New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Pakistan and Iraq urge dialogue to ease Middle East tensions

    Pakistan and Iraq urge dialogue to ease Middle East tensions

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Pakistan and Iraq have jointly stressed that dialogue and adherence to international law remain essential for ensuring peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and beyond. This was part of a phone discussion held between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, on the prevailing regional situation.

    In a statement released Monday by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@ForeignOfficePk), both leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing escalation in the region and its wider implications for global stability.

    The statement reads in part: “DPM/FM underscored the need for collective efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further instability, emphasising that dialogue and adherence to international law remain essential for ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond.”

    The call comes amid mounting tensions in the Middle East, driven by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The crisis has already had far-reaching consequences, including volatility in global oil prices and damage to critical civilian infrastructure across the region.

    Both ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to working with regional and international partners to promote peace and stability. They emphasised that constructive engagement, rather than confrontation, is the only viable path forward to prevent further humanitarian and economic fallout.

  • Tinubu: Nigeria’s creative economy key to growth and global competitiveness

    Tinubu: Nigeria’s creative economy key to growth and global competitiveness

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 23, 2026 — President Bola Tinubu has emphasised Nigeria’s creative industry as a strategic driver of economic growth and global competitiveness, urging stronger investment and collaboration to unlock its full potential.

    In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Tinubu was quoted as saying this on Thursday at the “Nigerian Modernism” exhibition at the Tate Modern, London. The event formed part of engagements concluding his official visit to the United Kingdom.

    He noted that the sector requires sustained partnerships between government, the private sector, and international stakeholders to expand access to funding, strengthen market structures, and enhance global visibility for Nigerian creatives. Tinubu described the exhibition as “a testament to a revolution.”

    Reflecting on the bold generation of Nigerian artists who, in the mid-20th century, redefined their narrative beyond colonial constructs, Tinubu said: “It is a profound honour to stand here… to witness the soul of Nigeria on display. What we see here is people who have taken the best of global techniques and infused them with the enduring rhythms of our heritage.”

    He added that the works on display demonstrate how Nigerian artists blend global techniques with indigenous heritage to create a distinct cultural expression. Tinubu said the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda recognises the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth and international engagement. “Our creative industries—art, music, film, and literature—are among our greatest exports. They represent Nigeria’s soft power in an interconnected world,” he further stated.

    Addressing the international audience, Tinubu said the exhibition reflected Nigeria’s resilience and creative strength through periods of transition and nation-building. He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue projecting a positive image of the country and contribute to national development. “You come from a lineage of pioneers… the ability to innovate, adapt and lead,” he said.

    The president commended Access Holdings and Coronation Group for supporting the exhibition. “By bringing these works to London, you are not just hosting an exhibition; you are facilitating a vital dialogue between our past and our shared future,” he noted.

    Tinubu reaffirmed the importance of cultural diplomacy, describing art as a unifying force that fosters mutual understanding across borders. “Art has no borders. It is the language of our common humanity,” he added.

    The event, attended by dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and the Nigerian diaspora, marked the symbolic end of the President’s engagements in the UK. (NAN).

  • APC screens aspirants for national offices as party readies for 2027 elections

    APC screens aspirants for national offices as party readies for 2027 elections

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced that all aspirants who have duly purchased and submitted Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for national offices at the convention are invited to attend the screening exercise scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

    The venue is the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, the nation’s capital, with proceedings set to begin at 9:00 A.M.

    A statement issued by the party on March 22, 2026, and signed by H.E. Isa Yuguda, Secretary of the Aspirants’ Screening Committee for the APC 2026 National Convention, clarified that all aspirants are required to attend in person and arrive promptly with all relevant supporting documents for verification.

    The ruling party seeks to retain the presidency with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pursuing a second term, while also maintaining its majority in the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the number of governors under its umbrella, as the 2027 general elections draw near.

  • Osun State to launch Security Trust Fund April 9 amid calls for state policing

    Osun State to launch Security Trust Fund April 9 amid calls for state policing

    OSHOGBO, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — The much-anticipated launch of the Osun State Security Trust Fund, aimed at strengthening business, security, and safety in the Nigeria’s southwestern state, will take place on April 9, 2026.

    According to information from the state government, investors and businesses thrive where peace and stability are assured, and security remains the foundation of economic growth.

    Governor Ademola Adeleke, in preparation for the launch, emphasised that the state is deliberately reinforcing its security architecture to attract investment, protect lives and property, and drive sustainable prosperity for its people.

    The Osun State Security Trust Fund is a public-private initiative designed to support security agencies with resources needed to keep the state safe. It will provide equipment, operational support, infrastructure, and strategic interventions.

    The launch comes at a time when the creation of state police dominates national security discussions, following perceived shortcomings of centralised policing in addressing pressing challenges such as terrorism and banditry in the north, and the spillover effects of kidnappings and agitations in the south.

  • Albanese and Singapore’s Wong unite to safeguard fuel supplies as Middle East conflict rages

    Albanese and Singapore’s Wong unite to safeguard fuel supplies as Middle East conflict rages

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday held talks with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also serves as Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for Marsiling, about strengthening cooperation to secure the fuel Australia needs with its international partners and longstanding friends.

    Albanese, in a statement, noted that he and the Singaporean leader agreed to support the flow of essential goods, including petroleum oils such as diesel, and liquefied natural gas between the two countries. He emphasised: “We’ll keep working closely as we deal with the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East. We’re working with partners around the world to make sure fuel keeps moving to where it’s needed most.”

    According to Albanese, overseas conflict is disrupting global supply chains, and Australia is taking proactive steps to manage the impacts domestically. 

    In a related effort, the Prime Minister also met with Dr Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency to discuss strategies for working with trading partners to secure fuel supply. The ongoing war in the Middle East — involving the United States, Israel, and Iran — and the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz has created significant instability in international oil markets.

    Australia consumes around 1.1 million barrels of oil per day, or approximately 33 million barrels per month, underscoring the importance of ensuring steady imports and reliable supply lines during this period of global uncertainty. The move by the Prime Minister is seen as a critical step in navigating a difficult period and safeguarding national energy security.

  • 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.

  • Tinubu vows to tackle insecurity, urges governors’ support after UK visit

    Tinubu vows to tackle insecurity, urges governors’ support after UK visit

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed not to let insecurity overshadow his administration’s efforts to support the vulnerable. He pledged on Sunday in Lagos while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 APC governors and Borno’s Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, who paid him Sallah homage after his state visit to England.

    According to a Statehouse release by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said he had advanced discussions on modern security interventions with French President Emmanuel Macron.

    Tinubu thanked the governors: “Your presence here today shows sincerity, commitment, and value for friendship. The next phase of our struggle is insecurity. I am making all efforts to ensure we share the joy of victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development and prosperity.” He added that talks in the UK focused on equipment and support, and that France and other nations were collaborating with Nigeria.

    The President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, returned Friday from a three-day visit to the UK, where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and met Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    “We should care more for the vulnerable. The Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect purchasing power. Labour unions will ask for more support due to its impact,” Tinubu noted. He urged governors to remain steadfast in implementing policies that directly improve citizens’ lives and to cushion inflationary effects on energy and transport.

    Tinubu also commended Vice President Shettima for his condolence visit to Borno, assuring stronger protection through new technology.

    In his remarks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, thanked Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda and congratulated him on the UK visit, the first in 37 years. He said: “Together, we must end insecurity. Discussions on state police are ongoing, and the NGF will take proposals to the National Assembly.”

    Governors present included Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Alex Otti (Abia), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

  • Shettima, APC governors pay Sallah homage to Tinubu, laud gains of England visit

    Shettima, APC governors pay Sallah homage to Tinubu, laud gains of England visit

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Nigeria’s southeastern state of Imo, on Sunday, joined Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, in leading his colleagues from the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) on a Sallah homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence.

    According to a statement by the governor, now in his second term in office and a prominent leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), on March 22, the visit provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Eid in a spirit of unity, reflection, and renewed commitment to national progress.

    He noted that the APC governors shared constructive thoughts with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on key national issues and commended him on his recent State Visit to England, which strengthened strategic alignment between both nations for greater mutual benefit. The governor emphasised that the visit not only deepened bilateral ties but also opened fresh avenues for collaboration in trade, education, and security cooperation, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.

    Beyond diplomatic goodwill, the England visit yielded tangible gains, including renewed commitments for increased foreign direct investment, expanded scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students, and enhanced cooperation in technology transfer. These outcomes, according to Uzodimma, are expected to accelerate Nigeria’s drive toward industrialisation, improve human capital development, and bolster national security frameworks.

    “I am optimistic that our dear Imo State stands well-positioned to harness the opportunities emerging from these engagements for sustainable growth, investment, and improved outcomes for our people,” Uzodimma stated.

  • Bobi Wine hits back at Muhoozi Kainerugaba: ‘Your intelligence is not intelligent’

    Bobi Wine hits back at Muhoozi Kainerugaba: ‘Your intelligence is not intelligent’

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Ugandan opposition leader and candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the last presidential election, Bobi Wine, has fired back at General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This came after Muhoozi mocked him in a post on X, following Wine’s escape to the United States.

    Muhoozi, in a post on X, had reportedly ridiculed Wine, writing: “I saw a video of Kabobi transiting through Kigali airport. I’m sure it is an AI video, but if it’s true I hope the airport officials thoroughly disinfected him. He had just come out of a pit latrine.” He further accused Wine of abandoning his followers: “Kabobi fled the country on January 26, eleven days after the elections. He has spent two months in the United States eating Big Macs while his followers are in jail. Some leader.”

    Wine, in a sharp rebuttal, called Muhoozi “daft,” pointing out contradictions in his claims. “On January 30, you told the world I was hiding in the US Embassy. Now you say I fled on January 26. Why then were roadblocks mounted until March 14 searching for me? Why did you raid Harriet Chemtai’s home on February 4, or abduct my PA’s wife on March 12, claiming I was hiding there?” He concluded: “Do you now realise that your intelligence is NOT intelligent?”

    On March 12, Wine alleged brutality against his campaign team during the 2021 elections, noting that police officers attached to him were violently attacked, arrested, and interrogated about his funding and strategies. He stressed that similar harassment has continued into 2026, with campaign officers again being detained.

    “These officers are targeted simply for doing their job with professionalism and patriotism. May we all stand in solidarity with them and work for their freedom,” Wine urged.

  • 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.