Pan-African legal and business advisory group CLG – formerly Centurion Law Group (https://CLGGlobal.com/) – has opened an office in the Republic of Congo, further solidifying the firm’s commitment to serving clients across the African continent. The new office will be located in the country’s oil and gas city Pointe Noire, providing current and upcoming hydrocarbon projects direct access to premier legal and business support.

The opening of the Pointe Noire office is part of CLG’s strategic growth plan to expand its footprint across Africa and provide clients with enhanced access to its legal services. With a long-standing history facilitating oil and gas transactions, navigating complex business environments and providing top-tier legal services, CLG has quickly become the preferred professional services partner in Africa. With a team of internationally-trained lawyers and a dedication to excellence, the firm is resolute in its commitment to unlock a new era of successful oil and gas developments in Africa.

As one of the Africa’s largest oil producers and an emerging natural gas producer, the Republic of Congo offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and project developers alike. The country has set an ambitious target to increase hydrocarbon production to 500,000 barrels per day – a two-fold increase in national output – while strengthening project developments across the burgeoning natural gas industry. This year, the country achieved first cargo delivery from the Congo LNG project – the country’s pioneering natural gas liquefaction project – which monetizes gas from the offshore Marine XII concession. This milestone has already enticed new players to join the market, underscoring a growing demand for in-country legal services and strategic advice.

Notably, independent hydrocarbon producer Perenco recently completed a 3D seismic acquisition campaign on the Tchibouela II, Tchendo II, Marine XXVIII and Emeraude permits. This has laid the foundation for future exploration drilling. Additionally, energy major Eni is exploring conventional and deep offshore areas by Pointe-Noire in tandem with the onshore Koilou area. Energy major TotalEnergies is preparing to drill the Niamou-1 exploration well on the Marine XX block while the national oil company SNPC completed the fourth phase of processing of 3D seismic – set to open up the Marine XIX and Marine XXX basins. Heightened interest in the Congo’s off- and onshore acreage is underpinned by recently acquired geological surveys, setting the stage for a new era of M&A activity in the country. 

To achieve production targets, the country is inviting foreign investment in exploration. This, in turn, will result in a wave of new transactions, all of which will be supported by companies to the likes of CLG. As a firm, CLG is well-equipped to handle all legal aspects of upcoming oil and gas projects. The firm’s comprehensive understanding of the industry, compounded by its presence in various oil and gas producing markets in Africa – including Nigeria, South Sudan, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and more – underscore its competitiveness and edge. By opening an office in this rapidly growing market, CLG is positioning itself as the legal and business advisory group of choice for oil and gas industry players in the Republic of Congo.

“The Republic of Congo’s oil and gas industry is on the cusp of transformation, with new investment signaling a strong pipeline of hydrocarbon-related transactions. With the opening of our new office in Brazzaville, we are better positioned to meet the growing demand for legal services in the country,” said Zion Adeoye, CEO of CLG. “We look forward to working closely with our clients to navigate the complexities of the local legal landscape and support their business objectives.”

For more information about CLG and its service offerings, visit https://CLGGlobal.com/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi sent a cable of condolences and consolation to the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, over the passing of Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who left behind a journey marked by unwavering devotion to his nation. President El-Sisi extended his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the people and leadership of the UAE, praying to Allah the Almighty to embrace the deceased with His perfect mercy and forgiveness, grant his family patience and solace, and protect the people of the UAE from all harm.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Bisher Khasawneh. The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister, Dr. Mustafa Madbouly.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, said the Jordanian Prime Minister conveyed the greetings and appreciation of King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, to President El-Sisi. The President valued the special and historical relations the two peoples and their leaderships share. President El-Sisi underscored the importance that Egypt places on bilateral cooperation, so as to realize their common interests and fulfil the aspirations of the two peoples for comprehensive development, notably in light of the 32nd session of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee. This round is currently being held in Cairo and co-chaired by the Prime Ministers of the two countries.

The meeting also focused on the situation in the Gaza Strip, which is passing through an extraordinary critical phase, in light of the unyielding and persistent efforts to reach a comprehensive truce in the sector and an exchange of hostages and detainees. These efforts aim to ensure an immediate and full access of humanitarian assistance in a sustainable and unfettered manner to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe endured by the people of the Strip. In this regard, the two sides confirmed their categorical rejection and warning against the disastrous humanitarian impact of the Israeli military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah, which deprive the Palestinian people of the major lifeline of the sector and cripple the safe passage for the evacuation of the wounded and sick to receive medical treatment and for the entry of desperately-needed humanitarian aid and relief. In this regard, it was confirmed that the international community is obliged to assume its responsibilities to reach an urgent, immediate and lasting ceasefire. This shall take place while simultaneously moving ahead, effectively and in earnest, to enforce the acknowledgement of an independent, sovereign Palestinian State, along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This will bring about justice and achieve regional security and stability, opening up prospects of development for all peoples of the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), hosted a roundtable discussion on the ongoing challenges posed by landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) in Africa as part of the Commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The event highlighted the devastating impact these weapons have on communities and explored innovative solutions for faster and more cost-effective demining.

The roundtable brought together representatives from 8 high-risk African Member States alongside countries with successful demining programs. Operational demining actors such as UNMAS also participated. In addition, humanitarian organizations, the academia, selected donor states and private sector representatives.

During the opening remark, ICRC Delegation to the African Union, Head of Delegation, Bruce Mokaya noted the importance of the event at this critical time for African Member States ahead of the 5th Review Conference to be held in Cambodia in November 2024 to allow exchange on the progress, best practices, challenges, and the way forward on the implementation of the Anti-Personnel Man Ban Convention. Concerning the needs of victims and affected communities. he added, “We believe it is essential to place victims and affected communities at the center of our action to reduce their suffering. Victim assistance is a long-term commitment that requires sustained mobilization of resources and political will from States.”

The African Union Commission (AUC), representative Jocelyn shed light on several critical issues, Jocelyn acknowledged the landmine contamination faced by attending Member States (MS) and the challenges they encounter in fulfilling clearance obligations. The importance of this meeting was emphasized to address these shared challenges. Shifting focus to the upcoming 5th Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Jocelyn raised key issues discussed in Ghana. These included the need for State Parties to fulfill reporting obligations, the development of updated strategies to address the threats at national, regional, and continental levels (promoting South-South cooperation).

Despite progress made towards eradicating landmines, several countries highlighted the increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in conflicts, posing a significant threat to civilians and demining efforts. Algeria, which has cleared vast swathes of its own territory contaminated by landmines emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation in addressing the challenge. A key focus of the roundtable was exploring innovative solutions for demining. The ICRC presented a project in collaboration with Waseda University in Japan that utilizes drone technology and machine learning to detect landmines and ERW. This technology has the potential to revolutionize demining efforts by expediting the process and reducing risks.

Several African nations expressed keen interest in piloting this new technology. Discussions also centered on knowledge transfer and capacity building, with emphasis on training local demining personnel on using the latest tools and techniques. ICRC Japan Head of Delegation, Shoko Hanzawa, , reiterated to undertake field test in Africa to detect mines and announced the availability of an expert to conduct the testing and expressed readiness for further discussion with the interested AU Member States.

The roundtable underscored the need for sustained financial resources to support demining activities across Africa. The EU reaffirmed its commitment as a leading donor and called for a more coordinated approach to maximize impact. Similarly, Germany recalled its €17 million budget to assist African states with de-mining.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and ERW, promote adherence to relevant international conventions, and address the root causes of conflicts that perpetuate these threats. The roundtable called for continued dialogue with State and Non-State actors to minimize civilian casualties.

The roundtable concluded with a renewed commitment from Member States and partner organizations to collaborate on achieving a mine-free Africa and push for a universal adherence to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). The AUC pledged to follow up on key issues raised during the discussions, including exploring the use of new technologies, facilitating knowledge transfer, and securing additional resources for demining programs. Several countries, like Algeria and Azerbaijan, offered to share expertise and equipment in a spirit of South-South cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).