New Post Africa

Category: Europe-Asia

EU parliament endorses talks on regulation for returning illegal immigrants

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The European Parliament has endorsed the opening of negotiations with the Council on a new legal framework for the return of people without the right to remain in the European Union.

With 389 votes in favour, 206 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs agreed to proceed to the next stage of the legislative process for an updated EU common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU.

According to a statement issued by Polona Tedesko, Press Officer (SI), the vote on Thursday followed three separate requests by the S&D, Greens/EFA, and The Left political groups challenging the 9 March 2026 decisions taken in the Civil Liberties Committee, in line with rule 72 of Parliament’s rules of procedure.

The statement added that rapporteur Malik Azmani (Renew, NL) will lead Parliament’s negotiating team. Parliament’s negotiating position and a summary of key points are available, with the first round of negotiations with the Cyprus Presidency scheduled to take place shortly.

If the regulation is eventually adopted, illegal immigrants found without legal grounds to remain in the EU would face formal removal procedures. These would include identification, detention where necessary, and repatriation to their country of origin or transit, with safeguards in place for vulnerable individuals such as minors and asylum seekers.

The reforms aim to strengthen coordination between member states, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable results in managing migration across the Union.

March 26, 2026
BREAKING: UN declares transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity

UNITED NATIONS (NPA) — March 25, 2026—The United Nations General Assembly today passed a historic resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. The resolution, published by the UN Media Liaison Unit (MALU), was sponsored by more than 50 countries and underscores the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism on Africans and people of African descent worldwide.

The resolution reaffirms the principles of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international covenants prohibiting slavery. It recalls historic milestones, including the Durban Declaration, the International Decade for People of African Descent, and the Ark of Return memorial at UN Headquarters, while stressing that slavery’s legacies persist in structural racism, inequality, and underdevelopment.

Delegates emphasized that the transatlantic slave trade represented “a profound rupture in human history,” involving the forced capture, commodification, and transportation of millions of Africans over four centuries. The resolution highlights the exceptional brutality and systemic nature of racialized chattel enslavement, noting its codification in laws such as the Barbados Slave Code and the French Code Noir, which legally defined Africans as property.

The Assembly condemned slavery as “the most inhumane and enduring injustice against humanity” and declared that crimes related to the trafficking of enslaved Africans are violations of jus cogens norms, not subject to statutory limitations. It affirmed that grave crimes generate continuing obligations until addressed through truth, justice, and reparations.

The resolution calls on Member States to engage in inclusive dialogue on reparatory justice, including formal apologies, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition. It urges the restitution of cultural properties and artifacts taken during slavery and colonialism, and encourages international cooperation to promote cultural rights for present and future generations.

The Assembly also requested the UN Secretary-General to strengthen coordination on remembrance, education, and research related to slavery and its legacies, and to report back at the 82nd session on progress made. Regional organizations such as the African Union and Caribbean Community were invited to collaborate on frameworks for reparatory justice and reconciliation.

By passing this resolution today, the General Assembly reaffirmed its collective commitment to historical justice, healing, and sustainable peace. It stressed that addressing the legacies of slavery is essential to combating systemic racism and ensuring dignity and equality for Africans and people of African descent across the globe.

March 25, 2026
Ukraine’s drone offensive halves Russia’s oil shipments as global oil markets hangs in the balance

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 25, 2026: Russia’s ambitions to cash in on soaring global oil demand amid Middle East turmoil have suffered a devastating setback, as Ukrainian drone attacks cripple nearly half of its export capacity.

Massive fires erupted at Russia’s Baltic Sea ports, Primorsk and Ust-Luga, forcing the suspension of oil shipments for the second time in a week. The Ust-Luga terminal, which handles about 700,000 barrels of oil daily, was struck overnight, sparking an inferno that continues to rage. The port is a vital hub for petroleum products, coal, and fertilizers.

Primorsk, Russia’s largest Baltic oil port with a capacity of 1 million barrels per day, was also targeted earlier on March 22. That strike ignited fuel storage tanks, halting operations and compounding the disruption.

The scale of the damage is staggering: about 2 million barrels per day—roughly 40% of Russia’s export capacity—has been knocked offline. Novorossiysk, another critical port on the Black Sea, has also faced interruptions following a drone attack earlier this month.

MarineTraffic data shows at least 50 vessels stranded in the Gulf of Finland, awaiting clearance to dock at the paralyzed ports. Local media, including Helsingin Sanomat, report that smoke from Ust-Luga’s burning fuel tanks—33 in total, with capacity exceeding 500 rail tank cars—is visible from Finland’s coastline, stretching for dozens of kilometers.

Russia’s oil lifeline to global markets now hangs in the balance, as Ukraine’s precision strikes continue to dismantle Moscow’s export infrastructure.

March 25, 2026
Philippines deploys vessels to shield fishermen amid Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have deployed vessels to safeguard Filipino fishermen following continued harassment by Chinese Coast Guard ships in the Bajo de Masinloc area. The move comes after more than 20 Filipino fishing boats reported intimidation last weekend.

In response, two PCG vessels and five fishery patrol boats were dispatched to the area, providing protection and logistical support such as fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice to extend fishing operations and ease rising fuel costs.

PCG Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea Concerns, Jay Tarriela, confirmed the deployment, noting that PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also ordered a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight. The aerial patrol documented six China Coast Guard vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia ships, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy warship operating nearby.

Significantly, the PCG recorded a China Coast Guard vessel announcing via live radio broadcast its intent to conduct a “clearing operation” within coordinates spanning 15°05’N, 118°10’E to 14°14’N, 118°25’E.

The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to defend Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea, pledging to uphold international law and protect the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen against external threats.

March 24, 2026
EU announces €288m grant to Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, and digital sectors

ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — The European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has announced €288 million in support for Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, finance, migration, climate, and digital public infrastructure sectors.

The announcement was made at the EU-Nigeria Ministerial Conference in Abuja under the EU-Nigeria Partnership. Stefano Signore, Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, said the project represents accelerated investment under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. He noted that health and agriculture are priorities, aimed at improving standards, infrastructure, local manufacturing, and inclusion. He also emphasised stronger cooperation on sustainable migration, providing better life options for returnee migrants.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said the initiative builds on the 2023 EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue, which launched the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy in Nigeria. Bagudu described the partnership as a deepening of ties anchored on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and sustainable investment. Represented by Minister of State Doris Anite-Uzoka, he highlighted reforms under President Bola Tinubu to stabilise the economy, strengthen fiscal sustainability, and create an enabling environment for private-sector growth.

Bank of Industry (BoI) CEO Olasupo Olusi said the partnership with the European Investment Bank channels long-term financing into healthcare and agriculture, central to Tinubu’s agenda for resilience and inclusive growth. Finland’s Under Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Jarno Syrjaia, announced Finland’s lead role in strengthening Nigeria’s digital public services and training three million technical talents. Finland’s HAUS and Estonia’s ESTDEV will implement the initiative, bringing European expertise in digital government and innovation.

Uche Amaonwu, Country Director of the Gates Foundation, stressed the importance of supporting health manufacturing. He praised the BoI and PVAC for mobilising financing facilities to meet the needs of Nigerian health manufacturers.

Breakdown of the €288m package includes: €23m for digital infrastructure, €108m in grants and loans to government, €50m for healthcare manufacturing, €5m for health and nutrition training, €85m for agribusiness lending, €1m for climate/agriculture expertise, and €16m for migration governance.

The initiative underscores a modern partnership focused on shared prosperity, sustainable investment, and resilience.

March 24, 2026
Netanyahu vows continued strikes in Iran war, claims killing of two nuclear scientists

MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday held discussions with United States President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war involving the US, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Netanyahu revealed that the talks focused on consolidating the “tremendous achievements” made by Israel and the US in the conflict, while exploring additional strategies to secure their war objectives in a framework that protects the vital interests of both nations.

In a televised broadcast, on Monday, monitored by Newpost Africa, Netanyahu stressed that diplomatic engagements would not deter Israel from continuing military operations in Iran and Lebanon.

“We are crushing the missile program and the nuclear program, and continuing to inflict severe blows on Hezbollah,” he declared. “Just days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists — and the hand is still outstretched.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that Israel’s security priorities remain unchanged, regardless of the outcome of ongoing US talks with Iran. He insisted that Israel would safeguard its national interests under any scenario, reinforcing his government’s resolve to maintain pressure on Tehran and its allies.

Observers note that Netanyahu’s remarks underscore Israel’s determination to pursue a hardline military approach while simultaneously engaging in high‑level diplomatic coordination with Washington. The statement also highlights the dual track of Israel’s strategy: combining battlefield operations with international negotiations to secure long‑term security guarantees.

March 23, 2026
Trump pauses military strikes on Iran for five days as talks begin

MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump’s “peace through strength” mantra may be showing results, following his announcement on Monday via his Truth Social account that the United States and Iran have, over the past two days, begun what he described as “very good and productive conversations” aimed at achieving a complete resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.

Trump clarified that, based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive discussions — which are expected to continue throughout the week — he has instructed the Department of War to postpone any planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. He stressed that the pause is conditional on the success of ongoing meetings and negotiations.

The statement, reproduced in full, reads: “I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has destabilised oil markets and damaged critical civilian infrastructure. Trump’s decision to delay strikes is being interpreted as a cautious step toward de-escalation, while leaving open the possibility of military action should talks fail.

March 23, 2026
Pakistan and Iraq urge dialogue to ease Middle East tensions

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Pakistan and Iraq have jointly stressed that dialogue and adherence to international law remain essential for ensuring peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and beyond. This was part of a phone discussion held between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, on the prevailing regional situation.

In a statement released Monday by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@ForeignOfficePk), both leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing escalation in the region and its wider implications for global stability.

The statement reads in part: “DPM/FM underscored the need for collective efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further instability, emphasising that dialogue and adherence to international law remain essential for ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond.”

The call comes amid mounting tensions in the Middle East, driven by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The crisis has already had far-reaching consequences, including volatility in global oil prices and damage to critical civilian infrastructure across the region.

Both ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to working with regional and international partners to promote peace and stability. They emphasised that constructive engagement, rather than confrontation, is the only viable path forward to prevent further humanitarian and economic fallout.

March 23, 2026
IAEA Conference opens in Vienna on Safe Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material

VIENNA, AUSTRIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has opened its International Conference on the #SafeSecureTransport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material today in Vienna, Austria. The global gathering brings together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, technical experts, and international organisations to examine how to strengthen the safe and secure transport of nuclear and radioactive material worldwide.

In his opening remarks, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasised that for more than six decades, the global transport system has ensured the safe and secure movement of these materials across borders. He noted that changing conditions — from evolving security threats to new technologies and growing demand — mean the international community cannot afford to rest on past achievements.

Grossi highlighted that around 15 million packages containing nuclear or radioactive material are transported each year, with about 95 per cent unrelated to nuclear power. These shipments play vital roles in medicine, agriculture, research, and industry. He stressed that as nuclear energy and radiopharmaceutical use expand, transport volumes will only increase.

The Director General pointed out that denials and delays in shipments remain a systemic problem requiring systemic solutions. He underscored that strong international cooperation, coupled with the essential role of the private sector, will be key to ensuring timely and secure delivery. Grossi reaffirmed the IAEA’s commitment to supporting countries in getting life-saving materials where they are needed, safely and on time.

Other industry organisations participating in the event include the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa and Thailand’s Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC). Their involvement reflects the broad international collaboration necessary to address both technical and regulatory challenges in nuclear and radioactive material transport.

March 23, 2026
Albanese and Singapore’s Wong unite to safeguard fuel supplies as Middle East conflict rages

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday held talks with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also serves as Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for Marsiling, about strengthening cooperation to secure the fuel Australia needs with its international partners and longstanding friends.

Albanese, in a statement, noted that he and the Singaporean leader agreed to support the flow of essential goods, including petroleum oils such as diesel, and liquefied natural gas between the two countries. He emphasised: “We’ll keep working closely as we deal with the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East. We’re working with partners around the world to make sure fuel keeps moving to where it’s needed most.”

According to Albanese, overseas conflict is disrupting global supply chains, and Australia is taking proactive steps to manage the impacts domestically.

In a related effort, the Prime Minister also met with Dr Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency to discuss strategies for working with trading partners to secure fuel supply. The ongoing war in the Middle East — involving the United States, Israel, and Iran — and the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz has created significant instability in international oil markets.

Australia consumes around 1.1 million barrels of oil per day, or approximately 33 million barrels per month, underscoring the importance of ensuring steady imports and reliable supply lines during this period of global uncertainty. The move by the Prime Minister is seen as a critical step in navigating a difficult period and safeguarding national energy security.

March 23, 2026