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Category: Africa

  • JUST IN: FG Evacuates 258 Nigerians from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, NIS says

    JUST IN: FG Evacuates 258 Nigerians from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, NIS says

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 258 Nigerians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, killings, and destruction of properties targeting foreign African nationals in the country.

    The first batch of the voluntary returnees arrived in Nigeria on Thursday under the Federal Government’s emergency evacuation programme for distressed citizens abroad.

    According to officials, the evacuees, including women and children, were transported aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg and landed at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 10:23 a.m.

    The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.

    Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted immigration clearance procedures before handing the evacuees over to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for further documentation and support.

    The reception exercise was led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bernard M. Doro, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

    Also present were representatives of key government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and other relevant stakeholders.

    Government officials described the evacuation as part of ongoing efforts to protect the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens facing distress abroad.

    The Nigeria Immigration Service stated that the smooth and orderly reception process reflects the agency’s commitment to effective migration management and citizen protection.

    According to the Service, the exercise aligns with the Federal Government’s citizen-centred diplomatic policy and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Authorities also assured the returnees of continued support and reintegration assistance as they settle back into the country.

    The evacuation follows renewed xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians and other African migrants, have reportedly been subjected to violent attacks, with many killed, intimidation, and destruction of businesses and properties.

  • BREAKING: Nigeria, Ethiopia sign prisoner transfer agreement to allow convicts serve sentences at home

    BREAKING: Nigeria, Ethiopia sign prisoner transfer agreement to allow convicts serve sentences at home

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark agreement that will allow convicted citizens of both countries to be transferred home to serve the remainder of their prison sentences.

    The agreement, described by officials as a major milestone in bilateral relations, was signed on Friday during a ceremony at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced the development, saying the accord represents a significant advancement in consular cooperation and humanitarian justice between Africa’s two most populous nations.

    “Done and dusted. Here at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we signed a landmark agreement that will allow sentenced citizens of either country — Nigeria or Ethiopia — to return to their home nation to serve the remainder of their prison terms,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

    The agreement was formally endorsed by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of senior government officials from both countries.

    The Nigerian foreign minister commended officials, legal experts, and technical teams from both sides for successfully concluding the negotiations that led to the agreement.

    She described the accord as a reflection of the growing diplomatic and legal cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

    Also speaking, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, which dates back to the 1960s.

    He stressed the importance of continued dialogue, consultation, and collaboration on issues of mutual interest to further strengthen bilateral ties.

    According to Timothewos, the agreement demonstrates the commitment of both governments to justice, human dignity, and a more humane approach to custodial administration.

    The arrangement will allow eligible prisoners to complete their sentences in their home countries, closer to their families, cultural environment, and support networks.

    Officials said the initiative recognises the important role that family support, language, culture, and social connections play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.

    The agreement is also expected to improve the welfare of incarcerated citizens while promoting international cooperation in criminal justice administration.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the deal aligns with Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy approach, which places the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad at the heart of diplomatic engagements.

    “Citizen-centred diplomacy remains a key pillar of our foreign policy. The welfare and protection of our citizens abroad will continue to receive priority attention,” she said.

    The prisoner transfer agreement adds to a growing list of bilateral cooperation initiatives between Nigeria and Ethiopia, reinforcing efforts by both countries to deepen diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian relations.

  • JUST IN: Somaliland president to make historic visit to Israel amid deepening diplomatic ties

    JUST IN: Somaliland president to make historic visit to Israel amid deepening diplomatic ties

    HARGEISA, Somaliland (NPA) — Somaliland President, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, is set to embark on a historic official visit to Israel on June 14, marking a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic relationship between the State of Israel and the Republic of Somaliland.

    The visit follows an invitation extended by Israeli authorities and comes amid expanding political and diplomatic engagement between the two sides.

    According to the official itinerary, President Abdullahi will visit the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, where he will be received by the Chairman of Yad Vashem, Dani Dayan.

    During the visit, the Somaliland leader is expected to tour key memorial sites within the Holocaust museum complex and participate in a special ceremony honouring victims of the Holocaust.

    The trip is widely seen as another step in Somaliland’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships and expand its diplomatic footprint despite its continued quest for broader international recognition.

    The development comes months after Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem, a move that drew sharp criticism from several Arab and Islamic countries.

    Despite the criticism, Somaliland authorities have continued to defend the move as part of their sovereign foreign policy agenda.

    Newpost Africa reports that, in a statement during the 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s restoration of sovereignty, Presidential Spokesperson Hussein Deyr reiterated the government’s commitment to independence and international recognition.

    According to Deyr, Somaliland’s sovereignty remains a non-negotiable aspiration shared by its people.

    “Somaliland’s sovereignty is not merely a political aspiration, but a deeply held national conviction shared collectively by its people,” he said.

    The spokesperson also described recent diplomatic developments with Israel as a landmark achievement in Somaliland’s international engagement strategy.

    “This year’s commemoration also coincided with a major diplomatic milestone, as the President of the State of Israel received the credentials of Somaliland’s first Extraordinary Ambassador accredited to a recognised sovereign state; a powerful symbol of Somaliland’s expanding global engagement and irreversible march toward international recognition,” the statement said.

    The forthcoming visit is expected to further strengthen relations between Israel and Somaliland and could have wider implications for Somaliland’s ongoing campaign for international recognition as an independent state.

    Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained its own government, security institutions, and democratic processes for more than three decades, although it has yet to receive formal recognition from the international community.

  • African Union raises alarm over escalating US-Iran tensions, warns of global security risks

    African Union raises alarm over escalating US-Iran tensions, warns of global security risks

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union (AU) Commission has expressed deep concern over the renewed escalation of hostilities between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, warning that the worsening crisis could further destabilise an already fragile international security environment.

    In a communiqué issued on Wednesday, the continental body said the latest developments were unfolding despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and securing a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

    The Commission warned that any further escalation could have far-reaching consequences for international peace and security.

    “The Commission believes that these developments risk further destabilising an already fragile situation and threaten international peace and security,” the statement said.

    The AU called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, avoid provocative actions, and recommit themselves to dialogue and diplomacy.

    According to the Commission, diplomatic engagement remains the only sustainable pathway to resolving differences and preventing a broader regional conflict.

    The continental organisation also highlighted the potential economic consequences of instability in the Gulf region for African countries.

    It noted that prolonged tensions could disrupt global energy markets, trigger higher transportation and commodity costs, and place additional pressure on economies across the continent.

    “The Commission has consistently underscored that continued instability in the Gulf region carries significant implications for Africa, including disruptions to global energy markets, increased transportation and commodity costs, and adverse effects on economic growth, trade, and development across the continent,” the communiqué stated.

    The AU reiterated its support for all diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating the crisis and fostering a peaceful settlement.

    It further urged the international community to intensify efforts towards achieving a negotiated resolution in the interest of regional and global stability.

    The statement comes amid growing international concern over rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with fears that further military confrontation could have serious implications for global security, energy supplies, and economic stability.

    The African Union maintained that dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful engagement remain the most effective tools for preventing a wider conflict and preserving international peace.

  • AU Commission Chairperson meets UN Envoys on DR Congo, Great Lakes security

    AU Commission Chairperson meets UN Envoys on DR Congo, Great Lakes security

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has met with senior United Nations officials to discuss the security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the wider Great Lakes region.

    The meeting brought together Youssouf, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), James Swan, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia.

    According to a statement issued by the African Union on Tuesday, the discussions focused on ongoing developments in eastern DRC and broader regional efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and stability.

    The officials also reviewed opportunities for deeper collaboration between the African Union and the United Nations in addressing the region’s security challenges and supporting long-term development initiatives.

    The African Union said the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between both organisations in pursuit of sustainable peace, stability, security, and economic development across the Great Lakes region.

    Eastern DRC has continued to face persistent security challenges driven by the activities of armed groups, resulting in humanitarian concerns and regional instability.

  • Museveni reflects on Uganda’s past struggles, calls for economic transformation on Heroes Day

    Museveni reflects on Uganda’s past struggles, calls for economic transformation on Heroes Day

    KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reflected on the country’s turbulent past, highlighting the sacrifices made by thousands of Ugandans in the struggle for freedom and national reconstruction.

    In a message marking Uganda’s Heroes Day on Tuesday, Museveni recalled the dire state of the nation before his government came to power, describing a period marked by economic collapse, insecurity, poor governance, and the denial of democratic rights.

    The Ugandan leader said June 9 was chosen as Heroes Day to honour the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives during the country’s liberation struggle, particularly in the Luweero Triangle, one of the most affected regions during the conflict.

    According to him, the scale of the atrocities committed during the period was evident in the discovery of 32 communal graves after the war.

    “The 9th of June 1981 was chosen to represent the hundreds of thousands who were killed, especially in the Luweero Triangle. After the war, we collected skulls from 32 communal graves as a reminder of the atrocities our people endured,” Museveni said.

    Reflecting on the circumstances that led to the armed struggle, the president said Uganda faced a profound national crisis, with a collapsed economy, widespread insecurity, failing institutions, and nearly two decades without free and fair elections.

    He said the objectives of the liberation movement were to restore democracy, guarantee security, revive and diversify the economy, and rebuild the country.

    Museveni expressed appreciation to both civilian and military veterans who participated in the struggle, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the quest for freedom.

    “I thank the civilian and armed veterans who joined us in this struggle and helped achieve these goals. I also salute the families of those heroes who are no longer with us,” he stated.

    The president said that while significant progress has been made, Uganda’s next major challenge is achieving economic transformation and ensuring that every household becomes part of the money economy.

    He urged citizens to remain committed to national development and the pursuit of shared prosperity.

  • EBOLA: AU–EU leaders strengthen cooperation on health, humanitarian response

    EBOLA: AU–EU leaders strengthen cooperation on health, humanitarian response

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, today received H.E. Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, at AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    The meeting underscored the enduring strength of the AU–EU strategic partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to solidarity and a shared vision for peace, resilience, and sustainable development.

    Discussions focused on joint efforts to address health and humanitarian emergencies, including the ongoing Ebola outbreak, as well as broader peace and security challenges across the continent. The AU Chairperson emphasised the importance of strengthening Africa’s health security architecture, advancing health sovereignty, and enhancing continental capacities in vaccine production, preparedness, and response.

    He also highlighted the humanitarian implications of the situation in eastern DRC, stressing the need for ceasefire efforts, humanitarian access, and support for affected communities.

    Commissioner Lahbib reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to work closely with the AU and institutions such as the Africa CDC to bolster preparedness and support Africa‑led responses. She also underscored the importance of deepening cooperation on humanitarian diplomacy and international humanitarian law.

    The talks further touched on the impact of conflicts beyond Africa, particularly in the Middle East, and their implications for the continent. Both sides agreed to build on the outcomes of the AU–EU Summit in Luanda, anchoring their partnership in shared priorities for peace, stability, and sustainable development.

  • Mahama honours WWII heroes in Belarus, seeks stronger economic ties with Ghana

    Mahama honours WWII heroes in Belarus, seeks stronger economic ties with Ghana

    BREST, Belarus (NPA) — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has laid a wreath at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex in Belarus, paying tribute to the soldiers and civilians who resisted the Nazi invasion of 1941 during World War II.

    Mahama visited the historic site during his official trip to Belarus and was accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr Steem Jehu-Appiah, Presidential Adviser and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, officials of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of Ghana’s mission in Moscow.

    Located near the Polish border, the Brest Hero Fortress is one of Belarus’ most significant World War II memorials and among the first locations attacked by Nazi Germany on June 22, 1941, following the invasion of the then Soviet Union.

    During a guided tour of the memorial complex, the Governor of Brest, Piotr Alexsandrovich, briefed the Ghanaian leader on the historical significance of the site.

    According to the governor, the fortress remains a sacred national monument and one of Belarus’ most visited landmarks, attracting more than 120,000 visitors in 2025 alone.

    Reflecting on the visit, Mahama described it as a privilege to witness firsthand the courage and resilience displayed by the people of Belarus during one of the darkest periods in modern history.

    The Ghanaian president noted that the spirit of sacrifice and determination demonstrated by the defenders of Brest had become a defining feature of Belarus’ modern development and industrial progress.

    Providing historical context, Mahama recounted how Soviet troops and their allies mounted a fierce resistance against invading Nazi forces despite severe shortages of ammunition, food and water.

    The fortress still preserves bomb-damaged barracks, gates and a church, alongside weapons, letters and personal belongings of the defenders, serving as a lasting symbol of resistance and sacrifice.

    Following the tour, Mahama attended a luncheon hosted in his honour, where he praised the hospitality extended to him and described it as a reflection of the growing friendship between Ghana and Belarus.

    “The heroism of the people of Brest is well documented in history,” Mahama said.

    “Brest has demonstrated that it is not only about history; it is about production, development, industrialisation and culture. It is about everything that makes human life better.”

    The president expressed optimism that the visit would strengthen bilateral cooperation between both countries, particularly in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

    “I hope this visit will draw Ghana closer to Belarus, especially in the fields of agriculture, mining and manufacturing,” he said.

    Mahama also extended an invitation to Belarusian investors to explore opportunities in Ghana, expressing confidence that relations between the two nations would continue to grow.

    He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening economic partnerships and fostering long-term cooperation with Belarus across key sectors of mutual interest.

  • Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu lands in Moscow for high‑level talks

    Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu lands in Moscow for high‑level talks

    MOSCOW, Russia (NPA) — President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has arrived in Moscow for a state visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    Suluhu announced her arrival in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the trip as part of her administration’s efforts to advance Tanzania’s national interests and strengthen international partnerships.

    “Thanks be to Almighty God for His grace and blessings in the ongoing work of serving our country and its people,” the Tanzanian leader said.

    “I have arrived in Moscow, Russian Federation, where I have begun a state visit at the invitation of His Excellency President Vladimir Putin.”

    Details of the President’s planned engagements were not immediately disclosed as of the time of filing this report.

    The visit comes amid growing cooperation between Tanzania and Russia, whose diplomatic relations date back to December 1961, shortly after Tanzania gained independence.

    Over the decades, the two countries have maintained diplomatic ties through their embassies in Dar es Salaam and Moscow, while cooperating in areas such as education, technical training, security, trade and energy.

    In recent years, both countries have intensified efforts to deepen bilateral relations through high-level engagements and expanded economic cooperation.

    Discussions between the two nations have increasingly focused on defence collaboration, trade expansion, energy development and proposals to conduct bilateral transactions in national currencies.

    Analysts view the growing partnership as part of Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Africa, while Tanzania seeks to diversify its international partnerships and attract investment for national development.

    The two countries also maintain cooperation in multilateral organisations, including the United Nations, where they continue to engage on issues of mutual interest and global development.

  • Ghana, UK sign £215m growth partnership to boost investment, jobs

    Ghana, UK sign £215m growth partnership to boost investment, jobs

    LONDON, United Kingdom (NPA) — Ghana and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark Growth Partnership Agreement aimed at deepening economic cooperation, attracting investment and creating jobs over the next three years.

    Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announced the agreement on Monday following the Ghana-UK Investment Summit in London.

    According to Mahama, the partnership will serve as a strategic roadmap for cooperation between 2026 and 2028, with investment deals worth up to £215 million expected to deliver significant benefits to Ghanaian businesses and citizens.

    “I am pleased to announce that today in London, we signed a landmark UK-Ghana Growth Partnership during the Ghana-UK Investment Summit as a roadmap for 2026–2028. It aims to deliver tangible benefits for Ghanaians and businesses operating in our country,” he said.

    The president said the agreement prioritises private-sector growth, infrastructure development and skills acquisition for young people to enhance their competitiveness in the global economy.

    A major highlight of the partnership is a £101 million UK-backed investment in the Takoradi Floating Dock Project, which is expected to establish the Gulf of Guinea’s first commercial-scale ship repair and dry-docking facility.

    Mahama said the project would create up to 430 direct jobs, with 30 per cent of the positions reserved for women, while strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional maritime hub.

    The agreement also includes significant investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

    According to the president, an £85 million reforestation fund and an additional £9 million investment for forest restoration in the Oti Region will support environmental conservation efforts, create jobs and promote sustainable development.

    In the technology sector, a £6 million partnership has been earmarked to support the implementation of Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy and strengthen science.