Latest news with #AfricanUnion
Ya Biladi
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Kenya National Assembly Speaker receives Polisario representative
Nearly a month after Kenya officially voiced support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the Polisario's main ally in Nairobi has resurfaced. On Thursday, June 19, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, met with the Polisario's representative in Kenya. «Today, I hosted His Excellency Mohamed-Liman Ali Ami, the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, who paid me a courtesy call at my office at Parliament Buildings», Wetangula posted. «Our discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two nations and exploring ways to deepen diplomatic engagement for the mutual benefit of our citizens. I assured the Ambassador that Kenya, as a committed member of the African Union (AU), stands in solidarity with the Sahrawi Republic and remains steadfast in supporting and safeguarding its interests as a sovereign state», he added. Wetangula is widely seen as the Polisario's key ally within the Kenyan government. According to an October 2022 report by the South African-based Institute for Security Studies, Wetangula, a former foreign minister, played a pivotal role in convincing President William Ruto to delete a tweet posted on September 14, 2022, in which he had announced Kenya's withdrawal of recognition of the «SADR». Wetangula is a powerful political figure in Kenya. He heads the FORD-Kenya party, a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition that backed Ruto's successful 2022 presidential bid. Just weeks after Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met with President Ruto in Dakar on January 26, 2023, Wetangula traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reaffirmed his support for the Polisario. He reiterated this position again in November 2023, after several African political leaders signed the « Tangier Appeal » calling for the expulsion of the «SADR» from the African Union. Following a meeting with the Polisario representative in Nairobi, Wetangula stated, «I reassured him of my support, noting their membership in the AU, akin to our shared responsibility.» In contrast, during a working visit to Morocco in late May, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi declared that «the Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach to resolving the Sahara issue and intends to collaborate with states sharing this vision to promote its implementation». Just one day after that statement, Wetangula hosted the Algerian ambassador in Nairobi.
Ya Biladi
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Kenya National Assembly Speaker receives Polisario representative
Nearly a month after Kenya officially voiced support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the Polisario's main ally in Nairobi has resurfaced. On Thursday, June 19, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, met with the Polisario's representative in Kenya. «Today, I hosted His Excellency Mohamed-Liman Ali Ami, the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, who paid me a courtesy call at my office at Parliament Buildings», Wetangula posted. «Our discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two nations and exploring ways to deepen diplomatic engagement for the mutual benefit of our citizens. I assured the Ambassador that Kenya, as a committed member of the African Union (AU), stands in solidarity with the Sahrawi Republic and remains steadfast in supporting and safeguarding its interests as a sovereign state», he added. Wetangula is widely seen as the Polisario's key ally within the Kenyan government. According to an October 2022 report by the South African-based Institute for Security Studies, Wetangula, a former foreign minister, played a pivotal role in convincing President William Ruto to delete a tweet posted on September 14, 2022, in which he had announced Kenya's withdrawal of recognition of the «SADR». Wetangula is a powerful political figure in Kenya. He heads the FORD-Kenya party, a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition that backed Ruto's successful 2022 presidential bid. Just weeks after Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met with President Ruto in Dakar on January 26, 2023, Wetangula traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reaffirmed his support for the Polisario. He reiterated this position again in November 2023, after several African political leaders signed the « Tangier Appeal » calling for the expulsion of the «SADR» from the African Union. Following a meeting with the Polisario representative in Nairobi, Wetangula stated, «I reassured him of my support, noting their membership in the AU, akin to our shared responsibility.» In contrast, during a working visit to Morocco in late May, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi declared that «the Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach to resolving the Sahara issue and intends to collaborate with states sharing this vision to promote its implementation». Just one day after that statement, Wetangula hosted the Algerian ambassador in Nairobi. Presidential and legislative elections in Kenya are scheduled for August 2027.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
AP photographer recounts capturing shooting of a man by a Kenyan police officer during protests
The shooting of a civilian by a Kenyan police officer in the head at close range on Tuesday took place during the latest protest against the country's deadly and pervasive issue of police brutality. It happened on one of Nairobi's busiest streets, again outraging many Kenyans, who have long witnessed officers shooting or beating protesters and others. Tuesday's shooting was rare because the officer fired in full view of journalists.
NDTV
a day ago
- Business
- NDTV
How G20 Nations Could Meet The Whole World's Renewable Energy Demand
Sydney: The world's most developed economies have also burnt the most oil and coal (fossil fuels) over the years, causing the most climate change damage. Preventing further climate change means a global fossil fuel phase-out must happen by 2050. Climate change mitigation scientists Sven Teske and Saori Miyake analysed the potential for renewable energy in each of the G20 countries. They concluded that the G20 is in a position to generate enough renewable energy to supply the world. For African countries to benefit, they must adopt long term renewable energy plans and policies and secure finance from G20 countries to set up renewable energy systems. Why Is The G20 So Important In Efforts To Limit Global Warming? The G20 group accounts for 67% of the world's population, 85% of global gross domestic product, and 75% of global trade. The member states are the G7 (the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Canada), plus Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. We wanted to find out how G20 member states could limit global warming. Our study examined the solar and wind potential for each of G20 member countries (the available land and solar and wind conditions). We then compared this with projected electricity demands for 2050. This is, to our knowledge, the first research of its kind. We found that the potential for renewable energy in G20 countries is very high – enough to supply the projected 2050 electricity demand for the whole world. They have 33.6 million km² of land on which solar energy projects could be set up, or 31.1 million km² of land on which wind energy projects could be set up. This potential varies by geography. Not all G20 countries have the same conditions for generating solar and wind energy, but collectively, the G20 countries have enough renewable energy potential to supply the world's energy needs. But for the G20 countries to limit global warming, they also need to stop emitting greenhouse gases. Recent figures show that the G20 countries were responsible for generating 87% of all energy-related carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming. On the other hand, African Union countries (apart from South Africa, which is a high greenhouse gas emitter), were responsible for only 1.2% of the global total historical emissions until 2020. The G20 countries with the highest renewable energy potential (especially Australia and Canada) are major exporters of the fossil fuels that cause global warming. Along with every other country in the world, the G20 nations will need to end their human-caused carbon emissions by 2050 to prevent further climate change. Where Does Africa Fit Into The Picture? African countries cannot set up new electricity plants based on burning fossil fuels, like coal. If they do that, the world will never end human-caused greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The continent must generate electricity for the 600 million Africans who do not currently have it but will need to move straight past fossil fuels and into renewable energy. For this, Africa will need finance. The African Union hosts the G20 summit later this year. This meeting begins just after the world's annual climate change conference (now in its 30th year and known as COP30). These two summits will give Africa the chance to lobby for renewable energy funding from wealthier nations. Africa already has the conditions needed to move straight into renewable energy. The continent could be generating an amount of solar and wind power that far exceeds its projected demand for electricity between now and 2050. We are launching an additional analysis of the solar and wind potential of the entire African continent in Bonn, Germany on 19 June 2025 at a United Nations conference. This shows that only 3% of Africa's solar and wind potential needs to be converted to real projects to supply Africa's future electricity demand. This means that Africa has great untapped potential to supply the required energy for its transition to a middle-income continent – one of the African Union's goals in Agenda 2063, its 50 year plan. But to secure enough finance for the continent to build renewable energy systems, African countries need long-term energy policies. These are currently lacking. So What Needs To Be Done? The countries who signed up to the 2015 international climate change treaty (the Paris Agreement) have committed to replacing polluting forms of energy such as coal, fuelwood and oil with renewable energy. South Africa, through its G20 presidency, must encourage G20 nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and support renewable energy investment in Africa. Because financing the global energy transition is already high on the priority list of most countries, South Africa should push for change on three fronts: finance, sound regulations and manufacturing capacity for renewable technologies. These are the among the main obstacles for renewables, particularly in Africa. Finance: Financing the energy transition is among the highest priorities for COP30. Therefore, the COP30 meeting will be an opportunity for the African Union to negotiate finance for its renewable energy infrastructure needs. For this, fair and just carbon budgets are vital. A carbon budget sets out how much carbon dioxide can still be emitted in order for the global temperature not to rise more than 2°C higher than it was before the 1760 industrial revolution. A global carbon budget (the amount of emissions the whole world is allowed) has been calculated, but it needs to be divided up fairly so that countries that have polluted most are compelled to limit this. To divide the global carbon budget fairly, energy pathways need to be developed urgently that consider: future developments of population and economic growth current energy supply systems transition times for decarbonisation local renewable energy resources. The G20 platform should be used to lobby for fair and just carbon budgets. Sound regulations that support the setting up of new factories: Governments must put policies in place to support African solar and wind companies. These are needed to win the trust of investors to invest in a future multi-billion dollar industry. Long-term, transparent regulations are needed too. These regulations should: say exactly how building permits for solar and wind power plants will be granted prioritise linking renewable energy plants to national electricity grids release standard technical specifications for stand-alone grids to make sure they're all of the same quality. Taking steps now to speed up big renewable energy industries could mean that African countries end up with more energy than they need. This can be exported and increase financial income for countries. (Authors: Sven Teske, Prof. Dr. | Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney and Saori Miyake, Senior Research Consultant, University of Technology Sydney) (Disclosure Statement: Sven Teske receives funding from the European Climate Foundation and Power Shift Africa (PSA). Saori Miyake receives funding from European Climate Foundation and Power Shift Africa.) (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
'The future is yours': Dlamini-Zuma rallies Africa's youth to seize power and shape the continent
Empowering Africa's youth: Key takeaways from Dlamini Zuma's Y20 2025 Pre-Summit address Image: Thabo Makwakwa In an address at the Y20 2025 Pre-Summit hosted by South Africa, former African Union Chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma delivered a rallying cry for Africa's youth and women to become the cornerstone of the continent's future development. Her speech at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria on Monday, marked by passion and urgency, highlighted that Africa must seize its narrative and chart a new course that is rooted in inclusive growth, peace, and sustainable development. Dlamini-Zuma began by reflecting on Africa's long history, noting that it has often been misunderstood or misrepresented 'For a long time in our history, we have struggled to define our own story,' she said. 'We are a continent blessed with 60% of the world's sunshine, yet we face a staggering 60% unemployment rate among our youth. It's time to turn the tide.' Highlighting the demographic realities of Africa, by 2050, the majority of the population will be young. Dlamini-Zuma called on the current generation of young people and women to be the backbone of development. 'This generation must be the drivers of peace and development. There can be no peace without development, and no development without peace,' she asserted. She urged governments and stakeholders to make education and skills training more accessible, stating that 'young people have the right to education, and they must actively pursue it.' She challenged youth to see themselves as beneficiaries and active infrastructure, industry, and economic growth contributors. Dlamini-Zuma drew attention to the continent's rich mineral resources and criticised the legacy of resource exploitation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Our minerals have long been mined and exported without value addition,' she said. 'We must stop the leakage of our resources and instead process them locally to create jobs and economic benefits for our people.' She stated the importance of developing the ocean economy and expanding participation in mineral processing industries, urging young Africans to engage in these sectors to foster sustainable growth. The former AU Chair stressed the need for Africa's development models to prioritise inclusivity. 'If we continue to ignore inequality, it will threaten our livelihood,' she warned. 'Our approach must be different—focused on empowering youth and women, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring that no one is left behind.' Dlamini-Zuma also spoke out against exclusion, criticising the summit's failure to include sign language interpreters for those with hearing impairments. 'We cannot have genuine participation if we leave behind those with disabilities,' she said, calling for more inclusive policies in future forums. She highlighted the importance of youth involvement in global issues, recalling Africa's historic support for anti-apartheid struggles and emphasising solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide, including Palestine. 'Our youth have historically stood against injustice,' she noted. 'They must continue to be drivers of peace, solidarity, and justice across the globe.' She called for ongoing dialogue among young people, urging them to build movements, demand accountability, and unite around justice and development. 'The future belongs to you,' she said. 'Your actions today will echo worldwide.'
