The enquiry into the fitness to hold office of Advocate Andrew Chauke will resume its hearing on Monday following its adjournment for the festive period.
The enquiry was established last year by President Cyril Ramaphosa in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998 to inquire into the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold the office of Director of Public Prosecutions.
“The forthcoming hearings mark the next phase of the enquiry’s work and are expected to feature testimony from witnesses led by the evidence leaders, as well as witnesses to be called by the legal team of Advocate Andrew Chauke, as the fact-finding process continues.
“The Nkabinde Enquiry expects that the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, who remains under oath, will resume her testimony. However, at this stage, it remains unclear whether she will return to the witness stand when the hearings resume,” a statement by the Enquiry said.
Following Advocate Batohi excusing herself from the proceedings, pending her acquiring legal counsel, the evidence leaders have written to her to enquire whether she will resume her testimony on 26 January 2026.
No response has been received as of publication and any further developments in this regard will be communicated. – SAnews.gov.za
Rand Water rejects claim the Vaal Dam has been poisoned
Rand Water has confirmed that consumers may continue to drink water directly from their taps safely.
This comes as claims that the Vaal Dam had been poisoned were circulated on social media.
A WhatsApp audio clip claimed that the “dam has been poisoned” and that tap water should not be consumed unless it is first boiled.
“Rand Water categorically dismisses these claims as false and misleading. Rand Water abstracts raw water from the Vaal Dam, which undergoes a comprehensive treatment process before being supplied to consumers.
“Vigorous and continuous testing is conducted on both the raw water and the treated bulk water prior to distribution to consumers, including municipalities,” Rand Water said on Saturday.
The bulk water services provider emphasised that that recent water quality results confirm that Rand Water’s treated bulk water supply fully complies with the South African National Standard for Drinking Water (SANS241).
Rand Water said it remains committed to protecting the health of consumers.
“Should any bulk water-related matter arise, Rand Water will communicate formally through its official communication channels. Customers and residents are encouraged to rely on Rand Water’s verified platforms for accurate and credible information regarding drinking water quality,” the entity said. – SAnews.gov.za
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has provided an update on the national roads that were affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding in Mpumalanga.
According to SANRAL Mpumalanga’s Provincial Head, Mabuyi Mhlanga, the roads agency continues to closely monitor the situation by carrying out assessments at locations where it is safe to do so.
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of all road users. Where it is still unsafe, assessments will be conducted once the flood water has subsided. Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams are also on standby.
“We appeal to all road users to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances for those roads open to traffic, and avoid driving through flooded areas, as water depth and road conditions may not be visible,” Mhlanga said.
The recent update on the affected national roads is as follows:
Nkomazi Local Municipality:
The R582 at Coopersdal Road from N4 to R571 Intersection was damaged at the Komati River Bridge overtopped, R582 Section1. One way traffic flow is being maintained.
Thaba Chweu Local Municipality:
On the R37 Section 4 – location at Sabie/Nelspruit intersection to Mbombela Border – predominately from Km 24 at Brondaal old pump station to km 28. The damage includes three slip failures in this section of the road, and wo-way traffic flow is maintained in both directions.
On the R36 Section 3 between Lydenburg and Bambi there is severe pavement deterioration along this section of the road.
Mbombela and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality:
On R40 Section 1 at the Bulembu Border there is drainage and structural failure, and one-way traffic flow is being maintained.
R40 Section 4 – location at Km19.4 between White River and Hazyview experienced a slip failure and culvert collapse. The contractor is on site.
R40 Section 4 at Km 27 between White River and Hazyview experienced a slip failure and culvert collapse. The contractor is on site.
There is a 24-hour stop and go traffic in place at R40 Section 5 at Km 30.4 between Bushbuckridge and Dwarsloop.
At the R40 Section 5, location Km 45 between Acornhoek and Dullstroom has a slip failure and culvert failure. Two-way traffic is maintained in both directions.
A 24 hour stop and go is in place R40 Section 5, location Km 50.4 between Dwarsloop and Acornhoek. –SAnews.gov.za
Libya’s energy sector is rebounding, attracting global investors and signaling a renewed commitment to production expansion, gas monetization and long-term partnerships. At the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 in Tripoli on Saturday, officials outlined a clear roadmap for growth, reform and regional collaboration.
$20 Billion Investment Pipeline
Libya’s oil production reached an average of 1.375 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025 – the highest in years – and the government aims to reach 2 million bpd by 2030, backed by a $20 billion investment program.
“We witnessed the highest production rate in years, averaging 1.375 million bpd, which is a strong testimony to our recovery and stability,” said Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek. “We have launched a program with 15 companies, and we expect production to rise over the next five years with a $20 billion investment.”
Contract terms have been extended to 25 years, offering predictable, long-term investment conditions and aligning with global practices that support multi-decade upstream development.
Gas as a Growth Engine
Libya is prioritizing gas development to meet domestic power needs and support exports to Europe via the Greenstream pipeline. Gas production is expected to reach 700–750 million standard cubic feet per day in 2026.
“One of Libya’s greatest opportunities lies in its geographical location near one of the largest and most affluent markets in the world,” said Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. “With 750 million standard cubic feet per day expected this year, Libya can support domestic power, industry and export through the Greenstream pipeline to Europe.”
Regional and Global Partnerships
Libya is deepening cooperation with Egypt to strengthen North African energy security and resilience, leveraging Egypt’s liquefaction and export capacity alongside Libya’s growing gas output.
The Africa Energy Bank, led by the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) and Afreximbank and ratified by Ghana and Nigeria, aims to bridge financing gaps for capital-intensive energy infrastructure projects, including initiatives like the proposed Libya–Algeria Power Interconnector.
“What applies to Libya and its neighboring countries also applies to any African oil and gas-producing nation – cooperation on transport, joint energy projects and infrastructure development is essential,” said Farid Ghezali, Secretary General, APPO, adding, “The partnership between Libya and Egypt is a strategic move that strengthens regional energy resilience and benefits global markets.”
Libya is also drawing lessons from regional peers such as Namibia, which has built investor confidence through transparent fiscal policies, predictable royalties and strong local content programs, and from Turkey, which is partnering with Libya to expand upstream production.
“Namibia is attractive for investors due to its clear regulatory framework, stable political environment and consistent engagement with the investment community,” said Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Gaudentia Kröhne. “Policies such as a 5% royalty and 35% production allocation to the state provide predictability and help ensure local benefits and skills transfer.”
“Turkey is engaged in Libya pursuing joint efforts and ambitious targets, as part of our broader strategy to become a billion-barrel oil and gas producer,” said Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar. “In today’s geopolitical environment, diversification is crucial, and we are navigating these challenges through sustainable energy strategies and strong partnerships.”
African Energy Perspective
From a continental viewpoint, Libya’s recovery reinforces the broader African energy agenda: turning resource potential into projects, investment and industrial growth.
“Libya’s resurgence is a critical turning point for African energy, and it demonstrates how resource potential can be transformed into real projects, jobs, and industrial growth when stability and investment frameworks align. The momentum now must be sustained through partnership, transparency and deliverable-driven development,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Protection of persons with disabilities key amid severe weather conditions
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has advocated for the protection of persons with disabilities against climate change as mandated by law and policy.
“The call for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the changing climate follows the clarion call by the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is calling for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development initiatives,” the department said on Sunday.
South Africa was recently affected by severe weather conditions and widespread flooding in various parts of the country and government responded by declaring a National Disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).
The severe weather, which included heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning and flooding, impacted Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the North West.
This extreme weather resulted in loss of life, significant damage to infrastructure and property, environmental degradation, the displacement of communities, disruptions to schooling and agricultural activities, and closures in parts of the Kruger National Park.
Mpumalanga recorded 20 fatalities, with over 1 300 houses, roads, and public infrastructure damaged. The death toll in Limpopo stands at 18.
“Persons with disabilities in South Africa are vulnerable to severe climatic events. This call is aligned with Article 11 of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which obligates States to ensure their safety during risks like natural disasters and emergencies.
“Climate action that excludes persons with disabilities undermines these commitments and deepens inequality. South Africa continues to experience the escalating impacts of climate change, including severe storms, floods, droughts, and extreme heat.
“These impacts disproportionately affect persons with disabilities, who already face systemic barriers to access, participation, and protection. This has heightened the vulnerability of disabled communities to environmental conditions,” the department said.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate extreme weather events, increase the prevalence of diseases, and disrupt livelihoods.
“This is especially alarming for persons with disabilities, as they are particularly susceptible to the detrimental impacts of climate change. The disproportionate vulnerabilities that persons with disabilities face under changing climate conditions,” the department said.
They include physical, social, economic, and institutional barriers that limit their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related emergencies.
“South Africa should protect persons with disabilities against climate change as mandated by law and policy. Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities obligates States to ensure their safety during risks like natural disasters and emergencies.
“Climate justice is disability justice. Building a climate-resilient South Africa requires inclusive planning, equal participation, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all, especially persons with disabilities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Libya is entering a new phase of energy development, defined by renewed investor confidence, stronger international partnerships and a clear focus on moving projects from ambition to execution. This momentum was on full display at the 2026 edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES), where high-level engagements with the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom underscored growing global appetite to invest in and partner with Libya across upstream, gas and power priorities. Through a series of targeted roundtable discussions, LEES 2026 delivered a clear message to international investors: Libya is open for business.
U.S.–Libya: Strategic Priority and Expanding Commercial Footprint
Libya was described as a “high priority” for the current U.S. administration during the U.S.–Libya Roundtable, with officials pointing to rising American investment, a growing presence of U.S. energy companies and the strategic importance of Libya’s upstream revival. Convened by the American Chamber of Commerce, the session highlighted opportunities linked to Libya’s ongoing licensing round and the National Oil Corporation’s multi-billion-dollar development program, with U.S. operators and service providers signaling continued commitment to production growth, technology deployment and workforce development.
France–Libya: Project Momentum and Institutional Cooperation
The France–Libya Roundtable, sponsored by Business France, highlighted both project-level progress and deeper institutional alignment. TotalEnergies confirmed it is targeting end-2026 final investment decisions for the North Gialo 6J oil development and the 500 MW Sadada solar project, reinforcing France’s dual focus on hydrocarbons and renewables in Libya. In parallel, the Libyan Council for Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy and Business France signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration between French and Libyan companies, with a potential joint venture under consideration to support energy investment and project development.
Italy–Libya: From Hydrocarbons to Power Generation
Long-standing Italy-Libya energy ties were reinforced during the Italy-Libya Roundtable, where participants called for expanded cooperation across oil, gas and power generation. Italy was positioned as a natural partner for Libya’s next phase of growth, combining operating experience, engineering capacity and geographic proximity. Discussions highlighted ongoing gas developments, flaring-reduction initiatives and growing interest in electricity generation and infrastructure rehabilitation.
U.K.–Libya: Second Licensing Round Anchors Upstream Strategy
The U.K.–Libya Roundtable, convened by the Libya British Business Council, centered on Libya’s plans to launch a second upstream licensing round, positioning licensing continuity as a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to sustain production and attract long-term investment. Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek, said strong global interest in the current licensing round – launched in 2025, with results expected shortly – has reinforced confidence in maintaining a regular, structured approach to acreage offerings. He also highlighted parallel initiatives targeting marginal fields, unconventional resources and underexplored acreage.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has welcomed the announcement of an investment by Chery South Africa in the automotive sector.
This investment comes at the back of an agreement signed between Chery SA and Nissan South Africa to acquire the assets in Nissan’s Pretoria facility.
It also coincides with ongoing engagements by the dtic with the industry to revamp the automotive policy and support measures
“The South African automotive sector remains a key anchor industry for manufacturing and job creation. This acquisition by Chery SA is subject to regulatory approvals; after which details on the investment will be shared with the public,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the ditic) said.
Chery SA has committed to continue working with the ditic during the implementation phase of the process.
According to Nissan, the company and Chery SA reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa.
Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.
The agreement will see the majority of associated Nissan employees offered employment by Chery SA on substantially similar terms and conditions.
Following the acquisition of the plant by Chery SA, Nissan will continue to offer vehicles and services to customers in South Africa, as before, with several new vehicle launches planned for fiscal year 2026 including the Nissan Tekton and Nissan Patrol.
“Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector,” Nissan Africa President Jordi Vila said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Federico Donelli, Associate Professor of International Relations, University of Trieste
Somaliland is not internationally recognised as a sovereign state, though it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. A territory becomes a sovereign state when its independence is recognised by the United Nations. For this reason, it has no seat at the UN and is considered, under international law, part of Somalia.
Nevertheless, Somaliland holds elections and maintains relative internal stability. It is also attracting increasing informal diplomatic engagement – though not formal recognition – from Ethiopia, the United States and, most recently, Israel.
This growing interest highlights a geopolitical paradox. An unrecognised polity has become strategically relevant in the Red Sea region, along the Gulf of Aden at the Horn of Africa. This is a key corridor linking the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
On 26 December 2025, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. This made Israel the first UN member to do so. While the concrete effects of the decision remain uncertain, Israel’s move fits into a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Of all the African states, landlocked Ethiopia has come closest to formally recognising Somaliland, driven by its wish to get direct access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera. This has become more urgent amid regional competition and instability.
US officials have defended Israel’s right to recognise Somaliland, but the US itself hasn’t done so despite speculation that it might.
I have studied the political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and recently published a book on the competing interests in the Red Sea. For me, this latest development raises two key questions: what is Somaliland’s strategic importance and why the growing interest now?
In short, Somaliland is important because it is located on one of the world’s most critical maritime routes. Current regional instability has increased the importance of partners that can provide security, access and political stability, even without formal recognition.
Israel’s strategic calculation
Israel has framed its recognition of Somaliland primarily in terms of regional security and strategic stability. It has cited the need to safeguard maritime routes in the Red Sea and counter growing threats in the Horn of Africa.
Beyond these stated reasons, however, Israel is motivated by national security considerations. Following the 7 October 2023 attacks and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the importance of existing strategic priorities in the Red Sea region has increased.
Somaliland’s location on the Gulf of Aden puts the territory – and any external actors with a presence there – in a position to monitor some of the world’s most important maritime and undersea communication routes.
Of particular concern to Israel is the threat posed by Iran-aligned actors, such as Houthi fighters in nearby Yemen. Engaging with Somaliland provides strategic depth and the potential for an early warning system.
Iran has capacity to exert indirect influence through proxy forces that target maritime routes and regional security.
Attacks on shipping by Houthi missiles and drones launched from Yemen take place just a short distance from Somaliland.
Establishing a presence in Somaliland, or simply relying on it as a partner, would enhance Israel’s ability to monitor Houthi activities and counter threats to maritime traffic.
An increased presence also provides a counterweight to the growing influence of Saudi Arabia and Turkey through diplomatic, economic and – in Turkey’s case – military engagement across the region.
Israel and the UAE both view Somaliland as a relatively non-aligned actor capable of reducing Turkish and Saudi influence in the Horn of Africa.
For Israel, engaging with Somaliland is a calculated risk, based on the belief that the strategic benefits outweigh the diplomatic and political risks.
Ethiopia: the vital need for sea access
Ethiopia is another catalyst of Somaliland’s growing importance. Eritrea’s secession in 1993 made Ethiopia a landlocked country. At present it relies heavily on Djibouti for sea access.
The Red Sea region
The port of Berbera in Somaliland offers Ethiopia politically stable and geographically convenient access. This explains Ethiopia’s interest in signing a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway state in January 2024. Although the agreement has not been widely implemented, it has drawn international attention back to Hargeisa’s claims.
Ethiopia’s cautious approach has aimed at avoiding further regional tensions.
Domestic political factors also influence its tepid response. The country is dealing with several potentially secessionist insurgencies within its borders. There could be consequences for supporting a secessionist movement.
An additional factor is Ethiopia’s close political and economic relations with China and Turkey, which both strongly support Somali territorial integrity.
It is this combination of regional ambition and domestic constraint that explains Addis Ababa’s cautious response to Israel’s announcement.
The United States: balancing realism and norms
Washington officially continues to support Somalia’s territorial integrity, largely due to its counter-terrorism cooperation with the federal government in Mogadishu.
However, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has reignited debate within US strategic and policy circles. Some favour Somaliland’s recognition. They point to US security interests and global trade.
There is growing openness to engaging with Somaliland incrementally, stopping short of fully breaking diplomatic ties with Mogadishu.
Much of the US debate focuses on recognition itself, but this risks missing the more consequential issue: the precedent Somaliland could set.
Unlike many secessionist movements, Somaliland is not a newly formed political entity. Consequently, beneath its apparent internal cohesion lie deep and persistent fault lines. Hargeisa does not control all the territory it claims. The eastern regions have never entirely accepted Somaliland’s authority.
This cleavage came to a head in violent clashes in Las Anod between 2022 and 2023. Local militias took control of the area, which now functions as a self-administered entity recognised as a federal state within Somalia.
Somaliland’s growing strategic relevance masks its unresolved internal divisions. It illustrates a broader trend in geopolitics now: stability and utility increasingly matter more than legal status alone.
For external actors, engagement with Somaliland may offer short-term gains in a volatile region. But without addressing its internal fractures and contested sovereignty, recognition risks creating new sources of instability rather than resolving old ones.
– Israel’s recognition of Somaliland: the strategic calculations at play – https://theconversation.com/israels-recognition-of-somaliland-the-strategic-calculations-at-play-273817
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Francois Questiaux, Researcher, Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen
Shea butter has become a highly sought-after ingredient in cosmetics and food manufacturing worldwide. Since the early 2000s its use as a substitute for cocoa butter has driven a dramatic rise in international demand. The shea butter industry has grown by more than 600% over the last 20 years.
The shea tree is semi-domesticated across the dry savannah region in a “shea belt” west to east from Senegal to South Sudan, and about 500km north to south. It is not planted but protected within farmland and also found in communal bushland.
An estimated 16 million women collect and process shea fruits in rural west Africa, turning them into dry kernels for sale or processing the kernels into shea butter.
To explore this idea, we conducted research into how the rise in demand for shea butter has affected women collectors in Burkina Faso and Ghana. These two countries are among the lead exporters of dry shea kernels.
The study formed part of our work on agrarian change, political ecology and livelihoods. We study relationships between producers and other actors of global value chains, as well as the impacts of externally induced changes on smallholders.
We combined data from a survey of 1,046 collectors in 24 communities with data from interviews with 18 collectors.
Our results show that the shea boom has intensified competition for access to trees. Over 85% of collectors surveyed reported an increase in the number of shea nut collectors in their community over the past 10 years. We also documented how access to shea trees was becoming more restricted, especially for women who rely most heavily on shea for their livelihoods.
Our results point to widening inequality within the collector population, even as the overall value of the shea sector grows.
Global demand meets local tenure systems
Historically, access to nuts was governed by a combination of customary rules and social norms. Women could usually collect freely on communal land, and also on farmland belonging to their households or relatives. Shea was often treated as a semi–open-access resource, available to women of the community according to need.
This system has come under pressure.
Firstly, as prices have increased over the last three decades, so have the number of people collecting.
Secondly, the common land is shrinking. Expansion and mechanisation of agriculture, population growth and peri-urban development have reduced the areas that once served as shared collection spaces.
Several collectors we interviewed noted that land previously considered “bush” had been converted into fields, removing an important safety net for those without farmland.
As a result, access to shea trees is increasingly tied to access to private land. Over 55% of our survey respondents reported that collection on private fields had become more restricted, with landowners enforcing boundaries more tightly. This shift reflects a broader tendency in both countries for land rights to become more individualised as resources acquire market value.
Third, resource pressure has introduced new forms of conflict, like trespassing on land. Conflicts reinforce exclusion, as landowners become more reluctant to allow non-family members onto their fields.
Unequal effects across collector groups
Our research distinguishes three types of collectors:
dedicated collectors, who derive all of their annual income from collecting and selling shea nuts
diversified collectors, who combine shea collection with farming or other activities
collector–traders, who not only collect nuts but also purchase them from others to sell at higher prices later in the year.
These groups experience the shea boom in different ways.
Dedicated collectors have the most limited access to private land. Only 16% of them collect from their own fields, compared to 38%-43% among the other groups. They depend on the communal bush.
Diversified collectors have better access to private fields than dedicated collectors, but still face similar challenges as bush areas shrink. And they have less time to spend collecting, limiting their ability to compensate for increasing competition.
Collector-traders maintain more secure access to private fields and receive more assistance from household members. Over half report receiving help from men, such as transporting nuts or protecting fields from trespassers. This is significantly more than dedicated or diversified collectors. The additional labour gives them a strategic advantage.
More work, but not more income
Rising prices might suggest that women would earn more from shea today than a decade ago. Yet this is not what most collectors experience. Only 48.7% reported an increase in shea income over the past 10 years, despite the international boom.
Total annual income from shea remains very low – on average only US$174 (purchasing power parity) per year, with differences between collectors.
For poorer collectors, several factors suppress income gains:
limited access to shea trees constrains the volume of nuts they can gather
many have to sell nuts early in the season, often at low prices, to meet immediate cash needs. Better-off collector-traders can purchase nuts cheaply, store them, and profit from higher prices later in the year.
Rethinking the ‘win-win’ narrative
The findings challenge the claim that integrating women into the global shea value chain will empower them and reduce poverty. The boom has indeed created new economic opportunities, but these are unevenly distributed. Market expansion has strengthened the position of those with greater land access and financial capital. At the same time it’s undermined the livelihoods of those who rely exclusively on the resource.
Our study does not prescribe specific policy measures, but its findings point to several possible avenues for intervention.
First, measures that strengthen women’s land and tree rights are likely to be critical. Recent work on peri-urban Ghana, for example, calls for wider rights to land and shea trees for women in policy and tenure reforms.
Finally, evidence from northern Ghana indicates that women themselves recommend changes in farming practices to sustain the resource base.
– Global demand for shea butter is growing: but it’s not all good news for the women who collect the nuts – https://theconversation.com/global-demand-for-shea-butter-is-growing-but-its-not-all-good-news-for-the-women-who-collect-the-nuts-273242
Børge Brende: Mr. Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, for many of us, one of the highlights of our annual meeting is the discussion with you on the state of the world and the state of the Middle East. So, is the state of the world better this year than last year? Or is it like, worse than last year and better than next year?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, if I put it maybe in a better way, I think it’s more complicated. And look, I think the whole world is going through a pivotal moment right now. And we have seen the pace of the changes that we’ve been going through is really accelerating in an unprecedented way. And it’s a moment where we need really to have—to be more cool-headed and to think about what’s going on and trying to figure out a way how to navigate this turmoil in a way that makes us stronger, more resilient, and also wiser in the way how we address our problems and our conflicts. If we look at, you know, how the world was working since World War II, there was a world order, there was a system that’s been working for decades. In the past couple of decades, there has been like drastic change in this world order in many events, in many occasions, that those checks and balances that we used to have, they are not there anymore. And these changes have been happening to us like throughout these years, but we were not noticing it because of the time difference between them, and they are not really at a very fast pace. But the last couple of years, I mean, and this year, we have seen there is an acceleration of that. So everyone is noticing that there is something happening. But this is the system that’s been needs a lot of reforms that we didn’t look at for the past two decades.
Børge Brende: If you look at the Middle East and the Gulf region, you could have had almost a full-fledged war with Iran that did not escalate. You have a new president in Syria. You have a new government in Lebanon. You have an unsolved challenge in Yemen. And you also have the situation in Gaza. What would you say is the biggest worry for you in the Middle East this coming year? And where are you most optimistic? With the exception, of course, the economy in Qatar is going really, really well. So we will come back to that.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, thank you very much. Look, I mean, there are a lot of good things that happened last year that, you know, has been more positive to our region than negative. And I cannot deny that, as you mentioned, Syria, we have a president; in Lebanon, we have a new government. And, you know, there is, let’s say, the war in Gaza almost stopped, but there are still, unfortunately, we see the killing continuing. But it’s in a better place than it used to be. But it doesn’t mean that, you know, the situation is already stable in the region or moving toward stabilization. It’s until now there is a lot of uncertainty on what’s going on. And what’s worrying me really is, you know, the growing tension that’s happening within this region, whether it’s, you know, the remedies of Gaza war or what’s happening with Iran and, you know, any other fronts in the region can at any moment can explode if we don’t address it and think carefully about how can we look at our regional security architecture and come as a region together and start rebuilding the confidence among each other. Look, every country in our region needs to protect itself. I mean, and they have the right to protect itself because, you know, they don’t reach to that conclusion unless they feel threatened and there is something that triggers this sense of insecurity. I think we need to address those root causes. And the moment has come for the region to come together and to think about how can we reshape our security architecture. At least we ensure that we are not representing a threat for each other.
Børge Brende: So, we know that President Trump will on Thursday launch the “Board of Peace,” the second phase of the Gaza stabilization. What are your thoughts on this?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, look, reaching the ceasefire deal itself was a great breakthrough that we had, of course…
Børge Brende: And congratulations to Qatar under your leadership, Egypt, and the US.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Thank you very much. Regarding that, I believe that what we have been through has taught us a lot of lessons. And I believe that the Board of Peace is presenting a path. And President Trump has proposed this path to move forward. Now, you know, the first stage of the deal being implemented doesn’t mean that the deal is done. We have a lot of work to be done right now. And I think that all the countries who are joining this Board of Peace need to work hard and to make sure that this Board of Peace is functioning in a way that serves the purpose and become a stabilizing factor…
Børge Brende: And Qatar is on the board?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Yes, we were invited to that board. Of course, we are happy to be a contributor to peace and stability in our region. Now, there are a lot of challenges in the implementation, but we have no alternative paths to seek right now. I think that the most important thing right now is to ensure that Gaza is stabilized, we ensure that the withdrawal of the Israeli forces happening as soon as possible, and ensure that the people can get their life back as soon as possible. That should be the key focus for the Board of Peace.
Børge Brende: I just read that half of Gaza is still controlled by the Israelis and half of Hamas. Is that an accurate assessment or wrong?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: It is actually… I think it’s even more than a half still under the control of the Israeli forces. There was an agreement, you know, which defined a “Yellow Line” at that time for the first stage of the withdrawal. Unfortunately, this Yellow Line wasn’t respected as it used to be in the map. More than 50% is being already set as a parameter for the Israeli forces. And unfortunately, beyond this parameter is creating a lot of tension points where, you know, it triggers from time to time live fire, killing of the people. And basically, these events that’s happening every day, the killing is just continuing. We have a ceasefire, yes, but it’s not really like, you know, a complete ceasefire where everything is peaceful. We are still facing those challenges, and we need to make sure that the Israeli forces go back and commit to the withdrawal in order to diffuse those tension points.
Børge Brende: The humanitarian situation, is it better or the same?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: If you compare it to last year, it may be better, but it’s still like it needs a lot of intervention. Still a lot of humanitarian aid is not allowed to enter because of dual-use materials and other restrictions. And we need to have unrestricted access for humanitarian aid for the people. Shelters are still missed there, and they need a lot. But we are working together very closely with our colleagues in the United States, Egypt, and Turkey in order to ensure that there is a mechanism that supports the technocratic government that’s been just established for Gaza in order to enable them to help the people and to deliver a better life for the people.
Børge Brende: So maybe then go a little bit east. What do you think is the most likely scenario for Iran in a year’s time?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, I cannot predict scenarios about countries. I think that, you know, what I just mentioned to you is very important. The region is going through a lot of tensions. And of course, we cannot exclude what’s happening in Iran and with Iran from these tensions in the region. And I believe that, you know, with all this turmoil around us, we need to be more cool-headed and resort to wisdom. And I think that there are a lot of ways to find solutions that can address the problems and address the issues and provide us with the security assurances that brings us and the Iranian people prosperity in the future. And that’s what we are aiming for. We always believe that there is a room of diplomacy, and that’s been our approach in the State of Qatar. And we will always keep advocating for peaceful resolution. We need to understand that any escalation will have a consequence. This been tried in Iraq 20 years ago and didn’t work. I mean, until now, Iraq and the region is bearing the consequences of that.
Børge Brende: And the Americans will probably argue that that’s what they have learned from Iraq and Venezuela?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, look, I think, you know, I don’t speak on behalf of the US, but we are in a continuous dialogue with them. And I believe the US administration has been always engaging positively when it comes to attempts for finding a diplomatic solution. And I believe President Trump, he’s a man of a deal. And he’s the one who has helped us to put the whole deal together for Gaza and to get us through the finish line. And I think on the situation of Iran is not… it’s not really difficult. It needs, you know, like a multiple approach to address, of course, the nuclear issue, and then the regional security issue. This is something that needs to be discussed among the region itself.
Børge Brende: But you know, Iran is also more vulnerable than it used to be in the sense that when Hezbollah was stronger in Lebanon, Hamas also in Gaza, and Assad was in charge in Damascus, they had also more leverage. But they still do have leverage in the sense that they do have hundreds of thousands of ballistic missiles. So what I read in the newspapers at least was that, you know, the whole Gulf—Saudi, UAE, and Qatar—was arguing with Americans not to attack Iran due to the uprisings and also the killings that happened in the streets. Is that correct?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: No, we didn’t actually. We are engaging with the Americans, with Iranians. We don’t want to see a military escalation in our region. Well, we didn’t argue with the American anything actually. We… what we offer as a partner, as an ally for United States is the honest advice about what’s going on. And our honest advice that the best way forward is to find a diplomatic solution for the nuclear problem. We don’t want to end up in a region that has a nuclear race. And we have seen how the world is shaking right now. I believe that there is an opportunity, and it is the right moment for us as a region to come together and to make sure that we understand each other grievances, we understand each other concerns. We make sure that everyone feel safe and feel protected. That includes the Iranians, that includes the Palestinians, and the Israelis. Everyone in the region.
Børge Brende: To move to another topic but still in the region, we will have the Syrian President in Davos for the first time ever in the history. There are things happening there. So let’s see, you know, how that is unfolding. But on Syria, I think Qatar has been clear that this is progress. I think also Saudi Arabia has been of the same view. If you look at where Syria stands now and the perspectives, are you… how do you see the opportunities for the President to bring the country together, deal with different groups, the support? Or are you worried that this also not will work out?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, first of all, I think that, you know, Syria has went already through a very difficult 15 years. And, you know, 15 years of such a turmoil and conflicts will always have its consequences. And we know that it’s not easy to come to a country after a civil war and to start rebuild the institutions, rebuild the state, rebuild the systems. It’s a difficult job. And the Syrian government needs help and they’ve been asking for this help. All of us, we are trying to help them to reach to that stage. Now, there will be a lot of challenges, we know. But at the end of the day, Syria… the beauty of Syria is this diversity, this social fabric of Syria that has been there for centuries, not something new. And I believe that everyone in Syria wants to see one Syria, stable Syria, wants to ensure that they are treated equally and their rights are protected. And it’s their right. And I believe that our contribution as a region or as an international community to Syria is to help them to build their state, to build their institutions, to build this inclusive system that includes everybody. But you cannot have it… you cannot build a state without building proper institutional system that includes everybody.
Børge Brende: And is that being done now? You see that architecture being constructed?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: We see that there are some progress. We see that it has a lot of challenges down the road. But we have to make sure that also we are providing them with the right help for this.
Børge Brende: If you go a little bit east again, you have Iraq. And a country that can produce millions of barrels of oil per day. Why is it so still so poor?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, Iraq is not poor, first of all. I think Iraq is already rich. It’s unfortunately, as I mentioned, this is the result of a military action. And that’s the consequences that the region has paid. And basically the… if we look back in the history, like there are a turning points for our region that happened to us that, you know, my generation when we grew up, we grew up [on] Iraq-Iran war, then Iraq invasion to Kuwait. And then like all the events building up in our region. But we believe that the turning moment for us in that region was Iraq invasion to Kuwait. That’s has been like the turning point for the entire region which put the entire region in a path of turmoil. Unfortunately, we couldn’t until now rescue it. And unfortunately, when you talk about Iraq today that has all these resources and it’s rich, but yet people think about it or look at it from the outside, they still think that it’s a poor country because there are a lot of people are still not, you know, not enjoying this wealth of the country. Which we believe is one of the results of polarization and division within the community because of the war. And that’s what we want Syria hopefully to avoid.
Børge Brende: And for Syria, unfortunately, they don’t have the same natural resources related to oil and gas as Iraq. But you’re so right. I think there is a lot of resources. Of course there’s still humanitarian situations in Iraq, but you know, I think there is also a lot of corruption in the country.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: That’s… the, you know, corruption unfortunately is a plague that eating a lot of government unfortunately.
Børge Brende: Yemen. Do you want to talk about that?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, look, Yemen… our policy has been very clear from the beginning. We support the legitimacy there in Yemen. We support, you know, the right of the Yemenis to decide on their own future. And I believe that what has been achieved already many years ago in the National Dialogue was a good model for the Yemenis that everyone has embraced it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t implemented. And it led us to a situation where there are, you know, some groups feeling that separation is the solution and others, they don’t see it this way. I believe, you know, at the end of the day, it’s the call and the decision of the Yemeni people. But as a policy for the State of Qatar, we remain supporting the legitimacy. We would like to see Yemen staying united. And we would like to see the outcomes of the National Dialogue that all the Yemenis agreed to, to be implemented. And to see if this will satisfy the needs of the Yemeni people or not.
Børge Brende: So Qatar has done a lot in peace and reconciliation. Do you think there is any way in Yemen to also mainstream the Houthis and get them part of a plan for a future that is inclusive and stable?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, our perspective that you cannot exclude any part of any society. That Houthis or others, they are all part of this Yemeni social fabric. And they need to find a solution how they can coexist together. That’s why I go back to the outcome of the National Dialogue which actually addressed most of the concerns of each and every group in Yemen. I think that that is key for the stability of Yemen and for the future. And everyone can play a positive role. And stable Yemen means stable GCC, stable Gulf, stable Arabian Peninsula. And stable Arabian Peninsula means also stable region. And that’s… I always reiterate the importance of… this is the right moment for all of us to come together and to start talking very openly and candidly about our security concerns and try to put together a security architecture where we are feel really protected and safeguarded.
Børge Brende: We started the discussion, Prime Minister, with the geopolitics. And the geopolitics do look more complicated now than it did in Davos last year. We maybe didn’t think that was possible, but I think that’s a reality. But what is surprising is that, you know, IMF came out with their growth numbers yesterday or the day before, and now it’s 3.3% economic growth expected this year. So the economy is very, very resilient. And trade is growing. But, you know, what is fueling this is also the investments in the artificial intelligence. So how do you explain this? Why, you know, the global economy is so resilient and is has already kind of adapted to the new realities of geopolitics? Is like water, it finds its way?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: It’s… It’s not… Okay, it adopts eventually, but it’s not right now. It’s not about the adaptation. It’s more about, uh, what, you know, the effects of of this geopolitical turmoil didn’t reach yet, uh, you know, those economic numbers that you are seeing until now. And I believe that any geopolitical complication globally that we are seeing today, we are going to see the effects and the consequences in maybe not today, but in a year or two time. Uh, yes, there is a big growth that’s happening in the technology and artificial intelligence that driving this global growth, but if you are going to look at across across sectors, there are areas which being affected because of this geopolitical situation.
Børge Brende: And, um, for Qatar, you know, we know you so well as the Foreign Minister, and you have been through different phases as Foreign Minister. Has not been the easiest job, but you done it so well that the Emir also made you Prime Minister. So you’re also in charge of the economy. And, you know, when we have the privilege to visit Doha and Qatar, we see so much development and investments. How do you, like, find your path now? Because UAE has its path, and Saudi Arabia has its path. Where do you see Qatar differentiating itself? And where will we see the economic growth coming in the years to come? I was at a meeting earlier today where Finance Minister Jadaan of Saudi Arabia said that now 56% of their economy is not based on oil. And that has happened in a decade under the leadership of the Crown Prince.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Well, actually, look, I think that if you look at Qatar economy, there is a rapid growth that we see year on year. Now, we have registered growth this year around 2.9%. And we are expecting this growth to accelerate because of the expansion of the LNG, which will make our diversification job very more challenging because of the increase in the gas production.
Børge Brende: But it’s still a good thing.Also for the world.
It is. It is I guess.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: It is It is I guess. It is actually. I think it’s an outstanding thing. And I believe that if you look at Qatar, Qatar is uniquely positioned when it comes to the energy and the supply of LNG, which will remain a base load that all this revolution that you see in the AI and technology will require to power, you know, their data centers and to power this compute that that they will need. So Qatar is at the center of this progress and development that’s happening. Second, our diversification agenda has been moving in the right direction. We are more than 60% now non-hydrocarbon GDP. And we are looking forward to grow it further. We see the numbers in foreign direct investments increasing in a very good progress. We see the inflation below 1% and managed with all this growth that’s ongoing. We believe that energy is our strength, is our power. We believe that diversification is our resilience. And we believe the technology is the future. Packaging all those together, I think Qatar have, you know, a great path forward. And I believe that what we are going to see in the next few years, you will see Qatar has been already very well known in establishing multinational companies and global brands like Qatar Airways or QNB or, you know… we have around 44 global brands that Qatar has invested in and established. And what we are looking for is really to double down on our National Champions and expand this number. So hopefully this year, you know, we will have some good news about some platforms to encourage this National Champions to be more globally… to be more global players.
Børge Brende: No, really impressive. You know, I would have loved to continue the conversation, but you know, we also have limited time. It’s always a great pleasure, Sheikh Mohammed, Prime Minister of Qatar, to both have you in Davos, but also to listen to your insights. So thank you very much.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Thank you.
