Regional News
Journalists in the Sahel region are facing increased security risks, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) alerted Tuesday (Sep. 24). At least two community radio journalists were killed and two kidnapped by armed groups in Mali and Chad since November last year.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger juntas investigate French journalist for jihadist analysis | Reuters
Prosecutors in junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have launched investigations against French journalist and researcher Wassim Nasr, accusing him of being an “apologist for terrorism” over his analysis of jihadist attacks. Nasr, who works for the broadcaster France 24, is also a security expert who regularly comments on an Islamist insurgency that took root in Mali in 2012 and has since spread across West Africa’s Sahel region.
Panic in 11 states as release of water from Lagdo Dam begins – Vanguard News (vanguardngr.com)
Following torrential rains and the recent devastation of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, due to the collapse of Alau Dam, Nigerians in littoral states of the country are currently on edge over a possible re-enactment of similar tragedies in the wake of the reported release of excess water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroun
Flood: Maiduguri records 2 cholera cases – Commissioner – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Borno State Government has confirmed two cases of cholera in one of the camps harbouring people displaced by flood in Maiduguri. The State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Baba Malum Gana, made this known on Monday while flagging-off an Oral Cholera, Measles Vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation in Maiduguri.
WHO reports almost 30,000 suspected mpox cases in Africa since the start of the year | Africanews
In a recent report, the World Health Organisation has stated that there have been almost 30,000 suspected cases of mpox in Africa since the start of this year. According to the U.N. health body, a majority were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been grappling with an uptick in cases, along with its neighbour Burundi.
Burkina’s military govt says foiled attempts to ‘destabilise’ country (trtworld.com)
Burkina Faso’s military government has said it had foiled “several attempts to destabilise the country” led by a former high-ranking army official who previously seized power in the West African nation. “We were able to foil several attempts at destabilisation,” Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said in a statement read out on state television late on Monday. He said Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who was ousted from power in 2022, had led the “military part of this plot”.
Maiduguri Flood Disaster: A Preventable Tragedy – Abc News Nigeria
The recent flood disaster in Maiduguri could have been averted if timely action had been taken. Despite early warnings about the impending disaster, authorities failed to act swiftly, resulting in devastating consequences. Reports suggest that the flooding could have been minimized if water from the Alau Dam had been released on time, and if adequate shelters had been prepared for potential victims.
The Nigerian government has deployed 2,000 water pumps to assist residents of Maiduguri, Borno state’s capital in North East Nigeria, evacuate water from their flooded homes. Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this arrangement during the handover of food consignment to aid the flood-displaced residents in Maiduguri on Saturday.
China’s defense technologies shine at Africa’s largest airshow | Africanews
China’s leading defense equipment displayed at the 2024 Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) grabbed the spotlight in South Africa, attracting delegations from various countries. The 2024 AAD, Africa’s largest airshow, kicked off on Wednesday at an air force base near Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital.
UN experts call for urgent action to end torture in Nigeria – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The head of United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) Shujune Muhammad said Nigeria must urgently take measures to prevent torture and ill-treatment, and to improve conditions of detention, especially in police stations and other similar facilities.
Fresh cholera outbreak kills 10 in Ebonyi (premiumtimesng.com)
At least 10 people have died in a fresh cholera outbreak in Ebonyi State, South-east of Nigeria. The deaths were recorded in Ndibokote village in Ezza-Inyimagu, Agbaja Autonomous Community, Izzi Local Government Area of the state. Commissioner for Health in the state, Moses Ekuma confirmed the outbreak and the deaths in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. Mr Ekuma, a medical doctor, also revealed that over 20 others from the area have been hospitalised for suspected cholera infection.
Nigeria’s unemployment rate stands at 5.4% in 2023 — NBS – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) says the unemployment rate in Nigeria stood at 5.4 per cent in 2023. At the state level, Abia recorded the highest unemployment rate at 18.7 per cent, while Nasarawa had the lowest rate at 0.5 per cent. The NBS said this in its Nigeria Labour Force Survey for 2023 released in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has called on the Federal Government to increase its stake in Dangote refinery to 45 per cent from the current seven per cent. Festus Osifo, President, PENGASSAN, made the call on Tuesday while presenting a communique and recommendations from the 3rd edition of the PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit” in Lagos to newsmen.
In Nigeria’s food belt, fears of another flood as Cameroon opens dam | Reuters
Nigerian farmer Enoch Fater has barely slept in the last few days after water levels started rising at his paddy rice farm and in a major river nearby, pointing to impending floods in Benue state, a major food producer in the central belt. Two years ago, Benue was among states badly hit by the worst floods in a decade when the Benue River burst its banks following torrential rains and after neighbouring Cameroon released water from its Lagdo dam.
The Nigerian Army has absolved its officers, Col. Ishiaku Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment, intimidation and maltreatment leveled against him by Ex-female soldier, Pte. Ruth Oguleye. The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of investigation into the allegation, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Cameroon-Nachtigal Dam: Completion Rate Evaluated At 95.9% – Journal du Cameroun
The construction of the Nachtigal dam in Batchenga, in the Lékié division of the Centre region, is progressing well. This was announced by the Nachtigal Hydro Power Company (NHPC) in an information note published on its LinkedIn account on September 17, 2024. According to the published official data, the project, which started on February 1, 2019, has reached a completion rate of 95.9% by the end of August 2024.
NO MERCY: Military Troops Kill 1,937 Terrorists, Bandits in Three Months – PRNigeria News
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says that troops have eliminated 1,937 terrorists, apprehended 2,782 others, and rescued 1,854 kidnapped hostages in different operations during the third quarter. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this at a news briefing on the operations of the armed forces, on Thursday in Abuja. Buba said the military also recovered 1,304 weapons, 43,347 ammunitions comprising 688 AK47 rifles, 32,945 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 9,677 rounds of 7.62mm NATO among others during the quarter.
UNGA 2024: Africa’s path to sustainable urban development and technological innovation | Africanews
The 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), themed “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations,” highlights Africa’s key challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, and rapid urbanization. With over 60% of Africans under 25, this year’s discussions focus on empowering youth and women to shape the continent’s future.
Sea Guard 2024: Navy Deploys 10 Warships to Combat Oil Theft, Maritime Crimes – PRNigeria News
The Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 elite warships and two helicopters for a special exercise called “Exercise Sea Guard 2024”. The three-day exercise, scheduled from September 26 to 28, aims to secure the nation’s maritime environment and deny criminals the freedom to operate. Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday in Onne, Rivers.
NDLEA nabs ex-convict with cocaine worth N4.6bn at Lagos airport – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has apprehended an ex-convict, Christian Ogbuji for importing 817 wraps of cocaine weighing 19.40kg with an estimated value of N4.6billion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA. This is contained in a statement issued by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Peace and Security
Why West Africa is now the world’s terrorism hotspot | Reuters
Having slipped undetected into Mali’s capital weeks ago, the jihadis struck just before dawn prayers. They killed dozens of students at an elite police training academy, stormed Bamako’s airport and set the presidential jet on fire.
The Sept. 17 attack was the most brazen since 2016 in a capital city in the Sahel, a vast arid region stretching across sub-Saharan Africa south of the Sahara Desert.
Russia says supports Africa’s Security Council seat bid | Africanews
Russia will back Africa’s bid for a United Nations security Council seat. Speaking to Russian media on the eve of the UN General Assembly, Moscow’s foreign affairs minister Sergei Lavrov called Africa’s desire for a permanent seat on the UN’s top organ ‘legitimate’. He said Russia also supports the aspirations of India and Brazil. Lavrov said that the admission of Africa to the Security Council would help elevate the voices of developing countries, an argument long made by African nations.
Counter-Insurgency: Nigeria, Others Join Forces as Niger Republic Rejoins MNJTF – PRNigeria News
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, has announced a significant boost to regional counter-insurgency efforts as Niger Republic rejoins the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Represented by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Abubakar revealed this development during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Abuja. “The return of Niger Republic to MNJTF will enhance security along our border and strengthen counter-insurgency operations,” Abubakar said.
UNGA79: Nigeria demands UN Security Council seat – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Mohammed Badaru, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, says Nigeria has earned the right to become a member of the UN Security Council after contributing to 41 peacekeeping missions, deploying over 200,000 troops. Badaru said this, in his address at the Summit of the Future interactive dialogue 2, titled: “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security,” on Sunday in NewYork, US.
Cameroon: Manyu Divisional Chief Orders Bars And Snack Bars To Close at 8pm – Journal du Cameroun
In order to ensure security, peace and public order in his area of responsibility, the Senior Divisional Officer of the Manyu Division is restricting certain night-time activities. He has ordered the closure of bars, snack bars and nightclubs from 8pm every day until further notice. After closing at 8 p.m., these places of sale, consumption of drinks, revelry and sometimes various forms of trafficking are not allowed to reopen until 6 a.m. the following day.
As Mali marks independence, military leader urges unity and lists security achievements | Africanews
Mali marked on Sunday (Sep. 22) the 64th anniversary of its indepedence. Events took place across the nation as well as in the capital where the transitional president attended ceremonies. Col. Assimi Goïta marked Mali’s independence Day, his fifth celebration at the helm of the Sahelian country. The address to the nation on Saturday night (Sep. 11) was dominated by the fight against terrorism and a vision for development. Goïta celebrated the “progressive return of basic public services and key infrastructures” in the cities of Ber, Tessalit, Anéfis, Kidal and Aguelhok.
Burkina Faso junta speaks of coup plot after criticism over jihadi massacre | Reuters
Burkina Faso’s junta said it had uncovered an international plot to overthrow it and which included the massacre in August of hundreds of civilians by Islamist insurgents. Some critics and analysts however said the junta’s statement was an attempt to deflect blame for the killings and security situation in the country. The junta came to power in a 2022 coup pledging to beat back jihadists who have ravaged the landlocked West African country for years. But instead violence has increased, leaving the regime worried about popular discontent, its critics and analysts say
Humanitarian
EU announces €5.4m aid to flood victims in Nigeria, 4 other countries – Daily Trust
The European Union has released €5.4 million in humanitarian aid to help the most affected populations in the aftermath of the devastating floods in Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso. More than 4.4 million people are estimated to be affected in the six countries. Floods have led to the destruction of houses, public health facilities, water systems, schools and sanitation facilities as well as roads, infrastructures, and agricultural areas.
Residents flee as flood ravages 10 communities in Kebbi – NEMA – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, says ten communities have been displaced by flood following heavy rains in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi. Aliyu Shehu-Kafindagi, the Head of Operations of NEMA, Sokoto Office, made this known when he led a joint assessment team to the affected areas on Wednesday. He added that the incident left no fewer than 2,000 people homeless, who had no option than to flee to more safe areas.
BUA Chairman Donates N2bn to Maiduguri Flood Victims – PRNigeria News
Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, has announced a donation of N2 billion to support flood victims in Maiduguri and Jere, Borno State. Representing the chairman, the group’s Executive Director, Kabiru Rabiu, made the announcement during a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri. He stated that the donation includes N1 billion in cash and N1 billion worth of food items.
Flood Victims in Nigeria, Chad, Others Get Red Cross’ Relief Materials – PRNigeria News
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in recent weeks as floods ravage several countries in West Africa. Torrential rains in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria have left hundreds dead and caused massive damage. Thousands have lost their homes and livelihoods in a region already beset by food insecurity. “These severe floods add a complicating layer in a region where conflict and violence already make life so fragile for thousands of families,” said Patrick Youssef, the director of the Africa region for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Maiduguri Flood: MSF Raises Concerns Over Cholera, Malaria Threats – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expressed concerns over the looming threat of malaria and cholera outbreaks in Maiduguri following the devastating floods that have unsettled the northeastern Nigeria town. The medical aid organisation, in a statement sent to HumAngle on Friday, Sept. 20, called for increased support in water, sanitation, and medical care to protect a population already grappling with severe malnutrition and insecurity.
Women Battle Sanitary Crisis After Maiduguri Flood Displaced Them – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Walking through the well-constructed compound of Al-Habib Islamic Institute, now repurposed as a shelter for flood victims from Dikwa Low-Cost Area in Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria, it would be easy to assume that all basic needs are being met. Yet, the reality of the women and girls living there tells a far different story. A pressing shortage of sanitary pads and hygiene products has sparked a silent crisis among the displaced.
Minister Seeks International Community’s Support for Terrorism Victims – PRNigeria News
The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Abubakar Badaru CON, mni has advocated for victims of terrorism by calling on the international community’s collective responsibility to protect and support victims of terrorism. The Minister made the call during the fifth ministerial meeting of the group of friends of victims of terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.
As the flood waters in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, begin to recede, the submerged city is facing the effects of the Sept. 10 incident. A significant portion of the state capital has been damaged, leaving local business owners to face considerable financial and emotional losses. However, traders have started reopening their shops for business activities.
Yobe Community Faces Devastating Floods Impacting Livelihoods – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Jumbam Musa, a 40-year-old farmer in the Jumbam community, Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria, cultivated his farmland with care, and the income from his agricultural business was enough to take care of his immediate family. But the devastating floods experienced in the community in the last five years have left his farm in ruins. However, this year’s flooding has consumed not just crops but their homes as well, displacing him and his relatives.
Mobilization and economic development
Decision to raise interest rate to 27.25 per cent unanimous – Cardoso – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Yemi Cardoso, has said the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, of the apex bank to further tighten the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, was unanimous. Mr Cardoso, who is also the Chairman of the MPC, said this on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting the communique from the 297th meeting of the committee.
Cameroon To Sell Cocoa At FCFA 5,200 – Journal du Cameroun
In a press release, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana informed stakeholders in the national cocoa sector that as part of the government’s efforts to increase the value of Cameroonian cocoa beans on the international market, a major player in the world chocolate industry has just signed a major purchase contract with a local cooperative specialising in the production of high quality cocoa at an edge-of-field price of FCFA 5,200/kg.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Yemi Cardoso, says lifting of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery will moderate foreign exchange demand pressures. Mr Cardoso who said this on Tuesday in Abuja, while presenting a communique from the apex bank’s 297th Monetary Policy Committee meeting, said that it would also moderate transportation cost, thereby easing food prices.
Trade: South Africa Strengthens Cooperation With Cameroon – Journal du Cameroun
According to the Ministry of Trade, this meeting, which marked the end of Mandla Langa‘s two-year diplomatic presence in Cameroon, enabled the two personalities to take stock of bilateral trade relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. It was an opportunity for both parties to review the existing trade agreements between the two countries.
International Cocoa Council: Cameroon Takes Over The Chairmanship – Journal du Cameroun
This decision, which will be officially confirmed at the 110th session of the ICCO from 23 to 26 September in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), reflects international recognition of “Cameroon’s tireless efforts to promote the work of producers and their fair remuneration”, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Trade on Friday. Cameroon, which ranks fourth in the world with a production of 300,000 tonnes, tied with Nigeria, plays a key role in the sector.
Nigeria’s central bank surprises with fifth rate hike this year | Reuters
Nigeria’s central bank unexpectedly raised its benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points to 27.25% on Tuesday in a unanimous decision to tame persistent inflationary pressures, bank governor Olayemi Cardoso said. The move wrongfooted analysts who had expected rates to stay on hold and indicates the bank is prioritizing inflation control over economic growth amid the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.
UNGA 2024: Spotlight on Africa’s Future {Business Africa} | Africanews
The 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), themed “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations,” highlights Africa’s pressing issues such as climate change and economic inequality. With over 60% of its population under 25, discussions focus on empowering youth and women while exploring sustainable urban development strategies.
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