Latest news with #Sahel
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
MoI's strategy enhances security, aligns with 'New Kuwait 2035' vision
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is actively advancing its security framework to keep pace with modern developments and align with the long-term goals of the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision, Brigadier Nasser Abu-Slaib, the official spokesman for the ministry, confirmed on Tuesday. During a detailed presentation titled 'Laws – Numbers – Achievements 2025,' Abu-Slaib reviewed the MoI's comprehensive strategic plan, highlighting key legislative amendments to traffic, residency, and narcotics laws, as well as the ministry's ongoing digital transformation efforts. The 'Sahel' unified government application now provides 37 electronic services, facilitating more than 30.8 million transactions, underscoring the shift towards seamless digital governance. A significant milestone is the biometric fingerprint project, which has compiled a database exceeding 16 million individuals. This biometric system is fully integrated with various state ministries, streamlining identity verification processes and bolstering border security. Abu-Slaib elaborated on the new drug law currently under development, designed to curb narcotics use and trafficking by imposing stricter penalties and expanding law enforcement powers. In the first half of 2025, authorities recorded 1,451 drug-related cases and 11 fatalities linked to substance abuse. The MoI also launched the electronic visa platform, KUWAIT VISA, which simplifies the process of obtaining various types of entry permits, including tourist, family, business, and government visas. Innovation in maritime security was another highlight, with the Kuwait Coast Guard unveiling smart unmanned boats capable of operating autonomously for extended periods. These vessels enhance maritime surveillance, support search and rescue missions, monitor environmental pollution, and reinforce the security of Kuwait's territorial waters. Abu-Slaib also discussed the recently enacted Kuwaiti Flag Law, aimed at protecting the national emblem's dignity. The law regulates flag usage during events, prohibits unauthorized display of foreign flags or sectarian slogans, and forbids raising torn or damaged flags, promoting national unity and respect. Brigadier Abu-Slaib emphasized that the MoI's strategic plan is designed to adapt to evolving social, economic, and technological realities. The plan seeks to promote justice, safeguard the rights of citizens and residents, close legal loopholes, and foster equality while protecting against exploitation and violations. The strategy also prioritizes creating a secure and investor-friendly environment, which will stimulate capital inflows into development projects and strengthen Kuwait's tourism sector. Additionally, the plan includes enhancing legal controls to protect lives and property, supported by advanced technological tools. Regarding the biometric fingerprint initiative, Abu-Slaib noted that Kuwait now maintains 16,371,153 civil fingerprints covering citizens, residents, and visitors. A separate database includes records of citizens, residents, illegal residents, and visitors totaling 5,381,457 individuals. This project reduces identity fraud, expedites transactions, and improves the detection of wanted individuals at borders and airports. In digital transformation, the MoI's 'Sahel' app has revolutionized service delivery, enabling citizens and residents to complete thousands of transactions without in-person visits. The platform will soon incorporate additional digital services from the ministry. The presentation also highlighted the transformative impact of residency law amendments and digital upgrades on the Residency Affairs Departments. The new law aligns with labor market needs, strengthens the economy, protects worker and employer rights, defines clear obligations, and combats human trafficking with strict penalties. These measures enhance Kuwait's international reputation and support its status as a global financial hub. Abu-Slaib detailed the pending amendment to the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law, aimed at restricting drug trade and abuse. The law grants wider powers to security agencies to dismantle trafficking networks and includes integrated prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation plans. In 2024, 39 deaths were attributed to narcotics, while the first half of 2025 saw 1,451 cases, 261 addiction complaints, 1,864 defendants, and 11 deaths, highlighting the urgency of these reforms. Regarding maritime security, the General Directorate of Coast Guard has made a significant leap by deploying smart unmanned marine boats. These vessels perform continuous reconnaissance, track suspicious targets, assist search and rescue operations, monitor environmental threats, and enhance security in Kuwait's territorial waters without direct human control for extended durations. On traffic safety, Abu-Slaib reviewed amendments imposing harsher penalties for serious violations such as speeding and running red lights. Technological tools including artificial intelligence cameras and smart apps are used to enforce laws effectively. Since the new traffic law took effect on April 22, 2025, speeding and red-light violations have dropped by 83%, seatbelt and mobile phone infractions by 75%, and traffic-related deaths by 55%. The amendments also fostered a culture of road safety, reducing daily accidents from approximately 300 in 2024, 90% of which were caused by distractions. Finally, Abu-Slaib addressed the amendments to the Kuwaiti Flag Law issued on June 8, which safeguard the national symbol from misuse. The law prohibits raising foreign flags without a permit, except during international sports events in Kuwait. It also bans continuous display of the national flag on private buildings or commercial use, forbids raising the flag if damaged, and restricts flags or slogans with religious, sectarian, or tribal meanings, except for official sports club logos. The Ministry of Interior's multifaceted strategic plan underscores its commitment to safeguarding Kuwait's security, promoting justice, and supporting the nation's vision for 2035.
Arab Times
8 hours ago
- Arab Times
Now Update Your Civil ID Photo Online via ‘Sahel', Here are the steps
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has introduced a new electronic service allowing Kuwaiti citizens and expats to add or update their personal photos directly through the government's "Sahel" app. This digital upgrade is part of PACI's ongoing efforts to modernize public services and streamline administrative procedures. The new feature eliminates the need for in-person visits, allowing users to complete the process entirely online. According to PACI, the process is simple and can be completed in four steps: Log in to the 'Sahel' app and select 'Personal Services.' Choose the option to add or update a profile photo. Upload the required documents, including a recent personal photograph and a copy of the Civil ID. Submit the application and receive a transaction number for tracking. PACI emphasized that all applications will undergo review and verification, with applicants notified once the process is complete.
Arab Times
8 hours ago
- Arab Times
Now Update Your Civil ID Photo Online via ‘Sahel'
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has introduced a new electronic service allowing Kuwaiti citizens and expats to add or update their personal photos directly through the government's "Sahel" app. This digital upgrade is part of PACI's ongoing efforts to modernize public services and streamline administrative procedures. The new feature eliminates the need for in-person visits, allowing users to complete the process entirely online. According to PACI, the process is simple and can be completed in four steps: Log in to the 'Sahel' app and select 'Individual Services.'n Choose the option to add or update a profile photo.n Upload the required documents, including a recent personal photograph and a copy of the Civil ID.n Submit the application and receive a transaction number for tracking.n PACI emphasized that all applications will undergo review and verification, with applicants notified once the process is complete.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Desert-to-Power: The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) commits €6 million to Dédougou Solar Project in Burkina Faso
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank ( has committed a €6 million concessional finance package for the development of the 18 MW Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso, marking a significant milestone towards increasing the country's energy generation capacity. SEFA's commitment comprises a €2.5 million senior concessional loan and a €3.5 million reimbursable grant, complemented by a combination of subordinated and senior loans from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). This commitment was formalized during a signing ceremony in Paris on July 18th, bringing together stakeholders from the African Development Bank, FMO, project developer Qair, and advisors A&O Shearman and Trinity. The Dédougou Solar Power project aligns with the African Development Bank-led Desert-to-Power initiative, which aims to turn the Sahel region into the world's largest solar power zone. It is listed as a priority project in Burkina Faso's national Desert-to-Power roadmap. It is among the first independent power producers (IPPs) in the country and operates under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the national utility, Société Nationale d'Électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL). "The Dédougou Solar PV project marks a significant milestone for Burkina Faso and the broader Sahel region,' said Dr. Daniel Schroth, the Bank's Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. As a key contribution to the Desert-to-Power initiative, it demonstrates the transformative nature of harnessing solar energy to drive inclusive and sustainable development. The catalytic support from SEFA was instrumental in unlocking this private sector-led project.' Once operational, the plant will help diversify Burkina Faso's energy mix, reduce electricity costs, and boost access to reliable, affordable electricity, supporting economic growth and local livelihoods. The project prioritizes sustainability through a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management System, ensuring responsible operations and mitigating potential environmental and social risks. "This new financing from FMO and SEFA marks a significant milestone in Qair's journey in Burkina Faso,' said Abdoulaye Toure, CFO of Qair Africa. 'We are deeply grateful to both institutions for their continued trust and support, which enable us to deliver impactful renewable energy infrastructure in the region. After commissioning our first 24 MW solar plant in Zano in 2023, this second project in Dédougou reflects our expanding footprint and aligns with Qair's long-term strategy to accelerate the energy transition across Africa." With committed support from SEFA and FMO, the Dédougou Solar Power Plant demonstrates the potential for private-sector-led future renewable energy projects in the Sahel region, accelerating the transition towards sustainable power, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for communities across Burkina Faso. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Media contact: Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Group media@ About SEFA: SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments to remove market barriers, build a more robust pipeline of projects, and improve the risk-return profile of individual investments. The Fund's overarching goal is to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa, in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and the M300. About Qair: Qair is an independent renewable energy company developing, financing, building, and operating solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydroelectric, tidal energy, waste-to-energy, battery storage, and green hydrogen production. With 1.7 GW of capacity in operation or construction, the group's 780 employees are developing a portfolio pipeline of 34 GW in 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
EU, Macron urge Niger junta to free ex-president
Emmanuel Macron voiced support for Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held for two years after being ousted in Niger's coup. (AP pic) BRUSSELS : The EU and French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged Niger's ruling junta to release ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, two years to the day the army detained him. Bazoum has been held, along with his wife Hadiza, in a wing of the presidential palace, and according to his lawyers, he has not left the building in that time. The 27-member bloc said in a statement it welcomed the recent release of some political prisoners but 'regretted' the continued detention of Bazoum, 65, and others. 'The EU calls again for the release of these people who are being held for political reasons,' said the statement from Kaja Kallas, the bloc's top diplomat. Macron also called for Bazoum's release in a separate statement Saturday. 'Today, my thoughts are with Mohamed Bazoum, arbitrarily held for two years after the putsch which drove him from office as president of Niger,' Macron wrote on Facebook. 'I am also thinking of his wife Hadiza, who is held with him and his loved ones. I add my voice to all those calling for his release,' he added. Months after the coup, the junta said it intended to put Bazoum on trial, accusing him of treason and of 'plotting against the security and authority of the state'. If he was convicted of treason, he could face the death penalty, say his lawyers. In June last year, Niger's state court, set up by the regime, lifted Bazoum's presidential immunity, which could open the path to a trial. To date, however, no case has been opened against the former president, who was elected in 2021 and has not resigned. 'The EU remains available for a frank, honest, and structured dialogue with the Nigerien authorities based on mutual respect and shared interests,' the EU statement said.
