International
Foreign cash fuelling illegal mining, terrorism in Africa, says Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has highlighted the issue of foreign funding for illegal mining and terrorism in Africa, stating that it poses a significant threat to peace, security, and development on the continent. He made these remarks at the opening ceremony of a two-day African High-Level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the UN Office for Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in Abuja.
Tinubu emphasized that terrorism is evolving, continuously finding ways to finance, re-equip, and re-supply itself for its sinister missions. He pointed out that billions of dollars, which could have been used by legitimate governments for societal development, are instead being diverted to fund terrorism. He particularly highlighted the connection between illegal mining and terrorism, stating that international intervention is necessary as it is outside money, not African money, that fuels illegal operations.
In combating terrorism, Tinubu stressed the need to address its root causes, such as poverty, marginalization, and social injustice. He called for concrete actions rather than empty rhetoric. Additionally, he advocated for the strengthening of existing counter-terrorism structures, such as the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU), the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA). He also emphasized the importance of a Regional Standby Force with a mandate to tackle terrorism.
Furthermore, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the need for integrated security strategies to combat terrorism in Africa. He highlighted various factors driving terrorism, including organized crime, foreign terrorism financing, poverty, inequality, and prolonged conflicts. Ribadu mentioned Nigeria’s efforts in addressing the drivers of violent extremism and enhancing intelligence gathering.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, underscored the unprecedented threats faced by Africa due to terrorism. He mentioned Nigeria’s push for greater cooperation on counter-terrorism and efforts to tackle the proliferation of small arms in Africa.
UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, called for addressing the underlying causes of terrorism and rebuilding affected communities. She emphasized the role of social exclusion, inequality, and human rights violations in creating terrorists.
UNOCT Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, praised Africa’s efforts in countering terrorism and emphasized the importance of international support for African-led solutions. He stressed that no single actor could resolve the continent’s challenges alone.
International
China’s Foreign Minister visits four African countries on annual tour
Beijing has sent hundreds of thousands of workers and engineers to the continent and gained strategic access to its vast mineral riches, including copper, gold and lithium.
China’s top diplomat kicks off a New Year trip to Africa on Wednesday, the foreign ministry said, seeking to boost trade on a four-country circuit that includes several recent political hotspots.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s tour of the continent’s east and south will take him to Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho, concluding on Monday, the ministry said in a statement.
The visits are in keeping with the Chinese diplomatic convention of recent decades, whereby the foreign minister’s first overseas trip of the year is to Africa.
The current tour “aims to deepen political mutual trust with all parties… (and) strengthen exchanges and mutual learning”, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Wednesday at a regular news conference.
China is Africa’s top business partner, with trade reaching $296 billion in 2024, according to Chinese state media.
Beijing has sent hundreds of thousands of workers and engineers to the continent and gained strategic access to its vast mineral riches, including copper, gold and lithium.
International
Trump Announces Venezuela to Turn Over Up to 50 Million Barrels of Oil to United States
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that interim authorities in Venezuela will turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality sanctioned oil to the United States, following the recent U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 Million Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.
This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!
“The president added that he has directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, with the oil to be transported via storage ships directly to U.S. unloading docks.
The announcement comes amid ongoing developments in Venezuela, where the oil—previously held in storage due to U.S. sanctions—is estimated to be worth up to $2.8 billion at current market prices around $56 per barrel.
Analysts note that this volume represents a modest addition to global supply but could divert exports previously destined for China.U.S. crude futures dipped slightly following the news, closing lower by about 1.3%. Major U.S. oil companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips, are reportedly monitoring the situation, with meetings planned between industry representatives and the administration to discuss future investments in Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The deal marks a significant step in Trump’s stated goal of revitalizing Venezuela’s oil sector, which holds the world’s largest proven reserves but has seen production decline sharply in recent years due to sanctions, underinvestment, and mismanagement.
International
Nicolas Maduro, wife plead not guilty in New York court
Maduro, 63, told a federal judge in Manhattan that he had been “kidnapped” from Venezuela and said, “I’m innocent, I’m not guilty; I’m still the president of my country.”
Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism in a New York court on Monday, two days after being snatched by US forces in a stunning raid on his home in Caracas.
Maduro, 63, told a federal judge in Manhattan that he had been “kidnapped” from Venezuela and said, “I’m innocent, I’m not guilty; I’m still the president of my country.”
Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores likewise pleaded not guilty.
The pair were snatched by US commandos in the early hours of Saturday in an assault backed by warplanes and a heavy naval deployment.
(AFP)
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