Latest news with #AfricanUnionPeaceandSecurityCouncil
Egypt Today
29-04-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Presidents El-Sisi and Lourenço reaffirm strategic partnership, economic cooperation
Long queues of humanitarian aid trucks waiting for the green light to move from Cairo heading towards the Gaza Strip on January 26, 2025- Samar Samir/ Egypt Today CAIRO – 29 April 2025: A joint statement was issued following the official visit of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to Egypt. The statement outlined that, "At the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola, paid an official visit to Egypt for three days, from April 28 to 30, 2025." According to the statement, the official visit underscores the deep historical bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between Egypt and Angola, ties rooted in Angola's struggle for independence. The visit also aimed to strengthen the partnership between the two nations and support South-South cooperation. President Lourenço was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several ministers and senior officials from the Angolan government. During the visit, El-Sisi and Lourenço held extensive discussions marked by a spirit of cordiality, mutual respect, and shared understanding, reflecting the depth, strength, strategic nature, and mutual trust characterizing the relationship between the two countries. President El-Sisi extended his sincere congratulations to the government and people of Angola on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of their national independence in November 2025, as well as to Lourenço on Angola's presidency of the African Union. The two presidents reviewed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields to serve their common interests and establish new frameworks for strategic partnership. Both presidents emphasized the necessity of deepening economic cooperation and agreed to intensify joint efforts to promote investment and trade, particularly in sectors that contribute to economic diversification in both countries. This shared direction aims to support sustainable development goals, enhance institutional capacity building, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices for the benefit of their peoples. In this context, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of continuing dialogue between their countries and agreed to hold the next round of political consultations in Luanda before the end of the current year. As current members of the African Union Peace and Security Council, the two presidents exchanged views on pressing issues related to peace and security on the African continent, with a focus on the political and security situations in Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. Lourenço affirmed Angola's firm commitment, under its current presidency of the African Union, to supporting sustainable development, peace, and stability through the implementation of the AU's Agenda 2063 "The Africa We Want" and the "Silencing the Guns" initiative. Regarding the situation in Sudan, the two leaders expressed their deep concern over the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian consequences, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of a comprehensive national dialogue that preserves Sudan's unity and sovereignty and alleviates the suffering of its people. They also expressed their support for regional and international initiatives aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to the crisis, emphasizing the important role of the African Union in conflict resolution and mediation efforts. They further expressed their rejection of any attempts to form a parallel government in Sudan. On South Sudan, the two presidents expressed their concern about recent developments that could exacerbate political and security tensions. They stressed the necessity of dialogue and consensus-building, and the continued implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Concerning Somalia, the two presidents reiterated their support for Somalia's unity, stability, and security, and condemned the escalation of terrorist activities, including the recent heinous assassination attempt targeting the Somali president. Regarding the situation in the eastern of Congo, the two presidents reiterated their condemnation of all acts of violence that undermine peace and stability. President El-Sisi commended President Lourenço's efforts to address the crisis within the framework of the Luanda process. The two leaders affirmed their unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Congo, and stressed the importance of continuing dialogue among all concerned parties to reach a peaceful settlement of the crisis. The two sides also welcomed the appointment of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic, as the new mediator in the peace process, and affirmed the fundamental role of the African Union in supporting regional initiatives to promote peace and security. The two presidents discussed the issue of water security and cooperation across international rivers, particularly in light of water scarcity, and emphasized the necessity of managing transboundary water resources in accordance with international law in a comprehensive manner that achieves mutual benefits, while respecting the principle of "no harm." The two presidents stressed the need to refrain from unilateral actions that provoke disputes between riparian states. The two presidents also expressed their deep concern regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and reiterated the necessity of reaching a permanent ceasefire, ensuring the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, and their support for the Arab/Islamic plan for recovery and reconstruction. President Lourenço commended Egypt's constructive role and strategic vision in the efforts to reconstruct Gaza and its mediation efforts to achieve sustainable peace and security in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the two-state solution. The two presidents reaffirmed their mutual support for their countries' nominations in international forums and agreed to continue regular consultations on regional, continental, and international agendas. They emphasized the importance of unifying the African voice to enhance the continent's representation in global governance institutions. In this context, the two presidents reiterated their full commitment to the decisions of the African Union to endorse the candidacy of Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's and the African Union's nominee, for the post of Director-General of UNESCO. El-Sisi expressed the Arab Republic of Egypt's support for Angola's hosting of the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, and President Lourenço expressed Angola's support for Egypt's hosting of the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in July 2026. At the conclusion of the visit, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral action and stressed the urgent need to reform international institutions, foremost among them the United Nations and the Security Council, to ensure they are more inclusive, representative, and democratic, thereby enabling broader participation of developing countries in the global decision-making process.
Egypt Today
29-04-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt and Angola forge deeper strategic ties, agree on economic cooperation
Long queues of humanitarian aid trucks waiting for the green light to move from Cairo heading towards the Gaza Strip on January 26, 2025- Samar Samir/ Egypt Today CAIRO – 29 April 2025: A joint statement was issued following the official visit of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to the Arab Republic of Egypt. The statement outlined that, "At the invitation of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, paid an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt for three days, from April 28 to 30, 2025." According to the statement, the official visit underscores the deep historical bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Angola, ties rooted in Angola's struggle for independence. The visit also aimed to strengthen the partnership between the two nations and support South-South cooperation. President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several ministers and senior officials from the Angolan government. During the visit, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President João Lourenço held extensive discussions marked by a spirit of cordiality, mutual respect, and shared understanding, reflecting the depth, strength, strategic nature, and mutual trust characterizing the relationship between the two countries. President El-Sisi extended his sincere congratulations to the government and people of Angola on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of their national independence in November 2025, as well as to President Lourenço on Angola's presidency of the African Union. The two presidents reviewed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields to serve their common interests and establish new frameworks for strategic partnership. Both presidents emphasized the necessity of deepening economic cooperation and agreed to intensify joint efforts to promote investment and trade, particularly in sectors that contribute to economic diversification in both countries. This shared direction aims to support sustainable development goals, enhance institutional capacity building, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices for the benefit of their peoples. In this context, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of continuing dialogue between their countries and agreed to hold the next round of political consultations in Luanda before the end of the current year. As current members of the African Union Peace and Security Council, the two presidents exchanged views on pressing issues related to peace and security on the African continent, with a focus on the political and security situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Sudan, South Sudan, and the Federal Republic of Somalia. President Lourenço affirmed Angola's firm commitment, under its current presidency of the African Union, to supporting sustainable development, peace, and stability through the implementation of the AU's Agenda 2063 "The Africa We Want" and the "Silencing the Guns" initiative. Regarding the situation in Sudan, the two leaders expressed their deep concern over the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian consequences, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of a comprehensive national dialogue that preserves Sudan's unity and sovereignty and alleviates the suffering of its people. They also expressed their support for regional and international initiatives aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to the crisis, emphasizing the important role of the African Union in conflict resolution and mediation efforts. They further expressed their rejection of any attempts to form a parallel government in Sudan. On South Sudan, the two presidents expressed their concern about recent developments that could exacerbate political and security tensions. They stressed the necessity of dialogue and consensus-building, and the continued implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Concerning 1 Somalia, the two presidents reiterated their support for Somalia's unity, stability, and security, and condemned the escalation of terrorist activities, including the recent heinous assassination attempt targeting the Somali president. Regarding the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the two presidents reiterated their condemnation of all acts of violence that undermine peace and stability. President El-Sisi commended President Lourenço's efforts to address the crisis within the framework of the Luanda process. The two leaders affirmed their unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and stressed the importance of continuing dialogue among all concerned parties to reach a peaceful settlement of the crisis. The two sides also welcomed the appointment of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic, as the new mediator in the peace process, and affirmed the fundamental role of the African Union in supporting regional initiatives to promote peace and security. The two presidents discussed the issue of water security and cooperation across international rivers, particularly in light of water scarcity, and emphasized the necessity of managing transboundary water resources in accordance with international law in a comprehensive manner that achieves mutual benefits, while respecting the principle of "no harm." The two presidents stressed the need to refrain from unilateral actions that provoke disputes between riparian states. The two presidents also expressed their deep concern regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and reiterated the necessity of reaching a permanent ceasefire, ensuring the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, and their support for the Arab/Islamic plan for recovery and reconstruction. President Lourenço commended Egypt's constructive role and strategic vision in the efforts to reconstruct Gaza and its mediation efforts to achieve sustainable peace and security in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the two-state solution. The two presidents reaffirmed their mutual support for their countries' nominations in international forums and agreed to continue regular consultations on regional, continental, and international agendas. They emphasized the importance of unifying the African voice to enhance the continent's representation in global governance institutions. In this context, the two presidents reiterated their full commitment to the decisions of the African Union to endorse the candidacy of Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's and the African Union's nominee, for the post of Director-General of UNESCO. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi expressed the Arab Republic of Egypt's support for Angola's hosting of the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço expressed the Republic of Angola's support for Egypt's hosting of the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in July 2026. At the conclusion of the visit, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral action and stressed the urgent need to reform international institutions, foremost among them the United Nations and the Security Council, to ensure they are more inclusive, representative, and democratic, thereby enabling broader participation of developing countries in the global decision-making process.
Morocco World
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Has Evacuated 369 Citizens Since Beginning of Israeli Genocide on Gaza
Doha – The Moroccan government has evacuated 369 of its nationals and their family members from Gaza since the beginning of Israel's military offensive, according to Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. In a written response to a parliamentary question from the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), Bourita revealed that these evacuations were conducted in five separate operations for groups who had expressed their wish to leave Gaza. The most recent evacuation took place on April 8, 2024. 'Due to the intensification of Israeli military operations against Gaza with, as consequences, the closure of border crossings and complications of the security situation, Morocco, like other countries, was forced to suspend evacuation operations from Gaza pending suitable conditions to resume them,' Bourita stated in his response. 'The central services of the ministry and the Kingdom of Morocco's representations in the concerned countries remain mobilized to monitor the situation of our community in the Gaza Strip and coordinate with the authorities of other countries to facilitate the evacuation of our citizens who are still detained there, when conditions permit,' the minister reassured. The parliamentary question specifically addressed the case of Moroccan citizen Dounia Aït Zakour, who had given birth and wanted to leave Gaza with her newborn and husband. According to Bourita, she did not appear at the Rafah crossing on April 8, 2024, as planned and had not informed Morocco's representation in Ramallah. The Moroccan embassy in Ramallah has since contacted her to inquire about her situation and request documents for her husband and son in preparation for evacuation when conditions allow operations to resume. Meanwhile, Morocco has maintained a strong stance against Israel's actions in Gaza. On March 20, Bourita condemned 'vigorously and unequivocally the breaking of the ceasefire and the resumption of Israeli aggression against civilians in Gaza,' describing the situation as 'grave and very concerning.' Read also: 1000 Israeli Reservists Demand End of 'War' in Gaza 'These aggressions, which have claimed hundreds of victims in recent days, are unacceptable, condemnable, and hinder the consolidation of peace in the region,' Bourita declared following a ministerial meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council. The attacks were part of a renewed Israeli assault that began on March 18, shattering a January 19 ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. Israel now faces serious international legal challenges, with the ICJ hearing a genocide case against it for its war on Gaza. The ICC issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The minister recalled that King Mohammed VI, as President of the Al-Quds Committee, has consistently stressed that a lasting ceasefire is fundamental for preparing the next stages of resolution, insisting that all stakeholders must work to stabilize the ceasefire before moving to subsequent phases. Public opposition to Israel's actions remains strong in Morocco. On April 13, tens of thousands of Moroccans participated in a mass protest in Rabat under the banner 'Moroccans Against Genocide, Cut Diplomatic Ties with Israel.' This followed a similar demonstration on April 6, described as 'one of the largest protests in recent memory.' Gaza's Health Ministry reports at least 51,065 Palestinians have been killed and 116,505 wounded since Israel's campaign began 18 months ago. The Gaza Government Media Office has updated its death toll to more than 61,700, including thousands presumed dead under rubble. Recent Israeli attacks continue to target civilians. On April 17, at least 45 Palestinians, including entire families, were killed in airstrikes across Gaza targeting homes, tents, and displacement shelters. Morocco re-established diplomatic ties with Israel in December 2020 but has maintained that this move would not alter its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause. Despite this assurance, many Moroccans continue calling for a complete severance of relations with Israel as the genocide in Gaza continues. Tags: gaza genocideIsraeli genocideMoroccoNasser Bourita
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hamdok Calls for UN-African Union Meeting with Sudanese Warring Parties to Secure Ceasefire
Sudanese former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has called for an urgent joint meeting between the UN Security Council, the African Union Peace and Security Council, the Sudanese army, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), allied groups, and key civil actors, in a bid to reach an unconditional ceasefire and humanitarian truce in his country's war. In a public address marking the second anniversary of the devastating war between the military and RSF, Hamdok proposed an inclusive summit attended by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, leaders of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), and representatives of civilian forces. Hamdok's initiative aims to secure a permanent ceasefire, reach a comprehensive peace agreement, and establish broad consensus on a transitional constitutional framework that revives Sudan's path toward civilian democratic governance, rooted in the spirit of the December 2018 revolution. He urged the formation of a fully empowered transitional civilian authority to oversee post-war recovery, reconstruction, and the organization of national elections. He also emphasized the need to begin confidence-building measures, including halting hostile media campaigns and releasing all prisoners and detainees. Under his 'Sudan Peace Appeal,' Hamdok also called for an international donor conference to bridge the humanitarian funding gap and support a Sudanese-led peace process that addresses the root causes of the conflict. He proposed a three-track approach: humanitarian aid and civilian protection, a ceasefire with permanent security arrangements based on the Jeddah Agreement, and a political dialogue to lay the groundwork for lasting peace. Moreover, Hamdok urged regional and international stakeholders to refrain from actions that prolong the conflict and to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on all parties. He also proposed forming a Sudanese-led expert task force to assess the war's destruction and develop a national reconstruction and recovery plan. The former prime minister warned that continued fighting could turn Sudan into a hub for extremist and terrorist groups. He condemned growing hate speech and atrocities, including massacres and horrific violence, which he said risk transforming the country into a breeding ground for terrorism. Meanwhile, the army marked the start of the third year of war by announcing military gains against RSF positions in western and southern Omdurman, seizing weapons and killing dozens of fighters. The army claimed it had cleared several strategic areas and was now targeting remaining RSF pockets in Khartoum State.
Egypt Today
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Sierra Leone president backs two-state solution in Middle East
CAIRO – 27 March 2025: Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his support for the two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace in Palestine. In a joint press conference with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President Bio expressed his country's commitment to strengthening historical ties with Egypt. The talks focused on cooperation in many spheres, including trade, agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, energy, defense, fisheries, and tourism. President Bio also welcomed stronger ties with Egypt and encouraged the private sector in both countries to explore investment opportunities. He stressed the importance of addressing security challenges, including terrorism and piracy, and reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to peace efforts in Sudan, Libya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He called for protecting civilians in conflict zones and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, particularly in Africa. As a current member of the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, President Bio affirmed that his country remains committed to supporting peace efforts and a unified African stance on UN reform. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received on Thursday his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Julius Maada Bio, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace as they held bilateral talks ended with a press conference. An official reception ceremony was held, the national anthems were played, and the guard of honor was inspected. The Spokesman of the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that the two presidents held bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of a number of Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries. During his speech at the press conference, President Sisi welcomed his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Julius Maada Bio, praising the historical, brotherly relations that bind the two countries and their brotherly peoples. President Sisi said that relations between the two countries have evolved into constructive cooperation since the 1960s, noting that the discussions they held in Cairo demonstrates the mutual commitment to forging closer cooperation between the two countries. 'During our talks, we concurred about the need to strengthen cooperation in capacity-building across an array of domains, notably in agriculture and irrigation; infrastructure; fisheries and food security. We also underscored the importance of further advancing economic and investment relations at a faster pace,' President Sisi said.
