Author: kajarbi54

The African Development Bank Group has launched a new continent-wide initiative aimed at transforming Africa’s aviation sector and attracting large-scale investment. The program, called the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program, or IATP, was unveiled at the Airlines, Capital and Connectivity Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya, on February 25–26, 2026. The IATP seeks to modernize Africa’s aviation ecosystem by aligning policy reforms, mobilizing private and institutional financing, and facilitating bankable aviation projects across the continent. Opening the forum, the Bank’s Director for Infrastructure and Urban Development, Mike Salawou, said the program is designed to reduce investment risks, support early pilot projects, and…

A total of 43 Ugandan students from Ahlul Bayt International University in Tehran, Iran, were safely repatriated on Thursday amid the escalating Iran-Israel-United States tensions, while eight others chose to remain in the country. The eight students reportedly decided to continue their studies at the Iranian institution, citing academic commitments and personal circumstances. Balaam Barugahara, Uganda’s State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, disclosed this to reporters at Entebbe International Airport. “When the war broke out, our ambassador in Iran, Twaha Matata, reached out to the President through the foreign affairs ministry. Of the 51 students, eight chose to…

Nigeria’s former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah has begun moves to refund part of the funds allegedly misappropriated in the N2.5 billion fraud case against her, signalling progress in settlement talks with the Federal Government. At the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, confirmed that Oduah and her co-defendant, Gloria Odita, had started returning the funds. Although Mr Oyedepo did not disclose how much had been refunded, he said the government was awaiting confirmation of receipt of a bank draft submitted as part of the restitution. Defence lawyers confirmed the…

The Agriculture Committee of the National Assembly of The Gambia has recommended the introduction of a standardised pricing mechanism for farmers to ensure fair compensation and more stable incomes in the country’s groundnut sector. The proposal is contained in the committee’s report following a study tour to the facilities of Société Nationale de Commercialisation des Oléagineux du Sénégal (SONACOS) in Kaolack, Senegal. The report was presented before the National Assembly on Thursday for consideration and adoption by lawmakers. Vice-chair of the committee, Amie Colley, said the visit allowed members to observe first-hand the operational model of Senegal’s groundnut processing and…

At least 15 soldiers were killed when suspected jihadist militants attacked a military base in northern Benin, the country’s armed forces said on Thursday. The assault occurred on Wednesday at an army post in Kofouno, near the border with Niger. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a regional affiliate of Al-Qaeda operating across the Sahel, claimed responsibility for the raid. Military spokesperson Colonel James Johnson said five other soldiers were wounded in the attack, but noted that their injuries were not life-threatening. According to the spokesman, military aircraft targeted the militants as they retreated from the…

The United Kingdom government is planning to restrict education visas for nationals of Sudan, Cameroon, Afghanistan and Myanmar as part of a broader crackdown on asylum claims. Officials say the move follows a sharp increase in student visa applications from these countries, with figures from the Home Office showing applications rising by more than 470 percent between 2021 and 2025. Authorities estimate that nearly 135,000 asylum seekers entered the UK through legal migration routes during that period, a significant increase compared with previous years. Shabana Mahmood said in a statement that the government remains committed to offering protection to people…

The government of Morocco has scheduled its next parliamentary elections for September 23, 2026, government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas announced on Thursday following a cabinet meeting. The decision follows the approval of a draft decree submitted by the Ministry of the Interior outlining the timetable and procedures for organizing the vote to renew members of the House of Representatives of Morocco. According to Baitas, the regulatory framework also defines the administrative steps for submitting candidacies and managing electoral lists. Prospective candidates will be able to file their applications either through a designated electronic platform or directly with the government body responsible…

Lawmakers in The Gambia have reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the One-China Policy following a motion introduced in parliament by Lower Saloum representative Sainey Jawara. The motion seeks to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy in support of the policy, which recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing China and considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory. Presenting the motion before lawmakers, Jawara said the principle aligns The Gambia with the majority of countries worldwide and reflects its commitment to a rules-based international order. “Under this principle, the Government of the People’s Republic of China is recognised…

Lawmakers in The Gambia have unanimously adopted the report of a joint parliamentary committee on the Prerogative of Mercy Bill, 2025, paving the way for a clearer legal framework governing presidential pardons. The bill, a private member’s initiative sponsored by the Member for Upper Saloum, Alhagie Mbowe, was introduced during a sitting of the National Assembly of The Gambia on July 11, 2025. It was subsequently referred to a joint committee comprising the Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters and the Committee on Public Appointments for scrutiny in accordance with the Assembly’s 2019 Standing Orders. Presenting the committee’s report…

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo say the death toll from a landslide at a coltan mining site in the country’s east has exceeded 200, with the figure expected to rise in the coming days. The landslide occurred on Tuesday in the Rubaya mining area of North Kivu, burying miners, food vendors and other small-scale traders, including around 70 children. The Ministry of Mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the incident in a statement, saying: “The provisional toll is more than 200 people dead, including around 70 minor children. Several of the wounded were evacuated…