New Post Africa

Category: International

  • Obama Presidential Center to open June 19

    Obama Presidential Center to open June 19

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — The Obama Presidential Center, located on Chicago’s South Side, will officially open to the public on June 19, 2026, former U.S. President Barack Obama announced on March 7.

    Obama described the center as “a place for all of us to come together to bring change home,” underscoring its mission as a global hub for inspiration, empowerment, and civic engagement.

    The 19-acre campus will feature a world-class museum, a public library, and open-air spaces designed for community gatherings. According to information published on obama.org, the center aims to serve both local residents and international visitors, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and participate in initiatives that drive social change.

    In announcing the opening, Obama emphasized that the event will not follow a traditional ribbon-cutting format.

    “The opening of the Obama Presidential Center will be a celebration of the power of ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things. From our next-door neighbors to our community online, we invite everyone to join us in a week of moments designed to inspire action on campus and across the world,” he said.

    The inauguration will include a series of activities highlighting the center’s mission to foster civic participation and community-driven solutions to global challenges.

  • Uzodimma celebrates Imo Women on International Women’s Day

    Uzodimma celebrates Imo Women on International Women’s Day

    Owerri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has extended warm felicitations to women in the state and across the globe as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.

    In a statement, the governor hailed women for their resilience, leadership, and dedication in shaping a more inclusive and progressive society. He described Imo women as “drivers of the transformational progress of the state, whose contributions are yielding remarkable impact across our social, economic, and civic spaces.”

    Part of the statement reads: “Across communities, women continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and dedication in shaping a more inclusive and progressive society. I join the world over in celebrating International Women’s Day 2026, extolling women and acknowledging their immense contribution to societal growth and nation-building.”

    Uzodimma further emphasized the role of women in advancing development in Imo State: “In Imo State, our women have continued to drive this transformational progress, and their contributions are yielding remarkable impact across our social, economic, and civic spaces.”

    He praised their enterprise, advocacy, and commitment to community development, noting: “Through their enterprise, advocacy, and commitment to community development, they remain indispensable partners in our collective advancement. To this end, I proudly celebrate them and encourage them to continue steadfastly on the path to #GiveToGain.”

    As Imo women joined their counterparts worldwide to mark #IWD2026, the governor assured continued support for their cause: “As Imo women join their counterparts across the world to mark #IWD2026, we will continue to support their worthy cause in the best interest of our society and future generations.”

  • International Women’s Day: women hold just 64% of legal rights afforded to men worldwide — UN Women

    International Women’s Day: women hold just 64% of legal rights afforded to men worldwide — UN Women

    POLITICS (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, UN Women has raised alarm over the persistent global gap in legal rights between men and women.

    In a statement on Saturday, the agency revealed that women currently hold only 64% of the legal rights afforded to men worldwide. This means that, on average, women are entitled to just two-thirds of the protections and opportunities guaranteed to men under the law.

    UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, urged global leaders to confront structural barriers to justice, including discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, harmful practices, and entrenched social norms that undermine the rights of women and girls.

    The agency further noted that conflict and instability exacerbate these inequalities, leaving women and girls more vulnerable to violence, exclusion, and discrimination. Reports of violations have emerged from Nigeria’s northeast, northwest, and north-central regions, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, alongside banditry, have displaced communities and subjected women to abuse. The ongoing war in Sudan was also highlighted as a flashpoint for widespread violations of women’s rights in Africa.

    In Nigeria, UN Women continues to push for gender equality by addressing violence against women, promoting women’s political participation, and supporting economic empowerment initiatives. However, progress remains slow, with women holding only 3.9% of parliamentary seats. The agency has warned that democracy itself is at risk if women remain excluded from decision-making processes.

    Nigeria also faces high rates of gender-based violence, with one in three women aged 15–49 experiencing physical or sexual abuse. Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) persist, further eroding women’s rights.

    Beyond advocacy, UN Women’s programs in Nigeria include initiatives on economic empowerment, health, and social issues, with a particular focus on combating HIV/AIDS and supporting women’s access to education and vocational training.

  • “We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won,” Trump tells UK

    “We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won,” Trump tells UK

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 8, 2026— U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from the United Kingdom to deploy two aircraft carriers to the Middle East in support of ongoing American and Israeli military operations against Iran. 

    In a post on his Truth Social account Sunday, Trump dismissed the offer, writing: “The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — but we will remember. We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won!”

    The remarks come amid tensions between Washington and London over Britain’s limited role in the conflict. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that the UK’s priority is protecting British citizens in the region and avoiding escalation into a wider Middle East war. 

    Britain has confined its involvement to defensive operations, including intercepting Iranian drones and missiles and evacuating nationals. UK officials argue that joining direct strikes against Iran could risk expanding the conflict into a full-scale regional war. Instead, London has pursued a dual-track strategy of military readiness and diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalation.

  • Ukraine offers support to Saudi Arabia against Iranian Shahed drone attacks

    Ukraine offers support to Saudi Arabia against Iranian Shahed drone attacks

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that his country is prepared to assist Saudi Arabia in intercepting Iranian “Shahed” drones launched against the Gulf kingdom. The pledge followed his conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

    According to Zelenskyy, the two leaders discussed the security situation in the Middle East and Gulf region, focusing on challenges posed by Iran and strategies to counter emerging threats.

    The development comes amid escalating tensions, as Iran retaliated for recent U.S. and Israeli strikes — including the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — by firing missiles and drones at Gulf states, heavily impacting Saudi Arabia.

    In a statement on Saturday, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s unique experience in combating Iranian drones: “Ukrainians have been fighting against ‘Shahed’ drones for years now, and no other country in the world has this kind of experience. We are ready to help, and we expect that our people will also receive the support they need. Protecting life must be a shared priority, and it is very important to coordinate for security both in Europe and in the Middle East.”

    He added that discussions also covered expanding bilateral cooperation and joint projects, noting: “We will continue working on further development.”

  • Middle East War: Netanyahu praises Israeli forces amid ongoing campaign

    Middle East War: Netanyahu praises Israeli forces amid ongoing campaign

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has commended the country’s military forces for their role in the ongoing campaign, conducted in coordination with the United States, against elements of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The operation began last Saturday.

    In a statement released on his verified X account, Netanyahu described the campaign as “a fateful struggle for Israel’s existence.” He emphasised Israel’s resolve, saying: “In the past week, we have acted with strength, initiative, and determination against our enemies—and we will continue to act with all our might until we achieve all our goals.”

    The prime minister extended his praise to the Israel Air Force pilots, ground crews, security personnel, and rescue teams. He also acknowledged the resilience of Israeli citizens, highlighting their “steadfast spirit, responsibility, and courageous stand.”

    Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu declared: “Together, we have changed the face of the Middle East. Together, we will continue to fight. Together, we will roar like a lion. And with God’s help—together, we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

    Reported Achievements in the Iran Campaign

    Since the campaign began, Israel has claimed several military accomplishments:

    • High-intensity strikes: Israeli forces, in coordination with the U.S., have carried out a large number of precision strikes against Iranian military targets at an unprecedented pace.
    • Infrastructure damage: Operations have reportedly degraded Iran’s missile launch facilities, drone bases, and naval assets.
    • Air superiority: The Israeli Air Force has maintained operational tempo, intercepting drones and conducting precision bombardments.
    • Joint coordination: The campaign highlights close U.S.-Israeli military cooperation, with American assets supporting Israel’s strikes.

    Strategic objectives include neutralising Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, suppressing drone warfare, and limiting Tehran’s ability to project power in the Gulf. While Israel has achieved tactical successes, Iran retains retaliatory capacity, and the broader regional consequences remain uncertain.

  • Peter Obi officially picks up ADC membership card— Tanko

    Peter Obi officially picks up ADC membership card— Tanko

    POLITICS (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Interim National Coordinator Obidient Movement World wide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has announced that former presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially picked up his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), solidifying his position within the opposition party.

    In a statement on Saturday, Tanko wrote: “We must demystify this criminality.”

    Referring to a recent Al Jazeera interview with presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala, Tanko noted: “The Al Jazeera interview, with the help of the international media, re-echoed our challenges as a nation. Clearly, we all know these facts. We have them on video, in documents, in audio recordings, and they are stamped in our minds.”

    He continued: “So, what do we do next? Do we keep quiet and pretend that nothing happened, or do we stand up as a people who refuse to be captured? For us, we want our country back, and we shall continue the struggle for good governance and responsible leadership in Nigeria.”

    Tanko described Obi’s move as inspirational: “In what seems to be an answer and inspiration, HE Peter Obi has officially picked up his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

    He urged supporters to mobilise: “So let us get up, people. We can win this. We are more than them; we have the population. All we need is to populate all the 176,000 polling units.”

  • Boko Haram kills Lieutenant Colonel, 40 soldiers in Borno

    Boko Haram kills Lieutenant Colonel, 40 soldiers in Borno

    Maiduguri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — At least 40 Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following coordinated overnight attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on four military bases in Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte, Borno State.

    According to SaharaReporters, the terrorists “reportedly fired at the military facilities sporadically, causing numerous casualties. The gunmen also came in different groups and could not be counted.” A senior officer, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, commanding officer of the 222 Battalion, was among those killed.

    A military source said, “We lost over 40 soldiers to those attacks. It’s so sad; we still can’t find some of our men, can’t say if they are alive or dead, but over 40 bodies have been recovered as of now.”

    Another source added: “It’s so much that the Chief of Army Staff had to pay an emergency visit to Borno this morning; right now, he’s at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maiduguri for more brief on the whole attacks.”

    The militants reportedly burned armoured tanks, destroyed military vehicles, and seized ammunition during the raids. Security sources said several insurgents were also killed in the clashes.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and presidential aspirant, has condemned Thursday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Ngoshe community in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

    The assault, which destroyed a military base and struck an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, left at least nine Nigerian soldiers and several civilians dead, while an unspecified number of people were abducted, according to local reports.

    In a statement issued Friday, Obi expressed deep concern over the tragedy: “I watched several videos of this tragedy with deep horror. Once again, we are confronted with the painful reality of the daily suffering that far too many Nigerians are forced to endure. This is unacceptable.”

    He questioned the government’s response to ongoing insecurity: “How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?”

  • Middle East War: Bahrain, UK, U.S. Hold Virtual C-SIPA Defence Working Group Meeting

    Middle East War: Bahrain, UK, U.S. Hold Virtual C-SIPA Defence Working Group Meeting

    Tampa, Fla. (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) convened a virtual meeting of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) Defence Working Group with representatives from Bahrain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    According to a statement issued by USCENTCOM on March 6, participants included HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council of Bahrain; Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom; and Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command.

    Discussions focused on the current regional security environment, with emphasis on what officials described as deliberate aggression by the Iranian regime and attacks on civilians across the Middle East. The parties underscored the importance of cooperation to safeguard peace and stability.

    The meeting followed recent developments in the Gulf, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology to neighboring states after Iranian missile and drone strikes. In a televised address, Pezeshkian pledged to halt the attacks and called for diplomacy over escalation, attributing the strikes to miscommunication within Iran’s military ranks.

  • U.S. approves $151.8 million emergency arms sale to Israel

    U.S. approves $151.8 million emergency arms sale to Israel

    Washington, D.C. (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The United States has approved a $151.8 million emergency weapons sale to Israel, bypassing congressional review amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah and Iran.

    The package, authorized on March 6 by the State Department, includes 12,000 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bomb bodies, along with engineering and logistics support. Officials said part of the supply will be drawn from U.S. stockpiles to ensure rapid delivery.

    This latest deal follows a larger $6.67 billion arms package approved in January 2026, which included advanced missile systems, precision-guided munitions, and expanded drone capabilities. Together, the sales reflect Washington’s effort to reinforce Israel’s military capacity during the ongoing regional war.

    Analysts note that the emergency authorization not only underscores U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense but also signals Israel’s readiness to prosecute the conflict with Iran and Hezbollah for a longer duration than many observers might have anticipated.