New Post Africa

Category: International

  • BREAKING: 3 Lebanese soldiers killed in Israeli shelling in the south

    BREAKING: 3 Lebanese soldiers killed in Israeli shelling in the south

    Beirut, Lebanon (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Lebanese Army has confirmed that three of its soldiers were killed in Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel. The strike reportedly targeted Hezbollah positions in the area.

    Israel launched ground operations into southern Lebanon earlier this week in response to a Hezbollah attack, amid its ongoing military campaign against Iranian-linked forces.

    The situation remains fluid, with further details expected as developments unfold.

    Meanwhile, Israel announced it had carried out another wave of airstrikes across military targets in Iran, deploying more than 85 warplanes in the operation.

  • UN urges Nigeria to move from policy to action on women’s rights

    UN urges Nigeria to move from policy to action on women’s rights

    Abuja, Nigeria (Agency Report) — March 7, 2026 — UN Women has urged the Nigerian government to move beyond policy commitments toward tangible actions that protect women’s rights, deliver justice for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors, and promote sustainable national development.

    Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call during a news conference ahead of the 2026 International Women’s Day, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for all Women & Girls.”

    Eyong highlighted alarmingly high GBV cases in Nigeria, worsened in digital spaces where technology-facilitated abuse was increasing, compounded by poor access to justice for survivors in courts, communities, and informal dispute mechanisms.

    She also noted that only 3.9 per cent of parliamentary seats were held by women, one of the lowest globally, limiting inclusive decision-making and hindering sustainable national progress and equitable governance.

    Eyong urged Nigeria to confront the reality that gender inequality remained the greatest human rights challenge; yet addressing it was a powerful driver for sustainable development, peace, and social stability across the country.

    “We call on government, civil society, private sector, traditional and religious leaders, and development partners to accelerate reforms and investments dismantling gender barriers at all levels in society and governance.

    “Nigeria does not lack policies; the challenge is financing, enforcing, and sustaining them.

    “We must move from commitments to implementation, and from plans to meaningful impact for women and girls.

    “When we secure justice and rights for women, we secure Nigeria’s stability, prosperity, and future. UN Women stands ready, with urgency, partnership, and unwavering resolve, to advance Rights, Justice, and Action,” Eyong emphasised

    According to her, UN Women has advocated for the Special Seats for Women Bill, pushing for constitutional reforms that guarantee women meaningful participation at the decision-making table across all governance levels.

    She said they were supporting the Ministry of Women Affairs to expand and strengthen the National Sexual Offender Database, a vital accountability tool preventing perpetrators from moving undetected across states and communities.

    Eyong explained that UN Women also worked closely with traditional and religious leaders to dismantle harmful norms sustaining impunity, advancing the Secretary-General’s call for zero tolerance and zero excuses for violence against women.

    Beyond policy, she said, UN Women partnered with financial and private sectors to unlock funding for women-led businesses, community-based solutions, and strengthened women’s participation in peace, security, and governance processes across Nigeria.

    “To ensure sustainability, UN Women works with the Ministry of Women Affairs to institutionalise Gender-Responsive Budgeting at federal and state levels, prioritising maternal health, girl-child education, women’s safety, and economic empowerment initiatives,” she stated.

    On the media’s role, Eyong urged journalists to spotlight women’s realities, achievements, and aspirations, expose injustices, challenge discriminatory norms, and keep gender issues central to Nigeria’s public and policy discourse.

    “We call on the media to use its platform to advance women’s rights, expose injustices, and hold institutions accountable.

    “It must amplify survivors’ voices, promote women’s leadership, and keep women and girls central to public discourse.

    “By telling the full story accurately, responsibly, and consistently, the media can help turn Rights, Justice, and Action into lived realities for every woman and girl in Nigeria,” she emphasised. (NAN).

  • 7 dead as Russia launches massive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine

    7 dead as Russia launches massive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — At least seven people were killed and more than ten injured as Russia unleashed waves of ballistic missiles and drone swarms against cities across Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials said Saturday.

    The strikes hit multiple regions, including Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Chernivtsi, Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, and Cherkasy. In Kharkiv, a residential building was destroyed by a ballistic missile, leaving several people trapped under rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties in a statement, noting that children were among the injured. “Unfortunately, as of now, 7 people have been killed. More than 10 have been injured, including children. People may still be trapped under the rubble. All necessary services are working at the scene,” he said.

    According to Zelenskyy, Russia launched 29 missiles — nearly half of them ballistic — and 480 drones, most of them Shahed models, targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Chernivtsi, as well as railway facilities in Zhytomyr. Damage was also reported across several other regions.

    The president urged Ukraine’s international partners to respond to what he described as “savage strikes against life.” He stressed that Russia has not abandoned its attempts to destroy Ukraine’s residential and critical infrastructure, calling for continued support from allies.

    Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing cooperation with the European Union and initiatives such as PURL, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defences. “We count on active work with the European Union to guarantee greater protection for our people. I am grateful to everyone who helps strengthen our protection,” he added.

  • Iran apologises for attacks on neighbours, sets tough conditions

    Iran apologises for attacks on neighbours, sets tough conditions

    Tehran, Iran (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an apology to Gulf nations following Iranian missile and drone strikes on neighbouring states amid ongoing military operations in the Persian Gulf involving the United States and Israel.

    In a televised address, Pezeshkian acknowledged the attacks, pledged to halt them, and called for diplomacy over escalation. “I should apologise to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran, on my own behalf,” he said, attributing the strikes to miscommunication within Iran’s military ranks.

    The president clarified that the response came after heavy assaults on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing the strikes as unintended escalations. He warned, however, that Iran would retaliate against any future attacks launched from external territories.

    Analysts note uncertainty over whether the apology reflects a weakened military position, as both the U.S. and Israel have claimed to have destroyed more than 80 per cent of Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy.

    Meanwhile, Pezeshkian rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, dismissing it as “a dream they should take to their grave.”

  • U.S. lawmaker condemns Taraba church burning, says Washington will act

    U.S. lawmaker condemns Taraba church burning, says Washington will act

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Riley Moore, a member of the United States Congress tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, has condemned the reported burning of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Wukari, Taraba State, on March 4, 2026.

    The attack, attributed to Islamist militants, drew widespread attention after images of the destroyed church circulated on social media. In a statement on March 6, Moore offered condolences to parishioners and cited scripture: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

    Moore stressed that Christians in Nigeria continue to face targeted violence, adding: “The United States has declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, and we won’t stand idly by as Christians continue to face this violence.”

    Last week, the congressional committee chaired by Moore submitted recommendations to the U.S. President on measures to address what it described as systematic attacks on Christian communities in Africa’s most populous nation.

    According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety Nigeria), Islamist extremist groups in Nigeria—most notably Boko Haram and allied militants—have systematically targeted churches as part of a campaign to intimidate Christian communities, diminish their presence, and advance their goal of establishing a religiously homogenous state. Since 2009, an estimated 19,100 churches have been attacked, burned, or destroyed, averaging about 1,200 per year (roughly 100 per month).

    The primary driver behind these attacks is ideological motivation. Groups such as Boko Haram seek to impose a strict Islamist order, viewing Christian institutions as symbols of resistance to their ideology and as strategic targets for undermining community cohesion and morale.

    The Nigerian government has introduced several measures to address the violence, including military operations such as targeted airstrikes against Islamist extremist groups. However, analysts caution that these efforts remain insufficient, noting that the attacks have continued to escalate in both frequency and scale.

  • Nigeria congratulates Ghana on 69th independence, reaffirms commitment to peace, prosperity, and African unity

    Nigeria congratulates Ghana on 69th independence, reaffirms commitment to peace, prosperity, and African unity

    Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Nigeria has congratulated the Republic of Ghana on the occasion of its 69th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a defining moment in Africa’s liberation movement and a testament to Ghana’s enduring contributions to democracy and regional stability.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, extended warm congratulations to Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    “This historic milestone commemorates Ghana’s independence on the 6th of March in 1957, when it became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve freedom from colonial rule,” the statement read. “Ghana’s independence represented a defining moment in Africa’s liberation movement, inspiring generations of African nations, including Nigeria, to pursue sovereignty, dignity, and self-determination.”

    Nigeria underscored the unique and deeply rooted relationship between the two countries, founded on “common historical experiences, cultural affinity, and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and African unity.” Both nations, the statement noted, “have remained pillars of stability and democratic progress in West Africa and have consistently worked together in advancing the goals of regional cooperation within ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.”

    Highlighting decades of collaboration, the ministry pointed to strong diplomatic ties characterized by “frequent high-level engagements, strategic dialogue, and cooperation in areas including trade and investment, education, energy, defence cooperation, migration management, and cultural exchange.” The free movement of people between both countries has further strengthened “people-to-people diplomacy and fostered vibrant economic and cultural connections that reflect the spirit of African brotherhood.”

    As Ghana celebrates its independence under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” Nigeria commended the resilience and creativity of the Ghanaian people in advancing national development and strengthening democratic institutions. It also recognised Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the ongoing Heritage Month celebrations, which showcase “the country’s vibrant traditions, creative industries, and cultural identity.”

    Reaffirming its commitment to deepening bilateral relations, Nigeria pledged to expand economic cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultation, and strengthen cultural and educational exchanges. “Nigeria remains confident that the longstanding partnership between Abuja and Accra will continue to grow, contributing to regional prosperity, economic integration, and the shared vision of a peaceful and united Africa,” the statement concluded.

  • Ukraine welcomes 300 soldiers home after prisoner swap with Russia

    Ukraine welcomes 300 soldiers home after prisoner swap with Russia

    Kyiv, Ukraine (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Ukraine has secured the release of 300 soldiers and two civilians from Russian captivity following a prisoner exchange under the “500-for-500” deal negotiated in Geneva. In return, Russia received 200 of its servicemen held by Ukraine.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement on Friday titled “Another 300 Ukrainian defenders are returning home from Russian captivity,” expressed joy over the development. He confirmed that the freed Ukrainians include members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service, ranging from privates to officers.

    “These are warriors who defended Ukraine in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mariupol. Most of them had been in captivity for more than a year, some since 2022,” Zelenskyy noted.

    The President extended gratitude to all parties involved in facilitating the exchange, particularly the United States for its mediation role. “I thank all our warriors who ensure this result by replenishing the exchange fund for Ukraine. I thank the entire team that worked to achieve this result. I am grateful to the United States for their mediation. It is important that the agreements have worked. We remember everyone, and we must bring all our people home,” he said.

  • U.S. military sinks Iranian drone carrier, vows destruction of Iranian naval power

    U.S. military sinks Iranian drone carrier, vows destruction of Iranian naval power

    Florida, U.S. (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The United States military has announced the sinking of an Iranian naval vessel described as a drone carrier. The announcement was made by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

    In a statement accompanied by video footage, CENTCOM said: “U.S. forces are not holding back in the mission to degrade the Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a World War II-era aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire.”

    The incident follows a recent operation in which U.S. forces sank another Iranian naval vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka, reportedly leaving more than 100 Iranian military personnel dead and dozens injured. The latest strike underscores escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with analysts warning of potential wider regional implications.

  • FBI arrests Bangladeshi national in international child exploitation case

    FBI arrests Bangladeshi national in international child exploitation case

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of a 28-year-old Bangladeshi national, wanted since 2022 for allegedly operating an international child sexual exploitation enterprise.

    In a statement released Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the suspect, identified as Zobaidul Amin, was apprehended in Malaysia and subsequently transferred to the United States.

    “The FBI, working closely with our international partners, has arrested Zobaidul Amin, 28, a Bangladeshi national who has been wanted since 2022 on charges including running an international child sexual exploitation enterprise,” Patel said.

    According to the FBI, Amin was flown from Malaysia to Alaska on Thursday night, where he is expected to face formal charges later today.

    Director Patel expressed gratitude to both U.S. and international agencies for their cooperation in the operation.

    “We thank Legat Kuala Lumpur, the Government of Malaysia, and our local partners across the country for their invaluable assistance in this investigation and arrest. Special recognition goes to FBI Anchorage for their outstanding work in this case,” he added.

    Sex trafficking and child exploitation are treated as serious federal crimes in the United States. Convictions can carry penalties ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment, along with substantial fines and restitution to victims. In aggravated cases involving minors, offenders may face automatic life sentences.

  • U.S. assure of energy security amid Iran conflict

    U.S. assure of energy security amid Iran conflict

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — The United States government has sought to calm fears of an energy crisis as military operations with Israel against Iran intensify. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that President Donald Trump’s administration has positioned the U.S. as the world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas, ensuring resilience against supply shocks.

    Leavitt noted that beyond domestic production, Washington is exploring opportunities to strengthen energy dominance by tapping newly discovered reserves in Venezuela. She added that the U.S. Development Finance Corporation will provide political risk insurance for crude carriers and cargo ships operating in the Gulf, while the U.S. Navy stands ready to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. “Rest assured — President Trump’s entire energy team has been preparing for this, and they are all over it,” she said.

    Global oil markets, however, have already reacted sharply to the conflict. Crude prices surged more than 8% in early March, with gas and LNG markets also spiking amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Analysts warn that higher energy costs could fuel inflation worldwide, while investors have shifted toward gold and defence stocks as safe havens. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has claimed to have shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, raising concerns of sustained price volatility.

    In Nigeria, as the hostilities pushed global crude prices above $90 per barrel, petrol prices rose to ₦824–₦880 per litre, with regional variations based on transport and supply chain costs.

    Economic forecasters, including Oxford Economics, project that the war could last weeks or months, keeping energy markets unstable. Morgan Stanley cautioned that inflationary pressures may constrain central banks, limiting their ability to raise interest rates. The longer the conflict and Gulf disruption persist, the more severe the global economic fallout is expected to be.