Month: March 2026

Liberia: Benoni Urey, Others Rally Around Ambassador Kemayah and Family After His Mother’s Death

Posted on by 2026news

Monrovia-A rare moment of unity that cuts across political lines has set the pace, as some of Liberia’s most prominent political figures have converged in sympathy with former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., following the death of his mother, the late Ma-Watta Kumba Soliyah Larmie.

Among those leading the latest wave of condolences is Benoni Wilfred Urey, Political Leader of the All Liberian Party (ALP), who paid a solemn visit to Ambassador Kemayah’s residence over the weekend.

Mr. Urey who spent considerable time with Ambassador Kemayah and his bereaved family, described the loss as “deeply personal and profoundly painful,” while emphasizing the importance of standing with one another in times of grief.

“Beyond politics, we are Liberians first,” Urey said, during the visit.  “This is a moment to share in sorrow and to offer strength to a brother who has served this country with distinction.”

He further committed to his full participation in all funeral activities, assuring Ambassador Kemayah of being with him through his period of mourning his beloved mother; stressing “I will be with you the whole day of the funeral of our late mother”.

Former Foreign Minister, Ambassador Kemayah for his part, welcomed Mr. Benoni Wilfred Urey at his residence and expressed thanks and appreciation to him, stating “my family and I are grateful to you, my dear friend and brother, Mr. Urey for the thought and visiting me at my residence in empathy and solidarity with the Kemayah Family and me for the unfortunate passing of my beloved mother, Ma-Watta Kumba Soliyah Larmie and the very painful circumstances she had to endure as a consequence of the relentless persecution against me only and only because of my political affiliation with the 25th President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah”.

Ambassador Kemayah further commended Mr. Urey for his commitment to spend the day of the funeral with him and fully participate in all of the activities of his mother’s funeral on Friday, April 10, 2026.

An Outpouring of National Support

Benoni Urey’s visit is among a series of high-profile condolences extended to Ambassador Kemayah since the passing of his mother on March 11.

Former President George Manneh Weah was among the earliest dignitaries to visit Kemayah family.

Former President George Manneh Weah was among the earliest dignitaries to visit Former Foreign Minister Kemayah and family. During his visit, Weah emphasized the enduring nature of family bonds and urged the former foreign minister to remain strong in the face of such an irreplaceable loss.

Also paying their respect were some former senior government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, prelates, executives of the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, the Vice Chair and members of the Board of Trustees of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary as well as some political leaders from across the spectrum.

Sources close to the family confirmed that some representatives of the current administration, members of the Legislature, and Liberia’s diplomatic corps have all expressed condolences, either through personal visits, verbal or written messages of condolence to former Foreign Minister Kemayah and family.

A senior official of the current Government, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the wave of sympathy as “a reflection of the esteem in which Ambassador Kemayah is held nationally and internationally.”

Circumstances Surrounding Her Passing

Family sources disclosed that Ma-Watta Kumba Soliyah Larmie passed away at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital in Monrovia on the night of this past national decoration day.

According to a source close to the family and some community members who spoke on condition of anonymity, she was hypotensive prior to the situation, but after receiving trauma and shock from her very harsh awakening from sleep in the early hours of the morning and witnessing the search of the residence of her son, Ambassador Kemayah, in Paynesville, including her place of stay in the same residence as she had gone in early June of 2025 to spend some time with her son, Ambassador Kemayah and his arrest, her health situation kept worsening up to her death asserting that “since Ma-Watta personally experienced the very traumatic search of former Foreign Minister Kemayah’s residence, including her place of stay and the arrest of her son, Ambassador Kemayah, she never recovered from the effects of the shock and trauma from the incident and  continued going downhill up to her death on this gone decoration day”, the source close to the family emphasized.

Her death has been described by family members as a great loss, not only to the Kemayah family, but also to the wider community, where she was known for her humility, strength, and dedication to family values.

According what the Kemayah Family has released,  funeral rites for the late Ma-Watta Kumba Soliyah Larmie will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 9:00a.m. prompt with the removal of the body of Ma-Watta Kumba Soliyah Larmie from the Samuel A. Stryker Funeral Home and taken to the Historic Providence Baptist Church on Ashmun Street, Monrovia, Liberia, where the Funeral Service will begin at 9:30a.m. precisely. Following the funeral service on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Historic Providence Baptist Church, the body of Ma-Watta Kumba Soliyah Larmie will immediately be taken to the Kaiser Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Brewerville, Montserrado County  on the same day, where she will be buried. Right after the burial of Ma-Watta Kumba Soliyah Larmie, loveones, friends, neighbors, community members, sympathizers, guests and well-wishers will all join the Kemayah, Larmie, Golanyon, Otis Mason, Charyoe, Karngba, Bundoedu, Kpaemalo and affiliated Families at the St. Gabriel Catholic Parish Hall in Brewerville, Montserrado County  for the Repast in honor, respect and loving memory of the Late Ma-Watta Kumba Soliyah Larmie.

As preparations intensify, the continuous flow of sympathizers underscores a message, one of unity, compassion, and shared humanity, transcending political affiliations in honor of a life remembered.

For Ambassador Kemayah, the days ahead remain heavy with grief, but also strengthened by the visible solidarity of a nation standing with him in mourning. https://frontpageafricaonline.com/obituary/liberia-benoni-urey-others-rally-around-ambassador-kemayah-and-family-after-his-mothers-death/

Liberia: Cllr. Gongloe Vows Impeachment Campaign if Boakai Fails to Probe Border Mining Allegation

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Monrovia – Liberian People’s Party political leader and former Solicitor General, Tiawan Saye Gongloe, has warned that he will launch a campaign to impeach President Joseph Boakai if the government fails to investigate allegations of illegal mining along the Liberia–Guinea border.

Speaking at the Centennial Pavilion—near the grave of former President William V. S. Tubman and the Providence Baptist Church, where Liberia’s constitution was adopted—Gongloe framed his remarks as a call for accountability and national duty.

“If President Boakai does not act, then he is complicit, and I will launch a campaign for his impeachment. I’m very serious about it,” Gongloe said.

He stressed that Liberia, still recovering from the effects of civil war, cannot afford instability fueled by corruption and greed.

“We will not allow anyone to undermine the stability of Liberia. We are still trying to rebuild our country,” he said.

Gongloe alleged that individuals within the government are exploiting natural resources in disputed border waters without Guinea’s consent—an act he described as a violation of international law.

“The cause that we have heard unofficially is that some people in this government were mining gold and diamonds in that water. It’s a violation of international law,” he said, warning that such actions could spark conflict between the two countries.

He emphasized that government should serve the people, not enrich officials.

“Government is meant for the people. It is about service—not filling pockets. It is a place to serve, not to steal,” he said.

Gongloe urged President Boakai to take decisive action, even offering to serve on a special commission to investigate the matter.

“Even if he wants to put me on a special commission, I am prepared. We must get to the bottom of this. It is a national duty,” he added.

He warned that failure to act would implicate the president.

“If he fails, then he is part of it. We will hold him accountable and launch a campaign for his impeachment. I am seeking the support of the Liberian people,” Gongloe said.

Drawing on history, Gongloe recalled President Tubman’s decision in the early years of Guinea’s independence to avoid war despite French support to reclaim disputed territory.

According to Gongloe, Tubman chose peace and African solidarity over conflict, declaring that no Liberian or Guinean blood should be shed over land disputes.

He added that Tubman further strengthened ties by offering Guinea access to the Free Port of Monrovia during a French naval blockade.

For Gongloe, this history underscores the enduring bond between Liberia and Guinea.

“I strongly believe that Guinea and Liberia will never fight,” he said, cautioning, however, that reckless actions by officials could jeopardize that peace.

“Guinea may have overreacted, but what is the cause? The cause is that some people in this government were mining gold and diamonds in that water,” he said.

Describing the alleged mining as “an act of treason,” Gongloe insisted that anyone found culpable must be held accountable.

“Anyone who violated international law and brought Liberia and Guinea close to conflict must face justice. If it is a minister, that minister should be dismissed. If it is someone in another branch of government, that person should be prosecuted,” he said.

The escalating border tension began when Guinean soldiers seized equipment belonging to BK Consultancy, a Liberian company accused of mining sand in the Makona River. The company had been contracted to carry out construction work in Lofa County.

According to reports, Guinean authorities claimed the company’s activities were illegal, asserting that the river falls within Guinea’s territory. The Government of Liberia has since suspended all mining activities in the area while pursuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute. https://frontpageafricaonline.com/politics/liberia-cllr-gongloe-vows-impeachment-campaign-if-boakai-fails-to-probe-border-mining-allegation/

Liberians React to Government’s Handling of Guinea–Liberia Border Crisis

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Following escalating tensions along the Guinea–Liberia border, the Government of Liberia has been engaging leaders within the Mano River Union, including the Presidents of Guinea, Mamady Doumbouya, and Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio.

As tensions continue to rise—particularly after reports that Guinean soldiers crossed into Liberian territory—the Liberian government has called for calm while exploring diplomatic avenues to reach an amicable resolution to the conflict.

In the wake of the government’s response, Liberians have been weighing in. FrontPage Africa spoke with several citizens to sample public opinion and also reviewed comments from prominent figures and officials expressed on social media and at public gatherings.

Leon B. Saydee West Point: “Government is doing her best through the diplomatic means to engage the issue. When the issue first started, we saw how tension was building. We learned that the soldiers from the Guinea crossed to the Liberian side. The government is using diplomatic and so diplomatic approaches don’t come to a conclusion overnight. Looking for what you want to achieve from every engagement doesn’t come over. The government is tightlipped on the real issue because this is a security matter and it has to be classified. However, people are speculating and when people speculate fear becomes the order of the day. The Liberian government is engaging through diplomacy but must come out with some factual information that will satisfy the curiosity of the ordinary people.”

Melvin Doweh, head of Progressive Liberian Working Group: “That issue at the border needs continue round table approach. It is not an issue to be politicized because for us we are calling for this country first narrative. We are all Africans and so there are issues that will come about in such a time. But we believe that government will be very mature enough to sit with their counterpart and resolve the matter. The issue of escalating the matter is not good. We need peace. We cannot go back to war.”

Euodia T. Gbatoe, Gender Activist: “In my view, the Liberian government is not handling the situation the right way. In every conflict there must be a solution. I do believe that the Liberian government is begging the Guinean government to handle things amicably, but then the Guinean government is not listening and they keep invading the land of Liberia. For allowing your neighbor to take over your border is very disappointing. If the diplomatic approach cannot hold, we will use the radical approach. It is not right to see those people on our soil and we keep quiet. If our President can go to Guinea and come back and nothing change, probably the President might be in the know of certain things and they don’t want to tell the public.”

Cyrus Gbaryee Gardnersville: “The way in which our government is handling this border issue with Guinea is very weak. Our government is showing weakness to the whole world. When Joseph Boakai was taking power, he vowed to protect and defend the territory of Liberia. But today we realize that Guinea is taking our land and the government is sitting down and doing nothing about it. So we as Liberians, it means we are weak indeed. This is the same thing that happened those days. If you go Ivory Coast, our land has been occupied by the Ivorians. Guinea has vast of our land today because during those days, our leaders were very weak. And that is the same thing Joseph Boakai is showing to the Liberian people -that Guinea is now taking our land in this dispensation. Government is being silenced. I think the government is hiding something from the citizens regarding this border issue and it’s the wrong way they are proceedings. We expect them to update us but they are not updating us. They are playing games with our lives.”

Cllr. Moriah Yeakula, lawyer and gender advocate: “I’m opposition to this gov’t. I’m not opposition to my country. Internally, I don’t support things they do but when we have to face a foreign foe, I support the gov’t & stand with my country. We can criticize later. May God lead Pres. Boakai today in the MRU talks.”

Titus B. Pakalah, rights activist: “I think the government’s response to the Guinea, Liberia border situation has been too slow and somewhat inadequate, especially considering that this involves a breach of Liberia’s territorial integrity. While it is true that the situation appears to stem from a long-standing border dispute, particularly around the Makona River where there are competing claims over land and mineral resources, that does not justify the level of delay and weak initial response we’ve seen. From the information available, Guinean soldiers crossed into Liberian territory, seized equipment, and even raised their flag. In a situation like that, the expectation is a swift and firm response led by the military, not a delayed or hesitant reaction. The fact that there were reports of late deployment and initial reliance on police raises serious concerns about preparedness and decision-making at the highest level.”

Akiah Precious: “Well! ECOWAS would have been the first choice. That’s exactly one of the reasons for joining a regional body. We cannot always wait for situation to arise before finding solutions. The most prudent approach to take is early preparation and intervention. Just thinking aloud, what if those Guinean came at midnight to plant their flag, and fully armed to defend it? Liberia needs to be on top of their game. Everything is not about rice price.”

Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe: “President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s decision to suspend mining activities in the Makona River area was commendable. But suspension alone is not enough. There must be a transparent and independent investigation into the source of this dispute. If any individual or entity violated Liberian law or international obligations, then that person or entity must be held accountable. If any government official is implicated in conduct that undermined Liberia’s sovereignty, that official should be dismissed without hesitation. Sovereignty cannot be, should not be, and must never be compromised for profit. National integrity cannot and should not be traded for minerals. At the same time, I urge our Guinean brothers and sisters to remember our shared history. Liberia and Guinea are bound together by more than geography. We are bound by sacrifice and mutual defense of independence. Disputes must be resolved through diplomacy, joint investigation, and respect for law. Liberia must defend its territorial integrity. Guinea must defend its sovereignty. But both must stand together in defense of peace. The Makona River should symbolize cooperation, not confrontation. I call upon Presidents Mamady Doumbouya and Joseph Nyumah Boakai to honor the legacies of Presidents Ahmed Sékou Touré and William V. S. Tubman, who chose peace, principle, and African solidarity over provocation.

Prescilla Abram Cooper, Representative, Montserrado County District #5: “Some of us who lived through our civil war fully understand the horrific experiences our nation endured. We know, firsthand, the pain, loss, and destruction that come when conflict takes root. Weapons of war do not discriminate. They do not recognize where you come from, who you are, your political affiliation, or your religious beliefs. They destroy everything and everyone in their path. That is why we must speak with one voice: Liberia must never return to those dark days. Let it be clearly understood; anyone, regardless of who they are, who attempts to beat the drums of war or acts in ways that are unpatriotic and against the interest of our nation, is undermining the peace we have all fought so hard to sustain. As such, we will support and recommend lawful measures to ensure accountability. Our duty now is to protect that peace, uphold unity, and place the interest of Liberia above all else.”

Thomas Gbollie, Resident of Bushrod Island: “I want to applaud the government for being diplomatic. Somebody cannot come pick fuss on you then you react. Liberia is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and so when something happens we should be able to take our time because the peace that we are enjoying right now we need to maintain the peace. Abraham B. Wpahplo, Resident of Old Road Community. “I’m somehow satisfied with how President Boakai is using the diplomatic process. By President going to Guinea to meet Guinean President, I must applaud him for that. By exercise that level of restraint. The issue at the border is military. Let them do it to put things under control because the people in Lofa are in fear every day. Richard Koon went to Lofa County to do assessment in that area but because the Guinean soldiers had armed he stood distance. He was afraid because Guinea is a military country. We need the army to go there.”

Emmanuel Pewu, resident of Clay Street: “I’m very disappointed in the President. The first thing, as a country you need to empower the army because in case of infringement, they can be able to stand up for the country. There is nowhere in the world you will be paying man us$ 200 and you expect them to be happy. The government is not telling us the truth; we don’t know the root cause to the problem.” https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberians-react-to-governments-handling-of-guinea-liberia-border-crisis/

Liberia: LDEA Seizes US$1.18M in Cash, Narcotics at Bo Waterside; Guinean National Arrested

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Monrovia — The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Liberia, Richard Nagbe Koon, has called for an urgent meeting among Speakers and Presidents of Parliament and National Assemblies of the Mano River Union (MRU) Member States.

The proposed high-level meeting is expected to take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from March 28 to 30, 2026, aimed at addressing growing concerns over recent border tensions within the sub-region.

In a communication, Speaker Koon expressed deep concern over developments that have the potential to undermine security and peaceful coexistence along the borders between Sierra Leone and Guinea, as well as between Liberia and Guinea.

He noted reports indicating that armed Guinean security personnel have crossed into and occupied portions of land on the Liberian side of the Makona River, which is historically and officially recognized as the boundary between Liberia and Guinea.

Authorities say the discovery took a dramatic turn when officers uncovered a large cache of cash — totaling US$1,187,000 — inside the same vehicle. The origin and intended use of the money remain under investigation.

Jalloh is currently in LDEA custody and undergoing further investigation as authorities prepare for possible prosecution. Meanwhile, the seized cash has been turned over to customs authorities and is being held by Officer Pauline S. Goll, who is assigned at the Bo Waterside border post.

The LDEA, operating under the Ministry of Justice, says it will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

The seizure marks one of the most significant cash interceptions at a Liberian border in recent times and raises fresh concerns about cross-border trafficking and illicit financial flows within the Mano River region. https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-ldea-seizes-us1-18m-in-cash-narcotics-at-bo-waterside-guinean-national-arrested/

Qatar PM demands immediate end to war, condemns Iranian attacks

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Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has issued an urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region, while strongly condemning Iranian attacks on Arab states. Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the ongoing war benefits no one and that those responsible for dragging the region into conflict are well known.

“We stress the importance of the immediate cessation of Iranian attacks on countries in the region,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “The war must stop immediately, and everyone knows who benefits from it and who is dragging the region into conflict.” His remarks came as the Qatari premier also condemned Iran’s attacks on Türkiye, describing Tehran’s justification of targeting US bases as “unacceptable and unjustified.”

Energy Security and Regional Stability

The Qatari prime minister warned that recent Iranian strikes have direct consequences for global energy markets, specifically pointing to an attack on the Ras Laffan gas facility. “This will have repercussions on energy supplies,” he said, underscoring Qatar’s critical role as one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas producers. Sheikh Mohammed characterized Iran’s actions as a direct threat to the security and stability of the region, calling for an immediate halt to such operations.

“We believe diplomacy is the first and final solution to conflicts,” Sheikh Mohammed emphasized, reaffirming Qatar’s longstanding commitment to mediation and dialogue as the primary tools for resolving regional disputes.

Escalating Regional Conflict

The Qatari premier’s statements come amid a rapidly intensifying crisis that began with the US-Israeli joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, which has claimed approximately 1,300 lives, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting American military assets. These attacks have caused casualties, damaged critical infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation routes across the region.

Sheikh Mohammed’s joint appearance with Fidan underscored the close coordination between Doha and Ankara in addressing the escalating crisis, with both nations advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic channels. https://en.yenisafak.com/world/qatar-pm-demands-immediate-end-to-war-condemns-iranian-attacks-3716076

Egypt’s Sisi visits UAE, Qatar, says Gulf security is extension of national security

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Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on Thursday to declare that the security of Gulf nations is an extension of Egypt’s national security, following what he described as “sinful and unjustified” Iranian attacks on the region.

The Egyptian leader conducted the two-stop tour to express Cairo’s full solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) under current regional circumstances. During the visit, Sisi emphasised Egypt’s categorical rejection of any attempts to undermine the security or assets of neighbouring Arab states.

In the United Arab Emirates, Sisi was received by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Egyptian Ambassador to the UAE, Essam Ashour. Following a private bilateral meeting, Sisi affirmed Egypt’s absolute support for the UAE’s measures to maintain its stability and the interests of its people. He specifically condemned Iranian attacks on the UAE and other Arab nations, stating that Egypt is prepared to provide all necessary forms of support to preserve the security of the Gulf.

The official spokesperson for the presidency, Mohamed el-Shenawy, noted that Sisi had conveyed a clear message to Iranian officials stating that Gulf nations are not a party to the ongoing war. Sisi described the Iranian actions as “unacceptable and unjustified,” calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic negotiations based on international law and the UN Charter.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the visit, noting it reflects the close brotherly ties between the two countries. He expressed appreciation for Egypt’s steadfast role in maintaining regional peace and stressed the importance of continued coordination to enhance security. The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations and exchanged greetings for Eid al-Fitr.

Following his stop in the UAE, Sisi travelled to Qatar, where he was met at Hamad International Airport by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Egyptian Ambassador to Qatar, Walid el-Feki.

During an expanded meeting with delegations from both nations, Sisi reiterated Egypt’s “full alignment” with Qatar and all Gulf states against the recent condemned attacks. He affirmed Egypt’s support for Qatar’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sisi briefed the Qatari leadership on Egypt’s efforts to reduce escalation, including direct communications with Iran to demand an end to attacks on sisterly nations.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed deep appreciation for Sisi’s visit and his proactive communication since the start of the current crisis. The Emir highlighted the “deeply rooted historical relations” between the two countries and stated that Qatar values consultation with Egypt to restore regional stability and reach peaceful solutions.

The leaders agreed to intensify bilateral consultations to focus on de-escalation and the restoration of regional order. Sisi concluded the tour by stating that the shared history and destiny of Egypt and the Gulf necessitate the activation of “collective Arab national security.”

The president returned to Cairo on Thursday evening following the conclusion of the talks. https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2026/03/19/egypts-sisi-visits-uae-qatar-says-gulf-security-is-extension-of-national-security/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=egypts-sisi-visits-uae-qatar-says-gulf-security-is-extension-of-national-security

Al-Sisi reviews Damietta Port upgrades, major transport projects

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Transport Kamel Al-Wazir to review plans for developing Damietta Port and other major transport projects.

According to the presidency, the meeting covered the comprehensive plan for upgrading Damietta Port, as well as progress on expanding and improving Cairo’s 116-kilometre ring road and upgrading the 6th of October Bridge to alleviate traffic congestion.

Officials also discussed expanding environmentally friendly public transport, including the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Minister al-Wazir briefed the meeting on developments in river bus services across Greater Cairo, preparations for the East Nile monorail, progress on the high-speed electric rail network, and plans for the sixth metro line.

The meeting also addressed rerouting sections of the Alexandria-Matrouh railway line as part of wider efforts to modernise Egypt’s rail network. Discussions further focused on Egypt’s strategy to develop its maritime transport sector and position the country as a regional hub for logistics and transit trade through port expansion, construction of new berths, and deepening navigation channels.

Minister Al-Wazir highlighted ongoing cooperation with African nations, including Djibouti and Tanzania, through joint transport initiatives.

Al-Sisi stressed the need to complete all transport projects on schedule and to the highest standards, particularly public transport systems, to improve services, attract investment, and enhance tourism.

He also emphasised the importance of localising transport industries and maximising the benefits of existing infrastructure to support economic growth and create employment opportunities. https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2026/03/17/al-sisi-reviews-damietta-port-upgrades-major-transport-projects/

M squared awards EGP 1bn construction contract to REDCON for Masyaf Ras El Hekma

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Egyptian real estate developer M squared has awarded a construction contract worth EGP 1bn to REDCON Construction to execute and complete 59 residential buildings at its Masyaf Ras El Hekma project on the North Coast.

The 18-month contract covers the delivery of 376 residential units, including lagoon townhouses, twin houses, and chalet buildings, as part of the project’s first development phase.

This marks the first collaboration between M squared, the real estate arm of Intro Investment Holding, and REDCON Construction, which has been appointed as a main contractor for the scheme.

The agreement comes as M squared continues to accelerate on-site progress at Masyaf Ras El Hekma, where construction momentum has picked up in recent periods. The project has already recorded early deliveries, with a portion of units handed over in 2025.

Planned as an integrated coastal destination, the development combines residential offerings with hospitality, retail, and service facilities designed to support year-round utilisation.

Karim Malash, Chairperson and CEO of M squared, said the partnership reflects the company’s strategy of working with contractors capable of delivering large-scale developments while maintaining quality standards and timelines. He added that cooperation with REDCON is expected to extend into future phases of the project.

Omar El Gamal, CEO and Managing Director of REDCON Construction, noted that the partnership enables close coordination across engineering, construction, and finishing stages, supporting efficient project execution. He added that the agreement could open the door for further collaboration in upcoming phases.

The contract primarily covers lagoon-facing residential units, which form a key component of the project’s broader product mix.

Masyaf Ras El Hekma is being developed under a comprehensive model that integrates residential, commercial, hospitality, and wellness elements, alongside supporting infrastructure and service components. The project also involves multiple partnerships across asset management, finishing, and infrastructure works as part of its phased rollout.

The agreement underscores continued construction momentum along Egypt’s North Coast, where developers are increasingly fast-tracking execution and adopting integrated development models that blend residential and service-oriented offerings. https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2026/03/17/m-squared-awards-egp-1bn-construction-contract-to-redcon-for-masyaf-ras-el-hekma/

120,000 taxpayers voluntarily join simplified tax system: Finance Minister

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Egypt’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk said that the Egyptian government is maintaining direct communication with investors to tackle tax, customs, and financial challenges through practical, actionable solutions. Speaking at the annual conference of the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises Investors, which brought together entrepreneurs from across the governorates, Kouchouk praised the open dialogue with “ambitious investors” seeking to expand and grow.

“Last year, we promised the first package of tax facilitation measures, and together we delivered on that promise,” Kouchouk said, noting that the positive results confirm that “betting on the private sector always pays off.”

He explained that 120,000 taxpayers have voluntarily joined the simplified tax system. Additional financing initiatives have also been introduced to encourage further participation in this advanced and incentivised framework. Under the programme, taxpayers voluntarily submitted around 660,000 new and amended tax returns, reported business volumes amounting to EGP 1trn, and paid approximately EGP 80bn in additional taxes.

“We are proud of this valuable trust from our partners in the tax facilitation journey,” Kouchouk added. He also noted that a second package of tax facilitation measures will be presented to the House of Representatives after Eid Al-Fitr.

The Finance Minister highlighted that the government continues efforts to stimulate economic activity, expand initiatives in industry, tourism, and exports, and reduce customs clearance times to ease costs and burdens on investor partners.

Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry, emphasised the ministry’s commitment to strengthening communication with owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), describing them as a vital link between large-scale projects and micro-enterprises, and a cornerstone of the productive economy system. He noted that sustainable industrial development requires integration and coordination across all sectors.

Hashem stressed the importance of accurate data on markets, commodities, and industrial activities. The ministry is developing mechanisms to collect and analyse economic data scientifically and systematically, linking it within an integrated knowledge framework. This will allow the private sector to utilise data for investment planning and production expansion while supporting policymakers in setting industrial priorities, identifying production gaps, and targeting investments toward high-growth sectors.

He added that the availability of a precise database on production volumes, domestic demand, and export demand will help build a clear vision for industrial development, guide investments toward sectors with the greatest need and growth potential, and boost exports.

Hashem also underlined that the ministry will focus on developing productive activities in villages and rural areas to improve household incomes, create jobs, and reduce migration to major cities. Expanding productive activities in rural regions, he said, is a key pillar of balanced economic development across governorates.

Regarding exports, Hashem explained that Egypt’s upcoming strategy will prioritise increasing the local content ratio in exported products, aiming to deepen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported inputs. Strengthening feeder industries and raising the added value of Egyptian products will enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian exports in regional and international markets.

Alaa Al-Saqti, Chairperson of the federation, noted that the current phase requires coordinated efforts between all state institutions and the business community to support the national economy and expand productive sectors, thereby increasing employment rates.

Al-Saqti praised the Finance Minister’s field-oriented approach, highlighting his ability to understand and address the challenges faced by small investors. He described this as a positive model of direct communication between government and business, and expressed hope that it could be replicated across other ministries.

He also stressed the federation’s aspiration to maintain direct and continuous engagement with the Ministry of Industry, noting that its role extends beyond highlighting challenges to actively contributing to the formulation of solutions. https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2026/03/17/120000-taxpayers-voluntarily-join-simplified-tax-system-finance-minister/

Investment Minister reviews General Motors’ $530m Egypt expansion plans

Posted on by 2026news

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid, held talks with Sharon Nishi, Chairperson and Managing Director of General Motors Egypt and Africa, to review the company’s current investments in Egypt and its future expansion plans.

The meeting, held on Tuesday and attended by Jehan Saleh, economic adviser to the Prime Minister, focused on the government’s efforts to localise the automotive industry, increase its contribution to GDP, and align with GM’s expansion strategy in the Egyptian market.

Farid highlighted the government’s broader agenda to localise industrial production, boost exports, attract foreign direct investment, and enhance the competitiveness of the automotive sector and its feeder industries. He underscored the strategic partnership with General Motors, which has maintained a long-standing presence in Egypt and produced more than one million vehicles locally.

The minister noted that GM’s operations have generated around 1,300 direct jobs and over 30,000 indirect jobs, reflecting sustained investor confidence in Egypt’s market and its ability to attract long-term industrial investments.

Discussions also reviewed the status of GM’s investments in Egypt, which exceed $530m, including approximately $50m allocated to robotic systems and advanced manufacturing technologies aimed at enhancing production efficiency.

Farid pointed out that local content levels in some vehicle models now exceed 60%, supporting the state’s strategy to deepen industrial localisation and increase reliance on domestically produced components.

He added that the ministry is working to develop a comprehensive export incentive framework to maximise the advantages of Egypt’s strategic geographic position as a regional production and export hub serving African and Middle Eastern markets. Improving the competitiveness of locally manufactured products, he stressed, remains central to expanding Egypt’s export footprint.

Farid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued coordination with General Motors, pledging full support for expanding its investments in the automotive sector and scaling up industrial exports in line with national development priorities.

For her part, Nishi described Egypt as a key pillar in the company’s long-term regional strategy, citing its strategic location and skilled workforce.

She noted that General Motors is implementing a forward-looking plan that includes launching new vehicle models aligned with evolving market dynamics, while expanding production capacity to meet domestic demand and support export growth.

Nishi also highlighted that the company recently marked 100 years of presence in the region, beginning with Egypt, underscoring the country’s central role in its regional footprint and reaffirming GM’s commitment to advancing industrial localisation and positioning Egypt as a regional hub for automotive manufacturing and exports across Africa and the Middle East. https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2026/03/17/investment-minister-reviews-general-motors-530m-egypt-expansion-plans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=investment-minister-reviews-general-motors-530m-egypt-expansion-plans