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Category: Africa

  • US Embassy warns of possible terrorist movements in Bamako

    US Embassy warns of possible terrorist movements in Bamako

    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.

  • SADC warns against unauthorised use of name, logo

    SADC warns against unauthorised use of name, logo

    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.

  • Ghanaian military repels attack on civilian convoy, seven assailants killed

    Ghanaian military repels attack on civilian convoy, seven assailants killed

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting 140 civilians came under attack by unknown gunmen in Binduri on Monday, April 27, 2026.

    According to a statement issued by the Department of Public Relations at General Headquarters, Burma Camp, Accra, the convoy, which was traveling from Bawku to Bolgatanga, was shot at multiple times, resulting in the death of three civilians and leaving one other injured.

    According to a statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin of the Ghana Navy, Acting Director General, Public Relations, the military said troops successfully repelled the attack, killing seven of the assailants during the ensuing gun battle.

    “In pursuit, the military discovered and retrieved from an escapee who went to a mosque, a G3 automatic rifle, two filled magazines of 20 rounds each and 176 rounds of additional ammunition,” the statement said, adding that 10 suspects have been arrested and are assisting with ongoing investigations.

    The Armed Forces cautioned the public against interfering with military operations and urged full cooperation with security agencies.

    It also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

    Binduri is a district and town in the northeastern part of Ghana, located in the Upper East Region, close to the border with Burkina Faso. It lies near Bawku, an area that has experienced periodic security tensions.

  • Prime Minister Maïga speaks on terror attacks as Mali observes national mourning

    Prime Minister Maïga speaks on terror attacks as Mali observes national mourning

    BAMAKO, Mali (NPA) — The Prime Minister of Mali, General Abdoulaye Maïga, today held a press conference on the April 25, 2026 terrorist attacks, as the country enters the second day of a two‑day national mourning period declared by the President of the Transition. The mourning honours late General Sadio Camara alongside military and civilian victims of the coordinated assaults across several localities.

    Maïga paid tribute to the memory of the deceased, saluting both civilian and military victims, and wished the wounded a swift recovery. He said the Malian nation was plunged into grief by simultaneous terrorist attacks, stressing that such “cowardly and barbaric acts” were only possible with external sponsorship, though he did not name the sponsors.

    Outlining the terrorists’ objectives, he said:

    1. To sow fear and doubt — “we were not afraid, nor did we doubt, and we will never be afraid.”
    2. To break national cohesion — “more than ever we are united as one, and cohesion will be strengthened.”
    3. To undermine determination — “more than ever, we are determined, and collective commitment will only grow stronger.”

    Maïga said the enemy’s ultimate goal was to seize power by dismantling the institutions of the Republic and halting the Transition process, but noted that this had failed, as the country remains on the path of progress.

    He praised the armed forces for their response, describing it as an act of self‑sacrifice under the leadership of the President of the Transition, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. He said hundreds of terrorists had been neutralized and saluted the gallantry and professionalism of the men and women in uniform.

    The Prime Minister stressed that lessons must be drawn from April 25, with success factors strengthened and necessary corrections applied. He also commended the resilience of the Malian population, reaffirming their faith in the army and in the Refoundation of Mali.

    Quoting scripture, he said: “Every soul shall taste death, and to God we belong and to Him we return.” He praised General Camara for dying with weapons in hand to defend his homeland, urging that such resolve be strengthened among Malians.

  • Ghana condemns Mali Terror attack, mourns victims, issues security advisory to citizens and traders

    Ghana condemns Mali Terror attack, mourns victims, issues security advisory to citizens and traders

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ghana has expressed solidarity with Mali following deadly coordinated terrorist attacks that struck multiple military positions, including the capital, Bamako.

    In a press release issued Monday, the Government of Ghana said the April 25 attacks resulted in the death of Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, alongside several military personnel and civilians.

    The Ghanaian government conveyed its condolences to the Malian authorities and people, describing the development as a tragic escalation of insecurity in the Sahel region.

    “Violent extremism must have no place in our world, and we must step up collective efforts to end this horror,” the statement said.

    Amid the deteriorating security situation, Ghana advised its citizens residing in Mali to exercise heightened caution, limit non-essential movements, and maintain regular contact with its embassy in Bamako.

    It also directed Ghanaian traders and transport operators plying routes into Mali to suspend travel until further notice, citing ongoing efforts by Malian authorities to stabilise the situation.

    The government said it is working closely with relevant authorities in Mali and would provide updates on when trading activities can safely resume.

    Reaffirming its position, Ghana stressed that the safety and well-being of its nationals remain a top priority as it continues to monitor developments in the region.

  • AES condemns Mali terror attacks, reaffirms support as AU backs Bamako

    AES condemns Mali terror attacks, reaffirms support as AU backs Bamako

    OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (NPA) — The President of the Confederation of Sahel States, Ibrahim Traoré, has issued a communiqué following the large-scale terrorist attacks carried out across the Republic of Mali on April 25, 2026.

    The attacks were reportedly carried out by militants linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), alongside Tuareg separatist fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).

    In the statement signed on April 25, Traoré said the assaults targeted multiple locations across Malian territory and were part of a broader pattern of aggression against the Sahel bloc in its pursuit of sovereignty.

    He noted that the scale, coordination, logistics, and weaponry deployed indicated that the attacks were long planned, with the objective of inflicting heavy casualties on defence and security forces while spreading terror among civilian populations in Mali and across the Sahel.

    According to the communiqué, the persistence of such “barbaric and inhumane” attacks suggests the involvement of forces opposed to the Sahel’s liberation efforts under the AES framework.

    However, the statement said the attackers’ objectives were ultimately thwarted by the “professional, courageous and determined” response of the Malian Armed Forces, which successfully repelled the assaults.

    The AES emphasised that the attacks would not weaken the resolve of Sahelian states, stressing that the peoples of the region remain committed to living in freedom, peace, and dignity despite ongoing security challenges.

    The bloc extended condolences to families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, while expressing “full, unconditional and fraternal solidarity” with the Malian people, government, and armed forces. It also paid tribute to the troops for their role in neutralising the attackers.

    The communiqué further conveyed appreciation to partner states and allies for their support, reaffirming the confederation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in the face of security threats and continuing its pursuit of sovereignty and stability in the region.

    Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemned the attacks, warning that such violence risks exposing civilian populations to significant harm.

    He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promoting peace, security, good governance, and stability in Mali, and expressed full solidarity with the Malian people, security forces, and national authorities.

  • Russia reacts to Mali terror attacks, alleges militants trained by Western security agencies

    Russia reacts to Mali terror attacks, alleges militants trained by Western security agencies

    BAMAKO, Mali (NPA) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia has reacted to Saturday’s coordinated terrorist attacks in the Mali, alleging that some of the armed groups involved may have received training from Western security agencies.

    In a statement released on Sunday, Moscow said that on April 25, armed anti-government groups carried out a series of coordinated assaults targeting the capital, Bamako, as well as key regions including Mopti, Gao and Kidal.

    The attacks were reportedly led by militants linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), alongside Tuareg separatist fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). Russian authorities stated that approximately 250 militants attempted to storm the Bamako-Sénou International Airport and a nearby military installation.

    According to the statement, the Malian Armed Forces successfully repelled the assault and have since launched follow-up operations aimed at neutralising the attackers and restoring security in affected areas. Moscow further claimed that the militants “may have been trained by Western security agencies,” though it did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

    Russia expressed deep concern over the escalation, warning that the attacks pose a direct threat to the stability of Mali and the wider Sahel region, as  terrorist networks continue to maintain a presence across several countries, including Nigeria, where groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province remain active.

    The Russian Embassy in Mali confirmed that no Russian nationals were reported among the victims, adding that the mission is in contact with Malian authorities and closely monitoring the situation on the ground.

    The Foreign Ministry advised Russian citizens to avoid travel to Mali, citing ongoing security risks. Those currently in the country were urged to exercise heightened caution and adhere strictly to safety guidelines issued by local authorities.

    “Moscow will continue to closely monitor developments and coordinate with partners to address emerging security challenges,” the statement added.

    Saturday’s attacks highlight the deepening instability in Mali, where insurgent and separatist groups have stepped up operations despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts by national forces and international partners. The Malian government has frequently accused Western powers, particularly France, of aiding the militants by providing arms and intelligence to undermine its security apparatus. France has consistently denied these allegations, insisting it is not working with any group to destabilize the region.

  • Senegal, AU, Turkey, international community condemn Mali terrorist attacks

    Senegal, AU, Turkey, international community condemn Mali terrorist attacks

    DAKAR, Senegal(NPA) — Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has strongly condemned the coordinated terrorist attacks in the Republic of Mali carried out today by the Al-Qaeda–linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).

    Fighting erupted in Bamako, Gao, Kidal, Sévaré, and around the Kati military base near the capital, with the FLA claiming to have seized control of Kidal.

    In a statement, President Faye expressed solidarity with Mali, noting: “In the face of the ordeal and widespread killings and destruction by the terrorists, the Senegalese people, and in my own name, stand firmly with the Malian Government, the Defense and Security Forces, and the entire Malian people.” He reiterated Senegal’s commitment to work alongside Mali and other countries in the sub-region toward restoring peace and security.

    As of the time of filing this report, Malian military authorities announced that the situation had been brought under control, describing the assault as the most coordinated attack against the government in years.

    The African Union has also condemned the attacks, warning they endanger civilians and undermine regional stability.

    Turkey and other international actors also issued strong condemnations, pledging solidarity with Mali. The U.S. Embassy in Mali advised citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel.

    Mali has faced persistent insecurity since 2012, with jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS operating alongside Tuareg separatists. The country’s military junta, led by Assimi Goïta, relies heavily on Russian-backed Africa Corps mercenaries after expelling French forces and UN peacekeepers.

    Today’s attacks in Mali were carried out by JNIM (Al-Qaeda affiliate) and Tuareg separatists (FLA), striking multiple cities including Bamako and Kidal. The violence has drawn widespread condemnation across Africa and internationally, underscoring the worsening instability in the Sahel.

  • NiDCOM urges Nigerians in South Africa to stay cautious as xenophobic unrest spreads

    NiDCOM urges Nigerians in South Africa to stay cautious as xenophobic unrest spreads

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Abike Dabiri, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has urged Nigerians in South Africa to adhere strictly to the advisory issued by the Nigerian Embassy in Johannesburg. She noted that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, has been engaging her South African counterpart on the matter. Dabiri also called on the African Union (AU) to intervene in what she described as “dastardly xenophobic attacks against blacks in South Africa.”

    The advisory, dated April 24, 2026, was signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit at NiDCOM. It follows a circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL.1, April 22, 2026), which reported unrest in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal.

    NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid confrontation, refrain from unnecessary movements, monitor local media for updates, remain indoors, and stay away from business premises until April 28, 2026. The Commission stressed the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines during this period of heightened tension.

    On April 22, 2026, the Government of Ghana summoned the South African Ambassador to Accra over xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians living in South Africa. The latest wave of violence has been widely condemned across Africa and internationally, with calls for stronger measures to protect foreign nationals.

    NiDCOM emphasized that the advisory is part of ongoing efforts to protect Nigerians abroad and ensure they remain informed about developments that may affect their safety.

    The Commission also encouraged Nigerians in South Africa to stay connected to official communication channels and report any incidents promptly, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of citizens in the diaspora.

  • Kenyan Government, civil servants sign deal to boost healthcare access

    Kenyan Government, civil servants sign deal to boost healthcare access

    NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday chaired the signing of a Joint Communiqué between the government and civil servants, outlining measures to improve healthcare services for public officers under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).

    The agreement provides for the immediate removal of the tariff-locking mechanism within the Social Health Authority (SHA) system to ease access challenges at the point of care. In the interim, contracted facilities are barred from charging civil servants out-of-pocket fees, with strict tariff provisions suspended pending nationwide negotiations.

    To address urgent cases, Duale announced the creation of a Joint Rapid Response Desk comprising SHA, the State Department for Public Service, and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS). The desk will coordinate the release of civil servants detained in health facilities and review unauthorized charges to facilitate refunds.

    Nationwide tariff negotiations for private and faith-based Level 3 to Level 6 facilities will begin on April 28, 2026, and are expected to conclude within four weeks. Duale emphasized that under the revised framework, the “walk-in, walk-out” principle will apply strictly, with no co-payments permitted. Facilities breaching contractual terms will face enforcement action, including de-contracting.

    SHA will maintain and regularly update a public list of approved facilities, strengthen accountability through claims audits, fraud detection, and performance monitoring, and expand regional sensitisation forums. The POMSF manual will also be updated and published to improve accessibility and understanding.

    The meeting was attended by Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, UKCS Secretary General Lawrence Nyaguti, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara, and other senior officials.