Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari heads to South Africa on Wednesday for a state visit after an outburst of xenophobic violence in and around Johannesburg stirred tensions between Africa’s leading economic powerhouses. Buhari and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa will meet Thursday to discuss bolstering trade …
Read More »The toxic cocktail that fuels South Africa’s xenophobia
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | A witch’s brew of unemployment, inequality and poverty, mixed with South Africa’s violent past, are to blame for attacks on foreigners that so tarnished the country’s image last month, experts say. The deadly assaults rocked South Africa’s relations with its neighbours but especially with Nigeria, …
Read More »Nigerian President Buhari sworn in for second term
Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in for a second term in office on Wednesday, vowing once more to tackle crippling security threats and root out corruption in Africa’s key economy. The 76-year old leader, in power since 2015 and re-elected in February, took the oath …
Read More »Nigeria’s Buhari looks to consolidate at state polls
Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | Nigerians on Saturday voted for a second time in a fortnight in governorship and state assembly elections, with heightened concerns from observers of violence and an increased military presence. Elections for governors are being held in 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states, for all state assemblies, plus …
Read More »Buhari scores first gains as concerns mount over Nigeria vote
Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari scored early gains on Monday in his bid for re-election after dozens died in weekend violence and monitors voiced concern about polling-day problems. The 76-year-old candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party won 57 percent of the vote in the southwestern state of Ekiti, …
Read More »Nigerian president warns vote-riggers of ‘ruthless’ response
Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said Monday he had ordered the police and military to be “ruthless” with vote-riggers, as preparations were made for rescheduled elections. Presidential and parliamentary elections were put off just over five hours before polls were due to open on Saturday, causing widespread anger. New polls have …
Read More »Nigeria’s presidential election: the main candidates
Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | Nigeria’s presidential election that has been postponed, will feature more than 70 candidates but it is ultimately expected to be a head-to-head between just two men. – Muhammadu Buhari (All Progressives Congress) – Buhari’s landmark 2015 election victory over Goodluck Jonathan was the first time …
Read More »Boko Haram attacks governor’s convoy in Nigeria: security sources
Maiduguri, Nigeria | AFP | Four people were killed and an unknown number of others were kidnapped in a Boko Haram attack on a convoy of vehicles carrying the governor of Borno state in northeast Nigeria, sources said on Wednesday. A civilian militia member travelling with Kashim Shettima said jihadist fighters staged an ambush near …
Read More »Nigeria: African giant struggling with poverty, unrest
Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | Nigeria, which elects a new president on February 16, is Africa’s most populous nation and leading oil producer but is dogged by poverty and insecurity. – People and penury – More than 190 million people live in the West African nation. The UN estimates it …
Read More »Nigeria: Buhari’s first term
Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | Muhammadu Buhari was elected president of Nigeria in 2015 on a pledge to defeat Boko Haram jihadists and tackle endemic corruption. As he seeks re-election, here is a look back at key developments in the country during his first term. – 2015: successes against Boko Haram …
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