Sudan opposition forces have postponed the announcement of the formation of a parallel government in  Nairobi, again.

This was after supporters assembled at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre(KICC) in Kenya’s capital. 

Speaking at the event on Tuesday afternoon, Rapid Support Forces(RSF) deputy leader Major Gen Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo announced that they will form a new peace government in the next four days.

RSF leader Mohamed Dagalo popularly known as "Hemedti" was not present. 

Sudan People Liberation Movement leader Ablihaziz E Hailo emphasised the importance of the event in Sudan’s history

"We create problems for ourselves, and we can solve them on our own. But this function today is unique in the sense that in the past, it was hosted by mediators but this is now for Sudanese themselves and we thank the Kenyan government for allowing this process to get the solution for the current issue", said Hailo. 

RSF claims the Sudan government headed by military commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has conducted injustices including; changing the currency, poor infrastructure, civilian deaths, and displacement. 

The paramilitary now vows that the new government they intend to form will be constituted by civilians who have suffered the atrocities.

Initially, the meeting held today was scheduled for Monday but was postponed. 

The meeting comes after Sudan's Foreign Minister Ali al-Sadiq visited the country in January convinced that Kenya had revised its position on the Sudanese conflict.

"Nairobi has reconsidered its position towards Sudan based on the new developments in the war, the idea of the RSF taking power in the country is over," al-Sadiq said. By James Wanzala, The Standard

"AlHuda CIBE Highlights Sukuk’s Transformative Role in Bridging Financial Gaps and Promoting Financial Inclusion"

The global Sukuk market continues to expand as demand for Shariah-compliant financial instruments remains strong, supported by increasing financing needs in key Islamic finance markets and the rising adoption of sustainable Sukuk. As an ethical and innovative alternative to conventional bonds, Sukuk allows investors to earn returns without interest (Riba) or excessive uncertainty (Gharar), attracting both Muslim and non-Muslim investors. This market has established itself as a fundamental financing tool for infrastructure development, sovereign funding, and corporate investments.

Global demand for Sukuk continues to rise, driven by key markets across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. In 2023, the market expanded from $904.5 billion and projected to reach $2,160.55 billion by 2028, backed by sustainable financing initiatives, government-driven economic transformations, and the rise of digital issuance and green Sukuk.

Global Sukuk issuance is expected to reach between $190 billion and $200 billion in 2025, following a total issuance of $193.4 billion in 2024. Although this marks a slight decline from $197.8 billion in 2023, foreign currency-denominated Sukuk saw a significant 29% increase, reaching $72.7 billion by the end of 2024.

This growth was primarily driven by issuers in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with foreign currency-denominated issuance expected to remain strong in 2025. Many issuers sought to capitalize on improving global liquidity conditions as central banks began easing monetary policies, while ongoing economic diversification programs in core Islamic finance countries fueled the need for additional funding.

Sustainable Sukuk has also become an important segment of the market, with total issuance reaching $11.9 billion in 2024, compared to $11.4 billion in 2023. While green Sukuk issuance saw a slight slowdown, sustainability-focused Sukuk, particularly those with social and environmental benefits, remained the dominant category.

Saudi Arabia led the issuance of sustainable Sukuk, accounting for 38% of total issuance, followed by Indonesia and the UAE. The issuance volume for 2025 is expected to range between $10 billion and $12 billion, depending on the pace of regulatory action and the commitment of core Islamic finance countries to implementing net-zero policies.

On the other hand, local currency-denominated Sukuk issuance declined by 14.6% in 2024, with noticeable drops in Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Indonesia. Malaysia saw the largest decrease, as government issuance was reduced due to a smaller fiscal deficit and tighter liquidity conditions within the Islamic banking sector. In contrast, Saudi Arabia's local currency Sukuk market showed resilience, with jumbo issuances and the introduction of retail Sukuk contributing to increased activity.

Despite its strong performance, the Sukuk market faces potential regulatory challenges that could reshape its structure. The Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) is currently reviewing Shariah Standard 62, which, if implemented, may require a shift from traditional contractual obligations of Sukuk sponsors to structures where underlying assets play a more central role. This could introduce new legal complexities, increase costs, and expose investors to additional risks. While the adoption of this standard is unlikely before 2026, industry participants are closely monitoring developments to assess its impact on future Sukuk issuances.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the sector, Mr. Zubair Mughal, CEO of AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE), noted, "The Sukuk market is poised to shape the future of ethical finance, offering robust, Shariah-compliant solutions for global infrastructure and development needs. Sukuk role in development financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth aligns perfectly with the core values of Islamic finance.”, he also mentioned that Sukuk consist around 25% of Global Islamic Finance Assets.

AlHuda CIBE is actively contributing to the growth of the Sukuk sector, providing end-to-end consultancy and Shariah advisory services to financial institutions worldwide. These services cover structuring and digital transformation, helping issuers meet market demands while enhancing transparency and compliance. As the Sukuk market enters a new era of innovation and regulatory refinement, it is positioned to play a pivotal role in global finance, offering investors a unique and socially responsible avenue for growth.

AlHuda Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) is a well-recognized name in Islamic banking and finance industry for research and provides state-of-the-art Advisory Consultancy and Education through various well-recognized modes viz. Islamic Financial Product Development, Shariah Advisory, Training Workshops, and Islamic Microfinance and Takaful Consultancies etc. side by side through our distinguished, generally acceptable and known Publications in Islamic Banking and Finance.

We are dedicated to serving the community as a unique institution, advisory and capacity building for the last twelve years. The prime goal has always been to remain stick to the commitments providing Services not only in UAE/Pakistan but all over the world. We have so far served in more than 100 Countries for the development of Islamic Banking and Finance industry. For further Details about AlHuda CIBE, please visit: www.alhudacibe.com.

Those providing arms, carrying out arms transfers need to be reminded that they have obligation to ensure that such arms are not used in violations of international humanitarian law, spokesperson says

The bishops in Africa have asked the community in the continent to unite in a triduum of prayer and fasting, from March 3-5 2025, for God’s intervention to end the ongoing conflicts in parts of Africa and for comfort to the afflicted.

Amidst the rising violence and instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), African bishops have called on Christians in the continent and its islands and all people of goodwill to engage in prayer and fasting for peace. The appeal came as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo.

In a statement by the Standing Committee of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), after their first annual ordinary meeting in Accra, Ghana, the bishops condemn the ongoing bloodshed being experienced because of Africa’s rich resources. They emphasize the power of faith and solidarity in bringing hope to those affected by the conflict.

“We know that Africa's rich mineral deposits, truly a potential source of prosperity, have instead continued to be a source of conflict. The desire to control and appropriate these resources motivates powerful nations and multinational corporations to fund armed factions in some African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, etc, thereby perpetuating, violence, displacement and instability,” the bishops say in a statement released Friday 14, and signed by the SECAM president Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu.

Call to prayer

A call to prayer serves as a reminder of our need for divine guidance, unity, and strength. “We urge all believers to dedicate time for prayer, asking the Lord to bring an end to the war, to comfort the afflicted, and to guide our leaders toward justice and reconciliation,” Cardinal Ambongo said on behalf of the bishops. They invite every diocese, parish, and religious community in Africa to unite in a triduum of prayer and fasting, each according to their local customs and facilities, from March 3rd to 5th, 2025.

“Let us lift up our voices to God in unity, trusting that He hears the cries of His people even as we all work fervently for peace…May the Lord grant peace to Eastern Congo and all other lands all regions suffering from conflict,” the bishops appeal.

You are not forgotten

Faith leaders continue to stand in solidarity with those affected in various parts of the continent and they remind victims that their suffering is seen, their voices matter, and hope is not lost. Even in the darkest times, acts of compassion, prayer, fasting and international support serve as beacons of resilience, which affirms that no one is alone in the struggle for peace and dignity.

“We acknowledge the immense suffering that many of our brothers and sisters are enduring due to conflicts, violence, massacres and instability in various parts of our continent. To all who are bereaved and suffering, we say: “You are not forgotten”. The Church has not abandoned you. We stand with you, pray for you, and continue to call for justice, peace, and reconciliation,” they said.

While addressing those who persist in the scramble for the resources of Africa, Church leaders reference the message of Pope Francis in his speech of January 2023 in Kinshasa, DRC, and reaffirm “Hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo! Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa, it is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered.”

A Journey of hope in troubled times

The sacred journey as pilgrims of hope during this Jubilee Year is a call for the people of God to trust in his promises, and be the light for others. It is a time to walk together in the spirit of synod on synodality, carrying the burdens of the weary, uplifting the broken, and believing that amid trials, God’s grace continues to shine and lead us toward renewal and unity.

The bishops emphasize being instruments of peace and for the people of God to “choose dialogue over division, love over hatred, and hope over despair.”

In their statement they add “No one can stand alone; we are one body in Christ. As shepherds of the Church in Africa, we commit to strengthening the structures of communion and ensuring that the Church remains a voice of truth, justice, and hope in our society.” By Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA, Vacitan News