Staff Writer

  The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is central to South Africa’s ecological and economic future. Yet we are operating in a constrained fiscal climate. A R2.5 billion reduction over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework compels us to rethink how we work, spend, and deliver. My vision is clear: to transform the Department into a beacon of fiscal discipline and environmental impact, in line with the Government of […]

   Egyptian authorities have since July 2025 carried out an abusive campaign of mass arrests and prosecutions targeting online content creators, Human Rights Watch said today.  Based on Interior Ministry statements, the authorities arrested or prosecuted for online content at least 29 people, including at least 19 women and a child, between late July and late August, while credible media and human rights reports recorded another 8 cases. The authorities brought vague charges against […]

  Egypt is accelerating the development of its phosphate and potash sectors (https://apo-opa.co/4phbL4U) to raise the mining sector’s contribution to GDP to 6% by 2030. Between July 2024 and April 2025, phosphate ore production increased to approximately 16 million tons, up from 11 million tons during the previous fiscal year. The surge aligns with Egypt’s goal to capitalize on growing global demand for fertilizers to strengthen foreign exchange earnings and […]

  Seasoned travellers are fond of declaring that the journey is in fact the destination, or at least the most important part of any trip. Had they embarked on the road, well, path, from Tonj to Romich after heavy rains, they would, literally speaking, have had a field day. Just ask the drivers of several cars along the route, helplessly stuck in mud, or in potholes of previously unknown depths.  […]

  The South African Government unequivocally condemns the illegal and unprovoked attack carried out by the Israeli Defence Force in Doha, Qatar, which targeted a civilian building in a residential area, which purportedly housed members of the Political Bureau of Hamas. This attack on Qatari territory constitutes a blatant violation of international law, breaching the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also compromising the safeguarding of civilians as outlined […]

  Yoshida's visit came as Canon forecasts ambitious double-digit growth for the Middle East and Türkiye region and for the Central&North Africa in 2025.   Strategic engagement with employees and stakeholders to advance two-way communication and deepen market insights aligned with growth priorities.  Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) (www.Canon-Europe.com) President&CEO, Shinichi ‘Sam’ Yoshida, has completed his first official visit to the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai, since assuming leadership […]

  On a recent morning at the Kiryandongo reception centre in northwestern Uganda, the exhaustion is palpable among newly arrived refugees – mostly women and children – lining up in the shade to receive assistance. Moving among the crowd is Abdalla Mohamed, going from one family to another to offer translation and guidance on where to go and what to do next. The 53-year-old Sudanese father of four knows the feeling all […]

  The Islamist armed group Islamic State in the Sahel Province (IS Sahel) has escalated attacks on civilians in Niger since March 2025, Human Rights Watch said today. The attacks violated international humanitarian law and are apparent war crimes. In at least five attacks across Niger’s western Tillabéri region that Human Rights Watch documented, IS Sahel summarily executed over 127 villagers and Muslim worshipers, and burned and looted dozens of homes. Witnesses said the Nigerien […]

  The World Health Organization (WHO) has newly donated infection prevention and Control materials for the Mpox response to Sierra Leone's national health authorities. The supplies aim to enhance the government's response efforts to Mpox in schools. With this donation, the WHO has now delivered financial and technical support worth USD one million since the Government of Sierra Leone declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency in January 2025. The donation, […]