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.

A Lusaka Magistrate Court has sentenced a Zambian police officer, Given Kayelu, to two years in prison with hard labour after he was found guilty of stealing an AK-47 rifle valued at K3,000.

Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga found the 27-year-old Kayelu, “guilty of theft by a public servant” after he withdrew the firearm from the armoury at government printers and took it to Gwembe without permission or authority.

Wishimanga held that Kayelu had no right to the firearm as it was not assigned to him.

The court also found that Kayelu’s actions were suspicious, as he withdrew the firearm from the armoury when he knew he was going on leave.

In the court’s ruling, Kayelu’s intention was to deprive the government of its property.

Kayelu’s lawyer who pleaded for leniency, argued that the convict was a first offender who was remorseful and of youthful age.

The defense counsel requested a lenient punishment, suggesting a suspended sentence could be the best option for him to reform but the court overruled the plea and sentenced Kayelu to two years imprisonment with hard labour, effective June 7, 2024, when he was apprehended after breaching his bail conditions.