Regional News
Army hands over 277 rescued from Boko Haram / ISWAP – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Nigerian Army, under Operation Hadin Kai, has handed over 277 family members rescued from Boko Haram and ISWAP captivity to the Borno State Government. The ceremony took place at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri. Maj. Gen. Ken Chitgu, deputy theatre commander, presented 128 women and 149 children to the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Burkina Faso junta adopts draft law to criminalise homosexuality | Reuters
Burkina Faso’s military junta said it has adopted the draft of an amended family code that criminalises homosexuality. The West African nation has been among just 22 out of 54 countries on the continent that allow same-sex relations, which are punishable by death or lengthy prison terms in some states. Burkina Faso has been under military rule since two successive coups in 2022 and is part of a confederation with juntas in neighbouring Mali and Niger.
Surrendering: MNJTF Receives 69 Boko Haram Families Surrender in Cameroon, Niger – PRNigeria News
As Operation Lake Sanity 2 continues, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has successfully facilitated the surrender of more terrorists while rescuing others from hideouts between 1 and 6 July 2024.
Cameroon: Assembly extends mandate of deputies until 2026 | Africanews
Cameroonian President Paul Biya on Tuesday won approval from lawmakers to push back legislative and local elections until 2026, a move opposition parties fear will complicate their ability to contest next year’s presidential election. Lawmakers from Mr Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), who hold the majority in the National Assembly, voted in favour of the bill extending their term by one year, until March 2026. Thus, legislative and municipal elections will take place after the 2025 presidential poll.
ECOWAS mandates Faye to discuss with Burkina, Mali and Niger | Africanews
West Africa’s fractured regional bloc on Sunday urged Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to engage with the three military-led member states to try to reunite the region whose stability has been threatened since they decided to leave the group in January. At its summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja , the bloc – known as ECOWAS – named Mr Faye as its envoy to meet with Mali , Niger and Burkina Faso , which formed their separate union after their respective coups severed relations with their neighbours.
Operation Safe Haven Asst Commander killed in Plateau – Daily Trust
A senior immigration officer who served as Administration Officer of Sector 4 of Operation Safe Haven, located in Barikin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State has been killed in Fan community, Fan District area of the local government. Operation Safe Haven is a multisecurity taskforce comprising soldiers, immigration officers, police, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corpse and Customs personnel, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace in the state.
Severe penalties for homosexuality in Burkina Faso | Africanews
The military junta Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso has approved a revised family code that criminalizes homosexuality. This decision makes Burkina Faso one of the 22 out of 54 African countries that do not allow same-sex relationships, with severe penalties such as death or long prison sentences in some regions. The council approved a decree for a new Personal and Family Code (CPF) that “enshrines the ban on homosexuality” in the country, the presidency announced in a statement.
Military Troops Engage Terrorists in Taraba, Kill 3, Free 2 Civilians – PRNigeria News
In an intensified operation conducted to clear terrorists den on 8 July 2024, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, raided suspected kidnapper hideouts at Adamu Katibu Mountain in Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State. This operation led to the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two victims.
Nigeria to suspend taxes on certain food imports to curb rising prices | Reuters
Nigeria plans to suspend taxes on certain food imports including wheat and maize for 150-days, and recommend a retail price to try to bring under control rising prices in Africa’s most populous nation, its agricultural minister said on Monday. The move is part of the government’s policy to curb food inflation, which has climbed to over 40% year-on-year, and spur growth which has been fragile for almost a decade.
Protests: CCC Cautions against Adopting Kenya Model in Nigeria – PRNigeria News
The Centre for Crisis Communication CCC has advised Nigerians and certain groups urging citizens to follow the Kenyan example of mass protest over recent tax increases and hardship to desist from such call. It has also stressed the importance of the federal government communicating more with the people to deescalate the tension in the country. This is just as the CCC identified potential volatile crisis areas which, if not addressed quickly, are capable of instigating full-blown violence across the country, including the unresolved worker’s minimum wage imbroglio, the political leadership crisis in Rivers State and the Emirship tussle in Kano state.
President’s daughter hopes to help Cameroon’s gays by coming out | Reuters
The daughter of Cameroon’s president said she hoped that by coming out as a lesbian she can help change laws that ban homosexuality in the country.
Brenda Biya, who lives between the United States and Switzerland, came out in an Instagram post on June 30. In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien published on Tuesday, the 27-year-old said she had not come out to her family before she publicly posted a photo of her kissing her girlfriend.
US says troops to leave Niger bases this weekend and in August after coup | Africanews
The U.S. will remove all its forces and equipment from a small base in Niger this weekend and fewer than 500 remaining troops will leave a critical drone base in the West African country in August, ahead of a Sept. 15 deadline set in an agreement with the new ruling junta, the American commander there said Friday. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman said in an interview that a number of small teams of 10-20 U.S. troops, including special operations forces, have moved to other countries in West Africa. But the bulk of the forces will go to Europe, at least initially.
Mali advises airlines to refuel elsewhere due to aviation fuel shortage | Reuters
Mali is currently unable to refuel commercial aircraft in its capital Bamako due to fuel shortages and is asking airlines to refuel elsewhere until next week, its transport ministry told Reuters. “There are a lot of flight operations these days and that has affected the fuel stock,” Ould Mamouni, a ministry spokesman, said on Tuesday night. “This is to announce to companies that given the limited fuel stock, they will not be able to refuel in Bamako; they can consider obtaining supplies in neighbouring countries before coming to Mali.”
NSA Urged to Intervene as Power Outage Sparks Security Concerns at Yobe Girls’ College With concerns over the recent multiple suicide bombings in Gwoza, parents of students at Federal Government Girls’ College (FGC), Potiskum, in Yobe State, are urging the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene in a power supply dispute that has left the school in darkness for months.The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) cut off the power supply due to an alleged unpaid debt, but the school management disputes the amount owed.
Minister Abu Kyari rolls out plan to address soaring food prices – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has launched a plan to address soaring food prices in the country. The measures, set to be implemented over the next 180 days, aim to stabilize the market and ensure food security for all Nigerians.
Cameroonian boxer Cindy Ngamba goes for gold in Paris with refugee team (voaafrica.com) Cindy Ngamba became the first boxer ever to be included in the International Olympic Committee refugee team when the 37-athlete group was announced for the Paris Olympics earlier this year. “To be part of the refugee team is an honor,” Ngamba told SNTV.
2 brothers admit to killing 85-yr-old father in Adamawa – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Two brothers, Ibrahim Yusuf, 62, and Samaila Yusuf, 48, on Wednesday confessed to killing their 85-year-old father, Yusuf Kwada, whom they accused of practising witchcraft in Zah village in Adamawa. The two brothers told a Jimeta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Yola, presided over by Bilkisu Tijani, that they killed their father by hitting him on the head with a stick. The siblings were arraigned by the police, on a two-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide
Nigerian students’ climate summit focuses on tech-based solutions (voaafrica.com)
Africa is responsible for only a fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, but it is the continent least able to cope with the negative impacts of climate change. Experts say the continent is warming faster than the rest of the world, impacting food security, causing displacement, and worsening conflict. But an initiative in Nigeria is bringing students together to create technology solutions to climate change problems. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.
Police arrest man with human parts in Abuja – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, says it has arrested a suspect with human skull and bones in Lugbe area of Abuja. This is contained in a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, issued on Wednesday in Abuja. Mrs Adeh said the suspect was arrested by operatives from Iddo Police Divisional Headquarters at Gosa Kipikipi village in Lugbe area on July 9 at about 9:00 p.m.
New Sahel Confederation challenges regional order as ECOWAS seeks dialogue (rfi.fr)
The military heads of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger convened for the inaugural summit of the Confederation of the Sahel States (AES). The leaders emphasised territorial and popular sovereignty as core principles of their leadership through a new treaty. Concurrently, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is exploring strategies to persuade these nations to realign with the regional bloc.
The Supreme Court on Thursday held that henceforth all Local Government Area allocations should be paid directly into their accounts. Justice Emmanuel Agim who led a seven-member panel of the justices of the apex court, gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 state governors. “Henceforth, no more payment of the Local Government Area allocations to the state government accounts,” the judge held.
Nigerian designers Andrea Iyamah and Veekee James redefine global fashion | CNN
Larry Madowo spotlights two Nigerian designers redefining global fashion. Andrea Iyamah’s bold swimwear blends African heritage with contemporary design, which is celebrated for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Veekee James revolutionizes bespoke couture with her exquisite gowns, known for their impeccable craftsmanship and red-carpet appeal. Discover how these designers are taking African style to the world stage.
Family of Kaduna judge hails NSA over rescue of 3 children – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Family of the Kaduna State female judge, who was kidnapped alongside her four children recently, has appreciated the security agencies for the safe rescue of his remaining three children. Dr Musa Gimba, husband and father of the victims, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday in Abuja said that the rescued children were reunited with him and his wife by the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu on Tuesday. “On behalf of my family, I wish to issue this statement to inform the Public that yesterday, July 9 my wife and I, were reunited with our three surviving boys.
Only 16 states accessed 2023 UBEC grant, says ES – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, has said that only 16 states have so far accessed the 2023 matching grant, representing 41 per cent of the appropriated N51.6billion. The Executive Secretary, UBEC, Hamid Bobboyi, made this known during an oversight function of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services to the commission in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Bobboyi said that out of the N51. 6billion appropriated for matching grants in 2023, only N21billion was accessed by the 16 states as at June 30.
West African leaders’ summit opens as coup-hit countries form alliance | Politics News | Al Jazeera
A West African leaders’ summit has opened a day after the military rulers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger forged a new alliance severing ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECOWAS summit is being hosted in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, after several West African leaders called for a resumption of dialogue with the three coup-hit Sahel countries, which signed a new defence pact on Saturday during a summit of their own in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
The House of Representatives has queried the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye for spending unrelated expenditures, including N45 million for a new year party, N20 million for sanitary pads. Others include N1.5 million for vehicle fuel. Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, led the interrogation of the Minister, over the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors in spite of the fund release in Abuja.
Troops kill Kidnap Kingpins, Terrorists in Multi-State Operations – PRNigeria News
Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter terrorism operations across the country in a series of coordinated operations have intercepted and thwarted the nefarious activities of notorious kidnap kingpins in Anambra, Oyo, and Katsina States, dealing a significant blow to criminal elements in the region.
Cameroon’s president wins backing to delay legislative, local polls | Reuters
Cameroonian President Paul Biya secured approval from lawmakers on Tuesday to delay parliamentary and local elections until 2026, a move opposition parties fear could make it harder for them to mount a challenge in next year’s presidential election. Lawmakers in Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement have a majority in the National Assembly and voted in favour of the bill to extend their mandate by a year to March 2026.
Nigerian Navy Extends ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ by 90 Days – PRNigeria News
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has extended the Nigerian Navy’s Operation DELTA SANITY by 90 days. Operation DELTA SANITY was launched on 6 January 2024 to combat oil theft and related crimes. This is in line with the President and Commander-in-Chief’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and ramp up Nigeria’s production for an improved economy. Accordingly, OPERATION DELTA SANITY involved the deployment of personnel, platforms, helicopters and UAVs on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta area.
Irregular migration of African youths to Europe, a disaster – ECOWAS – Daily Trust
The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has lamented the high rate of irregular migration of African youths to Europe, especially those from West African countries. While responding to questions after making his “2024 Interim Report on the States of the Community” presentation at the plenary of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Thursday, the ECOWAS Commission president said the high irregular migration rate was a symptom of the issues affecting the continent.
Peace and Security
Mali junta, Russian state nuclear firm sign cooperation deals | Reuters
Mali’s ruling military junta and Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom signed three cooperation deals and discussed projects including a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant, Rosatom said on Wednesday. Rosatom has been on a charm offensive in Africa for years, seeking to drum up business by signing cooperation agreements with countries across the continent. Part of that push has included strengthening ties with juntas in West Africa’s Sahel region that have turned away from traditional Western allies since they seized power in coups since 2020.
Mali’s junta lifts three-month suspension on political party activities | Africanews
Mali’s military junta on Wednesday said it would allow political parties and associations to resume their activities. The announcement by the council of ministers came three months after activities were suspended, purportedly to safeguard public order. At the time, political parties were protesting against the military government’s decision to stay in power beyond a March 2024 deadline for returning to civilian rule. The suspension in April came days before the start of a national dialogue for peace in Mali, that has been battling a jihadist insurgency for over a decade.
Can Diomaye Faye bring Burkina, Mali and Niger back into ECOWAS? | Africanews
Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Africa’s youngest president, suddenly faces a daunting challenge: reuniting a weakened regional bloc that is older than he is.Faye, 44, was tasked Sunday with bringing military-ruled Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso back into ECOWAS at the organization’s summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja. The three countries left ECOWAS and formed their own alliance after military takeovers severed relations with their West African neighbours. As a peace envoy backed by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, Mr Faye is seen as the best head of state for a mission to bring the three countries back into the fold of regional cooperation.
Coup-hit nations of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso form Sahel Alliance | Africanews
The coup-hit nations of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso on Saturday ruled out returning to the West Africa regional bloc whose division could further jeopardize regional efforts to curb the violence spreading across the region. Military junta leaders of the three countries met for their first summit in Niamey, the capital of Niger, after their withdrawal from the West Africa bloc known as ECOWAS in January. They accused the bloc of failing its mandate and pledged to consolidate their union – the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — created last year amid fractured relations with neighbors.
What’s behind the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States? | Politics News | Al Jazeera
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have set up their own bloc, after leaving ECOWAS. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have come together to form the Alliance of Sahel States. Each is ruled by a military government – and that’s led to a split from the larger West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
West Africa’s ECOWAS decries lack of progress with junta states | Reuters
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it was disappointed with a lack of progress in reconciling with breakaway, junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and will make “more vigorous” reconciliation efforts.
ECOWAS commission president Oumar Touray said at the start of a summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja on Sunday the region risks disintegeration and worsening insecurity after the three Alliance of Sahel States (AES)signed a confederation treaty.
Humanitarian
Dozens Of Nigerians Displaced, Scores Abducted By Nigerien Terrorists – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Terrorists from the Niger Republic have reportedly established a camp in the last few weeks in Goronyo, Sokoto, North West Nigeria.
At least 20 women and children were abducted by these terrorists on July 8 in Dinawa, Worno Local Government Area, according to residents. Muhammad Ali, the community chief, told HumAngle that the attack happened around 6:00 p.m., noting that the terrorists moved the captives to the recently established camp in Goronyo’s Gumdumi forest area. “The armed terrorists invaded our village riding on more than 20 motorcycles. They are a new terrorist group from Niger Republic,” the community chief said.
In the face of a worsening cholera outbreak, Lagos, the epicentre of Nigeria’s crisis, is finding solutions. Just days after a HumAngle report exposed widespread open defecation and inadequate waste disposal in the Southwestern Nigeria state as major contributors, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has greenlit the return of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The move aims to stem the tide of a deadly disease that has already claimed numerous lives.
Head of UN migration agency says it has secured billions in new funding | Africanews
The United Nations International Organization for Migration on Thursday said it has secured billions in new funding and diversified its donor base. This follows a push to increase financial support to bolster its efforts to protect migrants, reduce displacement, and expand avenues to migrate legally. Its support comes from sources as diverse as development banks and tech giant, Microsoft. However, the agency’s head, Amy Pope, said that elections worldwide are raising questions about future support. “The good news is that we’re not in dire straits financially. We are doing better than ever when it comes to bringing in financial resources to do the work that we’re doing,” she said.
Lagos in need of 30,000 medical doctors – Health Commissioner – Daily Trust
Speaking on Wednesday at the ongoing 2024 Clean-Air Forum in Lagos, Abayomi said the state’s health care system lacks 30,000 medical practitioners to meet its needs.He said the scarcity of medical professionals has resulted in an overworked and overstretched workforce, struggling to bridge the gap in the available doctor-to-patient ratio.
Burkina Faso’s internally displaced scramble to make a living (voaafrica.com)
Burkina Faso is home to many people internally displaced by years of insecurity and conflict. Most of them live in various towns across the country, and some are now trying to find jobs in the capital, Ouagadougou, or starting businesses. VOA’s Gildas Da has this report, narrated by Anthony LaBruto.
Mobilization and economic development
Nigeria central bank will act as needed to tame inflation, says governor | Reuters
Nigeria’s central bank will do whatever is necessary to tame double-digit inflation but expects price pressures to moderate and interest rates to drop in the not-too-distant future, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor said on Thursday.
Inflation, at 33.95% in May, and a weaker currency have helped fan a cost-of-living crisis in one of Africa’s largest economies, eroding incomes and angering citizens.
Nigeria reaches oil supply deal, ending dispute with producers | Reuters
Nigeria’s oil regulator has struck a deal with producers to allow sales of crude to domestic refiners at market prices, ending a supply dispute that had strained relations with international oil companies. Nigeria relies on imports for most of its fuel needs due to inadequate refining capacity, although a 650,000 barrel-a-day refinery built by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote and operational since February, should make it self-sufficient and able to export. An agreement on Wednesday follows complaints from the Dangote Refinery that oil majors were hindering local crude purchases by demanding excessive premiums or saying they had no available supplies.
Exclusive: Nigeria’s NNPC seeks new oil-backed loan to boost finances | Reuters
Nigeria’s NNPC is in talks for another oil-backed loan to boost its finances and allow investment in its business, its chief executive told Reuters, as pressure mounts on the state-backed oil company the economy depends upon. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in which the government is the main stakeholder, aims to raise at least $2 billion, two sources familiar with the situation said.
Lekki Toll Gate: ECOWAS Court finds FG guilty of rights violation – Daily Trust
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, On July 10, 2024, ruled that the Federal Republic of Nigeria violated the human rights of Obianuju Catherine Udeh and two others. The Court found Nigeria in breach of Articles 1, 4, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, specifically on the right to life, security of person, freedom of expression, assembly and association, prohibition of torture, the duty of the state to investigate, and the right to effective remedy.
Minimum Wage: Be realistic with your expectations, Tinubu tells Labour leaders – Daily Trust
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation. The President however urged the Organised labour to be realistic in their expectations, asking “why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two? Why not three years? What is a problem today, can be eased tomorrow.”
