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Category: Africa

  • Nigeria, Cameroon sign defence pact to strengthen border security

    Nigeria, Cameroon sign defence pact to strengthen border security

    YAOUNDE, Cameroon (NPA) — Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation to strengthen security along their shared southern border and address emerging regional threats.

    The agreement was signed in Yaounde by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, and Cameroon’s Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Mr Joseph Assomo.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Musa described the agreement as a significant milestone in deepening bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing security across the terrestrial and maritime domains shared by both countries.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing concluded two days of intensive deliberations involving defence and security experts from Nigeria and Cameroon.

    The MoU establishes a renewed framework for cooperation in securing the Nigeria-Cameroon southern border and reinforces the longstanding defence relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

    Key areas of cooperation include enhanced operational coordination, intelligence sharing, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes, and strengthened mechanisms for responding to emerging security threats.

    Musa said the agreement would provide a structured framework for military cooperation and joint operations, while institutionalising collaboration in tackling common security challenges.

    According to him, discussions also focused on operationalising the recently established Combined Maritime Joint Task Force, which is expected to serve as a strategic platform for strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

    He noted that both countries have critical economic and security interests in the region and must work together to safeguard them.

    The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening collaboration in defence technology and innovation, stressing the need for African nations to strengthen indigenous defence production capabilities.

    He identified limited local production of military hardware as a major challenge facing Africa’s defence sector and called for stronger regional industrial partnerships to bridge existing gaps.

    Musa highlighted opportunities under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) framework and reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate in defence manufacturing, technology transfer, research, innovation and capacity development.

    In his remarks, Assomo expressed Cameroon’s interest in expanding cooperation in defence innovation and technology.

    He disclosed that a formal proposal framework was being finalised to translate the discussions into concrete bilateral arrangements in defence technology and related fields.

    The agreement marks a major step in Nigeria-Cameroon relations, underscoring the commitment of both countries to regional stability, sustainable peace, collective security and the protection of national sovereignty.

    (NAN)

  • Museveni receives SADC delegation, considers proposals on cattle genetics, agro-input testing

    Museveni receives SADC delegation, considers proposals on cattle genetics, agro-input testing

    KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has received a delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) led by South African businessman Andile Ramaphosa to discuss potential areas of cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, and trade.

    Ramaphosa, the eldest son of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Managing Director of Blue Crane Capital, led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the President at the Nakasero State Lodge in Kampala.

    According to a statement issued by President Museveni, the delegation presented proposals for collaboration with the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) and the Regional Service Centre Initiative at Namunkekera Farm.

    The proposals are aimed at strengthening the regulated breeding, harvesting, and export of Ankole cattle genetics to countries within the SADC region and other international markets.

    The delegation also proposed the establishment of a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) laboratory to help tackle the growing challenge of counterfeit agricultural inputs in Uganda.

    The proposed facility is expected to enhance quality control, improve product verification, and support efforts to protect farmers from fake seeds, fertilisers, and other agricultural products.

    Museveni welcomed the proposals and commended the delegation for its initiative.

    “I welcome these ideas. I thank them for their initiative. The Government will study the proposals and support initiatives that advance Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” the President said.

    The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Uganda to deepen regional cooperation, promote agricultural innovation, and attract investments capable of boosting productivity, food security, and export earnings.

  • Equatorial Guinea government resigns after missing development targets

    Equatorial Guinea government resigns after missing development targets

    MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (NPA) — Equatorial Guinea’s government has resigned en bloc after admitting it achieved less than 10 per cent of its development and service delivery targets, exposing deep-rooted governance and economic challenges in the Central African nation.

    The mass resignation was announced during an extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers in Malabo.

    According to an official statement, Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, who is responsible for Administrative Coordination, formally presented the resignation of all members of the Executive Council to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

    Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who presided over the session, said the decision followed a review of the government’s performance, which revealed that key objectives had largely not been met.

    He stressed that public office must be measured by results, noting that substantial public resources had been committed to government programmes without corresponding outcomes.

    The resignation is seen as one of the most significant political developments in Equatorial Guinea in recent years and comes amid growing concerns over governance, economic diversification, and public service delivery.

    Despite being one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producers, Equatorial Guinea continues to face major development challenges.

    The country’s economy remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, which account for more than 70 per cent of gross domestic product and about 90 per cent of export earnings, leaving it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets.

    Although recent infrastructure and gas projects have provided modest economic growth, efforts to diversify into sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and manufacturing have progressed slowly.

    Government officials indicated that the unmet targets covered key sectors, including public administration reforms, infrastructure development, economic growth, and the delivery of essential public services.

    Analysts say the government’s performance reflects broader structural issues affecting the country, including limited private sector development, weak institutional capacity, and governance concerns.

    Despite its relatively high per-capita income, Equatorial Guinea continues to record poor outcomes in education, healthcare, and income distribution, with many citizens seeing little benefit from the country’s oil wealth.

    While significant investments have been made in roads, airports, and housing projects, critics argue that development has been concentrated in urban areas, leaving many rural communities underserved.

    The country has also faced persistent criticism from transparency and governance organisations over issues relating to corruption, accountability, and public sector efficiency.

    Observers say the resignation of the entire cabinet signals an attempt by the country’s leadership to reset government performance and restore public confidence amid mounting economic and social pressures.

    It remains unclear when a new cabinet will be constituted or whether the reshuffle will be accompanied by broader reforms aimed at addressing the underlying challenges confronting the oil-rich nation.

  • JUST IN: FG Evacuates 258 Nigerians from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, NIS says

    JUST IN: FG Evacuates 258 Nigerians from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, NIS says

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 258 Nigerians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, killings, and destruction of properties targeting foreign African nationals in the country.

    The first batch of the voluntary returnees arrived in Nigeria on Thursday under the Federal Government’s emergency evacuation programme for distressed citizens abroad.

    According to officials, the evacuees, including women and children, were transported aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg and landed at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 10:23 a.m.

    The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.

    Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted immigration clearance procedures before handing the evacuees over to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for further documentation and support.

    The reception exercise was led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bernard M. Doro, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

    Also present were representatives of key government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and other relevant stakeholders.

    Government officials described the evacuation as part of ongoing efforts to protect the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens facing distress abroad.

    The Nigeria Immigration Service stated that the smooth and orderly reception process reflects the agency’s commitment to effective migration management and citizen protection.

    According to the Service, the exercise aligns with the Federal Government’s citizen-centred diplomatic policy and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Authorities also assured the returnees of continued support and reintegration assistance as they settle back into the country.

    The evacuation follows renewed xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians and other African migrants, have reportedly been subjected to violent attacks, with many killed, intimidation, and destruction of businesses and properties.

  • BREAKING: Nigeria, Ethiopia sign prisoner transfer agreement to allow convicts serve sentences at home

    BREAKING: Nigeria, Ethiopia sign prisoner transfer agreement to allow convicts serve sentences at home

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark agreement that will allow convicted citizens of both countries to be transferred home to serve the remainder of their prison sentences.

    The agreement, described by officials as a major milestone in bilateral relations, was signed on Friday during a ceremony at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced the development, saying the accord represents a significant advancement in consular cooperation and humanitarian justice between Africa’s two most populous nations.

    “Done and dusted. Here at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we signed a landmark agreement that will allow sentenced citizens of either country — Nigeria or Ethiopia — to return to their home nation to serve the remainder of their prison terms,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

    The agreement was formally endorsed by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of senior government officials from both countries.

    The Nigerian foreign minister commended officials, legal experts, and technical teams from both sides for successfully concluding the negotiations that led to the agreement.

    She described the accord as a reflection of the growing diplomatic and legal cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

    Also speaking, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, which dates back to the 1960s.

    He stressed the importance of continued dialogue, consultation, and collaboration on issues of mutual interest to further strengthen bilateral ties.

    According to Timothewos, the agreement demonstrates the commitment of both governments to justice, human dignity, and a more humane approach to custodial administration.

    The arrangement will allow eligible prisoners to complete their sentences in their home countries, closer to their families, cultural environment, and support networks.

    Officials said the initiative recognises the important role that family support, language, culture, and social connections play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.

    The agreement is also expected to improve the welfare of incarcerated citizens while promoting international cooperation in criminal justice administration.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the deal aligns with Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy approach, which places the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad at the heart of diplomatic engagements.

    “Citizen-centred diplomacy remains a key pillar of our foreign policy. The welfare and protection of our citizens abroad will continue to receive priority attention,” she said.

    The prisoner transfer agreement adds to a growing list of bilateral cooperation initiatives between Nigeria and Ethiopia, reinforcing efforts by both countries to deepen diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian relations.

  • JUST IN: Somaliland president to make historic visit to Israel amid deepening diplomatic ties

    JUST IN: Somaliland president to make historic visit to Israel amid deepening diplomatic ties

    HARGEISA, Somaliland (NPA) — Somaliland President, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, is set to embark on a historic official visit to Israel on June 14, marking a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic relationship between the State of Israel and the Republic of Somaliland.

    The visit follows an invitation extended by Israeli authorities and comes amid expanding political and diplomatic engagement between the two sides.

    According to the official itinerary, President Abdullahi will visit the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, where he will be received by the Chairman of Yad Vashem, Dani Dayan.

    During the visit, the Somaliland leader is expected to tour key memorial sites within the Holocaust museum complex and participate in a special ceremony honouring victims of the Holocaust.

    The trip is widely seen as another step in Somaliland’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships and expand its diplomatic footprint despite its continued quest for broader international recognition.

    The development comes months after Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem, a move that drew sharp criticism from several Arab and Islamic countries.

    Despite the criticism, Somaliland authorities have continued to defend the move as part of their sovereign foreign policy agenda.

    Newpost Africa reports that, in a statement during the 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s restoration of sovereignty, Presidential Spokesperson Hussein Deyr reiterated the government’s commitment to independence and international recognition.

    According to Deyr, Somaliland’s sovereignty remains a non-negotiable aspiration shared by its people.

    “Somaliland’s sovereignty is not merely a political aspiration, but a deeply held national conviction shared collectively by its people,” he said.

    The spokesperson also described recent diplomatic developments with Israel as a landmark achievement in Somaliland’s international engagement strategy.

    “This year’s commemoration also coincided with a major diplomatic milestone, as the President of the State of Israel received the credentials of Somaliland’s first Extraordinary Ambassador accredited to a recognised sovereign state; a powerful symbol of Somaliland’s expanding global engagement and irreversible march toward international recognition,” the statement said.

    The forthcoming visit is expected to further strengthen relations between Israel and Somaliland and could have wider implications for Somaliland’s ongoing campaign for international recognition as an independent state.

    Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained its own government, security institutions, and democratic processes for more than three decades, although it has yet to receive formal recognition from the international community.

  • African Union raises alarm over escalating US-Iran tensions, warns of global security risks

    African Union raises alarm over escalating US-Iran tensions, warns of global security risks

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union (AU) Commission has expressed deep concern over the renewed escalation of hostilities between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, warning that the worsening crisis could further destabilise an already fragile international security environment.

    In a communiqué issued on Wednesday, the continental body said the latest developments were unfolding despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and securing a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

    The Commission warned that any further escalation could have far-reaching consequences for international peace and security.

    “The Commission believes that these developments risk further destabilising an already fragile situation and threaten international peace and security,” the statement said.

    The AU called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, avoid provocative actions, and recommit themselves to dialogue and diplomacy.

    According to the Commission, diplomatic engagement remains the only sustainable pathway to resolving differences and preventing a broader regional conflict.

    The continental organisation also highlighted the potential economic consequences of instability in the Gulf region for African countries.

    It noted that prolonged tensions could disrupt global energy markets, trigger higher transportation and commodity costs, and place additional pressure on economies across the continent.

    “The Commission has consistently underscored that continued instability in the Gulf region carries significant implications for Africa, including disruptions to global energy markets, increased transportation and commodity costs, and adverse effects on economic growth, trade, and development across the continent,” the communiqué stated.

    The AU reiterated its support for all diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating the crisis and fostering a peaceful settlement.

    It further urged the international community to intensify efforts towards achieving a negotiated resolution in the interest of regional and global stability.

    The statement comes amid growing international concern over rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with fears that further military confrontation could have serious implications for global security, energy supplies, and economic stability.

    The African Union maintained that dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful engagement remain the most effective tools for preventing a wider conflict and preserving international peace.

  • AU Commission Chairperson meets UN Envoys on DR Congo, Great Lakes security

    AU Commission Chairperson meets UN Envoys on DR Congo, Great Lakes security

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has met with senior United Nations officials to discuss the security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the wider Great Lakes region.

    The meeting brought together Youssouf, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), James Swan, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia.

    According to a statement issued by the African Union on Tuesday, the discussions focused on ongoing developments in eastern DRC and broader regional efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and stability.

    The officials also reviewed opportunities for deeper collaboration between the African Union and the United Nations in addressing the region’s security challenges and supporting long-term development initiatives.

    The African Union said the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between both organisations in pursuit of sustainable peace, stability, security, and economic development across the Great Lakes region.

    Eastern DRC has continued to face persistent security challenges driven by the activities of armed groups, resulting in humanitarian concerns and regional instability.

  • Museveni reflects on Uganda’s past struggles, calls for economic transformation on Heroes Day

    Museveni reflects on Uganda’s past struggles, calls for economic transformation on Heroes Day

    KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reflected on the country’s turbulent past, highlighting the sacrifices made by thousands of Ugandans in the struggle for freedom and national reconstruction.

    In a message marking Uganda’s Heroes Day on Tuesday, Museveni recalled the dire state of the nation before his government came to power, describing a period marked by economic collapse, insecurity, poor governance, and the denial of democratic rights.

    The Ugandan leader said June 9 was chosen as Heroes Day to honour the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives during the country’s liberation struggle, particularly in the Luweero Triangle, one of the most affected regions during the conflict.

    According to him, the scale of the atrocities committed during the period was evident in the discovery of 32 communal graves after the war.

    “The 9th of June 1981 was chosen to represent the hundreds of thousands who were killed, especially in the Luweero Triangle. After the war, we collected skulls from 32 communal graves as a reminder of the atrocities our people endured,” Museveni said.

    Reflecting on the circumstances that led to the armed struggle, the president said Uganda faced a profound national crisis, with a collapsed economy, widespread insecurity, failing institutions, and nearly two decades without free and fair elections.

    He said the objectives of the liberation movement were to restore democracy, guarantee security, revive and diversify the economy, and rebuild the country.

    Museveni expressed appreciation to both civilian and military veterans who participated in the struggle, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the quest for freedom.

    “I thank the civilian and armed veterans who joined us in this struggle and helped achieve these goals. I also salute the families of those heroes who are no longer with us,” he stated.

    The president said that while significant progress has been made, Uganda’s next major challenge is achieving economic transformation and ensuring that every household becomes part of the money economy.

    He urged citizens to remain committed to national development and the pursuit of shared prosperity.

  • EBOLA: AU–EU leaders strengthen cooperation on health, humanitarian response

    EBOLA: AU–EU leaders strengthen cooperation on health, humanitarian response

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, today received H.E. Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, at AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    The meeting underscored the enduring strength of the AU–EU strategic partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to solidarity and a shared vision for peace, resilience, and sustainable development.

    Discussions focused on joint efforts to address health and humanitarian emergencies, including the ongoing Ebola outbreak, as well as broader peace and security challenges across the continent. The AU Chairperson emphasised the importance of strengthening Africa’s health security architecture, advancing health sovereignty, and enhancing continental capacities in vaccine production, preparedness, and response.

    He also highlighted the humanitarian implications of the situation in eastern DRC, stressing the need for ceasefire efforts, humanitarian access, and support for affected communities.

    Commissioner Lahbib reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to work closely with the AU and institutions such as the Africa CDC to bolster preparedness and support Africa‑led responses. She also underscored the importance of deepening cooperation on humanitarian diplomacy and international humanitarian law.

    The talks further touched on the impact of conflicts beyond Africa, particularly in the Middle East, and their implications for the continent. Both sides agreed to build on the outcomes of the AU–EU Summit in Luanda, anchoring their partnership in shared priorities for peace, stability, and sustainable development.