Category: MIL-OSI

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En Afrique, le « on verra plus tard » n’a pas sa place (Par Laila Bastati)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Par Laila Bastati, Directrice Commerciale, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com).

La plupart des dirigeants pensent que la communication intervient après la prise de décisions. Sur les marchés africains, c’est déjà trop tard.

Dès qu’une décision est prise, elle commence à être interprétée. Pas quand la déclaration est publiée. Pas quand les équipes sont alignées. Immédiatement. Et une fois que cette interprétation s’installe, il est difficile d’inverser la vapeur.

Une multinationale a restructuré ses opérations en Afrique de l’Est à la fin de 2025. Une décision rationnelle. Opérationnellement saine. L’entreprise prévoyait de l’annoncer d’abord en interne, puis de gérer les communications externes une fois les approbations finalisées.

Mais sur les marchés où la session stratégique du CEO est discutée dans les cercles réglementaires avant la publication, on n’attend pas que « les approbations soient finalisées ».

Les employés du hub régional l’ont perçue comme une validation. Les employés du bureau en cours de consolidation l’ont perçue comme un abandon. Les médias locaux d’un troisième marché l’ont présentée comme un désinvestissement avant que la société n’ait publié quoi que ce soit. Un régulateur d’un quatrième marché a lu la restructuration dans la presse commerciale avant de recevoir une notification officielle. Le processus d’approbation qui a suivi a été plus lent, plus prudent. Non pas parce que la décision était erronée, mais parce que le fondement de la confiance avait été érodé avant même le début du processus formel.

Une décision, quatre interprétations. Toutes se formant plus vite que l’entreprise n’a pu planifier des conférences de presse.

Au moment où les dirigeants ont publié la déclaration officielle, ils n’ont pas présenté une stratégie. Ils ont corrigé des récits qui avaient déjà façonné la manière dont les parties prenantes voyaient la décision. La rétention des talents est devenue un coût imprévu. Le partenariat sur lequel ils comptaient dans un marché s’est retrouvé au point mort parce que le cadrage initial était bloqué.

Voici comment les choses se passent. Les entreprises finalisent les décisions, planifient le déploiement et supposent que le silence permet de gagner du temps. Ce n’est pas le cas.

Dans les environnements africains très contextuels, le silence n’est pas neutre. Il est interprété. Et l’interprétation se fait vite.

C’est parce que l’information ne se déplace pas comme la plupart des cadres s’y attendent. Une entreprise qui publie une déclaration à Lagos, Nairobi et Accra suppose qu’elle sera comprise de la même manière dans chaque région. Ce n’est pas le cas.

Dans un marché, le débat se déroule à la radio. Dans un autre, il est façonné par les groupes WhatsApp avant que les médias officiels ne le reprennent. Dans un troisième, un communiqué de presse sans conversation préalable en face à face est perçu comme un manque de respect.

L’entreprise pensait gérer un récit, alors qu’elle naviguait dans trois écosystèmes d’information différents, chacun avec ses propres tempos, ses voix de confiance et ses attentes.

Et les répercussions ne se font sentir que plus tard : sous la forme de perte de talents après une acquisition parce que le cadrage n’était pas bon ; d’un accès au marché qui ne se concrétise pas parce que la perception initiale est restée bloquée ; et de partenariats qui stagnent parce que la confiance n’a pas été gérée assez tôt.

Les dirigeants qui comprennent bien l’Afrique incluent la communication à la prise de décisions. Pas sous la forme de déclarations écrites, mais de questions qui empêcheront des erreurs coûteuses.

À quoi cette communication ressemblera-t-elle dans un marché où le gouvernement précédent avait promis des emplois ? Comment les employés du pays dans lequel se trouve le hub entendront-ils cette communication par rapport aux employés du marché en cours de consolidation ? Si nous ne prenons pas la parole pendant trois semaines, quel récit va se créer pendant cet intervalle de temps ?

Cette discipline change les résultats. Plus les décisions sont comprises rapidement, moins il faudra les expliquer plus tard.

Cela est encore plus visible en Afrique. La mémoire est longue. La confiance est locale. Le contexte n’est pas facultatif. L’écart entre l’intention et l’interprétation se referme rapidement.

Le problème n’est pas que les entreprises ne communiquent pas, mais qu’elles mesurent le succès à l’aune du mauvais tableau de bord.

La couverture médiatique est importante. Mais elle ne vous dit pas pourquoi le partenariat est au point mort, pourquoi les talents ne répondent pas présent, ni pourquoi le processus réglementaire a pris deux fois plus de temps que prévu.

Quand les choses tournent mal, ces indicateurs vous laissent sans repère. Vous savez juste que le résultat n’est pas bon, mais vous ne savez pas où le train a déraillé.

Intégrer la communication au processus décisionnel résout un problème différent. Il ne s’agit pas de contrôler le récit après coup. L’important est de concevoir des décisions qui rendent compte de la façon dont elles seront perçues avant d’être finalisées. Une telle approche empêche la fracture de se produire.

Sur les marchés africains, on ne parle pas là d’un luxe communicationnel, mais d’une nécessité opérationnelle.

La communication n’est pas quelque chose qui se produit après l’élaboration de la stratégie. C’est une assurance décisionnelle.

Et sur des marchés où les récits prennent forme rapidement et où la confiance se construit lentement, vous n’achetez pas d’assurance après que le risque se soit concrétisé.

Distribué par APO Group pour APO Group Insights.

Contact avec les médias :
marie@apo-opa.com   

À propos d’APO Group :
Créé en 2007 par Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Group est le cabinet de conseil en communication pensé pour la performance et alliant conseil stratégique, exécution de terrain et visibilité garantie sur tous les marchés africains.

Reconnu par de nombreuses distinctions internationales, notamment les prix SABRE, Davos Communications et World Business Outlook, APO Group s’associe à des organisations mondiales et africaines pour fournir des communications performantes, grâce à la stratégie, à l’exécution et à une visibilité mesurable.

Les fonctions consultatives de notre fondateur auprès d’institutions internationales élargissent l’accès d’APO Group aux décideurs et renforcent notre rôle de cabinet de conseil en communication le plus connecté du continent. Parmi nos clients figurent Canon, Emirates, Nestlé, NFL, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Afreximbank, le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, GITEX Global, la Royal African Society et le Programme des Nations Unies pour le développement (PNUD).

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Mahlobo embarks on strategic visit to Japan

Source: Government of South Africa

Mahlobo embarks on strategic visit to Japan

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo is undertaking a high-level working visit to Japan to strengthen bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Japan in the water and sanitation sector.

The visit, from 23 – 27 February, builds on the longstanding partnership between the two countries and advances the existing Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with a particular focus on capacity building, skills transfer, and sustainable water management solutions.

Mahlobo’s visit comes at a time when he has been closely involved in stabilising water supply systems in Johannesburg, working with municipalities, water entities, and communities to address infrastructure pressures and service delivery constraints.

The department said this firsthand experience in navigating complex operational and governance challenges brings a practical perspective to the delegation and positions the visit as a continuation of ongoing efforts to secure long-term sustainability in South Africa’s water sector.

The Deputy Minister is accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), reflecting a coordinated approach to supporting municipalities and driving measurable reform in water management.

South Africa continues to grapple with serious water sector challenges, with non-revenue water identified as a critical concern in more than 80 percent of assessed municipalities. Water losses through leaks, illegal connections and billing inefficiencies are placing immense strain on already constrained municipal finances and infrastructure systems.

“Reducing these losses is central to restoring reliable supply, protecting revenue, improving infrastructure performance and safeguarding scarce water resources in a climate-constrained environment,” the department said in a statement.

The visit also reinforces cooperation with the Government of Japan, represented by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Cooperation, focuses on water infrastructure management, disaster risk reduction and capacity building, and has positioned Japan as a strategic technical partner in strengthening South Africa’s water sector.

The department noted that through the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), South Africa has already advanced the development of a comprehensive Non-Revenue Water Training Programme, aimed at strengthening the Department’s Infrastructure Branch Training Centre in Roodeplaat.

According to the department, the technical cooperation has resulted in the construction of a specialised training yard that simulates real municipal water systems and provides hands-on, practical learning directly aligned to the operational realities faced by municipalities.

“Implemented in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association and MISA, the programme prioritises practical skills in pressure management, metering accuracy, data analysis and active leakage detection,” the department said.

Technical cooperation agreement

In terms of the Technical Cooperation Agreement, the department reported that 10 South African officials per year over a three-year period will participate in specialised training of trainers programmes in Japan, producing 30 accredited trainers.

“From 2 to 13 February 2026, the first group of 10 water sector officials — drawn from municipalities, MISA and the department — are participating in the intensive programme to ensure that expertise acquired in Japan is institutionalised and cascaded locally,” the department said.

During the visit, the delegation will engage with Japanese counterparts to review and strengthen the cooperation agreement, examine Japan’s water governance and licensing systems, and explore advanced infrastructure and disaster resilience models.

As South Africa advances the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency, the delegation will also engage with the Japan Water Agency to draw lessons from its institutional framework. Technical site visits will include integrated river basin and flood management systems, reinforcing the shared emphasis on resilience and long-term planning.

The department said the partnership presents mutual benefits, creating opportunities for innovation exchange while delivering tangible improvements in municipal capacity and operational performance in South Africa.

“Mahlobo’s working visit demonstrates government’s commitment to combining international best practice, strong bilateral partnerships and intensive skills development to address water challenges decisively.

“Through strengthened cooperation with Japan, South Africa is taking practical steps to improve service delivery, support municipalities and secure the nation’s water future,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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R760 million infrastructure investment to ease water woes

Source: Government of South Africa

R760 million infrastructure investment to ease water woes

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says a R760 million infrastructure investment upgrade is underway in the city of Johannesburg to permanently resolve water issues.

Delivering the State of the Province Address at Nasrec in Johannesburg on Monday, the Premier said the upgrades will be implemented over a phased approach.

The construction of a new ground reservoir and a tower in Brixton is underway and will go live by this Saturday to improve water supply. Also, an emergency boosting pumping station will go live next week.

“The permanent solution will be realised once the construction of the 5km pipeline is concluded at the end of the year. Furthermore, the national government is assisting us in realising the return on investment made, so that the people of Hammanskraal, Bronkhorspruit, Kokosi, Fochville, Kwa-Thema and other areas can have their dignity restored,” he said.

Lesufi said the challenge was not water availability, but the interruptions caused by infrastructure failures, leaks and high-demand peaks.

“We are working as the three spheres of government to fix the water challenges in our province. We are about to conclude the expansion of our water infrastructure so that we can be ready to receive additional water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, thus cementing our water security permanently.”

On 27 January 2026, Johannesburg was hit by an unexpected water shortage. There was an explosion at the Rand Water plant. After the explosion, a fire hit the transmission machines, followed by a huge burst pipe.

“Immediately thereafter, our water supply was deeply affected. We then went into emergency mode. The area affected by the explosion was rectified within 72 hours, the fire extinguished, and the burst pipe repaired. However, the water levels were badly affected.”

The President sent a Ministerial team to the province and the water emergency team went into overdrive. 

The Premier said this resulted in the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, giving an extraordinary proclamation to allow Rand Water to immediately extract more water from the Vaal River Integrated Water System.

The first suburban area to be hit hard was Midrand, where water has been fully restored.

“In Soweto, we have made great progress, except for Meadowlands Zones 3 and 4 and areas receiving water from the Doornkop reservoir. Our engineers have assured us that this will be addressed urgently; in the West Rand, water in Kagiso and the surrounding areas has been restored. Besides Bedfordview, Tsakane, and parts of Kwa-Thema, the Ekurhuleni water supply is now stable, including Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand.”

The Premier said there were areas where residents have a full supply but might be affected by pressure at night due to nighttime throttling. Nighttime throttling reduces pressure to allow system recovery.

The areas affected include Kensington, Bezuidenhout Valley, Bruma and Berea. Other areas that are still experiencing instability are those supplied through the Commando System and the Brixton Towers.

The areas that remain stubborn and difficult include parts of Westdene, Coronationville, Sophiatown, Melville, Emmarentia, and sections of Doornkop.

“To avoid the sporadic shortage of water, together with mayors and the national government, we prioritised the need for investment in water storage.

“In Midrand, we are building a new water storage facility to house 20 million litres. The private developers matched this investment with a donation of 10 million litres of water that will be available to the people of the Midrand. Similar investments are rising in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and the West Rand municipalities.”

Lesufi said while progress is being made, the water challenges in the province need constant monitoring and support.

“We once more sincerely apologise to our residents that went and still go through the inconveniences caused by this unfortunate situation. Be assured of our commitment to permanently resolve this challenge.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Janine

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Presidency statement on National Health Insurance Act (NHI) litigation

Source: President of South Africa –

The litigation that has been initiated by various parties against the President and the Minister of Health has necessitated that President Cyril Ramaphosa following  consultations with Minister Aaron Motsoaledi agree to delay the proclamation of any sections of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act until the Constitutional Court has handed down its judgments in challenges due to be heard on 5-7 May 2026.
 
These cases relate to the public participation process that led to the adoption of the NHI Bill by Parliament.
 
The Department of Health has indicated that preparatory work has been ongoing such as the improvement of health services before any sections of the NHI Act are ready for commencement. The undertaking by the President will not affect the timetable for the implementation of the NHI.
 
The Department of Health will continue in its constitutional responsibility to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of care.
 
It is anticipated that this agreement will be made an order of court on 24 February 2026.
 
Government remains committed to the National Health Insurance and will work within the requirements of the law and judicial process to ensure that there is no undue delay.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Lesufi welcomes boots on the ground to stamp out zama zamas

Source: Government of South Africa

Lesufi welcomes boots on the ground to stamp out zama zamas

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to deploy the SANDF to Gauteng to stamp out illegal mining and rising gang violence.

“We are pleased that these soldiers have already arrived in our province,” said the Premier, delivering the State of the Province Address on Monday at Nasrec, in Johannesburg.

He said illegal mining in Gauteng has reached intolerable levels. Over 600 families, including women and children, fled from their homes in January 2026 due to the violence, threats, and attacks on the residents by “marauding gangsters”.

The ongoing illegal mining affects the communities of West Rand, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Sedibeng Districts.

“Dangerous syndicates use high-calibre weapons such as AK-47s to conduct hostile takeovers of illegal mining sites. Government will put a stop to this terror and protect law abiding residents of this province,” said the Premier.

He said the might of the law was demonstrated recently in the West Rand when all spheres of government confronted Zama-Zamas who thought they could victimise and intimidate the community of Sporong.

“This was followed by a joint operation where 75 AK47 rifles and rounds of ammunition were recovered. This municipality remains the biggest beneficiary of the recently announced deployment of the SANDF.”

Regarding the mushrooming of informal settlements in the province, Lesufi said; “We cannot allow our beautiful province to be reduced to a shanty town. Of late, major parts of our province are witnessing an abnormal rise in a number of informal settlements.”

“To stop this we have resolved that all law enforcement agencies and municipalities will not allow the building of new informal settlements in our province. We have established a multi-disciplinary team to attend to the mushrooming of informal settlements.”

The first informal settlement to be removed by this team was Plastic City in Ekurhuleni with over 2500 people.

“We thank the Ekurhuleni municipality for leading from the front. This is not being against the poor and the homeless. We are against the ‘Mkhukhu” mafias who are taking advantage of our people.”

He said the next informal settlement was Plastic View in Tshwane. “We went there with the SAPS, metro police and Home Affairs officials. However, we were not successful but we have agreed to return later this year.”

On Tuesday, the provincial government will be in Benoni at the Chief Albert Luthuli mega housing project where 188 walk up units will be handed over which will benefit people who were staying in the Chris Hani, Gabon, Zenzele informal settlements, Daveyton old section, Benoni, Actonville, Crystal Park, Mayfield Ext.1, 6 & 7, Etwatwa, Barcelona, Emaphupheni and Wattville.

“We have reported before that the government has identified the Makause informal settlement in Ekurhuleni as a key focus area for development and relocation to improve the living conditions of its residents.

“I am pleased to report that we have since acquired 200 hectares of land to upgrade this informal settlement. The process of land transfer and registration to City of Ekurhuleni is underway.”

The province is successfully piloting innovative alternative sanitation solutions in informal settlements. This will ensure that residents have access to clean, safe and dignified sanitation services. These systems are quick to install, use minimal water, and do not require conventional sewer infrastructure.

To ease morning and afternoon traffic congestion on the provinces roads, which affects the economy, the Gauteng EXCO has adopted the Transport Master Plan with the aim of opening new roads, amongst others.

“We welcome the adoption of the Integrated Transport Master Plan that begins to shift planning to action, using corridor-based investment and stronger integration of rail, bus, taxi and non-motorised transport.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine

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In Africa, There Is No ‘Later’ (By Laila Bastati)

Source: APO

By Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer at APO Group (www.APO-opa.com).

Most leaders think communication comes after decisions are made. In African markets, that is too late.

The moment a decision leaves the room, it starts being interpreted. Not when the statement goes out. Not when teams are aligned. Immediately. And once that interpretation sets in, it is hard to reverse.

A multinational restructured its operations across East Africa in late 2025. Rational decision. Operationally sound. They planned to announce internally first, then handle external communications once approvals were finalised.

But in markets where the CEO’s strategy session is discussed in regulatory circles before the memo goes out, there is no “once approvals are finalised”.

Employees in the regional hub heard it as validation. Employees in the office being consolidated heard it as abandonment. Local media in a third market framed it as disinvestment before the company had said a word. A regulator in a fourth market read about the restructuring in the business press before receiving official notification. The approval process that followed was slower, more cautious. Not because the decision was flawed, but because the foundation of trust had been eroded before the formal process even began.

Same decision. Four interpretations. All forming faster than the company could schedule town halls.

By the time leadership issued the official statement, they were not introducing a strategy. They were correcting narratives that had already shaped how stakeholders saw the decision. Talent retention became an unplanned cost. The partnership they were counting on in one market stalled because the initial framing stuck.

This is the pattern. Companies finalise decisions, plan the rollout, and assume silence buys time. It does not.

In high-context African environments, silence is not neutral. It is interpreted. And interpretation happens fast.

This is because information does not move the way most executives expect. A company will issue a statement in Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra and assume it lands the same way in each place. It does not.

In one market, the business conversation happens on radio. In another, it is shaped in WhatsApp groups before any official media picks it up. In a third, a press release without a prior face-to-face conversation is read as disrespect.

The company thought it was managing one narrative. It was navigating three different information ecosystems, each with its own timelines, trusted voices, and expectations.

And the cost shows up later. In talent walking out after an acquisition because the framing was wrong. In market access that does not materialise because the initial perception stuck. In partnerships that stall because trust was not managed early.

Leaders who operate well in Africa bring communication into the room while decisions are being made. Not to write statements. To ask the questions that prevent expensive mistakes.

What will this look like in a market where the previous government promised jobs? How will employees in the hub country hear this differently than employees in the market being consolidated? If we say nothing for three weeks, what story forms in that gap?

That discipline changes outcomes. Fewer decisions need explaining later because fewer are misunderstood early.

Africa makes this visible faster. Memory is long. Trust is local. Context is not optional. The gap between intent and interpretation closes quickly.

The problem is not that companies fail to communicate. It is that they measure success using the wrong scorecard.

Media coverage matters. But it does not tell you why the partnership stalled. Why talent walked. Why the regulatory process took twice as long as expected.

When things go wrong, those metrics leave you blind. You know the outcome was bad. You do not know what broke or where.

Bringing communication into the decision-making process solves a different problem. It is not about controlling the narrative after the fact. It is about designing decisions that account for how they will land before they are finalised. That prevents the fracture from happening in the first place.

In African markets, that is not a communications luxury. It is operational necessity.

Communication is not something that happens after strategy is set. It is decision insurance.

And in markets where narratives form fast and trust is built slowly, you do not buy insurance after the risk has materialised.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Insights.

Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007 by Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Group is the communications consultancy built for performance – combining strategic advisory, on-the-ground execution, and guaranteed visibility across every African market.

Recognised with multiple international awards, including SABRE, Davos Communications, and World Business Outlook distinctions, APO Group partners with global and African organisations to deliver communications that perform – through strategy, execution, and measurable visibility.

Our founder’s advisory roles with international institutions strengthen APO Group’s access to decision-makers and reinforce our role as the continent’s most connected communications consultancy. Clients include Canon, Emirates, Nestlé, NFL, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Afreximbank, the African Development Bank Group, GITEX Global, Royal African Society, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

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Quidax and Lisk Partner to Power the Next Generation of Digital Finance in Africa

Source: APO

African-founded cryptocurrency exchange, Quidax has announced a partnership with Lisk blockchain. This collaboration marks Lisk’s first partnership with an African exchange licensed by Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), creating a bridge between regulated digital assets infrastructure (www.Quidax.io) and the rapidly expanding Lisk Layer 2 (L2) ecosystem.

In 2024, Quidax made history as the first crypto exchange to receive a provisional operating license from Nigeria’s SEC. This partnership builds on that regulatory foundation, enabling Quidax customers to trade and move value seamlessly using USDT, USDC, LSK, and Ether (ETH) on the Lisk network.

Beyond retail trading, the partnership provides a critical gateway for the developer community. Builders on the Lisk network can now leverage Quidax’s robust digital asset infrastructure to access stablecoins and local currencies at competitive rates. This institutional-grade infrastructure is designed to power “future-forward” financial products, ranging from neobanks and cross-border payment platforms to regional exchanges and global fintech solutions.

“The partnership with Lisk enables us to extend our platform to serve more people and cater to the increasing demand from products and services that want to integrate our stablecoin and digital assets product (https://apo-opa.co/4qVVBh7) to build products across Africa,” said Morris Ebieroma, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Quidax.

Lisk, which recently transitioned to an Ethereum Layer 2 to focus on high-growth markets, sees this partnership as a cornerstone for its African expansion.

“Africa represents one of the most critical frontiers for blockchain innovation, where the demand for reliable and inclusive financial tools is urgent,” said Chidubem Emelumadu, Ecosystem Lead (Africa) at Lisk. “Our partnership with Quidax expands access to stablecoins and onchain financial opportunities for everyday users and businesses. At the same time, it gives founders building on Lisk the critical infrastructure they need to create solutions that can scale meaningfully across the continent.”

By combining Quidax’s deep local liquidity and compliant framework with Lisk’s scalable L2 technology, this partnership is set to accelerate the adoption of Web3 solutions that solve real-world financial challenges for millions of customers across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Quidax.

About Quidax:
Quidax is an African-founded cryptocurrency exchange that makes it easy for anyone to buy, sell, store and transfer digital assets. Quidax additionally enables OTC trading (https://apo-opa.co/40d8IzH) and gives fintechs the tools to offer digital assets to customers.

About Lisk:
Lisk Chain is a cost-efficient, fast, and scalable Layer 2 (L2) network based on the OP Stack and secured by Ethereum. Focused on solving real-world problems in high-growth markets, Lisk provides a growth platform for Web3 founders through its $15M EMpower Fund, blockchain, accelerator programs, and a founder-focused ecosystem.

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Nineteen countries, along with the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, condemn in a joint statement the Israeli decisions that introduce wide-ranging expansions to Israel’s illegal control over the West Bank.

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, February 23, 2026

We, the Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the French Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of Norway, the State of Palestine, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Slovenia, the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Secretary Generals of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, condemn in the strongest terms a series of recent Israeli decisions that introduce sweeping extensions to unlawful Israeli control over the West Bank. Changes are wide-ranging, reclassifying Palestinian land as so-called Israeli ‘state land’, accelerating illegal settlement activity, and further entrenching Israeli administration. 

We are clear that Israel’s illegal settlements, and decisions designed to further them, are a flagrant violation of international law, including previous United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. These latest decisions are part of a clear trajectory that aims to change the reality on the ground and to advance unacceptable de facto annexation. They also undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region, including the 20 Point Plan for Gaza, and threaten any meaningful prospect of regional integration. We call on the Government of Israel to reverse them immediately, to respect its international obligations, and to refrain from actions that would result in permanent changes to the legal and administrative status of the occupied Palestinian Territory.   

These decisions follow the unprecedented acceleration of Israel’s settlement policy, with the approval of the E1 project and the publication of its tender. Such actions are a deliberate and direct attack on the viability of the Palestinian State and the implementation of the two-State Solution. In that context, we reiterate our rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. We oppose any form of annexation. 

In view of the alarming escalation in the West Bank, we also call on Israel to put an end to settler violence against Palestinians, including by holding those responsible accountable.

We reaffirm our commitment to taking concrete steps, in accordance with international law, to counter the expansion of illegal settlements in Palestinian territory and policies and threats of forcible displacement and annexation.

In the Holy Month of Ramadan, we also stress the importance of preserving the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Holy Sites, recognizing the special role of the historic Hashemite custodianship in this regard. We condemn repeated violations of the status quo in Jerusalem, which constitute a threat to regional stability. 

The Ministers call for the immediate release by Israel of the withheld tax revenues due to the Palestinian Authority. Those revenues must be transferred to the Palestinian Authority, according to the Paris Protocol, and they are vital for the provision of  basic services for the Palestinian population in Gaza and in the West Bank.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the Two-State Solution, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions, based on the 4 June 1967 lines. As reflected in the New York Declaration, the end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is imperative for regional peace, stability and integration. Only by realizing an independent, sovereign and democratic Palestinian State can coexistence among the region’s peoples and states be achieved.

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President El-Sisi Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Jeddah, as part of the President’s brotherly visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said upon the President’s arrival at the private residence of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, a commemorative photograph was taken of the two leaders, followed by a closed meeting. This was followed by an Iftar banquet hosted by the Saudi Crown Prince in honor of President El-Sisi and his accompanying delegation.

President El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality and asked for greetings to be conveyed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The President offered his congratulations to the Saudi Crown Prince on the occasion of the Founding Day, wishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia progress and prosperity. This was valued by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

President El-Sisi stressed the significant development in the brotherly relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and the importance of advancing cooperation across various fields.

For his part, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the President’s visit, affirmed the pivotal nature of the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and looked forward to elevating them to broader horizons in a way that serves the interests of both peoples.

The meeting addressed developments in the Gaza Strip. Both sides stressed that it was necessary for all parties to adhere to the agreement to stop the war and implement US President Trump’s peace plan. This is in addition to the importance of increasing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip without obstacles and the need to expedite the early recovery and reconstruction process. Furthermore, there was emphasis on the rejection of attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land. Both sides stressed that the solution lies in launching a comprehensive political process that leads to the implementation of the two-state solution.

The meeting also addressed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest. Emphasis was placed on the importance of avoiding escalation and tension in the region, supporting peaceful solutions to crises through dialogue, and strengthening Arab solidarity to confront challenges. This is while emphasizing respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to continue and enhance political consultation and coordination between the Egyptian and Saudi sides to maintain regional stability.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman accompanied the President to see him off at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Ministro Eurico Monteiro encerra Fórum de Investimentos em Milão com mensagem de incentivo ao investimento estrangeiro em Cabo Verde

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Promoção de Investimentos e Fomento Empresarial, Eurico Monteiro, encerrou, sexta-feira, 20 de fevereiro, a quinta edição do Cabo Verde Investment Fórum, em Milão, com uma mensagem de incentivo ao investimento em Cabo Verde, assegurando um conjunto de instrumentos para apoiar o investidor nesse processo.

“Se é certo que Cabo Verde precisa de investimento, não é menos certo de que dispõe de instrumentos eficazes, através, nomeadamente de um sistema financeiro de crédito seguro, preparado para auxiliar os empresários estrangeiros a investirem no país, o que mostra o grau de comprometimento de Cabo Verde com o investimento”, afirmou o Ministro para quem o propósito é criar um ecossistema vantajoso para o investimento, que diminua o risco e gere maior atratividade.

Para este importante palco, ressaltou Eurico Monteiro, “trouxemos empresários italianos que conhecem bem Cabo Verde, o que os credibiliza nesta matéria, trouxemos o setor bancário, e trouxemos o nosso ecossistema de apoio à atividade empresarial, que desempenha um importante papel na assistência técnica para montagem de projetos, através da Pró-Empresa, na obtenção do crédito, através da Pró-Garante, e na participação no capital e credibilização dos investimentos junto da banca, por via da Pró-Capital”.

Mais: “A circunstância de nós termos neste palco a participação de perto de 160 empresas, assim como o facto de termos assinado três memorandos de entendimento, envolvendo valores significativos na ordem dos 17.500.000 euros, mostra que estamos no caminho certo”, afirmou o Minsitro, garantindo tudo fazer para que estes memorandos de entendimento sejam concretizados em Cabo Verde.

“Mas a nossa esperança é ainda maior porque convictamente esperamos que daquilo que fizemos e mostramos, mais investidores procurem Cabo Verde para investir”, finalizou o governante, agradecendo calorosamente a todos aqueles que contribuiram para que o evento se concretizasse. “A todos aqueles que foram aqui homenageados, redobro aqui as homenagens porque também elas são merecidas”, cncluiu.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.