Metro

Tinubu pledges to stabilize ECOWAS in the face of insecurity

Published

2 days ago

December 2, 2024

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has pledged to do everything within his powers to stabilise the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in the face of escalating insecurity in the region.

Tinubu, the current Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, who made the vow during the closing ceremony of the African Military Games 2024 in Abuja on Sunday, reiterated his resolve to contribute to lasting peace in West African sub-region.

Tinubu who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said his administration’s determination to root out all forms of security threats and violent crimes in Nigeria will be reflected in the region so that peace can return to the various countries battling with insecurity.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, the President said he intended to accomplish all these by strengthening ties across African countries to promote a profound sense of camaraderie among troops on the continent.

“As the ECOWAS Chairman, I want to emphasise my determination to stabilise the sub-region and indeed the entire African continent to ensure its prosperity,” Tinubu said.

“To accomplish this vision, I consider strengthening ties across African countries to foster a deep sense of camaraderie among our troops as a priority,” Tinubu said.

The President added that the 2nd edition of the Africa Military Games could not have come at a better time, two decades after the last edition was held, noting that the military sports would go a long way in awakening the spirit of comradeship and friendship that is crucial to enhance cooperation among militaries across the African continent.

“Armed Forces constantly require fit personnel thereby underscoring the need for military personnel to always engage in sporting activities.

“As such, it is common knowledge that men and women of our Armed Forces must keep fit to ensure optimal physical, mental and emotional well-being.

“This will enable them to cope with the dynamics of our rapidly evolving volatile, uncertain and complex environment,” he said.

While declaring the Africa Military Games Abuja 2024 closed, Tinubu congratulated delegates from participating countries across Africa for their good conduct and display of the spirit of sportsmanship.

“Given the professionalism you all displayed from the start to finish of this Games, you gentlemen and ladies are indeed not only military personnel but also great sportsmen and women.

“I am aware that the various games were conducted without any obvious hitches. This is, indeed, an achievement which we all as Africans ought to be proud of,” he stated.

Related Topics:#insecurity ECOWAS Featured Nigeria President Bola Tinubu

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Metro

Zambian Police thwart attempt to traffic 13 Ethiopians in Lusaka

Published

16 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A human trafficking syndicate has been busted by the Zambian Police while attempting to traffic 13 Ethiopian nationals en route to South Africa.

The National Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, who revealed this in a statement on Monday, said the police intercepted the operation in Lusaka during routine patrol.

Hamoonga said officers from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Police Station set up a screening point at Hellensdale Junction, near Kalimba Farms, and stopped a suspicious vehicle with registration number ABF 4650 with fully tinted windows and a red number plate painted black which drew suspicion by the patrol team.

The police spokesman said upon inspection, officers discovered individuals lying on top of one another inside the van.

“When questioned, the driver and two accomplices abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Although officers pursued them, they escaped into a nearby farm,” Hamoonga said.

He added that inside the vehicle, police found 13 Ethiopian men who appeared frail and weak.

“Preliminary interviews revealed they had traveled from Ethiopia, passing through Kenya and Tanzania, before heading to South Africa to meet an unidentified individual.

“Reinforcements were called, and all 13 victims were taken into protective custody for further questioning.

“Two suspects, the driver Siaumpe Kaumbe and Patrick Kombe, an unlicensed driver, were later apprehended, while a third suspect remains at large,” the statement said.

“The Zambia Police Service remains committed to combatting human trafficking and ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals,” Hamoonga said and urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, while assuring that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the trafficking network responsible for facilitating the crime.

Metro

Nigeria seeks SA’s support for G20, BRICS membership

Published

20 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria has sought the support of South Africa in its bid to attain full membership in the G20, BRICS and the BRICS New Development Bank.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who made the request at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town on Monday, also pleaded with the South African government to support Nigeria’s bid to assume leadership roles in thematic discussions of interest under South Africa’s G20 presidency which commenced on December 1.

While delivering her speech,
Ojukwu said President Bola Tinubu, who is a member of the ad hoc mediation committee established by the African Union, had prioritised resolving crisis in Africa to foster peace and stability in Sudan and other conflict-affected parts of the continent.

‘‘We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and in this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and to ensure that within our region, conflicts are de-escalated,” she said.

‘‘We can hope that with peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all spheres,’’ the ambassador added.

She lauded the officials of both countries for working hard to present a draft communique facilitating amendments and submissions raised at the ministerial session of the BNC which will be presented to President Tinubu and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential BNC session later on Tuesday in Cape Town.

In his response, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, also affirmed that his country would amplify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency.

“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility.

‘‘Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to continue working together and more closely in order that their conditions and prospects are improved and the quality of life enhanced,’’ Lamola said.

He further highlighted priority areas of collaboration, including trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, artificial intelligence, arts and culture, climate change, defense, and security, and stressed the importance of expediting the finalisation and implementation of outstanding agreements under the BNC framework.