New Post Africa

Category: International

  • Kim Jong Un reappointed to North Korea’s top policy body

    Kim Jong Un reappointed to North Korea’s top policy body

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has been reappointed as president of the State Affairs Commission, according to reports from the country’s state-run media.

    This latest reappointment underscores Kim’s continued dominance over the nation’s political structure and decision-making processes. It marks the third consecutive time he has been chosen to lead the commission since its establishment in 2016, when it was created as the country’s highest policy guidance body.

    The State Affairs Commission plays a central role in shaping North Korea’s domestic and foreign policy, and Kim’s repeated appointments highlight his firm grip on power and the enduring influence of his leadership within the government framework.

  • Iranian attacks will get to you, Netanyahu warns Europe to join fight

    Iranian attacks will get to you, Netanyahu warns Europe to join fight

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Europe is not safe from Iranian attacks after Iran reportedly fired an intercontinental ballistic missile over 4,000 km, striking Diego Garcia—an American-British military base in the Indian Ocean.  

    Netanyahu made the declaration when he inspected the impact site of an Iranian missile attack on March 21, 2026, in the Israeli town of Dimona on Saturday.

    He said, “I’ve been warning for years. Leaders of the free world. The leaders of the moderate states, what more are you waiting for? President Trump has correctly said that Israel and the United States, in this great partnership; we are fighting the battle, not only for ourselves but for all of you. And he asks a simple question: where are you? And it’s time to head to President Trump’s call.”

    Dimona hosts a facility widely believed to house the region’s only nuclear arsenal, though Israel has never officially acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons. Iran’s atomic energy organisation accused the U.S. and Israel of targeting Natanz but said no radioactive leakage was reported.

    The Israeli military said interception attempts were made as the missiles approached, but it is still unclear if the nuclear site was hit. Iranian state television framed the strike as a “response” to Natanz. 

    The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has not yet issued a statement confirming damage or a leak at the site, as it urged restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.

  • Israel orders destruction of Litani River Bridges, intensifies Lebanon offensive, demolitions

    Israel orders destruction of Litani River Bridges, intensifies Lebanon offensive, demolitions

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Israeli President Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have directed the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to immediately destroy all bridges over the Litani River, citing their use for terrorist activity and the movement of Hezbollah fighters and weapons southward. The leadership also ordered the acceleration of demolitions in Lebanese border villages, modeled after operations in Beit Hanoun and Rafah in Gaza, to thwart threats to Israeli settlements.

    According to a statement by President Katz on Sunday, the IDF is pressing forward “with full force” in its ground manoeuvre in Lebanon, aiming to eliminate Hezbollah positions, reach anti-tank lines, and secure controlling points to protect northern communities. Katz vowed: “Israel is determined not to allow the reality of before October 7th to return. We promised to protect the residents of the north — and that is exactly what we will do.”

    The escalation comes as Israel reels from heavy Iranian missile attacks on the nuclear-site town of Dimona, which left many civilians injured and infrastructure damaged. The war with Iran has now entered its twentieth day, showing no sign of abating.

  • Governor Radda Hosts 17 ambassadors, envoys at Katsina Sallah celebrations

    Governor Radda Hosts 17 ambassadors, envoys at Katsina Sallah celebrations

    KATSINA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on March 21 hosted seventeen ambassadors and diplomatic envoys during the Sallah celebrations in Katsina. The governor described culture as a powerful bridge for peace, unity, and sustainable development, fostering mutual understanding, strengthening social cohesion, and serving as a foundation for inclusive growth and global collaboration.

    In a statement on Sunday, Radda noted that Katsina holds a prominent place in the history of Northern Nigeria as a renowned centre of learning, commerce, and Islamic scholarship, with enduring legacies reflected in landmarks such as the Gobarau Minaret and the traditions of the Katsina and Daura Emirates.

    “I was honored to receive a distinguished delegation of Ambassadors and diplomatic envoys, led by the Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, His Excellency Pieter Leenknegt, who joined us to witness the 2026 Sallah Durbar Festivals,” Radda said.

    The delegation included envoys from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Turkey, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Their participation in Hawan Sallah, Hawan Sarki (Hawan Bariki), and Hawan Magajiya reflected growing global recognition of Katsina’s cultural heritage.

    Beyond culture, the governor showcased strides in security, agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and water supply—pillars of his administration’s development agenda. He reaffirmed Katsina’s commitment to confronting insecurity through strategic operations and community-based initiatives aimed at lasting peace.

    “We do not claim perfection, nor do we ignore the challenges that remain,” Radda said, acknowledging communities still yearning for peace, families seeking relief, and young people in search of opportunity. “True leadership is not measured by how far we have come, but by our commitment to the journey ahead.”

    On behalf of the people of Katsina, the governor expressed appreciation to the visiting envoys and the international community, adding: “Katsina remains open to the world—for partnership, for business, for cultural exchange, and for shared prosperity.”

  • Zelenskyy accuses Russia of massive drone strikes, wants sanctions in place

    Zelenskyy accuses Russia of massive drone strikes, wants sanctions in place

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has alleged that Russia launched nearly 1,550 attack drones, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs, and two missiles against Ukraine in the past week.

    In a statement on Sunday, Zelenskyy wrote: “Over the past week, Russia launched nearly 1,550 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs, and two missiles. Over that same week, due to the easing of sanctions, Russia increased its crude oil sales to finance its war.”

    He warned that such revenues give Moscow “a sense of impunity” and the ability to prolong the war, calling for sanctions to remain in place to deny Russia the means to continue financing aggression.

    Zelenskyy added, “Russia’s shadow fleet must not feel safe in European waters or anywhere else. Tankers that serve the war budget can and must be stopped and blocked, not just let go. I thank every leader who makes such decisions. This is what brings a dignified peace closer.”

    The Ukrainian leader stressed that sustained international resolve is essential to bring peace closer and prevent Russia from exploiting oil revenues to fuel its military campaign.

  • Iran strikes Israeli nuclear-site town of Dimona, injuring many

    Iran strikes Israeli nuclear-site town of Dimona, injuring many

    MIDDLE EAST(NPA) — March 22, 2026 — An Iranian missile has reportedly struck the Israeli town of Dimona on Saturday, home to a nuclear facility, in what Tehran described as retaliation for an earlier strike on its Natanz enrichment complex.

    Dimona hosts a facility widely believed to house the region’s only nuclear arsenal, though Israel has never officially acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons. Iran’s atomic energy organisation accused the U.S. and Israel of targeting Natanz but said no radioactive leakage was reported.

    According to AFP, Israeli authorities confirmed a direct hit on a building in Dimona, with emergency responders treating 33 injured, including a 10-year-old boy in serious condition from shrapnel wounds. Paramedics described “extensive damage and chaos” at the scene. 

    The Israeli military said interception attempts were made as the missiles approached, but it is still unclear if the nuclear site was hit. Iranian state television framed the strike as a “response” to Natanz. 

    The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has not yet issued a statement confirming damage or a leak at the site, as it urged restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.

  • Iran labels Al Jazeera HQ in Doha a legitimate target, orders immediate evacuation

    Iran labels Al Jazeera HQ in Doha a legitimate target, orders immediate evacuation

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on March 21 has reportedly issued an evacuation notice for residents of Doha, Qatar, explicitly identifying Al Jazeera’s headquarters as a potential target.

    The IRGC claimed that Doha was hosting U.S. forces and promoting anti-Iranian narratives, declaring such sites “legitimate targets.” The warning urged residents to leave areas near U.S. military facilities and hostile media centres without delay.

    The announcement shocked observers, as Qatar and its state-funded Al Jazeera network have often been viewed as sympathetic to Iran. Analysts note that years of cooperation and favourable coverage appear to have been cast aside, underscoring the volatility of alliances in the region.

    Since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel, Iran has repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Gulf states, prompting regional governments to coordinate defences and present a united front against what they describe as escalating Iranian aggression. The latest threat against Al Jazeera adds a new dimension, targeting not only military assets but also influential media institutions.

  • Trump threatens to deploy ICE Agents to airports as DHS funding standoff continues

    Trump threatens to deploy ICE Agents to airports as DHS funding standoff continues

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 21, 2026 — Amid the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) due to Democrats’ refusal to approve funding without reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy ICE agents to airports to fill the security gap.

    In a Saturday post on Truth Social, Trump called the situation an “absolute disgrace,” accusing Democrats of endangering public safety. He warned: “If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports, ICE will do the job far better than ever done before… I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday.”

    In another post, Trump reiterated his plan, vowing ICE agents would provide airport security and target undocumented immigrants, singling out arrivals from Somalia. He linked the issue to Minnesota politics, criticising local leaders and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

    The DHS shutdown continues as Democrats insist on immigration enforcement reforms before approving funding, while Trump escalates pressure with threats of unilateral action.

  • Jehovah’s Witnesses to use their own stored blood in medical care — Governing Body clarifies

    Jehovah’s Witnesses to use their own stored blood in medical care — Governing Body clarifies

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 21, 2026 — On Thursday, April 2, 2026, after sundown, Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide will gather to commemorate the Memorial of Jesus’ death. This announcement was part of the Governing Body Update #2, 2026, released in a 16-minute video on jw.org. viewed by Newpost Africa on Friday.

    In the update, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Brother Gerrit Lösch, provided an important clarification regarding the use of a patient’s own blood in medical procedures.

    He explained that Christians obey God by following His command to abstain from blood. While Jehovah’s Witnesses are not under the Mosaic Law, the biblical directive to avoid blood remains binding. However, Lösch noted that the Bible does not specifically address the use of one’s own blood in medical or surgical care.

    As a result, each Witness must personally decide how their own blood may be handled in medical therapy or surgery. This includes routine procedures such as blood tests, as well as more complex treatments involving the temporary removal and reinfusion of blood, such as dialysis or the use of heart-lung machines.

    Brother Lösch stated:  “After much prayer and consideration of the Scriptures, the Governing Body has decided to clarify our position on the use of a patient’s own blood in medical and surgical care. Each patient must decide for himself how his own blood will be used. This includes whether to allow his blood to be removed, stored, and then given back to him.”

    He emphasised that while some Witnesses may choose to permit storage and reinfusion of their own blood, others may object. The decision is a matter of personal conscience.

    Importantly, this clarification does not alter the Witnesses’ long-standing refusal to accept transfusions of donor blood. Instead, it provides members with the freedom to decide whether to use their own stored blood for medical procedures.

  • WHO donates Sh10 million health kits to Kenya

    WHO donates Sh10 million health kits to Kenya

    AFRICA (Agency Report/Michael Omondi) — March 21, 2026 —The Ministry of Health has received emergency health kits from the World Health Organization (WHO) valued at approximately Sh 10 million to support Kenya’s response to the ongoing March–April–May (MAM) long rains and flooding, affecting several parts of the country.

    The donation was received on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health, Aden Duale, by Secretary Administration Mr Adan Halakhe from the Ministry and WHO Acting Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo during a handover ceremony held at Afya House, Nairobi.

    Secretary, Administration in the Ministry of Health, Mr Adan Halakhe, delivers the remarks of the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, when he received the emergency health kits from the World Health Organisation to support Kenya’s response to the ongoing March–April–May (MAM) long rains and flooding affecting several parts of the country at Afya House, Nairobi, on 18th March, 2026. Looking on is the World Health Organization (WHO) Acting Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo.

    In his remarks, CS Duale expressed appreciation to WHO for the timely support, noting that the contribution will strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to public health risks associated with flooding.

    The CS reported that the emergency kits, which contain essential medicines, medical supplies and life-saving equipment, will support frontline health workers in providing critical care, managing disease outbreaks and maintaining essential health services in affected areas.

    Further, he noted that the ongoing long rains have led to flooding in several counties, resulting in displacement of families, disruption of services and increased risk of disease outbreaks.

    Equally, the CS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of Kenyans, noting that the Ministry, working closely with county governments and partners, has activated emergency preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure communities at risk receive timely health services.

    “These efforts include strengthening disease surveillance, supporting rapid response teams, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and enhancing public awareness on preventive measures during the rainy season,” Duale highlighted.

    He urged members of the public to remain vigilant by maintaining proper hygiene, using safe water, sleeping under treated mosquito nets and seeking early medical care when experiencing symptoms of illness.

    Speaking during the handover, WHO Kenya Acting Representative, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, expressed condolences to families affected by the floods and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s response efforts.

    She observed that flooding across several counties has disrupted access to safe water, sanitation and essential health services, increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera and malaria.

    Meanwhile, the emergency supplies handed over include cholera case management kits, rapid diagnostic and investigation kits, water treatment supplies and trauma kits expected to support health services for approximately 5,000 people in the most affected areas.

    The event was attended by Director of Public Health, Dr Stephen Muleshe; WHO officials; and senior Ministry of Health officials.