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Category: Africa

  • 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.

  • 3.1 million Kenyans living with chronic kidney disease, says Health Ministry

    3.1 million Kenyans living with chronic kidney disease, says Health Ministry

    NAIROBI, KENYA (Agency Report/By Michael Omondi) — March 13, 2026 — Approximately 3.1 million Kenyans are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a growing public health concern driven by rising cases of hypertension and diabetes, the Ministry of Health has said.

    Speaking during World Kidney Day at Kenyatta National Hospital, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 43 percent of all deaths in Kenya, underscoring the need for prevention, early diagnosis, and management. He said the government is prioritising routine screening for blood pressure and glucose at community and primary healthcare levels.

    Access to specialised kidney care is expanding under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has processed over Sh104 billion in claims, supporting dialysis, nephrectomy, and transplants. Duale added: “The Ministry is strengthening partnerships with accredited providers to widen access to transplant services, with patients now able to receive kidney transplantation at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi under SHA-approved packages.”

    To improve governance and oversight, the Ministry has set up an independent review committee and is developing a National Transplant Registry. Investments are also being made in training and infrastructure through the East Africa Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology, alongside new renal units across counties.

    The forthcoming Kenya National Guidelines for Kidney Diseases 2026 will standardise care nationwide, supported by integrated health data systems under the Digital Superhighway initiative. Duale urged Kenyans to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular check-ups, physical activity, hydration, and reduced salt intake.

    Present at the event were Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth and Kenyatta National Hospital CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe. (Kenya News Agency).

  • Peter Obi faults poor planning for fuel price surge in Nigeria

    Peter Obi faults poor planning for fuel price surge in Nigeria

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — Nigeria’s major opposition leader and 2027 presidential aspirant, Mr Peter Obi, has blamed poor strategic planning for the surge in petrol and diesel prices in the country triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

    In a statement on Thursday, titled “When Countries Fail to Plan”, Obi noted that most nations, whether oil producers or not, maintain strategic petroleum reserves to cushion against supply shocks. Nigeria’s failure to establish such buffers, he said, exposes the economy to immediate impacts.

    Obi stressed that countries with effective planning can absorb external shocks, while those without remain vulnerable. “When a country fails to plan, it has already planned to fail,” he wrote.

    He cited recent price hikes as evidence: petrol rising from below ₦1,000 to over ₦1,200 per litre, and diesel climbing from under ₦1,000 to above ₦1,500. These rapid increases, he argued, show how global tensions quickly destabilise Nigeria’s economy.

    Obi concluded that Nigeria’s lack of reserves and foresight underscores the urgent need for strategic planning to shield citizens from future disruptions.

  • Nigeria, Egypt deepen military training ties to address evolving threats

    Nigeria, Egypt deepen military training ties to address evolving threats

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strengthening military partnerships with friendly nations, particularly in advanced professional training to address evolving security threats. He made this known on Thursday while receiving the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

    Shaibu highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding military ties with Egypt, describing the collaboration as vital for enhancing operational capability and professional development. He stressed that sustained cooperation through advanced courses, training exchanges, and military education is critical to preparing personnel for contemporary challenges.

    He noted that many Nigerian officers have benefited from specialised training in Egypt, boosting the Army’s competence, and expressed readiness to expand such opportunities. In a statement by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu also underscored the importance of strengthening institutional linkages, including strategic-level training and participation in programmes at the Nigerian Army War College. He invited the Egyptian Army to join the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration in July 2026.

    Colonel Ibrahim said his visit was to review the implementation of the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between both militaries. He reported significant progress, especially in training cooperation, and noted preparations for the next Military Committee Meeting in Cairo later this year. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in advanced training and intelligence sharing to tackle shared security challenges.