New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Kagame urges Rwandan leaders to shun self‑interest, embrace citizen‑centred governance

    Kagame urges Rwandan leaders to shun self‑interest, embrace citizen‑centred governance

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for an immediate end to the culture of leaders exploiting national resources for personal gain rather than serving the common good.

    Speaking at the Rwanda Military Academy – Gako during the closing of a national meeting of Central and Local Government leaders, Kagame emphasised that leadership must be rooted in responsibility and service to citizens.

    According to a statement from the Rwandan Presidency, participants at the meeting deliberated on strategies to strengthen citizen‑centred governance and improve service delivery across the country. Kagame warned leaders that the nation’s interests are inseparable from their own, stressing that selfish leadership undermines national progress.

    He cautioned: “Leaders, if you do not follow up on the work, if you do not follow up on the people under your responsibility so that they can tell you what they think and you can guide them… then whatever level you serve at, what are you really doing?”

    Kagame urged officials to move beyond titles and embrace selfless service, noting that being called “mayor” or “leader” should not be the end in itself. Instead, he said, leadership must be measured by the quality of service delivered to citizens.

    The president’s remarks reinforced Rwanda’s ongoing push for accountability, transparency, and citizen‑focused governance, positioning effective service delivery as the fulcrum of leadership in the country.

  • Netanyahu vows continued strikes in Iran war, claims killing of two nuclear scientists

    Netanyahu vows continued strikes in Iran war, claims killing of two nuclear scientists

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday held discussions with United States President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war involving the US, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    Netanyahu revealed that the talks focused on consolidating the “tremendous achievements” made by Israel and the US in the conflict, while exploring additional strategies to secure their war objectives in a framework that protects the vital interests of both nations.

    In a televised broadcast, on Monday, monitored by Newpost Africa, Netanyahu stressed that diplomatic engagements would not deter Israel from continuing military operations in Iran and Lebanon.

    “We are crushing the missile program and the nuclear program, and continuing to inflict severe blows on Hezbollah,” he declared. “Just days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists — and the hand is still outstretched.”

    The Prime Minister emphasised that Israel’s security priorities remain unchanged, regardless of the outcome of ongoing US talks with Iran. He insisted that Israel would safeguard its national interests under any scenario, reinforcing his government’s resolve to maintain pressure on Tehran and its allies.

    Observers note that Netanyahu’s remarks underscore Israel’s determination to pursue a hardline military approach while simultaneously engaging in high‑level diplomatic coordination with Washington. The statement also highlights the dual track of Israel’s strategy: combining battlefield operations with international negotiations to secure long‑term security guarantees.

  • Rising debt forces 3.4 billion to spend more on loans than health or education

    Rising debt forces 3.4 billion to spend more on loans than health or education

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Calls for a fundamental shift in global economic governance dominated discussions at the Impact Exchange in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from nearly 90 Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and experts gathered to advance a “Human Rights Economy.”

    The event, organised by UN Human Rights and the Universal Rights Group with support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, came amid warnings of rising inequality, surging debt, and austerity measures that could affect 85 per cent of the world’s population. “Austerity could slash investments in social protection, health, education, and the environment,” cautioned Nada Al‑Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    Speakers stressed that economic growth without access to healthcare, education, clean water, decent work, and a healthy environment risks deepening divides. The Human Rights Economy framework, they argued, prioritises people and the planet in fiscal choices, moving beyond GDP as the sole measure of progress.

    Claudia Fuentes Julio, Chile’s Permanent Representative and Vice President of the Human Rights Council, underscored how inequality erodes social cohesion and urged innovative strategies to strengthen democracies. Chile’s reforms include a universal guaranteed pension, free public health services, and gender‑responsive budgeting.

    From The Gambia, Cherno Marenah highlighted people‑centred budgeting and the removal of VAT on sanitary products, while Jawad Ali of Pakistan emphasised constitutional commitments to uplift marginalised communities. Spain’s representative, Miryam Naveiras, pointed to progressive taxation and the Sevilla Declaration as a roadmap for debt relief and climate‑sensitive economic planning.

    South Africa’s Mxolisi Nkosi called for a fairer global financial architecture, stressing that development is a right, not a privilege. Portugal and Malaysia echoed the need for reforms in taxation, trade, and education, while civil society voices urged the adoption of metrics that reflect well‑being, equality, and sustainability.

    Throughout the Exchange, participants agreed that even in tight fiscal times, progress is possible when human rights guide economic choices. OHCHR announced the expansion of its ESCR Knowledge Hub, showcasing promising practices from 2020–2024 to help countries operationalise the Human Rights Economy.

    The message was clear: systemic reform rooted in human rights is essential to confront inequality and achieve the 2030 Agenda.

  • Governor Mbah showcases Enugu’s investment potential to UK investors

    Governor Mbah showcases Enugu’s investment potential to UK investors

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — The Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has unveiled the state’s vast and profitable investment opportunities to investors in the United Kingdom.

    Highlighting sectors such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, technology, education, housing, and tourism, Mbah emphasised that “Enugu is open for business” under his administration’s “Tomorrow is Here” agenda. He noted that the state is building a private sector-driven economy anchored on ease of doing business, infrastructure expansion, and strong institutional frameworks that protect investments.

    Speaking at the UK–Nigeria Project Agglomeration Compact Dinner held at the House of Lords, London, on the sidelines of President Tinubu’s state visit, Mbah described the engagement as a platform to present Enugu as a credible investment destination. The session was convened by Mutandis Africa.

    “We highlighted our ongoing reforms and a strong pipeline of bankable opportunities across key sectors,” Mbah said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable growth.

    Since assuming office, Governor Mbah has pursued ambitious projects, including the Enugu Air project, smart schools, innovation hubs, and infrastructure expansion. In February 2025, he commissioned a $20 million Haier Group factory in Enugu, underscoring his drive for industrialisation.

    Mbah’s broader vision is to transform Enugu into a leading hub for business, tourism, and quality living, with a target of raising the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4.4 billion to at least $30 billion within 4 to 8 years.

  • ECOWAS calls for inclusive water governance to transform West Africa

    ECOWAS calls for inclusive water governance to transform West Africa

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — In the spirit of World Water Day 2026, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC), has urged stronger mobilisation for equitable and inclusive water management across the region.

    World Water Day, established by the UN in 1993, highlights water’s vital role in life, health, dignity, and sustainable development. Yet, over two billion people worldwide still lack safe drinking water.

    This year’s theme, “Water for Equality,” stresses the urgent need to tackle disparities in access to water and sanitation. In West Africa, these gaps disproportionately affect women, youth, and vulnerable groups, who manage water daily but remain underrepresented in decision-making.

    Progress has been made through regional and national policies integrating gender, youth, and social inclusion, alongside programs improving access to safe water for vulnerable communities.

    Still, climate change, population growth, and rising pressure on resources demand a transformation of current approaches. ECOWAS calls for more inclusive, participatory, and sustainable water governance.

    The Commission urges Member States, basin organisations, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, women, and youth to commit to equitable water management.

    In a statement on Monday, ECOWAS said making water a driver of justice, development, and peace is now a strategic priority for West Africa. This momentum will shape the first West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO), set for September 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, under the theme: “Valuing Water to Transform West Africa.”

  • APC promises Nigerians unstoppable progress, tangible results

    APC promises Nigerians unstoppable progress, tangible results

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Southeast Nigeria, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is delivering not only quality governance but also a system designed to guarantee Nigeria’s progress on a sustainable path.

    Speaking after the PGF meeting in Lagos, held alongside the Forum’s Sallah homage visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Uzodimma emphasised the governors’ commitment to translating national reforms into visible improvements in citizens’ lives.

    He said the PGF welcomed President Tinubu’s recent diplomatic engagement in the United Kingdom, describing it as part of a broader security and development strategy. The governors praised his assurance of continued collaboration with international partners to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges and advance key development priorities.

    Uzodimma noted that the Forum also deliberated on the forthcoming APC National Convention, stressing the need to sustain peace and harmony within the party while ensuring that governance remains focused on delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

  • BREAKING: Atiku demands immediate release of political detainees, slams Govt for ideological persecution

    BREAKING: Atiku demands immediate release of political detainees, slams Govt for ideological persecution

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Former Nigeria’s Vice President, chieftain of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), and presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that no one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day.

    Atiku made the statement on Monday after visiting former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, who was recently released from detention over corruption charges.

    Atiku, who had just returned from the Umrah (lesser Hajj), said he led a delegation on a solidarity visit to Malami. Speaking further, he referenced Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, another ADC leader currently in detention, and demanded his release along with all other political detainees.Atiku’s full statement reads:
    “Following my return to the country on Saturday night from Umrah (lesser Hajj), I led a delegation on a solidarity visit to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN. I wish to serve notice to the authorities detaining former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, @elrufai, and all other political detainees to release them henceforth. No one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day.” – AA

  • Sanwo-Olu seals deal to revolutionize digital learning in Lagos schools

    Sanwo-Olu seals deal to revolutionize digital learning in Lagos schools

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a groundbreaking development: the state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Estar, an organization specializing in digital learning, to introduce modern platforms and infrastructure into public primary and secondary schools.

    According to the governor, the partnership will provide Lagos students with curriculum-based tools designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication, decision-making, leadership, and AI skills. It will also enhance reading, comprehension, confidence, and classroom participation.

    With the agreement now in motion, the state has begun investing in teacher training to ensure educators can effectively use the new tools and deliver more engaging lessons. The initiative is aimed at preparing students for the future while improving learning outcomes across the board.

    The introduction of these advanced learning and teaching aids marks another first for Lagos State, which continues to lead in innovation and the application of technology to social and economic development in Nigeria.

  • Ademola Adeleke’s bold agenda: Osun youths and women take center stage

    Ademola Adeleke’s bold agenda: Osun youths and women take center stage

    OSHOGBO, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has assured youths and women groups in the state that the Adeleke administration will sustain its pro-youth and pro-women governance when re-elected on August 15. The reinvigorated policy is contained in the updated five-point agenda, with renewed emphasis on youths, women, and workers.

    A statement signed by the Government Media Centre on March 22, 2026, noted that the governor had released the new version of his five-point agenda. It includes integrated youth, women, and workers’ welfare and empowerment; infrastructure consolidation for social and economic wellbeing; agro-industrial expansion for collective prosperity; affordable, qualitative health and education access; and an improved, secure business environment for job creation.

    Of all the five agenda items, the first has drawn the most attention. Previously titled “Citizens and Workers’ Welfare,” it now specifically includes youths and women, a move widely seen as a direct response to demands from these groups for greater recognition and support.

    Communications from youth organizations praised the administration’s achievements between 2022 and 2026 but urged the inclusion of youths in the top agenda to triple support for the sector in Adeleke’s second term. Some groups even drafted proposals for the 2026–2030 manifesto, highlighting areas needing further emphasis.

    Women’s activists also submitted detailed recommendations, citing successes already recorded and calling for mainstreaming women’s issues across ministries and agencies. One group specifically recommended the creation of women’s desks to ensure sustained attention.

    Commenting on the development, Akinleye assured that Adeleke’s administration would continue its pro-youth and pro-women governance. He emphasized that the updated manifesto reflects the aspirations of Osun people and expands service delivery to youths, women, workers, and all segments of society.

    “Osun has witnessed strong performance under Governor Adeleke in his first term. Our people should expect more service delivery, more listening, and more responses to their wishes,” Akinleye stated.

  • Trump pauses military strikes on Iran for five days as talks begin

    Trump pauses military strikes on Iran for five days as talks begin

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump’s “peace through strength” mantra may be showing results, following his announcement on Monday via his Truth Social account that the United States and Iran have, over the past two days, begun what he described as “very good and productive conversations” aimed at achieving a complete resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.

    Trump clarified that, based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive discussions — which are expected to continue throughout the week — he has instructed the Department of War to postpone any planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. He stressed that the pause is conditional on the success of ongoing meetings and negotiations.

    The statement, reproduced in full, reads: “I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”

    The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has destabilised oil markets and damaged critical civilian infrastructure. Trump’s decision to delay strikes is being interpreted as a cautious step toward de-escalation, while leaving open the possibility of military action should talks fail.