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Category: Africa

  • Ruto and Museveni to launch Naivasha–Malaba railway extension project

    Ruto and Museveni to launch Naivasha–Malaba railway extension project

    AFRICA (Chris Mahandara/Agency Report) — March 19, 2026 — President William Ruto and Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni will be in Kisumu on Saturday to preside over the groundbreaking of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Malaba.

    The ceremony, a major milestone in regional infrastructure, is expected to draw over 20,000 people, including residents, leaders, and stakeholders. It marks the next phase of Kenya’s railway expansion aimed at boosting trade and transport links across East Africa.

    Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir toured the Kibos SGR site on Monday to assess preparations. He assured that logistical, security, and organizational arrangements were firmly in place. “This is a big day we will celebrate with our President and President Museveni when they come to launch this very significant project,” he said.

    The proposed line will stretch about 369 kilometres, forming a critical segment of the regional corridor linking Mombasa to western Kenya and onward to neighbouring countries. Chirchir noted it will transform cargo and passenger movement by offering a more efficient alternative to road transport along the busy Northern Corridor.

    He emphasized that the project will enhance regional integration by connecting Kenya’s railway network with Uganda and the wider East African system. Once completed, it is expected to lower transport costs, improve efficiency, and spur economic growth in western Kenya by opening new opportunities for investment and commerce.

  • DRC and Brazil in first-ever multisectoral talks to tackle domestic and international challenges

    DRC and Brazil in first-ever multisectoral talks to tackle domestic and international challenges

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Brazil held their first-ever multisectoral consultations on Tuesday, March 17, in Brasília, marking a significant step toward strengthening ties between the East African nation and its South American counterpart.

    The DRC delegation was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, who co-chaired the meeting alongside Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East.

    According to a statement from Kinshasa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consultations are expected to usher in a new phase of cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining, trade, and training. Discussions also touched on major multilateral issues such as climate change, global governance, and collaboration within ZOPACAS (Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic). Officials described the talks as a reflection of a strengthened dynamic aimed at building a strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The meeting comes at a time when Congo is increasingly looking outward to address multidimensional challenges at home. Beyond economic development, the country continues to grapple with insecurity in the Kivu region, where M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have kept government forces under pressure. By deepening ties with Brazil, Congolese officials hope to diversify partnerships and bolster resilience against both domestic and international challenges.

  • Senegal rejects CAF ruling, heads to CAS over AFCON 2025 dispute

    Senegal rejects CAF ruling, heads to CAS over AFCON 2025 dispute

    SPORTS (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected yesterday’s ruling by the CAF Appeals Board (DC23316) declaring Morocco the winner of AFCON 2025. Senegal described the decision as unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable, saying it discredits African football.

    In a statement signed by its Secretary General on March 17, the Federation announced plans to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

    The statement noted that the CAF Appeals Board upheld Morocco’s protest, set aside the CAF Disciplinary Board’s earlier decision, and ruled that Senegal’s conduct fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. As a result, Senegal was deemed to have forfeited the final, with the match recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco.

    Senegal denounced the ruling, pledging to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football at CAS. The Federation reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and sporting justice, promising to keep the public informed of developments.

  • BREAKING: CAF declares Morocco AFCON 2025 winners

    BREAKING: CAF declares Morocco AFCON 2025 winners

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — The Appeal Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declared Morocco the winner of AFCON 2025, following Morocco’s appeal after Senegal staged a walkout during the finals.

    Applying Article 84 of the Regulations, CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

    In a statement on Tuesday, CAF said:

    • The appeal lodged by FRMF was admissible and upheld.
    • The CAF Disciplinary Board decision was set aside.
    • Senegal’s conduct fell within Articles 82 and 84, leading to forfeiture of the match.
    • All other motions or requests were dismissed.

    On disciplinary matters, CAF ruled:

    • The appeal regarding Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11) was partially upheld. His misconduct was confirmed, but his sanction was reduced to a two‑match suspension, with one match suspended. The USD 100,000 fine was set aside.
    • The appeal on the ball boys incident was partially upheld; FRMF’s responsibility was confirmed, but the fine was reduced to USD 50,000.
    • The appeal on interference around the OFR/VAR review area was dismissed, with the USD 100,000 fine confirmed.
    • The appeal on the laser incident was partially upheld, with the fine reduced to USD 10,000.

    CAF concluded that Morocco’s protest was valid, Senegal forfeited the final, and Morocco was officially declared AFCON 2025 champions.

  • Amnesty International slams Nigeria government over “horrific” Benue massacre

    Amnesty International slams Nigeria government over “horrific” Benue massacre

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the Nigerian government to investigate what it described as a horrific attack in which at least 15 villagers were killed on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Ojantele Community of Apa Local Government Area, Benue State.

    In a statement issued on March 15, Amnesty alleged that those killed were farmers picking fallen cashew nuts. It added that many people remain missing, and two women were abducted during the incident. The attack came just ten days after gunmen killed 13 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Kwande LGA.

    The human rights body criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s repeated claims of directing security agencies to end the killings, noting that the death toll continues to rise. Amnesty said villagers told its investigators that the government has left them “at the mercy of their attackers.”

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian authorities must investigate the horrific attack in which at least 15 villagers were killed on Friday when gunmen invaded Ojantele community of Apa LGA Benue state on Friday. Those killed were farmers picking fallen cashew nuts. Since after the attack many people are missing and two women were abducted. This is coming 10 days after gunmen killed 13 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande LGA. The President Bola Tinubu claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killings, but the mounting death toll clearly shows nothing has changed. Most villagers told Amnesty International that the government left them at the mercy of their attackers. The government has an obligation to protect its population. The rising death toll in the north of Nigeria shows just how badly the authorities are failing in this responsibility.”

    Benue State has remained the epicentre of killings by suspected terrorist herdsmen. The unchecked bloodshed prompted Agatu youths to protest on March 15, blocking the Oweto–Otukpo highway to demand government action.

    This followed renewed violence in Kwande and Ushongo constituencies, where lawmakers raised alarms over escalating attacks. Together, these incidents underscore the scale of insecurity in Benue, with communities repeatedly targeted and residents demanding urgent intervention.

  • Kagame attends Rwanda Challenger Final as Trungelliti claims title

    Kagame attends Rwanda Challenger Final as Trungelliti claims title

    KIGALI, RWANDA (NPA) — March 15, 2026 — Rwandan President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame on Sunday attended the men’s singles final of the ATP Rwanda 100 Challenger. The match was won by Argentina’s Marco Trungelliti, who defeated Italy’s Marco Cecchinato.

    A statement from the Office of the President noted that this competition marked the third edition of the tournament hosted in the East African country. The week-long ATP Challenger 100 followed the just-concluded ATP Challenger 75, which ran from March 2–8, with both tournaments featuring 66 players from 20 different countries.

    The statement read in part: “Today at IPRC Kicukiro, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame attended the men’s singles final of the ATP Rwanda 100 Challenger, which saw Argentina’s Marco Trungelliti defeat Italy’s Marco Cecchinato, during the third edition of the tournament to take place in Rwanda. The week-long ATP Challenger 100 follows the just concluded ATP Challenger 75, which ran from March 2–8, with both tournaments featuring 66 players from 20 different countries. #RwandaChallenger”

    Rwanda has continued to attract international sports competitions in recent years, thanks to sustained investment in sports, hospitality, and events infrastructure. Traditional centres in West and Southern Africa are increasingly losing ground to Kigali as a preferred destination.

  • Kenya county commissioner issues two-week ultimatum to illegal firearm holders

    Kenya county commissioner issues two-week ultimatum to illegal firearm holders

    NAIROBI— (KNA-Peter Gitonga) March 15 — The Kenyan Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to persons in illegal possession of firearms to surrender them.

    Speaking on Friday during the 5th Edition of the Kenya Public–Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue (MSMEs Connect) in Lodwar, County commissioner Julius Kavita said after the two weeks the security agencies will conduct a forceful disarmament.

    “We are appealing to those in possession of firearms illegally to take them to the chiefs, who will hand them over to the police; failure to do so, and we shall come for them. The culprits will not be spared either,” warned Kavita.

    The warning comes at a time when the government is conducting an operation in Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu, among other banditry-prone areas.

    Kavita said the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for traders, transporters and passengers.

    The County has enjoyed relative calm since the operation commenced, with zero incidents of cattle rustling and highway robbery being reported in the last two weeks.

    Kavita attributed this to the operation, saying the government will not relent in dealing with criminal elements sabotaging peace efforts.

    Insecurity had threatened economic activities in the region, including the proposed mega irrigation project along the Turkana-West Pokot border that seeks to boost food security.

    Additionally, oil exploration and development are facing Insecurity challenges if residents’ concerns during the public participation exercise are anything to go by.

    Some residents warned that Oil production would not take place until insecurity was addressed.

    When he visited the county last month, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would deal firmly with bandits.

  • South Africa deploys 2 200 soldiers to five provinces

    South Africa deploys 2 200 soldiers to five provinces

    PRETORIA-SA (Agency Report) March 15 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision to deploy 2 200 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

    This is in line with section 201 (3) (a)(b)(c) and (d) of the Constitution.

    According to the Presidency, the deployment serves to prevent and combat crime, and support and preserve law and order under Operation Prosper which is targeting illegal mining and gangsterism. 

    “The deployed members of the SANDF will assist the South African Police Service to prevent and combat illegal mining and gangsterism in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.

    “The deployment is for the period 01 March 2026 until 31 March 2027,” said the Presidency in a statement on Friday.

    Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, directs that, “Only the President, as head of the national executive, may authorise the employment of the defence force in co-operation with the police service”.

    The Presidency said expenditure for this employment is estimated at R823 153 960.

    During the State of the Nation Address 2026, President Ramaphosa announced the intention to deploy the South Africa National Defence to areas afflicted by illegal mining and gang violence. 

    President Ramaphosa has called on communities to welcome and work more closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to identify and alienate criminal elements and make neighbourhoods safer in the process. (SAnews.gov.za).

  • Peter Obi slams lawmakers for criminalising dual party membership while overlooking forgery and false declarations

    Peter Obi slams lawmakers for criminalising dual party membership while overlooking forgery and false declarations

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — Mr Peter Obi, opposition party leader and presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned the Nigerian parliament for criminalising dual political party membership while simultaneously removing certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations as grounds for challenging elections in a tribunal. He warned that Nigeria cannot rise above the integrity of its leaders, stressing that laws must defend truth, character, competence, and accountability, and be intolerant of criminal behaviour.

    Obi described the move as a direct contradiction of the Constitution and a troubling reflection of misplaced priorities in the political system. 

    In a statement on Friday, he noted: “In any serious democracy, the gravest offence in public life is deceiving the people to gain power. Submitting false documents, falsifying one’s age, forging certificates, and making dishonest declarations to electoral authorities are among the most serious offences. Such actions not only lead to automatic disqualification but also warrant criminal prosecution.”

    He lamented that “today, our electoral system seems more focused on protecting political structures than on upholding the truth.” 

    Obi argued that there is no justification for prioritising punishment for party alignment over punishing forgery and deception in the pursuit of public office. 

    He called for laws that strengthen democracy rather than weaken it, and those that promote ethical leadership instead of lowering standards for those who aspire to govern.

  • DRC, Angola, and South Africa seal tripartite cooperation pact in Pretoria

    DRC, Angola, and South Africa seal tripartite cooperation pact in Pretoria

    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (NPA) — March 14, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Angola, and the Republic of South Africa today signed a Tripartite Mechanism for Dialogue and Cooperation in Pretoria.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) follows extensive consultations and technical work by experts from the three nations. It is designed to strengthen strategic coordination and deepen cooperation across key areas, including political and diplomatic relations, security, trade and investment promotion, and sustainable economic development for the benefit of their populations.

    According to the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement was signed by H.E. Ms. Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside Ronald O. Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, and Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations of Angola. The signing ceremony took place at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) headquarters.

    This MoU marks the culmination of a sustained process of dialogue and technical collaboration among the three countries, aimed at reinforcing their collective strategic alignment.

    For the DRC, the agreement carries particular significance as the country continues to confront the M23 rebel group. The insurgency, rooted in political grievances, ethnic tensions, and competition over resource-rich territories in North and South Kivu, has resurged since 2022. Its revival has been fueled by alleged external support, disputes over the reintegration of former fighters, and fierce competition for lucrative gold and coltan mines.