Inside Africa Archives | Page 2 of 6

US Warns Nigerian Students of Visa Revocation Over Academic Violations

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The United States government has issued a strong warning to Nigerian students and other international students in the country, cautioning them against violating the conditions of their student visas. In an advisory shared on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the US Mission in Nigeria emphasized that students who drop out, miss classes, or abandon their academic programmes without formally notifying their institutions risk having their visas revoked. The mission further warned that such violations could jeopardize eligibility for future US visas, regardless of the visa category. “If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programmes of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas,” the advisory stated. Students were strongly advised to adhere strictly to the terms of their visa and maintain active academic status throughout their stay in the United States to avoid immigration-related issues. The warning serves as a reminder to thousands of Nigerian students currently enrolled in US institutions to remain compliant with visa regulations, especially as the new academic year approaches.

Sudan Crisis: Thousands in Al Fashir Forced to Eat Animal Feed Amid Total Siege

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Al Fashir, Sudan – The humanitarian situation in Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, has reached catastrophic levels as thousands of residents are now resorting to eating animal feed to survive a 14-month siege by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The paramilitary group has sealed off the city—home to over 900,000 people—cutting off food, fuel, and humanitarian aid since last year. The siege intensified following the April 2025 sacking of the Zamzam displacement camp by the RSF, effectively closing the last supply route into the city. Rare footage obtained by Sky News shows deserted streets, abandoned markets, and residents hiding indoors amid frequent shelling. Volunteers use donkey carts to distribute minimal food, as aid convoys have repeatedly come under fire and failed to reach the city. “The markets are destroyed, people are dying, and the RSF attacks continue daily,” said journalist Muammer Ibrahim from inside Al Fashir. “This is a monstrous situation.” Aid agencies, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), report that malnutrition rates are ‘catastrophic’, with many families now living in makeshift tents on the city’s outskirts after fleeing the devastated Zamzam camp. Community kitchens offer only small servings of sorghum porridge, insufficient to sustain the population. “There is no food, no work, no aid — and no farming. All signs point to a full-blown famine,” said Mohamed al Doma, treasurer of Al Fashir’s Emergency Response Rooms, who recently fled the city with his family. The IPC Famine Review Committee confirmed famine conditions in parts of Darfur as early as late 2024, and aid groups fear the situation has significantly worsened in Al Fashir since then. Efforts to negotiate aid access remain deadlocked, as the RSF continues its blockade. Aid workers warn that unless humanitarian corridors are urgently established, tens of thousands more lives are at risk.

Africa’s Billionaire Boom Masks Rising Inequality – Oxfam Report Warns

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

August 2, 2025 | By Trend Brio Despite a surge in African billionaires, a new Oxfam report has revealed stark inequality across the continent, warning that the growing concentration of wealth among elites is worsening poverty and undermining economic progress for millions. Titled Africa’s Inequality Crisis and the Rise of the Super-Rich, the report shows that just four of Africa’s wealthiest individuals – including Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote and South Africa’s Johann Rupert – now hold a combined $57.4 billion, surpassing the total wealth of nearly 750 million Africans. The top 5% of Africans now control about $4 trillion in assets, while more than half the population lives in poverty. Nigeria and South Africa, the continent’s largest economies, exemplify the trend, where politically connected tycoons have amassed fortunes through privatisation and state-backed reforms. Critics point to Nigeria’s Dangote Group and South Africa’s BEE-linked moguls as symbols of “crony capitalism” – where political ties, rather than innovation, drive business success. While intended to foster domestic enterprise and Black economic empowerment, such policies have often entrenched elite capture, sidelining ordinary citizens. Oxfam and policy analysts are calling for urgent reforms, including wealth and income taxes on the richest Africans. A 1% wealth tax and 10% high-income levy could raise $66 billion annually – funds that could help close critical gaps in public services like education, healthcare, and electricity access. With unemployment and inequality rising, especially among youth and women, the report urges African governments to dismantle oligarchic structures and adopt equity-driven economic policies. “We, the neglected and disenfranchised 95 percent, stand against oligarchy,” columnist Tafi Mhaka writes, echoing growing calls for systemic change across the continent.

DR Congo, Rwanda Hold First Oversight Talks Following Peace Deal

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa | August 2, 2025 The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have convened the inaugural meeting of a joint oversight committee in Washington, marking a tentative step toward implementing a peace agreement signed in June. The African Union, Qatar, and the United States—key backers of the deal—participated in Thursday’s meeting, which aimed to monitor progress and maintain momentum toward peace in the conflict-ridden Great Lakes region. According to a joint statement released by both governments on Friday, the committee “discussed progress on implementing the agreement” signed during a high-profile summit hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The June 27 accord, seen as a turning point after years of deadly conflict, pledged respect for territorial integrity and a halt to hostilities in eastern DRC. Implementation Lags Despite Initial Momentum Under the terms of the deal, Rwanda agreed to withdraw its troops from eastern DRC within 90 days, while both nations committed to establishing a joint security coordination mechanism within 30 days. However, that timeline has already begun to slip. More than a month after the agreement was signed, there has been no meeting of the joint security body, and operations targeting the DRC-based rebel group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) have yet to commence. The withdrawal of Rwandan troops has also not begun. Despite these setbacks, U.S. Africa adviser Massad Boulos insisted the deal is not derailed. “There was no timeline for that,” Boulos said, referring to operations against the FDLR. “If you look at the chronology of what we’ve been able to do since April, it’s been extensive, on point, and very much in line with our aspirations.” Tensions Still Simmer on the Ground Military and diplomatic sources say that while the talks continue, armed groups on both sides are reinforcing positions. The Rwandan-backed M23 and Congolese-aligned Wazalendo militias have reportedly strengthened their presence along contested front lines. The peace agreement includes vague provisions on economic cooperation and mineral trade, but critics argue the deal lacks specifics on enforcement and verification, particularly regarding troop movements and disarmament timelines. While the oversight committee is designed to address such gaps and disputes, analysts say the fragile trust between Kigali and Kinshasa, combined with persistent insecurity, will test the deal’s durability in the months ahead.

ECONEC to Use Nigeria’s 2023 Election Review as Benchmark for West Africa

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 The ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) says the findings and recommendations from Nigeria’s 2023 general elections will serve as a benchmark for improving electoral processes across the West African subregion. Speaking during a post-election follow-up and needs assessment mission to Nigeria, ECONEC President and Chairperson of Liberia’s National Elections Commission, Mrs. Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, said the recommendations will help guide reforms in individual election management bodies (EMBs) in the region. “We anticipate that during our engagement, we may be able to understand the reasons behind some of the issues that emerged from the 2023 elections and how INEC was able to navigate and find solutions,” she stated during the delegation’s visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. Browne-Lansanah emphasized that ECONEC views the Nigerian experience as a learning opportunity for all member states. “We want to understand what happened, learn from your expertise in addressing the challenges, and apply those lessons to strengthen our own electoral systems.” She also expressed gratitude to INEC for its support to Liberia’s electoral commission, noting that Nigeria had provided essential materials and helped set up an ICT facility for her commission. “Through ECONEC’s principles and ideals, Nigeria responded to our needs. This mission is committed to learning,” she said. Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu acknowledged ECOWAS’ role in deploying both short-term and long-term observation missions during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. He noted that ECOWAS made 37 recommendations following the polls—13 of which were directed at INEC, while 24 were meant for other institutions including the National Assembly, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). “The commission has reviewed all 13 recommendations requiring administrative action and has already implemented many of them,” Prof. Yakubu said, adding that other recommendations needing legislative changes are under review by the National Assembly. He noted that INEC had incorporated most of the suggestions into its own set of 142 recommendations for electoral reform, which were developed through broad consultations with stakeholders.

WAFCON 2025: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Officiating After Nigeria’s Comeback Win

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Tension continues to rise following Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 victory over host nation Morocco in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially lodged a protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over alleged officiating errors that they claim influenced the outcome. The FRMF’s petition centers on a pivotal moment in the 82nd minute when Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin was flagged for a handball in the penalty box. The referee initially awarded a penalty to Morocco, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned — a move that Moroccan officials and fans have strongly condemned. “It was a small detail that cost us the game,” lamented Morocco’s head coach Jorge Vilda, who previously led Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title. While acknowledging that his players were physically drained in the second half, Vilda insisted that the reversal of the penalty was a major turning point. Morocco had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, stunning fans at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. But the Super Falcons launched a spirited second-half comeback with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini, who came off the bench to score the winner. Nigeria’s head coach Justine Madugu praised his players’ determination and credited tactical changes at halftime for the turnaround. “The substitutions made all the difference,” Madugu said. “But full credit to Morocco — they played an excellent first half.” The defeat marks a bitter moment for Morocco, making them the first host nation to lose back-to-back WAFCON finals. The FRMF insists CAF must review the officiating and has called for stronger accountability to preserve the tournament’s integrity. In the third-place match, Ghana’s Black Queens edged past South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time, claiming the bronze medal in a fiercely contested fixture.

Inside Africa

VP Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Food Security at UN Summit

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – July 28, 2025Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reiterated the country’s strong commitment to food and nutrition security while addressing global leaders at the United Nations Food Systems Summit held at the iconic African Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Speaking at the summit, Shettima emphasized that food insecurity is a global challenge that “knows no borders” and called for collective international action. He outlined Nigeria’s strategic approach, highlighting the Presidential Initiative on Food Security, which aims to scale up the production of maize, rice, cassava, and wheat using climate-smart solutions. “Nutrition is at the heart of Nigeria’s vision,” he stated, citing the integration of food and nutrition targets into national frameworks such as the National Development Plan and Agenda 2050. The Vice President also spotlighted the Nutrition 774 initiative, designed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level by reaching all 774 local government areas in Nigeria — turning “pledges into meals,” he said. Shettima noted that Nigeria is embracing innovation to transform its agricultural sector. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution is driving our agricultural systems, through the use of artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics, and satellite-driven climate intelligence,” he said. These technologies, he added, are enhancing transparency, boosting production, improving market access, and reducing food waste. Highlighting strategic partnerships, the Vice President pointed to collaborations with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. These zones, he said, are creating jobs, attracting investment, and linking local farmers to global markets. He concluded by emphasizing the role of nutrition education and school feeding programs in securing long-term outcomes, stating that they are essential for “building healthier futures” for Nigerian children.

Over 20 Killed in Church Attack by Islamic State-Linked Rebels in Eastern Congo

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

At least 21 people were killed early Sunday morning in an attack on a Catholic church premises in Komanda, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, by Islamic State-linked rebels, local authorities report. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group affiliated with the Islamic State, reportedly stormed the area around 1 a.m., opening fire on worshippers and residents. Several homes and shops were also set ablaze, leaving behind scenes of destruction and panic. “More than 21 people were shot dead inside and outside [the church], and we have recorded at least three charred bodies,” said Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society coordinator in Komanda. “The search is still ongoing.” The Congolese army, while confirming the attack, reported at least 10 confirmed deaths as of Sunday morning. “Armed men with machetes attacked a church near Komanda,” said Lt. Jules Ngongo, spokesperson for the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) in Ituri Province. “About 10 people were killed, and shops were set on fire.” This latest massacre follows a series of deadly attacks carried out by the ADF in Ituri Province. Earlier this month, the group killed dozens of civilians in what the United Nations described as a “bloodbath.” Komanda residents have since begun fleeing toward Bunia, the provincial capital, fearing further attacks. “We are truly disappointed—it’s incredible that such a situation could occur in a town where all the security officials are present,” Duranthabo added. “We urgently call for military intervention because the enemy is still near our town.” ADF: A Legacy of Violence The Allied Democratic Forces originated in Uganda in the late 1990s, emerging from small Islamist-leaning rebel groups disillusioned with President Yoweri Museveni’s government. Following military pressure, the ADF relocated to eastern Congo in 2002 and has since waged a brutal insurgency, leaving thousands of civilians dead. In 2019, the group formally pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, solidifying its identity as a regional arm of the global jihadist network. The ADF leadership envisions an Islamist government in East Africa and continues to target civilians, churches, and infrastructure in a bid to instill fear and gain territorial control. Meanwhile, the Congolese military (FARDC) has faced growing pressure as it battles the ADF alongside renewed violence from the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, creating a complex and volatile security crisis in the region.