Greece seeks cooperation with Libya to stop migration, says PM
Libya should cooperate with Greece and Europe to help halt a surge in migration flows from the north African state, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday.
Seaborne arrivals of migrants in Europe from the north of Africa, including war-torn Sudan, and the Middle East have spiked in recent months.
Greece said on Monday it would deploy two frigates and one more vessel off Libya's territorial waters to deter migrants from reaching its southern islands of Crete and Gavdos.
"I will inform my colleagues about the significant increase in the number of people from eastern Libya and ask for the support of the European Commission so that the issue can be addressed immediately," Mitsotakis said ahead of an EU summit in Brussels that began on Thursday.
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eNCA
12 hours ago
- eNCA
China's top diplomat to visit EU, Germany, France next week
China's top diplomat Wang Yi will head to Europe next week for talks with counterparts from the European Union, Germany and France, Beijing said on Friday as it seeks to shore up fraught ties with the bloc. Beijing has sought to improve relations with Europe as a counterweight to superpower rival United States, though frictions remain over trade and China's close ties with Russia despite its war in Ukraine. China and the European Union will also host a summit next month marking 50 years since Beijing and Brussels established diplomatic ties. Wang's trip will take him to Brussels, France and Germany and last from next Monday to Sunday, Beijing said. "The world is undergoing an accelerated evolution of a century-old change, with unilateralism, protectionism and bullying behaviour becoming rampant," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said -- a thinly-veiled swipe against the United States under President Donald Trump. China's top diplomat will meet with EU counterpart Kaja Kallas at the bloc's headquarters in Brussels for "high-level strategic dialogue", he said. In Germany he will hold talks with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on diplomacy and security -- his first visit since Berlin's new conservative-led government took power in May. China looks forward to "strengthening strategic communication, enhancing pragmatic cooperation, and promoting new developments of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership," Guo said. Ties between Berlin and Beijing, he added, were "injecting certainty, stability, and positive energy into a turbulent world". In France, Wang will meet minister for Europe and foreign affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, who visited China in March. "Foreign Minister Wang Yi will exchange views with the French side on the international situation, China-France ties and China-Europe relations," Guo said. And in Brussels Wang will also hold talks with Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Beijing said. - Trade spat - Ties between Europe and China have strained in recent years as the bloc seeks to get tougher on what it says are unfair economic practices by Beijing and the yawning trade imbalance between them. After the European Union placed tariffs on Chinese EV imports, China retaliated with its own duties, including on French cognac. An agreement on cognac has been reached with Beijing but not yet formally approved by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, a source in the French Economy Ministry told AFP. The source said finalization was partially linked with the EU's ongoing negotiations over electric vehicles. Tensions mounted last week after the European Union banned Chinese firms from government medical device purchases worth more than five million euros ($5.8 million), in retaliation for limits Beijing places on access to its own market. The latest salvo in trade tensions between the 27-nation bloc and China covered a wide range of healthcare supplies, from surgical masks to X-ray machines, that represent a market worth 150 billion euros ($176 billion) in the EU. In response, China accused the EU of "double standards". Another tricky point has been rare earths. Beijing has since April required licences to export these strategic materials from China, which accounts for more than 60 percent of rare earth mining production and 92 percent of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency. The metals are used in a wide variety of products, including electric car batteries, and there has been criticism from industries about the way China's licences have been issued. China has proposed establishing a "green channel" to ease the export of rare earths to the European Union, its commerce ministry said this month. By Mary Yang
Daily Maverick
13 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
WTO fisheries agreement gains momentum, but will Africa's coastal states rise to the challenge?
Despite the high cost of illegal fishing, only a third of African countries have signed the landmark agreement that will soon take effect. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is on track to be adopted this year, with Ghana the latest African country to ratify. Nine more ratifications are needed to reach the total of 111, which activates the treaty. The landmark deal will come into force in what looks like a ' super year ' for ocean governance. Yet only about a third of African states have ratified it, raising questions about whether the agreement risks faltering where the benefits are most needed. The Food and Agriculture Organization's most recent State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report says Africa's fisheries are among the most vulnerable and highly affected by overfishing and illicit, unreported and unregulated fishing. Little of Africa's marine fish stocks are caught sustainably. This presents the continent with a unique trifecta of challenges: subsidised foreign fleets, weak ocean governance, and climate change combine to undermine the sustainability of marine resources. Small pelagic stocks in West Africa have collapsed, East African coral reef fisheries run below sustainable yields, and coastal livelihoods and food security are under threat. Current estimations suggest that at least $11.2-billion in African revenue is lost annually due to illegal exploitation. In this context, the fisheries deal should be a major step in addressing unlawful fishing and harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing. Globally, 102 countries are officially recorded as having ratified the agreement. Several others, including Ghana, have completed domestic ratification, but aren't yet reflected in the official count because they still need to conclude the formal procedure. The agreement targets three areas contributing to the depletion of marine resources, with two implementation phases. First, it bans subsidies linked to exploiting overfished stocks, aiming to bolster conservation and awareness about weak regulatory oversight. Second, it prohibits fishing subsidies in high seas areas beyond the purview of regional fisheries bodies, where enforcement gaps are common and migratory fish stocks are vulnerable. Finally, it bans subsidies to vessels involved in illegal fishing. These measures respond to longstanding concerns about the role of subsidies in enabling overfishing and illegal fishing, especially by distant-water fleets. Although the benefits for Africa are clear, the reception seems lukewarm, with just 20 African countries having officially ratified the agreement. Most support has come from West Africa, where the Economic Community of West African States has urged its members to support the initiative. In East and southern Africa, only four coastal states have ratified: Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles and South Africa. One probable reason is limited awareness and technical capacity since the agreement is essentially a trade instrument, not a conventional fisheries or environmental treaty. So understanding the deal's implications requires coordination between national agencies responsible for fishing, environment, trade and foreign affairs. The agreement is nevertheless on track to enter into force before year-end, underscoring the importance of Africa's readiness to successfully implement it. For one thing, implementation will likely come with financial and resource implications. The agreement requires all WTO members to create a national subsidy inventory documenting the nature, recipients and purpose of fisheries subsidies. This will require inter-agency coordination, political commitment, and new digital reporting systems, potentially adding costs for African states. At the same time, a lack of capacity or political will to implement may see countries become targets for illegal fleets, since the agreement is only as strong as states' ability to enforce it. This is especially likely since the prohibition is not triggered automatically, but only once a relevant party determines a transgression has occurred. That party could be the coastal state against which a transgression has been committed, one whose flag is used by the vessel involved in illegal fishing, or a relevant regional fisheries management organisation/arrangement. However, the arrangements are not always well equipped to deal with illegal fishing, and their ability to respond depends on member states' commitment and capacity. And flag states, especially those providing flags of convenience, are seldom willing to enforce rules that undermine their profits. This means the successful use of the agreement will depend on countries' ability to detect illegal activity and collect evidence. That doesn't diminish the initiative's utility, but highlights the challenges African countries could face as they prepare for implementation. To maximise the agreement's benefits, governments should prioritise three actions. Self-assessment tool First, they must use the WTO's self-assessment tool to systematically align national policies with the agreement's requirements. Identifying legislative, regulatory and institutional gaps may require technical assistance or capacity-building support. Second, states should strengthen coordination among fisheries, trade and finance ministries to ensure coherent policy implementation and transparent reporting on subsidies and conservation measures, as mandated by the agreement. Third, African countries are well positioned to leverage the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism, which provides resources for developing nations to upgrade fisheries management, enhance compliance and help small-scale fishers achieve sustainable practices. This support becomes available to member states on ratifying the agreement. However, the deal alone is not a panacea. It is a useful addition to countries' toolkit in their fight against illegal and unsustainable fishing — but its effectiveness will depend on the actions of African coastal and flag states. Countries should use existing maritime mechanisms, such as the Djibouti and Yaoundé codes of conduct, as well as their regional maritime security strategies. The African Union (AU) and the AU Development Agency could provide technical support and capacity building, and raise awareness among member states as they have done before. The absence of a robust WTO enforcement mechanism means African countries must simultaneously invest in strengthening their maritime security and implementing international accords like the Agreement on Port State Measures. Enhanced surveillance, port inspections and regional collaboration are vital for intercepting illegal catches and deterring illicit operators. Without these complementary measures, the risks to Africa's food security, economic stability and regional security will persist. DM
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Kamogelo Baukudi found alive
Here's your daily news update for Friday, 27 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, police have confirmed that the kidnapped 19-year-old, Kamogelo Baukudi, has been found alive. Meanwhile, former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe party Floyd Shivambu has defended his relationship with controversial pastor Bishop Stephen Bafana Zondo. Furthermore, eight members of parliament have been fined R10 000 each after failing to meet the deadline for disclosing their financial interests in 2024. Weather tomorrow: 28 June 2025 Light rain, morning fog, and cold conditions are expected across the Western Cape, especially in south-western and mountainous regions. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi found alive The South African Police Service (Saps) has made a major breakthrough and confirmed that the kidnapped 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi has been found alive. The grade 11 pupil from Martie du Plessis School was found early on Friday morning, six weeks after he went missing. 19 year old Kamogelo Baukudi has been found alive. Picture: Saps Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said they are relieved that Baukudi has been found. 'After weeks of intensive investigation, Kamogelo was safely located and rescued in Wepener in the early hours of this morning, 27 June 2025. During an intelligence-driven operation, five African males aged between 20 and 29 were arrested. CONTINUE READING: Kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi found alive Pastor Zondo to form part of Shivambu's team; Ndhlela rejects 'apology' The former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, Floyd Shivambu, has defended his relationship with controversial pastor Bishop Stephen Bafana Zondo. Zondo is on trial in the High Court in Pretoria for the alleged rapes of several congregants in his church. Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu. Picture: Gallo Images Briefing the media on Friday, Shivambu said Zondo will serve as a chaplain in the Mayibuye Africa party consultation process. He said Zondo will be involved in guiding the organisation's moral direction. 'Pastor Zondo is not convicted of any crime,' he said. Shivambu said he did not make a 'mistake' by including Zondo in the consultation process for the formation of his new political party. CONTINUE READING: Pastor Zondo to form part of Shivambu's team; Ndhlela rejects 'apology' Eight MPs fined R10 000 each for failing to disclose financial interests Eight members of parliament have been reprimanded and fined R10 000 each after failing to meet the deadline for disclosing their financial interests in 2024, with parliament's speaker warning that their actions had the potential to undermine public trust. The National Assembly adopted the joint committee on ethics and members' interests report during its plenary sitting, finding the legislators in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests for missing the 14 October 2024 deadline. Fine. Image: iStock The eight members sanctioned include Mluleki Dlelanga (ANC), Mkhuleko Hlengwa (IFP), Nhlamulo Ndhlela (MK), Mzoleli Mrara (ANC), Masetsego Mofokeng (ANC), Maropene Ramokgopa (ANC), Sihle Zikalala (ANC) and Andries Nel (ANC). CONTINUE READING: Eight MPs fined R10 000 each for failing to disclose financial interests SA's Cabinet of incompetence, corruption and serious allegations Here are just some of the prominent politicians in President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet who have been implicated in corruption, mismanagement, maladministration, or other serious allegations. President Cyril Ramaphosa has faced scrutiny over his business dealings, most notably the Phala Phala farm scandal, where $580 000 (about R10 million) in cash was stolen from his Limpopo game farm in 2020. Pictures: The Citizen and Gallo Deputy President Paul Mashatile has long been haunted by corruption allegations, including the R1.3 billion Alexandra renewal project. Minister of agriculture and DA leader John Steenhuisen was implicated in allegations of misusing DA funds during his 2020 campaign for party leadership. CONTINUE READING: SA's Cabinet of incompetence, corruption and serious allegations Christopher Jaftha denies allegations he is Pabi Moloi's baby daddy Television presenter and actor Christopher Jaftha has denied claims that he fathered the child of radio personality Pabi Moloi, describing the allegations as 'false and misleading'. This follows reports that Moloi's estranged husband, Ruan Adams, has filed a legal application in the High Court in Johannesburg. Media personality Christopher Jaftha. Picture: Instagram/@chrisjaftha According to Sunday World, Adams is demanding a paternity test, alleging that Moloi may have conceived her child with Jaftha during an extramarital affair. Adams reportedly further claimed in court documents seen by the publication that Moloi and Jaftha were romantically involved while she was also in a sexual relationship with him. CONTINUE READING: Christopher Jaftha denies allegations he is Pabi Moloi's baby daddy Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: DA calls firing 'calculated assault' | SA might run out of chicken | RIP Meme Ditshego
