New Post Africa

Category: International

  • UN experts warn of rights violations against Christian and minority women in Nigeria

    UN experts warn of rights violations against Christian and minority women in Nigeria

    GENEVA, Switzerland (NPA) — The UN Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council have raised alarm over credible reports of killings, abductions, sexual violence, forced conversions, child marriages, and acts tantamount to enforced disappearances targeting Christian and other religious minority communities in Nigeria, particularly women and girls.

    In their latest report, the independent experts described the situation as “deeply troubling,” citing the deteriorating security environment in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt where extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and radicalised herdsmen continue to operate with devastating consequences amid impunity and institutional failures.

    “The testimonies we have received paint a horrifying picture of fear, trauma, coercion and abandonment,” the experts said, stressing that victims must not be left without protection, justice, reparations, and meaningful support.

    The report highlighted incidents including the abduction and sexual assault of Christian women, the disappearance of girls taken from a church in Borno State, the forced conversion and marriage of a 13‑year‑old in Bauchi, and the brutal attack on a 16‑year‑old whose hand was cut off after her family rejected a forced marriage proposal.

    The experts warned that displaced women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation, often coerced into survival strategies such as concealing their religious identity.

    They urged Nigerian authorities to act urgently to protect those at risk, secure the release of abducted victims, investigate and prosecute perpetrators, and guarantee remedies for survivors. “Impunity for these crimes only fuels further violence,” they said.

    The report comes ahead of an official visit to Nigeria by UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Nazila Ghanea, scheduled for June 8–19, 2026, with findings to be presented to the Human Rights Council in March 2027.

  • COCIN leader Dachomo renews call for global attention to alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria

    COCIN leader Dachomo renews call for global attention to alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria

    JOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has renewed his call for greater international attention to what he describes as the ongoing persecution and killing of Christians in parts of Nigeria.

    Dachomo, who has been vocal in campaigns aimed at drawing global attention to the plight of Christian communities affected by violence, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday titled, “The Cry of the Persecuted Church in Nigeria.”

    The cleric had previously attracted international attention after a video in which he spoke about attacks on Christian communities was reposted by United States President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.

    In the latest statement, Sunday, Dachomo expressed deep concern over the security situation facing many Christian communities, describing the humanitarian consequences of violent attacks as devastating.

    “I write with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart. While many sleep peacefully at night, thousands of Christians across Nigeria go to bed wondering if they will wake up alive the next morning,” he said.

    “This is not a story from centuries ago. This is not something found only in the pages of history. This is happening now.”

    The cleric alleged that many families in affected communities live under constant fear of attacks, displacement and loss of loved ones.

    According to him, numerous women have been widowed, children orphaned, and entire communities uprooted as a result of violence targeted at Christians.

    Painting a vivid picture of the human cost of insecurity, Dachomo recounted the story of a young boy living in a displacement camp who, according to him, continues to search for his missing mother months after an attack on his community.

    “Every evening he sits quietly at the entrance of a small shelter. Whenever visitors arrive, he asks the same question: ‘Have you seen my mother?’” the cleric said.

    He described the emotional trauma experienced by displaced children and families as one of the most painful consequences of the crisis.

    Despite the challenges, Dachomo praised what he described as the resilience of Christian communities across the country.

    According to him, many believers continue to gather for worship despite attacks on churches and the destruction of their communities.

    “Church buildings have been destroyed. Communities have been displaced. Children have become orphans. Women have become widows. Families have been scattered,” he said.

    “Yet in the midst of the suffering, Christians continue to worship.”

    The cleric said many congregations now meet under trees and temporary shelters after their church buildings were destroyed, while continuing to pray and maintain their faith despite adversity.

    Dachomo urged governments, religious organisations, humanitarian groups and the international community not to ignore the plight of affected communities. “Today I ask the world not to look away,” he said.

    “Remember the mothers who will never see their children again. Remember the fathers who died protecting their families. Remember the children who go to sleep hungry in displacement camps.”

    He called for continued prayers, advocacy and support for victims of violence, expressing hope that a time would come when all Nigerians would be able to practise their faith freely and live without fear.

    “Until that day, we will continue to pray. We will continue to speak. And we will continue to stand with the persecuted Church,” he said.

  • UN Deputy Secretary‑General calls for stronger reforms, sustainable funding at ECOSOC development segment

    UN Deputy Secretary‑General calls for stronger reforms, sustainable funding at ECOSOC development segment

    UNITED NATIONS, US (NPA) — Deputy Secretary‑General Amina J. Mohammed has urged Member States to intensify support for UN development system reforms, stressing the need for sustainable funding and tailored responses to meet the diverse needs of countries.

    Delivering her closing remarks at the ECOSOC Operational Activities for Development Segment (OAS), she commended the leadership of Ambassador Wellington Bencosme of the Dominican Republic and highlighted the progress made under the theme “innovation to impact.”

    Mohammed noted that reforms since 2018 have brought the UN system closer to host country needs, but emphasised that unfinished business remains. She outlined four priority areas: strengthening UN country teams through the Cooperation Framework, enhancing regional expertise and integration, expanding system‑wide efficiencies such as Common Back Offices and Shared Services, and securing predictable funding for the Resident Coordinator system.

    She warned that voluntary contributions have fallen to their lowest levels, underscoring the urgency of addressing persistent shortfalls.

    The Deputy Secretary‑General reaffirmed that Member States expect differentiated, context‑specific support for LDCs, LLDCs, SIDS, and MICs, with national ownership at the centre.

    She called for clarity, coherence, and decisive action in the forthcoming resolution, stressing that the time to 2030 is short. “Let’s turn this moment of challenge into one of opportunity by acting now, together, and by strengthening UN support to those we serve,” she concluded.

  • Zelenskyy hails long-range drone strikes against Russia’s military and energy facilities

    Zelenskyy hails long-range drone strikes against Russia’s military and energy facilities

    KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced what he described as successful long-range military strikes deep inside Russian territory, saying the operations demonstrate Ukraine’s growing ability to respond to Russian aggression and increase pressure for an end to the war.

    In a statement on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces carried out coordinated drone attacks targeting strategic military and energy facilities in Russia, including locations in the St. Petersburg and Krasnodar regions, last night.

    According to the Ukrainian leader, drones struck facilities linked to Russia’s naval infrastructure in Kronstadt and military arsenals in the St. Petersburg region, while another operation targeted an oil depot in the Krasnodar region.

    “Last night, our drones covered a distance of about 1,000 kilometres to the St. Petersburg region – to the enemy navy’s arsenals and a base in Kronstadt. Our long-range sanctions also reached about 500 kilometres into the Krasnodar region and hit an oil depot,” Zelenskyy said.

    He described the strikes as the result of coordinated efforts by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine and the country’s Defence Intelligence agency.

    The president said the operations were intended to increase pressure on Moscow and demonstrate that continued attacks on Ukraine would be met with a response.

    “Russia must end its war and stop its attacks on life. Any manifestation of injustice against Ukraine will receive a just response,” he stated.

    Zelenskyy also praised Ukrainian military personnel and intelligence operatives for the precision and effectiveness of the strikes.

    The latest attacks highlight Ukraine’s growing long-range drone capabilities, which have expanded significantly since the outbreak of the war. In recent months, Kyiv has increasingly targeted military installations, energy infrastructure and logistics facilities located deep inside Russian territory.

    The development comes as Russia continues to launch drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure in an effort to weaken the country’s military and economic resilience.

    Moscow has intensified its use of long-range drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles throughout the conflict, while also deploying advanced weapons systems in some of its latest large-scale attacks on Ukraine.

    The war, now in its fifth year, continues to exact a heavy human and economic toll on both countries, with diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire yet to produce a breakthrough.

  • JD Vance condemns killing of British student, links tragedy to defective migration policy

    JD Vance condemns killing of British student, links tragedy to defective migration policy

    WASHINGTON, USA (NPA) — United States Vice President JD Vance has delivered a searing critique following the death of Henry Nowak, the 18‑year‑old Southampton university student fatally stabbed on December 3, 2025. Vance metaphorically described the tragedy as “the way a civilisation dies: abandoned, handcuffed by authorities who neither trusted nor cared for him, and accused of hate crimes he did not commit.”

    Vance, in a statement today, said Nowak’s murder was “as tragic as it is enraging,” insisting that he should still be alive today. He argued that Europe’s political elites had failed to defend their societies against “the politics of self‑hatred and the mass invasion of migrants,” warning that Henry’s case was not isolated.

    “Each time a life like his is lost, the proper response—the only response—is righteous anger,” Vance declared, adding that the Trump administration had shown the world that defending sovereignty and halting uncontrolled migration is a matter of political will, not excuses.

    The Vice President concluded with a deeply personal appeal: “It is because we love the West that we want to preserve it. We love our civilisation. We love our country. We love our children. And nobody—nobody—should ever die the way that Henry Nowak died.”

    Henry’s killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23, who claimed he was the victim of a racist attack, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. Police body‑camera footage revealed Nowak pleading nine times, “I can’t breathe”, and four times “I’ve been stabbed”, while officers initially dismissed his cries.

    Reports confirm that the last words Henry heard were his rights being read as he lay dying, a moment that has fueled public outrage and intensified scrutiny of police conduct in the UK.

    The case attracted further attention following the release of police body-camera footage shown during the trial.

    The circumstances surrounding the incident and the police response have continued to fuel debate in the United Kingdom and beyond, with commentators citing the case in wider discussions about public safety, immigration policy and law enforcement accountability.

    Vance concluded his remarks by offering condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.

    “May God comfort those who loved him, and may God rest his soul,” he said.

  • Pakistan rejects India’s remarks on Gilgit-Baltistan elections, reaffirms stand on Jammu and Kashmir

    Pakistan rejects India’s remarks on Gilgit-Baltistan elections, reaffirms stand on Jammu and Kashmir

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (NPA) — Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s comments on the upcoming elections in Gilgit‑Baltistan, describing them as “baseless and tendentious propaganda.” In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad accused New Delhi of attempting to distort facts and spread misinformation about the region.

    The statement asserted that India’s remarks were part of a “carefully choreographed attempt to conflate fact with fiction,” adding that Pakistan “unequivocally rejects this latest Indian rhetoric with the contempt it deserves.” It reiterated that India remains in “illegal occupation” of the internationally recognised disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which Pakistan described as the longest unresolved issue on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

    Pakistan emphasised that the only just and lasting resolution of the Kashmir dispute lies in the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, guaranteeing the Kashmiri people their right to self‑determination through a free and impartial plebiscite.

    The statement also accused Indian forces of grave human‑rights violations in Indian‑Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), citing “continued impunity under draconian laws” and describing the situation as “state terrorism against unarmed Kashmiris.”

    Calling on India to vacate all occupied territories, Pakistan urged New Delhi to reverse unilateral actions taken since August 5, 2019, repeal restrictive laws, and allow access to neutral observers, international human‑rights organisations, and media to assess conditions on the ground.

    Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self‑determination in line with UN resolutions, insisting that India’s “unfounded assertions” cannot divert global attention from the humanitarian crisis in the region.

  • Nigeria, Egypt deepen ties at Korea‑Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    Nigeria, Egypt deepen ties at Korea‑Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    SEOUL, South Korea (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, held bilateral talks with her Egyptian counterpart, Dr Badr Abdelatty, on the sidelines of the 2026 Korea‑Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The high‑level engagement calls attention to the enduring strength of Nigeria‑Egypt relations, which span more than six decades and are anchored in shared Pan‑African ideals and cooperation within the African Union (AU) and other multilateral institutions.

    Ambassador Odumegwu‑Ojukwu described the meeting as a timely opportunity to intensify collaboration in areas of trade, aviation connectivity, and regional stability. She noted that Nigeria and Egypt are building on the momentum of the July 2025 Egyptian‑Nigerian Business Forum in Abuja, which helped push bilateral trade to over $315 million.

    The minister highlighted that approximately 7,000 Nigerians are enrolled in Egyptian higher institutions, while numerous Nigerian professionals, institutions, and state governments have signed MOUs with Egyptian partners in training, research, and trade.

    Key discussion points included expanding economic ties and exploring greater investments in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, construction, and information technology.

    Both sides also emphasised the urgent need to convene the next round of ministerial‑level political consultations at the earliest opportunity to bolster cooperation.

    The talks reaffirmed Nigeria and Egypt’s shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional peace and prosperity.

  • Zelenskyy says Russian strikes kill 22 as Ukraine targets strategic sites in Russia

    Zelenskyy says Russian strikes kill 22 as Ukraine targets strategic sites in Russia

    KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says at least 22 people, including children, were killed in a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks that struck several parts of Ukraine.

    Zelenskyy described the latest bombardment as a difficult day for the country, noting that Russia deployed numerous ballistic missiles and drones in the attacks.

    “Air-raid alerts remain active across various regions, and once again we are facing aerial threats. Just today, Russian strikes have taken 22 lives in Kyiv and Dnipro, including children,” he said.

    The Ukrainian leader said his government was doing everything possible to protect civilians, cities and communities from continued attacks.

    He also expressed gratitude to international partners, particularly Italy, for their support.

    “We deeply value that you care, that you want peace for us, and see the defence of Ukraine’s independence and freedom as your cause. Together, we will certainly achieve this,” Zelenskyy said.

    Meanwhile, Ukraine said it had carried out a series of long-range drone strikes on strategic targets inside Russia in response to the attacks.

    According to Zelenskyy, the operation targeted key facilities linked to Russia’s war effort, including the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, located about 1,100 kilometres from Ukraine’s border.

    He added that military targets at the Kronstadt naval base were also struck during the operation.

    Ukraine further reported striking an enterprise in Russia’s Tambov region involved in the production of military equipment. The facility is located nearly 600 kilometres from the frontline.

    Zelenskyy praised Ukrainian security and defence forces for the operation, describing it as part of the country’s long-range strategy aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities.

    “Thank you to our warriors for their precision. The Ukrainian plan for long-range sanctions is being carried out exactly as it should be to bring us closer to peace,” he said.

    The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has continued to intensify with both sides increasingly targeting military and strategic infrastructure far from the frontlines.

  • Trump orders crackdown on financial networks linked to illegal immigration

    Trump orders crackdown on financial networks linked to illegal immigration

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new executive order aimed at preventing banks and financial institutions from being used to facilitate illegal immigration, human smuggling, drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

    Trump disclosed this in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, saying illegal immigrants and foreign fraudsters were costing American taxpayers billions of dollars annually.

    According to the President, the executive order will be implemented by the U.S. Treasury Department as part of his administration’s broader efforts to combat fraud and reverse illegal immigration.

    “Illegal immigrants and foreign fraudsters steal billions every year from the American taxpayer,” Trump said, adding that the measure is designed to disrupt financial channels allegedly used by criminal cartels, human smugglers and traffickers.

    He stated that access to the U.S. financial system should be limited to individuals who are legally resident in the country and engaged in lawful commercial activities.

    Trump warned that bank accounts allegedly used to facilitate illegal immigration or receive welfare benefits unlawfully could be shut down, with affected funds subject to seizure and recovery.

    The President also criticised policies in some states that allow undocumented migrants to obtain driver’s licences, arguing that such documents have enabled broader access to the U.S. financial system.

    He described the executive order as a key component of his administration’s immigration enforcement strategy and said it would strengthen efforts to combat organised crime, secure the nation’s borders and protect taxpayers.

    Trump further maintained that the measure sends a strong message to those seeking to undermine immigration enforcement and expressed confidence that it would significantly curb criminal financial activities linked to illegal immigration.

    The executive order forms part of a wider package of immigration and border security measures being pursued by the Trump administration.

  • U.S. House Resolution urges Nigeria to uphold Kanu’s rights, due process

    U.S. House Resolution urges Nigeria to uphold Kanu’s rights, due process

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — A draft resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, are conducted in line with constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations.

    The resolution, submitted by Congressman John James during the 119th Congress, raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s apprehension in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2021 and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria.

    According to the draft, legal observers and international bodies have questioned whether the transfer, which many said was an extraordinary rendition, complied with applicable legal standards and international obligations.

    The resolution referenced an opinion issued by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in July 2022, which found that Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and called for his release and the provision of remedies.

    It also cited concerns raised by human rights organisations regarding due process, access to legal representation, detention conditions and access to medical care.

    The proposed resolution urged the Nigerian government to carefully consider the findings of the UN Working Group and take appropriate steps consistent with its recommendations.

    Lawmakers further called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that Kanu has consistent access to legal counsel, necessary medical care and humane conditions of detention throughout the legal process.

    The resolution also encouraged the U.S. Secretary of State to engage with the Nigerian government on issues relating to due process, detention conditions and respect for fundamental rights.

    In addition, it reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the protection of human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law worldwide.

    The draft resolution is expected to be considered by the relevant House committee before any further legislative action is taken.

    Kanu is currently in prison in Sokoto following his conviction in November 2025 by the Federal High Court in Abuja on seven terrorism‑related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. The IPOB leader is currently appealing the conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.