New Post Africa

Category: Europe-Asia

  • Philippines deploys vessels to shield fishermen amid Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc

    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.

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

    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.

  • Netanyahu vows continued strikes in Iran war, claims killing of two nuclear scientists

    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.

  • Trump pauses military strikes on Iran for five days as talks begin

    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.

  • Pakistan and Iraq urge dialogue to ease Middle East tensions

    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.

  • IAEA Conference opens in Vienna on Safe Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material

    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.

  • Albanese and Singapore’s Wong unite to safeguard fuel supplies as Middle East conflict rages

    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.

  • Kim Jong Un reappointed to North Korea’s top policy body

    Kim Jong Un reappointed to North Korea’s top policy body

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has been reappointed as president of the State Affairs Commission, according to reports from the country’s state-run media.

    This latest reappointment underscores Kim’s continued dominance over the nation’s political structure and decision-making processes. It marks the third consecutive time he has been chosen to lead the commission since its establishment in 2016, when it was created as the country’s highest policy guidance body.

    The State Affairs Commission plays a central role in shaping North Korea’s domestic and foreign policy, and Kim’s repeated appointments highlight his firm grip on power and the enduring influence of his leadership within the government framework.

  • Iranian attacks will get to you, Netanyahu warns Europe to join fight

    Iranian attacks will get to you, Netanyahu warns Europe to join fight

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Europe is not safe from Iranian attacks after Iran reportedly fired an intercontinental ballistic missile over 4,000 km, striking Diego Garcia—an American-British military base in the Indian Ocean.  

    Netanyahu made the declaration when he inspected the impact site of an Iranian missile attack on March 21, 2026, in the Israeli town of Dimona on Saturday.

    He said, “I’ve been warning for years. Leaders of the free world. The leaders of the moderate states, what more are you waiting for? President Trump has correctly said that Israel and the United States, in this great partnership; we are fighting the battle, not only for ourselves but for all of you. And he asks a simple question: where are you? And it’s time to head to President Trump’s call.”

    Dimona hosts a facility widely believed to house the region’s only nuclear arsenal, though Israel has never officially acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons. Iran’s atomic energy organisation accused the U.S. and Israel of targeting Natanz but said no radioactive leakage was reported.

    The Israeli military said interception attempts were made as the missiles approached, but it is still unclear if the nuclear site was hit. Iranian state television framed the strike as a “response” to Natanz. 

    The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has not yet issued a statement confirming damage or a leak at the site, as it urged restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.

  • Zelenskyy accuses Russia of massive drone strikes, wants sanctions in place

    Zelenskyy accuses Russia of massive drone strikes, wants sanctions in place

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has alleged that Russia launched nearly 1,550 attack drones, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs, and two missiles against Ukraine in the past week.

    In a statement on Sunday, Zelenskyy wrote: “Over the past week, Russia launched nearly 1,550 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs, and two missiles. Over that same week, due to the easing of sanctions, Russia increased its crude oil sales to finance its war.”

    He warned that such revenues give Moscow “a sense of impunity” and the ability to prolong the war, calling for sanctions to remain in place to deny Russia the means to continue financing aggression.

    Zelenskyy added, “Russia’s shadow fleet must not feel safe in European waters or anywhere else. Tankers that serve the war budget can and must be stopped and blocked, not just let go. I thank every leader who makes such decisions. This is what brings a dignified peace closer.”

    The Ukrainian leader stressed that sustained international resolve is essential to bring peace closer and prevent Russia from exploiting oil revenues to fuel its military campaign.