Category: Africa

ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Government of Ghana has issued a formal travel advisory warning its citizens against non‑essential travel to South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting Africans. The advisory, released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed “great concern” over violent assaults by anti‑immigrant vigilante groups that have led to injuries, looting, and the takeover of businesses owned by foreign nationals.

According to the statement issued today, the Mahama Administration has taken diplomatic steps to address the crisis, including summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union, and initiating the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from affected areas.

The government urged Ghanaians currently in South Africa to maintain close contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular assistance and assured that it is working with South African authorities to ensure their safety.

The advisory also called on the South African government to provide adequate protection for Africans within its borders and to uphold law and order “in the spirit of genuine Pan‑Africanism and African integration.”

Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens both at home and abroad.

The recent xenophobic attacks have caused widespread destruction and tragic loss of life, leaving communities shattered and economies disrupted. Mobs identifying themselves as anti‑immigrant vigilantes have targeted foreign‑owned businesses, looted shops, and burned properties, forcing hundreds of families to flee for safety.

Reports from humanitarian agencies indicate that dozens of people have been killed and many more injured, with victims including traders, workers, and students from across the continent.

Governments across Africa, including Ghana and Nigeria, have condemned the assaults and called for urgent action to protect foreign nationals and restore peace.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the occasion of Ethiopia’s National Day, celebrated annually on May 28.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Nigeria, described the day as a significant moment commemorating Ethiopia’s proud sovereignty as Africa’s oldest independent nation and its resilience in pursuing unity and progress.

“Nigeria acknowledges Ethiopia’s pivotal contributions to the advancement of African unity, its strategic role as host of the African Union’s Headquarters, and its sustained commitment to promoting dialogue, regional peace, multilateral diplomacy, and continental integration,” the statement read.

The ministry noted that both countries share a unique bond of friendship, solidarity, and a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous continent. It emphasised that the bilateral relationship between Abuja and Addis Ababa remains robust and multifaceted, anchored in shared commitments to continental stability and economic revitalisation.

Nigeria reaffirmed its determination to deepen economic ties with Ethiopia, highlighting growing collaboration between the private sectors in both nations. It commended transformative investments by Dangote Industries in Ethiopia’s cement and fertiliser sectors and expressed optimism about finalising broader agreements to expand partnerships across other industries.

“We look forward to finalising agreements on broader collaboration and partnerships in other sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries,” the statement added.

The Federal Government also praised Ethiopia’s ongoing domestic reforms and its stabilizing role in the Horn of Africa, describing the country as a vital partner in regional peace and development. Nigeria expressed confidence that the synergy between both nations would continue to foster greater trade flows, shared prosperity, and continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

“The Federal Republic of Nigeria reaffirms its firm solidarity with Ethiopia as it implements bold domestic reforms and continues to play a stabilising role in the Horn of Africa,” the ministry stated, recognising Ethiopia’s resilience and leadership within Africa’s diplomatic and economic landscape.

“Once again, we extend our felicitations to the Government and the resilient people of Ethiopia,” said Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the statement dated Thursday, May 28, 2026, with a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia and advancing shared goals of peace, unity, and sustainable development across the continent.

ABUJA (NPA) — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has celebrated its 51st anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to unity, peace, and sustainable development across the region.

In a commemorative message themed “Build the ECOWAS of the Future, Today,” the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, urged citizens and leaders to renew their dedication to the ideals of integration, solidarity, and collective progress.

“The future we envision for our region will not emerge by chance. It must be consciously and collectively built through the positive decisions we take and the commitments we uphold today,” Touray said.

He highlighted ECOWAS’s achievements over the past five decades, including free movement across borders, regional trade expansion, implementation of a Common External Tariff, and development of critical infrastructure linking capitals and markets. The bloc has also advanced plans for a single currency, strengthened digital connectivity, and improved healthcare and humanitarian response during crises.

Touray noted that ECOWAS has played a vital role in defending democracy, observing elections, and deploying its Standby Force to safeguard peace and stability. He described these milestones as proof of the community’s resilience and shared vision for a prosperous West Africa.

“ECOWAS is better and stronger together as a Community. Our strength lies in our unity, in our shared identity, and in the spirit of solidarity that defines our Union,” he emphasised.

The ECOWAS President commended Member States for their continued leadership amid evolving political, economic, and security challenges, urging them to accelerate the implementation of regional policies that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

He also praised the people of ECOWAS as the “heartbeat” of the community, stressing that integration must translate into improved daily lives, opportunities for youth, empowerment of women, and peace across borders.

Touray extended appreciation to the staff and institutions of ECOWAS for their professionalism and commitment, noting that building the ECOWAS of the future will require greater innovation, efficiency, and collaboration.

As the region faces threats from insecurity, misinformation, economic vulnerability, and climate change, Touray called for bold, coordinated, and forward‑looking responses. He said West Africa’s youthful population and rich resources present immense potential for transformation if harnessed through good governance and accountability.

“Building the ECOWAS of the future today means investing in peace and security, strengthening regional economic integration, advancing digital transformation, and fostering a culture of accountability and good governance,” he said.

Touray urged governments, citizens, and institutions to act with determination and clarity of vision, reinforcing trust between leaders and the people. He concluded with a rallying call for unity and shared purpose: “Let us work together to build a Community that future generations will be proud to inherit!”

The message amplifies ECOWAS’s enduring role as a pillar of regional cooperation and its renewed focus on building a people‑driven, peaceful, and economically vibrant West Africa.