New Post Africa

Category: Africa

  • Mahama calls for global health financing reset amid shrinking aid and WHO funding crisis

    Mahama calls for global health financing reset amid shrinking aid and WHO funding crisis

    GENEVA, Switzerland (NPA) — John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental reset of global health financing and development cooperation, warning that growing cuts in humanitarian assistance and international aid signal the collapse of the old donor-dependent model.

    Mahama made the remarks while addressing delegates at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

    According to a statement issued by the Ghana Presidency, the Ghanaian leader said recent reductions in humanitarian assistance and Official Development Assistance (ODA) were not temporary setbacks, but clear evidence that the long-standing structure of donor dependency was no longer sustainable.

    The President stressed the need for countries to build resilient and self-sustaining health systems rather than relying heavily on external support.

    Mahama also urged world leaders to reframe healthcare financing as a strategic economic investment rather than a social burden.

    He argued that a healthy population remains critical to sustainable economic growth, national productivity, and long-term development.

    “A healthy population is central to sustainable economic growth and national development,” Mahama stated, calling on governments to prioritise healthcare spending as a core driver of progress.

    The Ghanaian President further warned of a sharp decline in global humanitarian and institutional health support, which he said could have far-reaching consequences for health systems worldwide.

    According to him, humanitarian assistance has dropped by approximately 40 per cent globally, while the World Health Organisation has been severely affected by the withdrawal of funding from the United States.

    Mahama said the funding shortfall had forced the WHO to scale down major programmes and reduce staffing levels.

    He called for renewed global solidarity and sustainable financing mechanisms to protect essential healthcare systems and preserve gains already made in global public health.

  • Ghana Armed Forces to institutionalise annual memorials honouring fallen heroes, preserving military history

    Ghana Armed Forces to institutionalise annual memorials honouring fallen heroes, preserving military history

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Ghana Armed Forces is set to institutionalise annual memorial celebrations as part of efforts to preserve military history, honour fallen personnel and strengthen institutional traditions across its services.

    Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to retired Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong on Wednesday in Accra.

    According to the Defence Chief, military memorial celebrations remain an important tradition globally, serving as a platform to commemorate historic operations, honour martyrs and preserve the institutional memory of armed forces for future generations.

    Lt. Gen. Agyapong noted that despite the Ghana Armed Forces’ involvement in several significant international missions in countries including Congo, Liberia and Rwanda, the most recognised annual military remembrance event in Ghana remains the November 11 Remembrance Day celebration dedicated to veterans of the world wars.

    He explained that while the Ghana Navy already observes a memorial week annually in September, the Armed Forces as a whole currently lacks a unified commemorative period involving all three military services.

    According to him, the proposed annual memorial celebration would help bridge the gap between past and present generations of military personnel by creating opportunities for mentorship, storytelling and the transfer of operational experience to younger officers and soldiers.

    The Defence Chief further revealed that the proposal would soon be presented to the Armed Forces Council for approval.

    He added that retired senior officers and veterans would play critical roles in shaping the structure and content of the planned memorial activities due to their vast operational knowledge and historical experience.

    Responding, Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong (Rtd) welcomed the initiative and commended the military leadership for prioritising the preservation of Ghana’s military heritage.

    The retired officer lamented that many distinguished officers and soldiers had died without properly documenting their experiences and contributions to the evolution of the Ghana Armed Forces.

    He stressed the importance of physical memorial celebrations in preserving and telling the stories of the military’s rich history, noting that the few available books on the subject have limited reach among the public and younger personnel.

    Brig. Gen. Frimpong also pledged his full support towards the successful implementation of the proposed memorial project.

  • Global broadcasters to beam CAF Champions League final

    Global broadcasters to beam CAF Champions League final

    CAIRO, Egypt (NPA) — Some of the world’s biggest broadcasters will showcase the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 Final between Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and AS FAR (Morocco) on Sunday, 17 May at 16h00 local time (14h00 GMT).

    Leading platforms, including beIN Sport, CANAL+, DAZN, SuperSport, and the UK’s Channel 4, headline the list of international broadcasters. Africa’s top channels, such as SABC, AZAM Media, and Morocco’s SNRTV Arryadia, will also carry the match. In Europe, coverage extends to Sport TV (Portugal), Megogo (Ukraine), Sport Klub (Slovenia and Croatia), and Sport TV (Czech Republic and Slovakia).

    beIN Sport will cover the MENA region, France, the United States, and the South-Pacific. CANAL+ will broadcast across 30+ Sub-Saharan African countries, while SuperSport will air the game in 36 nations. DAZN, making its CAF debut, will stream in 25 territories, including Japan, Korea, and China.

    The first leg of the final takes place at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria, with fans across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond set to witness the spectacle live. The second leg will be staged in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, 24 May (19h00 GMT), where the 2025/26 African champions will be crowned.

    CAF’s international distribution underscores the growing global appeal of African football, ensuring supporters worldwide can follow every moment of this highly anticipated showdown. Fans in Tanzania can tune in via Azam TV, viewers in South Africa on SABC Sport, and supporters in Morocco on SNRT Arryadia.

    The two clubs are competing for a record USD 6 million first prize, as CAF continues to invest in strengthening the African football ecosystem.

  • Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak as Africa CDC, U.S. step up response

    Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak as Africa CDC, U.S. step up response

    KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Uganda’s Ministry of Health on Friday confirmed an outbreak of the highly infectious Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) involving the Bundibugyo strain, following the death of a Congolese patient in intensive care on May 14. The ministry said the case was an imported infection from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where health authorities are battling a wider outbreak.

    The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) activated emergency response measures after laboratory tests in Ituri Province, DRC confirmed Ebola infections. Preliminary findings from the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa showed 13 of 20 samples tested positive, with the outbreak resulting in 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Four deaths have been confirmed among laboratory-positive cases, while additional suspected infections are under review in Bunia.

    Africa CDC convened a high-level meeting on Thursday to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness, and emergency coordination with the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and global partners. The agency emphasized the urgency of preventing further spread across the region.

    In Washington, U.S. health officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and providing technical assistance. CDC Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya told reporters that the agency is working through its country offices in both Uganda and the DRC to support response efforts. “CDC has extensive experience and expertise in responding to Ebola outbreaks, and we will absolutely mobilize there as needed,” he said.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed it learned of suspected cases on May 5 and dispatched a team to Ituri to assist investigations. Although initial field samples tested negative, subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed the outbreak.

    Ebola, which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated objects, remains one of the deadliest viral diseases. Congo’s dense tropical forests are considered a natural reservoir for the virus, which can linger in survivors and resurface years later.

    Health authorities across the region are urging vigilance, rapid reporting of suspected cases, and strict adherence to infection prevention protocols to contain the outbreak.

  • BREAKING: Nigerian-born ISIS Global Deputy Abu-Bilal al-Minuki killed in Joint US-Nigeria operation —Trump

    BREAKING: Nigerian-born ISIS Global Deputy Abu-Bilal al-Minuki killed in Joint US-Nigeria operation —Trump

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has announced the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the global second-in-command of ISIS, during a joint overnight operation carried out by United States and Nigerian forces.

    Trump disclosed the development in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying the operation was “meticulously planned” and successfully executed by American troops alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    According to the US President, the slain terrorist had been hiding in Africa while allegedly coordinating extremist operations targeting civilians across the continent and planning attacks against Americans.

    Trump stated that the elimination of al-Minuki would significantly weaken ISIS’s global operational structure and reduce the group’s influence in Africa and beyond.

    Part of Trump’s statement reads: “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing. He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation.”

    Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, was believed to be a Nigerian-born extremist from Mainok in Borno State. Security reports identified him as one of the most influential ISIS commanders operating within Africa, particularly in the Lake Chad region.

    He reportedly served as a top leader within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and oversaw operations linked to ISIS’s General Directorate of Provinces, coordinating funding, logistics and operational guidance for affiliated terror cells.

    The United States government had designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June 2023 over allegations of coordinating kidnappings, armed attacks and extortion activities across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

    Security analysts described his death as one of the most significant counterterrorism successes recorded in Africa in recent years, noting that the development could weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

  • BREAKING: Nigeria implements 30-day visa exemption for Rwandan nationals

    BREAKING: Nigeria implements 30-day visa exemption for Rwandan nationals

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the commencement of a 30-day visa exemption for citizens of Rwanda, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.

    The move reciprocates a similar gesture extended by the Rwandan government to Nigerian citizens and marks a new milestone in bilateral cooperation between both nations.

    Under the arrangement, Rwandan nationals may enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for lawful purposes including tourism, business, and official engagements.

    However, those intending to stay beyond the approved period must obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy, High Commission, or the Nigeria e-Visa platform.

    The NIS confirmed that all international entry points—airports, land borders, and seaports—have been directed to begin immediate implementation of the policy. The Service emphasised that the initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation, in line with continental integration goals.

    In a statement signed by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, the NIS reaffirmed its dedication to facilitating safe, orderly, and lawful migration consistent with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

  • Kenya airport runways remain safe and operational, KCAA assures

    Kenya airport runways remain safe and operational, KCAA assures

    NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) —The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has reaffirmed that airport runways across the country remain safe and fully operational, even as the tendering process for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) nears completion. JKIA, last rehabilitated in 2016, has faced congestion during peak hours, affecting its runway system and passenger terminals.

    Speaking at the 7th EAC Aviation Symposium in Mombasa, organised by the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), KCAA Acting Director General Nicholas Bodo said the Ministry of Transport is intensifying efforts to strengthen aviation safety and security. He explained that the expansion project will include runway upgrades, a partial parallel taxiway, and rapid exit taxiways to reduce runway occupancy time and improve efficiency.

    Bodo stressed that infrastructure, especially runways, must be maintained to proper standards to ensure passenger safety. He noted that JKIA’s current terminal was designed for 7.5 million passengers annually but now handles 8.6 million, creating capacity constraints. Plans are underway to expand the existing terminal and build a new one capable of handling 10 million passengers annually.

    The Acting DG also highlighted the shortage of aviation professionals, calling for a regional training fund to support pilots and engineers. He backed harmonisation of aviation regulations across East Africa, saying it would allow operators to function more seamlessly within the region.

    CASSOA Acting Executive Director Francis Lichuma said the agency has made progress in harmonising aviation regulations among partner states, including unified safety standards and examination systems. He explained that pilots across the region now sit for the same exams, aligning with the wider EAC vision of integration.

    KCAA Chairman Brown Ondego emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, noting that air transport remains the safest mode of travel due to strict regulation. He said harmonised legislation and technical guidance would further strengthen safety across East Africa’s airspace.

  • Presidential spokesman calls for global reassessment of Somalia, recognition of Somaliland

    Presidential spokesman calls for global reassessment of Somalia, recognition of Somaliland

    HARGEISA, Somaliland (NPA) — The Republic of Somaliland has urged the international community to reconsider its approach to Somalia, citing deepening political instability, contested legitimacy, and growing authoritarian tendencies in Mogadishu.

    In a statement issued by Hussein Deyr, Official Spokesman to the President of Somaliland, he warned that Somalia’s crisis has entered a dangerous phase marked by intimidation, institutional collapse, and expanding foreign influence. He accused Turkey of acting as a “new colonial power” in Somalia, exploiting the fragile state for strategic and economic interests.

    Deyr called on the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to impose targeted sanctions, travel restrictions, and asset freezes on Somali leaders, while reassessing existing security frameworks and partnerships. He also urged renewed United Nations-led international stewardship, recalling the transitional trusteeship period of the 1950s as a model for stabilising Somalia.

    At the same time, Somaliland pressed for international recognition of its sovereignty, describing itself as a peaceful, democratic, and stable nation whose recognition would bolster regional stability and accountability in the Horn of Africa. “Enough. Face reality and cut the cord,” the statement declared, insisting that Somaliland should not remain trapped in Somalia’s cycle of instability.

    The spokesman further noted that Somalia’s president had refused to step down despite the expiration of his term on 15 May 2026, accusing Mogadishu’s leadership of perpetuating corruption, dependency, and permanent instability. He argued that billions of dollars in international aid had failed to deliver tangible progress, instead fueling further divisions and repeated extensions of power.

    Deyr criticised Western partners for being “played” by Somalia’s political elite, while Turkey remained silent and consolidated its influence through President Hassan Sheikh. He insisted that Somaliland’s recognition would provide a credible alternative, strengthening democratic governance and long-term security in the region.

    The statement concluded with a call for a new international policy approach that acknowledges Somalia’s failures while embracing Somaliland’s stability and democratic credentials.

    Somaliland’s push for recognition carries major geopolitical consequences in the Horn of Africa, reshaping power dynamics among Turkey, Israel, the Gulf states, and Western partners. Analysts warn that recognition could stabilise Somaliland but intensify Somalia’s fragility, while also altering maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

    Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state on 26 December 2025, becoming the first UN member country to do so. This landmark decision has added weight to Somaliland’s calls for wider international recognition and reshaped debates on Somalia’s political crisis.

  • EBOLA ALERT: Africa CDC activates emergency response as DRC outbreak claims 65 lives

    EBOLA ALERT: Africa CDC activates emergency response as DRC outbreak claims 65 lives

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has activated emergency response measures following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    The agency said it was working closely with the DRC Ministry of Health, Uganda, South Sudan and other global partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread across the region.

    Africa CDC disclosed that it convened an urgent high-level meeting on Thursday to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness and emergency response coordination.

    According to preliminary laboratory findings released by the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa, 13 of 20 samples tested were positive for the Ebola virus.

    The outbreak has so far resulted in 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, mainly recorded in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones.

    Health authorities also confirmed four deaths among laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases.

    The agency added that additional suspected cases had been identified in Bunia, with laboratory confirmation still pending.

    Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissues of infected persons or animals. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

    Health experts advise the public to avoid physical contact with infected persons, maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid handling dead bodies without protective equipment and promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities for early treatment and containment.

    Africa CDC said it continued to support national authorities and partners in enhancing coordination, risk communication, case management and regional preparedness efforts.

    The public health body reaffirmed its commitment to working with affected countries and international partners to contain the outbreak and reduce the risk of wider transmission across the region.

  • AU-UN Conference: Guterres urges reforms, climate action, and stronger partnership with Africa

    AU-UN Conference: Guterres urges reforms, climate action, and stronger partnership with Africa

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for stronger AU-UN partnership, financial reforms, and climate action at 10th AU-UN Conference

    The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the strength of the African Union–United Nations partnership, describing the AU as “the flagship for multilateralism in Africa” and “a collective voice of justice for the developing world.” Speaking at his final AU-UN Conference in Addis Ababa on 13 May 2026, Guterres outlined progress and future priorities across four key areas: partnership, sustainable development financing, climate change, and peace.

    Guterres announced the signing of a new declaration with AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, aimed at institutionalising coordination mechanisms and reinforcing frameworks on peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights. He emphasized Africa’s imprint in the Pact for the Future (2024), which called for reforms to the UN Security Council to redress Africa’s exclusion from permanent representation — a “historical injustice” he said must be corrected.

    On financing, Guterres highlighted Africa’s vast potential — from the African Continental Free Trade Area to its young population and green energy sector — but warned that progress on Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda is lagging due to debt burdens and inequitable borrowing costs. He urged reforms to the global financial architecture, citing the Sevilla Commitment and supporting initiatives such as the African Credit Rating Agency and the creation of a New African Financial Architecture for Development.

    Turning to climate change, Guterres warned that a temporary overshoot of the 1.5°C limit is inevitable but reversible. He stressed Africa’s potential to lead the renewable energy revolution, noting that by 2040 the continent could generate ten times its electricity needs entirely from renewables. Yet Africa currently receives only two per cent of global clean energy investment. He called for tripling adaptation finance, scaling up contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, and supporting African countries in diversifying economies through local manufacturing and processing of critical minerals.

    On peace and security, Guterres reiterated support for the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative and welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which provides predictable funding for AU-led peace operations. He expressed disappointment that the resolution was not applied in Somalia, where it is most needed. He also addressed conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sahel, and Libya, urging ceasefires, dialogue, and AU-led mediation.

    Responding to questions, Guterres condemned foreign interference in African conflicts, particularly the supply of weapons and drones, calling it “intolerable.” He stressed the urgency of reforms to international institutions, noting that Africa’s underrepresentation undermines legitimacy and effectiveness.

    Concluding, Guterres described Africa as “a continent of immense richness and promise,” pledging continued solidarity and support for African-led solutions to global challenges.