Benin’s Communist Party Condemns Nigeria, France Over ‘Foreign Military Intervention’ After Failed Coup

The Communist Party of Benin (PCB) has denounced what it calls unlawful foreign military intervention by Nigeria and France following the December 7 failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon. In a strongly worded statement, the party accused French forces and Nigerian fighter jets of playing decisive roles in quelling the coup, calling the action an assault on Benin’s sovereignty.
While rejecting military takeovers, the PCB blamed the Talon administration for deepening political repression and fuelling public anger. It demanded the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, warning that continued authoritarian governance makes future instability inevitable.



#BeninCoup

#ForeignIntervention

#PatriceTalon

JUST IN: French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in addressing its security challenges, particularly the t€rrorist threat in the country’s northern region.

Macron Backs Tinubu as France Pledges Full Support to Nigeria Amid Escalating Terror Threat

French President Emmanuel Macron has assured President Bola Tinubu of France’s full support as Nigeria battles a worsening wave of terrorism, mass kidnappings, and violent attacks across the North and Middle Belt. Macron revealed via his official X account that he spoke directly with Tinubu, expressing solidarity and promising to strengthen France’s security partnership with Nigeria at the president’s request.

The call comes as Nigeria declares a nationwide state of emergency after multiple mass abductions of schoolchildren and deadly assaults on churches and rural communities. Tinubu announced plans to recruit 20,000 additional police officers, deploy forest guards, and reinforce security in schools and places of worship.

The crisis coincides with international concern, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings and rising criticism over Nigeria’s handling of insecurity. Analysts caution that Tinubu’s increased troop deployment may not be enough to curb the escalating violence.

Breaking News: President Macron just announced that he spoke with President Tinubu and expressed France’s solidarity as Nigeria confronts rising security challenges, especially terrorism in the North. At President Tinubu’s request, France will be strengthening its partnership and support for affected communities. He also urged global partners to step up their engagement because no one can afford to sit on the sidelines.

BREAKING: Macron says France will intensify counter-terror assistance to Nigeria

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to strengthen France’s support for Nigeria in tackling terrorism and other security challenges, following a discussion with President Bola Tinubu.

In a tweet on Sunday, Macron said he had conveyed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in the face of “various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the north”.

Nigeria Gains Strong International Support in Counterterrorism Efforts, Says Nuhu Ribadu



National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu says Nigeria is receiving increased international backing—particularly from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—as the country intensifies its fight against insurgency and terrorism. Speaking during a sympathy visit to Niger State following the abduction of schoolchildren, Ribadu assured families that President Tinubu is deeply concerned and committed to securing their safe return. He emphasized that global partners are uniting to help Nigeria overcome two decades of violent extremism.
The report also includes updates from the Defence Headquarters clarifying a cross-border misunderstanding with Nigerien troops, activist Aisha Yesufu’s scathing open letter accusing the National Assembly of failing citizens amid worsening insecurity, and fresh kidnappings in Kano State just days after an earlier rescue operation.



#Nigeria #NuhuRibadu #Counterterrorism #NationalSecurity #USSupport #France #UK #Insecurity #Tinubu #NigerState #Kidnappings #DHQ #AishaYesufu #KanoState #TerrorismFight #NigeriaNews

Nasarawa Police Rescue 40 Foreign Nationals from Human Trafficking Syndicate Lafia, Nasarawa State

The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued 40 foreign nationals, mostly from Mali and Ivory Coast, who were lured into Nigeria by a human trafficking syndicate with false promises of jobs in France.

The victims were intercepted before they could be transported out of the country, police said on Saturday.
State Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro, disclosed the rescue during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital.

According to CP Jauro, the victims were deceived with offers of employment in Europe and brought into Nigeria through illegal routes. They were being held in a location within the state ahead of onward movement to France when police acted on intelligence and raided the premises.

The prime suspect, believed to be the leader of the trafficking ring, remains at large. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest him and other accomplices.
No further details about the victims’ conditions or the exact location of the rescue were immediately released, as investigations continue.

⚡️ Airlines around the world are rescheduling or canceling flights. Airbus previously recalled thousands of planes due to a flight management system error.

In Japan, All Nippon Airways canceled nearly 100 domestic flights. This video shows the situation at a local airport. The collapse affected more than 13,000 passengers.

In France, people are queuing for about three hours, according to social media users. The photo shows a huge crowd gathered near the check-in counters.

Yesterday, Airbus recalled almost half of the global A320 fleet—more than 6,000 aircraft require a software update. Strong solar radiation was reported to be damaging data needed by the flight control system.

BREAKING: France will soon be able to intercept boats in the Channel that are suspected of picking up migrants along the coast and bringing them to the UK, French authorities have told Sky News

UK suspends some intel sharing with US over boat strike concerns as France says US military operations in Caribbean violate international law
The decision by London marks a significant break from its closest ally and intelligence sharing partner in Washington and highlights the question of US strikes against the suspected drug traffickers in Latin America.

"Is the sudden interest in Christian attacks because Nigeria now has one of the world’s largest oil refineries?" — Pastor Wale Adefarasin questions Trump and others.

During a sermon at his church, Pastor Adefarasin raised concerns over what he described as the sudden international focus on the plight of Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing that insecurity in the country is neither new nor confined to a single region.

Recalling decades of violence, he highlighted the long history of killings in Southern Kaduna and the Plateau. He also referenced past international incidents, such as the defacing of an image of the Prophet Muhammad in France, which he said subsequently led to attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

“It’s nothing new. It doesn’t amount to genocide,” he said, noting that Western narratives often portray Nigerian Christians as being in constant mortal danger.”

PastorWale questioned the motivations behind global attention, suggesting that Nigeria’s growing economic and strategic significance could play a role.

“Is it because we now have one of the largest refineries in the world, or because of the 21st-century minerals in our land used for nuclear power and electric vehicles? Are these the reasons our friends are threatening to invade our country to defend Nigerian Christians?” he asked.

He concluded by urging caution and careful analysis of international interventions, stressing that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith. “Selam,” he added.

BREAKING NEWS:
The European Union, France, and Nigeria have signed a €10.2 million partnership deal to enhance local medicine production in Nigeria.

In a statement released by the EU today, the agreement is designed to boost Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and strengthen local health systems to improve access to quality healthcare across the country.

Cameroon’s Paul Biya re-elected for 8th term with over 53% of vote.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, has been re-elected for an eighth term with 53.7 percent of the vote, according to official results announced by the Constitutional Council Monday.

Rival candidate and former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary came second with 35.2 percent, the council said. Chiroma had claimed victory against the incumbent two days after the October 12 election, and called for demonstrations.

Four people were killed on Sunday in clashes between security forces and supporters of the opposition in the economic capital Douala, according to the region’s governor.

Security forces initially used tear gas before firing “live ammunition,” according to protesters interviewed by AFP.

Since last week, supporters of Issa Tchiroma, who according to his own tally won 54.8 percent of the votes against 31.3 percent for Biya, have taken to the streets to defend his claimed victory.

Most analysts expected Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, to secure another seven-year term in a system that critics say has been increasingly rigged.

Biya is only the second head of state to lead Cameroon since independence from France in 1960.

He has ruled with an iron fist, repressing all political and armed opposition, and holding onto power through social upheaval, economic disparity and separatist violence.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as Madagascar’s President After Gen-z led protest resulted in Military Takeover.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as Madagascar’s new president on Friday, just days after leading a military coup that forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.

The ceremony, held at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, was attended by military officers, politicians, Gen Z protest leaders, and foreign representatives from the U.S., European Union, Russia, and France.

“Today marks a historic turning point for our country,” Randrianirina declared during his oath-taking, vowing to “break with the past” and embark on comprehensive reforms.

He praised the youth-led movement that played a central role in toppling Rajoelina, saying their passion reflected “a deep love for their homeland.”

Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT unit that joined protesters during last weekend’s uprising, promised to collaborate with “all the driving forces of the nation” to draft a new constitution and electoral laws paving the way for fresh elections and referendums.

“Our mission is to reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems of governance,” he said, signaling the start of what many are calling a new era for the Indian Ocean nation.

Madagascar suspended from African Union as military colonel declares himself leader following Gen Z–led protests.

The African Union (AU) has suspended Madagascar after a military coup ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The AU said the suspension would remain “until constitutional order is restored.”

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of an elite army unit, declared himself interim president and said the military would rule for up to two years before holding elections. “We are staying for at least 18 months, at most two years,” he told the Associated Press.

The coup followed weeks of youth-led protests under the “Gen Z Madagascar” movement, demanding better governance and access to basic services. Randrianirina claimed he took power at the request of the High Constitutional Court after Rajoelina fled “for safety reasons.”

He announced the appointment of a prime minister and the dissolution of most institutions, except the lower house of parliament, to form a transitional government.

Rajoelina, who has been in power since 2018, condemned the takeover as an “illegal coup.” Randrianirina, once his ally, had been arrested in 2023 for inciting mutiny and released with a suspended sentence the following year.

Crowds in Antananarivo reacted with both celebration and fear of instability. Analysts criticised the move, calling it a civil movement hijacked by the army.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron denied aiding Rajoelina’s escape but expressed “deep concern” and reaffirmed France’s support for Madagascar’s people.

The island nation has suffered repeated coups since 1960, struggling with poverty and corruption its GDP per capita has halved, and its corruption ranking has fallen to 140th globally.

Madagascar in Political Turmoil as Military Seizes Power After President Rajoelina’s Impeachment

Madagascar’s elite army unit takes control after President Andry Rajoelina’s impeachment, sparking global concern and uncertainty over the country’s democratic future.


Madagascar has been plunged into political chaos after an elite military unit seized control of the government following the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.

According to Punch Newspaper, the dramatic power shift occurred on Wednesday when the CAPSAT contingent, an elite arm of the military, took over key government institutions in the capital, Antananarivo, just hours after parliament voted to remove Rajoelina from office.

Reports indicate that the embattled president fled the country amid growing protests and mounting opposition. The move marks Madagascar as the latest in a string of African nations—following Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea—to experience military takeovers since 2020.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT unit, has been declared interim president by the country’s top court. In a televised address, Randrianirina denied staging a coup, claiming the intervention was to “rescue the nation from collapse.” He pledged to restore civilian rule within 18 to 24 months and promised institutional reforms and elections before the transition ends.

The African Union swiftly suspended Madagascar from all its activities, calling the military action unconstitutional. The United Nations, France, Germany, and Russia also expressed concern, urging calm, dialogue, and a return to democratic order.

Meanwhile, the youth-led Gen Z Movement, which had spearheaded recent protests over water and electricity shortages, hailed the development as a victory for the people. “We’re anxious about the future, but this feels like our first real win,” said 26-year-old rugby team captain, Fenitra Razafindramanga.

However, Rajoelina’s camp insists he remains the legitimate president, describing the court’s endorsement of Randrianirina as “illegal and politically motivated.”

Rajoelina’s presidency has long been controversial—he first came to power in 2009 through a military-backed coup and later returned via disputed elections in 2023. His administration was widely criticized for corruption, economic decline, and poor governance.

As Madagascar navigates this uncertain transition, global observers are watching closely to see whether the country will truly reform—or once again fall into the cycle of military dominance and fragile democracy.

MTV to Shut Down Music Channels After Nearly Four Decades of Broadcasting.

MTV, the world’s first 24-hour music television network, is set to end its long-standing run of non-stop music broadcasting in the UK after nearly 40 years. The network will shut down five of its UK music channels MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live on December 31, according to reports

The decision marks a significant shift in viewing habits, as audiences now primarily watch music videos on YouTube and social media platforms instead of traditional TV. Paramount, MTV’s parent company, has not issued an official statement regarding the closures.

Launched in the US in 1981, MTV revolutionized music entertainment by airing pop videos introduced by “video jockeys” or VJs, who became stars in their own right. The channel delivered iconic moments such as the debut of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, the 1985 Live Aid concert broadcast, and the creation of the MTV Video Music Awards.

MTV expanded to Europe in 1987, and the UK launched its own channel in 1997 with Three Lions by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner as its first video. The network helped launch the careers of several presenters, including Cat Deeley, Zane Lowe, and Emma Willis, and later moved into original reality programming with shows like Ex On The Beach and Teen Mom UK.

Reports suggest that Paramount will also shut down MTV music channels in other countries such as Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil, as part of a global cost-cutting plan aimed at saving around $500 million (£376 million).

Earlier this year, Paramount also closed its Television Studios division, which produced Jack Ryan and The Spiderwick Chronicles. In the UK, MTV’s original productions like Gonzo and Fresh Out UK were also cancelled.

Despite declining viewership, MTV’s UK music channels still drew modest audiences, with MTV Music reaching 1.3 million viewers and MTV 90s attracting 949,000 in July, according to Barb ratings.

MTV will continue to maintain its presence through social media platforms and Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+.

"Nigeria’s Debt has Climbed to just ₦152.4 trillion" — DMO informs Nigerians.

Nigeria’s total public debt stock has surged to ₦152.40 trillion as of June 30, 2025, according to fresh data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Saturday.

This marks an increase of ₦3.01 trillion from the ₦149.39 trillion recorded in March 2025 —a 2.01% rise within just three months. In dollar terms, the figure rose from $97.24 billion to $99.66 billion, reflecting a 2.49% uptick.

The DMO attributed the rise to increased borrowing both locally and internationally to fund fiscal gaps, despite ongoing revenue reforms and foreign exchange liberalisation.

A breakdown shows external debt grew from $45.98 billion in March to $46.98 billion (₦71.85tn) by June.
The World Bank remains Nigeria’s largest external creditor with $18.04 billion outstanding, representing 38% of total external obligations, mostly through the International Development Association.

Multilateral lenders collectively hold $23.19 billion (49.4%), including the African Development Bank, IMF, and Islamic Development Bank. Bilateral loans stood at $6.20 billion, led by China’s Exim Bank at $4.91 billion, followed by France, Japan, India, and Germany.

Commercial loans, primarily Eurobonds, amounted to $17.32 billion, representing 36.9% of external debt, while $268.9 million came from syndicated facilities and commercial bank loans. Analysts warn that Nigeria’s heavy Eurobond exposure increases its vulnerability to global market volatility.

On the domestic front, total debt climbed from ₦78.76 trillion in March to ₦80.55 trillion in June, an increase of ₦1.79 trillion or 2.27%. Federal Government bonds dominated with ₦60.65 trillion, representing 79.2% of local debt. This includes ₦36.52 trillion in naira bonds, ₦22.72 trillion in securitised Ways and Means advances from the CBN, and ₦1.40 trillion in dollar bonds.

Other instruments comprised Treasury bills (₦12.76tn), Sukuk bonds (₦1.29tn), savings bonds (₦91.53bn), green bonds (₦62.36bn), and promissory notes (₦1.73tn).

France's Emmanuel Macron is due to pick a head of government tasked with pulling the country out of a political gridlock, in a move that staves off fresh elections for now.