Tthe United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Robert Wood, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs from the United States, expressed the country’s support for a resolution concerning Somalia. Ambassador Wood commended the UK for its efforts as the penholder and thanked Council members for their engagement in the resolution. The resolution focused on extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts and renewing measures such as the arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze in Somalia. The United States cast its vote in favor of the resolution, emphasizing the critical role these measures play in promoting peace and stability in…
Author: Editor Francis
In a striking projection, it is anticipated that by the year 2040, Africa will boast a total of 31 cities with populations exceeding 5 million people, marking a significant increase of 19 cities compared to the present scenario. This revelation stems from a comprehensive report underlining Africa’s status as the world’s fastest urbanizing region, with a noteworthy emphasis on the pivotal role played by its primary cities in this dynamic shift. Despite 57 percent of Africa’s population residing in rural areas as recently as 2019, the continent has been urbanizing at an unparalleled pace, outstripping the urban growth rates observed…
In a significant development at the United Nations, the United States expressed deep reservations about a resolution advocating for a reduction in the international presence in Sudan. While the U.S. voted in favor of the resolution to facilitate a safe drawdown of the mission, concerns were raised about potential repercussions for civilians in the region. we are gravely concerned that a reduced international presence in Sudan will only serve to embolden the perpetrators of atrocities, with dire consequences for civilians. If anything, the work of UNITAMS is all the more critical considering the ongoing open conflict, atrocities, human rights violations…
The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Michele Sison, is scheduled to visit Accra, Ghana, from December 3 to 7 to participate in the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial. Accompanying her will be U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and a delegation of other U.S. officials.* During her stay in Ghana, Assistant Secretary Sison will engage in various events, including a U.S.-hosted side event focusing on “Improving Environmental Management in Peacekeeping Operations.” Additionally, she will participate in Sweden’s side event addressing “Women, Peace, and Security.” These discussions are crucial in addressing environmental sustainability and the role of…
Scott Nathan, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), engaged in discussions with President João Lourenço of Angola to explore avenues for advancing strategic infrastructure projects. This meeting, following President Lourenço’s recent discussions with President Biden, focused on reinforcing DFC’s commitment to fostering a robust pipeline of vital infrastructure initiatives in Angola. CEO Nathan, building on previous interactions with President Lourenço, explored opportunities for mobilizing private capital to support Angola’s developmental objectives. The discussions encompassed potential investments in crucial sectors, including rail, digital networks, electricity transmission, and water systems. The aim is to facilitate economic growth…
In a statement released on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to inclusive global development. The statement paid homage to the late Judith “Judy” Heumann, recognized as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” for her tireless advocacy and collaboration with USAID during her tenure as the Department of State’s first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights. Heumann’s legacy, challenging the perception of disability as a tragedy and advocating for the celebration of persons with disabilities as integral parts of humanity, continues to…
In another recent press statement, Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, announced the issuance of the 2022 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT), by the Department of State. The annual report serves as a crucial resource, offering insights into key issues in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Its findings play a pivotal role in shaping informed decisions related to policies, programs, and resource allocations as the United States actively works towards enhancing global counterterrorism capacity and resilience. The report comes at a time when the United States is navigating a complex landscape of national security challenges. In response, the U.S. government is employing…
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja following his participation in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Dubai, UAE. During the conference, President Tinubu engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders, including King Charles of England and the President of the UAE, fostering collaborations with various countries and multilateral partners. President Tinubu witnessed the signing of an accelerated performance agreement between Nigeria and Germany aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s electricity supply. Additionally, He hosted a high-level meeting with stakeholders and investors, focusing on the Nigeria Carbon Market and the Electric Buses Rollout Programme, conducted on the sidelines of…
In a recent press statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an increase in taxes on alcohol and sugary-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as a measure to combat the alarming death toll resulting from these unhealthy behaviours. The WHO emphasised that approximately 2.6 million people succumb to alcohol-related causes annually, while over eight million die due to an unhealthy diet. The organisation contends that implementing taxes on alcohol and SSBs could significantly reduce these fatalities. However, new data released by the WHO on Tuesday revealed a low global rate of taxes imposed on unhealthy products, particularly alcohol and SSBs. The…
On Tuesday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), expressed concern over the increasing shortage of staff in various departments and units of Nigeria’s public universities. This shortage, according to Prof. Ayo Akinwole, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, is a result of lecturers resigning in search of better opportunities. Prof. Akinwole highlighted the deplorable conditions of Nigeria’s public universities, emphasizing the visible stress and frustration among poorly-remunerated lecturers. He called on President Bola Tinubu to address the situation by reviewing the conditions of service, including salaries, allowances, and infrastructure. The chairman criticized the government’s paradoxical…
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, visited Kaduna State yesterday in the aftermath of the Nigerian Army drone strikes on Sunday night that resulted in over 90 civilian casualties during Maulud celebrations in Tudun Biri village. GOVIMA had reported earlier The drone strikes occurred Sunday evening as residents gathered for the annual Maulud festival, leading to dozens killed and many more injured, according to local authorities. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, with many treated for shrapnel wounds and blunt trauma. On Monday, Gen. Lagbaja traveled to Kaduna to tour Tudun Biri and meet with state officials…
Idris Dahiru, a resident of Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has revealed the devastating toll on his family in the aftermath of the Nigerian Army’s aerial bombardment on Sunday evening. Dahiru shared that 34 of his family members lost their lives during the incident, which occurred as villagers gathered to commemorate Maulud. Reports gathered suggest that over 90 villagers lost their lives in the tragic incident, as a Nigerian Army drone struck a gathering of residents participating in the Maulud celebration. Despite the army expressing regret over the bombing and asserting that it was targeted…