New Post Africa

Category: International

  • Belgian aristocrat ordered to stand trial over Patrice Lumumba assassination

    Belgian aristocrat ordered to stand trial over Patrice Lumumba assassination

    BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Étienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat and aristocrat, has been ordered by a Brussels court to face trial over the assassination of Congo’s first prime minister and anti-colonial icon, Patrice Lumumba, in 1961.

    Lumumba, who became prime minister upon Congo’s independence from Belgium on June 24, 1960, was ousted in September of the same year amid political turmoil. Just months later, on January 16, 1961, he was brutally killed by a Belgian-backed secessionist rebel group in Katanga, an event that has long symbolised the violent legacy of colonial interference in Africa.

    Davignon is the only surviving member of a group of 10 Belgian officials accused of complicity in Lumumba’s murder by the late leader’s family. His trial is expected to reignite debate over Belgium’s colonial past and its responsibility in the destabilisation of Congo during its early years of independence.

  • BREAKING: Iran holds funeral for top security chiefs killed in Israeli strikes

    BREAKING: Iran holds funeral for top security chiefs killed in Israeli strikes

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — A funeral procession is underway at Revolution Square in Tehran for Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani, both killed in recent Israeli airstrikes.

    On Tuesday, Israel’s Chief of Defence Staff confirmed that the two senior officials were deliberately targeted in an overnight strike on the Iranian capital.

    The ongoing funerals followed another reported strike on the residence of Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Ismail Khatib. Khatib, who has led the Ministry of Intelligence since 2021, is considered a central figure in Iran’s leadership, with a career spanning the nation’s security and judicial institutions, including service under the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. His fate remains unclear.

    Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, speaking to Al Jazeera, insisted that Israel’s campaign of targeted eliminations “will not weaken the regime,” vowing resilience despite mounting losses and sheer uncertainties among senior officials.

    The back-to-back strikes have rattled Tehran’s leadership, raising fears of further escalations and leaving many officials questioning who might be next on Israel’s list.

  • Shockwaves in Tehran as latest Israeli strike targets Ismail Khatib, Iran’s spy chief

    Shockwaves in Tehran as latest Israeli strike targets Ismail Khatib, Iran’s spy chief

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Tehran was rocked overnight as another Israeli airstrike reportedly zeroed in on Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Ismail Khatib, at his residence. Khatib, who has led the powerful Ministry of Intelligence since 2021, is regarded as a key figure in Iran’s inner circle, with a career spanning the nation’s security and judicial apparatus, including service under the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

    Under his watch, the ministry has been accused of crushing domestic dissent, spearheading counterintelligence operations, and orchestrating activities against Israeli and Western interests. The United States previously placed a $10 million bounty on Khatib, fueling speculation that the strike may have been a calculated attempt to “cash in” on his head. His fate remains uncertain — whether he was killed or survived the attack.

    The strike comes just 24 hours after the killing of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. That assassination sent shockwaves through Iran’s leadership, with officials reportedly trembling and frantically calling colleagues to ask who might be next.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to the U.S. Ambassador yesterday, chillingly declared he still has “names of the bad guys” to cross out.

    Iranian authorities have yet to issue any statement on Khatib’s condition.

  • Netanyahu confirms killing of Ali Larijani and other commanders, vows “Strength of a Lion” against Iran

    Netanyahu confirms killing of Ali Larijani and other commanders, vows “Strength of a Lion” against Iran

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a broadcast monitored by Newpost Africa, today, confirmed the killing of Ali Larijani, whom he described as a leader of the Revolutionary Guards, along with the commander of the Basij. Netanyahu referred to them as “henchmen of the gangsters who spread terror in the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities against the population.”

    Netanyahu asserted that Israel is working to undermine the Iranian regime in hopes of giving the Iranian people a chance to overthrow it. While acknowledging that change will not come overnight, he urged persistence.

    He noted that Israel is cooperating with American allies in the Gulf, adding that he discussed the matter with U.S. President Donald Trump as both countries’ militaries coordinate in the war against Iran.

    The Prime Minister vowed to continue pressuring Iran with direct operations, warning of “plenty of surprises.” He declared: “With stratagems shall we wage war. We won’t reveal all the stratagems here, but I told you: there are many of them.”

    Netanyahu called for determination from Israel’s leaders, commanders, and citizens, urging them to ignore what he termed “channels of gloom,” and insisted Israel is achieving historic accomplishments in the war.

    He also sought to reassure citizens whose properties were destroyed by missile and rocket attacks from Iran and Hezbollah, saying: “With the strength of a lion, just as we did during the coronavirus pandemic, we will prevail even more this time.”

  • BREAKING: Israeli attacks kill Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council 

    BREAKING: Israeli attacks kill Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council 

    MIDDLE EAST — (NPA) March 17, 2026 — The Israel Defence Force (IDF) said it conducted an airstrike last night in Iran’s capital, Tehran, targeting the outspoken Iranian Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Ali Larijani.

    Initial reports suggested uncertainty about the outcome, but a later statement from the Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed the mission achieved its objective.

    Last week, Newpost Africa reported that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), accused the United States and Israel of attempting to destabilise Iran amid the ongoing conflict. In a televised interview marking the war’s eighth day, Larijani argued that the “problem is Iran itself… not a minor change but the total breakdown of the country.”

    He alleged that the initial attacks by the US and Israel were intended to provoke collapse, referencing what he described as the “martyrdom of Imam Khamenei and other children of the revolution.” According to Larijani, Washington’s strategy relied on “shock” tactics aimed at overthrowing the government and dividing Iranian territory. He further noted that “even today, Mr Trump’s published message claimed Iran is being torn apart.”

  • Zelenskyy congratulates Portugal’s António José Seguro on election victory, counts on additional contributions

    Zelenskyy congratulates Portugal’s António José Seguro on election victory, counts on additional contributions

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has congratulated Portuguese leader António José Seguro on his victory in the 2026 presidential election, held in two rounds: the first on January 18 and the decisive second round on February 8, where Seguro of the Socialist Party won with nearly 67% of the vote.

    In a statement on Monday, Zelenskyy said: “I personally congratulated President of Portugal António José Seguro on his election victory and wished him success.” He noted that Portugal has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and welcomed assurances that defence, financial, humanitarian, and political assistance will continue under Seguro’s leadership.

    Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for Portugal’s participation in the PURL initiative (a defense cooperation mechanism through which Portugal contributes funds to help Ukraine purchase U.S.-made weapons. Portugal pledged €50 million to the program in late 2025, making it a key part of its military support for Ukraine) and said Ukraine counts on additional contributions. 

    He added: “We discussed the possibility of joint arms manufacturing, the participation of Portuguese businesses in the recovery of Ukraine, and our path toward EU membership. Thank you for the clear position on our European future!”

  • EU announces €458 million in humanitarian aid for the Middle East

    EU announces €458 million in humanitarian aid for the Middle East

    INTERNATIONAL — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The European Commission has approved €458 million in humanitarian aid for Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt in 2026. This comes as major donors withdraw from the region and international humanitarian law faces unprecedented strain.

    A statement by EU Spokesperson Eva Hrncirova clarified that Syria will receive €210 million to sustain emergency response and protection nationwide. More than a year after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, 16.5 million people still require aid, including 3.2 million returnees facing destroyed infrastructure and limited livelihoods. Funding covers food, healthcare, shelter, clean water, and education.

    In Palestine, €124 million will support food, health, protection, shelter, and education under extremely difficult conditions. Over 3.3 million people remain in need — 2.1 million in Gaza and 1.2 million in the West Bank. Gaza faces malnutrition, a collapsed healthcare system, and systematic obstruction of aid.

    Lebanon will receive €100 million for emergency healthcare, basic assistance, protection, shelter, and education. Needs are acute: even before the current crisis, over three million people required aid. In March 2026, Israeli airstrikes displaced more than 800,000 people. EU humanitarian airbridge flights are already delivering medical and relief supplies.

    Jordan will receive €15.5 million to sustain essential services such as health and protection, meeting the needs of refugees both in and outside camps. Egypt will receive €8 million for multi-sectoral assistance, including education for out-of-school children and disaster preparedness. Egypt currently hosts over 1.5 million refugees and asylum seekers, notably from Sudan and Gaza.

  • European Commission-funded Sentimental Value wins Oscar for Best International Feature

    European Commission-funded Sentimental Value wins Oscar for Best International Feature

    INTERNATIONAL — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The European Commission has celebrated Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value (2025) after the Norwegian family drama won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The film, which explores themes of estrangement, reconciliation, and the fragile bonds of memory, was supported by the Commission through its Creative Europe MEDIA programme, part of a €2.44 billion investment in cultural diversity across the bloc.

    In a statement on Monday, the European Commission wrote: “Congratulations to ‘Sentimental Value’ on winning the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Supported by our Creative Europe MEDIA programme, this win reflects our €2.44 billion investment in cultural diversity for the benefit of all.”

    The story follows Gustav Borg, an aging filmmaker portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård, who reappears at his ex-wife’s funeral after years of absence. His return forces his daughters, Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), to confront the emotional scars of abandonment. Nora, a troubled actress, is offered the lead role in Gustav’s new film, blurring the lines between art and life.

    Awarded the Oscar for Best International Feature Film in 2026, Sentimental Value resonates as a broader reflection on how art can both heal and reopen wounds. With Trier’s collaboration with longtime co-writer Eskil Vogt, Kasper Tuxen’s evocative cinematography, and Hania Rani’s haunting score, the film marks Norway’s first-ever Oscar win in this category, cementing Trier’s reputation as one of Europe’s most compelling contemporary filmmakers.

  • Middle East War: UAE air defences intercept 6 ballistic missiles and 21 drones from Iran

    Middle East War: UAE air defences intercept 6 ballistic missiles and 21 drones from Iran

    MIDDLE EAST — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates military on Monday intercepted another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. According to a statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, six ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran were successfully intercepted.

    The ministry noted that “since the start of Iran’s brazen attacks, UAE air defences have dealt with 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,627 drones.”

    The UAE confirmed that these attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of its armed forces and five civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities. Additionally, 145 others were injured, including individuals from Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, and Swedish nationalities.

    The UAE Ministry of Defence reiterated its readiness to confront any threats, vowing to firmly respond to actions aimed at destabilising the country’s security. It emphasised its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, stability, and national interests.

  • Trump urges global action to secure the Strait of Hormuz, all eyes on China

    Trump urges global action to secure the Strait of Hormuz, all eyes on China

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 15, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the international community to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran’s seizure of the vital energy transport corridor. The appeal comes in the wake of a U.S. military strike on Iran’s Khagar Island.

    In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump declared: “The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both militarily, economically, and in every other way. But the countries of the world that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!”

    Trump emphasised that the U.S. would coordinate with affected nations to restore safe passage for oil shipments, some of which have already been disrupted by Iranian drone attacks. “This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be,” he wrote. “It will bring the world together toward harmony, security, and everlasting peace.”

    The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy supplies, including shipments to China. Analysts note that Beijing’s response remains uncertain, given its longstanding ties with Tehran.

    Meanwhile, Iran has continued launching drones and missiles at Gulf states, accusing them of hosting U.S. bases involved in the recent strikes. On Sunday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported intercepting several Iranian projectiles targeting its territory.