The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • U.S. committed to deepening bilateral security cooperation with West Africa

    U.S. committed to deepening bilateral security cooperation with West Africa

    The United States (U.S.) government is committed to deepening bilateral security cooperation with ECOWAS.

    Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Ekman, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), West Africa Coordination Element Lead, Department of Defence, stated this during a media roundtable in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable was for Gen. Ekman to explain the purpose of his visit to Nigeria and the outcome of his engagements with government officials.

    He stressed that the U.S. shares the bloc’s concerns about spiraling violent extremism and democratic governance decline in the sub-region.

    “With regards to how ECOWAS proceeds, as they proceed, the U.S. military and broader, the U.S. government, do share the concerns that they have expressed.

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     “That is, with regards to the decline in democratic governance that is playing out particularly in the Sahel, which ultimately comes down to ECOWAS.

    “Where we can help ECOWAS, however they choose to proceed, is bilateral security cooperation with ECOWAS members, so that’s our approach,” he said.

    The U.S. Air Force General explained that countering terrorists militarily was tantamount to merely addressing the symptom of a problem.

    According to him, the best approach is to identify and deal with the underlying causes and the foundational reasons that cause terrorism to exist and perpetuate.

  • Fed Govt, Japan to collaborate on shared global challenges

    Fed Govt, Japan to collaborate on shared global challenges

    •Tokyo, ECOWAS to deepen relations towards TICAD 2025

    The Japanese Government and the Federal Government have expressed commitment to deepen bilateral relations and collaborate to address shared global challenges.

    This was indicated in a statement by Ms Shimada Mami, Third Secretary, Culture and Information/General/ Protocol Section, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria in Abuja.

    Mami said that both countries made the commitment on Saturday at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting.

     The secretary said the agreement was reached during a meeting between Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and her Nigerian counterpart, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Tuggar had visited Japan to participate in TICAD.

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    According to Mami, the minister said that Japan intends to deepen cooperation to solve global challenges with Nigeria, a leader among African countries, sharing values and principles such as democracy.

    She said that the foreign minister also expressed her intention to discuss ways to further strengthen business and economic relations, including start-ups, and to also enhance partnership with Nigeria.

    Mami said that the minister had observed the serious situation facing internally displaced women during her visit to Nigeria has realised the need for initiatives based on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) perspective.

    She added that Yoko expressed her gratitude for the substantial dialogues held on the occasion of her visit to Nigeria in April.

     In his response, Tuggar welcomed the concrete outcomes through the TICAD process and expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation to date.

    He said that he would like to strengthen bilateral relations including regional cooperation.

    The two ministers at the meeting confirmed the further deepening of Japan-Nigeria relations toward TICAD 9 next year.

  • Monkeypox: IOM seeks $18.5m support

    Monkeypox: IOM seeks $18.5m support

    The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has appealed for $18.5 million to fund the response to the spread of mpox across the Horn, Eastern and Southern Africa.

    The spread of mpox across the regions has increased the risk of infection for migrants who need “crucial” healthcare and other support ahead of an “anticipated surge” in cases,

    IOM, in a statement yesterday stated that migrants and other marginalised and highly mobile populations including those uprooted from their homes by natural emergencies and conflicts were far more prone to infection.

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    The UN migration agency said that they were far prone to infection because of poor living conditions and the “significant barriers” many often encounter in seeking help.

    “The spread of mpox across East, Horn and Southern Africa is a grave concern, especially for the vulnerable migrant, highly mobile populations and displaced communities often overlooked in such crises.

    “We must act swiftly to protect those at the highest risk and to mitigate the impact of this outbreak on the region,”  Amy Pope, IOM Director-General said.

    Mpox has affected people in African for more than a decade, the UN agency said.

  • UK heat-related deaths to soar with 3 degrees celsius warming

    UK heat-related deaths to soar with 3 degrees celsius warming

    The number of heat-related deaths in the UK is predicted to increase more than six-fold by the end of the century if the world warms by 3 degrees Celsius, a study shows.

    But deaths related to cold, at the moment much higher than from heat, were predicted to rise only slightly, reaching nearly 70,000 per year by 2100.

    This is according to the analysis published in the journal Lancet Global Health.

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    Modelling data from 30 European countries also suggests heat-related deaths could triple in the continent by the end of the century under current climate policies, increasing from 43,729 to 128,809 per year.

    In the same scenario, deaths attributed to cold would remain high, with a slight decrease from 363,809 to 333,703 by 2100, scientists said.

    Juan-Carlos Ciscar, of the Joint Research Centre at the European Commission, said.

    “Our analysis reveals that the ratio of cold-heat deaths will shift dramatically over the course of this century, with those attributed to heat increasing in all parts of Europe and surging in some areas.

  • America is ready for a President Kamala Harris, says Barack Obama

    America is ready for a President Kamala Harris, says Barack Obama

    Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama delivered a one-two punch at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, urging Americans to back Kamala Harris in her 11th-hour presidential bid against Republican Donald Trump.

    America’s first Black president, Obama has thrown his considerable political capital behind Harris as she seeks to make history herself on Nov. 5 as the first woman and first Black and South Asian person to be elected US president.

    “We do not need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos. We have seen that movie before, and we all know that the sequel is usually worse,” Obama told delegates on Day Two of the Chicago convention.

    “America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.”

    He took aim at Trump, the Republican who followed him into the White House in 2017 and praised President Joe Biden, his vice president who was forced out of the 2024 race by Democratic allies who feared he would lose to Trump in November.

    “History will remember Joe Biden as a president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger. I am proud to call him my president, but even prouder to call him my friend,” Obama said, eliciting chants of “We love Joe.”

    Obama was introduced by his wife, Michelle, who tops Democrats’ wish list as a future president.

    Read Also: Obama endorses Harris as Democratic candidate with well-known rhetorical powers

    “America, hope is making a comeback,” Michelle Obama said, in a nod to Obama’s first presidential campaign in 2008.

    Pulling no punches, she cautioned that Trump would try to distort Harris’ truth, much as he did “everything in his power to try to make people fear us.”

    “His limited and narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black,” she said to deafening applause.

    “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs’?” she asked. On the campaign trail, Trump has referred to migrants crossing into the US as taking away “Black jobs.”

  • Honorary consul seeks better business alliances between Nigeria, Grenada

    Honorary consul seeks better business alliances between Nigeria, Grenada

    THE Honorary Consul, Honorary Consulate of Grenada, Abidemi Oluwagbenga Sonoiki, has underscored the need to strengthen economic ties and foster mutual growth between Nigeria and Grenada to create new business opportunities for Nigerian enterprises in Grenada.

    This collaboration, he said, will pave the way for enhanced trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

    However, in collaboration with the Grenadian Government, the Nigerian government has identified key sectors where Nigerian businesses can thrive and contribute significantly to Grenada’s economic landscape.

    These sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, technology, tourism, education, infrastructure development, and healthcare.

    This initiative, Sonoiki noted, will mark a significant shift in commerce between the two nations, moving beyond previously limited trade connections to a robust framework for sustained economic partnership. “The opportunities created through this collaboration will lead to job creation, innovation, and a deeper connection between our people,” he said.

    The Honorary Consul, who is  a prominent figure in the business community, is actively working to establish himself as a key player in fostering business alliances between Nigeria and Grenada.

    With a vision to facilitate trade and economic growth, Sonoiki said his initiatives are set to create a robust platform for Nigerian businesses to thrive in the Caribbean markets.

    In a statement, he emphasised that the partnership is not just about economic gains but about building a future where both nations prosper.

    “We are thrilled to be a catalyst for this exciting new chapter in Nigeria-Grenada relations. By fostering connections between Nigerian businesses and their counterparts in Grenada, we unlock a wealth of potential for growth and mutual success.

    “This initiative benefits Nigerian businesses by opening new markets and injecting a dynamic boost to the Grenadian economy. By attracting skilled and innovative Nigerian companies, Grenada gains access to a wider range of products, services, and expertise.

     “My goal is to create a strong and sustainable business relationship between Nigeria and Grenada. By forging these alliances, we can open up new markets and opportunities for Nigerian businesses, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of both nations. I am excited about the prospects and committed to seeing these initiatives come to fruition.

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    “We need to harness all the talents and skills of the people of the two nations together to promote investment and trade and to foster collaboration in areas such as education, health, tourism, culture, cross-cultural interactions, ideas and talent sharing, waste management and other critical areas.

    “We are putting effort together to enhance collaboration in export between both countries and the rest of the world. I want a situation where exporter in Nigeria can increase their volume of trade to Canada, America and Europe through a continuum and synergy of both countries, thereby making them aggregators for the sales and distribution of commodities.”

    Sonoiki noted that his initiatives will position Nigeria as a true business pioneer, fostering collaboration and creating a platform for mutual success in Grenada.

    “This effort will set a powerful example for other Nigerian companies looking to expand their global reach,” he said.

  • Obama endorses Harris as Democratic candidate with well-known rhetorical powers

    Obama endorses Harris as Democratic candidate with well-known rhetorical powers

    Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. president and a marquee name in Democratic politics used his well-known rhetorical powers to deliver a thundering endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.

    Obama addresses the party faithful on Tuesday evening.

    He is expected to pay tribute to outgoing President Joe Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president for eight years.

    He used his well-known rhetorical powers to deliver a thundering endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee, Harris.

    Obama, who got his political start in Chicago, has kept a low profile since leaving office in January 2017.

    But he remained a broadly popular public figure and one of the most powerful voices on the political left.

    Obama was first elected in 2008 and was the first black president in the U.S. history.

    Harris is the first female, first black and first Asian American U.S. vice president, she would be another White House trailblazer should she defeat Republican Donald Trump in November.

    No woman has ever been president.

    Former first lady Michelle Obama is also set to deliver remarks on Tuesday night, as is Harris’ husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

    Harris has wiped out Trump’s lead in national polls since Biden abandoned his campaign and endorsed Harris to succeed him a month ago.

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    Crucially, she has closed the gap or overtaken Trump in the key battleground states that will determine the outcome of the election.

    By the time the four-day convention would end next week, there would be just over 70 days to go until the election.

    As the contest enters its last phases, the party hoped the bash would propel Harris into the autumn.

    She is due to take to the convention stage for a speech on Thursday night.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Tinubu asks ECOWAS members to implement anti-corruption protocol

    Tinubu asks ECOWAS members to implement anti-corruption protocol

    • EFCC, ICPC, others are under no interference, says President

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday asked member countries of the regional body to, as a matter of necessity, ratify and fully implement the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol against Corruption.

    He said ECOWAS leaders must confront corruption head-on with unwavering resolve and concerted action.

    He urged member states to harmonise their “legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals”.

    The President said with collaboration by member states, a corruption-free West Africa is possible.

    He said the future of the sub-region is hinged on its capacity to build governance structures to serve the people.

    According to him, since he became President, he has not interfered with the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and other anti-graft agencies.

    Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, said he has strengthened “all the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring that they are adequately funded.”

    He said: “The task before us is enormous, but so significant is our collective resolve that by working together, sharing best practices, and leveraging our diverse strengths, we can create a formidable bulwark against corruption in West Africa.

    ”As we deliberate on implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against corruption, I urge all member states to renew their commitment to this cause.

    “All member states must ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption. Let us move from commitment to action, from intention to implementation.

    “The future of our region depends on our ability to create transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structures that serve the interests of our people.”

    He said corruption is “one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations.”

    He urged ECOWAS member states to “focus on concrete actions targeted at harmonising their legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals”.

    He listed other actions required to curb corruption as cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery, investing in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corrupt practices.

    Tinubu, however, asked member states to promote transparency in public procurement and resource management.

    He advised them to also engage civil society and the media as partners in the region’s anti-corruption efforts.

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    Tinubu announced Nigeria’s donation of an office building for the permanent headquarters of NACIWA in the country.

    He said: “In recognition of NACIWA’s pivotal role in our regional anti-corruption efforts, I am proud to announce that the Nigerian government has donated a property to serve as NACIWA’s permanent headquarters.

    “This gesture underscores our commitment to strengthening NACIWA’s institutional capacity and providing a solid operational foundation.

    ”As we deliberate on implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, I urge all member states to renew their commitment to this cause.”

    He said working together in synergy will enable member countries to “build more vital institutions, foster regional unity, and pave the way for a prosperous and corruption-free West Africa.”

    On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said there is urgent need for regional and global cooperation against corruption.

    Tuggar said: “Corruption is a cancer that has eaten deeply into the fabric of many African nations. It has been a persistent obstacle to development, undermining our institutions, eroding public trust, and exacerbating poverty.”

    Also, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said “the fight against corruption is not just a matter of institutional duty, but a crucial step towards securing a better future for our nations.

    “We must work diligently to implement policies and strategies that effectively counter this menace,” Fagbemi said.

     Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, in his welcome address, praised Tinubu’s uncommon passion for transparency in governance. He said the President’s commitment has reinvigorated the anti-corruption efforts.

    He, therefore, called for collaboration against corrupt practices in Nigeria and West Africa.

    He said: “As the theme of the Assembly: “Implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption towards Strengthening Institutions for Regional Unity,” suggest, we are at a critical juncture in our collective fight against corruption in our sub-region.

    “There is no gainsaying that corruption continues to undermine our economies, security, erode public trust, and hinder the sustainable development of our nations.

    “This requires some introspection and strategizing to forge ahead.”

  • UN: 2023 was deadliest year for humanitarian workers

    UN: 2023 was deadliest year for humanitarian workers

    • 280 aid workers killed in 33 countries

    The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)  yesterday said 2023 was the deadliest year for humanitarian workers than ever recorded before.

    In 2023, 280 aid workers were killed in 33 countries, a 137 per cent increase compared to 2022, when 118 were killed, the OCHA said.

    “Worse still is that 2024 may be on track to be even deadlier,” it added.

    “As of August 7, 172 aid workers had been killed,” the OCHA said, citing the provisional count from the Aid Worker Security Database.

    More than half of the 2023 deaths were recorded in the first three months of the hostilities in Gaza, or from October to December, the OCHA said.

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    The “extreme levels of violence” in Sudan and South Sudan had also contributed to the death tolls in 2023 and 2024, the OCHA added.

    The acting head of OCHA, Joyce Msuya, called for action.

    “The normalisation of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere,” she said.

    Humanitarian organisations worldwide had written to UN member states calling for greater efforts to protect all aid workers as the UN marked World Humanitarian Day.

    “We will continue to stay and deliver in humanitarian crises around the world, but the situation requires us to take a united stand to call for the protection of our staff, volunteers and the civilians we serve,” the letter said.

  • Blinken warns of last chance for Gaza peace

    Blinken warns of last chance for Gaza peace

    United States (U.S.) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said  yesterday that this could be the “last opportunity” to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by militants.

    Blinken spoke at a morning meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog before later holding talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire.

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    “This is also to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security,” Blinken said in Tel Aviv, noting it was his ninth visit since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas.

    The United States, Egypt and Qatar have been acting as mediators in a series of indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

    The latest two-day round of talks in Qatar concluded on Friday without a major breakthrough, but negotiations are set to resume in Cairo this week.