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Category: Africa

  • U.S. urges citizens to leave Nigeria amid rising security risks

    U.S. urges citizens to leave Nigeria amid rising security risks

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — The United States has authorised the departure of non‑emergency staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, warning of a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

    The Department of State cited widespread violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and roadside banditry. It noted that kidnappings for ransom are common, often targeting dual nationals and Americans perceived as wealthy.

    The advisory also highlighted the risk of terrorist attacks, warning that militants continue to plot assaults in Nigeria, sometimes in collaboration with local gangs. Potential targets include shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, schools, government buildings, and transport hubs.

    Civil unrest and armed gangs remain active in southern regions, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast, where kidnappings and assaults on security forces are frequent. Violence between farming and herding communities in rural areas has also contributed to instability.

    The State Department further cautioned that healthcare in Nigeria is unreliable, with hospitals often requiring immediate cash payments and lacking adequate equipment, medicines, and emergency services. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient medication, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and secure medical evacuation insurance.

    Americans are strongly urged not to travel to several states, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, northern Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (except Port Harcourt), due to terrorism, crime, and unrest.

    The advisory recommends U.S. citizens in Nigeria enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain a low profile, avoid demonstrations, and prepare evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

  • From Legon to the moon: President Mahama celebrates Christina Koch’s historic Artemis II Mission

    From Legon to the moon: President Mahama celebrates Christina Koch’s historic Artemis II Mission

    ACCRA, Ghana, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has hailed Christina Koch, the only woman on the historic Artemis II mission to the Moon, who once studied as an exchange student at the University of Ghana during the 1999/2000 academic year.

    In a statement titled “From the Lecture Halls of Legon to the Moon: Celebrating Christina Koch”, President Mahama joined the University of Ghana and the nation in celebrating NASA astronaut Christina Koch’s groundbreaking role in the mission.

    Mahama recalled Koch’s time at Legon as more than a brief visit, noting that she immersed herself in Ghanaian culture and heritage. By studying subjects such as the History of Ghana, the History of Africa, Rural Sociology, Music, and even Twi for Beginners, she built what he described as “a foundation of global citizenship right here in Accra.”

    He praised her symbolic gesture of hoisting the Ghanaian flag in outer space, calling it “a deeply touching moment for every Ghanaian” and a reminder that “no matter how far one travels, even into the vastness of space, the friendships made and the lessons learned stay with you.”

    “Christina’s journey from the classrooms of the University of Ghana to the frontiers of space exploration serves as a powerful inspiration to every young Ghanaian,” Mahama said. “It reminds us that our educational institutions continue to produce and shape global leaders who break barriers and reach for the stars.”

    The President wished the entire Artemis II crew godspeed on their return journey to Earth, expressing hope that their success would inspire generations across Ghana, Africa, and the world to believe that “there is no height that is insurmountable.”

    “Ghana is proud of you!” he concluded.

  • ‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Atiku accuses INEC of partisanship, labels Tinubu-led APC tyrannical

    ‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Atiku accuses INEC of partisanship, labels Tinubu-led APC tyrannical

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — Former Vice President and presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar has accused Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of partisanship following its decision to deregister the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Atiku, who joined other prominent ADC leaders in a protest in Abuja today, alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) influenced INEC’s action, describing it as partisan and aimed at undermining the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Atiku warned that any attempt to weaken democracy would be resisted: “INEC and the APC must understand that any effort to undermine democracy in this country will not succeed. It will be resisted and challenged to the best of our abilities. I also hope that the international community is paying attention to the threat to Nigeria, its democracy, and the opposition. Nigeria shall be reclaimed. Nigeria shall be rebuilt. Nigeria shall arise and shine through our collective and united efforts.”

    Other notable figures at the protest included Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State; Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State; David Mark, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman before INEC’s derecognition; Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and ADC National Secretary before INEC’s decision; and Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, among others.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Peter Obi, another ADC stalwart, described the protest as not only a defence of democracy but also a reflection on how far the nation has fallen. He urged Nigerians to resist attempts to suffocate democratic freedoms by those who once claimed to have defended them but now seek to silence opposition.

  • ‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Obi insists people’s will must prevail

    ‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Obi insists people’s will must prevail

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — Peter Obi, a presidential aspirant and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has cautioned that history will not be kind to those who traded the struggle for democracy for the comfort of power.

    Speaking after joining ADC leaders in a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, Obi declared: “We will not remain silent, we will not be intimidated, and we will not surrender the future of this nation. The will of the people must prevail—stronger, louder, and impossible to suppress.”

    The demonstration was organised to demand that INEC reverse its decision to deregister the ADC, citing ongoing court proceedings.

    Other prominent figures at the protest included Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria; Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State; Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State; David Mark, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman before INEC’s derecognition; Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and ADC National Secretary before INEC’s decision; and Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, among others.

    In his statement titled “Standing Up for Democracy”, Obi described the protest as not only a defence of democracy but also a reflection on how far the nation has fallen. He urged Nigerians to resist attempts to suffocate democratic freedoms by those who once claimed to have sacrificed for them but now seek to undermine opposition.

  • South Africa strengthens HIV prevention with Lenacapavir

    South Africa strengthens HIV prevention with Lenacapavir

    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — The South African Government has received its first consignment of 37,920 doses of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable that offers up to six months of protection against HIV with just two injections per year.

    This milestone marks a significant advance in the country’s HIV response, expanding prevention options particularly for adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to accelerate efforts to reduce new HIV infections and support South Africa’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    Lenacapavir is not a vaccine but a long-acting HIV prevention medicine. Administered twice yearly, it provides continuous protection and offers a convenient alternative for individuals who face challenges with existing prevention methods.

    The Government emphasised that the rollout of Lenacapavir strengthens its integrated, people-centred approach to HIV prevention. The six-monthly injectable is expected to improve adherence and expand choices for high-risk populations.

    An official launch will be announced in the coming weeks, including details of a phased implementation plan to ensure effective and equitable distribution across the country.

  • Obi questions credibility of ₦3.3 trillion power debt payment

    Obi questions credibility of ₦3.3 trillion power debt payment

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 7 April 2026 (NPA) — A senior figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a presidential aspirant, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s latest approval of ₦3.3 trillion to settle accumulated power sector debts.

    In a statement today, titled “Let us reflect, sincerely and without sentiment”, Obi noted that this is not the first such announcement. He recalled that on 17 May 2024, ₦3.3 trillion was approved for the same purpose, followed by another ₦4 trillion bond on 25 July 2024. Several other approvals have been made in between, all ostensibly aimed at addressing the same liabilities.

    “This raises a fundamental question: were the previous approvals mere announcements without execution?” Obi asked.

    During the 2023 campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged that if he failed to deliver stable electricity, Nigerians should not re-elect him. Yet, power supply has deteriorated further, with reports even suggesting that the Presidential Villa may be disconnected from the national grid.

    Obi argued that repeated approvals appear more like policy pronouncements than genuine progress. He stressed that the debts were largely accumulated under successive APC administrations between 2015 and 2025, raising serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and financial management.

    He pointed out that government institutions, including the Presidential Villa, owe a significant portion of these debts. “Year after year, budgets were made and funds appropriated. Why then were these obligations not settled when due? And from what source will this new payment be made? Are we resorting once more to borrowing to service inefficiencies?”

    Key questions, Obi said, remain unanswered:

    • How did the debt accrue?
    • What is the actual total debt in the power sector?
    • Which components are due to operators’ inefficiency and should be borne by them?
    • Why have previous approvals not translated into tangible improvements?
    • Who are the real beneficiaries of these repeated payments?

    Obi concluded: “Nigeria must move beyond recycled announcements and confront the power sector crisis with sincerity, transparency, and decisive reforms. Until we do so, we will remain trapped in a cycle of debt and darkness. But with discipline, accountability, and the right leadership, a new Nigeria is still possible.”

  • UN marks 32nd anniversary of Rwanda Genocide amid rising ethnic hatred across Africa

    UN marks 32nd anniversary of Rwanda Genocide amid rising ethnic hatred across Africa

    INTERNATIONAL, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — Today, the world observes the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This solemn occasion marks 32 years since one of the darkest chapters in human history, when more than one million people — overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the killings — were systematically murdered in less than three months.

    The United Nations commemorates this day with events at its Headquarters in New York and offices worldwide, honouring the victims and reflecting on the resilience of survivors.

    At the 31st anniversary commemoration in 2025, Ms Germaine Tuyisenge Müller shared her harrowing story of survival. At just nine years old, she was left alone for two months after neighbours abandoned her during the genocide. Her testimony underscores the enduring trauma and strength of survivors.

    In September 2024, the Republic of Rwanda gifted the UN the Kwibuka Flame of Hope statue, installed in the north garden of UN Headquarters. The flame symbolises resilience and courage in the face of hate speech, misinformation, and ethnic division that fueled the genocide.Since 1994, the UN has played a central role in Rwanda’s reconstruction. Through the One UN framework, 22 agencies coordinate efforts under a single leader, budget, and program to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Between 2018 and 2023, the UN invested approximately $631 million in Rwanda’s development initiatives.

  • Africa CDC appoints Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser

    Africa CDC appoints Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser

    ABUJA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser to Director-General Jean Kaseya, reinforcing leadership capacity for continental health priorities.

    The announcement was made by Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC, in a statement issued Monday.

    Edwin explained that the appointment aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, which seeks to strengthen Africa’s voice in global health, boost domestic financing, and expand local production of health commodities.

    She said Osinbajo would advise on Africa’s positioning in global health architecture reforms, sustainable health financing, local manufacturing, and building strategic partnerships to advance continental health resilience and cooperation.

    Edwin added that the former vice-president brings exceptional experience across governance, finance, law, and diplomacy, noting that his leadership would be critical as Africa seeks greater authority in shaping its health future. “This appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilising African leadership of the highest calibre in service of the continent’s health security, sovereignty, and development,” she said.

    She further noted that Osinbajo’s experience in public policy and governance would support efforts to build resilient health systems across African Union member states, particularly in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response initiatives.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as Nigeria’s vice-president from 2015 to 2023, contributing to policy and governance reforms during his tenure.

    He also served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, where he played significant roles in legal administration and institutional reforms.

    During his time in government, he chaired Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee, led ease-of-doing-business reforms, and advanced social investment programmes, while coordinating key economic policies across multiple sectors nationwide to drive inclusive grow.

  • ADC warns INEC’s decision could jeopardise 2027 participation

    ADC warns INEC’s decision could jeopardise 2027 participation

    ABUJA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to stop receiving its correspondence pending a Federal High Court ruling could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 elections.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said INEC sits at the centre of the emerging crisis.

    Abdullahi explained that while the commission’s action might appear procedural, it directly conflicts with timelines in the Electoral Act 2026, which provides defined compliance windows, including the mandatory 21-day notice period and subsequent submission requirements for political parties.

    “This has revealed the deliberate administrative landmines being deployed by INEC to prevent the party from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections,” Abdullahi said. He added that documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the commission’s sworn affidavit, establish a clear record of events.

    He noted that INEC monitored the ADC’s July 29, 2025 NEC meeting, documented proceedings, updated records, and recognised the new leadership, including Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. “These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” he stressed.

    Abdullahi argued that leadership transition had already been completed and recognised, and such internal party matters fall outside judicial interference. “Yet, despite this clear documentary trail, INEC has now taken the position that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC. This is where the contradiction becomes dangerous,” he said.

    He further noted that INEC had fixed May 10 as the submission deadline, but its refusal to accept ADC correspondence within that period could block compliance with statutory requirements. “This places the ADC in an impossible position and creates a clear pathway to artificial non-compliance, which can justify excluding the party from fielding candidates,” Abdullahi warned.

    He added that INEC claimed its April 1 decision was taken to avoid rendering proceedings before the Federal High Court nugatory. “The reality is the opposite. By intervening in a matter already before the court, the commission has undermined the very process it claims to protect,” he said.

    The spokesman urged INEC to reverse its position, resume accepting lawful correspondence, and uphold its constitutional duty to ensure fairness and a level playing field.

  • SWEDD Empowered young women driving change through skills and jobs in West and Central Africa

    SWEDD Empowered young women driving change through skills and jobs in West and Central Africa

    INTERNATIONAL, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — From potential to skills and real jobs, young women across Western and Central Africa are reshaping their futures through training and employment opportunities provided by the Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend project (SWEDD/SWEDD+).

    Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has reached nearly 3 million women and adolescent girls, linking education, skills development, and access to health services with real economic pathways. More than 255,000 participants have acquired practical skills and transitioned into stable employment, showing how investment in women’s education and workforce participation strengthens families, communities, and local economies.

    Across the region, stories of transformation abound. In Benin, Angelique and Odette, who left school early due to financial hardship, were trained in solar photovoltaic installation through SWEDD. Today, they work with a private company, installing solar panels and bringing renewable energy to rural villages. “Now we’re motivated and earning money to support our families. We’re happy to bring solar energy to the villages,” Angelique said, her pride evident.

    Harmelle, also from Benin, faced similar challenges after leaving school at 14 and becoming a widow at a young age. With her twin sister, she joined a SWEDD entrepreneurship program in snail farming. The training and starter kit provided not only income but also stability. “When I started farming, there were difficulties, but then we began earning money, and everyone was better off,” she recalled.

    In Chad, Djogoita pursued midwifery, inspired by her father’s service as a police officer. Her training now allows her to provide essential maternal and child health services. “When they bring me a pregnant woman or a child, I can use the knowledge I gained to help them,” she said proudly, highlighting the confidence and purpose her new role has given her.

    These individual stories reflect a broader shift. While about 40% of young women in West and Central Africa remain outside school, training, or employment, SWEDD+ is changing trajectories by expanding opportunities, building confidence, and strengthening institutional capacity for equal rights.

    The World Bank Group emphasizes that investing in women is one of the smartest economic bets for powering local economies. By equipping young women with relevant skills and connecting them to jobs, programs like SWEDD+ turn human potential into productive employment that fuels inclusive and sustainable growth.

    As the activities marking the International Women’s Month wind down, the voices of Angelique, Odette, Harmelle, and Djogoita is a remind that Africa’s future resilience is already taking shape — one empowered young woman at a time, trained, employed, and determined to drive change in her community.