International

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has declared that he is “not open” to granting concessions to Iran as diplomatic efforts continue over the ongoing conflict involving Washington, Tehran and Israel.

Trump’s remarks came after Iranian authorities confirmed that they had sent a response to the latest American proposal through Pakistan, which is serving as a mediator in the talks.

The latest developments emerged amid growing international concern over security, energy supplies and humanitarian conditions across the Middle East.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov defended Iran’s right to pursue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Lavrov said, “Iran, like any other member of the Non-Proliferation Agreement, has the full right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.”

He also stressed that Russia would not obstruct ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

“We will support any resolutions agreed upon and accepted by the negotiating parties themselves. In this case, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Lavrov said, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

Meanwhile, Iran announced plans to tighten its oversight of the Strait of Hormuz through the creation of a new body known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Iranian officials said the authority would provide real-time operational updates concerning the strategic waterway, which handles a large share of global oil and gas shipments.

Reports also indicated that Tehran plans to introduce an insurance scheme for vessels operating through the Strait of Hormuz and nearby Gulf waters. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, transactions linked to the insurance arrangement would be settled through cryptocurrency payments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Iranian state media said both officials discussed regional developments and diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington.

Germany joined calls for restraint after fresh attacks in the Gulf region. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other regional allies.

“Attacks on nuclear facilities pose a threat to the safety of people throughout the entire region. There must be no further escalation of violence,” Merz wrote on social media.

He further urged Iran to resume negotiations with the United States, halt threats against neighbouring countries and ensure unrestricted access through the Strait of Hormuz.

In the occupied Palestinian territories, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry criticised Israel’s reported decision to seize the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah area.

Palestinian officials warned that the move represented a “dangerous precedent” that could undermine international law. They said Israeli authorities planned to construct army and security facilities on the site, reportedly under the cover of establishing a museum.

Elsewhere, the Gaza Health Ministry said the territory’s medical system had suffered severe damage during the war. Officials stated that more than 76 percent of medical imaging equipment had been destroyed.

According to the ministry, all MRI services in Gaza have stopped after the destruction of nine machines. Only five of the enclave’s 18 CT scanners remain operational, while many X-ray machines are reportedly worn out and frequently malfunctioning.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned a recent drone strike targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant. UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Al Jaber described the attack as “a terrorist attack on a peaceful project, built to the highest safety standards, that powers homes, hospitals, and industries across the UAE.”

Authorities in the UAE said investigations were ongoing to determine the origin of the drones, which reportedly entered the country’s airspace through the western border.

In Europe, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for stronger cooperation between Europe and North America amid tensions between the United States and NATO allies over the conflict involving Iran.

“It is the task of all of us here in Poland, in Europe, across the Atlantic, in the US, in Canada, to ensure that transatlantic cooperation regardless of various political variables survives this difficult period,” Tusk said.

Tensions also escalated after organisers of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla announced that Israeli authorities detained several participants, including Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.

In a pre-recorded message released by organisers, Connolly stated: “If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by the Israeli occupying forces, and I’m now being held illegally in an Israeli prison.

“I am so proud to be taking part in this flotilla – it is the largest to date.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, a senior Nigerian civil servant and permanent secretary for special services in northern Bauchi State, has died in Saudi Arabia while performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage, state officials said on Sunday.

Jalam died at Al-Noor Hospital in Makkah early on Sunday morning following a brief illness, according to a statement from the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

He served as head of information and publicity and secretary of the feeding committee for the state’s 2026 Hajj delegation, managing welfare and logistics for hundreds of Nigerian pilgrims.

“His death is a monumental loss to our state and the nation,” Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, the executive secretary of the state’s pilgrims board, said in a statement from Makkah.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed his condolences, describing Jalam as a dedicated and exceptionally loyal public servant. Jalam also held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau in his home state.

Funeral prayers are scheduled to be held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah following the afternoon Zuhur prayers, with burial to take place in the holy city in accordance with Islamic rites.

Millions of Muslims arrive in Saudi Arabia annually for the Hajj, a key pillar of Islam. Managing the logistics and health requirements of large international delegations remains a critical task for foreign governments and Saudi authorities.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has expanded its monitoring of pro-Palestinian activism by adding the watermelon symbol to its official list of extremist and antisemitic indicators under specific conditions.

According to an agency report titled “Hidden Messages – Antisemitic Codes and Ciphers,” the watermelon motif is now flagged when used by activists to outline the geographic map of Palestine.

Authorities state that using the fruit’s shape to replace the borders of Israel acts as a “bridge narrative” that effectively denies Israel’s right to exist. 

The update was published alongside a re-classification of the slogan “From the river to the sea,” which German security officials view as a call for the elimination of the Jewish state.

The watermelon has historically served as an international symbol of Palestinian solidarity, utilising its red, green, black, and white colours to mirror the Palestinian flag. 

Pro-Palestinian networks have criticised the intelligence dossier, arguing that the security agency is conflating peaceful political expression with hate speech to suppress solidarity movements. 

Regional authorities, beginning with Bavaria, are expected to use the updated BfV guidelines to increase surveillance and tighten restrictions on public demonstrations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The number of regions in the Republic of Niger has increased from 8 to 19 following the creation of 11 new regions, a senior official announced before the National Council on Tuesday.

A director representing the Minister of Interior, General Mohamed Toumba, made the announcement while presenting a draft decree on the creation of the new regions to the Council.

According to the draft, each of the country’s original 8 regions has been split into two or three parts, while other new regions were created by extracting certain departments from existing regions and merging them into a single region.

Minister Toumba explained that the original Maradi region has been divided into three, resulting in the creation of the Katsina, Gobir, and Tazar regions. Similarly, the Damagaram/Zinder region has been split into three, giving rise to the Daura, Damagaram, and Damergou regions.

A novel aspect of the reform is the renaming of most regions, with the exception of the capital, Niamey, which will retain its name as the seat of the national government.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 73-year-old Nigerian pilgrim, Mallama Aishatu Muhammadu from Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, has died in Saudi Arabia after arriving for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Reports indicated that the elderly pilgrim suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday while on her way from Jeddah to Madinah.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the incident and said its Chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf, had contacted the family of the deceased to express condolences on behalf of the Federal Government.

During a telephone conversation with her brother, Umaru Jauro Koko, Ambassador Yusuf prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased and grant her eternal rest.

“He also prayed for Allah to grant the family the strength to bear the irreparable loss,” the commission stated.

The NAHCON chairman also assured the family that the government would support efforts to return the deceased’s belongings safely through the Adamawa State Pilgrims Welfare Commission.

The items include her Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and death certificate.

Mallama Aishatu is survived by children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Among her relatives is Abdullahi Bello, a Divisional Officer with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ganye Division.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A military court in China has sentenced former Defence Minister Li Shangfu to death for corruption, with a two-year reprieve on the execution of the sentence, state broadcaster China Central Television reported.

Li, who previously served as one of China’s top military officials, was found guilty of corruption-related offences following an investigation by Chinese authorities. Under China’s legal system, a death sentence with a two-year reprieve is often commuted to life imprisonment if the convict is deemed to have shown good behaviour during the suspension period.

The ruling marks another major development in China’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted senior political and military figures in recent years. Li was removed from office in 2023 after months out of public view, fuelling speculation about investigations into alleged misconduct within the military establishment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to reconsider Nigeria’s bilateral ties with South Africa following renewed xenophobic violence against Nigerians.

The resolution came during plenary on Tuesday after lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance presented by Donald Ojogo, who represents Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency in Ondo state.

Lawmakers expressed concern over rising hostility toward foreigners in South Africa, which has reportedly led to the deaths of at least two Nigerians in recent weeks.

While presenting the motion, Ojogo described the situation as an “alarming rate” of violence. He said Nigerians are being “selectively targeted” in the attacks.

He identified the victims as Ekpenyong Andrew and Amaramiro Emmanuel. According to him, the two incidents occurred separately. He explained that Andrew was arrested on April 19 in Pretoria after an alleged confrontation with police. His body was later found in a morgue. He added that Emmanuel died from injuries after an assault by members of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.

“Both incidents were shocking as they involved South African security personnel,” the lawmaker said.

Ojogo also described the attacks as “a demonstration of ingratitude”, in view of Nigeria’s role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

“The trajectory in South Africa is a recipe for anger and reprisals in Nigeria, and there is a need to prevent such,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, also condemned the attacks. He said Nigeria holds a “very significant position” in Africa and has supported “many nations to be stronger than they are today”.

“An attack on any Nigerian anywhere is an attack on Nigerians everywhere. It ought not to be so,” he said.

“Nigerians did not allow the apartheid masters to suppress South Africans. South Africans who are liberated should not put other Africans in their territory in bondage. These are facts.”

Following a voice vote, the motion received the support of the house.

The lawmakers urged the federal government to “review all bilateral agreements with South Africa, trade and aviation treaties, targeted economic measures, including temporary suspension of issuance of business permits to new South African companies and a review of tax incentives enjoyed by existing South African firms in Nigeria”. They said the measures should remain until South Africa takes clear steps to end the attacks, prosecute offenders, and compensate victims.

The house also directed its committees on foreign affairs and diaspora matters to work with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to set up a 24-hour emergency response desk and a legal aid fund for Nigerians facing distress.

In addition, the committees were asked to collaborate with the federal government on a detailed evacuation plan for Nigerians in volatile areas. The plan is expected to include financial and logistical support for those willing to return home.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Nigerian government has launched an emergency voluntary repatriation program for its citizens in South Africa following a violent wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant demonstrations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed on Monday that at least 130 Nigerians have already registered to leave, with that number expected to climb as tensions persist. The decision follows the reported killings of two Nigerians in separate incidents involving local security personnel, alongside viral footage showing the harassment of African migrants in several South African cities.

“The safety of our nationals is non-negotiable,” the Minister stated, noting that the government has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner to express “profound concern” over the deteriorating situation.

The Nigerian High Commission and Consulate are currently coordinating logistics to facilitate the return of those who feel unsafe. This surge in violence has also prompted other West African nations, including Ghana, to issue emergency safety advisories to their citizens.

While both governments have historically worked to maintain strong bilateral ties, Nigerian officials warned that the continued failure to protect foreign nationals could severely strain the relationship between the continent’s two largest economies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

China has lifted import tariffs on goods from 53 African countries. The new policy grants duty-free access to almost all nations on the continent, except Eswatini.

The measure took effect on Friday. It applies to African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. Eswatini remains the only country left out because it has formal ties with Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.

China had earlier removed tariffs on products from 33 least-developed African countries in December 2024. The latest move adds 20 more countries to the arrangement. According to Global Times, these nations will enjoy preferential duty-free access until 30 April 2028.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the decision would boost the competitiveness of African exports in its market. Products expected to benefit include cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, citrus and wine from South Africa, as well as coffee and avocados from Kenya.

Officials also said the policy could support the growth of processing industries across Africa and attract more investment into the sector.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, described the move as an “expression of China’s willingness to voluntarily expand openness and assume more international responsibilities”.

“It aims to share opportunities with Africa and achieve common development,” he said.

China remains Africa’s largest trading partner. In 2025, it imported goods worth more than £90 billion from the continent. This represents an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to the previous year. Total trade between both sides reached £255 billion.

The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomed the development. He said the policy was “very timely” as African economies face global economic challenges and rising protectionist measures.

“I would like to express, on behalf of the African Union Commission, our sincere gratitude for this very brotherly gesture that all Africans appreciate,” he said.

The tariff removal forms part of China’s broader economic plan under its 15th Five-Year Plan covering 2026 to 2030. The plan focuses on expanding market access and strengthening trade and investment ties.

Lauren Johnston, a research fellow at the AustChina Institute, said the expanded access could increase agricultural exports. She noted it may also “help elevate rural incomes, improve rural productivity, and ultimately reduce hunger and poverty”.

However, some experts believe tariff cuts alone may not solve Africa’s trade challenges. Jervin Naidoo, a political analyst at Oxford Economics Africa, said that “many African economies still face structural constraints such as limited industrial capacity, weak logistics, and reliance on raw commodity exports, which tariff reductions alone cannot address”.

By Maryam Ahmad

Dog owners in the coastal Tuscan city of Livorno will need to start carrying more than just plastic waste bags on their daily walks. Under a strict municipal ordinance, failing to wash away pet urine from public spaces can now land owners with a fine of up to €500.

The local council introduced the aggressive measure after a surge in complaints from local residents regarding foul odours and mounting hygiene issues, particularly in areas where adults and children congregate. Officials pointed to a booming pet population in the city as a major driver behind the deteriorating conditions.

According to the new rules, anyone walking a dog must carry a bottle of water to immediately rinse away any piddle left on pavements, benches, or the wheels of parked vehicles.

The ordinance carves out exemptions for on-duty police dogs and guide dogs assisting visually impaired individuals. Handlers are also exempt from the rinsing requirement during periods of icy weather, when adding water to the streets would create a safety hazard for pedestrians.

The story, which highlights the growing tension between expanding pet ownership and urban sanitation, was originally reported by The Guardian (UK).

Livorno joins a growing list of Italian municipalities that have turned to strict penalties to enforce public cleanliness among pet owners.

[2] https://www.theguardian.com