Category: Africa

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a public notice on Friday, informed its members that despite what it described as “INEC’s illegal actions,” the party will proceed with its congresses as scheduled. The ADC said it had duly notified Nigeria’s electoral body through letters dated 27 February 2026 and 28 March 2026.

In the congress notice signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, the ADC outlined the timetable as follows: screening of aspirants on 7 April; appeals on the screening exercise on 8 April; polling unit, ward, and local government congresses on 9 April; appeals on those congresses on 10 April; state congresses on 11 April; appeals to the state congresses on 12 April; and the party’s national convention on 14 April 2026.

Meanwhile, the ADC criticised INEC’s delisting of the David Mark‑led leadership from its website, describing it as a sinister plot by agents of the ruling APC government to destabilise the party following the movement of H.E. Rabiu Kwankwaso to the ADC. The party alleged that the ruling APC is attempting to hijack its leadership, calling it “the only viable opposition party left in the country.” 

It added that the plan has reached a new level of desperation in recent days, driven by fear of the ADC’s growing momentum and the possibility that Nigerians may begin to believe change is achievable.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to remain law‑abiding while resisting by all lawful means any attempt to undermine its independence. “If they are not acting on his orders, President Tinubu should rein in his enforcers before it is too late,” the party said, stressing that it remains focused on its duty to Nigerians and determined to protect its democratic processes.

‘Leadership Without Compassion is Not Leadership’ — Obi criticises Tinubu for ending Plateau visit at airport instead of affected communities

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to visit Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government, where terrorists murdered innocent people last Sunday. Obi, in a statement on Friday, titled “Leadership Without Compassion is Not Leadership,” condemned what he described as the president’s lack of empathy.

Obi alleged that during Tinubu’s visit to Benue State in June 2025, the president stopped at the Government House instead of visiting the actual scene of killings, and that in Jos yesterday, his engagement ended at the airport rather than in the affected communities. “What happened in Plateau yesterday highlights a complete absence of leadership. True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies. For citizens who have just lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety, being addressed from an airport tarmac is profoundly inadequate,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State Governor argued that Tinubu’s governance approach deepens the sense of abandonment already felt by Nigerians enduring repeated cycles of violence without meaningful protection or justice. “Plateau deserves more than distant words; it requires urgent action and a clear commitment to ending the insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives,” he added. 

Obi stressed that leadership must be both visible and tangible—standing with victims, listening to survivors, and acknowledging their grief. 

Signing off with his political slogan, “A new Nigeria is POssible. –PO,” Obi concluded that if Nigerians truly desire a better country, they must demand leadership that is present, responsive, and responsible at all times.

OGUDAGODOU, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s military leader, has ignited global controversy after declaring that “people need to forget about democracy,” insisting Western‑style systems are unsuitable for his country. Speaking in a televised interview on April 2, 2026, Traoré argued that democracy “kills” and cited Libya as an example of failed attempts to impose foreign governance models. 

His remarks follow actions by his junta, including dissolving the electoral commission in 2025 and suspending all political parties in February 2026, effectively scrapping elections promised for 2024.

Traoré defended these measures as necessary to safeguard Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and stability, rejecting pressure from the UN, ECOWAS, and Western governments to return to civilian rule. He maintained that the country must pursue governance structures aligned with its own realities rather than imported systems. Analysts say his comments mark a deepening of authoritarian rule, with dissenting voices silenced and political freedoms curtailed. 

The statement has been trending across Africa and beyond, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and international observers who warn that abandoning democracy risks worsening repression. Supporters, however, argue that Traoré is prioritising security and national survival in a region plagued by insurgency and foreign interference.

The controversy underscores the growing divide between military regimes in the Sahel and international institutions, raising questions about the future of governance in West Africa. As of 2026, nine African countries are under military rule: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Chad, Sudan, Madagascar, Guinea‑Bissau, and Gabon. These regimes emerged from coups between 2020 and 2025, with West Africa most affected. 

The takeovers were often justified by claims of insecurity, corruption, or political crises, but they have led to suspended constitutions, delayed elections, and strained relations with ECOWAS and the African Union. This wave of coups has undermined democratic progress, fueled instability, and created economic and security challenges across the continent.

AFRICA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the ongoing US‑Israeli war against Iran, describing it as “another act of imperialist aggression that has placed the global economy and international security at great risk.” He made the remarks on 29 March during the African National Congress elective conference in Limpopo.

Ramaphosa’s comments come amid heightened tensions between Pretoria and Washington. Since January 2025, the United States has accused South Africa of committing “white genocide” against Afrikaners — allegations Ramaphosa’s government has dismissed as baseless and unsupported by evidence.

Relations further soured when the US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, criticised a Johannesburg Equality Court ruling that found the anti‑apartheid chant “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” did not constitute hate speech. On 10 March, Pretoria summoned the ambassador, demanding an apology for what it described as an “undiplomatic” attempt to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty.

In Limpopo, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s independent foreign policy, rejecting external pressure to abandon proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice. “South Africa has stood firm in the face of very powerful and vicious global forces working to undermine the sovereignty of other nations,” he said, adding that his country’s stance is rooted in principle.

He pledged continued support for nations facing US pressure, including Palestine, Cuba and Western Sahara, affirming South Africa’s commitment to self‑determination and Pan‑African solidarity. “We will not be pushed around. Our sovereignty is sacrosanct,” Ramaphosa declared.

AFRICA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Ghana and Zimbabwe have pledged to elevate their relations following high‑level bilateral talks between President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and visiting Zimbabwean President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa in Accra on Thursday, 2 April 2026. The meeting formed part of President Mnangagwa’s three‑day State Visit to Ghana.

The dialogue covered a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening cooperation and delivering tangible benefits to citizens of both nations. Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the talks reaffirmed the historic bond of friendship and underscored the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). President Mahama emphasised that the AfCFTA provides a platform to boost trade and spur economic growth, adding that Ghana will from 25 May — African Union Day — introduce free e‑visas for all Africans to accelerate continental integration, Pan‑Africanism and tourism.

President Mnangagwa lauded Ghana’s support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and acknowledged the contribution of Ghanaian personnel in education, health and the judiciary. He paid tribute to Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang for her role as Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa, and to the late Ambassador Ebenezer Moses Debrah for his role in establishing Zimbabwe’s Foreign Service. He welcomed the outcome of the Ghana‑Zimbabwe Business Round Table and stressed the importance of private sector collaboration and people‑to‑people exchanges, including a sister‑city initiative between Cape Coast and Victoria Falls.

The two countries signed eleven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, covering political and diplomatic consultations, cooperation in sports, health, energy, tourism, archives, and the construction of a Museum of African Liberation. Trade and investment partnerships were also sealed between ZimTrade and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, as well as between Geo‑Pomona Waste Management Private Limited and Ghana’s Jospong Group of Companies.

In their closing remarks, Presidents Mahama and Mnangagwa reaffirmed their commitment to work together at bilateral and multilateral levels to strengthen the bonds of friendship and broaden cooperation across diverse sectors.