The Nubian Pyramids at Meroë in Sudan are one of Africa’s most underrated wonders. Built by the ancient Kingdom of Kush, these sharp, beautiful pyramids were royal tombs for kings and queens, standing proudly in the desert as a symbol of Nubian greatness and history.

#Meroe #NubianPyramids #Sudan #AfricanHistory #places

Over 530 Journalists Imprisoned Worldwide in 2025, Including 4 in Nigeria – IFJ Report

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported that 533 journalists and media staff were jailed globally in 2025, highlighting ongoing threats to press freedom. Detentions were largely related to professional activities, with China (136), Myanmar (49), Vietnam (37), and Israel (41 Palestinian journalists) recording the highest numbers.

In Africa, Nigeria accounted for four imprisonments, while other countries affected included Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Cameroon. The report also noted 128 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide during the year.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the situation as a global crisis, urging governments to protect journalists, bring perpetrators to justice, and support a UN convention ensuring journalists’ safety and independence.

128 Journalists, Media Workers Killed Worldwide in 2025 as IFJ Warns of Worsening Global Threat to Press Freedom

At least 128 journalists and media workers were killed across the world in 2025, according to the International Federation of Journalists’ (IFJ) final “Killed List” released on December 31. The death toll, which includes 10 women and nine accidental deaths, marks a sharp increase from the 122 journalists killed in 2024, highlighting what the IFJ describes as a worsening global trend against press freedom.

The Middle East and Arab World recorded the highest number of casualties with 74 deaths, including 56 journalists killed in Palestine amid the Gaza war. Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, India, Peru, and several other countries also recorded multiple killings, while Africa saw nine work-related journalist deaths, largely linked to the conflict in Sudan.

Reacting to the figures, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the deaths as a global crisis, calling on governments to protect journalists, end impunity, and support the adoption of a United Nations convention to guarantee the safety and independence of media workers worldwide.

THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of the Sudan on the occasion of the anniversary of their Independence Day.

The African Union reaffirms its full readiness to continue working closely with all Sudanese stakeholders, as well as regional and international partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, and the League of Arab States, to support ongoing efforts toward an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the achievement of a comprehensive and inclusive political solution.

In a statement, the Chairperson reiterated the African Union’s unwavering commitment to an African-led and Sudanese-owned process that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people for peace, dignity, unity, and long-term stability.

As Sudan marks seventy years of independence, the African Union expressed hope that this milestone will serve not only as a moment of reflection on the nation’s history, but also as a renewed collective resolve to end the war and reclaim the promise of a peaceful, stable, and united Sudan.

Africa’s Weakest Currencies in 2025: Why South Sudan and Ethiopia Crashed, Investor Fears Grew, and the Naira Escaped Africa’s Bottom 10

In 2025, currency weakness across Africa deepened economic hardship for millions, as sharp devaluations translated into soaring inflation, higher living costs, and reduced investor confidence. An end-of-year assessment shows that the South Sudanese pound and the Ethiopian birr emerged as Africa’s weakest currencies, each losing more than 10% of their value against the US dollar, underscoring persistent structural and macroeconomic vulnerabilities across the continent.

South Sudan’s currency collapse was largely driven by its heavy dependence on crude oil, which accounts for over 90% of foreign exchange earnings. Disruptions to oil exports following conflict in neighbouring Sudan severely reduced dollar inflows, triggering a steep depreciation of the pound. The fallout was devastating, with inflation surging to nearly 108% by September 2025, eroding purchasing power and worsening poverty.

Ethiopia’s birr also suffered a brutal year, ranking among the world’s weakest currencies alongside the Argentine peso and Turkish lira. Dollar shortages, high inflation, mounting debt pressures, and investor anxiety combined to push the birr down by over 15%, complicating economic stabilisation efforts and debt restructuring plans.

Across Africa, weak and volatile currencies continue to deter both foreign and local investment, as exchange-rate instability makes long-term business planning nearly impossible. Economies with limited export diversification, persistent inflation, and political or fiscal instability remain the most exposed to global shocks.

Notably, Nigeria’s naira was absent from Africa’s bottom 10 weakest currencies in 2025, despite its own struggles and ending the year around ₦1,445 to the dollar. Analysts say this highlights that currency strength is not determined by central bank policy alone but reflects deeper economic resilience, diversification, and stability. As Africa moves into 2026, the performance of its currencies remains a key signal of broader economic health across the continent.

AFCON 2025: French Legend Zinedine Zidane Spotted Supporting Son Luca as Algeria Defeat Sudan 3–0 in Group E Opener

Football icon and 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane drew widespread attention after being spotted at the AFCON 2025 match between Algeria and Sudan, held at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco. The former France and Real Madrid legend was present to support his son, Luca Zidane, who featured as goalkeeper for Algeria’s national team, Les Fennecs, during their Group E opener.
Algeria secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Sudan, with Zidane watching from the VIP section as cameras captured him in the 24th minute, sparking excitement among fans across Africa and on social media. His presence added emotional significance to the match, as supporters praised the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year for publicly backing his son on one of African football’s biggest stages.
Social media users lauded Zidane’s strong family values, describing him as a proud father watching Luca carve out his own identity in international football. Many highlighted the symbolism of Luca wearing jersey number 23, while representing Algeria rather than France, as a continuation of the Zidane legacy in a new direction.
Luca Zidane has previously explained his decision to play for Algeria, citing his family roots and deep cultural connection to the country through his grandfather. He described the call-up as an obvious and emotional choice, noting that his family fully supported the decision.
Zidane’s appearance at AFCON 2025 further underlined the global appeal of the tournament, as Algeria began their campaign in strong fashion while capturing the hearts of football fans with a moment that blended sporting excellence with family pride.

US Expands Travel Restrictions, Suspends Green Card and Citizenship Applications for Nigerians

The United States government has expanded its travel restrictions on Nigerians, now suspending legal immigration applications, including green cards, naturalisation, and other permanent residency pathways. This means Nigerians can no longer submit or have their applications processed for these programs.

According to CBS News, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing the suspension in line with President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation, which initially imposed partial travel restrictions on several developing countries, including Nigeria.

The earlier restrictions affected nationals seeking entry on B‑1, B‑2, B‑1/B‑2, F, M, and J visas. The latest suspension extends beyond Nigeria to include countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, as well as Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Nationals of these countries will no longer be able to apply for US citizenship or permanent residency. US authorities cited national security concerns as the reason for the travel bans, explaining that a “general lack of stability and government control” in these countries makes it difficult to properly vet applicants or assess potential security threats.

USCIS further stated it is “conducting a comprehensive review of anyone from anywhere who poses a threat to the U.S., including those identified in the President’s latest proclamation.” The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the expanded restrictions but has previously expressed its willingness to collaborate with the US in addressing concerns related to immigration and security.

Nigerians now banned from travelling to US as Trump expands travel restriction list

President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, signed a proclamation further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries identified as high risk due to what the White House described as persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing that threaten national security and public safety.

Among the 15 additional countries placed under partial entry restrictions is Nigeria. The decision was announced in a fact sheet published on the White House website on December 16, 2025, titled “President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States”.

The White House said the move was aimed at strengthening national security through what it called common sense restrictions based on data.

The proclamation maintains full entry restrictions on nationals from the original 12 countries previously listed under Proclamation 10949. These countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

It also introduces full restrictions on five additional countries, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, as well as individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial restrictions, have now been placed under full restrictions.

Nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela remain subject to partial restrictions.

In addition, the proclamation imposes partial entry restrictions on 15 more countries. These include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The fact sheet states that exemptions remain in place for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories such as athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve United States national interests.

RSF: Israel Responsible for Nearly Half of Journalist Deaths Worldwide in 2025

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Israel of causing nearly half of all journalist deaths recorded globally in 2025. In its annual report, the group revealed that 67 journalists were killed between December 2024 and December 2025, with Israeli forces responsible for 43% of the fatalities—29 of them Palestinian reporters in Gaza. RSF highlighted a deadly “double-tap” airstrike on a Gaza hospital that killed five journalists, suggesting deliberate targeting. The organisation also noted that nearly 220 journalists have been killed since the Gaza conflict began in 2023. Outside the Middle East, Mexico, Sudan, and Ukraine remained dangerous for media workers. RSF further reported 503 journalists imprisoned worldwide as of December 2025, underscoring escalating threats to press freedom.

#PressFreedom

#RSFReport

#JournalistSafety

Darfur Crisis: ICC Sentences Ali Kushayb (Abd-Al-Rahman) to 20 Years for War Crimes

The International Criminal Court has sentenced 76-year-old Sudanese militia commander Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, to 20 years in prison for 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the 2003–2004 Darfur conflict. Judges said he ordered and personally participated in mass killings, rape, torture, and attacks on civilians. Time served since his 2020 surrender will be deducted. The Darfur crisis killed an estimated 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million.

ICC Set to Deliver Sentence on Sudan’s Ali Kushayb Convicted of Darfur War Crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) will on December 9, 2025, deliver its sentencing judgment on Sudanese militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb. Convicted in October 2025 of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Darfur conflict, Kushayb was a key Janjaweed commander accused of ethnic cleansing and systematic attacks against non-Arab communities between 2003 and 2004. The upcoming ruling marks a major milestone in global accountability efforts as violence continues in Darfur under successor groups like the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

"Let us not create another Sudan with Nigeria" – Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar Tells Trump and others.

Minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has warned against actions that could push nigeria into a crisis similar to sudan’s, emphasizing the country’s commitment to religious freedom and rule of law.

Speaking in Berlin, Germany, during an interview with deutsche welle, Tuggar reacted to recent statements by the us government, which he described as filled with “menaces, allegations, and threats.” he said nigeria’s stance on religious freedom is clear and well-documented.

“We have articulated what our country says about religious freedom, what our federal law says about it, and nigeria’s constitutional commitment to both religious freedom and the rule of law answers it all,” the minister stated.

He further explained that nigeria’s legal framework makes it impossible for any form of religious persecution to be supported by the government at any level. “our laws are clear, and this book answers all the questions,” he added, referring to a document recently presented to clarify nigeria’s record on human rights and faith tolerance.

Tuggar cautioned that the world must avoid creating “another sudan,” warning against divisive narratives built around religion, ethnicity, or politics. “we’ve seen what happened in sudan based on religion, tribe, and sentiments, and we can see the crisis. after every crisis, it’s still us, the african countries, that come together to resolve it,” he said.

The minister reiterated nigeria’s dedication to unity, peace, and respect for diversity, stressing that the government will continue to uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of faith or background.

Asari Dokubo Warns Trump: ‘Nigeria Will Be the Graveyard of Any US Invasion’.

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has issued a stern warning to United States President Donald Trump, cautioning him against making good on his alleged threat to launch a military incursion into Nigeria over claims of widespread Christian persecution.

In a viral video shared via Facebook, the ex-leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF) vowed that any American troops sent to Nigeria would meet fierce resistance. According to him, Nigeria would become “the graveyard” of Trump and any invading US forces.

“Let Trump come with his America, they will all die,” Asari declared passionately. “This lunatic wants to annex Canada, wants Iceland, wants to kill the president of Venezuela and the Supreme Leader of Iran. America is a sick country that elects madmen as leaders.”

The former warlord accused Trump of hypocrisy, saying the US ignored several humanitarian crises around the world while choosing to target Nigeria. “He can’t see the genocide in Congo, Gaza, or Sudan, but he’s talking about genocide against Christians in Nigeria,” he said. “If you come here, you’ll die here Nigeria will be your graveyard.”

Asari, who described himself as a Muslim raised among non-Muslims, also dismissed the idea that the killings in Nigeria are purely religious, insisting that both Muslims and Christians are victims of the ongoing violence.

He concluded by warning that unlike others who merely talk, he and his allies are ready to act if Nigeria’s sovereignty is threatened.

Trump’s military threat: ‘Nigeria will become your grave yards’ – Asari Dokubo warns US.

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has warned President Donald Trump of the United States, US, against carrying out his threat of military incursion into Nigeria following allegations of Christian genocide.

Asari warned that Nigeria will be the grave yard of Trump and any US military if they dared to attack the country.

In a viral video on Facebook, the former leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, NDPVF, said US soldiers will be killed if they invade Nigeria in line with Trump’s threat.

He said: “Let Trump come with his America, they will all die, this lunatic wants to annex Canada, he wants Iceland, wants to kill the president of Venezuela, he wants to kill the Supreme leader of Iran.

“And that is why when they talk of America, I say it’s a sick country, a country of mad people, insane people and that is why they can elect a lunatic as their president.

“Satan has blessed and cursed him, even if America comes we will fight them, did America not go to Vietnam? Didn’t they run? Where have they gone to and stayed? Let Trump come with his America, you will all die.

“South Africa is committing genocide against Whites but he can’t see the genocide in Congo, in Gaza, in Sudan but he is saying South Africa is committed genocide against White, in Nigeria it’s genocide against Christians. I want to assure you, if you come to Nigeria, you all will die here, it will be your grace yard, Nigeria will be your grace yard.

“Everybody knows that people are being killed left, right and centre, this is not a lie. But is it Muslim or Christian? I’m a Muslim who is in the oasis of non-muslim.

“What I am today was not made by Muslims, I was made by non-Muslims, you people talk too much. We always tell you that we don’t just talk, we perform.

We’ll Fight It Out If US Military Invades Nigeria Fani-Kayode Warns Trump.

According to a report by Nigeria Tribune, on Sunday November 2, 2025, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has declared that Nigerians will fight back if the United States attempts to invade the country, following President Donald Trump's directive to the Department of War to prepare for potential military action against Nigeria.

Trump announced on Saturday that he had instructed the Pentagon to begin planning for possible military operations in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to address what he described as the killing of Christians.

The U.S. president warned that America would immediately halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria if attacks on Christians continued, and threatened to go into the country "guns-a-blazing" to eliminate Islamic terrorists.

Responding to Trump's threat in a post on social media platform X on Sunday, Fani-Kayode strongly condemned the U.S. president's statements.

The former minister stated that if Washington carried out its military threat, Nigerians would not flee but would instead stand their ground and engage in armed resistance.

In his words “My response to her was as follows. ‘You are right. They are evil and, if he carries out his abominable threat, there will be a war. We shall not leave the country but we will fight it out with them" he said.

Fani-Kayode criticized what he viewed as Nigerian complacency in the face of international pressure and called for bold leadership to confront foreign intimidation.

He suggested that Trump's actions were influenced by geopolitical allies, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and questioned why the U.S. administration had not applied similar labels to violence in Sudan while focusing on Nigeria

The UAE-backed RSF terrorizing a mother and her children in Sudan.
https://x.com/i/status/1983549557788328266

Nigeria Ranked Lowest in Global Life Expectancy Report.

Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest life expectancy in the world, with an average lifespan of 54.9 years, according to the latest United Nations World Population Prospects report.

The data shows that Nigerian men live an average of 54.3 years, while women live slightly longer at 54.9 years. This places Nigeria at the bottom of the global list, followed closely by Chad (55.2 years) and South Sudan and the Central African Republic (57.7 years).

The UN report reveals that 22 of the 25 countries with the lowest life expectancy are in sub-Saharan Africa. Other countries on the list include Lesotho (57.8 years), Somalia (59.0 years) and Mali (60.7 years).

Health experts attribute Nigeria’s low ranking to persistent challenges such as high maternal and infant mortality, p++r healthcare access, and insecurity in several regions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also cites chronic diseases — including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and mental health disorders — as major causes of death and disability worldwide.

The Federal Ministry of Health has pledged reforms to expand universal health coverage and strengthen public health infrastructure, though progress has been limited.

However, medical expert Dr. Raymond Kuti questioned the UN’s assessment, insisting that Nigeria’s life expectancy may be higher than reported. “The criteria they use is always faulty. They just want us to believe that we have a low lifespan,” he said. While acknowledging the impact of diseases on lifespan, he stressed the need for accurate and locally sourced data to reflect Nigeria’s true health realities.

International organisations continue to urge greater investment in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation to improve living standards and increase life expectancy across the country.

42 Dead In Latest Ebola Outbreak In DR Congo WHO
The highly contagious haemorrhagic fever has killed some 15,000 people in Africa over the past 50 years.

An Ebola outbreak declared in the DR Congo in early September has caused 42 deaths out of 64 confirmed cases.

The risk of it spreading in the region is moderate, the WHO said Wednesday.

Health authorities in DR Congo began rolling out a vaccine programme against the often fatal virus two weeks ago.

The highly contagious haemorrhagic fever has killed some 15,000 people in Africa over the past 50 years.

A nurse holds a vial of the Ebola Sudan vaccine during the launch of an Ebola trial vaccination campaign at Mulago Referral Hospital in Kampala on February 3, 2025. (Photo by Badru Katumba / AFP)
The deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC, between 2018 and 2020, killed nearly 2,300 people.

Last month’s vaccination campaign followed the announcement of a resurgence of the disease in the central province of Kasai.

‘Increased Risk Of Spread’
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X that “at this time, 64 people have had Ebola in the DRC, of which 42 have died.”

He added that the UN health agency and its partners are supporting the government-led response.

The WHO estimates a risk of further spread as high on a national level but moderate in the wider region.

It says the outbreak is fuelled by insufficient protective equipment, incomplete contact tracing, late detection, and unsafe burial practices.

It added that high population mobility in the country and reliance on traditional healers, increased the risk of spread.

Without more US attention, humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and Syria could create destabilizing knock-on effects that could derail US foreign policy, writes Patrick Quirk.

Surge in Killings Across Nigeria Due to 2027 Polls Defence Chief Musa.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has linked the recent surge in killings across the country to political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa noted that the renewed wave of insecurity, particularly in the North-East and North-West, cannot be divorced from heightened political activities.

“Last year we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked?” he asked. “Politics is coming, the election is coming. You cannot rule out the fact that some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace, and governance is discredited. But the funny thing is, how do you kill the people you want to govern?”

The Defence Chief said both bandits and terrorists are working together to destabilize communities, adding that local and foreign funding continue to sustain their operations. He explained that agencies, including the Attorney-General’s office, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), are tracking financiers of terrorism, though prosecutions remain slow due to legal hurdles.

Musa criticized Nigeria’s legal system for frustrating terrorism trials and called for the creation of special courts, faster prosecutions and stiffer punishments.

He further identified instability in the Sahel region and Nigeria’s porous 4,000-kilometre border as major security risks, stressing that weapons from conflict zones in Libya, Sudan and neighbouring countries flow easily into Nigeria.

He cautioned against indiscriminate hospitality towards foreigners, warning that insurgents often disguise themselves as ordinary visitors before turning violent.

On equipment and technology, Musa lamented that the military lacks real-time satellite systems and precision weaponry, noting that global conflicts have made security technology more expensive and harder to acquire.

He welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the Defence Industrial Bill, which he said would enable Nigeria to manufacture its own military hardware in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers.