New Post Africa

Category: Politics

Ghana advises citizens travelling to Senegal on new health directive

AFRICA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The Republic of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an advisory to Ghanaians planning to travel to Senegal, urging them to comply with new health directives introduced by the West African country.

According to the Ghanaian authorities, Senegal has recommended vaccination against certain communicable diseases, notably yellow fever, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT), measles, and hepatitis A and B, as part of measures to safeguard travellers’ health and safety.

The advisory clarified, however, that presentation of vaccination certificates for these diseases is not mandatory for entry into Senegalese territory.

The statement released on Thursday reads in part: “Ghanaian travellers are, nonetheless, encouraged to consult healthcare providers for their routine vaccinations prior to travel, in order to safeguard their health while abroad.”

It further stressed that the Ministry remains committed to providing timely information to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of Ghanaian citizens travelling outside the country.

March 26, 2026
Nigeria, EU strengthen strategic partnership at Ministerial Dialogue, issue joint Communiqué

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, pledging deeper cooperation across peace, security, trade, climate, migration, and democratic governance during the Eighth Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja. The meeting was co-chaired by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, H.E. Kaja Kallas.

The dialogue provided an opportunity to consolidate recent engagements and advance practical cooperation. At a time of global geopolitical uncertainty, both sides stressed the importance of reinforcing alliances that deliver tangible benefits to citizens. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was formally invited to Brussels by the President of the European Council, with Tinubu expressing readiness to accept.

Multilateralism and Global Peace

Nigeria and the EU reiterated their commitment to multilateralism, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They emphasised protecting fundamental freedoms, including gender equality and freedom of expression. The EU reaffirmed support for reforming the UN Security Council to give Africa stronger representation.

Both sides restated support for peace in conflict zones such as Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and the Sahel.

Climate, Energy, and West African Security

Climate change and energy transition featured prominently. Nigeria and the EU agreed to dialogue on renewable energy investment in solar, wind, and clean hydrogen, recognising Nigeria’s potential. They also pledged to strengthen climate resilience, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin.

On regional security, the EU acknowledged Nigeria’s pivotal role in safeguarding democracy and stability in West Africa. Both sides pledged enhanced collaboration on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and preventing the financing of terrorism. They expressed readiness to support the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force.

Peace, Security, and Humanitarian Action

The communiqué highlighted the first Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue held in Brussels in February 2026. The EU signalled readiness to step up support for Nigeria’s security challenges, including possible assistance under the European Peace Facility and renewed support for the Multi-National Joint Task Force around Lake Chad.

Both sides emphasised protecting civilians, particularly children affected by terrorism, and expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the Sahel. Humanitarian cooperation remains central, with the EU committing €33 million in 2026 to support vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West.

Migration and Mobility

Migration was recognised as a multidimensional issue requiring humane responses. Nigeria and the EU reaffirmed readiness to deepen cooperation on migration governance, tackling irregular migration, trafficking, and smuggling.

A milestone was the initialling of the EU–Nigeria Readmission Agreement, with both sides expressing willingness to expedite its signature. The agreement will enhance cooperation on return, readmission, and reintegration, while also exploring legal migration pathways, including a potential Talent Partnership. Dialogue on visa policy was also agreed.

Trade, Investment, and Global Gateway

The EU remains Nigeria’s largest trading and investment partner. Both sides welcomed progress from the Senior Officials’ Trade and Investment Dialogue and technical working groups. Nigeria was encouraged to adopt the draft bill on Geographical Indications to strengthen trade facilitation.

The EU’s Global Gateway strategy was highlighted as a driver of social, green, and digital transition. Current priorities in Nigeria include green energy, agriculture, digitalisation, transport, health, and education. Notable projects include the Omi-Eko electric waterways system in Lagos, supported by €361 million from the EU, EIB, and France. Additional initiatives announced include loans for healthcare manufacturing, agriculture value chains, and optic fibre rollout.

Science, Technology, and Digital Cooperation

Nigeria and the EU welcomed negotiations on a science, technology, and innovation agreement, expected to be finalised by June 2026. Nigerian participation in EU research programmes has doubled under Horizon Europe compared to Horizon 2020.

Education cooperation under Erasmus+ continues to thrive, with Nigeria ranking first in Africa for Erasmus Mundus scholarships. Both sides pledged to expand opportunities for Nigerian institutions and students, particularly in renewable energy, agriculture innovation, and digital entrepreneurship.

Digital transformation was acknowledged as a pillar of sustainable development. The EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package will focus on infrastructure, eGovernance, cybersecurity, and digital skills development.

Looking Ahead

The dialogue concluded with both sides agreeing to hold regular annual ministerial dialogues, with the ninth session scheduled for Brussels in 2027. The EU delegation expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s hospitality and reaffirmed commitment to deepening cooperation across all areas of mutual concern.

March 26, 2026
IDF confirms killing of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri and Intelligence Chief Behnam Rezaei

MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have officially announced the killing of Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

In a statement, the IDF noted that Tangsiri had served in the role for the past eight years, following earlier senior positions within the IRGC Navy, including overseeing what Israel described as the regime’s terror activities.

The IDF accused him of responsibility for repeated strikes against oil tankers and trading vessels, portraying him as a central figure who posed a threat to maritime navigation and freedom of trade in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider international maritime domain.

According to the statement, during Operation Roaring Lion, Tangsiri directed efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz and oversaw maritime attacks against countries in the Middle East, as well as against U.S. and allied energy infrastructure.

The IDF added that he was directly implicated in disrupting the global economy and had been subject to numerous international sanctions due to his involvement in attacks on vessels in international waters, as well as in the transfer of air defence systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia and Syria.

The statement further revealed that another senior Iranian military official was killed alongside Tangsiri — Behnam Rezaei, Head of the IRGC Navy Intelligence Directorate. Rezaei was said to have been responsible for intelligence collection on regional countries and for leading cooperation with various intelligence organisations.

March 26, 2026
EU parliament endorses talks on regulation for returning illegal immigrants

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The European Parliament has endorsed the opening of negotiations with the Council on a new legal framework for the return of people without the right to remain in the European Union.

With 389 votes in favour, 206 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs agreed to proceed to the next stage of the legislative process for an updated EU common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU.

According to a statement issued by Polona Tedesko, Press Officer (SI), the vote on Thursday followed three separate requests by the S&D, Greens/EFA, and The Left political groups challenging the 9 March 2026 decisions taken in the Civil Liberties Committee, in line with rule 72 of Parliament’s rules of procedure.

The statement added that rapporteur Malik Azmani (Renew, NL) will lead Parliament’s negotiating team. Parliament’s negotiating position and a summary of key points are available, with the first round of negotiations with the Cyprus Presidency scheduled to take place shortly.

If the regulation is eventually adopted, illegal immigrants found without legal grounds to remain in the EU would face formal removal procedures. These would include identification, detention where necessary, and repatriation to their country of origin or transit, with safeguards in place for vulnerable individuals such as minors and asylum seekers.

The reforms aim to strengthen coordination between member states, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable results in managing migration across the Union.

March 26, 2026
Nigeria approves ₦32.8bn for primary healthcare in Q1 2026

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of ₦32.8 billion under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the first quarter of 2026, advancing BHCPF 2.0 to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and child health, and expand access to essential services nationwide.

The decision was taken at the Q1 2026 meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC), which reviewed reforms to improve financing, coordination, and frontline results. Gateway agencies — NHIA, NPHCDA, and NCDC — presented updates, while ALGON and civil society groups shared field-level insights.

A key focus was the accelerated rollout of BHCPF 2.0 under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), aligning financing and accountability with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). Priority interventions include MAMII (reducing maternal and newborn deaths), HOPE PHC (boosting service readiness and workforce capacity), and the National Health Fellows Programme (strengthening leadership and accountability).

The Committee also reviewed progress on the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) and broader maternal and child health indicators. Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stressed that BHCPF 2.0 ensures resources translate into real improvements at the primary care level. Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, added that outcomes must be visible to Nigerians through safer deliveries and stronger emergency response.

Resolutions adopted include structured private sector engagement, revised emergency transport tariffs, faster programme reviews, and reinforced quality assurance. The Ministry urged states, partners, and the private sector to align with BHCPF 2.0 priorities, while encouraging Nigerians to utilise primary healthcare services as access expands nationwide.

March 26, 2026
BREAKING: Israeli airstrike kills IRGC Navy Commander Admiral Alireza Tangsiri

MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 26, 2026 — An Israeli official has announced that Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, was killed in a targeted airstrike on the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports in the Jerusalem Post, the strike occurred on Thursday. Also, it claimed the lives of several of Tangsiri’s senior aides, who were buried under the rubble of a collapsed building. Israeli defence sources confirmed involvement, though Iran has yet to issue an official statement.

Admiral Tangsiri, who had led the IRGC Navy since August 2018, had recently adopted a more aggressive posture in the Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Just last week, he threatened retaliation against U.S. facilities in the region, warning civilians to avoid oil installations linked to American interests.

The reported killing of Tangsiri marks a significant escalation in Israel-Iran tensions and raises concerns about potential instability in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.

March 26, 2026
ADC Chairman David Mark calls for unity, positions party as Nigeria’s alternative

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 26, 2026— The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has called on party leaders to close ranks and reposition the ADC as Nigeria’s credible alternative, warning that the nation is in urgent need of rescue from worsening insecurity and failed governance.

Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday, Mark said Nigerians are “yearning for purposeful leadership,” stressing that the responsibility before the ADC is both “moral and historic.”

He commended members for their loyalty and sacrifices, urging them to rise above personal interests and strengthen internal cohesion. According to him, unity, discipline, and adherence to democratic principles remain critical to the party’s success.

In a sharp critique of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mark accused the government of failing to tackle insecurity, kidnapping, and widespread violence, warning that such challenges have now become “the new normal.”

“The ADC must rise to the occasion. We are prepared to do things differently and make Nigeria safer,” he declared.

Mark, a former Senate President, also applauded state chairmen for embracing dialogue despite challenges, emphasizing that collaboration and strategic alliances are key to rescuing the nation.

During the meeting, the NEC ratified decisions taken by the National Working Committee, approved key administrative measures, and endorsed the timetable for upcoming congresses and party primaries.

Briefing journalists after the session, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party reviewed current political developments and agreed that Nigerians are increasingly disillusioned with the APC and are ready to embrace the ADC.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by party leaders to expand grassroots engagement and position the ADC as a credible platform for national renewal ahead of future elections.

March 26, 2026
ECOWAS deploys long-term election observers ahead of Benin presidential poll

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 25, 2026: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTOEM) ahead of Benin’s presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2026.

In a statement released Wednesday, ECOWAS confirmed that its President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, authorized the deployment in line with the organization’s legal instruments. These include the Revised Treaty of 1993, the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, the 2001 Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and Article 53(c) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (2008).

The mission comprises 15 experts from ECOWAS member states, who will be stationed across all regions of Benin from March 22 to April 18, 2026. Their expertise spans constitutional law, political affairs, diplomacy, media, electoral operations, conflict prevention, gender and inclusion, and security.

Benin, which recently faced threats of destabilization from coup plotters, is receiving heightened attention to safeguard democracy and ensure stability in the West African nation.

The deployment underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to promoting credible elections and preventing democratic backsliding in the region.

The observers are expected to monitor the electoral process, assess compliance with democratic standards, and provide recommendations to strengthen transparency and credibility. Their presence is also intended to reassure citizens and stakeholders of ECOWAS’s resolve to support peace and democratic governance in Benin.

March 25, 2026
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu commends peaceful APC Southeast zonal congress

ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 25, 2026: Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has praised the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Southeast zonal congress held in Enugu, where party officials for the zone were elected.

The congress, which took place in the Enugu State capital, brought together APC members and leaders from across the South East. It followed earlier congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels.

In a statement, Kalu noted that the outcomes were collectively adopted as a true reflection of the will of party members. He emphasized that the zonal congress proceeded through the consensus option, in line with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act.

While congratulating the newly elected zonal officials, Kalu commended Southeast governors for their commitment to the success of the exercise. He highlighted the seamless coordination, calm atmosphere, and orderliness witnessed throughout the process, describing it as evidence of unity and cohesion across the region.

“The goal of 2027 remains within reach. With sustained unity, dedication, and collective resolve, victory is assured,” Kalu declared.

The next major event for the APC is the National Convention scheduled for this weekend, where it is expected that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be formally adopted as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

March 25, 2026
Ukraine’s drone offensive halves Russia’s oil shipments as global oil markets hangs in the balance

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 25, 2026: Russia’s ambitions to cash in on soaring global oil demand amid Middle East turmoil have suffered a devastating setback, as Ukrainian drone attacks cripple nearly half of its export capacity.

Massive fires erupted at Russia’s Baltic Sea ports, Primorsk and Ust-Luga, forcing the suspension of oil shipments for the second time in a week. The Ust-Luga terminal, which handles about 700,000 barrels of oil daily, was struck overnight, sparking an inferno that continues to rage. The port is a vital hub for petroleum products, coal, and fertilizers.

Primorsk, Russia’s largest Baltic oil port with a capacity of 1 million barrels per day, was also targeted earlier on March 22. That strike ignited fuel storage tanks, halting operations and compounding the disruption.

The scale of the damage is staggering: about 2 million barrels per day—roughly 40% of Russia’s export capacity—has been knocked offline. Novorossiysk, another critical port on the Black Sea, has also faced interruptions following a drone attack earlier this month.

MarineTraffic data shows at least 50 vessels stranded in the Gulf of Finland, awaiting clearance to dock at the paralyzed ports. Local media, including Helsingin Sanomat, report that smoke from Ust-Luga’s burning fuel tanks—33 in total, with capacity exceeding 500 rail tank cars—is visible from Finland’s coastline, stretching for dozens of kilometers.

Russia’s oil lifeline to global markets now hangs in the balance, as Ukraine’s precision strikes continue to dismantle Moscow’s export infrastructure.

March 25, 2026