Suné Kitshoff

UN General Assembly prez office announces dates for the 4 (so far) SecGen candidate hearings:

Legal Warning to All States Hosting US Bases (Europe & GCC): All countries that allow their territories, or US military bases located therein, to be used to carry out Trump's illegal orders to commit war crimes against Iran will be complicit in the crime under international law. European leaders whose States are Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court face personal criminal liability. Article 25(3)(c) of the Rome Statute establishes individual responsibility for those who, “[f]or the purpose of facilitating the commission of such a crime, aid, abet or otherwise assist in its commission or its attempted commission, including the provision of the means for its commission.” Official capacity provides no immunity (Article 27). They have been clearly and publicly alerted to Trump’s plan to commit war crimes, leaving them no excuse for failing to take preventive measures. All countries hosting US bases must publicly declare, beforep any operation begins, that they will not allow their airspace, territorial waters, or sovereign territory to be used in the commission of war crimes by the United States. @EmmanuelMacron @Keir_Starmer @vonderleyen @GiorgiaMeloni @MohamedBinZayed @TamimBinHamad @KingSalman @bundeskanzler @kajakallas @antonioguterres @KarimKhanQC

Ghana🇬🇭 announces withdrawal from London energies summit, demands African representation Ghana’s Energy Chamber, led by Executive Chairman Joshua B. Narh, has announced its withdrawal from the Africa Energies Summit in London, citing discriminatory hiring practices and the systematic exclusion of African professionals from leadership and decision-making roles. x.com/energy_chamber…

South Africa🇿🇦 emerges as a major player in the U.S.🇺🇸 critical minerals supply chain Africa is playing an increasingly strategic role in supplying the United States with critical minerals essential for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and defense technologies, with South Africa emerging as a dominant player across key resources.

Joint Policy Brief on The Impacts of the Middle East Conflict on Africa. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas… @AfDB_Group @ECA_OFFICIAL @UNDP

The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks. Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site’s physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. No increase in radiation levels was reported. IAEA DG @rafaelmgrossi expresses deep concern about the reported incident and says NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment. Reiterating call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident, DG Grossi again stresses the paramount importance of adhering to the 7 pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict.

Something is happening behind the scenes. The China-Pakistan five point plan on the war in the Gulf region is a clear indication that something is happening.

The African Union Commission Chairperson Welcomes the China–Pakistan Five-Point Initiative on the Situation in the Gulf and Middle East Region. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomes the Five-Point Initiative jointly advanced by the Government of the People’s Republic of #China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of #Pakistan, aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. The AUC Chairperson @ymahmoudali notes that the Initiative constitutes a timely and constructive contribution to ongoing international efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance a political and diplomatic pathway. Its emphasis on an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law, and the safeguarding of maritime security reflects key elements required to contain the current crisis. H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterates his deep concern over the continued escalation in the region, noting that its effects are already being felt globally, including on energy supply chains, food systems, and economic stability—particularly in Africa, a continent already confronting multiple and intersecting challenges. He calls for restraint, urgent de-escalation, and sustained engagement, stressing that all parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security. He underscores that a durable resolution can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiated solutions. The AUC Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s readiness to work with international and regional partners in support of efforts aimed at de-escalation and the promotion of peace and stability in the region. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

#BBNJ_PrepComIII Concludes! Closing Statement delivered by the DPR for Legal Affairs of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Michaela Swallow, on behalf of the African Group, at the close of the III Session of the Preparatory Commission on the BBNJ Agreement, and reaffirmed Africa’s strong commitment to ocean governance. Africa looks forward with optimism to the First Conference of the Parties, with the goal of agreeing on an effective and inclusive operational framework. Africa remains firmly committed to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, for the benefit of present and future generations. #BBNJ #OceanGovernance #GlobalCommons #AfricaAtUN @SierraLeoneUN

Today, @SGCommonwealth marks one year in office. From launching the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2025–2030, to hosting the first-ever Commonwealth Business Summit, to driving reforms, her first year has delivered major milestones and impact. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/47ChJ9v

🎥 Watch the interview via the link in our bio! 🎉 We’re delighted to announce Siri Miriyala, an Indian engineering student, as the winner of the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Photography Naming Competition 🌏 Siri’s winning title, 'Waves of Change,' now sets the tone for the very first Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition. The title captures the energy and creativity of young storytellers documenting our changing planet 🌊 Chosen from inspiring entries across the Commonwealth, her title will shape this inaugural year of the competition, celebrating youth perspectives on ocean action and climate storytelling. This competition is proudly co-organised by @royalcwsociety, @commonwealth_sec and @cityyneb , with a shared commitment to elevating youth voices and ocean narratives🌍 📣 Stay tuned, full details on how to enter the competition are coming soon! #CommonwealthYouthPhotographyCompetition #OceanYouthStories #CommonwealthYouth #ClimateAction #Commonwealth #PhotographyCompetition youtu.be/PpKCER5aTyc

🚨🇷🇺Vladimir Putin has appointed a new vice-foreign minister in charge of African and Arab matters, Georgy Borisenko, who was ambassador of Russia to Cairo. He was previously posted in Washington DC and has been director for North America at the Russian MFA. @Africa_In_EN

PRESS RELEASE: NO US MILITARY BASE AT THEBEPHATSWA

A pleasure to meet South Africa’s Deputy Minister Hon Alvin Botes and High Commissioner HE Jeremiah Mamabolo. We discussed strengthening Commonwealth–South Africa collaboration, and I thanked them for their continued support to @CommonwealthSec and successful leadership of the G20. @DIRCO_ZA @UbuntuRadioZA

#CommonwealthDay in #Malawi brought together health leaders, scholars, pharmacists & policymakers to celebrate five years of the Fleming Fund — and look ahead to a stronger, more resilient health system. #globalhealth #flemingfund @commonwealthsec

This CFAMM kickstarts Commonwealth Day activities, to be held under the theme: “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” which takes place every year on the second Monday in March.   #Multilateralism #SAinUK🇿🇦🇬🇧

#CFAMM | #DIRCO Deputy Minister Alvin Botes participates in the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at Lancaster House in London, United Kingdom (UK), accompanied by South Africa’s High Commissioner to the UK, HE Kingsley Mamabolo, 08/03/2026. @SAHC_UK

Foreign ministers gathered today in London for the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting. At #CFAMM, they discussed how the Commonwealth can navigate global challenges and unlock opportunities for shared prosperity. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/4sEj8o9 📸 See photos: bit.ly/4ugVBLv @SamoaGovt @YvetteCooperMP @FCDOGovUK @ABHCUK

We approach #CommonwealthDay at a moment of profound global change. The Commonwealth was built on partnership, equality and shared prosperity – principles that matter now more than ever. Together, we can unlock opportunity for a more prosperous Commonwealth. Watch my message ⬇️

In light of ongoing developments in the Middle East, we have postponed the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards ceremony scheduled for 11 March. The safety and well-being of finalists is our priority. A new date will be announced soon. Read more: bit.ly/3P4cA3n #CYA2026