Footage showed passengers arriving in buses and immigration vehicles, carrying luggage through the airport before gathering at check-in counters.

“We all know what is happening, and it’s not comfortable for us to be here anymore,” one traveller said. “Home sweet home, so we have to go.”

Another passenger said he did not intend to return to South Africa.

Despite the departures, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, insisted relations between the two countries remained stable.

“There is no diplomatic row,” Quashie said, adding that the repatriation process had been coordinated with South African authorities, including the Department of Home Affairs and security services.

According to the commissioner, about 326 Ghanaian nationals reported for departure, although the aircraft could only accommodate 300 passengers. Additional charter flights are expected within days.

The Ghana High Commission said more than 800 Ghanaian nationals have registered for the state-assisted return programme.

The departures come amid rising anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, where protesters have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs, increasing crime and putting pressure on public services .

“It hurt us very, very much to know that the president dismissed the prime minister,” activist Nourdine Diallo said. “We campaigned by saying ‘Diomaye is Sonko - Sonko is Diomaye.’ This slogan was really real, it wasn’t just words.”

Some supporters compared the political split to historic divisions among African leaders.

“As an African, it’s the usual in our history ,” said Adama Fall, a PASTEF municipal councillor in Thies-Ouest. “Today, we are reliving history.”

Despite Sonko’s dismissal, supporters insisted he remained central to the movement’s future. “He will rest and come back to us in force to lead us in this revolution,” activist Maimouna Goudiaby said.

Fall accused President Faye of leading a “counter-revolution” against the movement Sonko built through the PASTEF party.

President Faye announced Sonko’s dismissal in a decree read on state television late Friday night. The decree also dissolved the government but did not name a replacement prime minister.

Sonko later reacted on social media , writing: “Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep light-hearted in the city of Keur Gorgui.”

The two men rose to power together during the 2024 election after Sonko was barred from running because of legal cases he denied. Faye, backed by Sonko’s opposition movement, defeated then-president Macky Sall in a major political upset.

“By decree number 2026-1128 of May 22, 2026, the President of the Republic… has terminated the duties of Mr Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state members of the government ,” Ba said.

He added that the outgoing administration would remain in charge of handling current affairs until a new government is appointed.

The presidency did not immediately announce a replacement prime minister.

Sonko reacted shortly after the announcement in a social media post, writing: “Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep light-hearted in the city of Keur Gorgui.”

Relations between Faye and Sonko had reportedly deteriorated in recent months over political control, economic policy and the allocation of state contracts.

The two leaders were key allies in the 2024 presidential election, after Sonko was barred from running because of legal cases he described as politically motivated. Faye, backed by Sonko’s opposition movement, went on to defeat former President Macky Sall in a major political upset.

“Russia will always support Mali so that we can stay on our feet and so that we can expel all these terrorists and their foreign sponsors from Mali,” Sanou said.

He added that the visit reflected the commitment of Mali’s interim president, General Assimi Goïta, to strengthen ties with Moscow.

Footage by Viory from the meeting showed Sanou and Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev signing cooperation documents and shaking hands.

According to Sanou, Mali has opened discussions with Russia on railway construction projects as well as the purchase of trains, ships, fertilisers and oil products. Tsivilev described Mali as one of Russia’s key African partners and said both countries were committed to expanding cooperation.

“It is very important not only for our peoples, but also for all the states of the Sahel and other Central African states,” Tsivilev said.

Russia’s Energy Ministry said the talks covered agriculture, energy and transport cooperation.

The two sides also signed a final protocol for the meeting and a memorandum of understanding on standardisation between Russia’s Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology and Mali’s Standardisation and Quality Improvement Agency.

Their return was marked with music , dancing and celebrations.

“It is a great source of pride to be back in our beloved country, Senegal,” said Abdoulaye Dieng, one of the freed supporters. “It was a very long and difficult ordeal. But God gave us the strength to overcome it.”

Dieng returned with Ibrahima Diop and Aziz Wade. Fifteen other Senegalese supporters remain detained in Morocco, while Senegalese authorities continue talks with Rabat to secure their release.

“Our satisfaction is not complete,” Wade said. “We are thinking of the 15 others who are still being held in Morocco.”

He called on Senegalese state and religious authorities to help secure their release.

The supporters were part of a group convicted by the Rabat Court of Appeal over violence linked to the AFCON final between Senegal and hosts Morocco.

Eighteen Senegalese fans were prosecuted on charges including public disorder, throwing projectiles and damaging stadium property. They received prison sentences ranging from three to 12 months, which were upheld on appeal.

The final was overshadowed by unrest after Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco. The Confederation of African Football later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title.

“The routed terrorists had no choice but to retreat,” Maiga said.

He said the attacks were part of a “vain and desperate attempt” by armed groups and their sponsors to destabilise the state.

“The scale of the attack and the methods used by the enemy provide sufficient proof that the terrorists received reinforcements from both inside and outside,” he added.

Maiga said troop deployments were being reorganised as part of a wider counter-offensive.

“We are currently restructuring our deployment by repositioning certain units in accordance with the principle of concentration of forces,” he said, describing the move as “strictly a war strategy.”

He added that more than 10,000 combatants had been mobilised by the attackers, forcing the military to adjust its strategy to protect soldiers and prepare to retake territory.

The army also warned of what it called a media disinformation campaign similar to the one seen during Mali’s 2012 crisis. Maiga urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid ethnic profiling in the capital.

The April 25 attacks were claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front. They marked one of Mali’s most serious escalations in years and reportedly included the killing of Defence Minister Sadio Camara.

“The situation in Mali is under control,” he said, adding that active combat operations were ongoing in several regions.

He said the Malian Armed Forces had adopted a more “proactive and assertive” approach against armed groups, insisting that militants do not control the country.

The soldier accused “enemy” groups of using Western media outlets to spread false information, saying their claims had “no relation to the actual situation.”

He added that Malian security services were continuing investigations into the reported coup attempt.

According to the soldier, militant groups had hoped to make gains before the rainy season, when movement during military operations becomes more difficult. He claimed the groups had lost around 3,000 fighters in recent battles.

On April 27, Russia’s Defence Ministry said its Africa Corps had helped foil a coup attempt in Mali by armed groups linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front.

The attacks reportedly killed Mali’s defence minister, Sadio Camara, in a suicide bombing and injured 16 others.

Malian authorities condemned the incidents as “cowardly terrorist attacks” and pledged to bring those responsible to justice . They also urged citizens to remain vigilant and rely on official sources of information.

Mahama criticised what he described as exploitative behaviour by some employers who allegedly make intimate relationships a condition for offering jobs, particularly affecting women seeking employment .

He said such conduct should attract strict legal consequences and stressed that abuse and exploitation in the workplace must not be tolerated.

The President of the West African nation also highlighted efforts to improve gender equality, stating that his government remains focused on improving gender balance in public appointments, referring to the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, with a national target of equal representation by 2028.

Residents and volunteer fighters described an escalating security crisis, saying bandits and insurgents have been crossing in from neighbouring areas to launch raids on rural communities.

Dayabu Qulu Wamba, head of a local vigilante group, said residents were forced to organise after repeated attacks left people dead and prevented farmers from accessing their lands.

“We have a security challenge I consider a test. We couldn’t watch our people continue to die and be denied access to their lands by these bandits, and that was the motivation for us,” he said.

“We started confronting bandits with locally made guns. Many fighters have died, including my brother.” He said Wamba’s location near areas affected by banditry has made it vulnerable to incursions by armed groups. Vigilantes said they have repeatedly clashed with attackers despite limited resources.

“We heard that bandits were coming and we went to stop them,” said Ahmadu Ibrahim, a local fighter who showed wounds he said were sustained during a confrontation. “We lost three men and I was shot in my hands. It took me 12 months to heal the bullet wound, and there was no help from the government . But our commander was always by our side.”

Residents say years of violence have displaced hundreds of households and caused major economic losses.

“More than 500 households were displaced,” said local resident Sani Umar. “Many people lost millions. We then organised our own self-defence and set up a committee to support local vigilantes. Now we’re able to carry on with normal activities, even when we hear bandits may attack.”

The violence comes amid a broader wave of insecurity across Nigeria. Last week, at least 29 people were killed in an attack in Adamawa State, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility.

Local reports said gunfire and explosions were heard during what appeared to be a coordinated assault. Mali’s main military base at Kati, outside Bamako, was also reportedly targeted.

The African Union strongly condemned the attacks, warning that the hostilities risked exposing civilians to serious harm.

A French man of Algerian origin was also released on Saturday after completing a three-month sentence for throwing a water bottle during the match.

The unrest erupted after the referee awarded Morocco a late penalty shortly after ruling out a Senegal goal. Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest , while some supporters attempted to enter the field and hurled objects onto the grass.

The match later resumed, with Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz missing the penalty. Senegal eventually won 1-0 in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye.

The controversy has continued beyond the final. On March 17, the Confederation of African Football awarded the title to Morocco, prompting Senegal to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport .

The pope also emphasised dialogue, human rights and support for vulnerable groups, urging leaders to turn past divisions into opportunities for renewal. He highlighted the importance of investing in young people, describing it as a “strategic choice for peace” and long-term stability.

President Biya welcomed the visit, saying it came at a time of global uncertainty and conflict, and praised the pope’s message of peace . Leo XIV is on his first apostolic trip to Africa, which includes stops in Algeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, with his Cameroon visit running from April 15 to 18.

The trip comes at a time when Africa’s role in global Catholicism is expanding, driven by a young and rapidly growing population . Devout Catholic Ngong Aloysius Kfutua said the continent’s demographic strength is reshaping the Church’s future.

“The population of Africa is young. It’s a growing population, while in Europe it is aging,” he said, adding that the increase is reflected in rising church membership.

Kfutua also pointed to reforms such as the 1995 Ecclesia in Africa, which encouraged worship in local languages and the use of indigenous instruments, making the faith more accessible across the continent.

“The faith of Africans is well-tuned. Africans believe so much in God,” he said, noting that the number of priests ordained in Africa continues to outpace Europe.

Church leaders say the visit carries both spiritual and symbolic significance. James Ndifon, Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, described it as an opportunity to strengthen unity and reaffirm the country’s place within a fast-growing African Church.

“In many ways, the visit of the Holy Father is going to touch Cameroon in a very precise way because Cameroon is a country in need,” he said. “He’s coming to teach us, to sanctify us and to lead us to God.”

Particular attention is expected to focus on Cameroon’s conflict-affected English-speaking regions, where unrest has persisted since 2016. The Pope is scheduled to visit Bamenda, where he will meet community leaders and celebrate Mass as part of a peace-focused programme.

“He will come to console them, to give them hope and to engage all parties, including civil society and the state,” Ndifon said.

Ahead of the visit, Ambazonian separatist groups have reportedly announced a three-day ceasefire in the northwest and southwest regions, a rare pause in a conflict that has caused widespread displacement and humanitarian challenges.

“The votes obtained by the candidate pairs are proclaimed as follows: first - Romuald Wadagni and Mariam Chabi Talata; 4,252,347 votes, representing 94.05 per cent,” Lafia said.

The opposition ticket of Paul Hounkpe and Rock Judicael Hounwanou placed second with 5.95% of the vote.

CENA said voter turnout stood at 58.75%, a marked increase from the 2021 presidential election , which was widely boycotted by opposition parties.

The result further cements the grip of the ruling Progressive Union for Renewal and the Republican Bloc, which won all 109 seats in parliament in January.

Wadagni is set to become the first president to serve a seven-year term under constitutional reforms adopted in 2024 and 2025. The changes also synchronised presidential, legislative and municipal elections .

The vote took place against a backdrop of political tension, with several prominent opposition figures barred from contesting because of strict endorsement rules, raising concerns about political pluralism in the West African country.

The election also followed a failed coup attempt in December 2025.

Security is another major concern, particularly in the north, where attacks by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have intensified. The region has seen deadly assaults on military posts, and tensions remain high following a failed coup attempt in December.

The election is also being watched for its implications on democracy. President Patrice Talon’s government has faced criticism from opposition groups and rights organisations over restrictions on protests, arrests of critics and the exclusion of opposition parties from parliament.

With the ruling coalition controlling all seats in the National Assembly and the main opposition absent from the ballot, there is fear of a shrinking political space . The ruling government, however, argues that stability is needed to sustain economic gains and address security threats.

Wadagni, 49, a former Deloitte executive, has campaigned on continuity, highlighting economic gains under Talon’s leadership. “I had the honour of managing one of your most precious assets: your money,” he told supporters during the campaign, pledging to govern with the same “seriousness and dedication.” He has promised to expand healthcare and build on infrastructure and economic reforms.

His opponent, Paul Hounkpe, 56, represents the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE). A former teacher and culture minister, he has positioned himself as a moderate alternative, promising to lower the cost of living and secure the release of political detainees.

The main opposition party, the Democrats, is absent from the race after failing to secure the required backing to field a candidate, leaving Hounkpe as the only challenger.

About eight million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright, or a run-off will be held on May 10.

KADA president Nkeki Mutah said more than half of the area’s towns and villages had been destroyed, with many displaced residents unable to return to their farmland.

Mutah said the attacks appeared to deliberately target the Chibok community and called for special protection from authorities at all levels. He also urged the government to support humanitarian access to Kibaku and increase military deployments to the area.

The appeal follows recent attacks on Christian communities in Chibok that local media blamed on Boko Haram. The town remains globally associated with the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls by the militant group, with dozens still missing.

Local reports said rationing measures now limit drivers to 20 to 30 litres per car and 5 to 10 litres for tricycles, while essential service vehicles are being prioritised. Commuters voiced frustration that shortages were hitting an oil-producing country that also refines fuel in Zinder.

The crisis comes as global oil prices rise following disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Although Niger has produced oil since 2011 and the Zinder refinery supplies about 1.1 million litres a day, demand has outstripped supply. The pressure has also been worsened by higher fuel prices in neighbouring Nigeria , which have reduced the flow of smuggled fuel that many communities in southern Niger have long relied on.

In Nigeria, fuel prices have climbed by about 65%, one of the sharpest increases among major African economies, despite the start-up of the Dangote refinery. The surge has raised transport fares, driven up food prices and squeezed businesses that rely on petrol and diesel generators because of unstable electricity supply.

The Nigerian government has not restored fuel subsidies, choosing instead to stick with market reforms and limited relief measures. That means businesses and households could face more strain if oil prices remain elevated and the regional conflict drags on.

Nigeria’s banking sector has received a major boost after 33 banks raised a combined ₦4.65 trillion (about $3 billion) under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation programme. The CBN said the funds, sourced from both local and international investors, will strengthen the financial system and improve its ability to support economic growth. Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the exercise “has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks,” ensuring resilience against domestic and external shocks, while a few institutions remain under regulatory processes. “The recapitalisation programme has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, reinforcing the resilience of the financial system and ensuring it is well-positioned to support economic growth and withstand domestic and external shocks,” the Punch quotes Cardoso.

Nigerian arrested in India over $330,000 drug network

A Nigerian national has been arrested in Bengaluru, India, for allegedly running a drug distribution network involving substances worth an estimated $330,000. Police said Samuel Ikkena operated the network under the cover of a clothing business, procuring and distributing MDMA and other drugs. Authorities recovered large quantities of narcotics, including cannabis and heroin, with the total street value estimated at over $650,000. The arrest forms part of a crackdown that led to multiple arrests across the city.

$960bn revenue as port modernisation begins

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it is set to begin modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The agency is targeting ₦1.489 trillion (about $960 billion) in revenue for 2026, slightly higher than the previous year’s target. Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho said the upgrades will help redistribute cargo traffic to other ports during construction and boost overall activity. “Apapa and Tin Can Island ports are very old and small for the required global competitors in the ports business. Apapa Port is about 100 years old, while Tin Can is over 50 years old, with inadequate capacities in size and vessel containments for modernized operations. Groundbreaking of projects on their modernization will commence in two or three weeks," he said. A significant portion of the projected revenue is earmarked for capital projects and operational expenses.

Oil reserves dip as gas reserves grow

Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate reserves have declined marginally by 0.74 percent to 37.01 billion barrels as of January 2026. However, gas reserves rose by 2.21 percent to 215.19 trillion cubic feet, reflecting new discoveries and improved reservoir studies. The regulator said the changes were largely due to production levels and updated technical evaluations, noting that the country still maintains long-term reserve life projections.

Tourism sector gets boost after regulatory suspension lifted

Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector are set for revitalisation following the federal government’s decision to lift a suspension on regulatory activities. The Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, described the move as a “forward-thinking strategy” aimed at strengthening industry participation, improving standards, and driving economic diversification. Stakeholders say the policy shift could unlock new investments and position tourism as a key contributor to national development.

While the three juntas share similar rhetoric and have formed new regional groupings, they have struggled to translate alignment into seamless military cooperation or shared strategy against insurgent violence that moves easily across borders.

The lack of joint planning, intelligence-sharing and operational trust has left each government fighting largely on its own, undermining the idea that a Russia-backed Sahel front can deliver region-wide security gains.

Russia’s own approach is also drawing blowback. Reports of heavy-handed tactics and abuses linked to Moscow-aligned forces have fuelled resentment in some areas and, in some cases, strengthened armed groups’ recruitment narratives.

That reputational cost, combined with limited improvements on the ground, is making Russia’s offer less attractive than it looked when anti-Western sentiment was at its peak.

At the same time, Moscow no longer has the Sahel to itself. China, Türkiye and the UAE are expanding business, military and diplomatic footprints in the region, giving junta leaders more options and reducing Russia’s leverage.

Rather than using a conventional loan, Senegal relied on total return swaps, a complex financial tool that can provide cash upfront while keeping the arrangement less visible in standard public-debt disclosures. In broad terms, Senegal pledged rights tied to government bonds in exchange for immediate funding, with lenders protected by collateral worth more than the cash advanced.

Under the AFC arrangement, Senegal could access up to €350 million, beginning with €105 million backed by €150 million worth of bonds and interest costs above a floating rate, the documents indicate. In a separate FAB deal, Senegal secured about €300 million by pledging roughly €400 million in bonds, also with additional interest costs. Both arrangements are expected to run until 2028.

The structure has raised concerns because it can create hidden liabilities and sharp repayment risks. The deals reportedly include conditions that may allow lenders to demand early repayment if Senegal’s credit ratings drop below certain thresholds, adding pressure at a time when ratings have already been downgraded. Other clauses could increase costs if Senegal runs into repayment trouble.

Senegal has previously faced scrutiny over undisclosed borrowing linked to a prior administration.

The scramble comes as Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil and fuel shipping corridor, have rattled energy markets and forced buyers to diversify supply routes and suppliers. 

Dangote refinery officials said trading firms that buy its products have been shipping fuel across the continent, including to Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tanzania and Togo this month, with Tanzania receiving its first arrival from the refinery, according to a company representative cited in the report. 

While demand for Dangote’s output is rising abroad, the refinery has also adjusted prices at home in response to swings in crude markets. Nigerian media and market reports have described multiple price moves this month as global oil prices surged and then shifted again amid war-related uncertainty. 

Dangote, Africa’s largest refinery, plans to expand capacity further in the coming years, and the latest round of inquiries highlights how the plant is increasingly being viewed as a regional backstop when traditional import routes are disrupted. 

“I can report to you… at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” Tinubu said. “I’m making frantic efforts to contact other nations. If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training.”

The president described insecurity as a major challenge facing his government , saying it threatens development and prosperity. He told the governors that equipment acquisition was also one of the key issues raised during his UK trip.

Tinubu also warned that the ongoing Middle East crisis could worsen inflation and hit Nigerians’ purchasing power through higher fuel and transport costs, which often feed into food prices.

The push for external support comes as Nigeria battles multiple security threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions, separatist tensions in the South-East and widespread kidnapping.

It also follows recent bombings in Maiduguri , after which Tinubu ordered security chiefs to relocate to the city and approved additional equipment and operational support to boost counterterrorism efforts.

The change follows a decision by CAF’s Appeals Board dated March 18, which overturned the match result from the final played in Rabat on January 18. Senegal had initially been declared winners after a 1-0 extra-time victory, sealed by a goal from Pape Gueye.

CAF’s appeal body, however, found that Senegal’s temporary walk-off during a tense late-game episode amounted to conduct covered by the tournament’s forfeiture provisions. The incident occurred after a controversial stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco, causing protests and a brief disruption.

In its ruling, CAF said Senegal had forfeited the match under Article 84 of AFCON regulations and recorded the final as a 3-0 win for Morocco, handing the hosts what CAF now recognises as their second AFCON title.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s football federation has rejected the decision and said it will take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where a ruling could take months. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has defended the process, saying the confederation must enforce its regulations consistently and without favour.

The trip also includes a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, expected to culminate in the signing of memoranda of understanding and agreements covering trade, investment, defence, immigration and cultural cooperation, the presidency noted in a statement.

A key commercial highlight is Tinubu witnessing the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Nigeria’s Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The agreement is aimed at supporting the refurbishment of two major maritime facilities, the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

During the visit, the royal household is expected to show Tinubu a special exhibition of Nigeria-related items from the Royal Collection. Tinubu is also expected to attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and meet Nigerian and British business leaders, as well as members of the diaspora.

Members of Tinubu’s entourage include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, and several ministers, including Wale Edun (Finance), Jumoke Oduwole (Trade and Investment), and Bosun Tijani (Communications and Digital Economy).

His lead counsel, Enayat Qasimi, told Semafor that Ofori-Atta has a “pathway to residency” that he intends to pursue instead of returning home, arguing that his client fears he would not get a fair trial in Ghana. Qasimi said there are “serious questions” about the independence of the Ghanaian judiciary and described the case as a “political witch hunt.”

Ghana has filed an extradition request for Ofori-Atta, and US officials told Semafor the request has been received. Ghana’s Attorney-General’s office declined to comment, according to the report.

Ofori-Atta is facing multiple allegations, including corruption, money laundering and using public office for profit, with prosecutors alleging that the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contract caused a financial loss of more than GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The case has drawn wide attention in Ghana, where Ofori-Atta oversaw the Finance Ministry from 2017 to 2024 during a period that ended with the country’s worst economic crisis in a generation. His prosecution has also become a high-profile test of President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to crack down on corruption.

Under diplomatic practice, a host country must issue an agrément, formal consent, before an ambassador can take up the post. Nigeria’s officials told The Punch the hesitation is tied to timing rather than the nominee, with some countries viewing the Tinubu administration as nearing the end of its current term.

The report notes that Nigeria is trying to persuade India to make an exception, arguing that bilateral ties could help “scale through” the hurdle.

Tinubu approved postings for 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners on March 6, but the foreign ministry has so far received agrément only from the United Kingdom and France , leaving most deployments pending.

High-ranking military officials responsible for counterterrorism operations from both countries met in Cotonou on 27 February to discuss future collaboration. 

The proposed plan includes coordinated border patrols, joint military operations, intelligence sharing and increased monitoring of cross-border movement. Further discussions on the measures are expected later in March.

According to Héni Nsaibia, senior West Africa analyst at the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data group (ACLED), the border area linking Benin, Niger and Nigeria has emerged as a new focus of jihadist activity since 2025.

“Due to very weak border security and coordination between concerned states, seeing Benin and Nigeria reinforcing their cooperation is particularly relevant,” he told RFI .

According to his research for ACLED, incidents involving jihadist groups in Benin’s Alibori and Borgou departments, Dosso in Niger, and Nigeria’s Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states increased by 86% between 2024 and 2025. Deaths linked to these incidents rose by 262% during the same period.

Jihadist groups Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Sahel have historically operated mainly in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. However, their activities are increasingly spreading into West Africa’s coastal states.

Founded in Mali in 2017, JNIM has become the main jihadist group in the central Sahel. Since 2019, the al-Qaeda affiliate has also carried out attacks in countries along the Gulf of Guinea, including Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Togo.

Nsaibia noted that last year, JNIM also claimed responsibility for an attack on Nigerian territory for the first time.

He said the increase in violence can be attributed to “limited state presence” and weakened regional cooperation after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following military coups in the three countries.

Security officials say cross-border cooperation will be essential to address the threat.

Senior advisor to Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sunday Dare, said, because of "the porosity of the borders, we've had armed trafficking, we've had criminal gangs, we've had Boko Haram, we've had ISIS and other groups."

Dare said the Nigerian president is committed to strengthening relations with Benin and other neighbouring countries to support both security and economic cooperation.

“Just last month, he opened the borders to not just Benin, but also Niger, and that has improved relations,” Dare said.

Another meeting is scheduled to take place in Benin before the end of March to advance the draft military memorandum.

Nsaibia added that other countries in the region are also strengthening security cooperation.

“We have also seen in the past weeks that Ghana and Burkina Faso have taken similar steps. From a regional perspective, these borders are most exposed to jihadist violence, and I think it makes sense for these countries to have these types of rapprochement between each other.”

A third soldier was “traumatised”, according to the statement. The Ghana Armed Forces said the battalion’s Officers’ Mess was also hit and “burnt down completely”.

The injured soldiers are being treated at a Level One Medical Bunker and were reported to be stable, with arrangements underway to evacuate them to the UNIFIL Headquarters Referral Hospital, the statement said.

The Ghana Armed Forces urged the public to remain calm, adding that troops are currently safe in underground bunkers amid what it described as a fragile security situation.

It said the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has protested the incident at the United Nations headquarters in New York , and called on parties to the conflict to uphold their responsibilities to protect peacekeepers deployed in the area.

In South Africa, markets have already shifted as traders are now pricing no chance of a rate cut at the central bank’s March 26 meeting, after a cut was still being seen as possible just days earlier.

“Until the outlook in the Iran war becomes clearer, significant policy rate decisions by African central banks may be deferred,” said Hasnain Malik, a strategist at research firm Tellimer. He said countries such as Egypt, Kenya and Morocco could be more exposed to disruption than commodity producers like Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

Oil has jumped as traders worry about supply and shipping risks linked to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy flows. Higher fuel costs could quickly feed into transport and food prices across the continent.

African markets have also been unsettled by investors pulling money from riskier assets and moving into the US dollar, weakening local currencies . “Borrowing and raising capital just got harder,” said Charlie Robertson, author of The Time Travelling Economist. Chatham House’s Tighisti Amare warned African economies “simply do not have the buffers for another prolonged global shock.”

A health expert has said the rising figure shows persistent demand for treatment abroad, driven by weak confidence in local care, recurring disruptions, and limited capacity for specialised services . Former Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria president Olumide Akintayo said the system has deteriorated, pointing to prolonged industrial action and its knock-on effects.

“What the statistics and data… confirm authoritatively is that the health system has only gotten worse,” Akintayo said, adding, “We have just witnessed the longest-ever strike of health workers… 84 days.”

Nigerian Medical Association president Prof. Bala Audu said many Nigerians seeking FX for medical travel are likely pursuing treatment for serious, long-term illnesses. “Without that information, it would be very difficult to proffer a solution. But most likely it will be for chronic debilitating diseases such as different types of advanced cancers,” he said.

Audu added that Nigeria has skilled clinicians but lacks critical infrastructure. “For most treatments that are not available, the competent people to give those treatments are available. But what about the equipment?” he asked, citing gaps ranging from specialised machines to reagents and tests sometimes sent abroad.

The signing covered a grant contract for the “Project for the Development of Supporting Environment for Startups Addressing Social Challenges.” Under the arrangement, JICA will provide $14 million in grant support, while NSIA will contribute up to $20 million as matching funds as part of the wider $50 million initiative.

NSIA said the fund will operate as an onshore public vehicle and will combine financing with technical assistance, helping startups refine products, scale operations and expand into new markets.

NSIA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Aminu Umar-Sadiq said the initiative is designed to strengthen early-stage ventures working in high-impact areas.

“The Fund represents a transformative step for Nigeria ’s startup ecosystem,” he said. “By providing early-stage ventures in high-impact sectors with the capital and support they need to grow, we are enabling innovators to tackle some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.”

Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, said Japan sees the project as part of a broader cooperation package aligned with its foreign policy priorities.

“This initiative aims to achieve development goals by the ‘co-creation’ of social value through dialogue and collaboration with Japan’s partner countries, while mobilising private finance in combination with ODA,” he said.

Suzuki added that the project is Japan’s first implementation of this development model globally, involving a fund that incorporates private capital, and said interest in Tokyo is high.

Ghana said the move is intended to prevent a further escalation of incidents that have generated tensions between some institutions in both countries, while promoting an amicable, rules-based outcome that preserves the longstanding relations between Accra and Lomé.

“Ghana has taken this step in order to avoid an escalation of incidents that have created tensions between some of our institutions and to promote an amicable resolution, thereby contributing to the continued good relations between our two countries,” a statement from the government of Ghana read in part.

Ghana is effectively asking an independent tribunal constituted under UNCLOS to determine where the maritime boundary should lie, a process typically aimed at producing a binding outcome when parties cannot reach a negotiated settlement.

In 2014, Ghana initiated proceedings against neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire after disagreements over their offshore boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, disputes that intensified following major oil discoveries in the area. That case was heard by a Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), acting under UNCLOS. The tribunal issued a binding decision in September 2017 that largely upheld Ghana’s position and delimited the maritime boundary along an equidistance line.

Halima Aliko Dangote has been named Group Executive Director in charge of the Dangote Family Office and International Offices in Dubai and London. She will oversee governance and development of the family office while continuing her broader executive responsibilities within the group. Halima previously led the turnaround of Dangote Flour Mills and has held senior roles at NASCON and Dangote Industries.

Fatima Aliko Dangote has been appointed Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations - Oil & Gas. She will oversee the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, fertiliser operations and upstream energy businesses, alongside key corporate functions such as communications and procurement. Fatima is a trained lawyer and has previously held commercial and strategy roles within the group.

Mariya Aliko Dangote becomes Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations - Cement & Foods. She will lead commercial strategy for the group’s cement and food businesses, focusing on expansion and operational efficiency. She currently serves as Executive Director of Operations at Dangote Sugar Refinery and sits on several group boards.

The leadership appointments come as the Dangote Group pushes forward with major expansion plans, including scaling up its refinery capacity and pursuing its Vision 2030 goal of building a $100 billion enterprise.

“For too long, excessive deductions, overlapping funds , and structural distortions in the oil and gas sector have weakened remittances to the Federation Account,” the president wrote. “When revenues meant for federal, state, and local governments are trapped in layers of charges and retention mechanisms, development suffers. That must end, he added.”

The directive, officially titled Order 9 of 2026 (Presidential Executive Order to Safeguard Federation Oil and Gas Revenues and Provide Regulatory Clarity, 2026), has now been gazetted.

Under the new order, all Royalty Oil, Tax Oil, Profit Oil, Profit Gas and other government entitlements under production sharing and related contracts will be paid directly into the Federation Account. The administration has also scrapped the additional 30 percent management fee and the 30 percent Frontier Exploration deduction that previously reduced remittances.

Tinubu said the objective of the reform is to improve transparency, accountability and constitutional compliance in the management of oil revenues.

“Oil and gas revenues must serve the Nigerian people first and this reform is about fairness and fiscal responsibility,” he said.

The president added that NNPC Limited will now operate strictly as a commercial enterprise, as provided for under the Petroleum Industry Act, ending what he called “duplicative deductions and fragmented oversight.”

Tinubu also announced a comprehensive review of the Petroleum Industry Act to address structural and fiscal weaknesses in the sector. An implementation committee has been set up to oversee and coordinate the rollout of the new order.

“We have drastically reduced our presence in Europe and the UK,” Lavrov told lawmakers. “And 90% of these redundant employees have been redeployed to African destinations.”

Since Russia ’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hundreds of Russian diplomats have been expelled from Western countries amid accusations of espionage and sabotage. According to Russia’s state-run Tass news agency, at least 574 diplomats were declared persona non grata in the first year of the war alone.

As relations with Europe deteriorate and Russia faces economic strain from the war, Africa has emerged as a key arena for Moscow’s diplomatic outreach. Unlike China or the United States , Russia is not offering large-scale infrastructure investments. Instead, it is relying on lower-cost tools of influence.

The Russian Orthodox Church has expanded its presence to at least 34 African countries in recent years. At the same time, Russia has tripled the number of scholarships available to African students to study in Russian universities.

Bloomberg also reported that the Kremlin has created a new international relations department focused on countries selected by President Vladimir Putin, with a special team dedicated to Africa policy .

The strategy allows Moscow to increase its global footprint while avoiding major financial commitments.

“We are a proud nation with a sense of dignity and we want to develop in this spirit, honestly and decently,” he said.

The remarks come as Burkina Faso continues to distance itself from France and strengthen ties with new partners, including Russia . Since a military coup in 2022, the West African country has expelled French troops and ended several long-standing defence agreements.

Despite criticism from some Western governments, Traore rejected claims that Burkina Faso is isolating itself diplomatically.

“At the same time, we are not a closed country,” he said. “We are open to cooperation with all partners provided they treat us with respect and consider our point of view.”

He added that portrayals of Burkina Faso as turning inward are misleading. “In certain circles there is an attempt to depict our country as having taken the path of isolation, but that is simply not true,” he said. “Those who visit Burkina Faso know very well there is enough to be open and sincere to build mutual and beneficial partnerships.”

Burkina Faso is currently governed by a military administration led by Captain Ibrahim Traore and continues to face serious security threats from jihadist insurgents.

“I have seen that Europe continues to buy Russian gas, but Europe does not want our countries to talk about Russia,” he said. “I think we need to be a bit more honest and sincerely recognise each other’s potential. Our struggle is to determine for ourselves with whom we want to cooperate,” he added.

Traore said Burkina Faso wants the freedom to “analyse, choose, formulate, create and evaluate” its partnerships independently.

Traore also confirmed that Burkina Faso is deepening cooperation with Russia in civil nuclear energy.

“This is no longer just a plan,” he said. “We are already collaborating with Russia in the field of nuclear energy. The Minister of Energy has signed the memorandum.” He added that the country is now working to establish the legal and institutional framework required for the project.

Burkina Faso, led by a military government since a 2022 coup, has strengthened ties with Russia while distancing itself from France, its former colonial power.

Despite sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, several European Union countries continue to import Russian fossil fuels.

According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), France was the EU’s largest importer of Russian fossil fuels in February 2025, purchasing €399 million worth. Some liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivered to France’s Dunkerque terminal was later sent to Germany.

Hungary ranked second with €307 million in imports, including crude oil and pipeline gas. Belgium was third, importing €266 million worth of Russian LNG, some of which may have been re-exported to other EU states.

Overall, the EU accounted for 14 percent of global Russian fossil fuel purchases in February, spending around €1.7 billion, nearly half of which was on LNG.

President Mahama, who serves as the AU Champion on Reparations, is expected to seek similar support at the 50th CARICOM Summit on February 24, 2026. The resolution is scheduled to be presented at the UN General Assembly on March 25.

“All peoples of African descent have been waiting for this day. The truth cannot be buried. The legal foundations are sound; the moral imperative is undeniable,” the president is quoted.

He added, “This marked a historic turning point in the life of our Union, not as a symbolic or commemorative act, but as a strategic and international commitment.”

Ablakwa described the AU’s endorsement as a “historic milestone,” praising diplomatic efforts and collaboration with global experts and activists to advance the initiative.

In a related development, President Mahama, speaking at a high-level summit in Addis Ababa on February 13, urged the international community to go beyond what he described as “ceremonial language” on Africa’s historical injustices.

He called for a move from symbolic recognition to “binding frameworks” with clear timelines to address the enduring economic and social consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation.

In 2015, the African Union worked with UNESCO and the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent to ensure Africa’s reparations agenda influences global discussions on returning stolen cultural items.

“Unlike most minerals, gold combines deep liquidity, transparent pricing, and rapid monetisation,” the report notes, adding that this allows countries to convert domestic production directly into reserves instead of depending on “volatile external inflows.”

Despite its vast deposits, gold accounts for only about $70 billion, roughly 15%, of Africa’s total foreign exchange reserves. The AFC argues that stronger institutions, better oversight and more local refining could unlock greater benefits.

“The strategic value of Africa’s minerals lies in how they can be leveraged to deepen domestic value addition and support regional integration,” the report says.

Ghana is cited as an example. After establishing a Gold Board in 2025 to formalise artisanal production and reduce smuggling, the country has begun to rebuild its reserves, and its currency is beginning to stabilise.

The AFC concludes that “these dynamics are becoming increasingly relevant as central banks re-anchor reserves in gold,” offering Africa a potential pathway to stronger financial stability.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, preliminary investigations indicate that the driver was attacked by a man and a woman during the trip. His hijacked vehicle and body were later discovered in Atteridgeville on the same day.

Arrest and investigation

Gauteng police have arrested a woman in connection with the case. She is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, facing charges of murder and carjacking.

Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has assigned a senior detective to confirm details of the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice .

Video circulation

A dash cam video circulating on social media appears to show the assault inside the vehicle. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has strongly condemned the sharing of the footage.

“The police strongly condemn the circulation of the video that depicts what appears to be a gruesome murder of the victim,” said Masondo.

Authorities have urged the public not to share, forward or repost the video.

Satlat was reportedly preparing to graduate next month and had plans to relocate to Canada for further studies.

His death has sparked outrage, particularly among Nigerians, and revived concerns about the safety of foreign nationals working in South Africa’s gig economy .

President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to prioritise funding for gender equality , warning that without sustained investment, the continent’s development will remain incomplete. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa, he said achieving Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals depends on unlocking the full potential of women, whom he described as Africa’s most underutilised resource. He added that despite longstanding commitments, gender initiatives remain chronically underfunded and are often the first to face cuts during periods of fiscal constraint.

Ghana to expand visa waivers as passport strength rises

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced plans to s ign more visa waiver agreements in the coming months to strengthen the global standing of the Ghanaian passport. Speaking after bilateral meetings at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, he described visa waivers as a key priority and signalled major announcements from March through May. Ablakwa said Ghana is positioning its passport among the most valuable in Africa, citing upgraded chip-embedded technology, enhanced security features and expanded travel access.

Three major hospitals accused of defying GHS directive in hit-and-run death

A 29-year-old engineer, Charles Amissah, died after being turned away by three major hospitals in Accra despite a Ghana Health Service directive banning the denial of emergency care over bed shortages. According to reports, he remained in an ambulance outside the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, the Police Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for nearly three hours before dying, in what has been described as another case of ‘no-bed syndrome’. In 2018, the GHS ordered that no emergency patient should be refused treatment due to a lack of beds, following a similar incident involving a 70-year-old man who was reportedly rejected by several hospitals before his death.

Outrage over alleged Russian luring Ghanaian women into filmed encounters

Between 12 and 13 February 2026, Ghanaian social media, particularly X, was dominated by controversy surrounding a man claiming to be Russian and identifying himself as Yaytseslav. Videos circulating online show him approaching women, mainly at Accra Mall, striking up conversations and recording the interactions . Posts allege that some encounters extend beyond first contact, with the footage later edited into content for his TikTok and YouTube pages. Users claim dozens of such videos involving Ghanaian women are publicly available, while additional material is reportedly shared via a private Telegram channel said to charge a monthly subscription of about $5.

Two siblings found dead in unsecured manhole

A family at Abokobi near Somanya is in mourning after two young brothers drowned in an uncovered manhole at their home. The boys, Jason Teye Mensah, 8, and Nathaniel Ayernor Kofi, 9, went missing after returning from school and were later found dead in the manhole around 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 12. Fire Service personnel helped retrieve the bodies, which have been taken to the Yilo Krobo District Hospital for autopsy. Police have confirmed the incident and begun investigations.

“Understand this, we are going to war with France. We were not at war before, but now we are going to war,” he is quoted by French news, Le Figaro .

The declaration follows a decree on general mobilisation adopted by Niger’s Council of Ministers at the end of December. Military officials have said the move is aimed at confronting what they allege are French efforts to destabilise the country.

General Tchiani has repeatedly accused France, along with leaders in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, of supporting Islamist armed groups and backing attacks against Niger’s government . He claimed the countries were behind a January 2026 attack on Niamey Airport.

Meanwhile, France has strongly denied the allegations. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesperson for the French Armed Forces General Staff, said there was “no question of French involvement” in Niger and described the accusations as “information warfare.”

Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated sharply since a military coup in July 2023 ousted the elected government. The junta demanded the withdrawal of French troops and the French ambassador, accusing Paris of neocolonial interference. Military cooperation was suspended, marking a dramatic shift from years of close security ties.

Niger, which gained independence from France in 1960, has since pivoted away from Paris as anti-French sentiment grows across parts of the Sahel region.

The men were among 792 suspected internet fraud suspects arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2024.

Prosecutors said the pair recruited Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals online for financial gain and laundered funds through crypto wallets and local bank accounts.

“I humbly pray your lordship to impose the maximum sentence… to serve as a deterrent,” EFCC prosecutor Bilkisu Bala-Buhari told the court.

In his ruling, Justice Osiagor sentenced each man to a cumulative 46 years, saying the punishment reflected the seriousness of the offences.

Authorities also ordered the forfeiture of assets recovered during the investigation, including hundreds of phones, computers, and other equipment allegedly used in the fraud operation.

Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit held from February 2 to 5 in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, stated that Ghana’s two main refineries are too small to meet local fuel demand. 

Tameklo explained that Ghana has already initiated discussions with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to develop a commercial relationship. 

“In Ghana, what we have tried to do as a country is to operate two major refineries and a modular refinery of about 5,000 to 6,000 barrels per day, which is quite small,” he said. “When you talk about 6,000 barrels per day in the Nigerian context, it is insignificant, but in Ghana it is considered a sizeable refinery. We have always relied on imports, both crude oil and refined products . Ghana therefore represents a strong offtake market for the Dangote Refinery.”

“We have had extensive engagements with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to position Ghana to take refined products from Nigeria. Given the proximity between Ghana and Nigeria, increased reliance on Nigeria’s refined petroleum products will help us reduce the cost of fuel delivered to Ghana,” he added.

Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice President (Oil and Gas) of the Dangote Group, confirmed that the refinery has the capacity to serve both domestic and export needs.

“The refinery has an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and is currently operating at about 85%, with steady progress toward full utilisation,” he told local publication Vanguard . 

“Nigeria needs only about 50% of our production capacity to meet its petrol and diesel requirements. This leaves significant volumes available for export, and with planned expansions, export volumes will increase further,” he added.

In 2024, Ghana’s oil regulator had indicated the country could purchase refined petroleum from the Dangote Refinery once it reached full operation, potentially replacing monthly European imports valued at $400 million.

Two years earlier, during the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Aliko Dangote had criticised the continent’s reliance on fuel imports from outside Africa, stating: “Our capacity is too big for Nigeria, but it would also supply West Africa, Central Africa and South Africa.”

“They were shooting everyone in sight,” said Ibrahim Farouk, a farmer who survived after being shot in the thigh. “Those who ran were chased into the bush and killed. Those who hid in their houses were burnt inside. They wanted no one alive.”

Farouk said the attackers also threw explosives into homes and shops, torching large parts of the village. Several victims were shot at close range, while others were burned alive. By Friday, at least 35 additional bodies had been recovered from nearby forests, according to residents.

Another survivor, Joshua Deme, said some of the attackers appeared to be teenagers. “The one who shot me was not even 15,” he said. “The younger ones were shooting, while the older ones burned houses.”

A third survivor, miner Usman Bangoro, said the gunmen wore military-style uniforms, initially confusing residents. “You would think they were soldiers,” he said. “But they shot at anything that moved.”

Residents said the attackers abducted about 75 people, including women and children , and used a village vehicle to transport some of the captives. A bomb planted along the Kaiama road later exploded, burning a truck carrying agricultural produce.

The injured were taken to hospitals in Ilorin and Kainji, with local authorities providing ambulances. Survivors say blood shortages have delayed surgeries for some victims.

Community members claim the attackers had earlier sent a message saying they wanted to “preach,” but local leaders rejected the request and alerted security agencies. Troops were reportedly deployed briefly but left days before the attack.

The massacre is the latest in a series of mass killings linked to armed groups operating across central and northwestern Nigeria.

According to the Toxinological Society of Nigeria, nearly 1,900 people die from snakebites annually. However, the real figure could be higher due to underreporting, especially in remote areas where victims rely on traditional remedies.

Antivenom is expensive, with a single dose costing between ₦180,000 and ₦250,000 (approximately $120 - $170), more than four months’ income for Nigerians earning the minimum wage. Many patients require multiple doses, pushing treatment far beyond what most families can afford.

Studies show that about half of Nigeria’s health facilities lack the capacity to treat snakebite cases, either because they do not stock antivenom or because health workers are not trained to administer it. “Nigeria records thousands of snakebites every year, yet even specialised hospitals often do not have antivenom in stock,” said Dr Nicholas Amani of the Snakebite Hospital and Research Centre in Gombe State.

Further, a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Patricia Lar added that; “The anti-snake venom problem is that in our country, we’re not committed to the production of the anti-snake venom. We have the science, we have people who are knowledgeable about it, but there is the general problem of a lack of commitment, concerted efforts to develop and produce on a large scale the anti-snake venom. So Nigeria imports, and there are wide varieties from India, China, and from the UK, and that is the reason the cost is exorbitant, and you don’t find it in every hospital or in primary healthcare centres where people should easily access it.”

Adding; “We need expertise and a general awareness of the first line of action, which is primary health care. There is a need for this anti-snake venom to be readily available and to be administered in the event of a bite by a poisonous snake.”

Following recent high-profile deaths linked to snakebites, medical professionals and lawmakers have renewed calls for the government to subsidise antivenom, expand local production and make the treatment freely available nationwide.

At the hearing, Representative Chris Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, defended the US decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. He said the designation was “long overdue” given years of deadly attacks on Christian communities.

Smith said he was troubled by reports that Nigeria had hired DCI Group under a contract worth $9 million, or $750,000 a month, to influence US policymakers. He also cited a separate $120,000-a-month contract involving a Nigerian billionaire and another Washington-based firm.

“They come with well-written talking points to say there’s nothing to see here,” Smith said , arguing that the lobbying efforts risk minimising the scale of religious violence in Nigeria.

Other lawmakers cautioned against oversimplifying Nigeria’s crisis. Representative Sara Jacobs, the ranking member of the subcommittee, said the violence affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven by multiple factors, including terrorism, banditry and farmer-herder conflicts.

Jacobs also criticised recent US military strikes in Nigeria, questioning their effectiveness and warning that they could worsen instability rather than protect civilians.

Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback told the hearing that CPC designations mean little without consequences, urging the US to back them with sanctions and other concrete measures.

Another witness, Dr Stephen Schneck, a former chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, said military responses could be counterproductive and noted that the cost of recent airstrikes may have exceeded funding previously used for peacebuilding and interfaith programmes.

Nigeria’s government has rejected claims that Christians are facing genocide, saying the country’s security crisis is complex and not driven solely by religion .

The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 3, by Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader in Parliament. Speaking at a media briefing, said, “We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. A bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport to facilitate this change.”

The airport was initially established in 1946 as a military facility operated by the British Royal Air Force following World War II. It was later handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, under the leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the facility underwent structural development to meet international air travel standards.

By 1958, it was officially inaugurated as Accra International Airport.

The name was changed in 1969 to Kotoka International Airport in memory of Lt. General E.K. Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that removed Nkrumah from office. General Kotoka was later killed in 1967 during a failed coup attempt at a location now part of the airport’s forecourt.

The renaming proposal reflects ongoing calls from civil society and public figures who argue that naming a national airport after a military coup leader is contrary to Ghana’s democratic values. Among these voices is Samia Nkrumah, daughter of the late Nkrumah, who has consistently advocated for restoring the airport’s original name.

Ayariga affirmed the legislative nature of the process, stating, “Such decisions must be grounded in law and guided by the will of the people.”