Author: kajarbi54

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police operations against escalating gang violence and organised crime in parts of the country. The directive was announced on Thursday during the State of the Nation Address delivered before a joint sitting of Parliament at Cape Town City Hall. Ramaphosa said the military would assist the South African Police Service in stabilising high-risk areas, dismantling criminal syndicates, and restoring public safety. The president described organised crime as “the most immediate threat to the nation’s democracy, society and economic development,” identifying the Western Cape…

Nigeria has secured a $62.8 million concessional loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, to strengthen climate-resilient school infrastructure, enhance teacher training and expand inclusive access to education. The Nigerian government disclosed this in Abuja, during celebrations marking Kuwait’s 65th National Day and 35th Liberation Day. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, said the 2025 financing agreement reflects deepening Nigeria-Kuwait ties and a shared commitment to human capital development. According to the diplomat, both countries are expanding collaboration in agriculture, food security, renewable energy, infrastructure and digital connectivity, with subnational governments also…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s foreign-policy independence, declaring the country’s sovereignty “non-negotiable” amid rising geopolitical tensions. Speaking during his State of the Nation Address in Cape Town, Ramaphosa said South Africa “will not be bullied by any other country,” stressing that the government would continue to defend its national interests and democratic values. He said the country remains resilient in the face of external pressure and committed to protecting the rights of its citizens. “In a world where powerful nations often assert their dominance and influence over less powerful states, our country’s commitment to sovereignty and self-determination is…

President Adama Barrow has announced that The Gambia is on course to achieve universal electricity access by the end of 2026, four years ahead of the global 2030 target. Barrow made the announcement during the inauguration of electricity access projects in Njongon, in the North Bank Region, stating that 719 communities across the country now have access to affordable electricity. Of the newly electrified communities, 209 are located in the North Bank Region and 157 in the Central River Region. The projects form part of a broader government initiative aimed at expanding reliable power supply nationwide, a move officials describe…

The Gambia government, through the National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC), has disbursed D1.67 billion (over $24 million) to purchase 43,524 metric tonnes of groundnuts as part of efforts to encourage local food production. The investment marks one of the country’s most significant annual commitments to rural livelihoods and national food security. Speaking on the accumulated disbursement, Senior Manager of NFSPMC, Mr Lamin Fofana, noted that the government has so far disbursed over D1.32 billion to Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Seccos) and paid approximately D351 million to private traders for the purchase of groundnuts. According to him,…

By Elvis Andoh A senior Ghanaian opposition lawmaker has decried the growing economic pressures confronting ordinary citizens, as the country faces persistent unemployment and rising living costs. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase/Ayirebi in the Eastern Region and a leading figure in the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), urged Parliament to urgently address these issues and move beyond partisan confrontation. The lawmaker made the call on Tuesday following the resumption of the second session of the Ninth Parliament. In a statement, he cautioned that the legislature risks becoming “irrelevant” if it prioritises political theatre over substantive oversight and policy…

Libya has approved new oil exploration and production licences for several foreign firms for the first time in 17 years, marking a significant step after more than a decade of political instability. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) on Wednesday announced the winners of its first licensing round since 2007, allocating key acreage across onshore and offshore blocks. Among the companies granted licences were Nigeria’s Aiteo, Africa’s largest privately owned energy company, and U.S. oil major Chevron. Other successful bidders included several consortia: Spain’s Repsol with BP, Eni North Africa with QatarEnergy, and a separate consortium comprising Repsol, Hungary’s MOL Group…

By Safiya Mohammed Bello The Nigerian military has intensified offensive operations against insurgents in Borno State, North-East Nigeria, killing 16 terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and foiling attacks on military positions. In a statement on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Sani Uba said troops under Operation HADIN KAI, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised terrorists at the Gidan Kaji axis along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road during a counter-offensive. According to the military, troops also repelled a midnight ISWAP assault on a military base in Auno, arrested suspected logistics suppliers, and foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Buratai–Biu Road. Military authorities said the…

A Kenyan court has charged Paul Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed preacher, and seven others linked to a cult in connection with the additional deaths of 52 people. In a statement on X on Wednesday, the public prosecutor announced that the preacher and the other defendants had been charged with “organized criminal activity, two counts of radicalization, and two counts of facilitating the commission of a terrorist act” in relation to the “deaths of at least 52 people in the Kwa Binzaro area of Chakama, Kilifi County.” The prosecutor’s office said the accused allegedly promoted an extreme belief system by preaching against…

By Bakary Touray Jr. President Adama Barrow has exercised his prerogative of mercy by granting a presidential pardon to 56 male inmates of the Mile 2 Central Prison, the Gambia Prison Service said. In a statement, prison authorities said the pardon was granted under Section 82 of the 1997 Constitution, which empowers the president to exercise clemency. The statement described the gesture as a reflection of President Barrow’s continued commitment to justice, rehabilitation and reintegration. The move offers the pardoned inmates a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. Responding to the development, the Director General…