The Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group continued its weekly virtual sessions on September 5, focusing on the expansion of emergency humanitarian access and respect for international humanitarian law. Last week, an estimated 3,114 metric tons of supplies reached approximately 300,000 people in Darfur with the support of the ALPS Group and through the courageous and tireless work of humanitarian actors on the ground.

The ALPS delegation members continue to engage the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with the urgent objective of expanding road access from Port Sudan through Shendi to Khartoum, as well as roads from Khartoum to El Obeid and to Kosti, including through Sennar. The ALPS delegations call for additional border crossings to be opened, including the Aweil crossing from South Sudan. ALPS Group members also continue to press the SAF to announce and meaningfully implement a simplified notification system and for the RSF to fully implement it, in order to streamline onerous bureaucratic barriers that cost Sudanese lives every day. With over 25 million people facing famine and acute hunger, notification must be sufficient to allow humanitarian cargo to move in Sudan. Every delay costs lives.

The ALPS Group acknowledged the issuance by the RSF of a new directive to all forces on the protection of civilians, supports the pledge of accountability, and will closely monitor implementation.  The ALPS Group identified several critical areas where the RSF and SAF should immediately deescalate hostilities, including El Fasher. This will ensure protection of civilians and urgent relief access in line with the commitments both parties made in the Jeddah Declaration. The delegation members call on members of the international community to pressure both sides toward this end.

The ALPS Group members reiterate their shared commitment to working with other international partners to alleviate the suffering of the people of Sudan and eventually achieve a cessation of hostilities agreement. They also reiterated their commitment to continue consulting with Sudanese women as part of this ALPS platform.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.

Ms. Charlina Vitcheva, Director General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, will visit Tanzania from September 9 to 11, 2024.

The Director General will participate in the 8th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Oceans, Inland Waters, and Fisheries of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), which will take place on September 11 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre. The meeting is expected to be graced by the President of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.

This visit reflects the European Union (EU) ongoing commitment to deepening its collaboration with Tanzania in the fisheries and blue economy sectors, following Ms. Vitcheva’s previous visit in 2023, during which she met with the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi.

Ahead of the OACPS ministerial meeting, Ms. Vitcheva will visit the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) in Kunduchi. During the visit, she will explore the institute’s research facilities and learn about TAFIRI’s efforts in marine ecosystem conservation. In addition, she will view exhibitions showcasing the institute’s conservation activities, including demonstrations of data capture and other marine research techniques. She will also attend the exhibition by Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, to learn about their work on marine governance and the efforts to support the livelihoods of communities living within the marine parks.

Ms. Vitcheva will also meet with several Tanzanian start-ups selected for the Blue Invest Africa initiative. These innovators are developing solutions to support sustainable development within the blue economy.

As part of her itinerary, Ms. Vitcheva will hold a bilateral meeting with Hon. Abdallah Ulega, Tanzania’s Minister for Livestock and Fisheries.

Ms. Vitcheva’s visit underscores the European Union’s commitment to advancing Tanzania’s blue economy and sustainable fisheries management. The EU’s support in Tanzania is delivered through its TZS 332.5 billion (EUR 110 million) flagship Blue Economy for Job Creation and Climate Adaptation Programme.

This programme is focused on building a climate-resilient Blue Economy in Tanzania’s coastal cities, Zanzibar, and the Indian Ocean’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The programme prioritizes the protection of coastal ecosystems, promotes sustainable, job-intensive businesses, and fosters long-term growth through transformative governance and policy reforms.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community.

Independent researcher and activist Richard Worthington has turned to slander to get a headline, publishing an attack article against the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) and its annual event, African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy (https://AECWeek.com). According to him, it is time to denounce the self-serving narratives of opportunists demanding – in the name of the poor – favorable finance to keep fossil fuel exploitation profitable. Rather than using his voice to provide a piece of literature that explores the reasons why Africa still faces such a deeply entrenched energy crisis, Worthington chose instead to attack the very organization that is trying to solve this challenge.

The AEC – in its efforts to facilitate investment, promote Africa’s energy narrative and drive impactful development across the continent – has been the target of many hits over the years. This, however, is nothing compared to what goes on every day in Africa, where over 600 million people still lack access to electricity. This is nothing compared to the number of people who remain in the dark, the potential that goes unnoticed and the futures of many Africans that remain uncertain. The AEC, who does in fact serve as the voice of the African energy sector, will continue taking hits, just as we will continue to do everything we can to make energy poverty history. Such attacks always emerge when we are in proximity of hosting Africa’s premier event for the energy industry, which is designed to help unite African energy stakeholders with global investors to navigate industry’s most pressing challenges.

It is not about keeping fossil fuel exploitation profitable; it is about finally using these profits in Africa. What Worthington fails to mention, is that Africa’s fossil fuels have – for decades – only been profitable for western companies and nations. Africa has not had the benefit of using its resources to fuel its development, but rather, has been left in the dark while the rest of the world transforms. At a time when Africa is finally making strides to utilize its resources for its own development, ‘activists’ such as Worthington feel that this approach is one of the past. What other alternative does he propose? None. Instead, he states that the continent must let go of what might have been. By that logic, Africa should be content with remaining poor, in the dark and undeveloped, all in the name of climate change.

It is sad to see someone say anything they can to make headlines. It is also sad to see someone attack an industry that promises to do more than just develop Africa, but transform it through inclusive business opportunities, widespread infrastructure growth and pan-economic investment. The recent attack by Richard Worthington is just one of the many the AEC receives against people and institutions who are committed to leaving Africa in the dark. However, we will not be swayed. We won’t let this brazen attack against Africa hinder us from achieving our goals – to make energy poverty history.

Let us make one thing clear: we are not attached to anticipated revenues; we are wholly committed to giving Africa the chance to do what its western counterparts have done – develop. Fossil fuels will do just that. Renewable energy, hydrogen and alternative fuels will also do that, which is why we have and will continue to be strong advocates for a just transition, one in which every resource available on this continent is monetized in an integrated manner. We are not against ESG; we are against the notion that we have to follow a western approach to developing. Through platforms such as AEW: Invest in African Energy, we outline clear pathways to achieving dual goals of lowering emissions while enhancing energy security. We explore the biggest challenges the continent faces and propose solutions to address them. We sign deals, we foster collaboration and mobilize investment in communities and projects.  

We look forward to seeing the entire industry at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 and invite the media to participate. Then they will they realize that this is not a platform for grand-standing and generalized statements. Rather, this is a movement to make energy poverty history. This is a chance to sign deals and drive impactful projects forward – every project; not just oil and gas but infrastructure, power generation, hydrogen and so much more. This is an opportunity to change the fate of Africa and chart a new path of development built on integration, inclusivity and a pro-African mindset. See you in Cape Town on November 4.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

The United Arab Emirates has welcomed today’s adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the modalities for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

Co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, the Conference will be held in the UAE in 2026, and aims to provide a platform for the international community to focus on accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and enhance efforts to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Consistent with the leadership and vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, the UAE remains committed to identifying innovative and practical solutions to address the challenges that the global water crisis poses to humanity.

The UAE looks forward to collaborating with all partners to advance sustainable global efforts towards water for current and future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.