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Category: Africa

  • Cultural and sports week in Southern and Northern Eritrea showcases talent, unity

    Cultural and sports week in Southern and Northern Eritrea showcases talent, unity

    ASMARA, Eritrea (NPA) — Students across Eritrea gathered in Mendefera, Southern Region, from 1 to 3 May for a cultural and sports week themed “Students’ Cultural and Sports Festival for National Cohesion.”

    The program brought together junior and high school students from the region’s 12 sub‑zones, featuring football, basketball, volleyball, drama, painting, music, poetry, debate, innovation, and creativity competitions.

    Coordinator Mr Belay Nurhusein said the event went beyond talent discovery. “It enables students to identify their talents, exchange experiences, and reflect their national unity and harmony,” he noted.

    Mr Gebregergis Gebredingil, head of administration and finance in Mendefera sub‑zone, added that the annual festival, held in connection with Independence Day, helps students build ties with neighboring areas.

    In the Northern Red Sea Region, the students’ cultural and sports week opened on 2 May at Twalet Martyrs Cemetery in Massawa, with cultural and artistic performances. Regional Assembly chairman Mr Ibrahim Ali Sheikh lit a torch to mark the start of the event.

    Mr Mohammed Abdella, head of culture, sports and health at the Ministry of Education branch in the region, said more than 500 students are participating. “The program will have a significant contribution in inculcating national values among students and adding color to the Independence Day anniversary festivities,” he said.

    The weeklong event, running until 6 May, includes dancing, poetry, drama, songs, and educational competitions. Mr Haile Asfaha, administrator of Massawa city, urged reinforced participation, stressing the importance of students exchanging experiences and strengthening cohesion.

  • South Africa’s NSFAS placed under administration amid governance crisis

    South Africa’s NSFAS placed under administration amid governance crisis

    PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been placed under administration by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, following what he described as prolonged governance instability, legal concerns, and operational weaknesses threatening the institution’s credibility.

    Announcing the decision on Monday, May 4, 2026, Manamela said the intervention was taken under sections 17A to 17D of the NSFAS Act, 1999, after “careful consideration of the legal, governance, financial and operational circumstances” affecting the scheme.

    “NSFAS is one of the most important public institutions in our democratic project. It exists to ensure that young people from poor and working‑class backgrounds are able to access higher education and training. For many families, NSFAS is not an abstract institution — it is the difference between exclusion and opportunity, between hope and despair,” Manamela said.

    The Minister cited concerns over the legality of the NSFAS Board’s constitution, multiple resignations including that of the chairperson, and disputes over governance processes and executive appointments. He noted that attempts to stabilise the Board through interim measures had proven insufficient.

    Serious institutional challenges were also highlighted, including a disclaimer audit outcome for 2024/25, material irregularities flagged by the Auditor‑General, weaknesses in consequence management, unresolved student appeals, ICT delays, and failures in student accommodation.

    Manamela announced the appointment of Hlengani Mathebula as NSFAS Administrator. Mathebula, who brings over three decades of experience in governance, financial management, and institutional leadership, currently serves as Director and Head of the Tshwane School for Business and Society at the Tshwane University of Technology. He has previously held senior roles at the South African Reserve Bank, the South African Revenue Service, and on several boards.

    The Administrator’s mandate will focus on restoring stability, accountability, and operational continuity. Key priorities include strengthening governance and internal controls, addressing audit weaknesses, accelerating ICT reforms, stabilising student funding operations, improving accommodation oversight, resolving appeals backlogs, and preparing NSFAS for a return to stable governance.

    Manamela reassured students and institutions that operations would continue uninterrupted. “The administration is not intended to disrupt NSFAS operations. Student funding will continue, allowances will continue, appeals processes will continue, [and] universities and TVET colleges will continue engaging NSFAS operationally. The purpose of the intervention is precisely to protect continuity and restore confidence,” he said.

    He acknowledged the contributions of former and remaining Board members and reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring NSFAS fulfils its mandate. “We will continue engaging institutions, students, Parliament, National Treasury, organised stakeholders and the public as this process unfolds,” he added.

  • Amnesty International demands disclosure of missing Malian opposition figure Mountaga Tall

    Amnesty International demands disclosure of missing Malian opposition figure Mountaga Tall

    BAMAKO, Mali (NPA) — Amnesty International has called on Malian authorities to urgently disclose the whereabouts and condition of prominent lawyer and opposition politician Mountaga Tall following his reported abduction by armed men in Bamako.

    In a statement issued after Tall’s disappearance in the early hours of May 3, Amnesty International said the veteran pro-democracy figure was taken from his residence by hooded armed men travelling in unlicensed vehicles, with no official explanation provided regarding his detention or possible charges.

    Reacting to the development, Ousmane Diallo, Senior Researcher on the Sahel at Amnesty International’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    “We are alarmed by the disappearance of Mountaga Tall who was taken from his home by armed men wearing hoods. To date, no one knows if or where he is being held, and if charges have been brought against him,” Diallo said.

    The rights group urged the Malian authorities to immediately reveal Tall’s fate and whereabouts, release him if no charges exist, or ensure due legal process if he is being investigated for any offence.

    Amnesty International also accused authorities of intensifying restrictions on civic space and targeting political dissent and human rights activities in the country.

    Diallo noted that the organisation had documented what it described as a pattern of abductions allegedly carried out by operatives linked to Mali’s National Agency for State Security (ANSE), warning that such actions could amount to enforced disappearances under international law.

    “If this abduction was conducted by, or with the support or acquiescence of state agents, it amounts to an enforced disappearance and places Mountaga Tall outside the protection of the law and at high risk of torture or other ill-treatment,” the organisation stated.

    Tall, leader of the National Congress for Democratic Initiative (CNID), is regarded as one of the major figures in Mali’s democratic transition during the 1990s. In recent years, he has publicly challenged decisions by the military-led authorities, including the dissolution of political parties, while also representing detained political figures in court.

    The incident comes amid rising political and security tensions in Mali following coordinated attacks carried out on April 25 by the Islamist armed group Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), alongside the Front for the Liberation of Azawad, across six cities in the country. The attacks reportedly resulted in multiple casualties, including the death of the country’s defence minister.

    On May 1, a military court in Bamako announced that investigations into the attacks were ongoing and that several individuals, including politicians and military personnel, had already been arrested, with more arrests expected as authorities intensify security operations.

    Amnesty International urged the Malian government to uphold its international human rights obligations and ensure the protection of political freedoms and due process amid the ongoing crackdown.

  • Ghana Fire Service Chief urges public support, marks International Firefighters’ Day

    Ghana Fire Service Chief urges public support, marks International Firefighters’ Day

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, has commended firefighters across the country for their bravery, dedication, and sacrifices as Ghana marked the climax of International Firefighters’ Day 2026.

    In a statement issued on 4 May 2026, Sapong praised the valour and commitment of personnel who risk their lives daily to protect people, property, and the environment. She also paid tribute to fallen heroes who died in the line of duty, stressing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

    The Chief Fire Officer urged the public to support the Fire Service, warning that attacks on firefighters or damage to fire engines are unlawful and put lives at risk. “When firefighters are attacked, it delays emergency response and can lead to loss of lives and property. We strongly urge all persons to desist from such acts,” the statement read.

    Sapong emphasized that firefighters are partners in development and safety, calling on citizens to respect emergency responders, protect equipment, and follow basic fire safety measures. She encouraged early reporting of fires to enable quicker response and save more lives and property.

    This year’s commemoration was observed under the theme: “An attack on Firefighters and Equipment is an attack on public safety; End assaults and protect the firefighter.”

    Concluding her message, Sapong prayed for God’s blessings on firefighters and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.

  • Nigeria demands justice over deaths of citizens as xenophobic tensions rise in South Africa

    Nigeria demands justice over deaths of citizens as xenophobic tensions rise in South Africa

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has raised concerns over renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, warning that the safety of Nigerian citizens and businesses in the country must not be endangered.

    In a situation report on the protests, the minister said the Nigerian government was closely monitoring developments following recent demonstrations in parts of Pretoria and Johannesburg marked by anti-migrant rhetoric and hostility toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

    According to the report, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been briefed on the situation and expressed grave concern, calling for stronger intervention by South African security authorities to prevent escalation.

    The ministry said disturbing images circulating on mainstream and social media platforms depicting violence, xenophobic rhetoric, and targeted attacks against foreign nationals had drawn widespread international condemnation.

    However, Nigerian authorities acknowledged recent statements by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, and Police Minister Firoz Cachalia condemning extra-judicial killings, destruction of property, and anti-foreigner sentiments.

    The anti-migration protests, reportedly organised by local groups between April 27 and April 29, 2026, were largely peaceful under heavy police presence, with officers occasionally deploying teargas to prevent violence.

    The ministry said no Nigerian citizen was killed or had property destroyed during the protests. However, two Nigerian nationals were reported dead in separate incidents involving South African security personnel.

    According to the report, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25 from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth on April 20.

    Another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, reportedly died following an alleged encounter with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20.

    The Nigerian government described both incidents as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” adding that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa was monitoring investigations and demanding justice.

    The ministry also disclosed that another round of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and May 8, prompting directives from President Tinubu for close monitoring of the situation.

    Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria over the incidents and ongoing tensions.

    According to the statement, the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa remain in constant contact with local authorities to minimise risks to Nigerian citizens amid ongoing consultations with senior South African officials.

    The government further announced plans for voluntary repatriation for Nigerians willing to return home due to the rising tensions.

    Officials said about 130 Nigerians had already registered with the country’s diplomatic mission in South Africa for possible evacuation flights, with the number expected to increase as consultations continue with Nigerian community associations in the country.

    The ministry noted that Nigeria played a major role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid liberation struggle and stressed that such historical ties should not be forgotten.

    “It has become a repetitive wave, most especially prior to elections in South Africa, where anti-foreigner opposition parties leverage the situation to garner votes,” the statement said.

    Nigeria also referenced a recent memorandum of understanding signed with South Africa on early warning mechanisms aimed at protecting citizens of both countries during periods of tension and instability.

  • Search and rescue ongoing after U.S. service members go missing during African Lion 2026 exercise

    Search and rescue ongoing after U.S. service members go missing during African Lion 2026 exercise

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) —Two U.S. service members have been declared missing during the African Lion 2026 exercise near the Cap Draa Training Area close to Tan Tan, Morocco, on May 2, 2026. Search and rescue operations are currently underway following their disappearance in the course of the multinational military exercise.

    According to a statement from United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the personnel were participating in the multinational military exercise when they were reported missing, prompting an immediate coordinated response involving U.S., Moroccan, and partner forces.

    Search efforts, which began shortly after the incident, involve ground, air, and maritime assets deployed across the training area and surrounding regions. Officials said the operation remains active and ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

    “The incident remains under investigation and the search is ongoing,” AFRICOM said in a statement, adding that the focus remains on the missing personnel and their families.

    Military officials have not released additional details regarding the identities of the service members or the specific conditions under which they went missing, citing the ongoing nature of the operation.

    Authorities said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

  • Nigeria summons South African envoy over xenophobic attacks, killing of African migrants

    Nigeria summons South African envoy over xenophobic attacks, killing of African migrants

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria over recent anti-foreigner protests and alleged attacks targeting Nigerians and their businesses in the country.

    In a press release issued on Saturday, signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the envoy had been invited to a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

    According to the ministry, the meeting is aimed at formally conveying Nigeria’s “profound concern” over recent developments capable of affecting the longstanding cordial relations between both countries.

    The ministry said discussions would focus on ongoing demonstrations by various groups in South Africa, documented cases of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on businesses owned by Nigerians.

    The development comes amid growing concerns over renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, with reports and viral videos showing attacks against African migrants and foreign-owned businesses. One of the videos circulating online allegedly showed two Ethiopian shopkeepers shot dead at close range by a suspected xenophobic attacker, further fueling outrage across the continent over the deteriorating security situation for Africans living in South Africa.

    Political leaders and activists within South Africa have also condemned the violence. Julius Malema and other public figures have called for an immediate end to attacks targeting Africans and foreign nationals in the country.

    “The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa,” the statement said.

    The Federal Government, however, urged Nigerians to remain calm, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights, safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.

  • CAF announces qualifier-match dates and final for historic three-nation AFCON 2027 in East Africa

    CAF announces qualifier-match dates and final for historic three-nation AFCON 2027 in East Africa

    CAIRO, Egypt (NPA) — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced June 19, 2027, as the kick-off date for the historic TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

    CAF disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the final of the tournament will be played on July 17, 2027, while the host countries for the opening match and final will be announced later.

    The continental football body said the 2027 edition would be the first AFCON tournament to be hosted by three countries, describing it as a landmark event expected to reach more than 400 million people across the East African region.

    CAF also confirmed that the draw for the qualifiers will take place on May 19, 2026, following the completion of the preliminary round.

    A total of 48 national teams, including co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will participate in the qualification series.

    According to CAF, the teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the final tournament.

    The qualifiers will be played during three FIFA international windows.

    Matchdays one and two are scheduled for September 21 to October 6, 2026, while matchdays three and four will hold from November 9 to 17, 2026.

    The final qualification fixtures, comprising matchdays five and six, are billed for March 22 to 30, 2027.

    CAF noted that AFCON PAMOJA 2027 would mark the return of the tournament to the East African region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the competition in 1976.

    The football governing body added that the tournament would build on the success recorded by recent editions, including AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and the upcoming AFCON Morocco 2025, which it said achieved record commercial revenue, sponsorship growth and global television audiences.

    CAF said the achievements underscored the rising global competitiveness and popularity of African football.

  • Uganda begins deportation of 169 foreign nationals over immigration, cybercrime allegations

    Uganda begins deportation of 169 foreign nationals over immigration, cybercrime allegations

    KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — The National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC) has commenced the phased deportation of 169 foreign nationals arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Bukoto-Ntinda area of Kampala over alleged immigration and cybercrime-related offences.

    The deportation exercise began on Friday, May 1, 2026, according to Ugandan authorities.

    The affected foreign nationals are from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia.

    Authorities said some of the deportees were involved in illegal residency and alleged cyber-scamming activities, while others were found working in violation of Uganda’s immigration laws.

    The suspects were arrested during a coordinated intelligence operation and processed at the headquarters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs before deportation procedures commenced.

    Officials disclosed that all the deportees had paid the required fines and provided air tickets for their return to their respective countries.

    Of the 169 deportees, 141 are males while 28 are females.

    The NCIC said investigations revealed that many of the foreign nationals lacked the legal qualifications and permits required to work in Uganda.

  • Burkina Faso warns against circulation of ‘fake’ Revolutionary Manifesto copies

    Burkina Faso warns against circulation of ‘fake’ Revolutionary Manifesto copies

    OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (NPA) — The Presidency of Burkina Faso has warned against the circulation of what it described as fake and manipulated versions of the Manifesto of the Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP), threatening severe sanctions against individuals involved in its unauthorised distribution.

    In an official statement issued on May 1 by Florent Pélagie Ibrahim Guigma, Director of Communication and Public Relations at the Presidency of Burkina Faso, authorities said they observed that immediately after the official release of the manifesto, “ill-intentioned individuals” began illegally distributing physical and digital versions falsely presented as the authentic document.

    The presidency cautioned the public against relying on the dubious versions, saying their contents may have been altered, distorted or manipulated.

    According to the statement, only the official version released through the Presidency’s authorised distribution channels accurately reflects the “letter and spirit” of the RPP vision.

    Authorities disclosed that official copies of the manifesto are being distributed through designated centres across the country, including the National Archives in Ouagadougou, the headquarters of Éditions Sidwaya, regional offices in Bobo-Dioulasso and various governorates nationwide.

    The government further stressed that the document is protected by law and warned that anyone involved in fraud, counterfeiting or sabotage linked to the publication would face heavy sanctions.