The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • Subversive maneuvers, arrest warrants issued for the instigators

    Subversive maneuvers, arrest warrants issued for the instigators

    • By Franck Digo

    In response to calls for insurrection and disinformation campaigns launched from abroad, the Togolese government convened national and international media on July 9 in Lomé. The objective was clear: to present the facts, identify those responsible, and reaffirm its determination to protect republican institutions against any form of subversion, including those taking place in the digital space.

    The illegal demonstrations that occurred in June served as a springboard for certain bloggers to ignite social media. Through violent messages filled with vulgar and offensive language, these individuals targeted the country’s leaders, with particular virulence directed at the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.

    “The instigators and accomplices of these calls to destabilize the institutions of the Republic will be pursued to their last hideouts and punished in accordance with the law,” declared the Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Colonel Calixte Madjoulba, during the press conference.

    According to members of the government, most of the individuals behind these calls reside abroad, notably in France. Through inflammatory rhetoric, they urged the population, especially the youth, to overthrow the constitutional order, attack the symbols of the Republic and state authorities, take to the streets, vandalize public property, confront law enforcement, and in extreme cases, even take the lives of those who support the legitimate government.

    “These calls to violence, repeatedly circulated on TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp, were disseminated in a coordinated and targeted manner, with the sole aim of sowing fear, chaos, and division,” emphasized one of the ministers present.

    During the conference, several video clips illustrating these incitements were shown. The authorities highlighted the active role played by each blogger or influencer involved, through aggressive and hate-driven digital campaigns.

    Government officials unanimously condemned these attempts to incite public disorder and denounced the misuse of human rights rhetoric as a tool for destabilization. They also warned against the spread of fake news, manipulated content, and fabricated videos, all contributing to widespread and deliberate disinformation.

    They criticized a segment of civil society accused of intentionally distorting facts, notably by falsely attributing deaths to the security forces. The Minister of Security praised the professionalism of the law enforcement agencies, which, according to him, effectively contained the unrest and prevented the instigators from carrying out their plans to plunge the country into chaos.

    A Warning…

    The illegal and violent demonstrations that marred several days in June 2025 were not without consequences. Multiple authoritative voices have called on the government to fully assume its sovereign duty to protect citizens, regardless of the source or nature of the threat. These voices also warned against the growing risk of digital tools being weaponized as a means of destabilization. In this context, any act of defiance against legitimate authority must be swiftly identified, discouraged, and punished with the utmost severity.

    Held under the banner of transparency and public accountability, the press briefing was led by four members of the government: Minister of Security and Civil Protection Colonel Calixte Madjoulba; Minister of Territorial Administration Hodabalo Awaté; Minister of Human Rights Adjéoda Adjourouvi; and Minister of Technical Education Kokou Tchikpé. Together, they presented the facts, clarified responsibilities, and reiterated the state’s unwavering commitment to defending the republican order against all forms of aggression, including those propagated online.

  • Six reasons why your visa may be denied

    Six reasons why your visa may be denied

    Obtaining a visa can be a complex and rigorous process, and unfortunately, not all applications are successful. There are several reasons why a visa application may be denied.

    Here are some of them: 

    1. Insufficient documentation 

    When applying for a visa, it’s crucial to fill out the application form correctly. Incomplete or inaccurate applications can lead to delays or even denial of the visa.

    To avoid problems, carefully read the application form, gather all required documents, and double-check your application for errors. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

    By being thorough and accurate, you can increase your chances of getting your visa approved quickly and smoothly.

    2. Insufficient financial resources

    When applying for a visa, demonstrating sufficient financial resources is crucial. If an applicant can’t show they have enough money to support themselves, their visa may be denied. To avoid this, applicants should provide clear proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or proof of income.

    By showing sufficient financial resources, applicants can increase their chances of a successful visa application and avoid potential delays or denials.

    3. Previous visa overstays or violations 

    If someone has overstayed their visa or broken the rules in the past, it can be hard to get a new visa. Immigration officers may think they can’t be trusted to follow the rules.

    To get a new visa, it’s best to be honest about past mistakes and show that you’ve learned from them. This can help improve your chances of getting a new visa.

    4. Unclear or suspicious purpose of travel

    When applying for a visa, it’s essential to clearly state the purpose of your trip. If the reason for traveling is unclear or seems suspicious, your visa application may be denied. This can happen if your travel plans are inconsistent or your intentions are not believable.

    To avoid this issue, applicants should provide a clear and concise explanation of their trip’s purpose, along with supporting documents that prove their intentions. By doing so, they can demonstrate their genuine intentions and increase their chances of getting their visa approved.

    5. Poor communication or interview performance 

    When applying for a visa, the interview process plays a significant role in determining the outcome of the application. Poor communication or a weak interview performance can lead to visa denial. During the interview, applicants are expected to clearly and confidently answer questions about their trip, providing consistent and credible information.

    If an applicant struggles to articulate their thoughts, provides unclear or inconsistent answers, or fails to demonstrate a genuine purpose for their trip, it can raise concerns about their intentions and credibility. This can ultimately lead to the denial of their visa application.

    Read Also: Eight countries with efficient visa pathways for students

    To avoid this, it’s essential for applicants to prepare thoroughly for the interview. They should be ready to provide clear and concise answers to questions about their travel plans, background, and intentions. By demonstrating effective communication skills and confidence during the interview, applicants can increase their chances of a successful visa application.

    6. Criminal records or security concerns

    Having a criminal record or posing a security concern can significantly impact the outcome of the visa application. Countries prioritize the safety and security of their citizens and borders, and applicants with a history of serious crimes or involvement in activities deemed a threat to national security may be deemed inadmissible.

    This can include convictions for violent offenses, drug trafficking, or other serious crimes, as well as past involvement with organizations or individuals considered a security risk. In such cases, the visa application is likely to be denied, as the country seeks to protect its interests and citizens from potential threats.

    As a result, applicants with a criminal record or security concerns should be aware that their application may face significant challenges, and in many cases, may ultimately be denied.

  • Britain, France must keeping Europe safe, says Macron

    Britain, France must keeping Europe safe, says Macron

    French President, Emmanuel Macron, has urged Britain and France “to shoulder the burden of European security” as he appealed for the two nations to work closely on issues, including defence and migrant crisis.

    He spoke as the first European leader to receive a state visit to Britain and address both Houses of Parliament since Brexit was finalised in 2020.

    Macron said events that saw UK leave EU are in the past, and he hailed Sir Keir Starmer  for his reset of the relations.

    While he listed the economy, climate change and immigration as areas for cooperation, he put the need to defend Europe at the top of the agenda.

    He asserted that Europe would “never accept that might is right” and would resist Russian president’s attempts to subjugate Ukraine.

    “Every time Vladimir Putin’s Russia advances in Ukraine, the threat moves closer to us,” he warned, underlining importance of a summit he and Sir Keir will host on Thursday to strengthen a “coalition of the willing” to ensure peace settlement there.

    However, with Nato members agreeing to spend 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence and the US withdrawing its support under Donald Trump, Macron said the UK and France must be the pillars on which European defence is built.

    Read Also: Tinubu not distracted by 2027 election discourse, says Idris

    He said: “Our two countries … both fully shoulder the responsibility when it comes to European security.

    “And we are faced with new threats, with aggressive nuclear powers, with sometimes hesitating alliances, and return of major conflict on our continent. This is why our summit is so important, and the announcement we prepared so historical,” he said.

    He said there is an expectation that the UK and France, “faced with revisionist neighbours”, have a “special responsibility for the security of the continent”.

    While President Macron, who was accompanied by his wife Brigitte, said that Brexit was “deeply regrettable”, he celebrated the return of a close bond between the two countries, which he saw as the pivotal relationship in Europe.

    He appealed to MPs and peers gathered in the Royal Gallery to “not let the Channel grow any wider”.

    In a sideswipe at populists, the European statesman, who has refused to meet Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, also drew inspiration from Winston Churchill’s vision of “a world order based on law, justice and respect for territorial integrity” that was “today being attacked on a daily basis as we witness direct attacks on our democracies, the return of war on our continent, the resurgence of imperial impulses and the flouting of international rules by destabilising powers”.

    He also hailed an exchange of museum artifacts, which will see the Bayeux Tapestry displayed in the British Museum next year and the Sutton Hoo treasure to go to France, “as the beginning of this new era of exchange and the reopening of these mutual movements”.

    He said it is time to “make sure that not only our two countries will save themselves by their own exertions, but also that we will save Europe by our example and our solidarity”.

    The state visit is the first to the UK by an EU head of state since Brexit, and the first to be held at Windsor, rather than Buckingham Palace, for more than a decade, thanks to ongoing refurbishments at the London residence.

  • Militants kill five Israeli soldiers as 51 Palestinians die

    Militants kill five Israeli soldiers as 51 Palestinians die

    Five Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack in northern Gaza Strip, Israel’s military said yesterday, while health officials in Palestinian territory said 51 people were killed in Israeli strikes.

    The bloodshed came as Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was visiting White House for talks with U.S. President, Donald Trump, about a ceasefire plan to pause the Gaza fighting. While there was no announcement of a breakthrough, there were signs of progress toward a deal.

    The soldiers’ deaths could add to pressure on Netanyahu to strike a deal, as polls in Israel have shown support for ending the 21-month war.

    A senior Israeli official said 80-90 per cent of details had been ironed out and a final agreement could be days away.

    The soldiers were killed roughly two weeks after Israel reported one of its deadliest days in months in Gaza, when seven soldiers were killed after a Palestinian attached a bomb to their armoured vehicle.

    An Israeli security official said explosive devices were detonated on the five soldiers during an operation in the Beit Hanoun area in northern Gaza, an area where Israel has fought regrouping militants.

    Militants also opened fire on the forces, who were evacuating the injured soldiers, he said. .

    The military said 14 soldiers were injured, two seriously. It brings the toll to 888 since Hamas’s October. 7, 2023, attack ignited the war.

    Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’ wing, said on social media it was “additional blow” against a “weak” army.

    In a statement, Netanyahu sent condolences, saying the soldiers fell “in a campaign to defeat Hamas and to free all of our hostages.”

    Read Also: FCT police, DSS, military activate joint patrols to curb kidnapping, one chance

    Health officials at Nasser Hospital, where victims of the Israeli strikes were taken, said one strike targeted tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing four people. A separate strike in Khan Younis killed four people, including a mother, father and their two children, officials said.

     “He sleeps in the tent with his two children, Awda and Misk,” said Nisma al-Baiouk, the sister of one man killed. “My nephew Awda has no face, his face is gone.”

    Nasser Hospital records showed a total of 41 people killed  yesterday.

    In central Gaza, Israeli strikes killed another 10 people and wounded 72, according to Awda Hospital in Nuseirat.

    Israel’s military had no immediate comment on the strikes, but it blames Hamas for any harm to civilians because the militants operate in populated areas.

    Trump has made clear that, following last month’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, he would like to see the Gaza war end soon.

    White House officials are urging both sides to quickly seal an agreement that would bring about a 60-day pause in the fighting, send aid flooding into Gaza and free at least some of the remaining 50 hostages held in the territory. Netanyahu has said 20 are alive.

    A sticking point has been whether the ceasefire will end the war altogether. Hamas has said it is willing to free all the hostages in exchange for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu says the war will end once Hamas surrenders, disarms and goes into exile — something it refuses to do.

    The initial Hamas attack in 2023 killed some 1,200 people and took 251 others hostage. Most have been released in earlier ceasefires. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

    The ministry, which is under Gaza’s Hamas-run government, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The U.N. and other international organisations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties.

  • Trump flays Putin, to resume weapons shipments to Ukraine

    Trump flays Putin, to resume weapons shipments to Ukraine

    President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Russian President, Vladimir Putin, yesterday, accusing him of deception and not dealing in good faith when it comes to ending the three-year war in Ukraine.

    “We get a lot of bulls—- thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth,” Trump said during a White House Cabinet meeting. “He’s nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”

    The comments were Trump’s harshest rebuke of his Russian counterpart since returning to office in January.

    Trump has been sceptical of U.S. aid to Ukraine, and earlier this year he famously berated Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a public meeting at the Oval Office, accusing him of being ungrateful for U.S. support.

    He was also initially complimentary to Mr. Putin, expressing admiration for the Russian president’s intelligence and strength. But as a peace deal in Ukraine slipped further from his grasp, Mr. Trump has let his frustration with Mr. Putin spill out into the public.

     “We’re not happy with Putin. I’m not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now. Because he’s killing a lot of people. And a lot of them are his soldiers,” Mr. Trump said yesterday.

    Later in the meeting, Mr. Trump said Mr. Putin was “not treating human beings right,” and his war was “killing too many people, so we’re sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine.”

    Trump’s harsh rhetoric comes after he announced Monday that the U.S. would resume munitions shipments to Ukraine to help it push back Russian invaders.

    The administration last week paused the delivery of some air defence interceptors and precision-guided bombs and missiles to Ukraine, citing Pentagon concerns that America’s own stockpiles were dwindling.

    Read Also: Tinubu not distracted by 2027 election discourse, says Idris

    When pressed about who ordered the munitions shipment pause, Mr. Trump refused to say whether he knew in advance about the plan.

    “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” he said in response to a question about whether he ordered the pause.

    Speaking at a dinner Monday night with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr. Trump said it was imperative that the U.S. continues to arm Ukraine.

    “We have to,” Mr. Trump said. “They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard now. We’re going to send some more weapons — defensive weapons primarily.”

    Restarting the weapons shipments comes at a critical time for Ukraine, which is being battered by increasing air strikes from Russia.

    On Monday, Russian attacks on Ukraine killed at least 11 civilians and injured more than 80 others, including seven children.

  • Igbo leadership in Ghana denies acquisition of lands for setting up Igbo Village in Accra

    Igbo leadership in Ghana denies acquisition of lands for setting up Igbo Village in Accra

    The Eze Igbo Palace in Ghana has strongly denied social media rumours suggesting that the Igbo community has acquired land in Ningo in the Greater Accra Region to establish an “Igbo Village.”

    In a statement released by the Head of Communications, Mr. Ronney Gogo, the palace dismissed claims of a 50-acre (250-plot) land acquisition by Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana, His Royal Majesty Eze (Dr) Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu I, the Igbo traditional leader in Ghana.

    The statement clarified that no such purchase has been made either in Ningo or any other part of the country.

    The rumours appear to be rooted in a 2013 interview by Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana, granted to Crystal TV, which followed his coronation in September 2012.

    Read Also: Police smashes human trafficking gang, rescue 40 Ghanaians in Ondo

    According to the palace, the interview referenced initial ideas that were never realized due to legal implications concerning the rightful ownership of the land.

    “These plans were cancelled as far back as 2014,” the statement read. “There is currently no land in Ghana that has been designated for an ‘Igbo Village.’”

    Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana I, who has lived in Ghana since 1995 and is married to a Ghanaian businesswoman, is said to hold the culture and laws of Ghana in high esteem.

    The palace emphasized his long-standing commitment to fostering unity and maintaining the strong relationship between the Igbo and Ghanaian communities.

    “We would never engage in any activity that would damage the peaceful coexistence we enjoy here,” said Gogo.

    “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana has consistently urged the Igbo community to remain law-abiding and respectful of their host country.”

    The palace concluded by reiterating that no land acquisition has taken place for the development of an Igbo settlement in Ghana.

  • NiDCOM to collaborate with New York group to train 1,000 Nigerians on ICT

    NiDCOM to collaborate with New York group to train 1,000 Nigerians on ICT

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed readiness to partner with Zumunta Association USA Inc., a New York-based organisation, to train 1,000 youths across the 19 northern states in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this during a press briefing with the association. Represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Dabiri-Erewa described the initiative as a laudable step towards empowering youths in Northern Nigeria.

    She also commended the association’s provision of scholarships to 5,000 students, noting NiDCOM’s willingness to collaborate further on similar developmental programmes.

    President of Zumunta Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said the ICT training initiative would be complemented by a medical outreach scheduled for June 14–23 at Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

    Bitrus explained that the Zumunta Association is a non-partisan, non-religious group that champions Nigeria’s cultural heritage and promotes a positive image of the country abroad through impactful projects and partnerships.

    He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to national development, inclusive dialogue, and community service.

    He said, “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than

    810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.

    “We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.

    Read Also: NiDCOM boss hails election of four Nigerians in UK

    “In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enrol vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”

    He noted that, apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include the Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament, a Tennis Tournament, a Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and housing, a Gala, Awards, and Fundraiser, as well as engagement with Traditional Rulers and Stakeholders.

    The New York-based Zumunta Association USA Inc., which was formed in 1991, planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Since its inception, it has given scholarships to over  5,000 students worth over N100 million.

  • Zelensky to replace Ukraine’s U.S. ambassador to please Trump

    Zelensky to replace Ukraine’s U.S. ambassador to please Trump

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to replace Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, during a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

    The two sides were now in talks over possible successors, who would need approval from both countries, the UK newspaper said, citing two people familiar with the matter.

    Markarova, who has served as ambassador in Washington since 2021, has been criticised by some Republicans for being too closely aligned with the Democratic Party.

    Her replacement could be an attempt by Zelensky to appease Trump during a sensitive time for Ukraine.

    Earlier, Washington withheld previously approved arms deliveries, as Russia continues heavy missile and drone strikes more than three years into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Zelensky reportedly plans to announce Markarova’s replacement next week as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle, according to the newspaper, which cited insider sources.

    The Ukrainian president has reorganised his cabinet several times since the start of the war.

    A senior Ukrainian official told the newspaper that Zelensky intends to appoint someone who is a good dealmaker and understandable to the White House and at the same time to the Congress.

    The official said candidates for the position include Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, the Financial Times said.

    Balázs Jarábik, ex- EU diplomat in Kiev, noted that personnel changes seem aimed at managing growing political, economic and social pressures through renewal and control, rather than signaling shifts, according to newspaper reports.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Israel, Hamas inch toward new ceasefire deal for Gaza

    Israel, Hamas inch toward new ceasefire deal for Gaza

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington yesterday to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for a ceasefire that might lead to an end to the 21-month war in Gaza.

    Israel and Hamas are considering a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal that would pause the war, free Israeli hostages and send much-needed aid flooding into Gaza. It also aims to open broader talks about ending the conflict.

    Negotiations have repeatedly stalled over Hamas’ demands for an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel wants Hamas to surrender and disarm before it ends the war.

    It was gathered that the truce would last 60 days, 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 would be released in phases throughout the truce, Palestinian prisoners held by Israel will be released in exchange for the hostages, although precise numbers were not detailed.

    Humanitarian aid entering Gaza would be ramped up significantly and would be distributed by the United Nations. The proposal makes no mention of the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

    Israeli forces would withdraw to a buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt. Israel has seized large swaths of the territory since ending a previous ceasefire in March.

    On the first day of the truce, the sides are expected to begin negotiations toward an end to the war, but no timeline is mentioned.

    The mediators — the U.S., Egypt and Qatar — will serve as guarantors to make sure the sides negotiate in good faith.

    While there is no guarantee the war would end, the proposal states that Trump insists the talks during the truce “would lead to a permanent resolution of the conflict.”

    If the negotiations toward ending the war are not complete after 60 days, the ceasefire may be extended.

    The proposal says Trump will personally announce the ceasefire deal once it is reached.

    Read Also: Trump says Israel has agreed to 60-day ceasefire

    The UN yesterday raised alarm over continued mass displacement in the Gaza Strip and warned that more than 700,000 people have been uprooted since the end of the ceasefire in March amid ongoing Israeli military operations.

    “Yesterday, Israeli authorities issued another displacement order for parts of Khan Younis for the second time in two days. Our colleagues estimate that more than 50,000 people are in the area slated for displacement,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference.

    “We remind you that since the end of the ceasefire in March, more than 700,000 human beings have been displaced in Gaza, many have been displaced more than once, and they have no safe place to go,” he said.

    Dujarric said that Palestinians were “reportedly killed over the weekend while attempting to get food,” adding that hospitals are “overwhelmed” with patients injured while seeking aid.

    “We again clearly condemn the killing of all civilians,” he said, recalling a recent report by the World Food Program that notes “one out of every three people has not eaten for days in Gaza, placing more people at risk of starvation.”

  • Death toll from Texas flash floods hits 89

    Death toll from Texas flash floods hits 89

    The death toll from flash floods in the US state of Texas has risen to 89, with the majority of fatalities concentrated in Kerr County, officials said yesterday.

    Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that of the fatalities so far, 75 took place in the county. They included 48 adults and 27 children, with 15 of the adults and nine of the children unidentified, he added.

    Ten girls who were attending Camp Mystic and one counselor there are still unaccounted for, according to Leitha.

    Earlier in the day, the Christian summer camp announced that 27 campers and counselors had died in the floods.

    Additional fatalities were reported across multiple counties, with six deaths in Travis County, three in Burnet County, two each in Kendall and Williamson counties, and one in Tom Green County, CNN reported late Sunday.

    Read Also: At least 25 killed in Yemen deadly flash floods

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered condolences through spokesman Stephane Dujarric. “The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life,” he said.

    “The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with all those impacted, the people of Texas and the government of the United States,” Dujarric added.

    US President Donald Trump said he plans to visit Texas later this week after signing a major disaster declaration for Kerr County to ensure first responders “immediately have the resources they need.”

    The flooding began late Thursday and lasted into the early hours of Friday, as heavy rains engulfed the Guadalupe River, pushing it to a crest of more than 39 feet (11.8 meters), surpassing the region’s second-largest modern flood, in 1987.