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Category: Africa

  • International Women’s Day: women hold just 64% of legal rights afforded to men worldwide — UN Women

    International Women’s Day: women hold just 64% of legal rights afforded to men worldwide — UN Women

    POLITICS (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, UN Women has raised alarm over the persistent global gap in legal rights between men and women.

    In a statement on Saturday, the agency revealed that women currently hold only 64% of the legal rights afforded to men worldwide. This means that, on average, women are entitled to just two-thirds of the protections and opportunities guaranteed to men under the law.

    UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, urged global leaders to confront structural barriers to justice, including discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, harmful practices, and entrenched social norms that undermine the rights of women and girls.

    The agency further noted that conflict and instability exacerbate these inequalities, leaving women and girls more vulnerable to violence, exclusion, and discrimination. Reports of violations have emerged from Nigeria’s northeast, northwest, and north-central regions, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, alongside banditry, have displaced communities and subjected women to abuse. The ongoing war in Sudan was also highlighted as a flashpoint for widespread violations of women’s rights in Africa.

    In Nigeria, UN Women continues to push for gender equality by addressing violence against women, promoting women’s political participation, and supporting economic empowerment initiatives. However, progress remains slow, with women holding only 3.9% of parliamentary seats. The agency has warned that democracy itself is at risk if women remain excluded from decision-making processes.

    Nigeria also faces high rates of gender-based violence, with one in three women aged 15–49 experiencing physical or sexual abuse. Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) persist, further eroding women’s rights.

    Beyond advocacy, UN Women’s programs in Nigeria include initiatives on economic empowerment, health, and social issues, with a particular focus on combating HIV/AIDS and supporting women’s access to education and vocational training.

  • Peter Obi officially picks up ADC membership card— Tanko

    Peter Obi officially picks up ADC membership card— Tanko

    POLITICS (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Interim National Coordinator Obidient Movement World wide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has announced that former presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially picked up his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), solidifying his position within the opposition party.

    In a statement on Saturday, Tanko wrote: “We must demystify this criminality.”

    Referring to a recent Al Jazeera interview with presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala, Tanko noted: “The Al Jazeera interview, with the help of the international media, re-echoed our challenges as a nation. Clearly, we all know these facts. We have them on video, in documents, in audio recordings, and they are stamped in our minds.”

    He continued: “So, what do we do next? Do we keep quiet and pretend that nothing happened, or do we stand up as a people who refuse to be captured? For us, we want our country back, and we shall continue the struggle for good governance and responsible leadership in Nigeria.”

    Tanko described Obi’s move as inspirational: “In what seems to be an answer and inspiration, HE Peter Obi has officially picked up his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

    He urged supporters to mobilise: “So let us get up, people. We can win this. We are more than them; we have the population. All we need is to populate all the 176,000 polling units.”

  • Boko Haram kills Lieutenant Colonel, 40 soldiers in Borno

    Boko Haram kills Lieutenant Colonel, 40 soldiers in Borno

    Maiduguri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — At least 40 Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following coordinated overnight attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on four military bases in Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte, Borno State.

    According to SaharaReporters, the terrorists “reportedly fired at the military facilities sporadically, causing numerous casualties. The gunmen also came in different groups and could not be counted.” A senior officer, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, commanding officer of the 222 Battalion, was among those killed.

    A military source said, “We lost over 40 soldiers to those attacks. It’s so sad; we still can’t find some of our men, can’t say if they are alive or dead, but over 40 bodies have been recovered as of now.”

    Another source added: “It’s so much that the Chief of Army Staff had to pay an emergency visit to Borno this morning; right now, he’s at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maiduguri for more brief on the whole attacks.”

    The militants reportedly burned armoured tanks, destroyed military vehicles, and seized ammunition during the raids. Security sources said several insurgents were also killed in the clashes.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and presidential aspirant, has condemned Thursday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Ngoshe community in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

    The assault, which destroyed a military base and struck an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, left at least nine Nigerian soldiers and several civilians dead, while an unspecified number of people were abducted, according to local reports.

    In a statement issued Friday, Obi expressed deep concern over the tragedy: “I watched several videos of this tragedy with deep horror. Once again, we are confronted with the painful reality of the daily suffering that far too many Nigerians are forced to endure. This is unacceptable.”

    He questioned the government’s response to ongoing insecurity: “How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?”

  • Nigeria congratulates Ghana on 69th independence, reaffirms commitment to peace, prosperity, and African unity

    Nigeria congratulates Ghana on 69th independence, reaffirms commitment to peace, prosperity, and African unity

    Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Nigeria has congratulated the Republic of Ghana on the occasion of its 69th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a defining moment in Africa’s liberation movement and a testament to Ghana’s enduring contributions to democracy and regional stability.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, extended warm congratulations to Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    “This historic milestone commemorates Ghana’s independence on the 6th of March in 1957, when it became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve freedom from colonial rule,” the statement read. “Ghana’s independence represented a defining moment in Africa’s liberation movement, inspiring generations of African nations, including Nigeria, to pursue sovereignty, dignity, and self-determination.”

    Nigeria underscored the unique and deeply rooted relationship between the two countries, founded on “common historical experiences, cultural affinity, and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and African unity.” Both nations, the statement noted, “have remained pillars of stability and democratic progress in West Africa and have consistently worked together in advancing the goals of regional cooperation within ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.”

    Highlighting decades of collaboration, the ministry pointed to strong diplomatic ties characterized by “frequent high-level engagements, strategic dialogue, and cooperation in areas including trade and investment, education, energy, defence cooperation, migration management, and cultural exchange.” The free movement of people between both countries has further strengthened “people-to-people diplomacy and fostered vibrant economic and cultural connections that reflect the spirit of African brotherhood.”

    As Ghana celebrates its independence under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” Nigeria commended the resilience and creativity of the Ghanaian people in advancing national development and strengthening democratic institutions. It also recognised Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the ongoing Heritage Month celebrations, which showcase “the country’s vibrant traditions, creative industries, and cultural identity.”

    Reaffirming its commitment to deepening bilateral relations, Nigeria pledged to expand economic cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultation, and strengthen cultural and educational exchanges. “Nigeria remains confident that the longstanding partnership between Abuja and Accra will continue to grow, contributing to regional prosperity, economic integration, and the shared vision of a peaceful and united Africa,” the statement concluded.

  • Botswana court hears landmark same-sex marriage case by LGBTQ+ rights groups

    Botswana court hears landmark same-sex marriage case by LGBTQ+ rights groups

    Gaborone, Botswana (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The High Court in Gaborone, Botswana, has begun hearing a landmark case challenging the legality of same-sex marriage under the country’s Marriage Act. The petition was filed by Bonolo Selelo and Tsholofelo Kumile, a same-sex couple seeking legal recognition of their union.

    The case, which could redefine Botswana’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, comes amid growing calls from advocacy groups for broader recognition of same-sex unions following the 2019 decriminalisation of homosexuality. On Thursday, the court heard arguments questioning whether the Marriage Act’s definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman violates constitutional protections of equality and dignity.

    The petitioners, supported by the Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), argue that excluding same-sex couples from marriage is discriminatory and inconsistent with constitutional values. They contend that the 2019 ruling decriminalising same-sex relations laid the foundation for marriage equality.

    Government lawyers, however, maintain that the Marriage Act reflects Botswana’s cultural and social norms, insisting that any change should come through legislative reform rather than judicial intervention. The case has drawn significant public attention, with human rights organisations emphasising that recognition of same-sex marriage would strengthen Botswana’s reputation as a progressive democracy in Africa. 

    A ruling in favour of the petitioners could set a precedent for marriage equality in the region, while a rejection may reinforce existing legal barriers but intensify advocacy efforts both domestically and internationally.

  • WTO and EIB forge partnership to boost sustainable trade and investment

    WTO and EIB forge partnership to boost sustainable trade and investment

    Luxembourg — March 4, 2026 (NPA) — The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen sustainable trade and investment worldwide, with a particular focus on developing countries.

    The agreement, signed by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and EIB Group President Nadia Calviño during the EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg, establishes the EIB-WTO Trade and Investment Facilitation Initiative. This initiative will support regulatory reforms, investment planning, and project preparation aimed at unlocking new opportunities for developing economies.

    The partnership builds on the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, endorsed by 128 WTO members, which sets the first global framework to ease foreign direct investment flows. Under the MoU, the WTO and EIB will collaborate to assess countries’ needs, design reform strategies, and mobilise funding — including blended finance and private capital — to support investment projects.

    In its pilot phase, the initiative will target selected African countries, focusing on critical sectors such as green and digital transitions, health, education, sustainable growth, and job creation.

    “This partnership aligns policy reform efforts with catalytic financing, and thus promises to unlock private investment in strategic sectors, beginning with a pilot group of African countries,” said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

    EIB Group President Nadia Calviño emphasised Europe’s commitment to fair global trade, noting that the agreement “will help partner countries attract more and better-quality investment, while supporting reform and creating new trading opportunities for EU businesses.”

    Beyond financing, the WTO and EIB will also collaborate on research and analysis of global trade and investment trends to guide policy decisions.

  • Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Borno, Killing Soldiers and Civilians

    Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Borno, Killing Soldiers and Civilians

    Maiduguri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — Suspected Boko Haram fighters launched a deadly assault on a Nigerian Army base in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Wednesday. The attack left several soldiers and civilians dead, with many others abducted.

    Eyewitnesses reported that the insurgents, armed with motorcycles and gun trucks, operated for hours. 

    ASP Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the incident, noting that while the military repelled the attackers, casualties remain unconfirmed. “An unknown number of civilians were killed, and some survivors were abducted toward the Mandara Mountains,” Daso said.

    Local sources indicated that at least nine soldiers were killed, while residents fled to Pulka town for safety. Witnesses added that women were among those abducted during the raid.

    Boko Haram, notorious for bombings, kidnappings, and massacres—including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction—continues to destabilise Nigeria’s northeast despite sustained military offensives.

  • Middle East War: Israel Accuses South Africa of Backing Iran

    Middle East War: Israel Accuses South Africa of Backing Iran

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — The Israeli Foreign Ministry has sharply criticised the South African government for allegedly backing Iran, following Pretoria’s co-chairing of the Hague Group’s March 4, 2026, meeting in The Hague. The gathering, attended by representatives from 40 states, focused on enforcing international law in Palestine.

    Israel condemned the landmark diplomatic event — the largest Hague Group meeting since its founding in January 2025 — accusing South Africa of aligning with Iran in its confrontation against Israel and the United States.

    In a statement issued on March 4, the Foreign Ministry declared: “South Africa, a close ally of the murderous regime in Tehran, which slaughtered thousands of its own citizens, has just organised another distorted anti-Israel meeting of the Hague Group. These two corrupt regimes, united by their hatred of Israel, recently held a joint naval exercise.”

    The statement further mocked the forum’s credibility, adding: “We can expect the outcome of the Hague meeting to be as successful as Iran’s navy, which is probably why Bolivia and Honduras had the sense to leave this forum.”

    The meeting’s agenda centred on strengthening coordinated state action to enforce international law in Palestine, discussing measures targeting Israeli settlements and arms transfers, promoting accountability mechanisms through international institutions, and highlighting South Africa’s role as a leading voice in global justice and solidarity with Palestine.

  • US Sanctions Rwandan Defence Force and Senior Officials

    US Sanctions Rwandan Defence Force and Senior Officials

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA), March 3, 2026 — The United States has imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and four senior military officers for providing direct operational support to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The sanctions, announced on March 2, 2026, by the U.S. Department of State and signed by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, accuse Rwanda of violating commitments under the Washington Accords, an agreement reached between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The statement noted that RDF-backed M23 forces recently captured the Congolese city of Uvira, in breach of the accord.

    The U.S. condemned M23 for committing grave human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians, particularly women and children. It stressed that RDF support has enabled the rebels to seize sovereign Congolese territory and continue these atrocities. “The United States stands firm in its support for peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider region,” the statement read. “The Washington Accords mark a decisive turning point for the Great Lakes region, setting a new course for peace, cooperation, and prosperity among neighbours. Today’s action demonstrates the U.S. resolve to uphold the Washington Accords. As President Trump has made clear, the United States is prepared to use all available tools to ensure the DRC and Rwanda deliver on the promises of this historic agreement.”

    Formed in 2012 by former members of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), M23 rebels accuse the Congolese government of failing to honour a 2009 peace deal. Predominantly composed of Tutsi fighters, the group has long been suspected of receiving support from Rwanda, though Kigali denies this. Since its resurgence in 2021, M23 has captured significant territory in North Kivu, destabilising the region. While the rebels claim to be defending the rights of Congolese Tutsis and demanding political representation, critics argue their campaign is driven by territorial ambitions and political leverage, worsening humanitarian crises and regional tensions.

  • Dangote Industries warns against impersonators and fraudulent social media accounts

    Dangote Industries warns against impersonators and fraudulent social media accounts

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA), March 3, 2026 — Dangote Industries Limited has issued a public warning over the growing number of impersonation and fraudulent activities carried out by individuals falsely claiming to represent the company, its leadership, and members of the Dangote family.

    In a statement released on Tuesday, the company said impostors have been using the names of its executives and family members to defraud unsuspecting individuals through fake investment offers, business proposals, charity solicitations, employment promises, and other deceptive schemes.

    The company emphasized that neither Dangote Industries Limited, its Group President Aliko Dangote, nor any executive or family member—including Fatima Aliko Dangote, Mariya Aliko Dangote, and Halima Aliko Dangote—solicit funds, investments, contracts, or personal information via WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform. It further clarified that neither Aliko Dangote nor the company maintains accounts on Facebook or TikTok.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, under no circumstances do the company’s executives initiate direct contact with private individuals through social media channels for financial transactions, business opportunities, or personal requests,” the statement read.

    Dangote Industries urged the public to disregard unsolicited messages, calls, or social media accounts claiming affiliation with the company or its executives. It stressed that all official communications are disseminated exclusively through verified corporate channels and recognized media outlets.

    The company reaffirmed its commitment to protecting brand integrity and public safety, noting that it is working closely with security and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind these fraudulent activities. Members of the public who receive suspicious communications are encouraged to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities immediately.