Regional News
ISWAP abducts 3 humanitarian workers, security guards in Borno- Source. TheCable.
ISWAP abducts 3 humanitarian workers, security guards in Borno | TheCable
The Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) has reportedly abducted three humanitarian workers and two security guards of the Family Health International (FHI360) in Borno.
FHI 360 is a US-based nonprofit human development and non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, ISWAP fighters in their numbers stormed the guest house of the NGO “in a silent operation at about 4 a.m on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, and whisked them away to an unknown destination”.
The publication said there was no official statement from the organisation since the news of the abduction broke out.
5 Soldiers killed in mine explosion in Nigeria-Source. Africanews.5 soldiers killed in mine explosion in Nigeria | Africanews
The Nigerian government has announced that it will take the first step towards the creation of a new state of the nation’s military in the coming years, according to a new report released by the Nigerian Ministry of Defence on Wednesday.
The military unit was on patrol Monday in the village of Laayi, near the town of Damasak (not far from the border with Niger), when their vehicle exploded on contact with an improvised explosive device, Babakura Kolo, head of one of the local militias working with the government in the fight against jihadist groups, told AFP.
The attack left five people dead, according to Kolo, who presumed it was carried out by the Islamic State in West Africa (Iswap) group.
The previous night, jihadists attacked Laayi, kidnapping four residents including a local chief, and planted the explosive device when they retreated from the area, he said.
Army kills 35 terrorists, destroys 12 camps in Sambisa Forest- Source. Vanguard News. Army kills 35 terrorists, destroys 12 camps in Sambisa Forest – Vanguard News (vanguardngr.com)
The Nigeria Army Troops of the 21-Armored Brigade, Bama, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and 199 Special Forces Battalion in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have killed 35 Boko Haram terrorists in the ongoing clearance operation in Sambisa Forest.
The troops headed by one Brig. Gen. Victor Unachukwu a.k.a Emperor, made the unprecedented incursions into the Boko Haram hideouts in its determined efforts to completely eliminate the Boko Haram Terrorists insurgents hibernating along the fringes of the Sambisa forest.
Nigerian students escaping Sudan stranded in the desert- Source. HumAnagle. Nigerian Students Escaping Sudan Stranded In The Desert – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Nigerian students trying to escape from Sudan are stranded in the desert a few hours drive out of the capital Khartoum, as an agreed ceasefire slips away.
Five buses filled with Nigerians studying at Sudanese universities left a muster point Wednesday afternoon, but the buses halted before they reached the Egyptian border, the students said.
The Sudanese logistics company that owns the buses is demanding more money from the Nigerian government and is threatening to leave the students where they are.
“The drivers that parked said they won’t move an inch if they are not paid. Their company told them not to move further. It’s a directive from their company,” a student said.
Nigeria begins evacuation of its citizens in Sudan- Source. Premiumtimes. Nigeria begins evacuation of its citizens in Sudan (premiumtimesng.com)
The Nigerian government, on Wednesday, commenced the evacuation of Nigerians in Sudan.
This was revealed in a tweet by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) where it shared a video showing buses parked in line. It also shared a picture of people queued up which it captioned “at the registration point this morning.”
“Last night, the Nigeria Evacuation team in SUDAN received some buses to transport Nigerian Students to nearby borders in Egypt, before airlifting them to Nigeria, this has been sorted by the Federal Government through @nemanigeria and the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan,” NiDCOM tweeted.
NiDCOM added that more buses are arriving this morning and the stranded students will depart today.
The evacuation was initially scheduled to start on Tuesday but did not happen because buses were unable to secure passes to move, a source at the ministry of foreign affairs who did not have permission to speak to the media, told PREMIUM TIMES.
‘Logistics Concerns’ prevent evacuation of Nigeria students from Sudan- Source. HumAngle. ‘Logistics Concerns’ Prevent Evacuation Of Nigerian Students From Sudan – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Nigerian students waiting to be evacuated from crisis-stricken Sudan are still stuck in the country after logistical problems prevented their departure.
An agreed 72-hour ceasefire between the warring military factions for control of the government will end Thursday night.
One of the students told HumAgle yesterday morning there were only three buses that have a capacity of carrying 50 passengers each. More have arrived since but they are still not enough.
As many as 5,500 Nigerians have expressed a desire to be evacuated from Sudan, the foreign ministry says. It is not clear how many are currently gathering at the two muster points for evacuation.
Burkina Faso: UNHCR calls for investigation into killings in Ouahigouya- Source. Africanews.
Burkina Faso: UNHCR calls for investigation into killings in Ouahigouya | Africanews
The UN Human Rights Office, is calling for a full and independent investigation into the latest horrific killing of civilians in Burkina Faso and for “those responsible to be held to account.”
At the bi-weekly news briefing today (25 April) in Geneva, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office made the following statement on Burkina Faso: Available information suggests that at least 150 civilians may have been killed, and many others injured. The armed men then proceeded to loot homes, shops, and mosques. Sources in the nearby town of Ouahigouya reported hearing gunshots at 7a.m. on 20 April, three hours after they had seen men in military fatigues on vehicles and motorcycles headed towards Karma”.
15 villagers, 2 soldiers killed in Benue- Source. Dailytrust. 15 villagers, 2 soldiers killed in Benue – Daily Trust
Two soldiers and 15 villagers have been reportedly killed in attacks by armed invaders on three communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
Locals said that the attacks happened simultaneously at about 6pm on Tuesday in Opaha, Odogbo and Edikwu communities in Apa LGA.
A local simply identified as Kole, said 17 bodies including two soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) were recovered from nearby bushes in the early hours of Wednesday after security operatives combed the area.
The local also told our correspondent that one of the deceased soldiers was the commander of the unit which confronted the armed invaders in their bid to repel the attackers from the communities while under siege.
Blasts in Mali and injure dozens amid resurgence of ‘terrorist incidents’- Source. Africanews. Blasts in Mali kill and injure dozens amid resurgence of ‘terrorist incidents’ | Africanews
Ten civilians and three soldiers were killed in a number of incidents across Mali on Saturday.
The government says 88 jihadists were put out of action in what they are describing as a resurgence of “terrorist incidents.”
The attacks began with car bombs near Sevare airport which killed 10 people and injured 61 others. They also destroyed some houses in the airport’s surrounding area, which is home to a Malian military camp.
Severe resident, Amadou Djiguiba, explained what happened.
“We heard noises after the prayer, around 5:30 am, 5:40 am,” he said. “At first, we thought the tragedy happened at home.
2023 elections: 96 percent of female candidates crashout- Source. Dailytrust. 2023 elections: 96 percent of female candidates crash out – Daily Trust
A total of 1,553 women were on the ballot for the presidential, governorship, national and state assemblies’ elections held on February 25 and March 18, this year.
Out of a total of 15,307 candidates who contested under the 18 registered political parties during the 2023 general elections, males constituted 13,754, which represented 89.8 per cent while the 1,553 female candidates represented 10.1 per cent.
The analysis of the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed that only 72 women got elected at federal and state levels, while 1,487 lost.
These figures included Kebbi and Adamawa states, where supplementary elections were held on April 15.
Islamic State group extends its predation in the Sahel- Source. Africanews. Islamic State group extends its predation In the Sahel | Africanews
At the cost of bloody fighting, massacres, and displacement of civilians, the Islamic State group in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) is now in a position of strength in northeastern Mali, which serves as a base for its expansionist aims in Niger and Burkina Faso, according to analysts.
Less than a year after the departure of the last French soldiers from Mali in August 2022, the jihadist organization has extended its control in the immense remote and arid area known as “the three borders”, straddling these three Sahelian countries, in committing numerous abuses against civilians.
The capture of Tidermène, a locality located north of Ménaka at the beginning of April, is the last stage of a victorious offensive begun in 2022 against its rivals from the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM, or Jnim according to the acronym Arab), affiliated with Al-Qaeda , the Malian army and local Tuareg- dominated armed groups in the Ménaka region.
Mali: Cattle theft to fund jihadists- Source. Africanews. Mali: Cattle theft to fund jihadists | Africanews
Ayouba Ag Nadroun was at a market in central Mali in March when jihadists attacked his village, killing dozens of people and stealing cows and camels worth around $10,000.
“We lost everything,” the 62-year-old told The Associated Press by phone from the Menaka region.
Cattle looting is reaching unprecedented levels in Mali, with jihadists linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group stealing millions of dollars worth of cattle to buy weapons and vehicles to fund their insurgency.
According to a recent report by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, as jihadists gain ground, looting is increasing and fueling conflict among already impoverished communities struggling to feed and keep their families alive.
Dozen killed in Burkina Faso near Mali border- Source. Al Jazeera Dozens killed in Burkina Faso attack near Mali border | Conflict News | Al Jazeera
About 60 civilians have been killed in a village in northern Burkina Faso, according to the local prosecutor who announced an investigation into the attack.
Citing information from police in the town of Ouahigouya, prosecutor Lamine Kabore said the attack took place on Friday in the village of Karma near the border with Mali.
Peace and Security
Cameroon, Chad clash over Pipeline Management- Source. Journalducameroun.com.Cameroon , Chad Clash over Pipeline Management – (journalducameroun.com)
In a press release issued on 20 April 2023 by the Secretary General of the Presidency of Chad, Gali Ngothé Gatta, we learn that for weeks there have been and continue to be disputes that give cause for concern about the collaboration and partnership between Chad and Cameroon in the management of the pipeline. These relate to the “alleged acquisition of the assets of the former Esso Chad by the nebulous Savannah Energy“.
It is in this line that the MINISTER OF STATE, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC, MR FERDINAND NGOH NGOH, LEFT YAOUNDE THIS WEDNESDAY, 26 APRIL 2023, BOUND FOR NDJAMENA , CHAD. HE IS AN ENVOY OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, HIS EXCELLENCY PAUL BIYA, TO HIS COUNTERPART, GENERAL MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO, TRANSITIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHAD.
Insecurity: No. Military, security agencies haven’t failed- Source. PR Nigeria. Insecurity: No. Military, Security Agencies Haven’t Failed! – PRNigeria News
The teething challenge of insecurity is one that has been confronting Nigeria, for some time now. The country appears to be on siege. Terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers and hordes of other criminals have been unrelenting.
From the North East to North West, down to South South and not forgetting the South East, the aforementioned criminals have perpetrated gruesome havoc. They have, and are still unleashing mayhem on harmless citizens.
Thousands of innocent Nigerians are victims of terror attacks orchestrated by Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, insurgents. In the North West and Central, farming activities are at their lowest ebb, no thanks to marauding bandits, who abduct and even kill residents of Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger and Kaduna States.
Humanitarian
6.2 million Nigeria children unvaccinated in 2yrs- WHO- Source. Dailytrust. 6.2 million Nigerian children unvaccinated in 2yrs – WHO – Daily Trust
Nigeria recorded an estimated 6.2 million zero-dose children between 2019 and 2021, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has said.
WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Walter Kazadi Mulombo, said this in Abuja yesterday while briefing newsmen as part of activities to mark this year’s.
African Vaccination Week celebration.
He said this was a consequence of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Birin Yauri: As four girls regain freedom, parents of other captives are hopeful- Source. HumAngle. Birnin Yauri: As Four School Girls Regain Freedom, Parents Of Other Captives Are Hopeful – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Dogo Gide, a leading terrorist leader operating in northwest Nigeria, has released four captives out of the 11 abducted schoolgirls of FGC Birnin Yauri, who had to navigate two years of torment in his hideout.
The four girls reached safety late on Friday, April 21. Their release was the first of its kind in 15 months – since Jan. 2022, when Gide released dozens of the abducted schoolchildren, leaving 11 girls behind.
In a previous timeline report, HumAngle compiled a list of significant events about the abduction, covering the period from the early warning signals of the attack to the birth of a boy by one of the captives in Nov. 2022.
Terrorists kidnap Zamfara district head- Source. HumAngle. Terrorists Kidnap Zamfara District Head – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Terrorists have kidnapped one of the most senior members of an Emirate council in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria.
The abduction of Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Fada, the District Head of Kasuwar Daji and a leader in the Kaura-Namoda Emirate Council, happened in the early hours of Thursday, April 27, his family said.
There was gunfire as the kidnappers forced back people who tried to prevent the Sarkin Fada from being taken, witnesses told HumAngle. The kidnapping comes after a few weeks of relative peace in the area, according to relatives.
The son of the kidnapped District Head, Anas Ibrahim Sarkin Fada, Dan-Lawan Gummi, confirmed the incident to HumAngle. There had been several attempts to kidnap his father in the past seven months, people in the area say.
In Niger State, schooling for pupils halted as terror victims take over classes- Source. Premuimtimes. SPECIAL REPORT: In Niger State, schooling for pupils halted as terror victims take over classes (premiumtimesng.com)
On 20 July 2022, hundreds of terror victims loitered around the Kuta displacement camp in Niger State. Dozens of men climbed the decaying fences of the place; others sat discussing under baobab trees, watching this visiting reporter. Women, many of whom were nursing mothers, clustered behind the walls and in the rooms of the camp.
As you moved around this place, the personal effects of the people welcomed your gaze. Wooden mortars and their pestles; aluminium pots and plates; local attires, and plastic wares were found in the rooms. Outside, newly hung laundries were waiting to dry and children scampered around.
What turns out to be a settlement for nearly 2,500 displaced people is originally a public primary school facility in Kuta town. Now, the activities of the people uprooted by war from different parts of the state are hampering academic activities in the place.
Three million Cameroonians affected by Malaria in 2022- Source. Journalducameroun. Three Million Cameroonians Affected By Malaria In 2022 – (journalducameroun.com)
The 16th International Malaria Day is celebrated this Tuesday, April 25. In the run-up to this day, the Ministry of Public Health has published its annual report on this disease. In 2022, 3,327,381 cases of malaria were reported by health facilities in the country, representing 29.6% of all consultations. With these cases, “Cameroon is among the 11 countries most affected by malaria in the world,” reveals the ministry. However, it adds that “hospital data in Cameroon show an overall stagnation of confirmed cases over the past few years”. malaria remains one of the main causes of death in Cameroon.
The East region has the highest incidence of cases. With 41% of children under 5 years old affected, 51% of people over 5 years old and 7% of pregnant women. Figures from the Ministry of Public Health also reveal that between 2021 and 2022, hospital mortality due to malaria has fallen by almost 4 points, from 13.5% to 9.9% of all recorded deaths. The Far North and Adamaoua regions have recorded the highest mortality rates. In the same year, the Ministry of Public Health claims that more than 99% of severe malaria cases were treated. This year, the 16th World Malaria Day is celebrated under the theme: “It’s time to reach zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
World Malaria Day: Nigeria has approved the use of Malaria vaccine. What’s next? World Malaria Day: Nigeria Has Approved The Use Of Malaria Vaccine. What’s Next? – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Nigerian medicines regulators have granted provisional approval for a new malaria vaccine, as final testing continues in three other African countries.
Authorities expect to take delivery of millions of doses this year and begin administering them to children at risk of catching malaria, without any need for further tests.
The move by Nigeria’s drug administration also comes before the approval of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has reviewed the vaccine and found it “adequate” and “satisfactory”.
Stabilization and economic development
Is green hydrogen Africa’s answer to the global climate crisis- Source. TRT Afrika.
Is green hydrogen Africa’s answer to the global climate crisis? – TRT Afrika
Discussions about climate crisis have often portrayed – and rightly – the African continent solely as a victim and even an innocent bystander, particularly as it contributes under 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Yet, as the world scrambles to find new sources of cleaner energy, it is getting harder to ignore Africa’s phenomenal potential in aiding the climate crisis and delivering cleaner energy.
From solar energy from the Sahara Desert to vast onshore wind levels, Africa has much potential to convert this into green hydrogen, with climate researchers going as far as arguing it is the key to producing cleaner energy.
CFA Franc: The ‘colonial currency’ keeping 14 African nations on a leash- Source. TRT Afrika. CFA Franc: The ‘colonial currency’ keeping 14 African nations on a leash – TRT Afrika
In 1962, when Modibo Keita, President of the newly-independent Mali, decided to create the Malian Franc, the immediate result was for his neighbours, themselves freshly independent but members of the CFA Franc zone, to raise commercial barriers and isolate him economically.
A year later, his Togolese counterpart Sylvanus Olympio – who planned an independent monetary project for his newly-independent country – was assassinated by a group of military personnel trained by France.
Among them was Etienne Gnassingbe Eyadema, the man who would later become the President of Togo from 1967 until his death in 2005.
