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Category: Africa

  • African Union condemns Israel’s appointment of envoy to Somaliland

    African Union condemns Israel’s appointment of envoy to Somaliland

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union (AU) has condemned the decision by the Israeli government to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, stressing that the union does not recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

    Israel’s action follows a visit by its officials to Somaliland on January 6, 2026, in what was described as a landmark diplomatic engagement. The delegation was led by Gideon Sa’ar, who met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and other senior government officials in Hargeisa.

    The visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties, including discussions on establishing formal diplomatic relations and areas of cooperation. It marked the first official Israeli engagement with Somaliland at that level, signalling growing interest in deeper political and strategic relations between both sides.

    The African Union, in a statement signed by Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, spokesperson to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reaffirmed its unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, in line with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law.

    The AU also recalled the communiqué of the 1324th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council held on January 6, 2026, stressing that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is null and void and warning that such actions risk undermining regional stability.

    “The African Union remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace, governance, and national cohesion,” the statement added.

  • U.S. envoy meets Libyan PM at Antalya Forum, pushes for unity and elections

    U.S. envoy meets Libyan PM at Antalya Forum, pushes for unity and elections

    ANTALYA, Turkey (NPA) — The United States Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has met with Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya.

    The meeting, held at the NEST Congress and Fair Center in Belek, focused on ongoing efforts to stabilise and unify Libya following years of political division. Boulos noted that both parties underscored the significance of the recent signing of a unified national budget on 11 April, as well as the launch of Exercise Flintlock on 14 April, which involved joint participation by eastern and western Libyan special forces.

    According to the U.S. envoy, the developments represent key steps toward national reconciliation and institutional unity after prolonged tensions among rival political factions and armed groups. He said both sides explored ways to build on the progress made through economic and military integration.

    Discussions also centred on how the United States can support Libya’s path toward the unification of state institutions, culminating in the conduct of credible national elections aimed at restoring stability and governance in the country.

    Boulos reiterated Washington’s position in favour of a peaceful, stable, and unified Libya, capable of driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for its citizens and international partners.

  • Eswatini marks 40 years of King Mswati III’s reign with grand celebrations

    Eswatini marks 40 years of King Mswati III’s reign with grand celebrations

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — The government and people of Eswatini on Saturday commemorated the 40th anniversary of the reign of Mswati III, in a colourful display of culture, unity, and national pride.

    The celebrations, held across the kingdom, were described by officials as a tribute to “40 Years of Leadership and Legacy Excellence Impact,” highlighting a journey shaped by leadership, service, and national transformation. In an official statement, the government said the milestone was an opportunity to honour the past with gratitude, celebrate the present with pride, and look to the future with hope and confidence.

    In Mankayane, large crowds of children, youth, and elders gathered in a vibrant show of solidarity to mark the occasion. The event featured lively performances, including drum majorettes from Mankayane High School, alongside cultural displays by students from Mankayane High School and Ngcoseni Central High School, adding colour and festive energy to the commemoration.

    King Mswati III, born Makhosetive Dlamini, was installed on 25 April 1986 at the age of 18, making him one of the youngest monarchs at the time. He ascended the throne following the death of his father, Sobhuza II, after a period of regency. His coronation marked the continuation of Eswatini’s absolute monarchy, with the king retaining significant executive and legislative authority.

    Over four decades, his reign has been defined by the preservation of traditional governance through the Tinkhundla system, which emphasises local representation. In 2018, he renamed the country from Swaziland to Eswatini—meaning “land of the Swazis”—in a move aimed at reinforcing national identity and cultural heritage.

    The monarch is also credited with promoting cultural traditions, including the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala ceremonies, while overseeing infrastructure development and reforms in key sectors such as health and education. However, his reign has also faced sustained calls for political reform, improved human rights, and greater democratisation.

    As celebrations continue, the anniversary underscores both the enduring legacy of the monarchy and the evolving aspirations of the Swazi people.

  • Bobi Wine wins award in U.S., raises alarm over arrests, forced disappearances in Uganda

    Bobi Wine wins award in U.S., raises alarm over arrests, forced disappearances in Uganda

    ABUJA, Nigeria — 18 April 2026 (NPA) — Ugandan opposition leader and former presidential candidate, Bobi Wine, has been recognised as a Leader in Courage and Innovation (2026) by the Renew Democracy Initiative in New York City.

    Now in exile in the United States, the politician dedicated the award to Ugandans who, he said, have been killed, unlawfully detained, or forcibly disappeared in the struggle for a better nation. He noted that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

    Bobi Wine also acknowledged fellow honourees, including former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton; Chrystia Freeland, economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada; and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, a former NASA astronaut, commending their contributions to democratic causes. “Uganda shall be free,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the opposition figure condemned what he described as the unlawful detention of Fauzia Natabi, the wife of his personal assistant.

    According to him, Natabi was held incommunicado for over 35 days after her alleged abduction before being presented at the Chief Magistrate Court in Kanyanya, where she was charged and remanded to Kasangati Prison. He described the charge—allegedly threatening a stranger via phone—as “laughable,” noting that it came shortly after authorities denied having her in custody.

    Bobi Wine further raised concern over the disappearance of another activist, identified as “Gen. Blue Tick,” who was reportedly abducted on 9 April while heading to a vigil in Mutungo. He said her whereabouts remain unknown, with authorities yet to provide any explanation.

    He argued that the incidents reflect a broader pattern of abductions and official denials aimed at silencing opposition voices.

    “We must never give up the fight until we are all free,” he said, reiterating calls for the release of political detainees and the return of missing persons.

  • Kagame congratulates #VisitRwanda European clubs on Champions League success

    Kagame congratulates #VisitRwanda European clubs on Champions League success

    KIGALI, Rwanda — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — Rwandan President Paul Kagame has congratulated three European football giants — Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Atlético de Madrid — on their qualification for the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.

    Kagame, whose government partners with the clubs through the #VisitRwanda tourism campaign, praised their performances in a series of posts on his X account on Wednesday. “Well done to #VisitRwanda partner Arsenal for qualifying for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals tonight! Look forward to cheering you on during the next stage,” he wrote. 

    He also hailed Atlético de Madrid’s “impressive win” and PSG’s “strong performance and well-deserved result,” noting that all three clubs had shown “consistency, excellence and resolve.”

    Atlético’s victory over Barcelona was particularly dramatic, with the visitors scoring within the first ten minutes. Entering the match with a 0–2 aggregate deficit, Barcelona’s hopes of progressing were further diminished after receiving another red card — their second in consecutive fixtures — leaving them exposed in the closing stages.

    At the end of the quarter-final ties: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): Advanced with a 4–0 aggregate victory over Liverpool. Atlético de Madrid: Advanced with a 3–2 aggregate victory over Barcelona. Bayern Munich: Advanced with a 6–4 aggregate victory over Real Madrid.

    The first legs of the semi-final matches are scheduled for 28/29 April, with the return legs on 5/6 May 2026. The final will be held at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on 30 May 2026.

  • Amnesty International warns of intensifying civilian suffering in Sudan

    Amnesty International warns of intensifying civilian suffering in Sudan

    INTERNATIONAL — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International has sounded the alarm over worsening atrocities in Sudan as the country marks three years since the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The organisation said the conflict continues to intensify, leaving civilians exposed to indiscriminate attacks, looting, sexual violence, and the destruction of vital infrastructure.

    Amnesty’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, warning that “minimal, half-hearted and lacklustre responses” from the African Union, the UN Security Council, and other international actors have emboldened perpetrators. She urged urgent action to prioritise civilian protection, accountability for war crimes, and unhindered humanitarian access.

    Since April 2023, Amnesty has documented systemic abuses by both the SAF and RSF, including unlawful killings, rape, sexual slavery, torture, enforced disappearances, and widespread looting. The organisation highlighted atrocities such as the April 2025 attack on Zamzam, Sudan’s largest camp for internally displaced persons, where RSF fighters killed civilians, pillaged property, and displaced over 400,000 people. Similar abuses were reported in El Fasher after the RSF seized the city following an 18-month siege.

    Amnesty called on the UN Security Council to expand its referral of the Darfur conflict to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to cover crimes across Sudan, and urged the international community to increase funding and pressure both sides to allow lifesaving aid. “The Sudan conflict is not forgotten; it is being deliberately ignored and neglected. Behind this neglect are countless human beings undergoing untold suffering as the world looks the other way. This has to stop,” Callamard said.

  • UN Secretary-General urges end to Sudan’s three-year war amid worsening humanitarian conditions  

    UN Secretary-General urges end to Sudan’s three-year war amid worsening humanitarian conditions  

    INTERNATIONAL — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Sudan’s warring factions to urgently end the conflict that has ravaged the country for three years, leaving millions displaced and the nation on the brink of collapse.  

    Marking the grim anniversary, Guterres reminded the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, that nearly 34 million people now require humanitarian assistance, while more than 4.5 million have fled across borders. “This nightmare must end,” he declared, urging the parties to embrace dialogue rather than violence.  

    The war, which erupted in April 2023, stemmed from a bitter power struggle between the SAF and RSF over military integration and political control. What began in Khartoum quickly spread nationwide, destabilising neighbouring states and undermining Sudan’s fragile transition following the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir.  

    Sudan has suffered catastrophic losses: over 40,000 lives have been lost, and about 14 million people—nearly a quarter of the population—have been forced from their homes. Hospitals, schools, and water systems lie in ruins, while inflation, food shortages, and unreliable electricity have deepened the crisis.  

    The UN has described Sudan as the world’s worst humanitarian emergency, with 21 million people lacking access to health services. Disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and mass displacement have left families in despair, pushing millions into refugee camps across the region. Guterres stressed that only a credible, inclusive, civilian-led political process can restore hope and stability to the Sudanese people.

  • Tinubu commissions NRS Headquarters, says new tax reforms will drive prosperity

    Tinubu commissions NRS Headquarters, says new tax reforms will drive prosperity

    ABUJA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said colonial-era tax laws impoverished Nigerians through fragmentation, multiplicity, and inconsistencies, but assured that ongoing reforms will deliver greater prosperity and inclusivity.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the 16-storey Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Headquarters in Abuja, the President emphasised that the new tax system, which became fully operational in January, is designed to be people-centred and investment-friendly, advancing national development goals.

    “On my inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we will move Nigerians from the dimness of uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope. Today, I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric; they were a covenant with the Nigerian people,” Tinubu said.

    He commended the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for completing the edifice in 30 months, noting that it provides a conducive working environment for 3,000 staff, along with modern facilities including a data centre, clinic, auditorium, training halls, gym, and library.

    “We are not gathered here merely to commission an edifice. We are here to mark a milestone in a larger national journey: the deliberate strengthening of our fiscal foundation and rebuilding of confidence in public institutions. No serious nation can achieve lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system,” the President added.

    Tinubu also praised the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, for leading efforts to modernise colonial-era tax laws into “manageable, realisable, and understandable levels.” He assured that the reforms are designed to simplify the system, eliminate distortions, and create a fair, transparent, and investment-friendly environment.

    “The early results are encouraging and fantastic. We are witnessing improved fiscal stability, stronger foreign reserves, a more efficient trade ecosystem, and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction,” he said.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged Nigerians to be patient with the administration, citing improvements in fuel supply and economic stability. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, commended the reforms for aligning rules, institutions, and incentives within a single framework.

    In his remarks, NRS Chairman Adedeji described the commissioning as “the culmination of a defining institutional journey,” noting that over 60 fragmented tax laws have been streamlined into a coherent framework. He highlighted revenue growth from ₦6.8 trillion five years ago to ₦28.7 trillion in 2025, alongside strengthened fiscal governance and the launch of the National Single Window for trade.

    Delivering a goodwill message, Guan Shuai, Managing Director of China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CECC), praised Tinubu’s leadership, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda has repositioned Nigeria’s economy for foreign direct investment.

  • Uganda Police distributes 50,000 coffee seedlings to officers to boost welfare and income

    Uganda Police distributes 50,000 coffee seedlings to officers to boost welfare and income

    KAMPALA, Uganda — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Uganda Police Force has begun distributing free coffee seedlings to its officers as part of measures to improve their welfare and reduce complete reliance on salaries.

    According to a statement issued by the police, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance officers’ welfare, boost household incomes, and promote self-reliance. The empowerment programme was carried out by the Directorate of Welfare, Production and Sports of the force, under the supervision of AIGP Hadijah Namutebi, Director of Welfare, Production and Sports.

    The distribution event took place at the Police Duty Free Shop in Nsambya, where a total of 50,000 coffee seedlings were handed out with support from the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture.

    The statement quoted AIGP Namutebi expressing her appreciation to the Ministry for its timely intervention and continued support toward improving the livelihoods of police officers. She emphasised that the Directorate of Welfare remains committed to empowering officers to actively engage in income-generating ventures, particularly through agriculture, which she described as sustainable and beneficial in the long term.

    Namutebi further encouraged officers to take full advantage of the Police Duty Free Shop by accessing quality building materials at subsidised and affordable prices. She noted that such initiatives are designed to support personal development, strengthen financial stability, and improve the overall quality of life for officers.

  • Afreximbank backs Dangote Group’s $100 billion revenue target by 2030

    Afreximbank backs Dangote Group’s $100 billion revenue target by 2030

    CAIRO, Egypt — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has pledged support for Dangote Group as the conglomerate pursues an ambitious plan to expand operations and achieve annual revenues of US$100 billion by 2030.

    The announcement followed the presentation of the Group’s long-term growth strategy, “Vision 2030: Supercharging Dangote Group for Long-Term Success,” to Afreximbank’s Board of Directors and executive team on 31 March 2026. The strategy outlines a two-phase expansion programme spanning 2025–2028 and 2028–2030.

    Key initiatives include increasing the capacity of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, and quadrupling fertiliser production from 3 million tonnes per annum to 12 million tonnes per annum — positioning the Group as the world’s largest producer of urea fertiliser. The plan also covers expansion in cement, rice, and food production, alongside new investments in infrastructure, gas, mining, data centres, and power.

    Dangote Group estimates it will require at least US$40 billion in new investments over the next five years to realise its continental ambitions.

    Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, described the partnership as a shared mission to drive Africa’s industrial growth. “Our partnership with Afreximbank is more than financial support; it is about a shared dream for the continent,” he said.

    Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board, Dr. George Elombi, emphasised the alignment of goals between the two institutions, noting that the collaboration would accelerate Africa’s industrial transformation. He recalled the continent’s struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic due to limited production capacity, stressing the importance of building local resilience.

    As part of the partnership, Afreximbank signed a US$2.5 billion facility underwritten as part of a US$4 billion syndicated term loan in favour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

    The agreement underscores Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting large-scale African enterprises and Dangote Group’s role in advancing industrialisation and economic diversification across the continent.