MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

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The G20 is a global economic forum with the potential to transform lives for women and girls globally. Here’s why South Africa’s leadership in 2025 represents a pivotal moment. We asked UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office Programme Analyst Neo Mofokeng how South Africa’s 2025 presidency could advance gender equality.

What is the G20, and why should women care?

The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international forum for governments and central bank governors from 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union. It was established in 1999 to bring together the world’s major economies to discuss and promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth. It brings together the world’s largest economies, representing 67 per cent of the global population and 85 per cent of global GDP. When G20 countries make decisions, they don’t just affect stock markets; they directly impact whether women can access credit to start businesses, find decent jobs, or receive social protection during crises. From climate financing to digital transformation, the G20’s policies ripple through national economies, determining whether women are empowered or excluded from economic opportunities. When these countries and regional entities commit to gender-responsive policies, the effects are systemic, not symbolic.

What makes South Africa’s G20 presidency historic?

South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025 marks a critical moment as it is the first time an African country has led the forum. This leadership comes just five years before the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing renewed urgency to accelerate progress on SDGs, particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, South Africa’s presidency directly aligns with the global agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment. It is worth noting that South Africa has prioritized debt sustainability for low-income countries – a key gender justice issue, as debt crises often trigger austerity measures that disproportionately affect women and girls by reducing access to healthcare, education, and social protection.

What does gender mainstreaming mean in the G20 context?

While the G20 includes a dedicated Working Group on Women’s Empowerment, true progress requires gender mainstreaming, which is the embedding of gender perspectives across all working groups, not just the one explicitly focused on women’s issues. This means finance ministers considering how monetary policies affect women differently, infrastructure discussions evaluating women’s mobility and safety, and trade negotiations assessing impacts on women entrepreneurs. There is no such thing as gender-neutral economic policy – all decisions have differentiated impacts on women and men.

What are the priorities for gender mainstreaming for this year’s G20?

To carry forward the Global South priorities from the previous G20 presidencies of Indonesia, India, and Brazil, the following priorities were adopted as the focus areas for gender mainstreaming into this G20 presidency. The first priority is to shift policy perspectives on the care economy around paid and unpaid care work and household responsibilities. The second is to promote financial inclusion of and for women, and the third priority is to address gender-based violence and femicide, which threaten the lives and livelihoods of women.

How is progress on gender equality measured in the G20?

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of gender equality, tracking progress remains challenging. The most prominent commitment is the 2014 “25×25 goal”, reducing the gender gap in labour force participation by 25 per cent by 2025. As this deadline approaches, it serves as a critical test case for G20 accountability. However, other dimensions like unpaid care work, gender-based violence, and women’s leadership receive less attention. Gender-related commitments sometimes appear in one year’s declaration but vanish in the next, making long-term progress difficult to track. This is another reason why mainstreaming gender in the G20 is so important.

What makes the G20’s influence on gender equality so significant?

In a world of countless international forums, the G20’s influence is unmatched. When G20 countries commit to closing gender gaps in labour force participation or expanding women’s access to finance, the ripple effects shift global economic patterns and influence international norms far beyond G20 borders. The G20 serves as a strategic lever with the capacity to drive policy coherence by integrating gender equality across economic, climate, and digital agendas, foster shared accountability through joint monitoring, and mobilize financing with intent, ensuring gender equality is resourced, not just referenced.

What is UN Women’s role in the G20 process?

UN Women plays a pivotal role by advocating for gender mainstreaming across all G20 policy areas, providing technical expertise and data to working groups, and engaging with key stakeholders like the Women 20 (W20) engagement group. The organization works to ensure that gender perspectives are systematically mainstreamed into G20 discussions, communiqués, and policy frameworks, with a strong focus on women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and ending violence against women and girls.

How has UN Women supported South Africa’s G20 presidency?

UN Women, through its South Africa Multi-Country Office, has provided comprehensive technical and financial support to the South African Government, made possible by backing from The Ford Foundation, the Government of Ireland, and the UN Women Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office. This support has been crucial in advancing gender equality within South Africa’s G20 agenda.

• Youth Engagement: In February 2025, UN Women partnered with the South African Institute of International Affairs youth division to organize the “Bridging the Gap for Global Impact” workshop in Johannesburg, bringing together 150 young leaders aged 18-25. The workshop provided tools for effectively engaging decision-makers and included panel discussions on gender advocacy, enabling participants to develop strategies for promoting gender equality.
• Transforming Patriarchal Masculinities: In March 2025, UN Women hosted a dialogue on “Transforming Patriarchal Masculinities for a Gender-Equal World” in Pretoria, bringing together 150 students from universities, technical and vocational education and training institutions, and high schools. This dialogue compiled youth recommendations for the Women’s Empowerment Ministerial Working Group meeting.
• Technical Working Group Support: UN Women provided crucial support to all three Empowerment of Women Working Group meetings throughout 2025. The February virtual meeting focused on setting the priorities of the care economy, financial inclusion, and gender-based violence. The May meeting in Sun City emphasized advancing financial inclusion and developing a Guidelines Framework for mainstreaming women’s priorities in global financial systems. The July meeting at Kruger National Park concentrated on the care economy – recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work.
• Private Sector Engagement: UN Women supported a groundbreaking Private Sector Breakfast in May, bringing together corporate leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to align business practices with G20 gender equality goals. Grounded in the Women’s Empowerment Principles, this initiative moved beyond symbolic participation to actionable commitments.
• Disability Inclusion: Additionally, UN Women supported disability inclusion initiatives and the W20 inception meeting, demonstrating comprehensive engagement across all aspects of South Africa’s gender equality agenda.

What does success look like for gender equality in the G20?

Success in 2025 means moving beyond rhetoric to gender-transformative policies with robust accountability mechanisms. It requires recognizing gender as intersectional, addressing the diverse experiences of all women and gender-diverse individuals across lines of race, class, disability, and age. At the current pace, it will take over 123 years to close gender gaps globally. The G20 has the power to change this trajectory, but only if gender equality becomes a lived reality, not just a shared goal.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Health has received briefings from the Lesedi Black Business Forum (LBBF) and the World Vapers Alliance (WVA) on the Tobacco and Electronic Delivery System Control Bill.

The LBBF supported the objectives of the Bill but called for a balance between public health and economic considerations. It said it has interacted with the Department of Health, via an online workshop organised by the department in 2020 but the LBBF is disappointed that the issues it raised in that workshop are not reflected in the final draft Bill submitted to Parliament.

On regulation, it said it supports efforts to reduce smoking in South Africa. Mr Lobi of the LBBF said a smarter, more practical approach is required to achieve the Bill’s goal while avoiding harm to communities and businesses in the process. He urged the government to focus more on stopping the out-of-control illicit tobacco trade, which harms young people and the poor the most.

The LBBF said the government should work on preventing young people from smoking by using behavioural and educational programmes, as was done in the past with HIV/Aids awareness campaigns, for instance. These programmes are key to finding a lasting solution to reducing smoking.

Mr Lobi said: “We have a problem with the criminalisation of smokers. Treating smokers as criminals is unfair and ineffective, and we encourage a more supportive approach to help them quit.”

The LBBF emphasised that in their local municipality, tobacco manufacturing is an anchor industry but it is being jeopardised by the Bill, should it be adopted as it is. Mr Lobi added: “Beyond specific Lesedi consideration, the Bill fails to account for the commercial interests of small traders that dot the South African landscape due to lack of employment opportunities.”

The WVA is concerned that the Bill equates vaping with smoking. Provisions such as flavour bans, advertising restrictions, plain packaging and public use bans exacerbate the situation. Overregulation may drive consumers back to smoking or the illicit market. Notably, WVA said the Bill fails to acknowledge vaping as a tool for harm reduction. The WVA in its briefing submitted evidence from Sweden, demonstrating a remarkable 55% decline in smoking rates over the past decade.

Committee chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said inputs made during the public engagement process will be taken into consideration and applied when the committee starts its deliberation on the Bill after consultations with the public are completed.

The objective of the Bill is to strengthen public health protection measures, align South African tobacco control law with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and repeal the Tobacco Control Act of 1993 and its amendments.

Key provisions in the Bill include the introduction of 100 percent smoke-free indoor public places and certain outdoor areas; a ban on the sale of cigarettes through vending machines; the implementation of plain packaging with graphic health warnings; a ban on the display of products at points of sale; and the regulation and control of electronic nicotine delivery systems and non-nicotine delivery systems.

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

Source: APO

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• An estimated 400,000 people in Cabo Delgado province have been displaced over the eight years of conflict in northern Mozambique.
• Attacks are limiting people’s access to healthcare, as health centres are under staffed, and humanitarian organisations are having to suspend activities due to insecurity.
• Health workers and facilities must be protected from violence, and the communities where displaced people are arriving to need a coordinated humanitarian response.

An alarming rise in violence in Cabo Delgado, the northernmost province of Mozambique, is severely compromising communities’ access to healthcare. Nearly eight years of conflict in northern Mozambique has already taken a huge toll on the people living in the province, of whom more than 400,000 are displaced. Fighting and insecurity have led to the forced reduction of medical activities, and have limited the movements of health workers and the communities in affected areas. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling for the protection of medical workers and health facilities from violence, and for a coordinated humanitarian response to be ensured in the communities where displaced people are arriving.

Already in 2025, 43,000 people have been newly displaced following attacks and violent incidents. Over 134,000 people were affected by violence in May alone, according to OCHA.1This is the most significant rise in violence since June 2022. Many of these recent violent incidents took place in the districts of Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe and Meluco, and the violence has even spread to neighbouring Niassa province. 

Macomia, a major town in central Cabo Delgado, was attacked by a non-state armed group in May 2024, forcing MSF, as well as other humanitarian organisations, to stop or suspend activities. We were gradually able to resume operations in April 2025. More than a year after the attack, only one health facility is operational in the district, compared to the seven health centres that were functional before.

“With the increase in displacements, many people have come to seek refuge in Macomia, overwhelming the only functional health centre,” says Dr Emerson Finiose, an MSF medical doctor in Macomia. “We’re struggling to do medical referrals. We must prioritise the most severe cases, leaving a significant gap in care for the rest of the community.”

The situation in Macomia illustrates the fragility of the health system in Cabo Delgado, a pattern repeated across the three other districts where MSF is present: Mocímboa da Praia, Mueda and Palma. Since the conflict began, more than fifty per cent of the province’s health facilities have been completely or partially destroyed, according to official data. This was further worsened when Cyclone Chido struck southern areas of Cabo Delgado late last year.

At the same time, many health facilities are non-functional due to the absence of health workers; services are frequently suspended or reduced, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, and many of the functional facilities are under-resourced or located too far for many people to access safely.

In 2025, MSF was forced to suspend outreach activities five times due to insecurity, for at least two weeks at a time, particularly in Macomia and Mocímboa da Praia. This left thousands of people without access to healthcare and jeopardised the continuity of care for patients. 

MSF teams provide basic healthcare, treatment for HIV and tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support, and maternity and paediatric care. We also carry out donations of medicines and medical supplies, and provide water and sanitation services. Between January and May 2025, MSF carried out a monthly average of 18,000 medical consultations (both inpatient and outpatient), 30 referrals of patients in need of specialised care, and assisted in 740 deliveries, across the four districts where we work.

The limitations – and sometimes inability – to offer care due to this volatile context has a deep impact on the community. This is evident in our medical data: in April, our teams in Mocímboa da Praia carried out 12,236 outpatient consultations. In May, as incidents intensified, that number dropped drastically to 1,951.

A crucial part of MSF’s response is carried out by health promotion teams and community health workers. They work with communities to share essential health information and promote healthy practices, such as handwashing. MSF trains some community health workers to identify and treat common diseases, such as malaria, a leading cause of death in the region, and to process the referral of patients in need of specialised care.

“Sharing health information is very important in times of conflict, when many people are psychologically affected,” says Fatima Abudo Laíde, an MSF health promoter in the Malinde community, in Mocímboa da Praia district. “Sometimes a person is sick but can’t be open, because emotionally they’re not well. I help them seek treatment at the nearest health centre, so they’re not isolated.”

“I’ve faced difficult situations, like accompanying a woman in labour at three in the morning, even though I felt unsafe,” she says. “But we’re here to support our community, to overcome fear, and to make sure no one is left without help.”

In addition to suffering acute psychological distress and trauma, some patients are forced to interrupt their treatments. This is particularly concerning for pregnant women, older adults, people with disabilities, and people living with chronic conditions or HIV.

“I remember a case in Mbau community where a pregnant woman went into labour late at night,” says Sunga Antônio, an MSF midwife at the Rural hospital of Mocímboa da Praia. “The health promoter called us for help, but it was too late and risky to evacuate her. She gave birth in the community, and we could only take her to the hospital by morning. Sadly, she fell into a coma, likely from complications, as she was carrying twins. If the local health centre had been functional, she could have received timely care and had a safe delivery.”

Recent cuts in humanitarian aid continue to worsen the situation in Cabo Delgado. These funding shortfalls illustrate the broader global issue: the collective ability to respond to people’s needs is collapsing across all sectors and organisations. 

“Cabo Delgado’s conflict has become a severe humanitarian crisis,” says Dr Finiose. “It affects every aspect of life, especially healthcare and education, and it strips people of their dignity. We need safe access to communities in need, and support from other actors so we can help them cope with the consequences of this crisis.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

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The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has urged the Department of Electricity and Energy to localise the production of renewable products instead of relying on overseas countries.

The committee received a briefing yesterday from the Department of Electricity and Energy about the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Master Plan (RESMP). The department’s presentation outlined the objectives of the Master Plan which highlighted its role as an industrialisation tool that seeks to harness the growing demand for renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind.

The department stressed the importance of developing inclusive economic growth by ensuring that previously disadvantaged communities, especially youth and women, are actively engaged in the energy sector. Initiatives that are in the Master Plan and that were presented and discussed with committee members comprised the localisation of production, the establishment of skills development programs, and the implementation of robust monitoring frameworks to its track progress.

The committee said the Master Plan should not only provide a sustainable energy solution but also contribute to employment, job creation including skills development . Questions to the department were mostly about the integration of youth and vulnerable communities into the renewable energy sector. The committee queried about measures being taken to ensure that previously disadvantaged communities especially in rural areas benefit from the Master Plan.

The department acknowledged its responsibility to achieving at least 50% of job opportunities for youth and marginalised communities, alongside initiatives to map skills requirements and enhance internship programs.

On the issue of localisation of renewable energy production. The committee sought clarity on how the RESMP plans to localise production and reduce reliance on foreign countries. Members said South Africa should be a manufacturer on renewable products such solar panels instead of training people to assemble. Committee members said the country needs to start speaking about the production of solar panels and charge controllers.

The department re-assured members of the committee that plans are in place to look into localised manufacturing opportunities.

Regulatory obstacles were addressed and identified to be an apprehension, the committee expressed worry concerning the moratorium on letters of no objection from the Department of Defence to Independent Power Producers. As part of the process to register as an IPP , they need a letter of no objection from the Department of Defence. The committee said this may hamper the progress of IPP. The department said it would engage with the relevant authorities to resolve these challenges so that they are not a deterrent.

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

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs yesterday received the overall 2024 national and provincial elections report and appreciated the strong introspection on the part of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which will create a platform for self-correction and strengthened electoral processes. The committee is confident that the areas of improvement highlighted by the IEC did not have a direct impact on the elections being free and fair.

“The areas of improvement identified by the IEC, such as challenges with the IT system, faults with the voter management devices, voting station inefficiencies and the need for improved training of electoral staff assure the committee that the Commission is doing everything to improve the quality of voting experience and efficiency of a voting station,” said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee. The committee highlighted that the report also reaffirms the IEC’s credibility as a body that delivers quality, verifiable and open elections.

Despite this, the committee emphasised the need for a reassessment of how to address the challenge of voter apathy and declining voter turnout. The committee has emphasised that enhanced civic and democratic education strategies must be urgently implemented to ensure that the number of voters increases, thereby strengthening the country’s democracy.

“There must be a reflection, not only from the IEC’s perspective but from society in general, that voter turnout is unacceptably low and impacts on the strength of South African democracy, a hard-fought right,” Mr Chabane said. The committee reaffirmed the IEC’s integrity and system veracity over time, and acknowledged improvement since its establishment. Additionally, IEC has been recognised as a benchmark for election machinery on the continent.

Meanwhile, the committee reflected on the impact of Section 24 (A) provision in the Electoral Amendment Act. The committee called on the IEC to develop a report on both the positive and negative impacts of this section during the 2024 elections. The committee highlighted its strong view on the need to review this provision, especially in the context of the unintended consequences for voter apathy.

The committee welcomed the assurance from the IEC that it is working on a reimagined voter experience that includes the value proposition that a voter does not spend more than 30 minutes in a voting station. This would require improving the quality of staff employed at voting stations, optimising processes, ironing out problems with technical tools and improving the response rate to challenges arising in voting stations.

Meanwhile, the committee has urged the IEC to highlight any legislative gaps that the committee and Parliament can work on to ensure that elections are seamless.

The committee welcomed the 59% increase in the number of voting districts over the past 25 years, which reduces the average spread of voters per voting station. The committee continued to highlight that voting stations must be as close as possible to the people to ensure ease of access.

Furthermore, the committee has welcomed the processing of the legal matter relating to IEC Commissioner Dr Nomsa Masuku in line with and within the framework of the Constitution. The committee welcomes the fact that the Commissioner has not participated in IEC affairs since her legal challenges.

On the expiry of the term of the IEC Chairperson, Mr Mosotho Moepya, and those of Judge Dhaya Pillay and Dr Masuku the committee thanked them for their service and integrity in advancing the work of the IEC. “Their dedication and sleepless nights have contributed to strengthening South Africa’s democracy,” Mr Chabane said.

The committee has reiterated the need for continued protection of the IEC’s credibility, as it plays a crucial role in promoting democratic processes.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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In a landmark show of political will and multisectoral collaboration, the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR), the Ministry of Health, and partners are spearheading one of Africa’s most promising health financing reforms. By embracing health taxes as a strategic tool, Ethiopia has started strengthening its national health system, curbing the rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and advancing its journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

This momentous collaboration was showcased during a high-level training workshop held from 13 to 14 June 2025 in Adama, Ethiopia. The forum was jointly organized by WHO Ethiopia and the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and with generous financial support from the Government of Norway.

The two-day event brought together 63 MPs and parliamentary staff as well as 13 senior officials of the Ministry of Health, reaffirming the critical role of legislative bodies in shaping public health through economic policy.

The workshop focused on consolidating the capacity of lawmakers to further understand and champion health taxes—specifically excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages. These taxes are globally recognized for their dual impact: they discourage the use of harmful products while generating sustainable revenue to fund essential health services.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Lomi Bedo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the transformative power of Ethiopia’s 2020 excise tax law. “By raising taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful products, Ethiopia has taken a critical step toward safeguarding public health and promoting healthier communities,” she stated. “Increasing prices on unhealthy commodities remains one of the most effective strategies to reduce their consumption and associated health risks, including addiction and premature death.”

Her remarks echoed the growing recognition of Parliament’s proactive legislative stance—one that aligns with the nation’s development vision and its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ethiopian State Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Dereje Duguma on his part warned that misleading narratives from the tobacco industry persist—particularly claims that more than 50% of the tobacco market has turned illicit post-legislation. He stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking and pledged the Ministry’s continued collaboration with Parliament, WHO, and all development partners to strengthen tax administration and uphold Ethiopia’s progress toward UHC and NCD control.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Owen Laws Kaluwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, praised Ethiopia’s leadership in adopting bold and effective non-traditional mechanisms to raise additional funds for the country. “Stronger health systems enable countries to allocate scarce resources to their most pressing priorities,” Dr. Kaluwa said. “The 2020 excise tax legislation remains one of the most impactful policy tools for reducing the consumption of harmful products while boosting domestic revenue.”

Dr. Kaluwa highlighted that WHO’s support to Ethiopia is part of a multi-year project on health taxes implemented in collaboration with IPU and funded by the Norwegian Government. As a priority country in this initiative, Ethiopia is receiving targeted technical assistance for policy analysis, tax implementation, and improved access to NCD treatment and care.

Throughout the workshop, MPs and parliamentary technical staff deliberated on the latest global and national evidence on the effectiveness of health taxes. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions using updated policy briefs, data, and technical tools designed to inform legislative decisions and sustain tax implementation in the long term.

Key discussions focused on the importance of Parliament’s role in maintaining robust tax systems, supporting annual adjustments, and shielding policy development from industry interference. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing fiscal policies that prioritize public health and social equity.

Health taxes have gained wider recognition globally as part of a broader push to combat NCDs—conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses that account for more than 70% of global deaths and disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia’s approach—grounded in science, backed by policy, and supported by partners—demonstrates how strategic legislation can serve both public health and economic resilience.

Looking ahead, WHO Ethiopia reaffirmed its dedication to working alongside Parliament, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders to reinforce Ethiopia’s health financing landscape. This includes ensuring that health taxes are not only implemented but effective, efficient, and accountable public financial management systems are necessary for the additional revenues to reach and be accountable for expenditure objectives.

“Health taxes are not just a revenue tool—they are a health-saving, life-preserving measure,” Dr. Kaluwa concluded. “Ethiopia’s continued leadership in this space is not only commendable but also offers a blueprint for the region and beyond.”

As the country continues its path toward UHC, Ethiopia’s experience highlights the power of political commitment, intersectoral collaboration, and strategic investment in health. The success of its health tax policy and administration illustrates how even modest fiscal interventions can yield transformative outcomes—saving lives, strengthening systems, and building a healthier future for all.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

Source: APO – Report:

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Fifteen representatives of communities from across the Western region met with the Special Representative of the Secretary General to further discuss the security situation and share their opinions on the way forward to develop a political roadmap on Monday. 

Participants, which included municipal leaders and notables, stressed that the transitional period needs to come to an end, and that any political process must move forward in an environment free from security tensions. The participants suggested weapons be withdrawn from Tripoli to protect civilian lives and the security institutions of the government secure the capital.  

Participants were briefed on the four options put forward by the Advisory Committee in May. As outlined in the  Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s report,  the options include:     

1. Option 1: Presidential and legislative elections are to be conducted within two years, commencing once a political settlement is reached on the legal status and financial independence of HNEC, the necessary amendments to the constitutional and legal framework for elections, and a unified government. The political settlement should include provisions for adopting a permanent constitution for the country.  
2. Option 2: A bicameral legislative council will be elected within two years, with the drafting and ratification of the constitution entrusted to the Senate. The new constitution will regulate all subsequent presidential and parliamentary elections.  
3. Option 3: Adopt a constitution, prior to elections. This option involves examining the challenges associated with the 2017 draft constitution and exploring the feasibility of drafting a new constitution.  
4. Option 4: Activate the dialogue mechanism and replace existing institutional stakeholders with a constituent assembly through LPA Article 64 dialogue process. 

“We support fourth option put forward by the Advisory Committee because previous and current governments have supported militias, which has contributed to the deterioration of the security, political and economic situation in Libya,” said one representative. 

Others said that elders were working across communities to continue local mediation and avoid further violence, and that 143 mukhtars from 11 municipalities wanted to convey the message that war should be avoided and dialogue promoted to resolve differences peacefully. 

Highlighting deficient infrastructure and basic services, representatives also said citizens in their areas were seriously suffering from shortcomings in the educational and health sector.  

“Certain individuals do not want the Libyans to move on,” said one representative. “At this critical juncture, our priority should be focused on a process that leads to a unified government that effectively addresses security and economic issues, as well as citizens’ concerns, in the western region and across Libya.”

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO – Report:

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The 2025 annual Eritrean community festival was colorfully conducted with patriotic zeal on 10 and 11 July in Rotterdam under the theme “Our Cohesion – Our Armour.” The festival was officially opened by Mr. Negasi Kassa, Eritrea’s Ambassador to the European Union and Benelux countries.

Mr. Zeray Gebru, Chairman of the Eritrean Community, congratulated the participants and commended those who contributed to the successful organization of the festival, particularly the Holidays Coordinating Committees from various cities, Eritrean communities, national organizations, individuals, and institutions.

Ambassador Negasi also conducted a seminar for the participants focusing on the prevailing situation in the homeland and the region. He noted that, despite external hostilities, the Eritrean people remain steadfast and focused on national development programs. He provided a detailed briefing on the progress of the national development programs and called on nationals to reinforce unity, resilience, and active participation in national affairs.

Highlighting the importance of festivals in fostering unity and passing on noble societal values to the younger generation, Mr. Kibreab Tewolde, Head of Consular Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, gave an overview of the consular services being provided and the procedures nationals should follow.

The festival featured cultural and artistic performances, a traditional fashion show, and various programs reflecting the unity in diversity of the Eritrean people.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.