Category: Africa

ATHONY, Sudan-South Sudan (NPA) — A delegation from United Nations Headquarters in New York has conducted a training programme on information integrity for personnel of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei Ghana Battalion Four (GHANBATT 4), aimed at strengthening peacekeeping operations in the disputed Abyei region.

According to a statement issued on April 30, 2026, by the Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, the training was held on Wednesday at the Battalion Headquarters in Sector South, Athony, in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan, which serves as the headquarters of Sector South for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) peacekeeping mission.

The three-member UN delegation was led by Naomi Miyashita and focused on the role of information integrity in mandate implementation, as well as its implications for the safety and security of peacekeepers operating in Abyei.

During the session, personnel were briefed on emerging trends within the UN peacekeeping environment, particularly the growing threats posed by misinformation, disinformation and hate speech within local communities.

The delegation also outlined key elements of the UN’s information integrity policy, emphasizing the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary, proactive and people-centered approach to communication in conflict and post-conflict environments.

Facilitators further equipped GHANBATT personnel with practical tools and response mechanisms for managing information-related risks and countering harmful narratives capable of undermining peacekeeping operations.

The training additionally covered core principles of strategic communication, including accuracy, impartiality, operational security and consistency, which officials said were critical to maintaining credibility and public trust during peacekeeping missions.

The session concluded with renewed emphasis on community engagement, with the UN delegation stressing that building trust and fostering open communication with local populations remain essential to improving mission effectiveness and sustaining peace in Abyei.

PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — The South African government says it is delivering on commitments made in the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA) to combat illegal immigration by strengthening border control and workplace compliance, as part of efforts to safeguard sovereignty, security, and the rule of law.

According to a statement issued on April 29 by William Baloyi, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, the government reaffirmed its determination to combat illegal immigration, illicit trade, and fraudulent activities undermining revenue collection. Measures include tighter border controls, the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and redevelopment of major land ports through strategic public‑private partnerships. Six key ports — Lebombo, Beitbridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Maseru Bridge, and Ficksburg — are slated for demolition and rebuilding to improve security and efficiency.

Government disclosed that deportations have increased by 46%, with the Border Management Authority deporting 500,000 people since April 2023. It also announced plans to hire 10,000 additional permanent labour inspectors this year to strengthen enforcement of labour laws, combat exploitation, and ensure compliance, expanding the current workforce of about 2,300 inspectors.

Officials emphasized that South Africa remains a peaceful and responsible member of the international community, guided by cooperation and mutual respect, but firmly committed to upholding the rule of law within its borders. Citizens were urged to report concerns about illegal immigration to law enforcement agencies and not to take the law into their own hands.

The government said these reforms will modernise immigration management, protect national interests, and promote economic growth while maintaining social cohesion.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged the South African government to take immediate steps to protect Nigerian citizens and other black immigrants amid rising xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

In a press statement issued on April 29, 2026, and signed by its Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the commission expressed deep concern over what it described as worsening persecution and intimidation of foreign nationals.

“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

According to the commission, reports indicate that pupils of Nigerian descent are increasingly afraid to attend school, while business owners are reluctant to open their shops due to fears of targeted attacks, looting and harassment. Community leaders have also documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the last 72 hours.

NIDCOM called on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take urgent and visible measures to safeguard all foreign nationals, in line with international law and African Union protocols on free movement and human rights.

The commission rejected what it described as the profiling and generalisation of Nigerians, stressing that criminality should not be linked to nationality.

“Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law. However, collective punishment and blanket labelling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous,” the statement said.

NIDCOM outlined key demands, including increased police presence in flashpoint communities, prompt arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement, government officials and diaspora leaders.

It also called for clear public messaging from South African authorities condemning xenophobia and discouraging stereotyping.

The commission advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night.

NIDCOM said it is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the situation.

While condemning the attacks, the commission commended the majority of South Africans who continue to coexist peacefully with other Africans, urging calm, restraint and respect for human life.

It added that Nigeria will continue diplomatic engagement with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity and rights of its citizens abroad.

BAMAKO, Mali (NPA) — The United States Embassy in Bamako has reported receiving information on possible terrorist movements within the capital, including reports of forced school closures.

The mission urged US citizens to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel.

Mali is still reeling from the April 25, 2026 terrorist attacks, in which senior military officer General Sadio Camara was killed alongside military and civilian victims during coordinated assaults across several localities.

The Malian military continues to fight on multiple fronts to restore the country’s territorial integrity.

The African Union, Ghana, Senegal, and the President of the Confederation of Sahel States, Ibrahim Traoré, issued a communiqué following the large‑scale attacks by militants linked to Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM), alongside Tuareg separatist fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).

Yesterday, Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maïga, said in a press conference that the ultimate goal of the terrorists was to seize power by dismantling the institutions of the Republic and halting the Transition process. He noted, however, that this had failed, stressing that the country remains on the path of progress.

GABORONE, Botswana (NPA) — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued a public notice warning against the unauthorised use of its name, acronym, and official logo.

In the notice, the SADC Secretariat stated that the name “Southern African Development Community,” the acronym “SADC,” and the organisation’s logo are registered and legally protected trademarks.

It stressed that any unauthorised use of these marks constitutes an infringement of its intellectual property rights and may attract legal action.

The Secretariat further clarified that operating within the Southern African region does not grant any organisation or entity the right to adopt the SADC name or use its brand identity in any form.

Members of the public, institutions, and organisations were urged to refrain from unauthorised use of the protected marks, noting that they are strictly reserved for official SADC programmes, activities, and events.

For clarification or authorisation requests, the Secretariat advised contacting its Communication and Public Relations Unit.

The mission of the sixteen‑member state organisation is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio‑economic development across its members through deeper regional integration. The organisation works to alleviate poverty, enhance the standard and quality of life of the people of Southern Africa, and support the socially disadvantaged through coordinated policies and programmes. It also focuses on maintaining peace, security, and political stability, which are regarded as essential foundations for development and cooperation in the region.

SADC’s vision is to build a common future within a regional community that ensures economic well-being, improved standards of living and quality of life, freedom, and social justice for its people. It aspires to achieve this through strong regional solidarity, efficient institutions, and shared values, creating a competitive and globally integrated Southern African region that benefits all its citizens.