Category: MIL-OSI

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President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to UNGA80

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week lead a South African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025.

To be held under the theme: “Better together: 80 Years and more for peace, development and human rights”, this landmark session coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

President Ramaphosa will use this critical platform to advance a progressive agenda for a more just, peaceful and equitable world order.

Advancing a vision for peace and multilateralism

President Ramaphosa will address the General Debate on Tuesday. His address will champion robust multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the unwavering protection of human rights for all. He will carry a clear message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

The delegation will engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions.

South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.

Championing UN reform and sustainable development

A central pillar of South Africa’s agenda is the comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative, democratic and effective. South Africa will assertively advance the three core pillars of the UN Charter: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. 

The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key engagements

On the margins of the General Debate, President Ramaphosa and the delegation will participate in several pivotal meetings, including:

  • The inaugural Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy.
  • The G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
  • A high-level meeting on the two-State solution in Israel/Palestine.
  • Trade and investment discussions with leading US captains of the Industry and other key US decision makers.

The President will be accompanied and supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chukunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa; the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele. – SAnews.gov.za

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Over 100 suspects arrested during crime prevention outreach in Mthatha

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 21, 2025

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster’s Crime Prevention Outreach in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, has resulted in the arrest of more than 100 suspects.

The programme, led by JCPS Ministers, included community engagements, school visits, raids on liquor outlets, stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, and parolee compliance inspections.

On Friday, various government departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Correctional Services, the Department of Home Affairs, and municipal traffic services, carried out joint operations. These efforts led to:

  • 56 wanted suspects arrested for serious crimes, including rape, murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery.

  • 45 suspects arrested for other offences.

  • 642 vehicles searched.

  • 687 individuals searched.

  • 75 undocumented foreign nationals arrested.

  • Traffic fines amounting to R35 700 issued.

  • Eight dangerous weapons seized.

  • One firearm recovered.

  • 23 suspects arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and two for selling liquor without a licence.

The operations formed part of Operation Shanela II, under which Eastern Cape police have, since 1 April 2025, confiscated 756 illegal firearms and more than 8 000 rounds of ammunition. Of these, 181 firearms and 1 804 rounds of ammunition were seized within the OR Tambo District Municipality.

Deputy National Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said Operation Shanela II continues to make progress in tackling crime.

“These ongoing operations, which focus on high-visibility policing, stop-and-searches and the tracing of wanted suspects, have resulted in thousands of arrests and the recovery of firearms, drugs, and stolen property across the country,” said General Mosikili. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA, China to host Trade and Investment Promotion Conference

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi will on Tuesday address the South Africa-China Trade and Investment Promotion Conference to be held at the Galagher Convention Center in Midrand, Johannesburg.

“The conference aims to foster strategic partnerships, enhance bilateral trade and explore investment opportunities between South Africa and China.

“It will also bring together senior business leaders and government representatives from China, and prominent South African companies across key sectors,” said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in a statement.

The Chinese delegation will include 400 leading enterprises, which will also exhibit their products at the venue, from 23-25 September 2025. – SAnews.gov.za 

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UN chief sounds alarm over worsening crisis in Sudan’s El Fasher

Source: APO – Report:

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El Fasher has been under a tightening siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than 500 days, with attacks against civilians intensifying in recent weeks. The majority of residents in the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp have reportedly fled following relentless shelling and raids.

“The fighting must stop now,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

He reiterated his call for “an immediate cessation of hostilities in El Fasher, as well as for the respect and protection of civilians and for the facilitation of safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.”

The UN chief also stressed that safe passage must be assured for civilians wishing to leave voluntarily.

Mosque attack

The Secretary-General’s warning followed an attack on a mosque in El Fasher on Friday that reportedly killed dozens of civilians during morning prayers.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Denise Brown said she was “gravely alarmed” by the strike, stressing that international humanitarian law demands the protection of religious sites and those worshipping in them.

“It is also a war crime to intentionally direct attacks against buildings dedicated to religion. This attack, reportedly carried out by the RSF, must be investigated and the perpetrators held accountable,” she said in a separate statement.

Humanitarian emergency

Conditions in El Fasher and its surrounding camps have worsened dramatically since famine was identified in the area last year.

The risk of ethnically motivated violence is also rising as fighters advance deeper into the city.

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has raged since April 2023 and claimed thousands of lives and forced millions more from their homes.

Call for global action

Mr. Guterres urged both sides to swiftly engage in dialogue to halt hostilities and return to negotiations for a sustainable political solution.

tHe also called for “concerted international action in support of the people of Sudan” as world leaders gather in New York next week for the UN General Assembly.

The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, “stands ready to support genuine efforts to end the conflict and establish the inclusive political process that the people of Sudan demand,” the statement said.

– on behalf of UN News.

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Madlanga Inquiry "shows government’s commitment to rule of law"

Source: Government of South Africa

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry demonstrates government’s commitment to addressing institutional weaknesses and strengthening the capacity of the State, says Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. 

Kubayi, who is also co-chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, addressed the JCPS Cluster and Brand South Africa Media Roundtable at the Nelson Mandela Foundation on Friday.

Kubayi said the inquiry reflects efforts to “clean up the rot where it exists”.  

“… [The commission] is also to strengthen our institutions, especially law enforcement institutions, and also the entirety of the architecture of State governance and capacity,” the Minister said. 

She explained that one of the priorities under the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) is to build a capable and ethical State. 

“… When we look at where we come from in terms of the State capture, there is a need for us to be able to emphasise the importance of ethical leadership,” she said.

Kubayi highlighted that the cluster is tasked with combating crime and corruption, while also restoring confidence for both citizens and investors. 

“You can’t build confidence in investment when you do not deal with issues such as… fighting crime because those are critical. Now we have developed, in going forward as a cluster, five outcomes that are aligned to the MTDP [and] more broadly, because we are focusing particularly on that area of building capacity to be able to fight crime and corruption in the country,” she said.

Part of the JCPS Cluster’s priorities include building safer communities where South Africans feel secure.

“… Part of the priorities that we have to be able to deal with is being able to build safer communities where South Africans feel safe, and one of those areas of feeling safe is to be able to have access to justice, where there’s visibility of police, where, when something wrong has happened, there are consequences, and [citizens] can believe in the system,” the Minister said. 

She noted that the continuation of the Madlanga Commission also reflects observations made by the Zondo Commission on the deliberate weakening and dismantling of key institutions. 

“… A continuation of the Madlanga Commission would reflect on what would have been the Zondo Commission’s observations on some of the institutions… and we’ll account as well, in terms of what we have done to rebuild those institutions,” Kubayi explained.

She outlined progress in several priority areas, including the roll out of the Integrated Persons Management System at police stations to strengthen the identification of suspects and track repeat offenders across provinces. 

Other measures include the training of 10 000 new police recruits, the establishment of 21 youth victim-friendly facilities to respond to gender-based violence, and legislative reforms to strengthen bail processes through a review of the Criminal Procedure Act.

On border security, Kubayi pointed to ongoing work under the Border Management Authority and Operation Corona to safeguard South Africa’s borders, and improve coordination between role players. While challenges remain, she said government is determined to distinguish between legal migrants, refugees and illegal immigrants.

“The issue of our porous borders is [part] of the ongoing work that in this administration will target and will ensure that we deal with illegal immigration. People must understand there’s a difference between migrants who are here legally – those who have sought refuge and are recognised in terms of international laws, [and we are] also dealing with those who come illegally.

“I don’t think South Africans… don’t welcome people from outside, but it’s and issue that we have to be able to deal with,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Condolences Message from President Wavel Ramkalawan following the passing of singer Katty Melanie

Source: APO – Report:

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“It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the passing of Katty Melanie, one of Seychelles’ most beloved and talented female singers.

Katty’s voice, music and artistry have touched the hearts of generations of Seychellois, becoming part of the soundtrack of our nation’s cultural identity. Through her music, she carried the spirit of Seychelles to every home and celebration, leaving behind a legacy that will live on in the soul of our people.

On behalf of the Government and people of Seychelles, and on my own personal behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to her children, family, loved ones, and all who mourn her loss. May you find comfort in the knowledge that her memory will continue to inspire and unite us through the power of her music.

May her soul rest in eternal peace”.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mission to Guinea meets with Foreign Minister and AU Head of Mission ahead of the Constitutional Referendum

Source: APO – Report:

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As part of its activities, the Technical Observation Mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the Constitutional Referendum in Guinea paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Morissanda KOUYATÉ, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Abroad of the Republic of Guinea, on September 19, 2025, in Conakry, Guinea.

Welcoming the ECOWAS Technical Mission, H.E. Dr. Morissanda KOUYATÉ expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, H.E. Louis-Blaise AKA-BROU, for his role in the signing of the 2022 agreement between ECOWAS and the Republic of Guinea on the transition timelines. He reaffirmed Guinea’s commitment to sustaining its cooperation with ECOWAS to ensure a successful end of the transition and the country’s return to constitutional order.

H.E. Louis-Blaise AKA-BROU, Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Guinea, informed the Minister that the objective of the ECOWAS Mission is to promote democratic governance and to support the people and government of the Republic of Guinea to conduct a successful Constitutional Referendum, in line with ECOWAS Protocols.

As part of its consultations, the ECOWAS Mission also met with the African Union (AU) Observation Mission to the Constitutional Referendum in Guinea, led by Ambassador     Calixte Aristide MBARI, Head of Division for Democracy, Elections, Constitutionalism, Rule of Law, and Transitional Justice at the African Union Commission. Both sides exchanged views in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity, and comparative advantage. The two sides will consider implementing joint activities aimed at providing support to Guinea after the referendum, in view of addressing all challenges ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The 21st September constitutional referendum is a significant step in Guinea’s march towards the restoration of constitutional order.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets OPCW Director-General

Source: Government of Qatar

The Hague, September 18, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met today in The Hague with HE Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fernando Arias.

During the meeting, cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was reviewed, as well as ways to enhance joint coordination on issues related to disarmament and regional and international security.

The two sides discussed developments in the Syrian file, stressing the importance of the international community’s commitment to relevant international treaties and agreements. They also emphasized the organization’s role in ensuring the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

During the meeting, HE the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) praised the State of Qatar’s role in representing the interests of the Syrian Arab Republic within the organization, its support for international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability at the regional and international levels, and its commitment to the principles of international law.

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Farewell visit by H.E. Paulette ADJOVI YEKPE, Ambassador of Benin, to H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission

Source: APO – Report:

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H.E. Paulette ADJOVI YEKPE, Ambassador of Benin to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, paid a farewell visit to H.E. Omar Alieu Touray on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the end of her mission in Abuja, Nigeria.

During their talks, which were attended by Mr. Abdou Kolley, Chief of Staff to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the two sides exchanged views on various issues of regional political interest in the wake of the celebration of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary.

H.E. Omar Alieu Touray expressed to Ambassador YEKPE, Dean of Ambassadors of ECOWAS Member States to ECOWAS, the ECOWAS Commission’s high appreciation for the importance of her contributions and support for the activities of ECOWAS organs and paid special tribute to her for the human and professional qualities she has demonstrated during her mission.

Ambassador YEKPE, for her part, commended ECOWAS’ commitment to ensuring the well-being of the populations and maintaining peace and stability in the region. She also thanked ECOWAS senior officials for the special relationship and attention she received during her tenure.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Ambassador Cillia Mangroo presents credentials to the Director General of the World Trade Organization in Geneva

Source: APO – Report:

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Ms. Cillia Ardyna Mangroo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Seychelles, formally presented her credentials as Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva to Her Excellency, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO in Geneva on Monday 15 September 2025.

During this event, Ambassador Mangroo engaged with DG Okonjo-Iweala on key trade issues to the Seychelles, including the country’s role in the ongoing negotiations on fisheries subsidies and the importance of amplifying the voice of African Members within the multilateral trading system.

Ambassador Mangroo reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to the WTO and its principles, and to furthering the country’s engagements under the Organization towards achieving both national interests and global trade objectives.

Seychelles joined the WTO as its 161st member in April 2015 and actively engages in safeguarding its trade interests and promoting inclusive, sustainable development under the multilateral trading system.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.