Category: Government & Politics

Since 24 February, the UN and humanitarian partners have provided vital humanitarian aid to more than 11.8 million people with various forms of assistance.

On 18 August in Lviv, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been meeting Ukraine and Türkiye leaders to discuss finding a political solution to the war. They have also been talking about efforts to increase Ukrainian grain exports ahead of winter, and the risk of a catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the UN to ensure the security of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant which is currently under Russian control. Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed a proposal by the UN Secretary-General to demilitarise the area around the plant.

A total of 25 grain-laden ships have so far left the Ukrainian ports. The ship carrying the first cargo of food aid bound for Africa, transited Istanbul’s Bosporus Strait on Wednesday evening.

A total of 17 people were killed and dozens wounded in a series of massive Russian missile strikes on Ukraine’s Kharkiv region on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Source: European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Good afternoon.

President Zelenskyy, allow me to begin by thanking you and the people of Ukraine for welcoming me once again during such a difficult period.

I am also very pleased to be joined by President Erdoğan.

Just a few weeks ago, the two of us were together in Istanbul for the signing of the Black Sea Grain Initiative – a landmark agreement to help vulnerable people in every corner of the world.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I have been clear: There is no solution to the global food crisis without ensuring full global access to Ukraine’s food products and Russian food and fertilizers.

I want to express my gratitude to all parties for their support.

In less than one month, 21 ships have departed from Ukrainian ports and 15 vessels have left Istanbul for Ukraine to load up with grain and other food supplies.

As we speak, more than 560,000 metric tons of grain and other food produced by Ukrainian farmers is making its way to markets around the world.

I am especially pleased that the first UN-chartered vessel carrying Ukrainian wheat is on its way to respond to the needs of people suffering from the worst drought in the Horn of Africa in decades.

And as we speak, more than 560,000 metric tonnes of grain and other food produced by Ukrainian farmers is making its way into markets around the world to people in them.

Meanwhile – and critically – we have seen signs that global food markets are beginning to stabilize.

Wheat prices dropped by as much as 8% following the signing of the agreements.

The FAO Food Price Index fell by 9% in July – the biggest decline since 2008.

Most food commodities are now trading at prices below pre-war levels, but still very high.

But let’s have no illusions – there is a long way to go before this will be translated into the daily life of people at their local bakery and in their markets.

Supply chains are still disrupted.

Energy and transportation costs remain unacceptably high.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The positive momentum on the food front reflects a victory for diplomacy – for multilateralism – for people caught in the grips of a cost-of-living crisis – and for the hard-working farmers of Ukraine.

But it is only the beginning. I urge all parties to ensure continued success.

This is an unprecedented agreement and, in my experience, by their very nature, initiatives in conflict situations are inherently fragile.

They must be constantly nurtured.

From day one, the parties of the JCC [Joint Coordination Center] have worked professionally and in good faith to keep the food flowing.

I appeal for this to continue and for them to overcome all obstacles in a spirit of compromise and permanently settle all difficulties.

Getting food and fertilizer out of Ukraine and Russia in larger quantities is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices.

It is essential to provide relief to the most vulnerable people and countries.

And it is vital to help reverse the turmoil in the global fertilizer market that is now threatening next season’s crops – including rice, the most widely consumed staple in the world.

In the meantime, the United Nations will go on working in full solidarity with the Ukrainian people to mobilize all of our capacities and resources – along side our national partners – to continue to provide humanitarian support to people in need wherever it is required.

We will do our best to scale up our operations to face the difficult the coming winter.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

But, of course, the heart of the problem that brings us here remains the war.

As I have stated time and time again, this invasion is a violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and of the United Nations Charter.

The war brought innumerous death, massive destruction and displacement, and dramatic violations of human rights.

People need peace.

Peace in line with the United Nations Charter.

Peace in line with international law.

I remain gravely concerned about the unfolding situation in and around Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia.

Common sense must prevail to avoid any actions that might endanger the physical integrity, safety or security of the nuclear plant.

The facility must not be used as part of any military operation.

Instead, agreement is urgently needed to reestablish Zaporizhhia as purely civilian infrastructure and to ensure the safety of the area.

In close contact with the IAEA, the UN Secretariat has assessed that we have in Ukraine the logistics and security capacity to support any IAEA mission to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from Kyiv, provided both Russia and Ukraine agree.

Military equipment and personnel should be withdrawn from the plant.

Further deployment of forces or equipment to the site must be avoided.

The area needs to be demilitarized.

We must tell it like it is – any potential damage to Zaporizhzhia is suicide.

Today, I also discussed the investigation of the tragic incident in a detention facility in Olenivka on 29 July.

What happened there is unacceptable. All prisoners of war are protected under International Humanitarian Law.

The International Committee of the Red Cross must have access to them wherever they are kept.

I decided to establish a Fact-Finding mission.

The Terms of Reference of the mission were shared with Ukraine and the Russian Federation, as well as the make-up of the team. It is my intention to appoint General Carlos dos Santos Cruz of Brazil to lead this mission.

General Santos Cruz is a respected officer with over 40 years of national and international public security and military experience, including as a commander of UN peacekeeping operations.

We will now continue to work to obtain the necessary assurances to guarantee secure access to Olenivka and any other relevant locations.

To put it simply, a fact-finding mission must be free to find the facts.

The team must be able to gather and analyze necessary information.

Above all, that means safe, secure and unfettered access to people, places and evidence without any interference from anybody.

We will continue to do all we can to advance this and other efforts correspond to needs of the Ukrainian people.

Once again, my thanks to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people for your welcome.

You can continue to count on the support of the United Nations to promote human rights, international law and the cause of peace.

Thank you.

Source: UN Secretary-General

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that the current number of international migrants residing in Egypt has reached a total of 9 million migrants and refugees.

IOM considers a migrant to be “any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a state away from his/her habitual place of residence, regardless of (1) the person’s legal status; (2) whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary; (3) what the causes for the movement are; or (4) what the length of the stay is”.[1]

In its latest assessment of migrant stocks in Egypt, IOM revealed that the current number of international migrants residing in Egypt is 9,012,582 migrants, which is equivalent to 8.7% of the Egyptian population (103,655,989).[2]

This migrant population consists of people originating from 133 countries, among whom the biggest groups are Sudanese (4 million), Syrians (1.5 million), Yemenis (1 million) and Libyans (1 million). These four nationalities constitute 80% of the international migrants currently residing in the country.

There is a notable increase in the number of migrants stock since 2019, due to protracted instability in the neighbouring countries of Egypt, that have driven thousands of Sudanese, South Sudanese, Syrians, Ethiopian, Iraqi, and Yemeni individuals to find refuge in Egypt.[3]

The Government of Egypt positive discourse towards migrants and refugees may be seen as a pull factor for the recent migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers flows.[4] Egypt has been generous in including migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers in the education and health national systems, including on equal footing with Egyptians in many instances and this, despite the challenges these two sectors are facing and the high economic costs. The inclusion of migrants’ population in the national COVID-19 vaccination plan is a clear recent example on the Government of Egypt approach in treating migrants, as equal as Egyptian citizens.[5]

The analysis shows that the average age of the majority of migrants is 35 years old with a balanced percentage of males (50.4%) and females (49.6%), with a majority of them (56%) residing in five governorates: Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Damietta and Dakhaleya. The rest of the migrants live in governorates, such as Assiut, Aswan, Gharbiya, Ismailia, Luxor, Marsa Matruh, Menoufiya, Minya, Port Said, Qaliuyiba, Qena, the Red Sea Governorate (Hurghada, Sharm Al-Sheikh with small numbers in Sinai Peninsula, specifically Dahab city), Sharqyia, Sohag and Suez.

Also, the data collected from embassies and IOM studies reveal that more than one third of the population (37%) are working in stable jobs and businesses, indicating that migrants in Egypt are positively contributing to the labour market and the Egyptian economic growth. For instance, Syrians who constitutes 17% of international migrants’ stocks in Egypt, are one of the top nationalities contributing positively to the labour market and the Egyptian economy. It is estimated that the amount of funds invested by 30,000 registered Syrian investors in Egypt is approximately 1 billion dollars[6]. This reflects the importance to enhance the integration of migrants to positively impact their host society.

The analysis of the duration of stay of migrants in Egypt demonstrates that 60% of those international migrants living in Egypt are well integrated for more than 10 years (5.5 million persons), with 6% integrated for 15 years or more (second generations included).

This assessment allows IOM to review its latest assessment on the migrants’ stock in Egypt conducted in 2019. It helps the Organization to plan its responses to the actual needs of the migrants residing in Egypt. Moreover, it highlights the importance to better understand the differences between those migrants who reside for years and generations (between 11 to 15 years) in the country and integrated the Egyptian society while contributing to its growth, from those international migrants in need of support. Based on its daily assessment of migrants’ needs, IOM estimates, through sampling analysis, that 15% of the international migrants in Egypt (between 1,1 to 1,300,000) can be considered as “vulnerable” migrants or persons of concern to IOM who may be in need of tailored assistance. Such vulnerability has been exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic hitting the informal market for both migrants and Egyptians. IOM support includes cash-based interventions, housing subsidy, food and non-food, education and health assistance.

IOM Egypt started its assessment in October 2021 which was concluded with concrete quantifiable and qualifiable results in June 2022. IOM has used multiple research methods to get the most accurate number and profile of migrants in Egypt. The surveys were done through consultations with diplomatic representations of more than 100 countries present in Egypt, coupled with migrants’ focus groups, surveys among 63 community leaders, as well data collected by the Organization through its daily interaction with migrants, academic desk review of available data on migrants’ stocks in Egypt and past IOM empirical studies. IOM collected information on the number of international migrants in Egypt, disaggregated by gender, age, location, duration and purpose of stay, as well as work status.

The result of the most updated analysis is available on the website: bit.ly/3QgOKNk

The Government of Egypt embodied in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly with IOM continuously develops a series of mechanisms and support to ensure the protection needs of migrants and to capitalize on the development potential of migrants in Egypt.

It is worth to note that IOM policies and programmes consider human mobility as a source of prosperity and sustainable development for countries of origin and hosting communities. IOM Egypt closely works with the Government of Egypt on creating legal pathways and better economic alternatives for Egyptian youth as a way to combat irregular migration. In 2020, the Government of Egypt in coordination with IOM, the International Labour Organization and GIZ, launched “Towards a Holistic Approach to Labour Migration Governance and labour Mobility in North Africa (THAMM)”, a European-Union funded programme which works on identifying the regulatory framework of the recruitment of Egyptian workers in international markets. Additionally, the Y-MED Progamme (since 2019) jointly managed by IOM, the Governments of Egypt and Italy, provides internships and apprenticeships for Egyptian youth in automation and hospitality to upscale their skills and fit the international labour market.

Furthermore, IOM Egypt has cooperated with youth non-governmental organizations, in close coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to create more than 100 environmentally friendly livelihood opportunities in Cairo and Alexandria, such as recycling, waste management, green enterprises and hydroponic farms.

IOM Egypt also collaborates with the Ministry of State for Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs to create conditions for the Egyptian expatriates (estimated 10 – 14 million)[7] to fully contribute to the sustainable development of Egypt. In November 2021, the Ministry of State for Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs launched the National Strategy on Expatriates’ Engagement with the support of IOM. This is a tool for Egyptian expatriates willing to invest in their country of origin as actors in the national development process.

Source: International Organization for Migration

President Cyril Ramaphosa led succesful talks with His Excellency President Mokgweetsi  Masisi  at the South Africa – Botswana Business Roundtable at the Gaborone International Convention Centre in the Republic of Botswana. 
 
 
The South Africa – Botswana Business  Round Table was yesterday , 03 August 2022 , preceded  by the Business Forum which enhanced linkages , trade and investment and prospective joint venture partnerships between the two countries. 
 
 
Celebrating 28 years of diplomatic , cultural and  economic relations under theme ” Tirisanyo Mmogo ” at the two day business engagement , President Ramaphosa welcomed the 9 FDI projects from Botswana to South Africa worth R 3,9 billion over the last decade. 
 
 
The High Level South Africa – Botswana Business Roundtable happens at the backdrop of the fifth session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) which took place on 22 April 2022 in Tshwane.
 
 
“Even as our bilateral relations have grown stronger over the years, we want to see far greater levels of trade and investment between our two countries.  
As we noted earlier, South Africa’s foreign direct investment stock in Botswana reached $5.1 billion last year.” President Ramaphosa said.
 
 
At the South Africa – Botswana Business Round Table chaired by the two Heads of State , business leaders from the two sisterly countries  participated in identifying measures to address trade and investment barriers as well as strengthening cooperation between government  and private sector in maximizing localization,  export promotion efforts and industrialization. 
 
President Ramaphosa principally agreed to a feasible joint public – private partnership investment  of both governments on  the 129 km Lephalale – Mamabule rail line which will enhance regional value chains. 
 
 
The President further called for accelerated investment in catalytic development projects particularly in infrasture which have a positive  ripple effect on  sectors among them manufacturing , logistics , tourism and technology. 
 
 
President Ramaphosa highlighted that the Southern African region has the potential to distinguish itself worldwide as an economic bloc  in multiple areas of specialisation due to its abundance of natural resources and skills.
 
 
 
President Ramaphosa expressed confidence at the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) programme of creating industrial value chains in  leather and leather products , textiles , fresh produce, meat and meat products,clothing , cosmetics and essential oils. 
 
 
The President also implored that women and youth run businesses in both countries should partake in these value chains to grow the respective economies. 
 
 
The President also welcomed Botswana’s declaration of opening  all border posts  to South Africa following the easing of  COVID-19 regulations  which will speed up trade and economic recovery between the two countries. 
 
 
President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor , Minister of Trade , Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel and a South African business delegation including representatives from across a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, automotive, manufacturing and  agriculture.

Source: The Presidency Republic of South Africa

The President of the Republic HE Evariste Ndayishimiye enhanced with his presence the official ceremonies marking the celebration of the National Day of Patriotism which were organized in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi.

The day having coincided with the commemoration of the second anniversary of the unexpected death of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, Supreme Guide of Patriotism in Burundi, the official ceremonies began with a moment of prayers, meditation and a laying of wreaths on the Mausoleum. erected in the center of Gitega, in the presence of the biological family of the Supreme Guide of Patriotism, Senior Officials of the State and Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps.

The ceremonies then continued at the Ingoma Stadium where all public institutions were represented, mainly elected officials, senior executives and executives of the State appointed by presidential decree. This second part of the National Day of Patriotism was articulated around four major themes relating to Patriotism developed by national experts with the aim of sharpening the patriotic sense of the leaders present in the audience.

All the speakers were inspired by the History of Burundi, a Nation and a people who were born from the bravery, unity and Patriotism of the founders of the Kingdom of Burundi: “We must consolidate the foundations laid by our ancestors, who have made national unity, identity and pride pillars of our Nation”

They all hailed the legacy of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza who personally invested in bringing all Burundians together around the same ideal, that of a united, prosperous and dignified Burundi:

“President Pierre Nkurunziza reminded us that our diversities are our wealth. He reminded this generation that ethnic divisions no longer have a place in Burundi. To mark the impact of his legacy, his last resting place deserves to bear the name of Mausoleum of the Renaissance”

Engaging on the same subject, the expert Pr Firmin Ndimira indicated that patriotism also and essentially passes through better management of public affairs:

“I salute the leadership of President Evariste Ndayishimiye who is giving new impetus to the socio-economic development of Burundi. The introduction of program budgeting will undoubtedly enable the Government to significantly improve their performance and their impact on the living conditions of Burundians.”

Speaking to enrich patriotic teachings, President Evariste Ndayishimiye welcomed a radical change in the mentalities of Burundians who have definitely overcome ethnic divisions and only aspire to peace and socio-economic development:

“The impact of the legacy of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza is evident today in the love Burundians have for their homeland. Their words and actions increasingly demonstrate their attachment to Burundi and this is reflected in sharply rising national investments. The fallout can also be seen in Burundi’s acclaimed return to the international arena.”

President Evariste Ndayishimiye also welcomes the will displayed by the political and administrative leaders to restore Burundi economically by always making the law prevail in the management of public affairs.

However, the Head of State counts the challenges that remain in the sector of Justice and the Public Service:

“While it is true that the majority of Burundians adhere to the project of national rebirth through a return to the values ​​of Ubuntu and the rule of law, certain mentalities are tough. State officials must pull themselves together and understand that they are accountable to the Burundian people. “

Indeed, President Ndayishimiye insistently recalls that the planning and execution of public policies are the responsibility of state officials who often assume the right to work at a loss with impunity. He indicated that these unproductive attitudes must be fought because they promote poverty, the source of all evil.

Before closing his speech, President Evariste Ndayishimiye invited all participants to observe a minute of silence in tribute to the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, affectionately known as “Sogokuru” by all Burundians.

These official ceremonies were organized in accordance with the Law of June 04, 2021 on the Establishment and Granting of the Status of Supreme Guide of Patriotism in Burundi of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza.

Source: Ntare Rushatsi House

The President of the Republic Evariste Ndayishimiye received in audience on Tuesday, June 07, 2022 at the presidential palace of Gitega, a delegation from the African Union led by the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye.

At the end of the hearing, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the African Union Ambassador Bankole Adeoye told the press that the exchanges focused on three points.

It was first a question of transmitting to the Head of State Evariste Ndayishimiye, the warm greetings of the President of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki, the encouragement for the visible achievements in the field of democracy after the elections of 2020 and the role of the President of the Republic in youth work for peacebuilding and reconciliation in Burundi.

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye also carried a message of encouragement from Burundi for its role in the fight against terrorism in Africa such as in Somalia and the Central African Republic. According to the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security within the African Union, it was also an opportunity for him to present his condolences to Burundians for the Burundian soldiers who lost their lives fighting terrorism.

Discussions between Head of State Evariste Ndayishimiye and the delegation led by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye also focused on Burundi’s contribution to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The commissioner for political affairs, peace and security at the African Union indicated that the discussions focused on the role that Burundi can play in the fight against armed groups and negative forces. He added that Burundi can play a catalytic role in socio-economic development through its youth, collaboration and solidarity with other countries in the Great Lakes region.

Source: Radio Television Burundi