New Post Africa

Category: International

  • 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.

  • Bahamas seeks deeper Africa-Caribbean trade ties at Afreximbank roadshow

    Bahamas seeks deeper Africa-Caribbean trade ties at Afreximbank roadshow

    NASSAU, Bahamas (NPA) — The Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis, has highlighted the growing partnership between Africa and the Caribbean, describing it as a strategic alliance built on trade, investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.

    Davis made the remarks at the Afreximbank Bahamas Roadshow 2026, where he underscored the importance of strengthening economic ties between The Bahamas and African nations.

    According to the Prime Minister, the relationship has continued to gain momentum since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Bahamas and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in 2023.

    He acknowledged the bank’s support for several development initiatives in the country, including infrastructure financing and a US$30 million facility provided through the Bahamas Development Bank to expand access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Davis said the partnership is creating new opportunities for businesses, investors and entrepreneurs while supporting economic growth and job creation.

    The Prime Minister also highlighted plans for the proposed Afro-Caribbean Marketplace and Logistics Centre in Grand Bahama, describing it as a transformative project that could significantly enhance trade and investment flows between Africa and the Caribbean.

    According to him, the initiative is expected to serve as a commercial hub, facilitating stronger business linkages and opening new markets for goods and services across both regions.

    He noted that closer collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean would help unlock shared economic opportunities and strengthen cultural and historical ties between the two regions.

    The Afreximbank Bahamas Roadshow forms part of broader efforts by the bank to deepen its engagement across the Caribbean and advance the Global Africa agenda.

    Stakeholders at the event emphasised the importance of building stronger economic partnerships capable of driving sustainable development, expanding trade and fostering greater private sector participation.

    As Afreximbank continues to broaden its footprint in the Caribbean, the roadshow is expected to further strengthen cooperation between African and Caribbean economies while creating new pathways for investment and shared prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

  • SERAP seeks UN intervention over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity

    SERAP seeks UN intervention over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter and bring Nigeria’s worsening insecurity before the UN Security Council.

    SERAP said the escalating wave of killings, abductions, attacks on civilians and mass displacement across several states poses a threat to international peace and security and requires urgent international attention.

    In an open letter dated May 30, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation argued that the scale and persistence of violence in Nigeria have created severe humanitarian consequences and could further destabilise the West African region.

    According to SERAP, communities in Oyo, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara and other parts of the country continue to experience repeated attacks by armed groups and criminal networks.

    The organisation cited the recent abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Ahoro Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where at least 25 pupils and seven teachers were reportedly kidnapped during coordinated attacks on multiple schools.

    SERAP also referenced recent attacks in Benue, Katsina, Adamawa and Borno states, including bomb explosions in Maiduguri that reportedly killed at least 23 people and injured more than 100 others.

    It maintained that the crisis has gone beyond a domestic security challenge, warning that cross-border movement of armed groups, large-scale displacement and weakening institutions pose wider regional risks.

    The rights group said placing Nigeria’s security situation on the Security Council’s agenda would ensure sustained international attention, strengthen civilian protection efforts and improve accountability for perpetrators of violence.

    SERAP noted that United Nations officials have repeatedly expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

    It recalled that Guterres condemned the killings in Benue State in June 2025 and denounced a terrorist attack in Kwara State in February 2026, while the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also raised concerns over rising cases of mass abductions in the country.

    The organisation urged the UN chief to encourage regular Security Council briefings on insecurity in Nigeria, support independent investigations into attacks, and press Nigerian authorities to strengthen civilian protection measures and secure the release of abducted persons.

    SERAP also called on the international community to use all available means to prevent further escalation of violence and support efforts aimed at ending impunity and delivering justice for victims.

    The organisation warned that continued insecurity could deepen humanitarian suffering, undermine regional stability and further threaten peace and security across West Africa.

  • Trump demands nuclear commitment from Iran, calls for reopening Strait of Hormuz

    Trump demands nuclear commitment from Iran, calls for reopening Strait of Hormuz

    WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran commit to never developing nuclear weapons and immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted international shipping.

    Trump said all remaining underwater mines in the strategic waterway must be removed or destroyed, adding that U.S. naval operations had already cleared several explosive devices.

    The President said vessels affected by the naval blockade would be allowed to resume movement once restrictions were lifted. “Ships caught in the Strait due to our naval blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of heading home,” Trump said.

    He added that enriched nuclear material allegedly buried underground following a U.S. B-2 bomber strike would be recovered and destroyed in coordination with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    According to Trump, the United States, working with relevant partners, would oversee the process to ensure the material no longer posed a threat.

    “No money will be exchanged until further notice. Other items of far less importance have been agreed to,” Trump said, adding that he would meet with officials in the Situation Room before making a final decision.

    The statement came as former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich praised Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran, describing his approach as a major diplomatic and strategic achievement.

    Gingrich said Trump had built a broad coalition involving key Middle Eastern partners and argued that regional cooperation had strengthened pressure on Tehran.

    He said support from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia showed the level of regional concern over Iran’s actions.

    According to Gingrich, Trump’s strategy should be viewed through the lens of coalition leadership rather than unilateral U.S. action.

    He noted that while some had called for stronger military measures, maintaining regional support remained critical to achieving long-term stability.

    Gingrich said diplomatic efforts could still produce a major breakthrough, but warned that stronger action remained an option if negotiations failed.

    As of the time of filing this report, Iran had not publicly responded to Trump’s demands or confirmed whether it would accept the conditions proposed by Washington.

    The continued U.S. pressure and restrictions on Iranian maritime operations have contributed to growing economic and diplomatic challenges for Tehran.

  • EU approves €90 billion Ukraine support package as Russia intensifies attacks

    EU approves €90 billion Ukraine support package as Russia intensifies attacks

    BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has congratulated the Ukrainian Parliament and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the swift ratification of key agreements tied to the European Union’s €90 billion support package for Ukraine.

    Von der Leyen disclosed on Thursday that the approval of the documents clears the way for the first tranche of disbursements expected in June 2026.

    “This hard work paves the way for the first disbursements in June,” she stated.

    The European Commission president revealed that she held a telephone conversation with Zelenskyy on Wednesday, during which she reaffirmed Europe’s continued support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.

    According to her, Europe remains committed to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities as Russian forces intensify aerial assaults and military operations across the country.

    “Air defence and drone and counter-drone capabilities are among Europe’s most urgent defence priorities, and Ukraine will be fully integrated into these efforts,” von der Leyen said.

    She noted that the Ukraine Support Loan would significantly contribute to Kyiv’s military and economic resilience, with €28.3 billion expected to be released this year alone to support Ukraine’s defence needs.

    The EU chief also said discussions with Zelenskyy covered Ukraine’s path toward membership of the European Union, adding that the coming weeks would be critical in advancing the accession process.

    Responding to the development, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to members of the Ukrainian Parliament for promptly ratifying the agreement with the European Union.

    The Ukrainian president said the €90 billion package would strengthen the country’s resilience, support reconstruction efforts, and enhance its capacity to defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression.

    “The funds will strengthen our resilience and help protect the lives of our people, rebuild what has been destroyed by Russian strikes, and defend our independence,” Zelenskyy stated.

    “This was one of the most important votes — one that demonstrates the constructive nature of our joint work and our readiness to hear one another. Unity in Ukraine is what always works for Ukraine,” he added.

    Zelenskyy also thanked European partners for what he described as unwavering support for Ukraine’s defence, diplomacy, and recovery efforts.

    “Ukraine is defending Europe with all its strength, and full support for Ukraine will certainly strengthen all of Europe as well,” he said.

    The latest development comes as Russia continues to intensify missile and drone attacks across Ukraine in what analysts describe as some of the heaviest bombardments since the war began in February 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    This week alone, Russian strikes reportedly targeted several Ukrainian cities, damaging energy infrastructure, residential buildings, and military facilities while causing civilian casualties.

    Since the outbreak of the war in 2022, Ukraine has increasingly sought long-term strategies to resist Russian military pressure by strengthening domestic defence production, expanding drone technology, and deepening military cooperation with Western allies.

    Kyiv has also accelerated efforts to develop homegrown military capabilities aimed at sustaining its resistance and protecting its sovereignty amid the prolonged conflict.

  • Hegseth: US will stop killings of Christians in Nigeria

    Hegseth: US will stop killings of Christians in Nigeria

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has disclosed that American forces recently eliminated a top ISIS commander in Nigeria, allegedly responsible for attacks against Christians and threats targeting the United States homeland.

    Hegseth made the remarks during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Donald Trump at the White House, where he outlined efforts undertaken by the U.S. government to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable Christian communities in Nigeria.

    According to the U.S. defence chief, President Trump had directed the Department of Defence about a year ago to intensify efforts aimed at countering ISIS-linked violence against Christians in Nigeria.

    “Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria,” Hegseth said during the meeting.

    “He said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything possible to protect those Christians,’” he added.

    The secretary noted that the operation required extensive intelligence gathering and strategic partnerships, which he said took time to develop behind the scenes.

    According to him, U.S. forces eventually deployed critical assets that led to the successful targeting of ISIS operatives in Nigeria.

    “Over the last month, there hasn’t been much coverage of this: we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who was most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the U.S. homeland,” Hegseth stated.

    He further disclosed that intelligence obtained during the operation led to subsequent strikes against other ISIS fighters operating within Nigeria, noting that the US will eliminate the killers of Nigerian Christians.

    “Because of the intelligence we gathered, we have since killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria, creating a whole new opportunity there,” he said.

    The high-ranking U.S. official argued that several national security operations carried out under President Trump’s leadership often receive little public attention despite their strategic significance.

    “There is a lot that the President is doing to protect the American people that the President deserves credit for,” Hegseth stated.

    Nigeria has continued to battle insurgency and terrorist activities in parts of the country, particularly in the North-East, where extremist groups linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram have carried out deadly attacks on communities, security personnel, and religious groups over the years.

  • Arab, Islamic bloc condemns Somaliland’s Jerusalem Embassy

    Arab, Islamic bloc condemns Somaliland’s Jerusalem Embassy

    Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA (NPA) — Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and several Arab and Islamic countries have condemned the opening of a purported Somaliland embassy in occupied Jerusalem, describing the move as illegal and a violation of international law.

    According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministers issued the condemnation in a joint statement released on Saturday in Riyadh.

    The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Indonesia, Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, Mauritania, Kuwait, Algeria, Bangladesh, and Morocco.

    The ministers described the move by the self-declared Somaliland region as “illegal and unacceptable,” saying it constituted a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions.

    They also said the development represented a direct infringement on the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem.

    The ministers reaffirmed their rejection of unilateral measures aimed at changing realities in occupied Jerusalem or granting legitimacy to arrangements that contradict international law and United Nations resolutions.

    They stressed that East Jerusalem has remained an occupied Palestinian territory since 1967 and maintained that any action intended to alter its legal or historical status is null and void and without legal effect.

    The joint statement further reiterated support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, while rejecting what it described as any unilateral sovereignty claims.

    Somaliland, a self-declared republic in northern Somalia, declared independence from Somalia in 1991, although it has not received widespread international recognition.

    The ministers’ position reflects continuing regional and international support for Somalia’s territorial integrity amid longstanding disputes over Somaliland’s status.

    According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministers urged adherence to international law and relevant United Nations resolutions regarding the status of Jerusalem and Palestinian territories.

  • Russia accuses Ukraine of deadly drone strike on university dormitory

    Russia accuses Ukraine of deadly drone strike on university dormitory

    MOSCOW, Russia (NPA) — Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out a deadly drone strike on a college building and dormitory belonging to Lugansk State Pedagogical University in Starobelsk, in the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR), killing at least four people and injuring dozens.

    In a statement issued on Friday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that the attack was carried out overnight on May 22 using four fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the ministry, 86 children aged between 14 and 18 were inside the five-storey dormitory when the strike occurred, causing part of the building to collapse to the second floor.

    Russian authorities said at least 40 people were injured, while rescue operations remained ongoing at the scene. Nearby residential houses, administrative buildings, and social facilities were also reportedly damaged in the attack.

    The Russian government described the strike as a “deliberate terrorist attack” targeting civilians and accused the Ukrainian government of escalating the conflict through what it called “inhuman terror against defenceless children.”

    “This strike could not have been accidental. It was a deliberate attack on civilians,” the statement said.

    Russia further alleged that the attack was conducted using long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine by NATO countries, claiming foreign specialists provided technical assistance, intelligence data, and target designation support for the operation.

    The Investigative Committee of Russia has since opened a criminal case into the incident, with authorities vowing to identify and prosecute those responsible.

    The Foreign Ministry also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian government of hypocrisy over previous concerns expressed about children affected by the war.

    Russia called on international organisations, governments, and the global community to condemn the attack and warned that silence over the incident would amount to complicity.

    The ministry expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

    Ukraine has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

  • EU parliament condemns Russia’s Baltic allegations, backs Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

    EU parliament condemns Russia’s Baltic allegations, backs Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The leadership of the European Parliament has strongly condemned what it described as “unfounded and dangerous” allegations by Russia against the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, expressing full solidarity with the three European Union member nations amid rising regional tensions.

    In a statement released by the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, EU leaders rejected claims by Moscow that the Baltic countries were preparing hostile actions against Russia or allowing their territories, airspace, or military facilities to be used for attacks against the Russian Federation.

    The European Parliament said Latvia had categorically dismissed the accusations as disinformation, warning that the allegations were part of a broader campaign of intimidation, provocation and fake narratives targeted at EU member states.

    According to the statement, the accusations come amid repeated incursions of unidentified drones into the airspace and territory of the Baltic states, describing such actions as unacceptable and dangerous to regional stability.

    “The security of the Baltic states is the security of the European Union as a whole,” the statement read, stressing that no EU member state should face threats, intimidation or coercive pressure from Russia.

    The European Parliament leadership also urged the European Commission, the EU High Representative and the Council to continue supporting Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in close coordination with NATO.

    The lawmakers called for stronger airspace surveillance, enhanced counter-drone capabilities and improved situational awareness across the region to prevent further incursions.

    They further appealed for intensified efforts to combat disinformation, protect the EU’s eastern flank and counter fake news campaigns that threaten European democracy and security.

    The statement concluded with a call for unity among EU member states, warning against what it described as Russian attempts to destabilise neighbouring countries, undermine European security and divide the bloc.

  • Pakistan PM Sharif hails strong ties with China at 75th Diplomatic Anniversary

    Pakistan PM Sharif hails strong ties with China at 75th Diplomatic Anniversary

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (NPA) — Shehbaz Sharif has praised the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and China during a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries.

    Speaking on Thursday in Islamabad before Pakistani and Chinese officials as well as members of the diplomatic corps, Prime Minister Sharif described the relationship between the two nations as historic and enduring.

    According to him, Pakistan was the first Muslim-majority country to officially recognise China and among the earliest countries globally to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing.

    “Seventy-five years ago, our founding fathers laid down the foundation of our bilateral diplomatic relations, and it went to the credit of Pakistan that we were the first Muslim country to recognise China and one of the first few countries around the globe,” Sharif stated.

    The Pakistani leader said relations between the two countries have continued to grow stronger over the decades, noting that China has consistently stood by Pakistan during difficult periods.

    “Throughout these 75 years, Chinese leadership and the people of China stood with Pakistan like a solid rock,” he added.

    Sharif also recalled Pakistan’s role in strengthening ties with China during the 1960s, referencing the historic first flight that landed in Beijing decades ago as part of expanding engagement between both nations.

    The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the One China policy, stressing that Islamabad would continue to support Beijing without hesitation.

    “To this day and forever, we will support the One China policy without fear or favour,” he said.

    Sharif further described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a major symbol of China’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic development.

    According to him, the project, established under the Belt and Road Initiative championed by Xi Jinping, has contributed significantly to infrastructure growth and economic progress across Pakistan.

    The anniversary event highlighted decades of diplomatic, economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries, widely regarded as close regional allies.