New Post Africa

Category: International

  • Amnesty condemns Iran’s internet shutdown, now over 1000 hours 

    Amnesty condemns Iran’s internet shutdown, now over 1000 hours 

    INTERNATIONAL, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International has condemned the Islamic Republic of Iran for the continued internet shutdown in the Persian Gulf country, describing it as a violation of basic human rights.

    The rights group, in a statement on Friday, noted that citizens have lived under “digital darkness” for more than 1,000 hours, stressing that internet access is indispensable in times of conflict and unrest. Amnesty called on the authorities to immediately restore connectivity.

    Authorities cut off more than 90 million people from the outside world on 28 February, preventing them from accessing essential information and contacting loved ones. The blackout began after nationwide protests over the worsening economy erupted on 1 February 2026, and has since deepened during the ongoing war with the United States and Israel.

    According to Amnesty, the shutdown has severely affected individuals and businesses, compounding hardship as the blackout persists. The organisation reiterated that internet access is a fundamental right and urged Tehran to restore services without delay.

  • UN Secretary‑General condemns Israeli strikes in Lebanon, calls for ceasefire

    UN Secretary‑General condemns Israeli strikes in Lebanon, calls for ceasefire

    INTERNATIONAL, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has unequivocally condemned the large‑scale Israeli strikes across Lebanon on 8 April, which left hundreds of civilians dead or injured, including children, and caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. He expressed deep alarm at the mounting toll on civilians.

    In a press statement issued on 8 April, Guterres extended his condolences to the Government and people of Lebanon and wished the injured a swift recovery.

    He warned that, with the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, continued military activity in Lebanon poses a grave risk to the truce and to efforts towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. The Secretary‑General reiterated his call for all parties to immediately cease hostilities.

    Guterres stressed that international law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected at all times. Civilians and civilian objects must be protected, and attacks directed against them are unacceptable.

    “There is no military solution to the conflict,” he said, urging all sides to recommit to diplomatic channels and to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

  • Iran threatens to boycott Islamabad peace talks over Israeli strikes in Lebanon

    Iran threatens to boycott Islamabad peace talks over Israeli strikes in Lebanon

    MIDDLE EAST, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Iran has warned that its delegation will not participate in peace talks scheduled for Islamabad if Israel continues its military strikes on Lebanon. The warning follows Israel’s most intense bombardment of Lebanon since the start of the war with the Iranian‑backed Hezbollah movement.

    In a statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the attacks, calling them “a blatant violation of the initial ceasefire agreement and a dangerous indication of deception and lack of commitment to potential accords.” He added: “Continuing these attacks will render negotiations meaningless; our hands will remain on the trigger, and Iran will never abandon its Lebanese brothers and sisters.”

    Pezeshkian reiterated the accusation across multiple platforms, including his official X account, stressing that Israel’s renewed incursion into Lebanon undermines any prospects for peace. He argued that repeated aggression by what he termed “the Zionist entity” signals deceit and non‑compliance, leaving Iran with no choice but to stand firmly by its Lebanese allies.

    The Iranian president’s remarks underscore growing tensions in the region, as Israel intensifies its operations against Hezbollah strongholds. 

    Tehran’s threat to boycott the Islamabad talks raises fresh doubts about the viability of negotiations aimed at ending the over one-month conflict.

  • U.S. urges citizens to leave Nigeria amid rising security risks

    U.S. urges citizens to leave Nigeria amid rising security risks

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — The United States has authorised the departure of non‑emergency staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, warning of a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

    The Department of State cited widespread violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and roadside banditry. It noted that kidnappings for ransom are common, often targeting dual nationals and Americans perceived as wealthy.

    The advisory also highlighted the risk of terrorist attacks, warning that militants continue to plot assaults in Nigeria, sometimes in collaboration with local gangs. Potential targets include shopping centres, hotels, places of worship, schools, government buildings, and transport hubs.

    Civil unrest and armed gangs remain active in southern regions, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast, where kidnappings and assaults on security forces are frequent. Violence between farming and herding communities in rural areas has also contributed to instability.

    The State Department further cautioned that healthcare in Nigeria is unreliable, with hospitals often requiring immediate cash payments and lacking adequate equipment, medicines, and emergency services. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient medication, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and secure medical evacuation insurance.

    Americans are strongly urged not to travel to several states, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, northern Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (except Port Harcourt), due to terrorism, crime, and unrest.

    The advisory recommends U.S. citizens in Nigeria enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain a low profile, avoid demonstrations, and prepare evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

  • IDF announces killing of Hezbollah Leader’s Secretary and Hamas operative allegedly posing as Al Jazeera journalist

    IDF announces killing of Hezbollah Leader’s Secretary and Hamas operative allegedly posing as Al Jazeera journalist

    MIDDLE EAST, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has announced the killing of Ali Yosef Harshi, nephew of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, in a precise overnight strike on Beirut, Lebanon. According to the IDF, Harshi served as the personal secretary and close adviser to Qassem, playing a central role in managing his office and security.

    The IDF further stated that it struck two key crossings used by Hezbollah to move weapons south of the Litani River, along with approximately ten weapons storage sites, rocket launchers, and command centres in southern Lebanon.

    In addition, the IDF reported the targeted killing of Muhammad Samir Muhammad Washah, whom it accused of being a Hamas operative working under the guise of an Al Jazeera journalist. Washah was alleged to be a senior figure in Hamas’s rocket and weapons production headquarters, involved in the manufacture and transfer of arms through Gaza.

    Yesterday marked one of the most intense Israeli assaults on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, with over 100 sites targeted. The IDF claimed that individuals killed in the strikes were actively involved in planning attacks against Israeli forces and posed a direct threat to troops operating in the area.

  • Philippines condemns China’s ‘reckless’ flare attack, rejects sovereignty claims in West Philippine Sea

    Philippines condemns China’s ‘reckless’ flare attack, rejects sovereignty claims in West Philippine Sea

    INTERNATIONAL, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The government of the Philippines has accused China of aggression and deliberate bullying after Chinese forces fired flares directly at a Philippine Coast Guard Caravan aircraft conducting routine Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flights over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

    According to Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea concerns, the provocative incidents occurred specifically at Panganiban Reef and Zamora Reef, where Coast Guard aircraft were peacefully monitoring maritime activities to ensure the safety of Philippine waters.

    Tarriela stated: “This afternoon, in a clear and deliberate act of bullying, Chinese forces fired flares directly at Philippine Coast Guard Caravan aircraft while we were conducting routine Maritime Domain Awareness flights over the Kalayaan Island Group. The provocative incidents occurred specifically at Panganiban Reef and Zamora Reef, where our aircraft were operating peacefully to monitor maritime activities and ensure the safety of our waters.”

    These actions, described by the Philippines as reckless and aggressive, were said to represent yet another escalation in China’s campaign of intimidation and harassment. By targeting unarmed Coast Guard aircraft with flares, Manila accused Beijing of violating international aviation safety norms, undermining regional peace, and endangering the lives of personnel on board.

    The statement further noted that Chinese forces issued radio transmissions during the incidents, asserting “indisputable sovereignty” over the areas — claims linked to China’s reclaimed and militarised bases in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines argued that these assertions have no basis in international law, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, and characterised them as part of Beijing’s expansionist agenda and repeated violations of international norms.

  • Netanyahu vows Israel will achieve objectives despite US-Iran ceasefire

    Netanyahu vows Israel will achieve objectives despite US-Iran ceasefire

    JERUSALEM, Israel, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will achieve its objectives in the war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. His comments come in the wake of the two-week ceasefire agreement brokered between the United States and Iran.

    In an earlier broadcast, Netanyahu emphasised that Israel still has objectives to complete and will achieve them either through agreement or by resuming hostilities. His remarks reflect uncertainty over Israel’s position on the US-Iran ceasefire and its ongoing battle against Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon.

    The Prime Minister, while thanking Israelis for their support and cooperation during the war, declared that Iran is weaker than ever, while Israel is stronger than ever. He praised the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for their fighting spirit and resilience.

    Netanyahu also paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives, urging citizens to embrace bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

    “The State of Israel has achieved tremendous victories, victories that until recently seemed utterly imaginary,” he said. “We still have objectives to complete – and we will achieve them either by agreement or by resuming the fighting.”

  • UN marks 32nd anniversary of Rwanda Genocide amid rising ethnic hatred across Africa

    UN marks 32nd anniversary of Rwanda Genocide amid rising ethnic hatred across Africa

    INTERNATIONAL, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — Today, the world observes the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This solemn occasion marks 32 years since one of the darkest chapters in human history, when more than one million people — overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the killings — were systematically murdered in less than three months.

    The United Nations commemorates this day with events at its Headquarters in New York and offices worldwide, honouring the victims and reflecting on the resilience of survivors.

    At the 31st anniversary commemoration in 2025, Ms Germaine Tuyisenge Müller shared her harrowing story of survival. At just nine years old, she was left alone for two months after neighbours abandoned her during the genocide. Her testimony underscores the enduring trauma and strength of survivors.

    In September 2024, the Republic of Rwanda gifted the UN the Kwibuka Flame of Hope statue, installed in the north garden of UN Headquarters. The flame symbolises resilience and courage in the face of hate speech, misinformation, and ethnic division that fueled the genocide.Since 1994, the UN has played a central role in Rwanda’s reconstruction. Through the One UN framework, 22 agencies coordinate efforts under a single leader, budget, and program to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Between 2018 and 2023, the UN invested approximately $631 million in Rwanda’s development initiatives.

  • Stay away from railways, IDF warns Iranians as U.S. ultimatum nears deadline

    Stay away from railways, IDF warns Iranians as U.S. ultimatum nears deadline

    MIDDLE EAST, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has issued an urgent warning to people in Iran, advising them to avoid using railway services and to stay away from railway infrastructure across the country for their own safety.

    In a statement released Tuesday, the IDF cautioned: “Dear Citizens, for your security, we kindly request that from this moment until 21:00 Iran time, you refrain from using and traveling by train throughout Iran. Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life.”

    The advisory comes amid heightened tensions following an ultimatum by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that all energy facilities and bridges — including railway lines — in Iran could be destroyed if the country refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic.

    The ultimatum is set to expire today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time, raising fears of potential escalation and disruption to critical infrastructure.

  • ICE detains relatives of late Iranian General Soleimani in Los Angeles after Ali Larijani’s daughter

    ICE detains relatives of late Iranian General Soleimani in Los Angeles after Ali Larijani’s daughter

    INTERNATIONAL, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained two relatives of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles, intensifying a broader crackdown on families of senior Iranian officials residing in America.

    The individuals were identified as Soleimani’s niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, and her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny. According to officials, both women were taken into custody after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their Lawful Permanent Resident status. They are currently being held while awaiting deportation proceedings.

    Authorities allege that the pair lived a lavish lifestyle in the United States while simultaneously using social media platforms to promote propaganda supportive of Iran’s Islamic regime. Investigators also accuse them of celebrating attacks against American soldiers online, raising concerns about their activities while enjoying residency privileges.

    This latest action forms part of a wider U.S. initiative targeting relatives of high-ranking Iranian officials who have settled in the country. The campaign has already led to the termination of legal status for several individuals, including the daughter of former Iranian security chief Ali Larijani.

    Officials say the crackdown is intended to send a clear message that the United States will not provide safe haven to family members of foreign leaders or officials who are accused of undermining American interests while benefiting from residency in the country.

    ICE emphasized that the arrests reflect a growing determination to confront foreign influence operations and ensure that U.S. immigration laws are applied consistently, particularly in cases involving individuals linked to hostile regimes.

    The detention underscores the continuing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran, and immigration enforcement as a tool of foreign policy.