Category: MIL-OSI

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President Ramaphosa pledges deeper engagement with media sector as he receives M20 Johannesburg Declaration

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to open direct discussions with the media sector to address concerns around journalist safety, media sustainability and the impact of new technologies, as he formally received the Media20 (M20) Johannesburg Declaration on Tuesday.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at Wanderers Country Club, President Ramaphosa said he strongly supported the issues raised by the media representatives, including the urgent need to protect journalists in conflict zones. 

“I support all these things that you’re focusing on, the safety of journalists is absolutely important. It’s been a horror for us to watch how journalists are targeted in war zones, particularly in Gaza. It has troubled us,” the President said. 

The President also welcomed the Declaration’s emphasis on women in media, gender-based violence, children’s rights, artificial intelligence and market practices affecting media viability. 

“We know that your sector is really facing challenges of sustainability, of survival, and that is the type of discussion that we would like to talk to you about,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa committed to creating more opportunities for constructive dialogue. 

“I am willing and my office will make it possible that we sit down and have a proper discussion. And of course, you can shoot as many questions as you want on any issue, but we should also have a real constructive engagement on how we continue to create a conducive environment for you as the media continue operating,” he said.

He further praised the country’s constitutional protections for media freedom. 

“You did not talk about our wonderful constitution, but you touched on it saying that we’ve got media freedom in South Africa, and we are, like number one,” he said.

The M20 Johannesburg Declaration is a document produced through extensive consultations led by Media Monitoring Africa and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF).

The M20 Summit, held ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, brought together editorial leaders from more than 30 countries. The Declaration has been endorsed by over 70 local and international organisations, reflecting a strong global consensus on strengthening media freedom, protecting journalistic integrity, and combating disinformation.

This Declaration represents the consolidated views, commitments, and recommendations regarding the critical role of the media in strengthening democracy, accountability, and the socio-economic development of the nation, reflecting the high-level global and national consensus reached here in South Africa.

The document reflects the media sector’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism and addresses key challenges, including disinformation, media sustainability, and the protection of journalistic integrity in the digital age. – SAnews.gov.za

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Anti-HIV injection lenacapavir added to Essential Medicines List

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Health’s National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) has approved the addition of the recently registered injectable lenacapavir to the Essential Medicines List (EML). 

The department said the decision aligns with the department’s mandate to ensure access to safe, effective, high-quality, and affordable medicines for all citizens in the public sector.

The department highlighted that including treatments like lenacapavir on the EML is vital for encouraging the production of generic medicines, which can enhance their availability and affordability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa.

The NEMLC is a non-statutory committee appointed by the Minister of Health, established under the National Drug Policy to develop and review an EML for public sector use, accompanied by standard treatment guidelines for three levels of care – primary, secondary, and tertiary.

The department believes that lenacapavir can effectively address critical gaps in current HIV prevention methods.

Last month, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) announced the registration of lenacapavir, making South Africa the first country on the continent to approve the groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV injection.

This is after Gilead, a biopharmaceutical company based in the United States, applied to SAHPRA, the local drug regulatory authority. 

South Africa plans to launch lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention method, as early as March 2026.

According to the department, the EML plays a crucial role as a global public health policy tool and a guide for countries to achieve universal health coverage. 

“It ensures that people have access to carefully selected and cost-effective medicines that satisfy their priority health care needs, are of quality and are affordable.” 

The department is of the view that access to affordable essential medicines is a vital component of an efficient health care system.

“In our resource-constrained environment with the high burden of disease, the value of the Standard Treatment Guidelines and EML in ensuring affordable and equitable access to medicines should not be underestimated.” – SAnews.gov.za 

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Volunteer Opportunity: Executive Assistant for the Roman Catholic Church in Africa’s Communications Volunteer Programme

Source: APO – Report:

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As part of the voluntary communications programme managed pro bono by APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) to support the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, we are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the leadership team within the volunteer programme.

Location: Remote (Europe or Africa)
Type: Volunteer (Unpaid) 
Commitment: 10 – 15 hours per week, for at least 6 months 

About the Role

This volunteer position is ideal for a professional with a minimum of 4 years of administrative experience and a proven record of managing calendar schedules, correspondence, and coordination tasks at a high standard of professionalism and discretion.

Working closely with the Chairman’s Office and Senior Leadership, the Executive Assistant will play a key role in ensuring efficient operations and communication across teams and departments.

The Volunteer Programme works within the European and African time zones. Due to this commitment, we are only accepting applicants from within the European or African time zones.

As the Executive Assistant, you will:

  • Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the leadership team.

  • Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and assist with project follow-ups.

  • Set up and join weekly team meetings, taking detailed minutes and tracking action items.

  • Draft and review correspondence, reports, and presentations.

  • Maintain organized digital filing systems and ensure document confidentiality.

  • Serve as a key communication link between leadership, staff, and external partners.

  • Support the preparation and documentation of meetings, including action items and next steps.

More information about the Roman Catholic Church in Africa’s Communications Volunteer Programme: 

https://apo-opa.co/4oneqZr

Requirements

  • Minimum 4 years of experience in an executive assistant, administrative, or coordination role.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is a plus).

  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.

  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive information.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).

  • Availability for at least 10 to 15 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months (fully remote).

What We Offer

  • The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa.

  • High-level executive experience in an international, faith-driven environment.

  • The chance to expand your professional network across Africa and globally.

  • A multicultural and collaborative setting that values service, purpose, and professional excellence.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Church’s noble mission, while also enhancing your professional experience, strengthening your CV, and broadening your international network.

I M P O R T A N T: Only applicants who complete the form below will be considered. 

APPLY here: https://apo-opa.co/4oOrO9X

The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres. 

According to the 2022 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report compiled by the United Nations, the global number of volunteers stands at 862.4 million. Embracing volunteerism provides individuals with unparalleled firsthand professional experience, allowing them to enrich their CVs with valuable expertise gained through meaningful contributions.

– on behalf of APO Group Jobs.

APO Group Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com 

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

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Meet the Top 10 Heroes: Africa’s Business Heroes Gears for the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali

Source: APO – Report:

The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize Competition, a flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, will host the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda, on 12–13 December 2025 in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB),

The two-day event will bring together over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, partners, and industry experts from across Africa and beyond for learning, networking, and collaboration in celebration of African entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony will feature live pitches before a panel of esteemed judges, immersive stage experiences, and performances celebrating African creativity and innovation — culminating in the announcement of this year’s winners and the awarding of up to US$1.5 million in grant funding.

The 2025 ABH Grand Finale follows the 7th ABH Semi-Finals, which was held for the first time in Dakar, Senegal, on 10–11 September 2025. The 2025 Top 10 finalists were selected from 20 semi-finalists after two days of live pitches and evaluation in Dakar.

Representing diverse sectors that are shaping Africa’s future, the 2025 Top 10 finalists are:

  1. Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/4o7wk2b) – Transport and Digital Ticketing, BuuPass
  2. Siny Samba (Senegal) (https://apo-opa.co/3JLlhh0) – FoodTech and Infant Nutrition, Le Lionceau
  3. Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) (https://apo-opa.co/4nZbeml) – Textiles and Women’s Empowerment, DIKAM Ltd
  4. Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) (https://apo-opa.co/4r8N7o5) – AgriTech and Food Security, Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa
  5. Janet Kuteli (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/4r6I8UT) – FinTech and Microfinance, Fortune Credit Limited
  6. Diana Orembe (Tanzania) (https://apo-opa.co/3X4fR3y) – AgriTech and Biotech, NovFeed
  7. Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/3Ma5IzZ) – SME Tech and Digital Tools, Uzapoint Technologies Limited
  8. Gohar Said (Egypt) (https://apo-opa.co/3KbGdxJ) – FoodTech and Supply Chain, Suplyd
  9. Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) (https://apo-opa.co/47OPvZJ) – HealthTech and Digital Solutions, nuvoteQ
  10. Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) (https://apo-opa.co/3X0W70P) – HealthTech and Telemedicine, Waspito

“Our Top 10 finalists represent the very best of African entrepreneurship, from agritech and fintech to health innovation and sustainability,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director, Africa’s Business Heroes. “Their journey to Kigali reflects months of dedication, creativity, and growth, and we are excited to see them take the stage to share their stories and ideas with a pan-African audience. The Summit and Grand Finale will be a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the power of African entrepreneurs to define the continent’s future, today.”

As a longstanding partner, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) continues its collaboration with Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), with Rwanda once again hosting the Grand Finale for the third consecutive year — a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a home of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

“We are delighted to host the 7th Africa’s Business Heroes Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board. “This partnership with Africa’s Business Heroes reflects our shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the continent. Rwanda is proud to host the Grand Finale for the third time, reaffirming our position as a hub for business and innovation in Africa. This gathering will provide a dynamic platform for investors, founders, and business leaders to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities that advance sustainable growth across the continent.”

The 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale

Under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the 2025 Summit will feature interactive sessions, masterclasses, and live pitch competitions celebrating visionary entrepreneurs driving Africa’s transformation. Confirmed speakers include Mr. Lijun Sun (Chair of the board, Alibaba Foundation, President, Alibaba Philanthropy), Mrs. Juliana Muganza (Deputy CEO, RDB), and industry leaders such as Clare Akamanzi (CEO, NBA Africa), Tara Fela-Durotoye (Founder of House of Tara & Building Beyond You Institute), Wandia Gichuru (CEO, Vivo Fashion Group), and Naa Ashorkor (Journalist and Theatre Producer).

The Grand Finale will also bring together a distinguished panel of global business leaders and innovators, including Dr. Diane Karusisi (CEO, Bank of Kigali), and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (CEO, The Chair Centre Group)

A Pan-African Platform for Partnership

Now in its seventh edition, ABH continues to champion inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa. Since its inception, it has awarded 70 entrepreneurs with funding and provided them with training and global exposure, helping them scale impactful businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, fintech, healthcare, education, and sustainability. Through its training programs such as ABH ScaleUp, ABH has supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs, to date attracting over 160,000 applicants.

The 2025 ABH Summit and Grand Finale are made possible through Alibaba Philanthropies in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board. The event is supported by key sponsors— Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko, whose partnership helps amplify the reach and impact of African entrepreneurship. ABH also recognizes the invaluable contribution of its Outreach Partners, including Hanga Pitchfest, BPN Rwanda, Impact Hub Kigali, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University, Africa, Kepler College, and Norrsken Africa, who play a critical role in connecting ABH to vibrant entrepreneurial communities across the continent. Together, these partners reflect the collective effort driving ABH’s mission to inspire, support, and celebrate Africa’s business heroes.

Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players are invited to learn more and register to attend the ABH Summit and Grand Finale via https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/.

– on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

For additional information, media resources, and downloadable visuals to accompany this release, please access the official ABH 2025 Press Kit here:
ABH Press Kit (https://apo-opa.co/4i3gW5e)

For media inquiries, please e-mail: 
pr@africabusinessheroes.org

About Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH):
The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition is a flagship philanthropic program of Alibaba Philanthropy committed to identifying, supporting, and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Each year, ABH awards US$1.5 million in grant funding to outstanding business leaders making a difference in their communities.

About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB):
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government agency with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more about the Rwanda Development Board at https://RDB.rw/.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Participates in SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Moscow, November 18, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated today in the 24th session of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in the Russian capital, Moscow.

In Qatar’s address to the meeting, His Excellency said that Qatar’s presence at this constructive international forum reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principles of solidarity and cooperation on which the SCO was founded, and embodied the collective will of member states to enhance consultation and joint action in confronting growing challenges. He noted that over the years, the organization has proven to be an effective platform for constructive dialogue and fruitful cooperation in the fields of security, economy, and cultural exchange.

His Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar’s vision aligns with the principles and objectives of the Shanghai Charter, which call for strengthening mutual trust and mutual benefit, upholding equality and respect for cultural diversity, and working toward shared development. He emphasized that Qatar proceeds from a firm conviction that sustainable development and comprehensive security form the foundation for the prosperity and stability of nations.

In this context, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Qatar continues to implement its National Vision 2030, which aims to achieve balanced development based on economic diversification, investment in human potential, and environmental protection to ensure a dignified life for current and future generations.

His Excellency added that, consistent with this vision and reaffirming the State of Qatar’s commitment to partnership with the international community, Doha views the SCO as an important strategic partner with whom it shares the goal of achieving development, regional stability, and cooperation in confronting common challenges. He noted that Qatar is pleased to be a Dialogue Partner of the organization and expressed hope that this partnership will develop further in ways that serve the interests of all peoples.

His Excellency also stressed that the world today is in urgent need of collective efforts to address pressing issues such as economic slowdown, humanitarian crises, environmental challenges, and threats to international peace and security. In this regard, he highlighted Qatar’s keenness to strengthen joint action within the organization, whether in the field of development cooperation, support for civilizational and humanitarian dialogue, or the consolidation of security and stability.

His Excellency noted that the State of Qatar regards mediation as one of its constitutional commitments, reflecting its established role as a proactive and trusted mediator contributing positively to the resolution of regional and international conflicts. He expressed his satisfaction in taking part in this important meeting of the heads of government of SCO member states, which brings everyone together to enhance cooperation, and he conveyed his sincere thanks to the friendly Russian Federation for its valued efforts in hosting and organizing the meeting.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed appreciation to the Secretary-General of the organization for his sincere efforts in advancing joint work within the SCO framework, expressing confidence that the meeting would yield tangible outcomes that strengthen collective cooperation.

The meeting, held over two days, discusses strengthening cooperation among member states in the areas of trade, economy, investment, and social development, in addition to a number of issues of common interest. 

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Qatar, Africa50 Discuss Boosting Development Cooperation in Africa

Source: Government of Qatar

Johannesburg, November 18, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met on Tuesday with CEO of Africa50 Group, Alain Ebobisse, in Johannesburg, as part of her visit to South Africa.
The talks focused on strengthening partnerships between Qatar and African nations, particularly South Africa.
Both sides stressed the importance of deeper cooperation to advance Africa’s development priorities. 

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Qatar Condemns Explosion in New Delhi, India

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | 18 November, 2025

The State of Qatar strongly condemns and denounces the explosion that occurred near a metro station in the Indian capital, New Delhi, which resulted in casualties and injuries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Qatar’s firm stance against violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of their motives or causes.

The Ministry conveys the condolences of the State of Qatar to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of India, and wishes a swift recovery to the injured.

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Violence au nord du Mozambique : plus de 100.000 personnes forcées de fuir en une semaine

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Alors que les attaques coordonnées menées par des groupes armés non étatiques se sont intensifiées dans certains districts de la province de Nampula, dans le nord du Mozambique, depuis le 10 novembre dernier, 80 % de la population de Lúrio et Mazula (environ 128.000 personnes) ont fui dans la brousse ou vers d’autres districts, ont indiqué des agences humanitaires des Nations Unies.

« Les premiers rapports font état de maisons incendiées, y compris une école, de biens pillés et de civils tués, blessés ou kidnappés », a souligné dans son dernier rapport le Bureau de coordination des affaires humanitaires de l’ONU (OCHA), relevant « d’importants mouvements de population dans le district de Memba ». 

Les habitants des régions environnantes se concentrent à Lúrio Sede, tandis que certaines familles traversent la rivière Lúrio vers Mecúfi (province de Cabo Delgado).

Le 10 novembre, des groupes armés non étatiques auraient traversé le fleuve Lúrio dans le district de Chiúre (province de Cabo Delgado), et lancé des attaques contre le village de Cucune, dans le poste administratif de Lúrio, district de Memba, province de Nampula.

Près de 20.000 élèves privés d’école

A la suite des attaques, « Mazuva a été largement désertée en raison des attaques en cours, et bien qu’aucune concentration importante ne se soit formée à Memba Sede, des départs progressifs ont lieu, les civils quittant les lieux par crainte de violences potentielles », signale l’OCHA.

De son côté, l’Organisation internationale pour les migrations (OIM) rapporte qu’Alua accueille actuellement le plus grand nombre de déplacés. Un décompte rapide effectué le 17 novembre indiquait la présence de 2.830 ménages, soit environ 8.000 personnes.

Ces nouveaux mouvements de populations font suite aux attaques des groupes armés non étatiques en octobre dans les districts de Memba et d’Erati et qui avaient provoqué le déplacement de plus de plus de 37.000 personnes vers Alua dans le district d’Erati, et au-delà de la frontière provinciale vers le district de Mecufi.

Les autorités éducatives signalent que les cours ont été suspendus dans 33 écoles à Chipene et Lúrio, touchant plus de 20.000 élèves et 160 enseignants depuis le début des attaques des groupes armés non étatiques à la fin du mois de septembre.

Epidémie de choléra

Cette situation a porté un nouveau coup dur à des communautés qui peinaient déjà à se remettre de catastrophes naturelles successives. Au début de l’année 2025, les districts d’Erati et de Memba ont été frappés par des cyclones qui ont affaibli la capacité d’adaptation des ménages et limité leurs ressources pour absorber de nouveaux chocs.

À ces vulnérabilités s’ajoute une épidémie de choléra qui sévit dans le district de Memba, où 217 cas ont été recensés depuis fin septembre.

Face aux urgences notées sur le terrain, le Programme alimentaire mondial (PAM), l’Agence de l’ONU pour les réfugiés (HCR) et l’OIM fournissent une aide aux déplacés. 

Chaque foyer a reçu un kit contenant des denrées alimentaires, des articles non alimentaires et des produits d’hygiène, ainsi que des kits d’hygiène féminine.

« Cependant, sur les conseils des autorités, les partenaires à Nampula ont indiqué que les missions humanitaires ne se déploieront pas immédiatement à Memba en raison des opérations militaires contre les groupes armés non étatiques et dans l’attente d’une plus grande clarté sur la situation sécuritaire », conclut l’agence onusienne.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Proposes ECOWAS–UN–AU Compact for Peace and Resilience in the Sahel at United Nations (UN) Security Council

Source: APO


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Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, presiding over a high-level United Nations Security Council briefing on Peace Consolidation in West Africa, has called for the establishment of an ECOWAS–UN–AU Compact for Peace and Resilience in the Sahel. The proposal, unveiled on Tuesday, 18th November, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, is aimed at forging a coordinated, well-funded, and results-driven approach to tackling escalating insecurity across the Sahel and West Africa.

President Bio convened the meeting in his dual capacity as President of Sierra Leone and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, stressing the urgent need for a unified global response to a crisis he described as “the epicentre of global terrorism.” He warned that the region’s instability, fuelled by extremist groups affiliated with ISIL and Al-Qaida, poses a direct threat to international peace and security.

“Maintaining international peace and security is a collective responsibility,” President Bio said, lamenting the global silence that has accompanied the deteriorating situation in the Sahel. He noted that despite the courage of affected States, “the threat of terrorism and violent extremism continues to outpace our collective response,” underscoring the need for stronger multilateral cooperation.

The proposed Compact seeks to align security, governance reforms, and humanitarian efforts under a single coordinated framework, leveraging the mandates of existing UN resolutions and the operational strengths of ECOWAS and the African Union. President Bio emphasized that predictable financing, particularly under Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), is essential to support African-led peace operations and activate the region’s Standby Force.

Addressing representatives of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in attendance, President Bio stressed the importance of engagement and reintegration, noting that West African security “cannot be built on exclusion.” He urged the Council to help rebuild trust across the region, including between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, through cooperative mechanisms such as joint platforms and real-time coordination supported by UN entities.

Highlighting the humanitarian toll of the conflict, such as, rising displacement, collapsing livelihoods, and deepening public frustration, President Bio called for expanded humanitarian assistance that is linked to long-term economic recovery. He underscored that Africa’s peace “is not a favour to be granted, but a foundation of global stability.”

President Bio concluded with a charge to the Council and the wider international community: “The people of West Africa and the Sahel do not ask for pity; they ask for partnership.” He urged global leaders to act decisively and collaboratively, warning that without swift intervention, the Sahel risks becoming a permanent sanctuary for extremist networks “just hours from major global cities.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

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Kwazulu-Natal the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Delegation to Assess Infrastructure Development in uMgungudlovu District

Source: APO


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The KwaZulu-Natal’s delegation of permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will from 19 to 20 November be crisscrossing the uMgungudlovu municipal area to assess the progress of various infrastructure development projects.

The delegation will be split into two groups, each comprising representatives from the NCOP, KZN Provincial Legislature, KZN provincial executive and the municipalities.

Group 1 will conduct assessments on Cedara Housing Project in Umngeni, Howick CBD revitalisation and Karkloof failed electrification project in Umshwati, as well as the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network in Msunduzi. The group will also visit the Siyathuthuka Magoda Road in Richmond.

Group 2 will visit Ward 7 Rural Housing Project in Mkhabathini, Woodlands Primary School in Msunduzi and the new P130 Road project in KwaNovuka in Impendle. The group will also visit the water pipeline project in Mpofana.

Group 1 will be led by the KZN Provincial Whip in the NCOP, Mr Mzamo Billy, and Group 2 will be led by the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Mr Les Govender. The site visits of the two groups will commence at 09h00 on each of the three days.

The groups will then have a public meeting with various community stakeholders from 2 pm on Thursday, 20 November at the City Hall, Pietermaritzburg.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.