New Post Africa

Category: Africa

  • Afreximbank posts US$1.2 billion profit as assets hit US$48.5 billion

    Afreximbank posts US$1.2 billion profit as assets hit US$48.5 billion

    CAIRO, Egypt, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) and its subsidiaries have reported a net profit of US$1.2 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025, underscoring sustained resilience, market confidence and strategic execution.

    Total assets and contingencies grew by 21% to US$48.5 billion, up from US$40.1 billion in 2024, while net loans and advances rose 16% to US$33.5 billion, driven by disbursements across Africa and the Caribbean in manufacturing, infrastructure, food security and climate adaptation.

    The Group’s non‑performing loan ratio remained stable at 2.43%, with liquidity strengthened by cash and equivalents of US$6.0 billion, representing 14% of total assets. Shareholders’ funds increased by 17% to US$8.4 billion, supported by net income and new equity inflows of US$299.4 million under the General Capital Increase II.

    Gross income rose by 6% to US$3.5 billion, while operating expenses climbed to US$459.2 million, reflecting staff expansion and inflationary pressures. Despite this, the cost‑to‑income ratio stood at 21%, well below the strategic ceiling of 30%.

    In 2025, Afreximbank successfully raised over US$800 million from Japan and China through Samurai and Panda bonds, demonstrating its fundraising capacity and reinforcing its role as a pan‑African multilateral financial institution.

    The Bank said the results were achieved through expanded delivery of tailored financial and advisory solutions that supported trade, fostered industrialisation and enhanced economic self‑reliance across the continent.

  • Chibok community calls for permanent joint security formations

    Chibok community calls for permanent joint security formations

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA) has urged the Federal Government to establish permanent military and joint security formations in strategic border communities linking Chibok, Damboa and Askira‑Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State.

    National President of the association, Mr Nkeki Mutah, made the appeal at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, stressing that the measure is necessary to halt persistent and devastating attacks on Chibok by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Mutah also called on the military high command to urgently deploy more troops to Chibok, noting that residents have endured over a decade of suffering, fear, displacement and loss. He recalled the abduction of schoolgirls on 14 April 2014, describing it as “an open wound,” with nearly 100 still unaccounted for.

    He said the community had suffered multiple coordinated attacks in the past week alone, and urged support for trained youths who received security vigilance training last year, requesting tools and equipment to enable them to assist security agencies.

    Mutah appealed to federal and state governments, foreign partners, NGOs and individuals to provide emergency relief materials to displaced persons, and called for Chibok to be opened to humanitarian organisations to deliver essential support directly.

    He expressed appreciation to military personnel, vigilante groups, the Nigerian Police and other operatives who continue to risk their lives defending the community.

  • Nigerian Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah killed in coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno

    Nigerian Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah killed in coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, has been confirmed killed in coordinated overnight attacks by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

    Military sources said the insurgents launched simultaneous assaults on Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area and Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday. The attackers reportedly overran a military base, setting vehicles and facilities ablaze before looting supplies.

    Alongside General Braimah, several security personnel—including the Brigade’s Imam—and civilians were killed. The military reported that dozens of insurgents were neutralised during the fierce gun battle.

    The Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, which once again underscores how terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP are able to carry out strategic attacks against military positions in northeastern Nigeria despite ongoing counter‑insurgency operations.

    In the last two weeks, following the Maiduguri attacks, the Army has claimed to have decimated scores of terrorists and destroyed their camps in the northeast. However, the military continues to face public scrutiny over waves of killings by insurgents across the country, including in Kwara, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto and other states where active terrorist enclaves persist.

    The death of General Braimah marks a significant setback for Nigerian forces battling insurgency in the northeast. It follows the loss of other senior officers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba in late 2025, highlighting the escalating toll of the conflict.

  • U.S. urges citizens to leave Nigeria amid rising security risks

    U.S. urges citizens to leave Nigeria amid rising security risks

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — The United States has authorised the departure of non‑emergency staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, warning of a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

    The Department of State cited widespread violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and roadside banditry. It noted that kidnappings for ransom are common, often targeting dual nationals and Americans perceived as wealthy.

    The advisory also highlighted the risk of terrorist attacks, warning that militants continue to plot assaults in Nigeria, sometimes in collaboration with local gangs. Potential targets include shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, schools, government buildings, and transport hubs.

    Civil unrest and armed gangs remain active in southern regions, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast, where kidnappings and assaults on security forces are frequent. Violence between farming and herding communities in rural areas has also contributed to instability.

    The State Department further cautioned that healthcare in Nigeria is unreliable, with hospitals often requiring immediate cash payments and lacking adequate equipment, medicines, and emergency services. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient medication, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and secure medical evacuation insurance.

    Americans are strongly urged not to travel to several states, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, northern Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (except Port Harcourt), due to terrorism, crime, and unrest.

    The advisory recommends U.S. citizens in Nigeria enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain a low profile, avoid demonstrations, and prepare evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

  • From Legon to the moon: President Mahama celebrates Christina Koch’s historic Artemis II Mission

    From Legon to the moon: President Mahama celebrates Christina Koch’s historic Artemis II Mission

    ACCRA, Ghana, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has hailed Christina Koch, the only woman on the historic Artemis II mission to the Moon, who once studied as an exchange student at the University of Ghana during the 1999/2000 academic year.

    In a statement titled “From the Lecture Halls of Legon to the Moon: Celebrating Christina Koch”, President Mahama joined the University of Ghana and the nation in celebrating NASA astronaut Christina Koch’s groundbreaking role in the mission.

    Mahama recalled Koch’s time at Legon as more than a brief visit, noting that she immersed herself in Ghanaian culture and heritage. By studying subjects such as the History of Ghana, the History of Africa, Rural Sociology, Music, and even Twi for Beginners, she built what he described as “a foundation of global citizenship right here in Accra.”

    He praised her symbolic gesture of hoisting the Ghanaian flag in outer space, calling it “a deeply touching moment for every Ghanaian” and a reminder that “no matter how far one travels, even into the vastness of space, the friendships made and the lessons learned stay with you.”

    “Christina’s journey from the classrooms of the University of Ghana to the frontiers of space exploration serves as a powerful inspiration to every young Ghanaian,” Mahama said. “It reminds us that our educational institutions continue to produce and shape global leaders who break barriers and reach for the stars.”

    The President wished the entire Artemis II crew godspeed on their return journey to Earth, expressing hope that their success would inspire generations across Ghana, Africa, and the world to believe that “there is no height that is insurmountable.”

    “Ghana is proud of you!” he concluded.

  • ‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Atiku accuses INEC of partisanship, labels Tinubu-led APC tyrannical

    ‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Atiku accuses INEC of partisanship, labels Tinubu-led APC tyrannical

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — Former Vice President and presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar has accused Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of partisanship following its decision to deregister the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Atiku, who joined other prominent ADC leaders in a protest in Abuja today, alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) influenced INEC’s action, describing it as partisan and aimed at undermining the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Atiku warned that any attempt to weaken democracy would be resisted: “INEC and the APC must understand that any effort to undermine democracy in this country will not succeed. It will be resisted and challenged to the best of our abilities. I also hope that the international community is paying attention to the threat to Nigeria, its democracy, and the opposition. Nigeria shall be reclaimed. Nigeria shall be rebuilt. Nigeria shall arise and shine through our collective and united efforts.”

    Other notable figures at the protest included Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State; Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State; David Mark, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman before INEC’s derecognition; Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and ADC National Secretary before INEC’s decision; and Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, among others.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Peter Obi, another ADC stalwart, described the protest as not only a defence of democracy but also a reflection on how far the nation has fallen. He urged Nigerians to resist attempts to suffocate democratic freedoms by those who once claimed to have defended them but now seek to silence opposition.

  • ‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Obi insists people’s will must prevail

    ‘Standing Up for Democracy’ Protest: Obi insists people’s will must prevail

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — Peter Obi, a presidential aspirant and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has cautioned that history will not be kind to those who traded the struggle for democracy for the comfort of power.

    Speaking after joining ADC leaders in a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, Obi declared: “We will not remain silent, we will not be intimidated, and we will not surrender the future of this nation. The will of the people must prevail—stronger, louder, and impossible to suppress.”

    The demonstration was organised to demand that INEC reverse its decision to deregister the ADC, citing ongoing court proceedings.

    Other prominent figures at the protest included Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria; Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State; Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State; David Mark, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman before INEC’s derecognition; Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and ADC National Secretary before INEC’s decision; and Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, among others.

    In his statement titled “Standing Up for Democracy”, Obi described the protest as not only a defence of democracy but also a reflection on how far the nation has fallen. He urged Nigerians to resist attempts to suffocate democratic freedoms by those who once claimed to have sacrificed for them but now seek to undermine opposition.

  • South Africa strengthens HIV prevention with Lenacapavir

    South Africa strengthens HIV prevention with Lenacapavir

    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — The South African Government has received its first consignment of 37,920 doses of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable that offers up to six months of protection against HIV with just two injections per year.

    This milestone marks a significant advance in the country’s HIV response, expanding prevention options particularly for adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to accelerate efforts to reduce new HIV infections and support South Africa’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    Lenacapavir is not a vaccine but a long-acting HIV prevention medicine. Administered twice yearly, it provides continuous protection and offers a convenient alternative for individuals who face challenges with existing prevention methods.

    The Government emphasised that the rollout of Lenacapavir strengthens its integrated, people-centred approach to HIV prevention. The six-monthly injectable is expected to improve adherence and expand choices for high-risk populations.

    An official launch will be announced in the coming weeks, including details of a phased implementation plan to ensure effective and equitable distribution across the country.

  • Obi questions credibility of ₦3.3 trillion power debt payment

    Obi questions credibility of ₦3.3 trillion power debt payment

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 7 April 2026 (NPA) — A senior figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a presidential aspirant, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s latest approval of ₦3.3 trillion to settle accumulated power sector debts.

    In a statement today, titled “Let us reflect, sincerely and without sentiment”, Obi noted that this is not the first such announcement. He recalled that on 17 May 2024, ₦3.3 trillion was approved for the same purpose, followed by another ₦4 trillion bond on 25 July 2024. Several other approvals have been made in between, all ostensibly aimed at addressing the same liabilities.

    “This raises a fundamental question: were the previous approvals mere announcements without execution?” Obi asked.

    During the 2023 campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged that if he failed to deliver stable electricity, Nigerians should not re-elect him. Yet, power supply has deteriorated further, with reports even suggesting that the Presidential Villa may be disconnected from the national grid.

    Obi argued that repeated approvals appear more like policy pronouncements than genuine progress. He stressed that the debts were largely accumulated under successive APC administrations between 2015 and 2025, raising serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and financial management.

    He pointed out that government institutions, including the Presidential Villa, owe a significant portion of these debts. “Year after year, budgets were made and funds appropriated. Why then were these obligations not settled when due? And from what source will this new payment be made? Are we resorting once more to borrowing to service inefficiencies?”

    Key questions, Obi said, remain unanswered:

    • How did the debt accrue?
    • What is the actual total debt in the power sector?
    • Which components are due to operators’ inefficiency and should be borne by them?
    • Why have previous approvals not translated into tangible improvements?
    • Who are the real beneficiaries of these repeated payments?

    Obi concluded: “Nigeria must move beyond recycled announcements and confront the power sector crisis with sincerity, transparency, and decisive reforms. Until we do so, we will remain trapped in a cycle of debt and darkness. But with discipline, accountability, and the right leadership, a new Nigeria is still possible.”

  • UN marks 32nd anniversary of Rwanda Genocide amid rising ethnic hatred across Africa

    UN marks 32nd anniversary of Rwanda Genocide amid rising ethnic hatred across Africa

    INTERNATIONAL, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — Today, the world observes the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This solemn occasion marks 32 years since one of the darkest chapters in human history, when more than one million people — overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the killings — were systematically murdered in less than three months.

    The United Nations commemorates this day with events at its Headquarters in New York and offices worldwide, honouring the victims and reflecting on the resilience of survivors.

    At the 31st anniversary commemoration in 2025, Ms Germaine Tuyisenge Müller shared her harrowing story of survival. At just nine years old, she was left alone for two months after neighbours abandoned her during the genocide. Her testimony underscores the enduring trauma and strength of survivors.

    In September 2024, the Republic of Rwanda gifted the UN the Kwibuka Flame of Hope statue, installed in the north garden of UN Headquarters. The flame symbolises resilience and courage in the face of hate speech, misinformation, and ethnic division that fueled the genocide.Since 1994, the UN has played a central role in Rwanda’s reconstruction. Through the One UN framework, 22 agencies coordinate efforts under a single leader, budget, and program to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Between 2018 and 2023, the UN invested approximately $631 million in Rwanda’s development initiatives.