Author: fatimah

The Algerian government has declared French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet “persona non grata”, following statements it described as “offensive and provocative.” The announcement was made on a national television program hosted by Badis Khenissa, who said, “I say it loud and clear: the French ambassador is persona non grata in Algeria, as his conduct violates diplomatic norms observed worldwide.” Romatet’s new status comes after his appearance via video conference in a documentary broadcast last Thursday by French public channel France 2. The film addressed relations between Algeria and France, and reportedly mentioned the alleged involvement of Algerian authorities in the attempted…

The Nigeria Police Force, through the National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), has dismantled a cybercrime syndicate accused of diverting telecommunications airtime and data resources, with estimated losses exceeding N7.7 billion (approximately $5 million) In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the operation followed a petition from a Nigerian telecommunications company that uncovered unauthorised activities within its billing and payment systems. He explained that compromised login credentials belonging to internal staff were exploited by the suspects to gain unlawful access to the company’s core infrastructure and manipulate its systems for financial gain. According to the police, coordinated…

The Bank of Ghana has announced a ¢100 million (approximately USD $9 million) minimum capital requirement for institutions seeking to operate as Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in the country. The directive, issued on Tuesday, forms part of a broader reform agenda aimed at improving financial stability, strengthening corporate governance, and protecting depositors’ funds within the microfinance sector. According to the central bank, the reforms are designed to address persistent operational and governance challenges while enhancing the long-term sustainability of institutions operating in the sector. Under the new framework, Microfinance Banks will operate as licensed deposit-taking institutions in line with Act 930,…

In southwest Nigeria, the Lagos State government has rejected claims that police used excessive force against residents protesting demolitions and evictions in parts of the state, describing reports of the incident as misleading and inaccurate. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, said allegations that police operatives attached to the state command fired tear gas at protesters contained “distortions and unverified claims capable of inflaming public tension.” The response follows a protest by residents and human rights groups over ongoing demolitions, during which police fired live ammunition…

The National Assembly of The Gambia on Thursday began a four-day Senior Management Strategic Review and Planning Retreat aimed at strengthening and enhancing staff performance. At the opening of the retreat, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, said the training marks a critical transition point for the institution. He described it as a deliberate effort to build on the successes of a transformative year and move into a new phase defined by institutional sustainability, rigorous standardization, and systemic resilience. He challenged legislative staff to work toward an organizational structure that eliminates duplication, rewards professional specialization, and addresses…

The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has presented a comprehensive report detailing its operating expenses for the year 2022. According to the management of GCAA, operating expenses exceeded D328 million, which is approximately $4.5 million. The management of GCAA presented a review of its activity report and financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2022 on Tuesday before members of the Public Enterprise Committee (PEC). The report shows a 21 percent increase in operating expenses, including administrative expenses, staff costs, interest, and depreciation, during the year under review. According to management, these expenditures were incurred as a result of…

The Ethiopian government has held a series of high-level discussions with the United States aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing regional security collaboration. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Landau and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Dagvin Anderson. The leaders discussed areas of shared interest and described the talks as constructive and grounded in mutual respect. In addition to meeting the Prime Minister, the American delegation held separate sessions with Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed and Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos. The Ethiopian Ministry of Defense said both sides agreed to work…

Zambia is accelerating efforts to stabilise its national grid and meet rising electricity demand following the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with two Chinese companies. The agreements were finalised on Wednesday at State House, outlining plans for solar energy projects expected to generate up to 1,000 megawatts. Energy Minister Makozo Chikote signed the MoUs on behalf of the Zambian government, while James Jin, President of LONGi Green Energy’s Middle East and North Africa division, and Shi Tao, Chairman of Golden Sun under China Pingmei Shenma Holding Group, represented their respective firms. The move is aimed at boosting the country’s…

Lawmakers in The Gambia on Wednesday received a comprehensive report detailing progress on major electricity initiatives, including the Gambia Energy Access Project (GEAP), the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP), and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project (ECOREAP). The report, presented by Mam Kumba Touray, Financial Management Specialist at the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), totaled over US$54 million (approximately D3.888 billion Dalasi). The parliament’s Committee on Public Enterprises reviewed the report covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2023. Regarding GEAP, Touray said total receipts stood at US$4,682,843, while total expenditure amounted to US$4,543,236 for…

Rwanda has filed an arbitration case against the United Kingdom over the cancellation of a controversial asylum agreement scrapped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in 2024. In a statement published on X and in a notice submitted to the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Rwandan government said Britain breached the financial terms of the migration partnership. Under the original agreement, reached before Starmer took office, the UK was to pay Rwanda to accept migrants who had entered Britain illegally. However, the plan was repeatedly delayed by legal challenges and only four people were eventually relocated voluntarily. Rwanda said Britain…