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Category: Africa

  • Ghana Battalion 5 holds first quarter religious parade in Abyei

    Ghana Battalion 5 holds first quarter religious parade in Abyei

    ABYEI, Sudan (NPA) — The Ghana Battalion 5 (GHANBATT 5), serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), has held its First Quarter Religious Parade at the Battalion Headquarters, Anthony Camp, Sector South.

    The event, held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, was organised under the theme, “Many Gifts, One Family: Using Our Talents to Build the Battalion.”

    The theme emphasised the importance of recognising, developing and effectively utilising the diverse talents, skills and experiences of personnel to achieve the objectives of the Battalion.

    The clergy, Captain Peter Porekuu Bangfudeme Dery and Imam Lieutenant Abdul-Rahim Yamusah, urged personnel to promote unity, discipline, teamwork, mutual respect and mentorship while continuously developing their professional and personal capabilities.

    They stressed that every individual has a valuable role to play and encouraged personnel to learn from one another and use their abilities for the collective good of the Battalion.

    Addressing the gathering, the Commanding Officer (CO), Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Prince Nadom, said the theme was relevant to the responsibilities of the Battalion, noting that personnel may possess different talents and perform different tasks but remain united by one purpose and mission.

    He urged all ranks to identify, develop and effectively employ their abilities, guided by discipline, professionalism, teamwork and responsibility.

    Lt Col Nadom commended personnel for their discipline and professionalism throughout the deployment but cautioned against complacency, particularly amid tensions among communities within the mission area.

    He urged personnel to remain calm, impartial, vigilant and professional while maintaining continuous training, situational awareness, personal security and concern for the safety of their colleagues.

    The CO further called on personnel to treat all communities with fairness, dignity and respect while protecting lives and contributing to peace and stability.

    He also encouraged personnel to remain connected with their families and nurture their spiritual lives, noting that both were important sources of strength and resilience during deployment.

    Lt Col Nadom urged sub-unit commanders to create opportunities for personnel to learn, contribute and grow, while encouraging all ranks to support one another and combine their individual strengths to build a stronger, more effective and united Battalion.

  • BREAKING: Burkina Faso’s Traoré inaugurates military textile complex, amphitheatre in Bobo-Dioulasso

    BREAKING: Burkina Faso’s Traoré inaugurates military textile complex, amphitheatre in Bobo-Dioulasso

    BOBO-DIOULASSO, Burkina Faso (NPA) — The President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, on Tuesday visited Bobo-Dioulasso in the Guiriko region, where he inaugurated an industrial textile complex for the Burkina Faso Forces, named TEXFORCES-BF.

    According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the facility is a strategic and unique infrastructure in West Africa, designed to produce uniforms for the Defence and Security Forces (DSF) as well as civilians.

    The statement said the inauguration formed part of Traoré’s visit to Bobo-Dioulasso on September 8, 2026.

    The President also inaugurated a new 200-seat amphitheatre at Nazi-Boni University under the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education for All (IPEQ).

    According to the statement, the amphitheatre is equipped with modern facilities to support teaching and learning at the university.

    The statement, signed by the Communication Directorate of the Presidency of Faso, read in part:

    “The President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim TRAORÉ, visited Bobo-Dioulasso in the Guiriko region.

    “During this visit, the Head of State inaugurated the industrial textile complex of the Burkina Faso Forces, named ‘TEXFORCES-BF,’ a strategic and unique infrastructure in West Africa, designed to produce uniforms for the Defense and Security Forces (DSF) as well as for civilians.”

    It added that the President also inaugurated the new amphitheatre at Nazi-Boni University as part of the government’s education initiative.

  • Netanyahu welcomes DR Congo President Tshisekedi during official visit to Israel

    Netanyahu welcomes DR Congo President Tshisekedi during official visit to Israel

    JERUSALEM, Israel (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo during an official visit to Israel, describing the Congolese leader as a “good friend” and highlighting the relationship between the two countries.

    Netanyahu said Tshisekedi’s visit was an opportunity to strengthen ties and deepen cooperation between Israel and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    “It is a pleasure welcoming our good friend,” Netanyahu said, describing the relationship between the two countries as a “great friendship.”

    The meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between Israel and African countries.

    The Democratic Republic of Congo and Israel maintain diplomatic relations, and the visit brings the leaders together to discuss bilateral relations and areas of mutual interest.

    However, details of any specific agreements, investments or new cooperation initiatives reached during the visit were not contained in the information provided.

    The original account suggested that discussions could include sectors such as technology, agriculture, security, infrastructure, water management, health and energy. These areas should be treated as potential fields of cooperation unless either government confirms that they were formally discussed or that agreements were reached.

    Similarly, suggestions that the visit would lead to joint ventures, investment opportunities or development projects remain expectations rather than confirmed outcomes.

    Netanyahu’s public remarks confirmed his warm reception of Tshisekedi and Israel’s interest in maintaining and strengthening relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The visit also reflects continued diplomatic engagement between Israel and African nations as governments on the continent seek international partnerships in areas of economic development, technology and security.

    Tshisekedi’s visit to Israel represents a diplomatic engagement between the two countries, but the specific outcomes of the talks will depend on official announcements from the Israeli and Congolese governments.

    Further details on any agreements, memoranda of understanding or new areas of cooperation are expected to emerge through official statements following the discussions.

  • SAPS donates Braille materials to visually impaired learners in Eastern Cape

    SAPS donates Braille materials to visually impaired learners in Eastern Cape

    MAKHANDA, South Africa (NPA) — The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape, in partnership with community stakeholders, has donated Braille educational materials to visually impaired learners at the Makhanda Library for the Blind.

    The initiative, held on Monday, August 31, 2026, formed part of activities marking the conclusion of Women’s Month and was aimed at promoting inclusive education and improving access to educational resources for learners living with visual impairments.

    The programme brought together the SAPS Women’s Network, Makhanda Women for Change, the Community Policing Forum, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Masango Career School, Fort Brown Ladies, educators and the South African Library for the Blind (SALB).

    Chief Executive Officer of the South African Library for the Blind, Dr Pateka Ntshuntshe-Matshaya, welcomed the initiative, stressing that every child has the right to quality education regardless of disability.

    She encouraged the learners to believe in themselves and remain committed to pursuing their dreams.

    Representing SAPS, the Provincial Commander for the Gender-Based Violence and Victim Empowerment Programme, Colonel Mahlelehlele, emphasised the importance of partnerships in protecting children.

    She said the fight against child abuse required sustained cooperation between the police, schools, parents, communities and other stakeholders, while urging members of the public to report incidents of abuse and other crimes.

    The Makhanda Zone Commander, Colonel Pika, officially handed over the Braille educational materials, describing the initiative as an investment in the future of young people.

    He encouraged the learners to take their education seriously, develop relevant technological skills and make responsible choices, while staying away from drugs and alcohol.

    The programme also featured awareness sessions led by officers of the FCS Unit.

    Constable Gwentsana spoke to the learners about children’s rights and sexual abuse, while Warrant Officer Mathanzima addressed gender-based violence, sexual offences and human trafficking.

    The learners were also cautioned against criminal activities and encouraged to make choices that would protect their future.

    Public Relations Intern at the South African Library for the Blind, Ms Nosiphiwo Malanga, expressed appreciation to SAPS and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

    Masango Career School educator, Ms Ngagani, also welcomed the donation and highlighted the importance of giving learners opportunities to acquire practical skills and become self-reliant.

    The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms Maqubela, who urged parents and caregivers to speak out and report cases of abuse involving children.

    SAPS Eastern Cape said the initiative reflected its commitment to strengthening partnerships and building safer and more inclusive communities where children, regardless of disability, have opportunities to learn, develop and reach their full potential.

  • Kericho, Western Kenya to experience above-normal rainfall as El Niño looms

    Kericho, Western Kenya to experience above-normal rainfall as El Niño looms

    KENYA, Nairobi (Agency Report) — Kericho County and other parts of western Kenya are expected to experience above-normal rainfall from September as the country prepares for the anticipated El Niño phenomenon.

    The Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Engr. Festus Ng’eno, disclosed this during the 49th Graduation Ceremony of the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County.

    Ng’eno said the latest national climate outlook released by the Kenya Meteorological Service indicated strong signs of an El Niño event, with enhanced rainfall expected during the October-to-December rainy season and continuing into January in some parts of the country.

    He urged residents in areas expected to experience heavy rainfall to take necessary precautions against possible flooding and landslides.

    According to him, residents should avoid flooded roads, bridges and rivers, stay away from areas prone to landslides and move to safer locations where necessary.

    Ng’eno also identified climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution as major environmental challenges facing Kenya, noting that land degradation, depleted forest areas and poor farming practices continue to contribute to environmental degradation.

    He said the Presidential initiative to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 remained critical to mitigating the effects of climate change, restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening the country’s environmental resilience.

    Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Forestry, Mr. Mugambi Gitonga, said Kericho County currently has a forest cover of 23.2 per cent and called for increased efforts in tree growing to enable the county to meet its targets and contribute significantly to the national 15 billion trees programme.

    Gitonga said Kericho has an annual target of planting 16.3 million trees but has planted only 17.1 million trees since the national tree-growing initiative began in 2022.

    “Kericho is behind schedule, having planted 17.1 million trees against more than 48 million trees that should have been planted by now,” he said.

    He called on government agencies, communities, institutions and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to bridge the gap, meet the county’s annual target and support the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

    The Forestry Principal Secretary said the national tree-growing initiative would contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable energy, livelihoods, tourism and rural development while strengthening Kenya’s response to climate change.

    He also urged the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) to strengthen collaboration in research and innovation to support the successful implementation of the national tree-growing programme.

    The Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, said trained forestry professionals have a critical role to play in forest restoration, tree growing and environmental protection as Kenya works towards achieving its environmental conservation targets.

    He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to promote sustainable forest management, environmental protection and climate resilience.

    A total of 381 graduates, comprising 174 males and 207 females, were awarded certificates after successfully completing their training.

    The graduation also highlighted the increasing participation of women in forestry education, with female enrolment and graduation rising steadily since 2022.

    The ceremony was attended by the Kipkelion East Member of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Cherorot; the Principal of the Kenya Forestry College, Mr. Francis Musyimi; government officials, forestry and environmental stakeholders, college staff, parents, graduates and other invited guests.

  • NDB, South Africa sign $405m loan agreements for hospital, water projects

    NDB, South Africa sign $405m loan agreements for hospital, water projects

    PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — The New Development Bank (NDB) and the South African Government have signed two loan agreements worth a combined $405 million to support major healthcare and water infrastructure projects in Limpopo, North West and Gauteng.

    The agreements will provide funding for the Limpopo Central Hospital Project and the Magalies Bulk Water Supply Scheme as part of South Africa’s efforts to advance sustainable infrastructure development.

    In a statement issued on Friday, South Africa’s National Treasury said the New Development Bank would provide $200 million for the Limpopo Central Hospital Project, which involves the construction of a new 488-bed tertiary central hospital in Polokwane.

    The project is expected to strengthen tertiary healthcare services, expand access to quality medical care and improve health outcomes for residents of Limpopo Province.

    Limpopo currently faces growing demand for tertiary healthcare services, ageing hospital infrastructure and shortages of specialised medical facilities.

    The proposed hospital will provide modern and resilient healthcare infrastructure equipped with advanced diagnostic, treatment and information technology systems.

    It is also expected to serve as the principal referral hospital for the province while increasing capacity to provide specialised and advanced healthcare services.

    Beyond healthcare delivery, the facility will support medical education, clinical research and the training of future healthcare professionals.

    Boost for water security

    The NDB will also provide a $205 million loan for the Magalies Bulk Water Supply Scheme, aimed at improving access to reliable drinking water and supporting inclusive economic growth in the North West and Limpopo provinces.

    The project is designed to address severe water shortages affecting six local municipalities, where current water demand exceeds available supply.

    The affected municipalities are Bela-Bela, Modimolle-Mookgophong, Mogalakwena, Moretele, Moses Kotane and Rustenburg.

    According to the National Treasury, both loans have a maturity period of 10 years, including a four-year grace period, with an interest rate of daily SOFR plus 0.93508 per cent.

    The financing forms part of the South African Government’s broader efforts to strengthen public healthcare and water infrastructure while supporting long-term sustainable development.

    National Treasury expressed appreciation to the New Development Bank for its continued partnership and support for South Africa’s infrastructure development agenda.

    “The NDB’s project loans, together with financing secured from other multilateral development partners, have enabled Government to meet its 2026/27 foreign currency borrowing requirement of US$3.2 billion,” the National Treasury said.

    The agreements represent another boost for South Africa’s infrastructure programme, with the investments expected to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen water security for communities across the affected provinces.

  • Kenya becomes Africa’s largest milk producer, surpasses Egypt

    Kenya becomes Africa’s largest milk producer, surpasses Egypt

    NAIROBI, Kenya (Agency Report) — Kenya has emerged as the largest producer of milk in Africa, surpassing Egypt, following a significant increase in the country’s dairy output from 4.6 billion litres to 5.4 billion litres, the government has said.

    The Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, disclosed this while speaking at the fifth edition of the Kenya Meat Expo and Conference, held under the theme, “Accelerating Sustainable Growth: Empowering the Next Generation in the Meat Value Chain.”

    Mueke said Kenya’s livestock sector was undergoing a major transformation, with the government introducing policies and programmes aimed at commercialising livestock production and turning the sector into a major driver of economic growth.

    According to him, Kenya’s growing milk production and expanding livestock exports demonstrate the enormous economic potential of the sector.

    “Kenya has surpassed Egypt to become the largest producer of milk in Africa, with output rising from 4.6 billion litres to 5.4 billion litres,” Mueke said.

    He added that meat exports had increased by 87 per cent, rising from Sh8.9 billion to Sh16.4 billion, while dairy exports grew from Sh4.9 billion to Sh14.2 billion.

    “These are not just statistics,” Mueke said, noting that the growth represents improved livelihoods for farmers and pastoralist communities across the country.

    The government, he said, is working towards transforming Kenya’s livestock and meat sector into a Sh1 trillion industry, with its strategy built around four major areas — improved genetics, disease control, animal traceability and aggregation.

    On livestock genetics, Mueke said the National Livestock Breeding Programme and the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) had distributed more than 1.7 million doses of bull semen and maintained a strategic reserve of over 724,000 straws.

    He added that KAGRC had reduced the cost of subsidised sexed semen from Sh8,000 to Sh1,000, following a presidential directive, making improved livestock breeding more accessible to smallholder farmers.

    Kenya, he said, has also exported livestock semen to Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Rwanda, Burundi and Nigeria, positioning the country as an emerging regional hub for animal genetics.

    Mueke also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen disease control through mass vaccination campaigns.

    Since the launch of the National Mass Livestock Vaccination Campaign in January 2025, more than 18 million animals have been vaccinated against Foot and Mouth Disease and Peste des Petits Ruminants.

    The Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), he added, has produced more than 114 million doses of animal vaccines since August 2022, with annual production increasing by more than 500 per cent.

    The government is also introducing the Animal Identification and Traceability System, known as ANITRAC, to provide farm-to-fork monitoring of livestock using RFID technology.

    Mueke said the digital system would improve disease surveillance, curb illegal livestock movement and help Kenya meet traceability requirements in major export markets, including the European Union and the Middle East.

    To strengthen the participation of pastoralists in the livestock economy, the government is also promoting County Livestock Investment Companies (CLICs).

    Under the initiative, pastoralists will collectively own and operate professionally managed livestock companies, allowing them to access organised markets, financing and high-value export opportunities.

    The government has established a Sh5 billion Pastoralist Livestock Business Fund to support more than 350,000 pastoralists across 21 arid and semi-arid counties to establish and operate CLICs.

    Mueke said the first phase of the initiative is expected to improve the livelihoods of about two million household members.

    He noted that more than 330,000 pastoralist households were already insured under the DRIVE project, protecting about 2.7 million animals valued at Sh29.3 billion.

    Mueke said Kenya’s livestock transformation agenda was focused on moving pastoralists and farmers beyond traditional livestock ownership towards commercial production.

    “The challenge is not just ownership of livestock. It is how we commercialise it,” he said.

    He reaffirmed the Kenyan government’s commitment to supporting farmers and pastoralists through improved genetics, vaccination, traceability and collective marketing.

    According to the Principal Secretary, the measures are designed to build a livestock sector that is resilient, competitive and globally connected while ensuring that farmers and pastoralist communities capture greater value from the industry.

  • South African Police arrest two suspects over unlicensed firearms, ammunition

    South African Police arrest two suspects over unlicensed firearms, ammunition

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two men in separate operations for alleged possession of unlicensed firearms and illegal possession of ammunition in the Western Cape.

    In Citrusdal, a 39-year-old man was arrested after police recovered two unlicensed firearms and 149 rounds of ammunition of various calibres at Park 55 on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

    According to a statement by SAPS, officers attached to Citrusdal Police acted on information about the alleged presence of unlicensed firearms at about 1:30 a.m.

    The officers immediately proceeded to the suspect’s address and conducted a search, which led to the recovery of the firearms and ammunition.

    The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance at the Lamberts Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 31.

    Meanwhile, police officers in Philippi East also confiscated an unlicensed firearm and 16 rounds of ammunition during a stop-and-search operation at Road 35, Better Life, on Friday, August 28.

    A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with the alleged illegal possession of the firearm and ammunition.

    The second suspect is also expected to appear before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 31.

    The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by the South African Police Service to remove illegal firearms and ammunition from communities and strengthen the fight against violent crime.

  • Burkina Faso President Traoré felicitates Muslims on Maouloud, calls for unity

    Burkina Faso President Traoré felicitates Muslims on Maouloud, calls for unity

    OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (NPA) — President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has felicitated Muslim faithful across the country on the occasion of the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

    In a statement issued by the Presidency of Faso on Wednesday, Traoré urged Burkinabè to use the occasion for reflection and prayer while strengthening values of love, tolerance and brotherhood.

    The President also called for greater social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, saying unity remained an important source of strength for the country as it confronts its current challenges.

    The statement read in part: “On the occasion of the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), I extend my warmest wishes of peace and health to the entire Muslim community, to all Burkinabè, and to everyone living on the free land of Burkina Faso.

    “I hope that the remembrance of the birth of the Messenger of Islam will be for all of us a time of meditation and prayer to strengthen our intrinsic values of love, tolerance, and brotherhood.

    “In these moments of communion, I urge every Burkinabè to cultivate social cohesion and living together, for I remain convinced that our unity is our greatest strength in the face of current challenges.

    “Finally, I invite all my compatriots to turn their thoughts and prayers toward our valiant fighting forces who bravely struggle for the total recovery of our lands and the sovereignty of our country.

    “Happy Maouloud celebration to all!”

    Traoré signed the message as President of Faso and Head of State, with the Presidency of Faso issuing the statement on his behalf.

    The President’s message comes as Burkina Faso continues to face security challenges, with his administration placing emphasis on national sovereignty, social cohesion and support for the country’s security forces.

    The statement concluded with the national slogan: “The Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome.”

  • Zambia resumes vote count after violence, ballot theft

    Zambia resumes vote count after violence, ballot theft

    LUSAKA, Zambia (NPA) — The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has resumed the counting of votes from the country’s August 13 general election after temporarily suspending the process over attacks on election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers.

    The commission announced the suspension on Friday, less than 24 hours after Zambians voted to elect a president, members of Parliament and local government representatives. The counting was later restored under heightened security after authorities said the security situation had been brought under control.

    ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the commission could not compromise the safety of its personnel or the integrity of the electoral process.

    The commission reported that the violence had targeted polling staff and, in some instances, resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers. Security personnel, including riot police and army units, were subsequently deployed around vulnerable areas, including the main tallying centre in Lusaka.

    The disruption has added tension to an election widely seen as a test of Zambia’s democratic stability and the economic record of incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second term.

    Hichilema, who won the presidency in 2021, is facing opposition leader Brian Mundubile, the main challenger in the election. Mundubile has already claimed victory, despite the absence of an official declaration, and questioned the delay in releasing results.

    The ECZ has warned candidates and political parties against declaring themselves winners, stressing that the authority to officially declare the election outcome rests with the electoral commission.

    Hichilema, meanwhile, has called for patience and urged Zambians to await the official results, saying his campaign had received encouraging indications but that the commission’s figures must be respected.

    The election is being closely watched because of the political and economic challenges confronting Zambia. Hichilema’s administration has pointed to progress in debt restructuring, economic stabilisation and attracting investment, while opposition parties have focused heavily on the continued pressure faced by households over the cost of living, unemployment and economic inequality.

    Zambia’s copper industry also gives the election broader economic significance, with the country remaining one of Africa’s major copper producers and attracting substantial international interest in its mining sector.

    About 8 million registered voters participated in the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, according to election reporting. The presidential contest requires a candidate to secure more than 50 per cent of the vote to avoid a second-round election.

    The ECZ’s official election timetable provides for the receipt and verification of presidential and National Assembly results between August 15 and 17, with the declaration of results scheduled for August 17.

    The latest disruption has raised concerns among observers about the potential impact of electoral violence and the theft of sensitive materials on public confidence in the process.

    Zambia has traditionally been regarded as one of the more stable multiparty democracies in Africa, having experienced peaceful transfers of power, including Hichilema’s victory over then-President Edgar Lungu in 2021.

    The 2026 election, however, has taken place against a backdrop of heightened political tensions, with opposition groups and rights organisations raising concerns about restrictions on political activity and the treatment of dissent. The government has rejected allegations that it is undermining democratic freedoms.

    As counting continues, the ECZ faces the task of maintaining transparency and public confidence while ensuring the safety of its officials and the integrity of election materials.

    For the competing political camps, the commission’s final tally will determine whether Hichilema secures another term or Zambia enters a new political chapter under Mundubile.

    For now, the official results remain pending, with the ECZ expected to complete verification and announce the presidential outcome in accordance with its timetable.