New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • ECOWAS election mission head Akufo‑Addo meets Benin electoral body ahead of Presidential Poll

    ECOWAS election mission head Akufo‑Addo meets Benin electoral body ahead of Presidential Poll

    PORTO‑NOVO, Benin Republic, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), H.E. Nana Akufo‑Addo, has held discussions with national institutions responsible for organising Benin’s presidential election scheduled for 12 April.

    Akufo‑Addo, accompanied by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel‑Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin H.E. Amadou Diongue, and officials from the ECOWAS Commission, met stakeholders in Cotonou on 9 April.

    At the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), talks with President Saka Lafia focused on the deployment of electoral materials, management of polling stations, and security measures.

    The delegation also visited the Constitutional Court, where discussions with President Dorothé Sossa centred on the Court’s role in verifying the regularity and credibility of the process and announcing final results.

    Later, the mission met President Edouard Loko and advisers of the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) to review efforts to monitor and regulate media coverage of the campaign and voting operations.

    On 27 March 2026, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appointed H.E. Nana Akufo‑Addo as Head of its Election Observation Mission to Benin’s presidential election. The appointment was conveyed by ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, underscoring the Community’s commitment to democracy, good governance and regional stability.

    According to ECOWAS, the mission will be deployed from 7 to 15 April 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), which provides the legal and normative framework for election observation across the region.

  • Atiku condoles with Braimah family, Tinubu vows stronger resolve against terrorism

    Atiku condoles with Braimah family, Tinubu vows stronger resolve against terrorism

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condoled with the family of Brigadier‑General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who was killed alongside several soldiers in a Boko Haram/ISWAP ambush in Benisheikh, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.

    Atiku, a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he received the news “with a heavy heart,” describing Braimah and his men as gallant heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria.

    “I extend my deepest condolences to his dear wife, his brother Alasa, the entire Braimah family, and the families of all fallen heroes. We honour his supreme sacrifice, and the daily sacrifices of all brave men and women who stand on the frontlines to keep our nation safe. May their service not be in vain. May Allah grant them Aljannah Firdaus and comfort the families they leave behind,” Atiku said.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the attack, describing the insurgents’ counteroffensive as “a sign of desperation” in response to sustained land and air operations by the armed forces. He extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and pledged that their sacrifices “will never be forgotten.”

    Tinubu urged the Military High Command and troops not to lose heart, stressing that their courage strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to defeat terrorism. He promised continued government support, including more equipment and improved welfare for personnel.

    “The true heroes of our nation are these officers and men who serve with honour, courage and patriotism,” Tinubu said, assuring that the Federal Government will continue working with Borno State to achieve lasting peace.

    He also called on Nigerians and the media to support the armed forces in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry, warning against condoning or celebrating attacks on troops.

  • Tinubu condemns Borno attack, vows stronger resolve against terrorism

    Tinubu condemns Borno attack, vows stronger resolve against terrorism

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the deadly ambush on Nigerian troops in Borno State, where Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters killed several soldiers, including Brigadier‑General Oseni Omoh Braimah.

    In a statement, Tinubu said reports indicated that the armed forces had been conducting sustained land and air offensives, neutralising many insurgents and commanders. He described the counterattack as “a sign of desperation.”

    The President extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and the people of Borno State, pledging that their sacrifices “will not be in vain.” He reaffirmed government support for the military, promising more equipment and improved welfare for personnel.

    Tinubu urged the Military High Command and troops not to lose heart, stressing that their courage strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to defeat terrorism. He also called on Nigerians and the media to support the armed forces, warning against condoning attacks on troops.

    “The true heroes of our nation are these officers and men who serve with honour, courage and patriotism,” Tinubu said, assuring that the Federal Government will continue working with Borno State to achieve lasting peace.

  • Kenya and Morocco reaffirm strategic partnership at inaugural joint commission

    Kenya and Morocco reaffirm strategic partnership at inaugural joint commission

    NAIROBI, Kenya, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Kenya and the Kingdom of Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following high‑level talks in Nairobi aimed at strengthening political, economic and development ties.

    Speaking at the Ministerial Session of the inaugural Kenya–Morocco Joint Commission for Cooperation, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the meeting marked a significant step in advancing relations from traditional cooperation to a structured strategic partnership.

    Mudavadi noted that the Commission reflects a deliberate decision by both governments to institutionalise engagement and expand collaboration across key sectors. He disclosed that 11 bilateral instruments would be signed covering agriculture, justice, health, fisheries, gender equality, cultural cooperation, higher education, scholarships, sports, immigration and wildlife conservation.

    “These instruments will translate our shared commitments into practical and impactful cooperation,” he said, adding that global economic shifts make stronger African partnerships essential for resilient development.

    Mudavadi welcomed the Moroccan delegation led by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, highlighting nearly six decades of cordial relations founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to Africa’s progress. He stressed the importance of improved connectivity to accelerate trade, tourism and innovation, and reaffirmed Kenya’s view of Morocco as a strategic partner in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, agro‑processing, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

    Bourita described the Commission as a decisive turning point, noting that Mudavadi’s 2025 visit to Morocco had already strengthened ties through new agreements and the opening of Kenya’s embassy in Rabat. He emphasised that both countries possess complementary strengths — Morocco as a gateway to Europe with advanced manufacturing, and Kenya with its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and digital innovation.

    While acknowledging that trade volumes remain below potential, Bourita called for stronger engagement between governments, the private sector and stakeholders. He stressed that the challenge lies in translating agreements into tangible projects that benefit citizens.

    Both leaders expressed confidence that the Joint Commission would unlock new opportunities for economic collaboration and strengthen the partnership as Kenya and Morocco work together to advance development and integration across Africa.

  • Lagos unveils strategic plan to boost education standards

    Lagos unveils strategic plan to boost education standards

    LAGOS, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has launched a new Strategic Plan for the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), aimed at transforming school regulation and improving learning outcomes across the state.

    At the unveiling ceremony at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli‑Balogun, described the plan as a forward‑looking policy aligned with the administration’s THEMES Agenda. He expressed confidence that the initiative would drive reforms in school supervision, teacher capacity development, and overall education standards.

    Key features include automation of private school registration, designed to reduce physical visits, minimise human interference, and streamline regulatory processes. Alli‑Balogun said the reforms would ensure Lagos education remains “secure, credible, and globally competitive.”

    Permanent Secretary, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu‑Adegbite, emphasised that the plan would standardise learning outcomes, strengthen accountability frameworks, and promote continuous quality improvement. She noted that the initiative reflects a deliberate effort to reposition the education sector through structured planning and data‑driven decision‑making.

    OEQA Director‑General, Dr Sulaimon Olagoke Ogunmuyiwa, called for staff buy‑in to ensure successful implementation. He explained that the plan is anchored on the SCRIPT framework — Staff Capacity, Collaboration, Revenue, Improved Governance, Professionalism, and Technology — serving as a roadmap for efficiency and sustainable growth. Training programmes and automation processes have already commenced to strengthen monitoring and audit systems in schools.

    Former Acting Directors‑General, Mrs Hameedat Sanni and Mr Remi Abdul, hailed the plan as a bold step toward repositioning Lagos education, urging staff to embrace the reforms. Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs Mojisola Bamgbose, described the launch as a defining moment, stressing that its success depends on effective implementation and measurable outcomes.

    Lagos has been unarguably the leader in digitalising teaching and learning in public schools in Nigeria, and with this latest initiative, the state is once more extending the bar of quality learning nationwide.

    The unveiling forms part of the achievements of Dr Ogunmuyiwa’s first 100 days in office, during which he introduced key reforms to enhance OEQA’s efficiency and service delivery.

  • Iran threatens to boycott Islamabad peace talks over Israeli strikes in Lebanon

    Iran threatens to boycott Islamabad peace talks over Israeli strikes in Lebanon

    MIDDLE EAST, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Iran has warned that its delegation will not participate in peace talks scheduled for Islamabad if Israel continues its military strikes on Lebanon. The warning follows Israel’s most intense bombardment of Lebanon since the start of the war with the Iranian‑backed Hezbollah movement.

    In a statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the attacks, calling them “a blatant violation of the initial ceasefire agreement and a dangerous indication of deception and lack of commitment to potential accords.” He added: “Continuing these attacks will render negotiations meaningless; our hands will remain on the trigger, and Iran will never abandon its Lebanese brothers and sisters.”

    Pezeshkian reiterated the accusation across multiple platforms, including his official X account, stressing that Israel’s renewed incursion into Lebanon undermines any prospects for peace. He argued that repeated aggression by what he termed “the Zionist entity” signals deceit and non‑compliance, leaving Iran with no choice but to stand firmly by its Lebanese allies.

    The Iranian president’s remarks underscore growing tensions in the region, as Israel intensifies its operations against Hezbollah strongholds. 

    Tehran’s threat to boycott the Islamabad talks raises fresh doubts about the viability of negotiations aimed at ending the over one-month conflict.

  • From Legon to the moon: President Mahama celebrates Christina Koch’s historic Artemis II Mission

    From Legon to the moon: President Mahama celebrates Christina Koch’s historic Artemis II Mission

    ACCRA, Ghana, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has hailed Christina Koch, the only woman on the historic Artemis II mission to the Moon, who once studied as an exchange student at the University of Ghana during the 1999/2000 academic year.

    In a statement titled “From the Lecture Halls of Legon to the Moon: Celebrating Christina Koch”, President Mahama joined the University of Ghana and the nation in celebrating NASA astronaut Christina Koch’s groundbreaking role in the mission.

    Mahama recalled Koch’s time at Legon as more than a brief visit, noting that she immersed herself in Ghanaian culture and heritage. By studying subjects such as the History of Ghana, the History of Africa, Rural Sociology, Music, and even Twi for Beginners, she built what he described as “a foundation of global citizenship right here in Accra.”

    He praised her symbolic gesture of hoisting the Ghanaian flag in outer space, calling it “a deeply touching moment for every Ghanaian” and a reminder that “no matter how far one travels, even into the vastness of space, the friendships made and the lessons learned stay with you.”

    “Christina’s journey from the classrooms of the University of Ghana to the frontiers of space exploration serves as a powerful inspiration to every young Ghanaian,” Mahama said. “It reminds us that our educational institutions continue to produce and shape global leaders who break barriers and reach for the stars.”

    The President wished the entire Artemis II crew godspeed on their return journey to Earth, expressing hope that their success would inspire generations across Ghana, Africa, and the world to believe that “there is no height that is insurmountable.”

    “Ghana is proud of you!” he concluded.

  • Bwala criticises ADC Leaders as Obi, Atiku Join Abuja protest against INEC deregistration

    Bwala criticises ADC Leaders as Obi, Atiku Join Abuja protest against INEC deregistration

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, has criticised leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following their protest in Abuja, accusing them of being unprepared for elections and driven by personal ambition.

    In a post on X, reposted by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bwala alleged that the ADC was attempting to “import foreign interference” into Nigeria’s elections by claiming the country was sliding into a one-party state. He described the party’s leadership as an “association of party-grabbing elements.”

    The protest, held at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was organised to demand reversal of INEC’s decision to deregister the ADC, citing ongoing court proceedings.

    Peter Obi, a presidential aspirant and ADC leader, joined the demonstration and declared: “We will not remain silent, we will not be intimidated, and we will not surrender the future of this nation. The will of the people must prevail—stronger, louder, and impossible to suppress.”

    Other prominent figures at the protest included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; former Senate President David Mark; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, among others.

    In his statement titled “Standing Up for Democracy”, Obi described the protest as both a defence of democratic values and a reflection of Nigeria’s political decline.

  • Sanwo-Olu reiterates commitment to legacy projects as Tinubu commissions new developments in Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu reiterates commitment to legacy projects as Tinubu commissions new developments in Lagos

    LAGOS, Nigeria, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s focus on making every day count. “Out of the 2,922 days Lagosians entrusted to us, we have spent more than 2,500 working to leave Lagos better than we met it. Along the way, we have been guided by the example of a leader who once governed this state and laid the foundation we continue to build on today,” he said.

    According to a statement today, three projects that will make a real difference in the lives of Lagosians were commissioned by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Senate President Chief Godswill Akpabio.

    Sanwo-Olu, hailed for landmark initiatives such as the Lagos Blue Rail Line and the modernisation of public primary and secondary schools, noted that the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge marks a major step forward for mobility in the city. “For years, this corridor has been one of the busiest and most difficult parts of our transport network. This new connection will ease congestion, shorten travel time, and make daily life less stressful for thousands of people,” he explained.

    The Lagos Geographic Information Service Building moves the state further away from outdated, paper-based systems, introducing greater transparency and efficiency in land administration.

    The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administrative Complex consolidates key government services in one location, improving coordination, speeding up service delivery, and creating a better working environment for public servants.

    “These projects reflect how we approach governance. We focus on real problems and deliver practical solutions. What matters most is results that people can see and feel,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the projects, from engineers and contractors to public servants who remained committed from start to finish.

    “There is still more to do, and we are not slowing down. In the time we have left, we will keep building and keep working to improve the quality of life for every Lagosian. I am proud of what we have achieved so far, and grateful for the support of Mr President, whose leadership and reforms continue to make a real difference, not only in Lagos, but across Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

  • Netanyahu vows Israel will achieve objectives despite US-Iran ceasefire

    Netanyahu vows Israel will achieve objectives despite US-Iran ceasefire

    JERUSALEM, Israel, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will achieve its objectives in the war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. His comments come in the wake of the two-week ceasefire agreement brokered between the United States and Iran.

    In an earlier broadcast, Netanyahu emphasised that Israel still has objectives to complete and will achieve them either through agreement or by resuming hostilities. His remarks reflect uncertainty over Israel’s position on the US-Iran ceasefire and its ongoing battle against Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon.

    The Prime Minister, while thanking Israelis for their support and cooperation during the war, declared that Iran is weaker than ever, while Israel is stronger than ever. He praised the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for their fighting spirit and resilience.

    Netanyahu also paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives, urging citizens to embrace bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

    “The State of Israel has achieved tremendous victories, victories that until recently seemed utterly imaginary,” he said. “We still have objectives to complete – and we will achieve them either by agreement or by resuming the fighting.”