Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang will conclude his Beijing visit tomorrow and depart for Hungary and Egypt from May 15 to 20 to attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conferences.
The conferences are jointly organised by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, to promote the development opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
While in Beijing, Mr Tsang led the Hong Kong SAR Government delegation to meet Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying and leaders of various bureaus to deepen their understanding of the country’s foreign policies and the latest developments of the international situation.
Mr Tsang thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its staunch and continuous support for the Hong Kong SAR Government.
He hoped it would continue to provide support and guidance to the Hong Kong SAR Government in handling the city’s external affairs, to support Hong Kong in intensifying international interaction and co-operation, and to showcase the successful implementation of “one country, two systems” to the world.
Mr Tsang also met the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan & Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and toured the China Foreign Affairs University.
Before leaving Beijing tomorrow, he will visit the Museum of Early Revolutionary Activities of the Communist Party of China in Beijing, meet Hong Kong students in Beijing, and call on the Office of the Hong Kong SAR Government in Beijing to receive briefings on its work.
Mr Tsang will leave for Budapest, Hungary, in the early hours of May 15 to attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Europe (Hungary) Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference the next day.
The conference aims to promote the enormous business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the Hungarian business community and how Hong Kong can play its important function as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places.
During his stay in Hungary, Mr Tsang will meet local political and business representatives to learn about the latest developments in the region and explore ways to further strengthen co-operation between Hungary and Hong Kong, with a view to opening up new opportunities for enterprises of both places.
He will depart for Cairo, Egypt, on May 17 for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Africa (Egypt) Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference on May 19 to promote the GBA’s latest developments and the development potential as well as Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems”.
During his stay, he will exchange views with representatives of the local political and business circles to understand the local development trends and promote interface between the industries of Hong Kong and Egypt.
Mr Tsang will leave Egypt on the evening of May 19, returning to Hong Kong on May 20. During his absence, Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo will be Acting Secretary.
Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Maisie Chan and Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau will join the visits.
Senegalese Armed Forces soldiers line up on the firing line with M240B machine guns under the guidance of U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade during range training at Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2) in Dodji, Senegal, May 8, 2025. The joint training enhanced weapons handling skills and strengthened interoperability between U.S. and Senegalese forces in preparation for African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. C Jay Spence) VIEW ORIGINAL
Back to
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
DODJI, Senegal — After nearly a month of dynamic multinational training, Soldiers assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, concluded their participation in African Lion 2025 (AL25) — U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual combined joint exercise.
Deployed to Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2), Dog Company executed a high-tempo training plan which tested its capabilities, reinforced foundational skills and deepened interoperability with partner forces from the Armed Forces of Senegal, the Mauritanian Armed Forces, the Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire and the Royal Netherlands Army.
“It was fantastic to see our paratroopers adapt their small-unit tactics, techniques, and procedures to best achieve their mission given the harsh environment,” said U.S. Army Capt. Austen Deppe, Dog Company commander.
A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, instructs a member of the Senegalese Armed Forces on properly loading the M240B machine gun during range training at Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2) in Dodji, Senegal, May 8, 2025. The live-fire session supported interoperability and weapons proficiency ahead of combined operations during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. C Jay Spence) VIEW ORIGINAL
Key events included a dismounted anti-tank live-fire exercise, multinational patrolling events culminating in a two-day combined field training exercise, integration of small, unmanned aircraft systems, and shared static live-fire ranges—all conducted in a resource-limited, austere desert environment.
“I’m proud to have participated in this event with our partners and proud of the fundamental capabilities we built collectively throughout the training,” said Deppe.
Dog Company Soldiers worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Senegalese and Dutch counterparts — not just in planning and execution, but in overcoming shared challenges. Whether firing anti-armor weapon systems, adjusting formations in unfamiliar terrain or refining communications procedures, soldiers built trust and enhanced interoperability.
“Integration is key at every level in multinational operations, but seeing Soldiers build real cooperation at the small-unit level was the most rewarding,” said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Maurice Novack, Dog Company first sergeant. “The Infantry is a mindset, and it was refreshing to see that, though small-unit tactics may vary across the greater force, we all share the critical mindset to close with and destroy the enemy — no matter the conditions.”
A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade set his sights on a target while operating an M240B machine gun on the firing line at Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2) in Dodji, Senegal, May 8, 2025. Range operations during African Lion 2025 (AL25) reinforce weapons proficiency, target acquisition skills, and joint combat readiness. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. C Jay Spence) VIEW ORIGINAL
Dog Company also mentored junior Senegalese leaders during situational training exercises and worked alongside the Dutch 42nd Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron to enhance cross-unit communication during complex range operations.
“It wasn’t just us training them — we were learning, too,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Garcia-Ono, a Dog Company squad leader. “Whether it was a different way to conduct a battle drill or TTPs [tactics, techniques and procedures] for operating in a desert environment, we left with new tools in the toolbox.”
AL25 brought together more than 10,000 troops from over 50 nations across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. For Dog Company, the experience underscored the role of U.S. forces not only as trainers, but as long-term partners invested in regional security and mutual growth.
“This exercise was never meant to be easy,” Deppe said. “It was about building capability and confidence across logistics systems, tactical competence and organizational relationships on a personal level. That’s what defines African Lion to us, and that’s why we are proud to have participated.”
Deppe’s first sergeant agreed.
“Everyone’s going home better than they arrived,” Novack added. “We didn’t just build readiness. We built trust.”
About 173rd Airborne Brigade
The 173rd Airborne Brigade (Sky Soldiers) is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapid forces to the United States European, Africa and Central Commands areas of responsibility. Forward-based in Italy and Germany, the Brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners.
About SETAF-AF
SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.
Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS
ear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.
That is what our peace operations are about.
From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…
From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…
From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…
To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.
Excellencies,
UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.
Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.
But they are united in their commitment to peace.
As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…
Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…
Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…
And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.
In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.
And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.
There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.
Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops.
At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.
Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.
Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
[MOMENT OF SILENCE]
Thank you.
Excellencies,
We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.
And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.
Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…
Growing polarization and division around the globe…
Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…
Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…
The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…
All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.
As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.
We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.
Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.
And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.
We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.
But we need to do more.
Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.
First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.
The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.
The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.
It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.
Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.
In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations.
We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.
Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.
Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.
Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.
Member States make peacekeeping possible.
They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.
Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.
Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical.
But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.
Peacekeeping is no exception.
It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.
That requires more flexible rules and processes.
This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.
It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.
And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.
Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.
We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.
Third — we need your political support, including through the pledges you will make tomorrow.
Peace operations cannot succeed in the absence of a political solution.
Together we need to mobilize greater support for political solutions across our peacekeeping missions.
Pursuing these political solutions requires adequate means of delivering our operations — including unified political support from Member States, strong leadership, well-trained troops, equipment and technology.
These can strengthen our operations, and make a real difference in people’s lives.
And it requires the support of all Member States to ensure the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers in the field, and the full implementation of the relevant privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel.
We are deeply grateful for the support and for the concrete pledges so many of you will announce here tomorrow.
Excellencies,
With a budget shared by all 193 Member States and representing a tiny fraction of global military spending — around one half of one per cent — UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and cost-effective tools to build international peace and security.
But it’s only as strong as Member States’ commitment to it.
Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems.
It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time.
Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations.
And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.
Together, let’s shape the UN peacekeeping operations that the challenges require, that Member States demand, and that our peacekeepers and the people they support need and deserve. Thank you.
Yaoundé (Agenzia Fides) – “Father Mbaibarem is still in the hands of the kidnappers. From time to time, they contact some locals to demand a ransom for his release,” Archbishop Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo of Garoua in northern Cameroon told Fides. Father Valentin Mbaibarem, parish priest of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Madingring, was kidnapped on May 7, on the road between Guidjiba and Tcholliré.”The road between Guidjiba and Tcholliré is a dangerous stretch of road, as there have been several cases of kidnappings with the aim of extorting travelers, but this is the first time a priest has been kidnapped on this road,” said Bishop Ambassa Ndjodo. Northern Cameroon has been plagued by kidnappings for years (see Fides, 5/1/2024). According to local newspapers, several teachers were taken hostage on this road a few days before Father Mbaibarem’s kidnapping.The gendarmerie began a search of the area, which led to the release of a hostage who had been kidnapped on May 10 in a village near Garoua. As a sign of solidarity and spiritual support, the Archbishop asked all parishes of the archdiocese to offer a special prayer for Father Mbaibarem on Sunday, May 11. He also invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary for the priest’s speedy release. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 13/5/2025)
Share:
Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.
That is what our peace operations are about.
From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…
From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…
From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…
To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.
Excellencies,
UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.
Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.
But they are united in their commitment to peace.
As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…
Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…
Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…
And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.
In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.
And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.
There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.
Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops.
At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.
Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.
Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
[MOMENT OF SILENCE]
Thank you.
Excellencies,
We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.
And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.
Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…
Growing polarization and division around the globe…
Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…
Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…
The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…
All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.
As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.
We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.
Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.
And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.
We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.
But we need to do more.
Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.
First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.
The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.
The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.
It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.
Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.
In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations.
We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.
Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.
Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.
Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.
Member States make peacekeeping possible.
They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.
Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.
Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical.
But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.
Peacekeeping is no exception.
It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.
That requires more flexible rules and processes.
This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.
It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.
And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.
Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.
We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.
Third — we need your political support, including through the pledges you will make tomorrow.
Peace operations cannot succeed in the absence of a political solution.
Together we need to mobilize greater support for political solutions across our peacekeeping missions.
Pursuing these political solutions requires adequate means of delivering our operations — including unified political support from Member States, strong leadership, well-trained troops, equipment and technology.
These can strengthen our operations, and make a real difference in people’s lives.
And it requires the support of all Member States to ensure the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers in the field, and the full implementation of the relevant privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel.
We are deeply grateful for the support and for the concrete pledges so many of you will announce here tomorrow.
Excellencies,
With a budget shared by all 193 Member States and representing a tiny fraction of global military spending — around one half of one per cent — UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and cost-effective tools to build international peace and security.
But it’s only as strong as Member States’ commitment to it.
Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems.
It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time.
Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations.
And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.
Together, let’s shape the UN peacekeeping operations that the challenges require, that Member States demand, and that our peacekeepers and the people they support need and deserve. Thank you.
Due to a newly scheduled official State visit to the GTA Hub in Mauritania and Senegal, which will be attended by senior management, Golar’s Q1 2025 results will be released before the NASDAQ opens on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. In connection with this the webcast presentation will be held at 1:00 P.M (London Time) on Tuesday May 27, 2025. The presentation will be available to download from the Investor Relations section at www.golarlng.com
We recommend that participants join the conference call via the listen-only live webcast link provided. Sell-side analysts interested in raising a question during the Q&A session that will immediately follow the presentation should access the event via the conference call by clicking on this link. We recommend connecting 10 minutes prior to the call start. Information on how to ask questions will be given at the beginning of the Q&A session. There will be a limit of two questions per participant.
a. Listen-only live webcastlink Go to the Investors, Results Centre section at www.golarlng.com and click on the link to “Webcast”. To listen to the conference call from the web, you need to have a sound card on your computer, but no special plug ins are required to access the webcast. There is a “Help” link available on the webcast pages for anyone who may have issues accessing.
b. Teleconference
Conference call participants should register to obtain their dial in and passcode details. This process eliminates wait times when joining the call.
When you log in, you can either dial in using the provided numbers and your unique PIN, or select the “Call me” option and type in your phone number to be instantly connected to the call. Use the following link to register.
Please download the presentation material from www.golarlng.com (Investors, Results Centre) to view it while listening to the conference.
If you are not able to listen at the time of the call, you can assess a replay of the event audio for a limited time on www.golarlng.com (Investors, Results Centre).
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 21 May 2025. The summarised results of the auction held on 13 May 2025, are attached below:
South Africa has included Kagiso Rabada in their squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s from June 11-15, following the fast bowler’s return from a suspension having tested positive for a banned substance.
Rabada spent a month on the sidelines at the Indian Premier League after testing positive for a recreational drug at this year’s SA20 competition.
He is likely to lead the fast-bowling attack with seamers Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi and Dane Paterson also in the squad. Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy are the two specialist spin options.
Captain Temba Bavuma heads the list of batters along with Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, while Kyle Verreynne is the specialist wicket-keeper in the squad.
“Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked hard to build a competitive red-ball unit,” coach Shukri Conrad said in a statement from Cricket South Africa.
“A key part of our success has been consistency in selection, and we’ve stuck with the core group of players who have been part of this WTC cycle. We’ve selected a balanced squad for the conditions we expect at Lord’s.”
South Africa finished top of the WTC table to earn their place in the final. They will play a four-day warm-up fixture against Zimbabwe in Arundel from June 3-6.
South Africa squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.
Mexico City – The number of mental health consultations and new patients admitted to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Comprehensive Care Centre (CAI, in Spanish) for victims of extreme violence, based in Mexico City, Mexico, has increased significantly in the last six months. MSF attributes the increase to continued violence at the hands of various armed groups — both organised crime groups and security forces — along the migration route through Central America and Mexico, fuelled by a slew of harsh changes to immigration policies by the United States (US) and other governments in the region. As needs increase, we urge public entities and NGOs to strengthen assistance to people in Mexico who have been victims of violence and are seeking safety.
In the first quarter of 2025, MSF teams provided 485 individual mental health sessions to patients at the CAI, including to migrants in transit through or stranded in Mexico and Mexican citizens. This represents a 36% increase compared with the number of sessions provided in the three months prior. Throughout 2024, MSF provided an average of 300 to 350 individual mental health sessions each quarter. Between January and March this year, the most common conditions people presented with were post-traumatic stress disorder (48%) and depression (39%), as well as acute stress reactions (7%), grief, and anxiety.
“Since the end of January, we have treated people with severe mental health issues due in large part to the impact of restrictive immigration policies recently implemented by the US and other governments in the region,” says Joaquim Guinart, coordinator of the CAI.
48%
48%
Post-traumatic stress disorder
39%
39%
Depression
7%
7%
Acute stress reactions
A flurry of executive actions taken by US President Donald Trump in January included the declaration of a national emergency at the US southern border—effectively militarising immigration enforcement— and the temporary suspension of refugee admissions to the US.
Even before the executive orders were issued, the new administration took swift action to shut down the CBP One app that, despite its flaws, was the only way to apply for asylum at the US southern border. The impact of these restrictions is further compounded by funding cuts to humanitarian programmes, severely affecting access to shelter and basic healthcare needs.
“These abrupt changes have left many people trapped in legal limbo, with no pathway to seek asylum and no access to essential services or protection,” says Guinart.
These combined measures further erode access to asylum and increase the risks for migrants—particularly children and other vulnerable groups—as people are pushed towards using increasingly dangerous routes and methods to seek asylum or trapped in unsafe locations where they are at heightened risk of kidnappings, extortion, and sexual violence.
The CAI opened in 2016 to provide comprehensive care for survivors of extreme violence and torture, including medical care, psychology sessions, and physical therapy, among other services. The goal is to help patients regain their autonomy and heal physically and emotionally. Most people receive three to six months of treatment, and there are between 30-50 patients admitted at any one time. In 2024, MSF teams identified 4,500 victims of moderate to extreme violence through our projects in different points of attention in Mexico or through partners. We admitted 186 to the CAI for comprehensive treatment, others were provided care through mobile and fixed clinics or referred to other organisations for care.
Although most patients admitted are migrants, since the last quarter of 2024, the CAI has also focused on treating Mexican patients who are displaced or affected by violence occurring in various parts of the country. This coincides with a significant increase in admissions to the CAI during that period—64 in total, which represents an increase of more than 50 per cent over the usual quarterly average of 40.
“The goal is for patients to regain their functionality and reintegrate into society,” says Guinart. “The CAI is a refuge for those affected by violence. Kidnappings, extortion, abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of violence affect many people along the migratory route from the south of the continent to Mexico’s northern border with the United States.”
“At the CAI we find extremely vulnerable people,” says Guinart. “Women and children make up the bulk of the cohort. We also care for many LGBTQI+ people. Violence leaves deep scars, not only causing physical damage, but also serious psychological disorders. Specialised care is required as many patients experience changes in their perception of safety, trust, and well-being,”.
“I didn’t know if I would be able to trust people again,” says Elena*, a patient at the CAI. “The violence made me feel unworthy of love or respect.” Through therapy, Elena has begun to regain her self-esteem. “I’ve learned that my past doesn’t define me and that I can build a better future.”
“Every day is a struggle,” says another patient. “Anxiety consumes me, but here I feel I have a safe space to express myself and heal.”
“The difficulty in accessing adequate care makes recovery for many people affected by extreme violence much more arduous,” says Henry Rodríguez, MSF’s general coordinator in Mexico. “In these challenging times of cuts in humanitarian aid, it is essential to recognise the importance of providing comprehensive support and cooperation between public entities and non-governmental organisations to direct these people to the few services available.”
*Name has been changed.
MSF’s work in the region: Between January 2024 and February 2025, MSF teams in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama treated nearly 3,000 victims and survivors of sexual violence and provided more than 20,000 individual mental health consultations, many of them precipitated by violence, displacement, and difficulties in the migration process.
You could also be interested in
Myanmar
Response to devastating earthquake in Myanmar driven by solidarity and dedication
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is pushing ahead with an international investigation into the first team of prosecutors who were involved in the Timothy Omotoso matter, following a public outcry when the verdict was delivered.
In the stinging judgement, Judge Irma Schoeman noted that the prosecution’s cross-examination of the accused was “shallow and lacking the intention to uncover the truth” – leading to the acquittal of Omotoso as the prosecution did not prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
“Since the judgment, the scope of the investigation has been extended to include both prosecution teams, with a view to identify, if necessary, disciplinary steps to be taken against persons involved.
“After the court’s judgment, the NPA appointed additional officials to assist with the investigation due to its extended scope. The report from the investigation is expected in June 2025,” the prosecutorial body revealed in a statement.
Fighting back
The NPA, which is appealing Omotoso’s acquittal, acknowledged that the outcome of the case has had an impact on the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the country.
“While in our appeal we maintain that the judge erred in certain of her findings, the Omotoso judgment has had a tragic impact on the victims involved and seriously dented confidence in the NPA and the justice system to address SGBV matters.
“Although this judgment has been a setback, it should not detract from the important support that the NPA and its partners provide to victims of SGBV, including in the most complex cases,” the statement read.
The prosecutorial body urged victims and survivors of GBV not to be discouraged to report their cases and access the help they need, including that from Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs).
“The TCCs are world-class multi-agency facilities that provide the most comprehensive support services to victims on their journey to becoming survivors.
“Thousands of victims are receiving such support from our country’s 66 TCCs, which we plan to expand significantly over the coming years. The NPA achieves a 77% conviction rate for the thousands of cases flowing through the TCCs that are successfully prosecuted,” the NPA said in a statement.
Furthermore, the NPA assured that it has demonstrated capabilities and experience to successfully prosecute cases of this nature.
“This was demonstrated most recently by the team of Advocate Zelda Swanepoel and Advocate Aradhana Heeramun, who together with the SAPS investigation team, successfully prosecuted the case of trafficking in persons for purposes of exploitation and kidnapping relating to the little girl, Joshlin Smith in the Western Cape.
“Another case involved the successful prosecution of a former police officer, Thembalethu Gqeku, who has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old victim of domestic violence inside the Komga police station in the Eastern Cape.
“Moreover, targeted interventions in respect of serial rapists and traffickers have ensured the successful prosecution of several serial rapists, such as S V Prince Themba Shongwe, convicted of 9 rapes and 4 murders of children between 11 and 16 years old in Mpumalanga,” the NPA said.
The prosecutorial body also called on communities to work with law enforcement to crack down on SGBV.
“SGBV remains an unacceptable scourge in our country. This is a crisis that requires holistic and whole-of-society responses to address.
“The NPA remains committed to providing victims of these crimes with the support they need, and the prosecutorial expertise required to ensure that perpetrators are held to account,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
In recent weeks, pressing infrastructure challenges facing our public hospitals have been in the spotlight. The recent incidents including the patient complaint at Helen Joseph Hospital and two alarming fires at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, have intensified the public discourse around the state of our healthcare facilities. As the MEC for Health and Wellness in Gauteng, I want to assure residents that we are committed to revitalising our health infrastructure for quality patient care.
We understand and acknowledge the public concerns and we are taking active steps to address these issues. The establishment of in-house Infrastructure Unit at the Gauteng Department of Health is a positive step towards accelerating our efforts to improve the health infrastructure in the province. This Unit has developed a maintenance and refurbishment plan and collaborates closely with facility managers to expedite necessary upgrades.
This initiative is a fundamental shift on how we manage health infrastructure which previously was mainly overseen by our sister Department of Infrastructure Development. Since the formation of Unit, several facilities have already undergone maintenance and refurbishments. Notable projects include the overhaul of several areas at Mamelodi Regional Hospital such as Radiology department, ART Waiting Area, HOD’s Offices, Eye Clinic, Rest Rooms and Triage and Casualty waiting area. In addition, three wards have been extended, namely, the Female Medical Ward, Male Surgical Ward and Paediatric Ward to increase the bed capacity to take in more patients.
Significant progress continues at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where we have completed numerous projects, including the new Psychiatric Admission Ward, ICU wards and extensions to the Adult Burns Unit. The Poly Clinic, Paediatric Ward mother’s waiting area, new outpatient waiting area and restrooms at Edenvale Hospital have also been refurbished. Maintenance and the renovation of critical departments at Rahima Moosa Hospital are at an advanced stage towards completion, so far, renovations of the Breast Milk Bank in Dietetics department and Neonatal isolation room are complete.
Helen Joseph Hospital’s Emergency Department which we opened in May 2024, boast eight resuscitation and two isolation rooms, 15 medical rooms, 10 surgical rooms and 6 rooms for critically stable patients. The building has been restructured, receiving new ceiling and roofing, flooring, plumbing, electrification and HVEC as well as an enhanced IT system. It also has improved units for persons living with disabilities and improved staff workstations, including those for porters and cleaners.
Another facility that has raised public concerns is Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Since the fire incident that occurred four years ago, key milestones and progress has been made in restoring the hospital to its full capacity. The appointment of a contractor to undertake the ongoing remedial work project has been completed and the process of destruction and reconstruction is actively underway and progressing well. This remedial work project is being implemented in a phased approach to ensure continuity of the healthcare delivery throughout the reconstruction process. To date, several areas have been completed including the Radiation Oncology Unit, Accident and Emergency Department, access ramp was constructed to allow staff members to easily access 300 parking bays at P3. A new state-of-the-art dry store facility has been constructed to improve storage and accessibility.
These projects are just key highlights of our infrastructure revitalisation plan that is underway across all five health districts in the province. A comprehensive maintenance and refurbishment plan developed will ensure that every hospital and clinic undergo the necessary upgrades. We must understand that many of our public hospitals were built decades ago and the aging infrastructure we now face creates challenges for our healthcare system.
It is also important to also mention that Gauteng is a populous province with around 16 million residents, many of whom rely on public healthcare services. We also see the influx of patients from nearby provinces and neighbouring countries, this growing population contributes to an increased demand for quality healthcare, further straining the existing facilities. However, we understand that access to healthcare is a Constitutional right for everyone and we continue striving to serve all our patients with compassion and care.
As the country gears towards the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), we recognise the urgency to prepare our facilities to meet the set criteria for NHI rollout. Amid the fiscal constraints, we are doing our best to address the infrastructure challenges in the public healthcare system. Our plans include not only rehabilitating existing infrastructure but also constructing new facilities to meet the increasing demand. As announced by the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi when delivering the State of the Province Address, work is ongoing to accelerate the land suitability investigations and business cases towards the construction of the four new hospitals in Daveyton, Diepsloot, Orange Farm and Soshanguve. These projects will go a long way in alleviating the pressure on the public health system and further expanding access to the much-needed healthcare for the residents of Gauteng.
As government, we recognise the importance of private-public partnerships and in Gauteng Health, we have seen the generosity of our partners and donors who continue to play their part in ensuring that our facilities are well maintained and equipped to meet the needs of the communities we serve. These private-public partnerships are a testament of what we can achieve when we work together to improve lives and communities.
*Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko is the Member of Executive Council in Gauteng Provincial Government responsible for Health and Wellness portfolio.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will appeal the judgement in the case against controversial televangelist, Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho.
The trio were acquitted on 32 serious charges including rape, racketeering and human trafficking in the Gqeberha High Court last month.
“This decision follows a thorough consideration of the matter by an NPA internal team of experienced prosecutors, as well as a legal opinion sourced from Senior Counsel. The decision could not be rushed due to the complexity of the matter and the voluminous transcript that needed to be interrogated.
“The NPA takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process. A convicted person may appeal a conviction on both facts and the law. However, the state can only appeal an acquittal judgment on a question of law [as opposed to facts], in terms of Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act [CPA],” the NPA said.
The prosecutorial body explained that the first step – which is already underway by filing papers with the court registrar – is to “request for the judge to clarify factual findings”.
“Once a clarification of the factual findings is received from the Judge, the NPA’s legal team will finalise the papers on the reservation of questions of law and file this application with the Registrar of the High Court.
“Even though Section 319 of the CPA does not prescribe the timeframe for the filing of such papers, we undertake to file the application within a reasonable period to avoid any undue delay,” the NPA said.
Meanwhile, Omotoso was arrested at East London on Saturday and is currently facing charges relating to the contravention of Immigration Act. – SAnews.gov.za
With the newly launched plan of modernising the delivery of essential government services, government aims to ensure that conducting administrative tasks with the State is easier for citizens.
This will be achieved through the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government, which sets out a focused plan to modernise the delivery of government services through investment in digital public infrastructure.
“With this roadmap, we are shifting from the fragmented past towards a unified, people-first, whole-of-government approach.
“The roadmap is not just a plan to use technology to improve the way we do things. It is a transformative vision to entirely reform the way that citizens can interact with government,” Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said on Monday, in Johannesburg.
The roadmap will be implemented as part of Operation Vulindlela Phase ll, as it focuses on implementing reforms in three new areas, including in digital transformation.
These crucial digital reforms will enable all citizens to access seamless government services through a single trusted platform. This will be driven through improvements in identity verification, real-time payments, and data exchange.
Operation Vulindlela Phase ll is a joint initiative between the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms to enable economic growth and job creation.
The Digital Transformation Roadmap will focus on four catalytic initiatives:
A Digital Identity System will allow South Africans a simple way to verify themselves and access services remotely.
A Data Exchange Framework will eradicate the silo effect in government, and allow greater efficiency and coordination in how the government operates.
A Digital Payments System that provides universal access to secure, low-cost payment options between government and citizens.
A single, zero-rated Digital Services Platform, where citizens can access all government services and information.
“Collectively, these initiatives will help us get closer to achieving our vision of an inclusive, secure, and people-centred digital government.
“Together, these initiatives will illustrate to the world what we mean when we say: One Person. One Government. One Touch.
“At the heart of all of this, is our quest to ensure that citizens digital experience with government services is convenient, cost-effective, reliable and user-friendly,” the Minister said.
He explained that the Roadmap for Digital Transformation is about efficiency in government and equity for people.
“It is designed to reduce inequality in access to services, and to address the barriers to opportunity that come with that inequality. It is about reducing the hidden tax on the poor.
“At a time when connectivity has become such a central part of our lives, the ease of dealing with government must be the same across our country,” the Minister said.
He said the Digital Transformation Roadmap is not just about what government can do better.
“It is about who government can serve better. It is about giving our people back their time, so that they can spend it on things that matter more to them.
“It is about giving them more access to opportunity, so that they have a better chance of living up to their full potential. It is about trust, dignity, and doing things better. It is about a more inclusive and resilient South Africa,” the Minister said.
To ensure that all government departments work towards the same goal, the President has appointed an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), which is chaired by Minister Malatsi.
The work of the IMC will be supported through an Inter-Departmental Working Group, responsible for ensuring integration across all government departments.
“With our collective commitment to agility, collaboration, innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we will use all the tools at our disposal to ensure success within our target timelines,” the Minister said.
To drive implementation of the roadmap, the Presidency is establishing the Digital Service Unit (DSU) to coordinate this whole-of-government effort to modernise services.
The Presidency has appointed South African tech entrepreneur, Melvyn Lubega, to lead the DSU.
Lubega is a globally recognised technology pioneer, who co-founded Go1 – a platform used by businesses, non-profit organisations, and governments in more than 60 countries.
He has advised governments in Africa, Asia and Europe on digital transformation programmes. –SAnews.gov.za
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for an immediate strengthening of security in all courts following a second shooting incident at a court over the past two months.
The latest incident occurred at the Melmoth Court in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in the fatal shooting of an accused.
“Preliminary reports indicate that an accused person in custody allegedly gained access to a court orderly’s firearm. In a swift and decisive response, a second court orderly acted with commendable presence of mind and discharged his service weapon, fatally wounding the accused before any further harm could occur. The individual was declared deceased at the scene.
“While the full details of the incident, including the identity of the deceased and the exact sequence of events are still under investigation, the Ministry is encouraged by the professionalism displayed by court officials in a high-pressure situation. Their actions undoubtedly prevented a potentially greater tragedy,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said.
Police and internal department investigations are underway.
“Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for an urgent briefing and has emphasised the need for an immediate strengthening of security protocols in all court precincts.
“The department is working closely with law enforcement to ensure enhanced safety measures are urgently implemented to safeguard all court users.
“Despite the distressing incident, court operations at Melmoth were not disrupted, and the regional court continued to serve the public as scheduled. This reflects the resilience and commitment of the justice system and its officials to uphold the rule of law,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
The Ministry of Police has extended its gratitude to communities, the Free State provincial government and the people of South Africa at large, for the support shown to the families of three Constables who died in a car crash, three weeks ago.
The police constables were accorded official funerals held last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The bodies of constables Keamogetswe Buys, Boipelo Senoge and Cebekhulu Linda were found in the Hennops river, near the N1 highway in Centurion in Pretoria.
“The tragic loss of these brave officers has deeply affected the nation, and the dignity with which their lives were honoured is a testament to the unity and collective respect shown in times of mourning,” the Police Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry said it remains committed to supporting the families during this difficult time and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
“The Ministry further wishes to express concern over the continued stubbornness and brutality of criminal elements, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal province. These criminals have brazenly posted on social media and boasted about their criminal nature, making mention that they recruit others into this life of crime.
“The Inanda community, in recent months, has come under sustained attack from organised groups intent on terrorising residents and undermining public safety. Despite these threats, the SAPS in KZN has demonstrated commendable resolve in confronting these criminals,” the Ministry said.
The SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, informed the Ministry of an incident which took place yesterday in Hammersdale, where police were confronted and shot at by five suspects and in Inanda, where three suspects shot at police.
In both instances, police responded with lethal fire to protect themselves while dealing criminality a blow.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said: “The recent developments are a direct result of relentless, intelligence-driven police work and strong community cooperation. Their actions are a clear message to those who think they can operate above the law, we will not allow our communities to be terrorised by criminals.”
He said it was clear that criminals are determined to pose a threat to communities and declare themselves enemies to all.
“…We will intensify our fight against them. In the past, we have made strong statements that anyone who attempts to attack police, is actually attacking the state and will face dire consequences.
“Our officers acted with bravery and precision in the face of imminent danger; we commend their courage and professionalism. A total of six illegal firearms have now been removed from society.
“Community members continue to play a crucial role in assisting police operations, and for that, we express our sincere thanks. The community-policing partnerships remain vital. We urge our communities to continue standing with law enforcement against criminality,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
The High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, has ruled that the confession made by the man accused of starting the deadly Usindiso building fire, is admissible as evidence.
The fire, allegedly started by 30-year-old Lawrance Mdlalose, killed at least 76 people living in the building situated in the Johannesburg CBD.
Mdlalose is facing 76 counts of murder, one count of arson and 12 counts of attempted murder in the case.
“Following the incident, a commission of inquiry, led by former Justice Sisi Khampepe, was established in September 2023 to probe, amongst others, the circumstances that led to the deaths at the building .
“Mdlalose gave testimony on 23 January 2024, allegedly implicating himself as the one who started the fire, resulting in an order by Justice Khampepe that he be taken to a Magistrate to reduce his confession in writing,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.
The prosecutorial body said the court found that Mdlalose’s statement was made “freely and voluntarily, and in sound and sober senses without any undue influence”.
“Despite the defence’s argument that the accused’s confession was made under duress and when he was high on drugs, State Advocates Thamsanqa Mpekana and Percy Monareng submitted that the statement given to the Magistrate was made voluntarily and in sound and sober senses, an unequivocal admission of guilt.
“They asserted that all legal requirements had been satisfied and, therefore, the statement should be admitted as evidence,” the NPA said.
The case continues in the court today. – SAnews.gov.za
The National Press Club (NPC) and the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) have welcomed the court order permitting media houses to record proceedings of the case involving kidnapped journalist Sibusiso ‘Aserie’ Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli.
The order was granted by the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Last week, the police discovered two bodies believed to be that of Ndlovu and Mdhluli. The couple had been missing since 18 February 2025.
Their discovery was the result of a lengthy and thorough investigation by a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies. These efforts led to the arrest of four suspects, who are currently in police custody.
In total, seven suspects have been arrested for the alleged murder of Ndlovu and Mdhluli.
The NPC and AMCF brought a formal application before court on behalf of several media houses after media houses were barred from recording the proceedings or taking photographs of the accused persons without a formal application.
The represented media houses include: – Sunday Times – Kaya FM – News24 – SABC – Newzroom Afrika – eNCA – Sowetan – Eyewitness News (EWN)
The two organisations said they understand that not every South African can physically attend court proceedings, and that the order will ensure that citizens can stay informed about crucial developments in the case through the eyes of the media.
Acting Chairperson of the National Press Club, Antoinette Slabbert, said: “The National Press Club and wider media fraternity has since the disappearance of our brother and colleague Aseri Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli consistently applied pressure to ensure they are brought home.”
“Unfortunately, it was not the outcome we hoped for. However, we will not let up now; we will make sure that justice is served for the couple. Today’s order enables us to take our audiences with us as we follow the court proceedings to ensure that those who did these terrible things to the couple account for their evil deeds,” Slabbert said.
Chairperson of the AMFC, Elijah Mhlanga, said: “We welcome the court’s decision to grant permission for the media to broadcast proceedings in this important case that involves one of our own. This ruling not only upholds the principles of transparency and public access to justice but also allows the community to stay informed about matters of great public interest.
“Such coverage fosters an environment where justice is not only done but is also seen to be done. The court order reinforces the democratic principle that justice should be accessible to all. We will continue supporting the families until we see justice served.”
As the matter returns to court on 19 May 2025, the AMCF and NPC will continue to monitor the proceedings and support the families. – SAnews.gov.za
The Police Ministry has condemned the incident in which an 18-year-old woman was allegedly raped earlier this month by a 54-year-old Inkosi of the KwaBhidla area in KwaZulu-Natal.
Reports indicate that the suspect gave the young woman a lift from eGqumeni, only to allegedly refuse to drop her off at her stop. He instead drove her to an isolated bushy area, where he allegedly raped her.
Following his first appearance in the Hlanganani Magistrate’s Court last Friday, the suspect was remanded in custody until Monday, 12 May, when he was expected to make a formal bail application.
“This vile act allegedly committed by someone who holds a position of leadership and authority is a betrayal of the moral, ethical and societal responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders. It flies in the face of the values we seek to uphold in a just, safe, and respectful society,” said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
“We commend the South African Police Service for acting swiftly and professionally in response to this incident.
“We trust and will ensure that the justice system treats the victim with dignity, that her voice is heard, and that this matter is pursued with the urgency and weight it deserves. No individual, regardless of their title, position, or social standing, should ever be allowed to act with impunity, especially in matters as grave as gender-based violence,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 officially kicked off today, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile using the platform to highlight the continent’s vast, untapped tourism potential.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Deputy President Mashatile highlighted Africa’s rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities in the tourism sector.
According to the Deputy President, tourism is projected to contribute 10.4% to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, currently standing at 6.8%.
However, according to Mashatile, South Africa alone sees tourism contributing 8.9% to its GDP and supporting 1.6 million jobs, with plans to expand this to over two million jobs by 2030.
Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for a vast array of African leisure tourism products.
The three-day event, held during Africa Month, celebrates the continent’s unity and potential, with a focus on promoting inter-African travel and breaking down barriers.
PICTURES | Africa’s Travel Indaba
“This month, we are reminded to forge unity, strengthen the bonds of solidarity, and cooperation among the African states. This is a call we must never forsake until we witness a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.”
Key themes include sustainable tourism, regional integration, and leveraging the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit to showcase the continent’s global economic significance.
He also stressed the importance of intra-African trade, infrastructure development, and digital transformation to boost tourism.
The leader also reflects on late President Nelson Mandela’s speech at the Indaba International Tourism Workshop, emphasising the commitment to boosting Africa’s tourism industry.
The Deputy President also highlighted the contributions of African leaders like Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, and Thomas Sankara in achieving political independence and transforming the continent.
“Due to their contributions in achieving political independence, Africa is now welcoming many tourists to explore its beauty, marvels, hospitality, and culture. Many travellers are drawn to uncover the roots that shaped these remarkable men and women of our continent, and for this, we should be proud.”
He believes that Africa’s attractions and influx of tourists also mean that the continent is an important part of the world’s economy, politics, growth, and humanity.
“Despite being separated by man-made borders, the humanity of the African people permeates the veins of all African countries.
“Our unity is cemented by social cohesion.”
He is of the view that this is a reminder of how unique Africans are, created with love, compassion, and care that are inextricably linked to their identities.
“Our humanity makes us stand out in the world’s melting pot of cultures, traditions, and heritage.”
He acknowledged the challenges Africa faces, including political strife, poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which have led to widespread misery and violence.
However, he took the time to call for collective action to confront these challenges and uncover enduring solutions, stressing the role of tourism as a significant economic engine and catalyst for social change.
The Indaba serves as a platform for African nations to collaborate, showcase their attractions, and develop strategies for inclusive tourism growth that benefits local communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities.
With the theme “Unlimited Africa,“ the conference aims to position the continent at the centre of global economic conversations and tourism development.
According to the Deputy President, Africa needs to invest more in skills development and digital transformation for the tourism sector to thrive.
“We must foster innovation and sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic growth. Let us celebrate the bond that unites Africa, honouring the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the incredible people that make this continent shine with brilliance.
“Let us demonstrate to the world that Africa is ready for business.” – SAnews.gov.za
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Eric Lob, Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, Florida International University
Ethiopia and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 6 May 2025. Under it, their national police agencies will cooperate on security and intelligence. This will include combating cross-border crime, sharing intelligence and building capacity. They will also share experiences and training.
For Iran, the MOU marks a significant step towards strengthening relations with a regional power that’s strategically located in the Horn of Africa.
Tehran has been using its security apparatus and military capabilities to establish and expand political and economic ties with countries in Africa. This has included drone transfers to the Ethiopian government that helped it turned the tide of the Tigray war, a separatist struggle in the country’s north that took place from 2020 to 2022.
Iran has also supplied the Sudanese army with surveillance and combat drones. These have been used against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
The agreement is important for Ethiopia for two reasons.
Firstly, it’s likely to enable the Ethiopian government in Addis Ababa to combat ethnic militias more effectively. It faces increasing internal instability, including tensions with hostile factions of the separatist Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
Secondly, the agreement comes after a meeting in Addis Ababa between the Ethiopian police chief, Demelash Gebremichael, and a delegation from Iran’s regional rival, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The exchange concentrated on investigating and extraditing cross-border criminals.
Addis Ababa’s willingness to work with regional rivals in the Middle East shows its pragmatic approach to foreign relations. Ethiopia needs all the friends it can muster as an embattled and weakened state. Since the Tigray war, it has battled the rise of ethnic militias and confronted economic adversity. It is also facing renewed hostility with neighbouring Eritrea.
Ethiopia was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish relations with Iran during the 1960s. It was also one of its top trading partners on the continent before and after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Addis Ababa continues to confront ethnic tensions. Hostile factions of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front remain. It also faces tensions with the Amhara Fano militia, which initially fought alongside the government against Tigrayan forces. Forced disarmament policies and ongoing land disputes caused the militia to take up arms against the government.
Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed also faces growing opposition and resistance from his own ethnic group, the majority Oromo, and their Oromo Liberation Army. The reason for their discontent is Abiy’s imposition of centralised rule on their regional state within a federal system.
The security and intelligence cooperation with Iran could allow Addis Ababa to combat ethnic militias more effectively.
Ethiopia and Eritrea normalised relations and fought together against Tigrayan forces. However, tensions between the two countries have been brewing again. These have been triggered by two factors. First, the conditions of the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement caused Eritrea to maintain forces inside Ethiopia. Second are the ambitions of Addis Ababa to acquire a Red Sea port in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Eritrea has supported Somalia’s opposition to the deal.
Regional power games
This isn’t the first time that Ethiopia has tried working with two regional rivals – Iran and the UAE. The UAE is also among its top trading partners, along with Saudi Arabia.
In 2016, Ethiopia was the only country in the Horn of Africa that didn’t cut ties with Iran, though it was under pressure from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to do so. The decision was taken by Abiy’s predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn, whose term ran from 2012 to 2018.
During the Tigray war, Ethiopia received military drones and other assistance from Iran and the UAE, alongside Turkey.
The civil war in Sudan has presented an even more complicated story. Ethiopia has vacillated between engaging with the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces at different points in the conflict.
Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its security ties with Iran and the UAE show a unique case of convergence between regional rivals that have otherwise remained on opposite sides of conflicts in countries like Yemen and Sudan.
– Iran and Ethiopia have a security deal – here’s why they signed it – https://theconversation.com/iran-and-ethiopia-have-a-security-deal-heres-why-they-signed-it-256486
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Eric Lob, Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, Florida International University
Ethiopia and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 6 May 2025. Under it, their national police agencies will cooperate on security and intelligence. This will include combating cross-border crime, sharing intelligence and building capacity. They will also share experiences and training.
For Iran, the MOU marks a significant step towards strengthening relations with a regional power that’s strategically located in the Horn of Africa.
Tehran has been using its security apparatus and military capabilities to establish and expand political and economic ties with countries in Africa. This has included drone transfers to the Ethiopian government that helped it turned the tide of the Tigray war, a separatist struggle in the country’s north that took place from 2020 to 2022.
Iran has also supplied the Sudanese army with surveillance and combat drones. These have been used against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
The agreement is important for Ethiopia for two reasons.
Firstly, it’s likely to enable the Ethiopian government in Addis Ababa to combat ethnic militias more effectively. It faces increasing internal instability, including tensions with hostile factions of the separatist Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
Secondly, the agreement comes after a meeting in Addis Ababa between the Ethiopian police chief, Demelash Gebremichael, and a delegation from Iran’s regional rival, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The exchange concentrated on investigating and extraditing cross-border criminals.
Addis Ababa’s willingness to work with regional rivals in the Middle East shows its pragmatic approach to foreign relations. Ethiopia needs all the friends it can muster as an embattled and weakened state. Since the Tigray war, it has battled the rise of ethnic militias and confronted economic adversity. It is also facing renewed hostility with neighbouring Eritrea.
Ethiopia was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish relations with Iran during the 1960s. It was also one of its top trading partners on the continent before and after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Addis Ababa continues to confront ethnic tensions. Hostile factions of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front remain. It also faces tensions with the Amhara Fano militia, which initially fought alongside the government against Tigrayan forces. Forced disarmament policies and ongoing land disputes caused the militia to take up arms against the government.
Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed also faces growing opposition and resistance from his own ethnic group, the majority Oromo, and their Oromo Liberation Army. The reason for their discontent is Abiy’s imposition of centralised rule on their regional state within a federal system.
The security and intelligence cooperation with Iran could allow Addis Ababa to combat ethnic militias more effectively.
Ethiopia and Eritrea normalised relations and fought together against Tigrayan forces. However, tensions between the two countries have been brewing again. These have been triggered by two factors. First, the conditions of the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement caused Eritrea to maintain forces inside Ethiopia. Second are the ambitions of Addis Ababa to acquire a Red Sea port in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Eritrea has supported Somalia’s opposition to the deal.
Regional power games
This isn’t the first time that Ethiopia has tried working with two regional rivals – Iran and the UAE. The UAE is also among its top trading partners, along with Saudi Arabia.
In 2016, Ethiopia was the only country in the Horn of Africa that didn’t cut ties with Iran, though it was under pressure from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to do so. The decision was taken by Abiy’s predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn, whose term ran from 2012 to 2018.
During the Tigray war, Ethiopia received military drones and other assistance from Iran and the UAE, alongside Turkey.
The civil war in Sudan has presented an even more complicated story. Ethiopia has vacillated between engaging with the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces at different points in the conflict.
Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its security ties with Iran and the UAE show a unique case of convergence between regional rivals that have otherwise remained on opposite sides of conflicts in countries like Yemen and Sudan.
Eric Lob does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The African Region has one of the highest burdens of alcohol-related deaths globally – averaging 70 deaths per 100,000 people – second only to Europe. In some countries, this rises to 84 deaths per 100,000. With rapid population growth, even more people are expected to be affected unless stronger policies are implemented. Yet across much of the continent, comprehensive alcohol policies remain scarce, outdated or poorly enforced, leaving countries ill-equipped to tackle the rising harm from alcohol consumption.
In April, 60 representatives from 15 countries across the World Health Organization’s (WHO) African Region gathered in Accra, Ghana for a landmark SAFER inter-country learning workshop aimed at strengthening collaboration and accelerating implementation of alcohol control and road safety policies. The workshop was jointly hosted and supported by WHO, the WHO-led SAFER Initiative, and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), with financial support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Government of Norway.
The synergy between the SAFER Initiative and Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) is critical, as both initiatives share a common goal of reducing alcohol-related harm and improving road safety. Let us seize this opportunity to work together for a safer, healthier Ghana and Africa.
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, Ghana
The 15 country teams included representatives from the ministries of health, transport, finance, and justice, as well as from the offices of the attorneys general, to accelerate the implementation of high-impact alcohol control and road safety policies.
Multisectoral collaboration is essential – not optional – for achieving lasting public health outcomes. Today’s complex health challenges demand coordinated action across government sectors, civil society, and the private sector, all working together with communities. Only through shared responsibility and joint efforts can we ensure sustainable improvements in population health and wellbeing.
Dr Adelheid Onyango, Director of Healthier Populations Cluster, WHORegional Office for Africa (AFRO).
Participants came from Angola, Burkina Faso, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Uganda.
This event built on two WHO-led workshops in 2023:
The SAFER inter-country learning workshop held in October 2023 in Addis Ababa, which focused on alcohol policy development in seven countries.
The BIGRS workshop held in May 2023 in Kampala, which addressed alcohol-related road safety and legislative change in four countries.
The Accra workshop brought together countries continuing SAFER and BIGRS implementation with 8 newly engaged countries, creating a regional platform for peer learning and collaboration.
“We have acquired more knowledge on the SAFER package and learned from other countries which started earlier.” Participant feedback.
“This workshop helped us break down our national action plan into implementable strategies.” Participant feedback.
In line with these frameworks, the workshop followed a structured and evidence-informed approach to support policy progress:
Pre-work included virtual orientation sessions and bilateral meetings to review country status and update plans
During the in-person sessions in Accra, teams engaged in landscape assessments, delivery plan development, and peer-to-peer support
Expert panels with remote participation from Vital Strategies, Movendi International and University of Sterling, explored issues like alcohol industry interference and monitoring and evaluation
Countries used the WHO Global Survey on Alcohol and Health to guide planning
“Policy integrity must be protected from alcohol industry interference,” Dr. Frank John Lule, WHO Ghana Representative
Multilingual participation
The workshop was conducted in four working languages English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish – to accommodate the diversity of countries involved. While this presented logistical challenges, it also created a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere where participants engaged across language and regional boundaries. The investment in multilingual participation paid off, encouraging deeper exchange and regional solidarity.
“It helped us understand how our strategies are faring compared to our neighbours, even when we speak different languages.” Participant feedback.
Opportunities for strategic exchange
One of the most engaging moments of the workshop was the gallery walk – a participatory session where country teams set up “stations” to present their group work and delivery plans. Other delegations walked from station to station, discussing strategies, offering feedback, and exchanging ideas with their peers.
“The gallery walk was a huge opportunity for knowledge exchange and helped us sharpen our thinking.” Participant feedback.
This format sparked spontaneous discussions on barriers, solutions, and opportunities. It fostered a sense of ownership and reflection and was widely seen as a powerful tool for strategic thinking and applied learning.
Workshop outcomes and commitments
This workshop marks a pivotal moment in shifting from planning to coordinated action. With renewed commitment, shared purpose, and regional momentum, countries are better equipped than ever to reduce alcohol-related harm and improve public health.
As a result of the workshop:
15 countries finalized or revised SAFER delivery plans
8 new countries presented landscape assessments and implementation strategies
Country teams shared commitment statements
WHO and partners identified case studies for future dissemination
Clear next steps were agreed on for monitoring, technical support, and cross-country exchange
Country teams identified 2 to 3 priority measures from among the high-impact SAFER interventions to accelerate national action and reduce the substantial harm caused by alcohol consumption. These priority actions reflect growing momentum for evidence-based policy change and examples include: raising excise taxes on alcoholic beverages to reduce affordability and curb consumption; establishing a national minimum legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol; regulating the density and location of alcohol retail outlets; tightening drink-driving laws by lowering legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits to ≤ 0.5 g/dl in line with international best practice; and integrating alcohol screening, brief interventions, and treatment for alcohol use disorders into mental health and primary care through the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).
Looking ahead, WHO will continue to support countries in implementing their delivery plans, provide tailored technical assistance, foster cross-country learning and regional collaboration and track progress through global surveys and country follow-up.
Evaluation
Post-workshop feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction and provided valuable suggestions for improving future events. All respondents reported being satisfied with the workshop, with over half “very satisfied” and one in five “extremely satisfied.” Participants valued the interactive format – combining group work, peer learning, and facilitator-led sessions – and praised the facilitators’ expertise and responsiveness. Many noted that the workshop strengthened cross-sector collaboration and provided a clearer sense of direction, renewed motivation, and practical next steps to advance national SAFER alcohol control plans. Comments such as “we are not alone in this struggle” and it “enhanced my knowledge and triggered my commitment” reflected both solidarity and strengthened resolve among participants.
About SAFER and BIGRS:
The SAFER Initiative supports countries with five key interventions:
Restricting availability of alcohol
Enforcing drink-driving countermeasures
Expanding access to brief interventions and treatment
Banning alcohol marketing and sponsorship
Raising alcohol prices through fiscal measures
The BIGRS Initiative complements SAFER by strengthening road safety legislation, especially for drink-driving and other key risk factors. The Accra workshop demonstrated the value of integrating these initiatives into a shared platform for action.
The workshop was also the result of collaboration across all three levels of the WHO – headquarters, regional offices, and country offices – demonstrating the multidisciplinary and coordinated approach needed to address the harms of alcohol consumption.
A unique shopping experience is set to transform the way South African consumers discover and purchase their favourite Samsung products. Premiering live on YouTube, on the 22nd of May at 8pm, The Preekend Special gives shoppers an opportunity to enjoy good music while shopping for the best Samsung deals, from the comfort of their home.
During the livestream, consumers will enjoy discounts of up to 45% OFF Samsung mobile, accessories, home appliances and TVs. The discounts will be revealed every 20 minutes during live DJ sets from our exciting DJ line up. The discounted products include; Galaxy S25+, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy Tab S10FE WIFI, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, 43” Serif TV, Freestyle Projector 2nd Gen, 19kg AI top loader washing machine, and premium Q-Series Soundbar.
How it works:
Consumers will have to download the Samsung Shop App [Download Link]
Watch the livestream and enjoy the music played by the DJs, as new offers are revealed every 20 mins.
Scan the QR code on screen, or click on link provided, which will direct them to the offer page on the Shop App.
Add desired products to cart
Discounts will be applied at Checkout.
DJs on the night will be Franabenzo and LINDO:
Franabenzo is a DJ duo made up of Francesco Mbele, and Lenzo Mangonyane. They’re music choice: house music, baile funk, underground hip hop and gqom – Franabenzo has you covered.
Also joining the line up is LINDO; a South African DJ and cultural curator who uses music and style to tell stories about where he’s from. Blending Afro Tech, Gqom, and other electronic sounds, his sets are rooted in moving both body and spirit.
Anesu Malisa, Head of Gen Z Marketing at Samsung South Africa said “With the Preekend Special, we’re looking to introduce a unique shopping experience that we believe South Africans will love, appreciate, and look forward to the next one. By bringing culture and commerce together, we want to create an engaging experience that ensures that you’re going to have a good time, whether you’re there for the good deals or good music”
Additional Shop App Benefits include:
An extra 10% OFF your first purchase on the Shop App.
Multiple payment options including: Float, Mobicred, and PAYJUSTNOW.
Free delivery
Exclusive app deals and personalized offers
Don’t skip the beat, click on the link below to sign up for live updates:
https://www.samsung.com/za/samsung-live/?cid=za_pd_social_pr-publication_none_launch_social_video_preekend-special-sign-up-link_broad
In a swift move following the declaration of Class 12 results earlier in the day, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the Class 10 Board Exam results for 2025 on Tuesday.
This year, an impressive 93.66% of over 23 lakh students cleared the examination, which was conducted at 7,837 centres across 26,675 affiliated schools in India and abroad.
Girls once again outshone boys, registering a pass percentage of 95%, reaffirming a consistent trend of academic excellence among female students.
Among regions, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, and Bengaluru emerged as top performers. Delhi secured the seventh position, while Guwahati ranked lowest in terms of pass percentage.
Students can access their results via the official CBSE websites — cbse.gov.in, cbseresults.nic.in, and results.cbse.nic.in. Results are also available on DigiLocker, the UMANG app, and through IVRS.
To facilitate access, CBSE has sent DigiLocker credentials via SMS to students’ registered mobile numbers, enabling them to download digitally verified mark sheets and certificates.
To view their results, students must enter their roll number, admit card ID, school code, and date of birth. A minimum of 33% marks in each subject (both theory and practical) is required to pass. Students falling just short may be awarded grace marks in line with board policy.
Earlier in the day, CBSE released Class 12 results, with a pass percentage of 88.39%, marking a 0.41% increase over last year.
Supplementary examinations for both Classes 10 and 12 will be held in the first or second week of July 2025, based on the same syllabus as the main exams.
In a notable reform, CBSE has implemented a Relative Grading system from the 2024–25 academic session, replacing the previous fixed grading scale. This new system evaluates students’ performance in relation to their peers, aimed at reducing academic pressure and unhealthy competition.
The 2025 CBSE Board Exams, held between February 15 and April 4, saw participation from over 42 lakh students. Class 10 exams concluded on March 18, while Class 12 exams ended on April 4.
CBSE remains India’s largest school examination board and the second-largest public examination system. It offers 204 subjects across Classes 10 and 12 and operates in countries ranging from Japan to Ghana.
Kenyan women hired as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia endure gruelling, abusive and discriminatory working conditions, which often amount to forced labour and human trafficking, Amnesty International said in a new report. The report highlights how employers subjected the women to extreme exploitation in private homes, often fuelled by racism, and how domestic workers continue to be excluded from Saudi Arabia’s labour law and other limited reforms.
Locked in, left out: the hidden lives of Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, documents the experience of more than 70 women who previously worked in Saudi Arabia. Often deceived by recruiters in Kenya about the nature of their jobs, once in Saudi Arabia they were made to work under brutal conditions, regularly toiling for more than16 hours, being denied days off and prevented from ever leaving the house. The women also faced awful living conditions and inhumane treatment including sexual, verbal and physical assault. Employers typically confiscated their passports and phones and sometimes withheld their wages.
“These women travelled to Saudi Arabia in search of work to support their families but instead endured unspeakable abuse in the homes of their employers,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya. “The Kenyan government is actively encouraging labour migration, and the Saudi Arabian authorities claim that they have introduced labour rights reforms, yet behind closed doors domestic workers continue to face shocking levels of racism, abuse and exploitation.”
“These women travelled to Saudi Arabia in search of work to support their families but instead endured unspeakable abuse in the homes of their employers
Irungu Houghton, Executive Director, Amnesty International, Kenya
“The Saudi and Kenyan authorities must listen to these women; who’s labour sustains families and contributes significantly to the economic development of both countries. The Saudi authorities should urgently grant domestic workers equal protection under the labour law, introduce an effective inspection system to tackle widespread abuses in private homes, and fully dismantle the Kafala sponsorship system that binds foreign workers to employers, fosters exploitation and perpetuates systemic racism.”
Neither the Saudi nor the Kenyan authorities responded to Amnesty’s request for comment or information.
The Saudi authorities should urgently grant domestic workers equal protection under the labour law, introduce an effective inspection system to tackle widespread abuses in private homes, and fully dismantle the Kafala sponsorship system that binds foreign workers to employers, fosters exploitation and perpetuates systemic racism.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tourists exchange currency at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
As Dean Dubois, a tourist from France, explored the ancient, enchanting shops of Guanqian Street in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, he couldn’t resist a shopping spree.
“This is my second time shopping in China, and every time I feel like I can’t buy enough,” he said, after stuffing his already brimming suitcase with traditional Chinese attire, embroidered scarves, handcrafted teacups, and a brand-new smartphone.
With the rise of “China tours” on social media in recent years, shopping sprees in China are fast becoming a global consumer trend. An increasing number of international tourists are now visiting the country with shopping as a key motivation.
A growing attraction
According to data from the National Immigration Administration (NIA), during this year’s May Day holiday, the number of foreign nationals entering and exiting China reached around 1.12 million, marking a 43.1 percent year-on-year increase.
“Make sure to bring an empty suitcase to China!” This tongue-in-cheek travel tip has recently gone viral on overseas social media platforms. A growing number of foreign tourists are embracing the “tourism plus shopping” model.
Some overseas consumers have even formed “shopping groups” that fly to China specifically to stock up on popular items. On social media, one blogger posted a “mutual assistance shopping” invitation, saying: “If you’re going to China this week, could you help me buy something? Next time I go, I’ll return the favor!”
In Shanghai alone, foreign spending reached 455 million yuan (about 63.2 million U.S. dollars) between April 30 and May 4, marking a staggering year-on-year increase of 211.6 percent.
“Look at this wallet. Every thread is hand-stitched!” South African blogger Sarah excitedly shared with her followers on a video platform, showing off the treasures she picked up during her recent trip to China. She went on to share: “And this is a thermos cup that can automatically brew tea — such an amazing design!”
Foreign tourists’ shopping preferences are evolving. Data from China’s payment platforms showed that foreign tourists are increasingly drawn to local supermarkets, trendy cultural products and specialty foods.
“Before, I would buy little souvenirs and cheaper T-shirts, but now I want to take home items with cultural significance,” said Dubois, noting that his shopping list includes silk products, ceramics, traditional Chinese clothing, and smart products.
The continued relaxation of visa policies has made it easier for “China tours” to turn into shopping tours. Data released by the NIA last month showed that since the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit program, the number of foreign arrivals in China had increased by 40.2 percent, with the proportion of visa-free visitors reaching 71.3 percent.
“I can stay longer in China, so of course, shopping is a must-do. And I can explore nearby cities as well,” said Italian tourist Giancarlo Marino.
More tax refunds
China has introduced a series of measures to stimulate shopping, including lowering the threshold for tax refunds from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, raising the cash refund limit to 20,000 yuan, adding more tax refund stores at tourist hubs, and expanding the “buy-and-refund” service nationwide.
Chen Youping, financial director at a shopping mall in Wuxi City, Jiangsu, explained that with a tax refund rate of 11 percent, a foreign tourist purchasing goods of 10,000 yuan could save 900 yuan after deducting a 2 percent handling fee. “This is particularly attractive for consumers purchasing luxuries or high-end electronic products, which could also encourage them to spend more.”
“It’s like a discount right on the spot,” said Marino, who received nearly 1,000 yuan in tax refunds through the “buy-and-refund” service at Nanjing Deji Plaza. “You can do it all on your phone, and it’s super convenient! It prompts me to buy more unique products.”
Statistics showed that in 2024, the tax refund scale in 10 pilot areas increased by 22 times compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, the increased coverage of foreign card POS systems and the continued upgrades in mobile payment services have made transactions smoother. Some regions have offered “tap-and-go” payment options for foreign tourists.
The items in shopping carts also reflect the global appeal of “Made in China.” Folding screen phones, drones and smart home devices are consistently capturing attention. “The quality, design, and iteration speed of Chinese products are truly impressive,” Dubois said.
Zhang Chunlong, director of the Institute of Social Policy, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, found that Chinese products are growing more attractive in the global market.
“High quality and cost-effectiveness have led foreign tourists to continue visiting China to buy good products,” Zhang said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
N’DJAMENA, May 13 (Xinhua) — Chadian Youth and Sports Minister Maide Hamit Loni on Monday received from Chinese Ambassador Wang Xining the keys to the Manjafa Stadium, which was built and donated by China to Chad.
Speaking on the occasion, Wang Xining said the 30,000-seat stadium now belongs to the government and people of Chad, which is a testament to the fraternal friendship between the peoples of the two countries and the bilateral strategic partnership.
“This partnership was renewed during the visit of Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to Beijing,” the ambassador noted.
While acknowledging the value of the partnership between China and Chad, M.H. Loni recalled that the stadium is not just a structure made of concrete, steel and artificial grass, but, above all, a concrete fruit of the exemplary and productive cooperation between Chad and China.
Over the years, cooperation has strengthened in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual trust and mutually beneficial partnership, the minister emphasized. –0–
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 13, 2025/APO Group/ —
The upcoming African Mining Week – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1 – 3, 2025, in Cape Town – will feature a high-level panel focused on mineral traceability and supply chain optimization.
Titled Mineral Traceability: Reshaping Global Supply Chains and Geopolitical Influence, the session will bring together key players from public and private sectors, including mineral traders and certification bodies. The discussion will explore how traceability frameworks are driving investment, improving transparency and creating real economic impact in Africa’s mineral-rich economies.
African countries, in partnership with global partners, are implementing innovative traceability mechanisms to strengthen governance and ensure local beneficiation across the mining value chain. In Ghana, the government established the Ghana Gold Board in early 2025 to centralize the purchase and trade of domestically produced gold. Now the exclusive buyer, trader and exporter of the resource, the agency is designed to combat illegal gold trade, enhance transparency and ensure the gold sector contributes directly to GDP growth.
In Botswana, a new partnership with the G7 Diamond Technical Team, announced in November 2024, aims to develop an export certification system for rough diamonds. The system, which will be operational by 2025, will ensure diamonds are traceable across the supply chain. Namibia and Angola have revealed plans to adopt similar platforms in 2025.
Rwanda launched the Inkomane Trading System in October 2024 to enhance transparency across the mining lifecycle. The platform enables stakeholders to manage operations, payroll and mineral trades while complying with new laws around exploration, production and monetization. In February 2025, UK-based company Aterian resumed operations in Rwanda after aligning with the system’s requirements.
In October 2024, the Copper Mark, the International Council on Mining and Metals, the Mining Association of Canada and the World Gold Council launched the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative. The initiative aims to harmonize existing mining standards under one consolidated framework, promoting responsible sourcing and ensuring comprehensive traceability. Once finalized, the standard is expected to be adopted by nearly 100 companies operating across 600 sites in around 60 countries, including many in Africa.
Further strengthening transparency in mineral reporting, the African Union’s African Minerals Development Centre introduced the Pan-African Resource Reporting Code in April 2024. The framework aims to ensure public reporting aligns with Africa’s development agenda, specifically the Africa Mining Vision and Agenda 2063, emphasizing sustainability, equity, and economic transformation.
Private mining firms are also leveraging technology to support traceability. De Beers registers Botswana’s diamond output using Tracr, a blockchain-enabled platform. Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, companies like Cobalt Blockchain, Glencore and Eurasian Resources Group have piloted blockchain solutions to trace cobalt from source to market.
As mineral traceability becomes increasingly crucial to securing sustainable investment and ensuring accountability in resource use, African Mining Week 2025 will spotlight the continent’s leading practices and ongoing efforts in building robust, transparent mineral value chains.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ACCRA, Ghana, May 13, 2025/APO Group/ —
Ghana is expanding its gold mining sector to drive employment creation and sustainable economic growth. To achieve this socioeconomic development agenda, cooperation between artisanal and small-scale miners (ASGM) and large-scale miners (LSM) is imperative.
The upcoming Mining in Motion Summit – Ghana’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for June 2 – 4, 2025 in Accra – will feature a panel discussion highlighting collaboration between ASGM and LSM players in driving industry expansion.
Titled Fostering Synergies Between ASM and LSM: Maximizing Gold Value Through Collaboration and sponsored by Newmont Africa, the session will include representatives from the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, the World Gold Council and the ECOWAS Chamber of Mines.
Ghana’s Minerals Commission is leading efforts to reduce land-use conflicts by demarcating zones for ASGM within or near large-scale mining concessions, enabling regulated and peaceful coexistence between the two sectors.
Additionally, initiatives such as the Community Mining Scheme and the World Bank-funded Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project are fostering legal and sustainable operations by ASGM groups within designated areas. These initiatives not only curb illegal mining but also promote shared infrastructure use such as road networks with LSM companies operating in the same regions.
Ghana is also promoting dialogue and shared learning through multi-stakeholder platforms such as the Mining in Motion Summit. The event brings together regulatory authorities, ASGM leaders and major LSM firms, including Newmont Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Emirates Gold, Rand Refinery and representatives from the World Gold Council. These engagements ensure that the needs and perspectives of both small- and large-scale operators are incorporated into national mining policies and development strategies.
Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative under the leadership of Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom, and hosted in partnership with the World Bank and the World Gold Council, the 2025 edition of the summit will convene under the theme: Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact. The event aims to align Ghana’s mining agenda with global sustainability goals, while promoting inclusive growth.
Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visitingwww.MiningInMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.