Angola and Botswana Unite To Buy Diamond Mining Company De Beers

Angola’s state-owned diamond company, Endiama, has announced plans to increase production to 17 million carats by 2027, following a record output in 2024.

This achievement has cemented Angola’s position as the world’s third-largest producer of rough diamonds by volume, behind only Russia and Botswana. 

In addition to boosting production, the Angolan government is reportedly considering acquiring a 20% to 30% strategic share in De Beers, one of the world’s leading diamond companies. 

Botswana is also positioning itself around De Beers. The government of Botswana is buying out 15% of De Beers. 

De Beers was founded by a British man named Cecil Rhodes over 135 years ago, and started its diamond mining operations in South Africa. 

They have mined hundreds of millions of carats of diamonds across Africa, primarily in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, generating tens of billions in revenue.

With Botswana and Angola both coming together to buy over 30% stake of De Beers, the days of imperial exploitation are numbered.

#TheAfricanDream

TWO LAWS FOR PNG? WHY MARAPE’S ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ CLAIM ABOUT CJ SALIKA SMELLS LIKE POLITICAL SMOKE, NOT JUSTICE

Commentary by: Alois Yoba Bai.

Fellow Papua New Guineans,

I am writing this with a heavy heart and a confused mind. Our Prime Minister, James Marape, has reportedly described recent referrals concerning our Chief Justice, Sir Gibbs Salika, as "unprecedented." This label makes us stop and ask: Unprecedented because it threatens the powerful? Or unprecedented because it actually follows the rule of law?

We have to connect the dots here, and when we do, the picture is disturbing. It forces us to ask a question that should never need asking in a democracy: Do we have two sets of laws in this country—one for ordinary citizens and another, unbreakable one for our politicians and top bureaucrats?

The "Unprecedented" Claim vs. The Constitution

Firstly, we need to understand what the Constitution actually says. It is the Supreme Law. Period. Section 11 clearly states that the Constitution is the Supreme Law, and any law inconsistent with it is, to the extent of the inconsistency, invalid .

The Constitution also establishes an independent National Judicial System, with the Chief Justice at its helm, to guard this law . The Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice, has the final say on interpreting our laws . So, if there are referrals or questions raised about the conduct of any public officer—including the Chief Justice—the proper legal channels exist. So why is the process "unprecedented"? It is only unprecedented if we are used to seeing the powerful simply walk away.

If the Prime Minister believes the process is wrong, the proper place to argue that is in the very courts he is criticizing. This talk of "unprecedented" actions feels like an attempt to undermine the very institutions meant to keep us all equal.

The Paraka Shadow: A Tale of "Selective" Memory

The Prime Minister’s current stance is incredibly hard to swallow when you look at his history, specifically the infamous Paraka scandal. This is where your question about "two sets of laws" becomes terrifyingly real.

Just recently, Hon. Kerenga Kua gave evidence in court regarding the Paraka case. He testified about the immense pressure applied to facilitate illegal payments of K41 million to Paraka Lawyers—money that did not follow due process . He spoke about the "secrecy surrounding the transactions" .

What was Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika’s reaction to this testimony? According to reports, His Honour questioned Kua on why he and other senior ministers did not have the courage to put in a formal complaint to police . The Chief Justice was essentially asking: Why were the politicians protected while the system was looted?

And what was Prime Minister Marape's response to this resurfacing of the Paraka matter? He didn't address the core issue of the missing K162 million . Instead, he launched a fierce attack on the media for reporting it. On his official government website, he accused the Post-Courier of "fake news" and "slander," threatening them with legal action for merely reporting what was said in his own colleague's court testimony .

He stated, "I have never approved any of the payments made under the Paraka claims process. In fact, I was the last Finance Minister who put a stop to the series of claims and payments" .

This is a very contradictory position, Mr. Prime Minister. On one hand, you attack the media for reporting on a scandal that involves your time as Finance Minister. On the other hand, you describe actions involving the highest judicial officer as "unprecedented."

You cannot have it both ways. You cannot demand the media be silent on your past while questioning the processes that might hold the current judiciary accountable.

Are Our Leaders Immune?

This brings us back to the citizen's fear: Are our top leaders immune to the Constitution?

When a Prime Minister attacks the media for reporting court proceedings , and then casts aspersions on processes involving the Chief Justice, it creates a chilling effect. It suggests that the rules are for the little people—the ones who go to jail for stealing a few hundred Kina.

But for the political elite, even a scandal involving K162 million (the Paraka funds) is just a matter of "media narrative" and "fake news" . We saw the Opposition recently note that the government's reports of success are "misleading" and that wealth distribution remains "highly unequal" . That inequality isn't just economic; it seems to be a legal inequality, too.

We cannot allow our leaders to pick and choose which parts of the Constitution apply to them.

The Bottom Line

Mr. Marape, you still have the outstanding issue of the Paraka saga hanging over your head, a saga that Chief Justice Salika is actively seeking truth and courage on . Your current media statements attacking the process and the messengers are, as you say, "very contradictory."

If the referrals regarding the Chief Justice are "unp

Angola and Botswana Unite To Buy Diamond Mining Company De Beers

Angola’s state-owned diamond company, Endiama, has announced plans to increase production to 17 million carats by 2027, following a record output in 2024.

This achievement has cemented Angola’s position as the world’s third-largest producer of rough diamonds by volume, behind only Russia and Botswana. 

In addition to boosting production, the Angolan government is reportedly considering acquiring a 20% to 30% strategic share in De Beers, one of the world’s leading diamond companies. 

Botswana is also positioning itself around De Beers. The government of Botswana is buying out 15% of De Beers. 

De Beers was founded by a British man named Cecil Rhodes over 135 years ago, and started its diamond mining operations in South Africa. 

They have mined hundreds of millions of carats of diamonds across Africa, primarily in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, generating tens of billions in revenue.

With Botswana and Angola both coming together to buy over 30% stake of De Beers, the days of imperial exploitation are numbered.

#TheAfricanDream

Wale raises serious concerns over mounting crisis at Solomon Airlines

LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale is deeply concerned about the growing financial and operational challenges facing our national carrier, Solomon Airlines. 

The airlines interim CEO made a public statement that Solomon Airlines is facing a serious sustainability crisis.

Reports of unsustainable route losses, a weakening revenue base, and declining competitiveness raise fundamental questions about the Government’s national aviation policy and its long-term strategy for the airline.

The Opposition Leader said as a state-owned enterprise, Solomon Airlines is not merely a commercial entity; it is a strategic national asset providing essential services. 

“It connects our provinces, supports tourism, facilitates trade, and links Solomon Islands to the global economy. Any instability within the airline has direct economic consequences for businesses, families, and provincial communities,” Hon Wale said.

The Opposition Leader said the continuation of commercially unviable routes without transparent subsidy frameworks suggests poor strategic planning, and possibly government indifference. 

“If certain routes are deemed socially necessary, Government must clearly state the cost of these obligations and how they are to be funded,” he said.

Hon Wale adds with limited market size and fluctuating passenger demand, the airline must operate with discipline and innovation. 

“What revenue diversification strategy is in place? What reforms are being pursued to improve load factors and operational efficiency?” he questioned.

The Opposition Leader said regional competition is intensifying and without fleet modernization, better route optimization, and strategic partnerships, Solomon Airlines risks further erosion of market share. 

“What is Government doing to strengthen competitiveness?” he questioned.

He said there is clear absence of any aviation policy direction. 

He adds the government’s role must go beyond just providing bailout funds to the Airline from one existential crisis to another.

Hon Wale said the public deserves clarity. 

“Does Government have a coherent national aviation policy? Is there a long-term sustainability plan? What is Solomon Airlines part in such a plan? Or are we witnessing reactive, short-term bailouts without structural reform?” the Opposition Leader questioned.

The Opposition Leader also questioned whether measurable performance targets have been set for management calling for an independent review on the matter.

“Are reforms being considered, including public-private partnerships, route rationalisation, or management restructuring? What safeguards exist to prevent further financial deterioration?” he asked.

Hon Wale has further called on the government to table a comprehensive financial and operational report on Solomon Airlines in Parliament.

He also stressed the urgency to commission an independent audit of the airline’s performance and governance framework.

“Present a clear, transparent National Aviation Strategy outlining sustainability measures. Ensure that any public financial support is tied to enforceable reform conditions,” he said.

Hon Wale said Solomon Airlines must not be allowed to drift into crisis through policy neglect or government indifference. 

He said the people of Solomon Islands deserve transparency, accountability, and decisive leadership to resolve the long standing challenges facing Solomon Islands.

“The Opposition stands ready to support responsible reforms that safeguard this vital national institution but we will not remain silent while public resources are placed at risk without clear direction,” Hon Wale said.

Ends

Chief Justice says, some of our laws are not good for PNG

by TODAGIA KELOLA

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Chief Justice says, some of our laws are not good for PNG 

============================

“Parliament must make good laws for the good and benefit of all, not just a few. Laws passed should not be for personal interests of a few.

Laws passed must and should be for collective safety of people, easy to understand and enforce and be

applicable to everyone. Some of our laws, dare I say, are not good laws for the country.

“Laws like the District Development Authority Act, there is already the three tiers of government like the National Government, Provincial Government and Local Level Government.

Now we have the District Development Authority, who are the members, the chairman. For whose benefit was

that law enacted?

“Then the Kumuls Holding Act, all SOEs have their Boards but this law creates another Board, for whose benefit was that law enacted?

“The PNG Sustainable Law or Contract, that has now locked up landowners monies in Singapore – whose benefit was that law and contract for?”

As for due processes Sir Gibbs gave an example of a Police complaint that he personally made.

“Start with my own experience. I filed a complaint against a then government minister to the Commissioner

of Police to have the minister charged for certain alleged offences.

My letter was confidential to a head of State agency. That letter got intercepted and posted on social media platforms and ultimately this complaint of mine never got attended to. Some four years later, it remains

unattended. I have since given up in our systems,” he said.

Police Commissioner David Manning was also at the forum and delivered a presentation before the Chief Justice. Sir Gibbs said: “The courts recognise that the weak implementation and reform of laws impacts on the effectiveness of due process, the effective administration of justice and the rule of law in the country.

All of which pose negatively on PNG’s

total of 22 people were officially granted citizenship today including West Papuans

A total of 22 people were officially granted citizenship today by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA).These people were part of the 59 successful applicants applied for naturalization as PNG citizens.

According to the PNGICSA, 5 people were seeking dual citizenship with Papua New Guinea, 26 had applied to be naturalized citizens of PNG, and 28 were PNG citizens seeking dual citizenship approval.

Of the 22 recipients today, 8 were West Papuans. In fact, from the overall 26 naturalised citizens, 25 people were from West Papua origin.

PNG currently has dual citizenship arrangements with the following countries:

▪︎Australia

▪︎Fiji

▪︎Germany

▪︎New Zealand

▪︎Samoa

▪︎United Kingdom

▪︎United States of America, and

▪︎Vanuatu.

PNGICSA stated that Authority is working on amendments to the Citizenship Act, to include more countries to its prescribed list of countries for dual citizenship.

US pressures Vanuatu at UN over ICJ’s landmark climate change ruling

Cable seen by Al Jazeera says the US ‘strongly objects’ to the island nation seeking support for ICJ’s landmark climate ruling.

The United States is urging governments to pressure Vanuatu to withdraw a United Nations draft resolution supporting a landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that countries have a legal obligation to act on climate change.

A US State Department cable seen by Al Jazeera on Saturday says that the Trump administration “strongly objects” to the proposed resolution being circulated by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu in support of last year’s ruling by the ICJ – the UN’s top court.

nounced it was putting forward the draft UN resolution for consideration.

“We are strongly urging Vanuatu to immediately withdraw its draft resolution and cease attempting to wield the Court’s Advisory Opinion as a basis for creating an avenue to pursue any misguided claims of international legal obligations,” a copy of the cable seen by Al Jazeera states.

The ICJ’s 15 judges considered tens of thousands of pages of written submissions and two weeks of oral arguments during the court’s biggest-ever case, before delivering their verdict last year that states have a legal obligation to act on the “existential threat” of climate change.

The ICJ case took place after Vanuatu won the support of 132 countries in the UN General Assembly, which can request opinions from The Hague-based court.

It also came as the Trump administration has sought to undo US action on climate change, both at home and at the UN.

The US cable claims that Vanuatu’s proposed UN resolution in support of the ICJ opinion was based on “speculative climate models to fabricate purported legal obligations that seek to assign blame and encourage baseless claims”.

Louis Charbonneau, Human Rights Watch’s director at the UN, urged support for Vanuatu’s draft resolution on Friday, saying “governments should live up to their obligation” to protect human rights around the world by protecting the environment.

“Responsible governments shouldn’t allow themselves to be bullied by those that reject the global scientific consensus and continue to support reliance on harmful fossil fuels,” he said.

ing “strengthens global climate action and multilateral cooperation”.

An article in Vanuatu’s Daily Post newspaper said that the draft resolution has been endorsed by countries including Barbados, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Jamaica, Kenya, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, the Netherlands, Palau, the Philippines, Singapore and Sierra Leone.

Many of these countries are already experiencing the worsening effects of climate change, including increasingly severe storms.

Trump, who has promised to “drill, baby drill” for oil in his second term, has withdrawn the US from UN climate bodies, including the UN’s top climate change treaty body, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Trump has also threatened to impose sanctions on diplomats who voted for a levy on polluting shipping fuels at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).