National News
AU Condemns Attempt to Create Parallel Government in Sudan
AU Condemns Attempt to Create Parallel Government in Sudan
By: Michael Mike
The African Union (AU) has condemned the proposed plan of the Sudanese militant group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to form a parallel government in war torn Sudan.
AU in a statement asked RSF and its affiliated political and social forces against the establishment of a parallel government in the Republic of Sudan, and warned
that such action carries a huge risk of partitioning of the country.
The Council called on all AU Member States and the international community not to recognize any parallel government or entity seeking to partition and govern any part of the territory of the Republic of Sudan or its institutions; and further called on all Member States and the international community to refrain from recognizing and/or providing support or assistance to any armed or political group toward the establishment of a parallel government or state entity in the Republic of Sudan.
The statement added that: “Council does not recognize the purported parallel government or entity in the Republic of
Sudan.
“Council reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation of the sovereignty, unity, and
territorial integrity of the Republic of Sudan, and the peaceful resolution of the current devastating conflict, which has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, causing the displacement of over 12 million Sudanese civilians.
“Council called on all parties to heed the calls for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access during this holy month of Ramadan and to commit to comprehensive and inclusive peace talks
to end the conflict once and for all and restore the unity of the Sudanese state.
Council reaffirmed the AU unwavering commitment to continue to collaborate with all Sudanese stakeholders towards finding viable and durable solutions towards silencing the guns permanently in Sudan, based on the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, which
was adopted by the PSC at the Heads of State and Government level on 27th May 2023; and urged the need to the resumption of the process of the restoration of constitutional democratic order, through
the AU/IGAD-convened Political Dialogue process with political and civil actors and the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration signed by both parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
and the RSF, on 11 May 2023; in this respect, Council underscored the imperative to continue to prioritize the six (6) pillars of the AU Roadmap particularly the call for a comprehensive and inclusive ceasefire, humanitarian access and a swift political resolution of the conflict.”
The AU expressed its support for the efforts of both the PSC Ad-hoc Presidential Committee and the High-Level Panel on Sudan to seek a consensual political solution to this crisis, which threatens
the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of Sudan.
Responding to the statement by the AU,
Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Office of the Spokesperson and Media Directorate said the statement was received with keen appreciation.
It said it “welcomed the press statement issued by the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) following its meeting
today. The statement included a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the announcement made by the RSF militia and its affiliates regarding the establishment of a parallel government and expressed grave concern about this move, warning of the huge risks it poses to the unity of Sudan and the potential for its partitioning.”
The PSC confirmed that it does not recognize the purported parallel government, reiterating its
commitment to preserving Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
This strong position reflects the full commitment to the principles upon which Pan-Africanism has been founded, as expressed in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and previously in
the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity, the Charter of the United Nations, and all the rules upon which the contemporary international system is based. The most important of these
principles are the preservation of state sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and the rejection of interference in the internal affairs of states.
It added that: “This principled and decisive position from the continental mother organisation underscores the
international community’s total rejection of the conspiracy of the genocidal RSF militia and its regional sponsor, along with those who follow its directives in the region, against the unity and sovereignty of Sudan.
“This has been expressed in the statements of the United Nations Secretary-General, the United Nations Security Council, the Arab League, the International
Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the EU, and the brotherly countries and influential members of the international community.
“Sudan renews its appreciation for these clear positions that are consistent with international law, which constitute strong support to the Sudanese people and their national institutions in defending their sovereignty, unity, dignity, and independence.”
In his words, the media officer of Sudan Embassy in Nigeria, Almoiz Mohamed said the statement from AU emphasized Sudan’s sovereignty and rejected any separatist attempts that threaten its unity. It called for a firm response to these moves and the isolation of any arrangements that would undermine the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
He said: “We appreciate this responsible stance and commend the courage of member states in taking this decision, which strengthens the unity and partnership of African countries, in line with the common charters and principles upon which the African Union is based.”
AU Condemns Attempt to Create Parallel Government in Sudan
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
By: Michael Mike
In a decisive step to reverse land degradation, 39 land restoration projects led by grassroots organisations have been awarded USD 395,000 through the inaugural Small Grants Programme of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI), a flagship initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Drawn from 22 countries, the winning projects were selected for their innovation, impact and sustainability. Over 650 organisations from more than 100 countries applied for the award. The winners were selected following three rounds of review by separate UNCCD staff teams, with varied expertise in land management and restoration.
Awardees will receive between US$5,000 and US$15,000 to fund grassroots efforts that boost local economies, improve food and water security and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
The announcement was livestreamed at an event showcasing the grant winners.
The Small Grants Programme is an important tool for achieving the G20 GLI’s mission of reducing degraded land by 50 percent by 2040.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative,Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy, said: “We are aware that these big numbers, cannot be achieved by small initiatives alone. Yet, we feel, it is important that tens of thousands of small actors, engaged in land restoration around the world, be supported, promoted and recognized,”
Special priority was given to organisations accredited to UNCCD and to projects empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and the elderly.
The programme was set up in 2024 to support community-level non-profit organisations worldwide. According to a statement, by directly supporting civil society and grassroot actors, these grants will generate measurable progress across global aided restoration priorities, such as soil fertility enhancement, forest regeneration, sustainable agriculture, agroecology and ecosystem-based adaptation.
The statement added that beyond reclaiming land, the projects are enhancing livelihoods, strengthening community climate resilience, and fostering social enterprise and eco-preneurship.
“When we do these small grants program, it is not just about the grant. It’s about the network which we create and the visibility it provides — both for those within it and those outside who can benefit from their knowledge and experience,” Thummarukudy added.
Three of the highest-scoring projects were showcased at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, to highlight their potential for scaling and replication across regions.
The statement also revealed that winners will also be showcased at select high-level events in the future, stating that the G20 GLI is committed to inclusive and continuous engagement, and is exploring future
collaboration opportunities for the applicants not selected in this round.
Stressing that “this is just the beginning, this will be an annual process, the next cohort is about to start,” Dr Thummarukudy invited community organisations doing land restoration to apply to join the network because both “big and small” [efforts] are important.
He noted that the second call for applications will open in 2025 with increased funding and expanded
support for grassroots restoration efforts worldwide.
Innovative community-led restoration initiatives are essential for creating green jobs, especially for youth and women..The awards provide support that can transform restoration into a catalyst for economic opportunity and sustainable environmental management.
Examples of selected 2024 grantees include: Legacy of War Foundation (Rwanda), which will restore six hectares of degraded soil while empowering 90 women as landowners of fully organic cooperative farms. By integrating climate-smart and artisanal farming methods, the project aims to improve soil fertility and agricultural resilience in post-conflict rural communities.
Up2Green Foundation (India) is restoring mangroves and riverbanks in Tamil Nadu, India. The project is reforesting 60 hectares and planting 15,000 fruit trees, enhancing biodiversity, strengthening coastal resilience for flood prevention, and training local communities in sustainable agroforestry practices.
Sustainability and Environmental Studies Endeavor (Nepal) is working to restore
ecological balance along the mythological Nagaraj Trail. By revitalizing degraded farms, wetlands and forests using nature-based solutions, the project promotes nature-inclusive agriculture and convivial conservation approaches.
The G20 Global Land Initiative was launched in 2020 under the Saudi G20 Presidency. Hosted by the UNCCD, its ambition is to reduce degraded land by 50 percent by 2040. By showcasing
land restoration, empowering civil society, engaging the private sector and building capacity, G20 GLI is driving restoration to scale and energizing a restoration economy. The Small Grants Programme is a key component of this vision, empowering civil society to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable land management at scale.
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
National News
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
By: Michael Mike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep grief over the passing of prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, saying the nation has lost an irreplaceable institution.
The late Dantata, an uncle of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), who confirmed the death.
In a condolence message, Vice President Shettima praised the late businessman for his lifetime of service, describing him as “a living bridge that connected us to our past.
“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution,” Senator Shettima said, describing Dantata as “one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history” whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.
“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” VP Shettima added.
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu built on his father’s commercial legacy to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures. His empire spans construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and the oil and gas sectors.
Beyond business, Dantata was renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
National News
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
By: Michael Mike
The Senior Officials Meeting between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.
A statement on Saturday by the Press Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Modestus Chukwulaka, read: “The Delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS wishes to inform that the Senior Officials Meeting between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja.
“The agenda of the very important meeting is to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.”
According to the statement, the Senior Officials Meeting will be co-chaired by the Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director, and the Deputy Managing Director for Africa Department, European External Action Service, European Union, Mr Mathieu Briens.
The statement revealed that the agenda of the meeting is expected to entail wide-ranging discussions that would focus on various aspects of the Nigeria – EU partnership, such as: Cooperation on multilateral and regional issues; Peace, Security and Governance; Humanitarian situation; Trade and Investment; Human Development: Health, Education, Social Protection; Science, technology, innovation and digital transition; Migration; Energy, climate change and green economy transition among others.
Nigeria and the European Union share a deep, long-standing partnership inspired by mutual values and interests as well as support for multilateralism and rule-based international order, the statement said.
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
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