New Post Africa

Category: International

  • Global migration crisis: 22 migrants die off Greek coast 

    Global migration crisis: 22 migrants die off Greek coast 

    INTERNATIONAL, 29 March 2026 (NPA) — At least 22 migrants have died this week off the Greek coast after spending six harrowing days adrift in a dinghy bound for Europe. A total of 26 survivors, including a woman and a child, were rescued on Friday by a European border agency vessel and taken to a hospital in Heraklion, Crete.

    Reports indicate the boat departed Tobruk in eastern Libya on 21 March, but poor weather, combined with a lack of food and water, contributed to the deaths, according to the Greek coastguard.

    This tragedy comes against the backdrop of alarming global statistics. In 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 7,667 migrant deaths or disappearances worldwide, with Africa’s sea routes among the deadliest. The Mediterranean crossing alone claimed 2,108 lives, while another 1,047 migrants perished attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands.

    The report noted that an average of 21 migrants died every day in 2025, though experts believe the true toll is higher due to unrecorded cases. Human rights groups argue that restrictive border policies push migrants onto more hazardous routes, increasing fatalities.

    The 2025 figures reveal a devastating toll of nearly 8,000 deaths worldwide, with African sea crossings disproportionately lethal. The Mediterranean and Canary Islands routes alone accounted for more than 3,100 lives lost, underscoring the urgent need for safer migration pathways, stronger rescue operations, and international cooperation to address the crisis.

  • China–South Africa forum sparks optimism as zero‑tariff policy boosts trade

    China–South Africa forum sparks optimism as zero‑tariff policy boosts trade

    ABUJA, 29 March 2026 (NPA) — A China–South Africa trade forum held in Cape Town on Friday has raised confidence in deeper bilateral cooperation following China’s zero‑tariff measures for 53 African countries.

    Jointly organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the forum drew over 350 political and business representatives, including 70 Chinese and 110 South African executives. Talks centred on agriculture, manufacturing, energy, mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics.

    South Africa’s Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams said the zero‑tariff policy would allow African products duty‑free access to China, attracting more investment. She noted that China has long been South Africa’s largest trading partner, while South Africa remains China’s top partner on the continent. “It’s a win‑win situation,” she said.

    Russel Brueton of Wesgro stressed that China will remain a key market for local exporters, adding that easier trade will drive inclusive growth and job creation. He welcomed the policy as a major opportunity for South African products to reach new buyers.

    Chinese companies also expressed optimism. Wang Jian of Aberdare Cable said zero‑tariff measures would cut costs and stabilise raw material supply. Shenzhen Skyworth’s Chairman Fan Ruiwu highlighted opportunities in photovoltaics, energy storage, and new energy vehicles, predicting stronger two‑way investment.

    Lu Ping of Hainan Free Trade Zone Dehang Group said the policy framework offers “early harvest” gains, linking South Africa’s speciality industries with China’s free trade port advantages. Cultural and tourism exchanges are also expected to benefit, with Beijing Green and Blue Culture Media’s Xiao Meng calling the move a platform for deeper cooperation.

  • UN Chief appoints envoy to lead Middle East peace efforts, says war out of control

    UN Chief appoints envoy to lead Middle East peace efforts, says war out of control

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the escalating Gulf war is “out of control”, urging all sides to step back and allow diplomacy to prevail, as he announced the appointment of a senior envoy to spearhead peace efforts.

    Speaking outside the UN Security Council in New York, Mr Guterres said the conflict had spiralled far beyond expectations. “The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock,” he declared.

    He confirmed the appointment of veteran diplomat Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead UN efforts, focusing on mediation and assessing the conflict’s far-reaching impacts, particularly on energy markets reliant on the Strait of Hormuz.

    Mr Guterres urged the United States and Israel to end the war and called on Iran to halt attacks on neighbours. He stressed that freedom of navigation through the Strait must be respected, warning that disruption is choking vital supplies of oil, gas, and fertiliser.

    Highlighting the humanitarian toll, he said civilians across the region were “enduring serious harm and living under profound insecurity”. He called on Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel and on Israel to cease strikes hitting civilians the hardest.

    The Secretary-General also cautioned against global fallout, noting markets are “in turmoil” and humanitarian operations are constrained. He warned that fertiliser shortages threaten food security and soaring energy prices risk fuelling inflation and poverty worldwide.

    Despite mounting tensions, Mr Guterres insisted there remains a path forward: “Diplomacy must prevail. War is not the answer… Full respect of international law is the way out.”

  • Zelenskyy secures defence pact with Qatar as US-Israel-Iran war escalates

    Zelenskyy secures defence pact with Qatar as US-Israel-Iran war escalates

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Doha as part of his country’s ongoing security support to Gulf states battered by waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks in the wake of the United States–Israel–Iran conflict.

    Ukraine, hardened by years of Russian aggression, has emerged as a sought-after partner in countering Iran’s cheap drone swarms across the Middle East. On Saturday, Zelenskyy met the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani also in attendance.

    Earlier, Zelenskyy was also in Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional security cooperation and the strengthening of defence ties.

    In a statement, Zelenskyy confirmed that both sides agreed on a decade-long defence partnership. Chiefs of the General Staff signed an accord covering joint defence industry projects, co-production facilities, and technological collaboration between companies. “I provided an update on the security situation in Ukraine, the ongoing Russian attacks, and Russia’s close cooperation with the Iranian regime. Strengthening air defence is a priority for us, and we count on support from our partners,” Zelenskyy said.

    He expressed gratitude for Qatar’s warm reception and readiness to cooperate, describing the agreements reached as “concrete steps” towards protecting lives and enhancing regional security.

  • King Charles tours Oxford Photovoltaics, praises groundbreaking solar innovations

    King Charles tours Oxford Photovoltaics, praises groundbreaking solar innovations

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — The King of England, His Majesty King Charles III, today visited Oxford Photovoltaics, a pioneering renewable energy company based at the Oxford Science Park in Oxfordshire. The firm, a spin‑out from the University of Oxford, has earned global recognition for its cutting‑edge work in solar technology, particularly in the development of perovskite solar cells.

    During the visit, the King described Oxford Photovoltaics as a trailblazing enterprise, noting that its advanced solar panels are capable of converting a broader spectrum of sunlight into clean, affordable energy compared with conventional models. This innovation positions the company at the forefront of efforts to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

    According to a statement released by the Royal Family, His Majesty met members of staff, toured the company’s research and production facilities, and observed the technology in action. Oxford Photovoltaics, headquartered in Oxfordshire with additional operations in Germany, continues to expand its influence as one of Europe’s leading solar technology firms, combining academic research with industrial application to deliver solutions that address climate change and energy security.

  • Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign defence cooperation pact

    Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign defence cooperation pact

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — Ukraine has signed a landmark defence cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, positioning itself as a global security partner following its battlefield experience in the war with Russia.

    The document, signed as part of the meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, establishes a framework for future contracts, technological collaboration and investment, while strengthening Ukraine’s role as a security donor.

    In a statement on Friday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to share its expertise and defence systems with Saudi Arabia to enhance the protection of lives. “Now into the fifth year, Ukrainians are resisting the same kind of terrorist attacks – ballistic missiles and drones – that the Iranian regime is currently carrying out in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he noted.

    The Ukrainian leader added that discussions also covered the wider Middle East and Gulf situation, Russia’s support for Iran, developments in fuel markets and prospects for energy cooperation.

  • China accuses U.S. of nuclear ‘smears’, demands disarmament leadership

    China accuses U.S. of nuclear ‘smears’, demands disarmament leadership

    INTERNATIONAL (Agency Report) — 27 March 2026 — China’s Ministry of National Defence on Thursday rejected recent United States allegations of nuclear testing as “groundless smears” and urged Washington to honour its responsibilities on disarmament.

    Spokesperson Jiang Bin, responding to media questions, stressed that China maintains a strictly self-defensive nuclear strategy, adheres to a no-first-use policy, and pledges never to use or threaten nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. He said China’s nuclear capability remains at the minimum required for national security and that Beijing does not engage in an arms race.

    Jiang highlighted China’s active role in the review process of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its participation in meetings of the five recognised nuclear powers. He noted that Beijing continues dialogue on arms control with all parties.

    Turning his criticism on Washington, Jiang accused the U.S. of undermining global stability by withdrawing from treaties, investing heavily in upgrading its nuclear triad, developing the “Golden Dome” missile defence system, and deploying intermediate-range weapons in the Asia-Pacific. He also cited the lapse of the New START treaty, U.S. interest in resuming nuclear testing, and double standards in non-proliferation.

    “These measures have seriously weakened global strategic stability,” Jiang said. “As the country with the largest nuclear arsenal, the U.S. should earnestly fulfil its special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament, make substantial reductions in its arsenal, and create conditions for other nuclear-weapon states to participate in disarmament.” (Xinhua/NAN).

  • IDF confirms killing of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri and Intelligence Chief Behnam Rezaei

    IDF confirms killing of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri and Intelligence Chief Behnam Rezaei

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have officially announced the killing of Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

    In a statement, the IDF noted that Tangsiri had served in the role for the past eight years, following earlier senior positions within the IRGC Navy, including overseeing what Israel described as the regime’s terror activities.

    The IDF accused him of responsibility for repeated strikes against oil tankers and trading vessels, portraying him as a central figure who posed a threat to maritime navigation and freedom of trade in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider international maritime domain.

    According to the statement, during Operation Roaring Lion, Tangsiri directed efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz and oversaw maritime attacks against countries in the Middle East, as well as against U.S. and allied energy infrastructure.

    The IDF added that he was directly implicated in disrupting the global economy and had been subject to numerous international sanctions due to his involvement in attacks on vessels in international waters, as well as in the transfer of air defence systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia and Syria.

    The statement further revealed that another senior Iranian military official was killed alongside Tangsiri — Behnam Rezaei, Head of the IRGC Navy Intelligence Directorate. Rezaei was said to have been responsible for intelligence collection on regional countries and for leading cooperation with various intelligence organisations.

  • Atiku applauds UN Resolution declaring slave trade gravest crime against humanity

    Atiku applauds UN Resolution declaring slave trade gravest crime against humanity

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — Former Nigerian Vice President and chieftain of the All Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has hailed the outcome of the United Nations General Assembly, which yesterday designated the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

    Reacting to the development, Atiku shared a post from the official X handle of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which read: “HISTORY MADE AT THE UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations General Assembly has adopted resolution A/80/L.48, declaring the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement as the Gravest Crime against Humanity.” He described the moment as one that speaks to the pain of Africa’s past and the enduring dignity of its people.

    Atiku emphasised that the trafficking of enslaved Africans was not merely a tragedy for the continent but a deep wound on the conscience of humanity. He noted that the resolution represents a moral victory for Africa and a reminder to the world of the need for justice, remembrance, and reconciliation.

    Africans all over have continued to commend Ghana for its leadership in championing the resolution, and helping the world to remember, acknowledge, and stand firmly on the side of truth and justice. Such recognition strengthens the collective resolve to confront historical wrongs and ensure that future generations understand the magnitude of the atrocity.

  • EU parliament endorses talks on regulation for returning illegal immigrants

    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.