New Post Africa

Category: Africa

  • ECOWAS election mission head Akufo‑Addo meets Benin electoral body ahead of Presidential Poll

    ECOWAS election mission head Akufo‑Addo meets Benin electoral body ahead of Presidential Poll

    PORTO‑NOVO, Benin Republic, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), H.E. Nana Akufo‑Addo, has held discussions with national institutions responsible for organising Benin’s presidential election scheduled for 12 April.

    Akufo‑Addo, accompanied by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel‑Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin H.E. Amadou Diongue, and officials from the ECOWAS Commission, met stakeholders in Cotonou on 9 April.

    At the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), talks with President Saka Lafia focused on the deployment of electoral materials, management of polling stations, and security measures.

    The delegation also visited the Constitutional Court, where discussions with President Dorothé Sossa centred on the Court’s role in verifying the regularity and credibility of the process and announcing final results.

    Later, the mission met President Edouard Loko and advisers of the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) to review efforts to monitor and regulate media coverage of the campaign and voting operations.

    On 27 March 2026, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appointed H.E. Nana Akufo‑Addo as Head of its Election Observation Mission to Benin’s presidential election. The appointment was conveyed by ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, underscoring the Community’s commitment to democracy, good governance and regional stability.

    According to ECOWAS, the mission will be deployed from 7 to 15 April 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), which provides the legal and normative framework for election observation across the region.

  • Atiku condoles with Braimah family, Tinubu vows stronger resolve against terrorism

    Atiku condoles with Braimah family, Tinubu vows stronger resolve against terrorism

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condoled with the family of Brigadier‑General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who was killed alongside several soldiers in a Boko Haram/ISWAP ambush in Benisheikh, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.

    Atiku, a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he received the news “with a heavy heart,” describing Braimah and his men as gallant heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria.

    “I extend my deepest condolences to his dear wife, his brother Alasa, the entire Braimah family, and the families of all fallen heroes. We honour his supreme sacrifice, and the daily sacrifices of all brave men and women who stand on the frontlines to keep our nation safe. May their service not be in vain. May Allah grant them Aljannah Firdaus and comfort the families they leave behind,” Atiku said.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the attack, describing the insurgents’ counteroffensive as “a sign of desperation” in response to sustained land and air operations by the armed forces. He extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and pledged that their sacrifices “will never be forgotten.”

    Tinubu urged the Military High Command and troops not to lose heart, stressing that their courage strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to defeat terrorism. He promised continued government support, including more equipment and improved welfare for personnel.

    “The true heroes of our nation are these officers and men who serve with honour, courage and patriotism,” Tinubu said, assuring that the Federal Government will continue working with Borno State to achieve lasting peace.

    He also called on Nigerians and the media to support the armed forces in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry, warning against condoning or celebrating attacks on troops.

  • Tinubu condemns Borno attack, vows stronger resolve against terrorism

    Tinubu condemns Borno attack, vows stronger resolve against terrorism

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the deadly ambush on Nigerian troops in Borno State, where Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters killed several soldiers, including Brigadier‑General Oseni Omoh Braimah.

    In a statement, Tinubu said reports indicated that the armed forces had been conducting sustained land and air offensives, neutralising many insurgents and commanders. He described the counterattack as “a sign of desperation.”

    The President extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and the people of Borno State, pledging that their sacrifices “will not be in vain.” He reaffirmed government support for the military, promising more equipment and improved welfare for personnel.

    Tinubu urged the Military High Command and troops not to lose heart, stressing that their courage strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to defeat terrorism. He also called on Nigerians and the media to support the armed forces, warning against condoning attacks on troops.

    “The true heroes of our nation are these officers and men who serve with honour, courage and patriotism,” Tinubu said, assuring that the Federal Government will continue working with Borno State to achieve lasting peace.

  • Kenya and Morocco reaffirm strategic partnership at inaugural joint commission

    Kenya and Morocco reaffirm strategic partnership at inaugural joint commission

    NAIROBI, Kenya, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Kenya and the Kingdom of Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following high‑level talks in Nairobi aimed at strengthening political, economic and development ties.

    Speaking at the Ministerial Session of the inaugural Kenya–Morocco Joint Commission for Cooperation, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the meeting marked a significant step in advancing relations from traditional cooperation to a structured strategic partnership.

    Mudavadi noted that the Commission reflects a deliberate decision by both governments to institutionalise engagement and expand collaboration across key sectors. He disclosed that 11 bilateral instruments would be signed covering agriculture, justice, health, fisheries, gender equality, cultural cooperation, higher education, scholarships, sports, immigration and wildlife conservation.

    “These instruments will translate our shared commitments into practical and impactful cooperation,” he said, adding that global economic shifts make stronger African partnerships essential for resilient development.

    Mudavadi welcomed the Moroccan delegation led by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, highlighting nearly six decades of cordial relations founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to Africa’s progress. He stressed the importance of improved connectivity to accelerate trade, tourism and innovation, and reaffirmed Kenya’s view of Morocco as a strategic partner in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, agro‑processing, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

    Bourita described the Commission as a decisive turning point, noting that Mudavadi’s 2025 visit to Morocco had already strengthened ties through new agreements and the opening of Kenya’s embassy in Rabat. He emphasised that both countries possess complementary strengths — Morocco as a gateway to Europe with advanced manufacturing, and Kenya with its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and digital innovation.

    While acknowledging that trade volumes remain below potential, Bourita called for stronger engagement between governments, the private sector and stakeholders. He stressed that the challenge lies in translating agreements into tangible projects that benefit citizens.

    Both leaders expressed confidence that the Joint Commission would unlock new opportunities for economic collaboration and strengthen the partnership as Kenya and Morocco work together to advance development and integration across Africa.

  • Afreximbank posts US$1.2 billion profit as assets hit US$48.5 billion

    Afreximbank posts US$1.2 billion profit as assets hit US$48.5 billion

    CAIRO, Egypt, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) and its subsidiaries have reported a net profit of US$1.2 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025, underscoring sustained resilience, market confidence and strategic execution.

    Total assets and contingencies grew by 21% to US$48.5 billion, up from US$40.1 billion in 2024, while net loans and advances rose 16% to US$33.5 billion, driven by disbursements across Africa and the Caribbean in manufacturing, infrastructure, food security and climate adaptation.

    The Group’s non‑performing loan ratio remained stable at 2.43%, with liquidity strengthened by cash and equivalents of US$6.0 billion, representing 14% of total assets. Shareholders’ funds increased by 17% to US$8.4 billion, supported by net income and new equity inflows of US$299.4 million under the General Capital Increase II.

    Gross income rose by 6% to US$3.5 billion, while operating expenses climbed to US$459.2 million, reflecting staff expansion and inflationary pressures. Despite this, the cost‑to‑income ratio stood at 21%, well below the strategic ceiling of 30%.

    In 2025, Afreximbank successfully raised over US$800 million from Japan and China through Samurai and Panda bonds, demonstrating its fundraising capacity and reinforcing its role as a pan‑African multilateral financial institution.

    The Bank said the results were achieved through expanded delivery of tailored financial and advisory solutions that supported trade, fostered industrialisation and enhanced economic self‑reliance across the continent.

  • Chibok community calls for permanent joint security formations

    Chibok community calls for permanent joint security formations

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA) has urged the Federal Government to establish permanent military and joint security formations in strategic border communities linking Chibok, Damboa and Askira‑Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State.

    National President of the association, Mr Nkeki Mutah, made the appeal at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, stressing that the measure is necessary to halt persistent and devastating attacks on Chibok by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Mutah also called on the military high command to urgently deploy more troops to Chibok, noting that residents have endured over a decade of suffering, fear, displacement and loss. He recalled the abduction of schoolgirls on 14 April 2014, describing it as “an open wound,” with nearly 100 still unaccounted for.

    He said the community had suffered multiple coordinated attacks in the past week alone, and urged support for trained youths who received security vigilance training last year, requesting tools and equipment to enable them to assist security agencies.

    Mutah appealed to federal and state governments, foreign partners, NGOs and individuals to provide emergency relief materials to displaced persons, and called for Chibok to be opened to humanitarian organisations to deliver essential support directly.

    He expressed appreciation to military personnel, vigilante groups, the Nigerian Police and other operatives who continue to risk their lives defending the community.

  • Nigerian Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah killed in coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno

    Nigerian Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah killed in coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, has been confirmed killed in coordinated overnight attacks by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

    Military sources said the insurgents launched simultaneous assaults on Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area and Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday. The attackers reportedly overran a military base, setting vehicles and facilities ablaze before looting supplies.

    Alongside General Braimah, several security personnel—including the Brigade’s Imam—and civilians were killed. The military reported that dozens of insurgents were neutralised during the fierce gun battle.

    The Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, which once again underscores how terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP are able to carry out strategic attacks against military positions in northeastern Nigeria despite ongoing counter‑insurgency operations.

    In the last two weeks, following the Maiduguri attacks, the Army has claimed to have decimated scores of terrorists and destroyed their camps in the northeast. However, the military continues to face public scrutiny over waves of killings by insurgents across the country, including in Kwara, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto and other states where active terrorist enclaves persist.

    The death of General Braimah marks a significant setback for Nigerian forces battling insurgency in the northeast. It follows the loss of other senior officers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba in late 2025, highlighting the escalating toll of the conflict.

  • 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.