Regional News
Chad ends defence cooperation agreement with France | Reuters
Chad’s government said on Thursday it has ended its defence cooperation pact with France, a move that could see French troops leave the Central African country. In a statement, Chad’s foreign ministry said the country, a key Western ally in the fight against Islamic militants in the region, wanted to fully assert its sovereignty after more than six decades of independence. It said the decision to end the defence cooperation agreement revised in 2019 would enable it to redefine its strategic partnerships.
Chad complains it is fighting terrorism “alone” in the Lake Chad Basin | Africanews
Chadian defence forces have intensified their operations to track down Boko Haram fighters. This follows a deadly attack in late October in which the terror group targeted a garrison in the Lake Chad basin killing about 40 soldierss. In the aftermath, the president launched operation Haskanite. Authorities say they have killed about 100 fighters. “I can confirm that there are no more Boko Haram groups on Chadian soil,” the governor of the Lake province du Lac. “Operation Haskanite has driven them out, moreover, we were able to finish them off. For instance, I can talk about our last confrontation during which a prominent leader, he was known among Boko Haram fighters, this leader was named Kanaye Djougoun. This operation has bore fruits,” Saleh Haggar said.
Nigerian police shot at protesters in August, Amnesty says | Reuters
Amnesty International said in a report on Thursday that Nigerian police used excessive force and shot protesters while cracking down on demonstrations in August over a cost of living crisis, killing at least 24 people. The countrywide protests over economic hardship, also dubbed “#10DaysOfRage”, were the biggest demonstrations in Nigeria since October 2020. The Nigeria Police Force did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Amnesty report. On Aug. 3, police denied killing protesters but said seven people had died.
Kidnappers demand N300m ransom for toddler, siblings abducted in Kaduna – Daily Trust
Kidnappers of four children in Kaduna have contacted the victims’ father, demanding N300 million ransom for their release. Daily Trust gathered that the abductors have threatened to kill the youngest child because of his cries. The kidnappers reportedly told Adamu to pay the ransom or the children would be killed. Adamu, who lives in Keke A, Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) under Kaduna Millennium City, told Daily Trust on Thursday that the bandits even beat the children because he pleaded with them over the ransom demand.
Mali’s ruling junta cut the signal of the popular news broadcaster Joliba TV News after a prominent politician criticized the military rulers of neighboring Burkina Faso during a televised debate, a journalist for the channel said Tuesday. “This morning, the authorities cut off our TV channel signal, but we’re still hopeful that they’ll restore it soon,” Attaher Halidou, the journalist who chaired the debate, told The Associated Press. Earlier this month, Malian authorities arrested and jailed politician Issa Kaou N’Djim after he claimed during the debate on Joliba TV that the military rulers of Burkina Faso had fabricated evidence of a foiled coup in September. The director of the broadcaster was also questioned by the authorities.
Shettima jets out to Abidjan for energy resources exhibition – Daily Trust
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to attend the opening ceremony of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE) 2024 conference. The SIREXE conference is an international event organised by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. It focuses on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries”. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of The Vice President, in a statement on Wednesday said the conference would be held from November 27 to December 2, 2024, at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre.
Fewest new HIV cases recorded in 2023 – UNAIDS report – Daily Trust
Fewer people contracted HIV last year than at any point since the rise of the disease in the late 1980s, the United Nations said Tuesday, warning that this decline was still far too slow. Around 1.3 million people contracted the disease in 2023, according to a new report from the UNAIDS agency.
At least seven Russian mercenaries killed in Mali attack | Reuters
At least seven mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner private military contractor group were killed in an attack in central Mali that was claimed by an affiliate of al Qaeda in North Africa, Site Intelligence group said Friday. Wagner previously suffered heavy losses in a July battle with predominantly Tuareg rebels and Islamists near Mali’s border with Algeria which exposed the dangers faced by mercenaries working for military juntas in West Africa’s Sahel region.
CAF Champions Leagues kicks off, ES Tunis – Djoliba AC to clash in opener | Africanews
TotalEnergies CAF Champions’ League Group Stage kicks off on Tuesday (Nov. 26). ES Tunis start their campaign by hosting Malian outfit Djoliba AC in Group D. Speaking during a presser on Monday (Nov. 25), the newly appointed coach of ES Tunis, cleared the air about the squad’s readiness. “I think all the players are ready for the game tomorrow and I think they (media) didn’t understand what I said before the last game,” Laurențiu Reghecampf said. “I just said that I didn’t have the players. I didn’t have enough time to prepare the team with all the players because many players were with the national team. And I didn’t have too much time to train them all together.”
Nigeria motorists switch to gas to cut fuel costs, pollution | Africanews
Nigeria, with its abundant natural gas reserves, is embracing a new era in transportation. The adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (otherwise known as CNG) to power vehicles offers a sustainable and economical alternative to traditional fuels, tackling the country’s dependency on fuel imports and combating environmental pollution. At this conversion centre in Abuja, vehicles are being transformed to run on CNG. The initiative promises a lifeline to many Nigerians struggling with rising fuel costs. Taxi driver Oche Ogenyi is one of the many benefitting from this shift. Ogenyi says: “When I was using fuel, on a daily basis, I buy fuel of 30,000 to 40,000 naira ($18 -$23.50 USD). And at the end of the day, when I come home, I make a profit of just 5,000 naira (£3). But with the introduction of the CNG after the conversion, I will spend just 5,000 naira buying gas. And at the end of the day, I make an interest of 30,000 naira on a daily basis. The difference is much.”
Mpox still constitutes a public health emergency of international concern – WHO | Africanews
The mpox outbreak continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern, the WHO has said. The conclusion of the body’s emergency commitee unveiled Friday (Nov. 22) was “based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases, operational challenges in the field and the need to mount and sustain a cohesive response across countries and partners,” a statement read. This prolongs a declaration that the U.N. agency first made in August. Africa is the hardest hit continent. 19 countries have recorded mpox cases since the start of the year. Canada has also confirmed the first case of Clade I mpox and its public health agency said the case was linked to travel associated with the ongoing outbreak in central and eastern Africa.
When a civilian was murdered allegedly by Russia-linked Wanger soldiers, angry truck drivers blocked the transnational highway along the Garoua Boulai town in Cameroon and Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. Mohamadou Awalou, a truck driver, was killed on Nov. 18, during an attack by an armed group suspected to be connected to Russian mercenaries of the Wagner security group. Following the killing, truck drivers protested, blocking the highway on Nov. 23 to seek justice for their colleague.
Mali town at heart of July battle hit by disease and drone strikes | Reuters
Residents of Mali’s northern town of Tinzaouaten, caught in the crossfire of a fierce July battle between Tuareg rebels and the army backed by Russian mercenaries, now face disease outbreaks and drone attacks, prompting many to flee to Algeria. Tuareg rebels are in control of the town in Mali’s vast northern desert, and security-related roadblocks have hampered access to supplies such as bed nets and medicines needed to combat outbreaks of diphtheria and malaria.
Nigeria boat accident leaves five dead, 20 missing | Reuters
At least five people were killed and 20 others are missing after a speedboat struck a submerged log and capsized in Nigeria’s southern state of Delta, a police spokesperson said on Tuesday. The incident happened on Friday in the remote Gbaramatu Kingdom of the state’s Warri South-West district. Emergency responders are still conducting a search and rescue operation to find the 20 missing people. Six survivors are receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Reps want local languages used in primary, secondary schools – Yerwa Express News
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Education to commence usage of local languages for teachings in primary and junior secondary schools across the country. The House subsequently called for a pilot programme in selected schools across various states to assess the feasibility and benefits of utilising local languages as a medium of instruction.
FG cancels foreign trainings for Nigerian scholars – Minister – Yerwa Express News
The Minister of Education, Dr Mauruf Alausa, says the Federal Government has, henceforth, cancelled foreign trainings for scholars. Mr Alausa, who said this at the opening ceremony of a three-day conference organised by the British Council, on Tuesday in Abuja, said that scholars would now be trained within Nigeria. The theme of the conference is, “Building Sustainable and Relevant Tertiary Institutions and Systems in Africa”.
Nigeria needs sophisticated satellites to save over $2bn annually – Expert – Yerwa Express News A Space Engineer, Prof. Spencer Onuh, has said said that Nigeria needs to acquire more sophisticated satellites to reduce capital flight on data, imagery sourcing which amounts to over two billion dollars annually. Mr Onuh said this on Tuesday, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Abuja while reminiscing on the impact of the National Space programme in the past 25 years.
Coy seeks establishment of Health Development Bank – Yerwa Express News
Pharmaceutical company, ST.RACHEAL’s Pharma, has called on the National Assembly to accelerate the enactment of a bill for an act to establish the Health Development Bank of Nigeria. The Chairman of the company, Akinjide Adeosun, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, to mark the 2024 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, WAAW, in Lagos
Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor Borno State has commended the Nigerian military for their decisive defeat of Boko Haram insurgents in Kukawa and Monguno towns. Prof. Usman Tar, Borno’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security in a statement on Monday said the insurgents ‘buoyed by their recent attack on Kareto, attempted to advance on Kukawa township but were repelled by the military.’
Food prices rose in October – NBS – Yerwa Express News
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says prices of beans, eggs, bread, rice, and other food items witnessed significant price increases in October 2024. The NBS said this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for October 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday. The report said that the average price of 1kg of brown beans increased by 254.23 per cent from N790.01 recorded in October 2023 to N2,798.50 in October 2024.
Whistleblowers exposed to danger in Nigeria, 13 ECOWAS states without legal protection – AFRICMIL
Histleblowers in Nigeria and 13 other West African countries face severe risks, including harassment, job loss, and even death, due to the absence of comprehensive legal frameworks to shield them, the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) said Tuesday. The AFRICMIL Coordinator, Chido Onumah, said this at the ongoing Sub-regional Conference on Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection in West Africa on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mali arrests top politician for criticizing Burkina Faso’s ruling junta | Africanews
Mali’s junta arrested one of the country’s top politicians Wednesday for criticizing the military rulers of neighbouring Burkina Faso, according to his son and a judiciary source. Issa Kaou N’Djim, who previously supported Mali’s current military leader Col. Assimi Goita before distancing himself, was arrested on charges of insulting a foreign head of state, which is a crime in Mali, an employee of the court system said. The court employee spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to talk to reporters.
WHO Africa regional director-elect dies at 55
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Regional Director-elect, Faustine Ndugulile, is dead. Mr Ndugulile, a Tanzanian politician and renowned public health expert, died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 55.
Peace and Security
Nigeria seeks to boost economic ties with France as Tinubu visits Paris | Africanews
For the first time in 24 years, a Nigerian President began a state visit to France on Thursday to boost economic ties and attract foreign investments. The visit is symbolic to Nigeria’s leadership as it marks the first appearance of a sitting president at Champs-Élysées in two decades. Bola Tinubu chaired meetings at the Elysée Palace aimed at bolstering his country’s position as a top trade partner for France. “We’ve been working on stabilizing the security system in Nigeria, and we are getting closer and closer. We are doing better now in the area of security. I assure all the investors here that Nigeria is open for business and I thank you for your collaboration,” Tinubu said.
EU recalls its ambassador from Niger as relations deteriorate | Africanews
The European Union (EU) has recalled its ambassador from Niamey, Niger’s capital, for consultations in Brussels following tensions with the country’s transitional authorities regarding EU humanitarian aid for flood victims in the West African nation. “The European Union has taken note of the statement issued by Niger’s transitional authorities, challenging the modalities and management of humanitarian aid provided by the EU Delegation to the victims of severe flooding in the country,” the statement read. This disagreement marks a further deterioration in relations between Europe and Sahelian military juntas. On Friday, Niger’s transitional government criticized the EU for allocating €1.3 million in humanitarian aid without prior consultation. A government statement accused the EU ambassador of redistributing these funds to NGOs “unilaterally,” allegedly ignoring transparency principles and bypassing collaboration with Nigerien authorities. An audit of the fund’s management was requested.
Niger calls for replacement of EU ambassador amid aid dispute | Africanews
Niger’s government has requested the European Union to replace its ambassador, Salvador Pinto da Franca, following tensions over the disbursement of emergency aid. The EU recalled its envoy on Saturday after Niger’s military rulers accused him of distributing €1.3 million in flood relief to NGOs without prior approval. The EU rejected the allegations, expressing “profound disagreement.” On Sunday, Niger’s foreign ministry claimed da Franca continued “unauthorized operations” despite warnings issued in October. In a statement, it said collaboration with the ambassador was no longer viable and requested his replacement “as soon as possible.”
Paris seeks to renew ties with Nigeria as President Tinubu visits France | Africanews
The Nigerian President Tinubu began his three-day state visit to France on Thursday in a bid to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit is symbolic to Nigeria’s leadership as it marks the first appearance of a sitting president at Champs-Élysées in two decades. Paris is seeking to renew its ties with Africa, especially the English-speaking countries. France has seen its influence diminish in the French-speaking countries following the coups that took place in the Sahel countries. France is seeking to strengthen economic ties with Africa, as the visit sets up the two presidents for meetings at the “Franco-Nigerian Business Council” forum.
HumAngle Editor, Experts Chart Path to End Insurgency in Lake Chad – HumAngle
The Lake Chad region has endured years of insurgency, leaving devastation and displacement in its wake. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, the Managing Editor of HumAngle Media, joined other experts to explore solutions to the protracted crisis plaguing the region. The panel discussion titled: “Countering Insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin: Policy Solutions for Regional Stability” is part of the Media Development Conference organised by the Centre for Journalism Innovation Development, ongoing in Abuja, north-central Nigeria.
Burkina summons newspaper head over Mali reporting | Africanews
Burkina Faso’s communications watchdog has summoned the head of a popular newspaper and a journalist over an article on Mali. The hearing is scheduled on Tursday (Nov. 28). The High Council for communication or CSC argues the Observateur Paalga, a leading local newspaper, published an article allegedly “breaching the law, ethics and journalistic professional conduct”. The board of the body notably includes jurists and journalists. The piece whose title roughly translates as “Malian Armed forces: loads of generals” commented on the promotion of high-ranking members of the junta ruling the neighbouring country.
Mali: 4 Executives from Canadian company Barrick Gold arrested | Africanews
Malian authorities have arrested four executives from a Canadian mining company as the country’s military regime continues to detain workers to pressure companies in its mining sector to pay millions of dollars in additional taxes. Barrick Gold confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that four employees from its Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex had been charged and were awaiting trial after their arrest on Monday night. The company stated that it rejected the charges but did not specify what they were. Malian authorities declined to comment on the arrests.
Thugs beat police officer to death in Adamawa – Daily Trust
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested two individuals in connection with the murder of a policeman, Ibrahim Maizabuwa. The suspects, Ezekiel Kefas, 67, and Stephen Zabadi, 44, are from Wamsa Suwa Ward in Lamurde Local Government Area of the state. Investigations revealed that the officer was killed and buried in the community after visiting his friend, Ezekiel Kefas. During interrogation, Kefas reportedly claimed that the officer was killed by a group of thugs after he allegedly destroyed property and assaulted people in his (Kefas’) house.
NIGERIA DAILY: Why Local Policing Fails To Curb Insecurity In Northern Nigeria – Daily Trust
Insecurity in northern Nigeria has led to the displacement of millions of people, who often end up in camps with little access to food, water, or healthcare. With reports of attacks occurring almost daily, it has become a monster that appears to have developed resistance to conventional means of securing lives and property.
Africa’s foreign policy must focus on continental needs
The international order is being challenged by tensions between the global north or West and the emerging global south powers, particularly the BRICS group. In a divided world, major and middle powers from both sides are courting Africa, as seen in the many summit meetings and billion-dollar investment pledges. But do these partnerships strengthen Africa’s position on the world stage as the African Union (AU) claims?
Amnesty International condemns deadly police crackdown in Nigeria | Africanews
Amnesty International has accused Nigerian police of using excessive force to suppress #Endbadgovernance protests. In a report released Thursday, the group revealed that police killed at least 24 people between August 1 and 10 in six states: Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger. The report, “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #Endbadgovernance Protests,” details the deaths of 20 young people, two children, and an older person. All victims were shot, many at close range in the head or torso, suggesting an intent to kill. Survivors suffered gunshot injuries or were harmed by tear gas.
Humanitarian
Chad: UN investigates sexual exploitation allegations against aid workers | Africanews
The United Nations in Chad has launched an internal investigation, following a report by the Associated Press news agency on allegations of sexual exploitation of Sudanese refugees . The statement, written days after the AP published the story, was seen on Tuesday (Nov. 26). It said the seriousness of the allegations cited in the AP’s story, warranted immediate and firm measures and that those responsible should be punished. The U.N. did not immediately respond to questions about what the internal investigation entailed.
UN femicide report says home is the most dangerous place for women | Africanews
It is meant to be a safe space, but the United Nations said in a sobering report published on Monday that the deadliest place for women is at home. The UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime found that in 2023, 140 women and girls died every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative. That meant one woman was killed every 10 minutes. The report was released as people around the world marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. At a march in Lima, activist Rocio Silva said women in Peru are angry for many different reasons. “The first, is that we have a woman president in the country who is totally functional to the patriarchy. She doesn’t care about gender violence or other issues linked to women.” In the Italian capital, Rome, demonstrator Elisabetta Girolami said many people took to the street to say “no” to patriarchy and to reaffirm the culture of consent.
60% of Global Femicide Committed by Family Members, Africa Worst Affected — UN Women – HumAngle
A United Nations (UN) Women report has revealed that family members are behind most femicide incidents globally. The report, released in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs And Crime (UNDOC), highlights the scale of gender-based violence and the alarming prevalence of intimate partner and family killings. In 2023, an estimated 85,000 women and girls fell victim to femicide globally, with 60 per cent (51,000) killed by intimate family members, including fathers, husbands, brothers, and uncles. Africa bore the brunt, with 21,700 women and girls losing their lives in the continent.
UN report says 1 woman killed every 10 minutes in alleged femicide – Yerwa Express News
No fewer than 140 women and girls die every day allegedly at the hands of their partners or close relatives, according to a UN report. A sobering report released by UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, on Monday revealed that in 2023, 140 women died daily in alleged femicide. This means that one woman is killed every 10 minutes.
Ability in disability: The story–and appeal for Ibrahim Minso – Yerwa Express News
Ibrahim Minso, is not like every Boko Haram survivor you will come across. Minso is an exceptional bead maker. That isn’t what is unique, because more than a dozen others make beads. He is blind! Dead blind. But he seems not to need the physical eye to express his talent. He lost his sight when he was 27 years old to glaucoma, he fled Boko Haram crisis in 2012, and in 2015, he lost his father and brother with whom he was staying. As if that isn’t too much already, it also separated him with his remaining family members.
Nigeria loses $1.1bn to malaria annually – FG – Daily Trust
The federal government said Nigeria loses over $1.1 billion annually to malaria, significantly impacting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) in Abuja.
Mobilization and economic development
Standard Chartered mulls sale of wealth, retail operations in Africa | Reuters
Standard Chartered (STAN.L), opens new tab is exploring a potential divestment of its wealth and retail banking operations in Botswana, Uganda and Zambia, it said on Wednesday, as the banking giant looks to free up capital in the midst of a broad shake-up. The Asia-focussed lender, like rival HSBC (HSBA.L), opens new tab, is restructuring its business to focus more on affluent individual customers and international companies that are likely to yield more in fees for the bank.
Nigeria central bank hikes policy rate again after inflation uptick | Reuters
Nigeria’s central bank raised its key interest rate for the sixth time this year on Tuesday, citing renewed inflationary and exchange rate pressures in Africa’s most populous nation. The decision to raise the Monetary Policy Rate by 25 basis points to 27.50% (NGCBIR=ECI), opens new tab takes this year’s hikes to a cumulative 875 basis points. Most economists polled by Reuters had predicted more policy tightening on Tuesday.
Nigeria growth picks up in third quarter, fuelled by services | Reuters
Nigeria’s economy grew 3.46% year-on-year in the third quarter (NGGDPQ=ECI), opens new tab of 2024, quicker than in the first two quarters of the year, statistics agency data showed on Monday. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth was driven mainly by the services sector, which contributed more than 50% to aggregate output in the July-September period. Despite the pickup in growth, from 3.19% in the second quarter and 2.98% in the first, it was still short of the 6% target set by President Bola Tinubu when he took office last year in Africa’s most populous nation and top oil producer.
Tinubu welcomes reactivation of PH Refinery – Yerwa Express News
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, on the successful revitalization of Port Harcourt Refinery, following official commencement of petroleum product loading today. The president in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, acknowledged the efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who initiated the comprehensive rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries, and expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for their confidence in financing the project.
Naira depreciates by 1.39% against dollar at official market – Yerwa Express News
The Naira on Monday depreciated at the official market trading at N1,675.62 against the dollar. Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, revealed that the Naira lost N23. This represents a 1.39 per cent loss when compared to the previous trading date on Friday, Nov. 22 when it exchanged at N1,652.62 to a dollar. Also, the total daily turnover reduced to 108.79 million dollars on Monday do wn from 243.05 million dollars recorded on Friday.
Kaduna govt seals 5 banks, business premises over N1.7bn debt – Yerwa Express News
The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, KADIRS, on Tuesday sealed five banks and other business premises within the Kaduna metropolis for a ‘Land Use Charge, LUC, debt’ of N1.7 billion It has also sealed the prominent Hamdala Hotel for a N115 million debt on LUC. The banks and other businesses sealed were: Keystone Bank Plc, Unity Bank, FCMB, Zenith Bank, Bank of Agriculture, BOA, as well as Chicken Republic, all located along Yakubu Gowon Way.
Health experts have called for increased funding, policy implementation and use of technology as critical solutions to improving healthcare services and accessibility in Nigeria and the African region. This was the focus of discussions during a panel session on day two of the ongoing Media and Development Conference (MDC 2024) in Abuja on Tuesday.
AfDB disburses $1bn to women-led enterprises in Nigeria, others – Daily Trust
The African Development Bank (AfDB) says it has so far disbursed $1 billion to women-led enterprises as part of the bank’s efforts to bridge the financing gap among women entrepreneurs. The Director General, AfDB, Nigeria Country Department, Dr. Abdul Kamara made the disclosure in Abuja yesterday at the High-Level Dialogue on Investment in Gender Equality and Ending Violence Against Women for Rights and Development organised in partnership with the United Nations Women (UN Women).
