New Post Africa

Category: International

  • Philippines, China trade claims over West Philippine Sea operations

    Philippines, China trade claims over West Philippine Sea operations

    INTERNATIONAL — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Philippine Coast Guard and China’s Foreign Ministry have issued conflicting statements regarding recent activities in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

    Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela rejected remarks by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, insisting that cyanide testing in the area was conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation using established forensic protocols. Tarriela said the results, based on samples recovered from vessels, were credible and transparent.

    He further noted that Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, citing the 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). According to Tarriela, the Philippines has sovereign rights to protect marine resources and enforce its laws in those waters.

    Tarriela also pointed to environmental damage in the region, attributing it to large-scale reclamation and construction activities by China. He said the Philippines’ presence at Ayungin Shoal, maintained by the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, was defensive, while alleging that Chinese actions posed risks to the marine ecosystem.

    China has consistently asserted sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by the Philippines. The dispute remains one of the most contentious issues in regional maritime security, with both sides continuing to defend their positions under international law.

  • United Nations launches Borrowers’ Platform on April 15

    United Nations launches Borrowers’ Platform on April 15

    INTERNATIONAL —13 April 2026 (NPA) — The United Nations has officially launched the Borrowers’ Platform, a new initiative designed to give developing countries a stronger collective voice in global debt discussions. Facilitated by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the platform seeks to address long-standing gaps in the international financial system by creating a borrower-led space for cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building.

    Debt servicing costs in developing countries have surged over the past decade, with external debt reaching $11.7 trillion in 2024. That year, governments spent nearly 10% of their revenue on interest payments, while least developed countries devoted almost a quarter of their revenue to external creditors. According to UNCTAD, 54 countries—home to 3.4 billion people—now spend more on debt than on health or education.

    Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, underscored the urgency of reform: “3.4 billion people deserve better outcomes. They’re not asking for charity. They want a level playing field where finance enables development rather than constraining it.”

    Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, who chairs the initial working group, explained that the Borrowers’ Platform is not a debt restructuring forum but rather a cooperative space to share experiences, strengthen debt management capacity, improve transparency, and engage more effectively in global financial discussions.

    The platform’s creation follows a series of milestones: in December 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed an Expert Group on Debt; in June 2025, the group proposed the Borrowers’ Platform; in July 2025, Member States endorsed the idea in the Sevilla Commitment at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development; and in October 2025, the Geneva Consensus at UNCTAD16 called on UNCTAD to facilitate borrower cooperation. A working group led by Egypt and Pakistan, with members including Colombia, Honduras, Maldives, Nepal, and Zambia, drafted the platform’s modalities.

    UNCTAD will serve as the platform’s secretariat, providing technical and administrative support. Advocates say the initiative sends a positive signal to markets by promoting debt sustainability and transparency, while giving developing countries a long-overdue seat at the table in shaping global financial rules.

  • Macron meets AU Commission President, calls for stronger partnership amid Strait of Hormuz crisis

    Macron meets AU Commission President, calls for stronger partnership amid Strait of Hormuz crisis

    PARIS, France, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday received the President of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

    Macron said he was delighted to welcome Youssouf at what he described as a time of increasing global turbulence, stressing that the African Union remains an essential partner for France, the European Union, and the international community in advancing development, peace, security, and the protection of global public goods across Africa.

    On diplomatic and partnership fronts, Macron pledged that France intends to be a reliable and steadfast partner of the African Union. He highlighted the upcoming Africa Forward Summit, scheduled for Nairobi on 11–12 May, as a major opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Europe and Africa.

    Turning to the Middle East, Macron emphasized that no effort should be spared in pursuing a strong and lasting diplomatic settlement. He said such a settlement must address core issues, including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities, its destabilizing actions in the region, the urgent need to restore free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Macron pledged France’s readiness to play its full part in these efforts, noting that Paris has consistently sought to contribute since the onset of the conflict. He announced that France, together with the United Kingdom, will organize a conference in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that the mission would be strictly defensive and separate from the warring parties, to be deployed as soon as conditions permit.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had also announced a summit of 40 nations to address the ongoing Strait of Hormuz standoff.

  • UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is severely damaging global trade, stressing that restoring freedom of navigation is vital to easing cost-of-living pressures worldwide.

    Speaking on Monday, Starmer said the United Kingdom has convened more than 40 nations committed to restoring safe passage through the strait, which has become the epicenter of military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He emphasized that securing international shipping lanes is critical to stabilizing global markets.

    Looking ahead, Starmer revealed that the UK and France will co-host a summit this week to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard shipping once the conflict subsides. “Getting global shipping moving again is essential to protect households and economies from further shocks,” he said.

    As of press time, it remains unclear whether the United States is among the 40 nations convened, given Washington’s unilateral actions in the strait. President Donald Trump recently announced a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, ordering the Navy to intercept vessels paying tolls to Iran.

  • Amnesty urges donors to boost Sudan aid as conflict hits three-year mark

    Amnesty urges donors to boost Sudan aid as conflict hits three-year mark

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International has called on high‑income countries to use the upcoming International Ministerial Conference on Sudan in Berlin on 15 April to commit increased funding and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, as Sudan’s conflict enters its third year.

    The organization warned that declining aid has worsened the crisis, leaving more than 33 million people in need of assistance. The war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has devastated health services, disrupted livelihoods, and forced over 4.5 million people to flee to neighboring countries. Amnesty said cuts to foreign aid are undermining efforts to tackle malnutrition, cholera, trauma, and sexual violence.

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stressed that “behind these numbers are real lives, real people who have lost their homes, loved ones and livelihoods, who are fighting to survive the war and the disease and hunger it brings.” He urged donors to move beyond rhetoric and provide concrete support to frontline NGOs delivering lifesaving services.

    Amnesty’s findings show that NGOs in Sudan face severe shortages of medicines, therapeutic food, and basic supplies. One international NGO reported being able to meet only half of the needs of malnourished children due to limited stocks of ready‑to‑use therapeutic food. CARE International estimates that up to 80% of community kitchens have closed, worsening hunger.

    Women and children are disproportionately affected. Grassroots groups providing post‑rape care and reproductive health services have been left without funding, leaving survivors of sexual violence abandoned. Amnesty also documented the struggles of displaced persons with disabilities, including children unable to access schools or medical care in camps in Chad.

    The organization emphasized that donor commitments must translate into sustained funding and diplomatic pressure to protect civilians, health workers, and aid providers. It urged high‑income countries to honor their pledge to allocate at least 0.7% of Gross National Income to overseas aid and consider debt relief measures to enable Sudan to invest in essential public services.

    “Sudan, like other highly aid‑dependent countries in protracted conflicts, needs the international community to act,” Amnesty concluded.

  • U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has announced that it carried out precision strikes on two vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations, in an operation described as “applying total systemic friction on the cartels.”

    According to SOUTHCOM, the strikes were conducted on April 11 under the direction of Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. The first strike killed two male narco-terrorists, while one survived. The second strike killed three male narco-terrorists.

    In its statement, SOUTHCOM said: “On April 11, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted two lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two male narco-terrorists were killed, and one narco-terrorist survived the first strike. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during the second strike.”

    Following the engagements, SOUTHCOM immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor. The Command confirmed that no U.S. military forces were harmed during the operation.

  • Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Former U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed the victory of Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, over incumbent Viktor Orbán, ending his 16-year rule. Obama described the outcome as “a victory for democracy.” 

    Early results on Sunday showed Tisza securing a majority in the 199-seat parliament, with projections giving the party 138 seats compared to Fidesz’s 55. Orbán has since conceded defeat, marking a dramatic shift in Hungary’s political landscape.

    In a statement, Obama said: “The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world. Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law.” 

    Magyar’s campaign focused on rebuilding ties with the European Union, restoring democratic checks and balances, and reducing Hungary’s dependence on Moscow. He pledged to strengthen judicial independence, protect media freedom, and implement anti-corruption measures to ensure transparent governance. 

    The victory signals a new era in Hungarian politics, with voters backing a platform centered on democratic renewal, international cooperation, and economic accountability.

  • US praises Nigeria over large-scale terrorism convictions

    US praises Nigeria over large-scale terrorism convictions

    INTERNATIONAL, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The United States Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Fares Boulos, has commended the Nigerian government for securing recent convictions of terrorism suspects, describing the move as a strong demonstration of commitment to justice and accountability.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, Boulos said the United States welcomed the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in Nigerian courts. “We commend the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice,” he noted.

    He stressed that Washington believes timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. “Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term security of all Nigerians, and we support continued efforts to strengthen judicial efficiency and fairness across the country,” the statement concluded.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions out of 508 cases in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects. The Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, confirmed the development last Friday, noting that of the 508 defendants brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja, two were acquitted while eight were discharged.

    Fagbemi further clarified that another batch of 112 suspects, whose cases could not be heard, will be arraigned alongside others in the next phase of the mass trial scheduled for 15–18 June. He stressed that the convictions send a clear message that Nigeria has zero tolerance for terrorism and related crimes.

    The United States’ endorsement of Nigeria’s judicial efforts signals support for the country’s fight against extremism, and the strengthening of national and regional security.

  • UN reveals organized child trafficking networks in South Eastern Europe

    UN reveals organized child trafficking networks in South Eastern Europe

    INTERNATIONAL, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The United Nations has raised alarm over the growing exploitation of children in South Eastern Europe, citing harrowing cases of forced begging, sexual abuse, and coerced labour. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed that children now account for nearly a quarter of all detected trafficking victims in the region, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action.

    Recent cases illustrate the scale of the crisis: in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a married couple forced their four children to beg daily for over a year; in Slovenia, a father sold his teenage daughter into an abusive marriage; and in North Macedonia, a 12‑year‑old girl was forced to drink alcohol, dance in bars, and endure sexual exploitation. “These cases illustrate how children, including migrants and refugees, are being cruelly exploited by human traffickers,” said Davor Raus, a UNODC crime prevention expert.

    At a regional meeting in Skopje, more than 60 anti‑trafficking specialists from 20 countries discussed strategies to combat organized crime networks. Romanian prosecutor Dan Alexandru Popa warned that traffickers are increasingly sophisticated, citing an ongoing trial of 14 defendants accused of exploiting German teenagers under the guise of rehabilitation programmes in Romania. The group allegedly abused minors while misappropriating state funds meant for their welfare.

    Links between migrant smuggling and trafficking were also highlighted. In Bosnia, two Afghan nationals stand accused of luring unaccompanied children from refugee camps with false promises of free passage into the EU, only to subject them to forced criminality and sexual exploitation.

    Experts stressed the devastating impact of trafficking on child victims, including long‑term trauma, mental health issues, and disrupted education. “The impact on children is magnified due to their vulnerability and dependency on caregivers, who in some cases are the exploiters,” said Stojne Atanasovska Dimishkovska, UNODC’s National Programme Officer in North Macedonia.

    The meeting, co‑organized by France’s Permanent Mission to the UN, concluded with calls for stronger victim protection, compensation, and efforts to dismantle cultural prejudices that enable practices such as forced marriage and begging. “Traffickers are becoming more professional and organized,” said French expert Elodie Goyard, urging immediate and lasting safeguards to prevent revictimization.

    The UN stressed that tackling child trafficking requires sustained international cooperation, robust prosecution of perpetrators, and comprehensive support for victims to rebuild their lives.

  • Indian Prime Minister Modi mourns legendary singer Asha Bhosle Ji

    Indian Prime Minister Modi mourns legendary singer Asha Bhosle Ji

    INTERNATIONAL, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mourned the passing of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle Ji, who died on 12 April 2026 at the age of 92 in Mumbai.

    In a tribute message on Sunday, Modi expressed deep sadness over her death, describing Bhosle as one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known. He noted that her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched India’s cultural heritage and touched countless hearts worldwide.  

    “Be it her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, her voice carried timeless brilliance. I’ll always cherish the interactions I’ve had with her,” Modi said. He extended condolences to her family, admirers, and music lovers, adding that her songs will continue to inspire generations and echo in people’s lives.

    Asha Bhosle, widely regarded as one of the most prolific voices in Indian cinema, died at Breach Candy Hospital after being admitted with exhaustion and a chest infection. Doctors confirmed her death was due to multi-organ failure.  

    Beginning her career in 1943 with a song for the Marathi film Majh Bal, she went on to record more than 12,000 songs in multiple Indian languages, becoming a defining voice of Bollywood through the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Known for her ability to sing across genres—from classical to pop, cabaret, ghazals, and folk—she earned global recognition, including two Grammy nominations, and influenced generations of singers.  

    Tributes have poured in from across India and beyond, with leaders, artists, and fans mourning her passing while celebrating her unmatched contribution to music and culture.