Category: Africa

ASMARA, Eritrea (NPA) — Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has used the occasion of the country’s 35th Independence Anniversary to deliver a sweeping speech that combined reflections on Eritrea’s nation‑building journey with sharp critiques of global power structures and calls for a fairer international system.

Speaking in Asmara on May 24, 2026, Afwerki congratulated Eritreans at home and abroad, paying tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs and the resilience of citizens. He described independence as an “ongoing process” that must be continuously consolidated, urging introspection on the nation’s progress and challenges.

Afwerki linked Eritrea’s development trajectory to broader global dynamics, stressing that Africa’s marginalised societies remain victims of exploitative financial systems and zero‑sum paradigms. He argued that the dismantling of the “old global order” — characterised by domination, usury, and dependency — is no longer optional, and pressed for a new framework built on fairness, justice, mutual respect, and sustainable prosperity.

Turning to international affairs, Afwerki devoted significant attention to the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House for a second term. He analysed Trump’s “MAGA” doctrine across metrics such as industrial output, technological dominance, military power, and debt, noting America’s fiscal quagmire and questioning whether measures like repatriating industries, tariff hikes, and rare mineral monopolisation could provide lasting remedies. He also raised concerns about U.S. actions in Venezuela and Iran, questioning their legality and broader implications for global stability.

Afwerki emphasised that criticism should not be directed at Trump alone, but also at those complicit in shaping misguided policies. He urged nations to move beyond reactive responses and instead craft proactive strategies rooted in fundamental principles.

On the Africa, Afwerki warned that the African Union risks irrelevance if it fails to fulfil its mission of integration and collective progress. He reiterated Eritrea’s advocacy for regional security mechanisms in the Horn of Africa, stressing that external interventions and funding must end to resolve crises in Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan. He identified ethnic polarisation, warlordism, corruption, and foreign interference as the principal obstacles to nation‑building in the region.

Domestically, Afwerki outlined Eritrea’s development priorities, including expanding road and transport projects, housing programs, electricity and water services, and healthcare. He placed particular emphasis on education from the pre‑school level, highlighting the role of youth professionals and diaspora patriots in sustaining growth. He acknowledged potential delays in supply chains but assured citizens of continued resilience, declaring: “Our Resilience, Our Guarantee! Eternal Glory to our Martyrs, exemplars of steadfastness! Victory to the Masses!”

The President’s address emphasises Eritrea’s dual focus: consolidating independence through socio‑economic development while pressing for a restructured global order that reflects justice and equality. His message was both celebratory and cautionary, urging vigilance against external pressures and renewed commitment to national and regional stability.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — Presidential aspirant under the umbrella of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Mr Peter Obi, has said Africa possesses enormous human and natural resources that should position the continent among the world’s leading economies, insisting that there is no justification for persistent poverty across Africa.

Obi made the remarks while delivering a guest speech at the Spier Dialogue Event on “Policies for Growth in Africa” in Cape Town, South Africa, after earlier meetings with ministers in the country.

According to him, Africa is richly endowed with huge mineral deposits, more than 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, and the youngest population globally, describing the continent’s youthful population as a strategic asset for economic transformation rather than a burden.

The former Anambra State governor, however, blamed Africa’s slow development on poor leadership, corruption, weak institutions, and the high cost of governance.

He urged African leaders to shift attention away from “politics and endless election cycles” toward productivity, development, and nation-building.

Obi stressed that the future of Africa depends largely on aggressive investment in Human Development Index (HDI) indicators such as education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.

He lamented that many African nations still struggle with low life expectancy, rising unemployment, widespread poverty, and high infant mortality rates.

The presidential aspirant also warned that small and medium-scale businesses across the continent were collapsing under harsh economic conditions, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent government policies.

According to him, Africa urgently requires competent leadership with the capacity, compassion, and commitment to prioritise production over consumption and development over politics.

Obi added that strengthening institutions, reducing the cost of governance, combating corruption, and creating an enabling environment for businesses would help Africa become more productive, secure, democratic, and prosperous.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in the Spier Dialogue 2026, where he is expected to address global leaders and stakeholders on policies aimed at driving Africa’s growth and development.

In a statement issued on Friday, Obi described the dialogue as a critical platform focused on the future of Africa and the urgent challenges confronting the continent and the wider global community.

According to him, the event comes at a crucial period as Africa faces growing concerns around governance, democracy, economic inclusion, urbanisation, migration, and leadership, while also presenting opportunities driven by the energy and creativity of the continent’s youthful population.

Obi said he looks forward to engaging in discussions with leaders and stakeholders from different parts of the world, noting that he would deliver an address on policies geared toward sustainable growth.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that Africa’s future should not be defined by poverty amid abundant resources or by division instead of development.

“It is time for us to move from consumption to production, from divisive politics to politics rooted in competence and compassion, and from empty promises to measurable progress that impacts everyday citizens,” he said.

Obi also disclosed that he met with members of the Nigerian community in Cape Town upon his arrival, where discussions centred on recent challenges affecting African expatriates in South Africa.

He said the meeting lasted more than two hours and focused on strengthening engagement with Nigerians living abroad.

The former presidential candidate reiterated his commitment to advocating for what he described as “a New Nigeria and a New Africa,” driven by integrity, service, youth empowerment, education, and accountable leadership.