Niger’s military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani on Thursday met with his counterparts in Mali and Burkina Faso in his first international visits since seizing power in July. Niger’s neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso which are ruled by military leaders who seized power in 2020 and 2022, respectively — have pledged solidarity with Niger’s coup leaders. Tiani arrived in Burkina Faso on Thursday evening for a “friendship and working visit” with Captain Ibrahim Traore. The pair discussed “issues common to both countries, in particular the fight against terrorism and socio-economic development”, according to a statement from Burkina’s presidency. In Bamako earlier in the…
Author: Editor Francis
In a press statement, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressed the United States’ welcome for the successful deal securing the release of 50 hostages, including American citizens, held by Hamas since the October 7th attack on Israel. Blinken conveyed gratitude for the end of the ordeal these individuals faced and expressed relief that they would soon be reunited with their families. The Secretary of State credited the outcome to tireless diplomacy and relentless efforts across the Department of State and the broader U.S. government. He extended appreciation to Egypt and Qatar for their leadership and ongoing partnership in facilitating…
President Joe Biden expressed his satisfaction with the agreement securing the release of hostages held by the terrorist group Hamas since October 7th. The President, along with First Lady Jill Biden, extended their thoughts to the hostages and their families, emphasizing their relief that some will soon be reunited with their loved ones. Acknowledging the critical role played by international leaders, President Biden thanked Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for their leadership and collaboration in reaching the deal. He also appreciated the commitment of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli government in…
In a diplomatic mission aimed at fostering regional stability, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines undertook a journey to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from November 19 to 20. Accompanying her were Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and Special Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for African Affairs Judd Devermont. During her visit, DNI Haines held crucial meetings with Rwandan President Kagame and Congolese President Tshisekedi, where the focus was on securing commitments from both leaders to de-escalate tensions in eastern DRC. Acknowledging the historical conflicts in the region, Presidents…
The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has emphasized the importance of traveling abroad through legitimate means and with proper documentation to avoid potential consequences. This advice comes as Dabiri-Erewa visited Nigerians in a shelter in Brampton, Canada, where she expressed sympathy for their situation. According to a statement by NiDCOM spokesman Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Thursday, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the growing challenges faced by those without proper documentation in many countries. She was quoted as saying, “It is just not worth it, more often than not.” During her visit, the NiDCOM boss engaged with Nigerians in the…
Ivorian government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly announced on Thursday that former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, who has been in exile for four years, is free to return to the country. However, Coulibaly emphasized that the enforcement of Soro’s convictions in Côte d’Ivoire would be determined by the judicial system. “Côte d’Ivoire is open, and Guillaume Soro can return whenever he wants,” stated Coulibaly after a Cabinet meeting. He clarified that the judicial administration in the country would handle the implementation of the sentences imposed on Soro, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2020 for “complicity in embezzlement of…
Ghana has declared a 46-day visa-on-arrival regime for visitors, between December 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024. The move is part of the Ghana government’s ambitious 10-year ‘Beyond The Return’ campaign, designed to encourage Africans in the diaspora to explore and reconnect with Ghana. The move aligns with the broader goal of positioning Ghana as a premier destination for those of African descent. A statement from the Ministry of Transport emphasized the importance of updating systems to reflect this new arrangement and urged those responsible for checking in passengers traveling to Ghana not to insist on entry visas before boarding.…
Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently presiding over the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja. This gathering marks the fourth NEC meeting since the commencement of the Bola Tinubu administration, with a notable attendance of virtually all members. The NEC includes the governors of the 36 states of the federation, along with ministers responsible for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Finance. Additionally, key figures such as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) are part of the council.…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano, academically and infrastructurally. The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Iman Sulaiman Ibrahim, emphasized this dedication during a supervisory visit to the academy on Wednesday. The administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to align the academy with modern policing requirements to address emerging security threats in the country. Minister Ibrahim highlighted the government’s recognition of the academy’s significance, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the curriculum. This review aims to meet contemporary police standards and effectively tackle evolving security…
Oil prices recorded more loss on Thursday, after OPEC announced the shock delay of a key policy meeting, suggesting fresh upheaval in the bloc, while equities were mixed after two US reports dented recent euphoria over the future of interest rates. Both main crude contracts slipped on news that the much-anticipated gathering of the major producers combining OPEC and 10 allies would be put back by four days to November 30. Prices had dived almost five percent at one point Wednesday, before paring the losses. Reports indicated that the decision was made after Angola and Nigeria pushed back against lower…
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has partnered with organizations such as Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM) and the European Union (EU) to launch a Standard Reporting Handbook for journalists covering human trafficking cases in Nigeria. Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director-General of NAPTIP, emphasized the handbook’s crucial role in guiding journalists to report accurately and sensitively on issues related to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIPSOM). The two-day Validation and Technical Finalization Workshop held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, served as a platform to underscore the significance of using…
Despite President Joe Biden’s commitment to visiting Africa in 2023, there is no indication or preparation for the trip as the year draws to a close. Biden’s promise to prioritize a closer relationship with African countries and address global climate change issues seems to have been overshadowed by other domestic and foreign concerns. Presidential trips often reflect priorities, and while last-minute travel plans are possible, there are no apparent signs of preparations for Biden’s Africa visit. The delay raises questions about the momentum generated by Biden’s enthusiastic claims last December, where he pledged a strategic focus on Africa with political…