Author: Tunde

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, urging immediate reform of the UN Security Council to include permanent African representation. He argued that the Council remains a relic of 1945 and cannot be deemed legitimate while an entire continent of over 1.6 billion people lacks a permanent voice in significant global decisions. President Bio referenced the Common African Position outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which calls for at least two African permanent seats with full rights, including veto power, alongside five additional non-permanent seats. As…

A new report from the Climate Impact Lab at the University of Chicago warns that the ongoing Super El Niño could cause an additional 66,800 heat-related deaths across Africa’s Sahel over the next six months, with Nigeria expected to bear the brunt of these fatalities. Research indicates that from June 2026 to February 2027, there could be 451,000 extra heat-related deaths globally due to the current El Niño. Nigeria may see 31,400 of these, followed by Sudan with 17,500, Niger and the Democratic Republic of Congo with around 10,000 each, and Chad with 7,900. South Africa is also among the…

Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the UN General Assembly on Thursday, urgently warning world leaders about the devastating effects of climate change, just four weeks after catastrophic flash floods struck his country. “I wish I could stand here today simply to speak about development, democracy, peace and the hopes of a young nation. Instead, I must speak about death and destruction of epic proportions,” Shah stated during his speech. He emphasised that the dangers of climate change are a global issue, calling for increased international cooperation to protect the Himalayas. “The Himalayas are not peripheral to the planet. They…

The National Commission for Democracy (NCD) marked International Democracy Day (IDD) on 17th September 2026 at the Galliness Paradise Conference Hall in Bo City, under the theme “Political Tolerance and Peace Building: Reflection, One Year On.” NCD Executive Chairman Madam Marian Angela Samu expressed her delight at celebrating this important day in Bo, Sierra Leone’s Southern Region. She noted significant advancements in the country’s democratic journey since 1996, enabling citizens to engage in consolidating democracy. Last year, the NCD launched findings from its democratic research at a ceremony in Freetown. Madam Samu stated that the Commission plays a vital role…

Trump’s Africa envoy, Massad Boulos, stated during an interview with FRANCE 24 at the United Nations General Assembly that both factions in Sudan believe they can secure a decisive military victory. He commented on the situation in Western Sahara, acknowledging that there is no immediate solution in sight. Additionally, he addressed Rwanda’s claims of bias concerning US sanctions, asserting that these sanctions “can easily be reversed.” The interview aired on 25 September 2026, highlighting the complexities of US foreign relations in Africa. Source link

The National Revenue Authority (NRA), alongside the Ministry of Finance, the National Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA), and SICPA, conducted a compliance assessment tour of various factories and businesses in Freetown today. The team inspected the Mackie Cement Factory in Hastings, the SICPA Warehouse in Wellington, LEONE Oil Company in Kissy, Rockcem, and King Production also in Kissy. Their aim was to evaluate adherence to tax stamp regulations, identify compliance gaps, and enhance revenue assurance. The NRA’s delegation was led by Edwin Conteh, Deputy Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department, and Moo-Usa Salia Konneh, Assistant Commissioner of the Excise Office. Idrissa…

Fighting has reignited in northern Ethiopia, sparking fears of a communications blackout as conflicts escalate between federal military forces and those from the Tigray region, along with their allies. Telecoms and internet services reportedly ceased on Friday amid concerns that the situation could evolve into a full-scale war. The interruptions have raised alarms reminiscent of the civil war from 2020 to 2022, which left Tigray largely isolated and resulted in around 600,000 deaths. Web monitor NetBlocks confirmed an “internet disruption in northern Ethiopia,” consistent with reports of a telecoms blackout in Tigray. According to Reuters, Tigray’s ruling party, the Tigray…

New York, Wednesday, 23 September 2026 – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has praised First Lady Fatima Bio for her tireless efforts in combating child, early, and forced marriage. He announced three new national commitments aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s initiatives to protect girls and eradicate this practice. Speaking at a notable event in New York during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Bio highlighted the recent unanimous adoption of a resolution to establish 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, led by Sierra Leone. The gathering included…

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved its State Working Committee in Kano with immediate effect. The announcement was made in a letter dated 24 September 2026, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar M. Bature, addressed to the state chairman. The letter clarified that the dissolution pertains only to the state executive, while the ward and local government committees will remain unchanged. “The entire PDP State Working Committee (SWC) for Kano State chaired by Dr Bello Gambo Bichi is hereby dissolved effective from the date of this letter,” it read. The…

Pope Francis will visit Metz in northeast France on Monday to honour Robert Schuman (1886-1963), a founding father of the European Union and a devout Catholic now being considered for beatification. He will also meet migrants in Paris and survivors of sexual abuse by the Catholic clergy in Lourdes. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV has French roots; his paternal grandmother came from Le Havre in Normandy. After marrying her Italian husband in the US, she adopted the last name Prevost, which was her mother’s maiden name. France’s relationship with the Catholic Church is complex. Historically,…