate the local hydrocarbon conversion rate from 32% to 50% by 2030.

Algeria’s refining modernization is anchored by six domestic refineries boasting a combined processing capacity of 657,000 barrels per day. Current projects include the Arzew refinery upgrade with Sinopec to double gasoline output to 1.2 million tons annually by mid-2028. Additionally, the Skikda fuel oil cracking project will deliver 1.75 million tons of diesel by January 2029.

The petrochemical sector is also expanding through a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing push targeting core industrial inputs and plastics. Key installations include the 550,000-tons-per-year STEP polypropylene plant and a $1 billion linear alkylbenzene complex in Skikda. Furthermore, a new MTBE plant entered its phased production start-up cycle in early 2026.

In the gas sector, Algeria operates four mega LNG liquefaction complexes and two LPG separation complexes in Arzew and Skikda. This extensive gas infrastructure provides a reliable foundation for expanding continental LPG distribution networks.

To sustain this expansion, Algeria’s 2019 Hydrocarbons Law offers attractive tax provisions and robust investment protections for international oil companies. While Sonatrach relies on foreign engineering partnerships for heavy machinery, it is actively mitigating supply risks. Simultaneously, a parallel $1 billion investment addresses European carbon tariffs by capturing flared gas and piloting green hydrogen.

“These talks between Algeria and ARDA mark a decisive turning point in Africa’s journey toward total energy independence and structural industrialization. By leveraging Algeria’s world-class downstream infrastructure and sovereign expertise, the continent can fully transition from a raw exporter to a self-sufficient powerhouse,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.