Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Calls on Nigeria to Support Referendum in Western Sahara

By: Michael Mike

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic has approached Nigeria to join other friendly nations across the world to pressurize Morocco into agreeing to convocation of referendum to determine the political status of Western Sahara

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, who was in Nigeria to state the position of his country on the Western Sahara issue and plead for support on resolution of the crisis, paid a visit to the National Assembly and had discussion with his Nigerian counterpart, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja after the meetings, Beissat said for the peace of the Maghreb, Morocco must be compelled to respect the political wish of the people of Western Sudan which can only through a referendum.

He said: “Morocco’s colonial adventure is very costly. America, with all its might and its richness, couldn’t continue its colonial adventure in Iraq or in Iran or in Afghanistan or in Somalia. It’s very costly to oppress people.

“You think it will end this year, but it will never end. So it costs Morocco from 3.5% to 4% of its GDP. Annually, it’s costing this military exercise.

“Morocco has the longest berm in the world. It’s longer than the berm between the US and Mexico. It’s longer than the two berms France built in the Algerian War, Charles and Maginot.

“It’s longer than the Berlin Wall. The wall that Israel built to protect Sinai. It’s the longest wall in the world, 2,700 kilometres, running from South Morocco to North Mauritania. In this wall, stationed there are more than 120,000 soldiers to occupy this land.

“It is going to double the salary of the soldiers, buy very sophisticated drones and satellites, all to continue its illegal occupation of Western Sahara, which cannot be continued. So the economic and finance and political costs in the terms and image of Morocco and its relations with its neighbours. It’s very, very costly.

“Now, the whole of the region of the Maghreb is blocked. There is no regional cooperation or regional integration because of the position of our three neighbours. Two of them recognise us, which is Algeria and Mauritania.

“And Morocco is the only one who doesn’t recognise us from our neighbours. And this really causes Morocco a big problem. Their relation with Europe is frozen because of the European court ruling on Western Sahara.

“It cannot continue a relation ignoring this, and he cannot stop a relation because Europe is so important for them. Their relation with the United Nations, their relation with the world, Morocco is the biggest prison of its colonial adventure, its failure of its colonial adventure. Now they are making a lot of noise about autonomy, but it’s a cul-de-sac.”

“It’s a closed road, anyone cannot accept one single, one-sided position to be imposed on a people. No one can support that.

“Every man or woman in their right mind, cannot say we have to oblige the Sahrawis and handcuff them and deliver them because the king said autonomy. This is nonsense. This is another world.

“Not the king can rule people. It’s a time of democracy, time of legality. People have to have choices, people have to choose freely what they think is right for them.”

Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Calls on Nigeria to Support Referendum in Western Sahara

Tuggar: Departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali from ECOWAS Has Not Affected Trade, Bilateral Relations Among West African Countries

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has said the exit of Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger, the three Alliance of Sahel States from the West African regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has not affected trade and bilateral relations among countries in the area.

Addressing a press conference on the forthcoming West African Economic Forum to be hosted by Nigeria, Tuggar said there has not been any notable distortion in trade and relations between the rest of the countries still in ECOWAS and the departing AES countries.

He said for instance Nigeria still has running the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission and trade is as healthy as it used to be before the neighbouring country left ECOWAS.

Tuggar, who also added that there has not be any fission in relationship between the two countries, said the same thing can be said of other countries in the region with AES countries.

On the summit scheduled for 20th and 21st June 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the Minister expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the inaugural event aimed at showcasing West Africa to the rest of the world.

Tuggar while noting that the forum, is an initiative of President Bola Tinubu and aimed at strengthening economic ties, unlocking investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable development across West Africa, added that the summit is designed to foster regional integration and economic cooperation among member states.

He said: “We’re not just talking about ECOWAS and ECOWAS states, but indeed to all states, businesses, private sector, development finance institutions that pertain to the West African region.

“What we’re talking about is regional integration. What we’re doing with each other. How do we strengthen that so that we’re trading more.

“The event aims to unlock investment opportunities by identifying and supporting investment-ready projects. Furthermore, the summit seeks to foster sustainable development by encouraging inclusive economic growth and development.

“The event will feature a range of activities, including a deal room, business conferences, and cultural events showcasing the region’s rich heritage.

“Overall, the West Africa Economic Summit promises to be a landmark event, driving regional integration, promoting economic cooperation, and fostering sustainable development in West Africa.

“With its unique approach and focus on private sector participation, the summit has the potential to unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the region.

“The summit will provide a platform for governments and the private sector to engage and address concerns related to security and other issues affecting business in the region.”

He also added that “The summit’s objectives align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ambitions, focusing on promoting intra-African trade by strengthening regional trade and investment.”

Tuggar also pointed out that the initiative will be driven by the private sector.

He noted that it is the private sector that will drive the initiative while the governments provide all the necessary support for them to excel.

The minister also highlighted the importance of peace and security in the region saying, “For business to take place, to thrive, the environment must be secure, emphasising the importance of collective efforts to address security challenges.”

He explained that: “The summit is not modelled after the World Economic Forum in Davos, but rather a novel, homegrown African original idea.

“We’re focusing this administration on preferring homegrown solutions to our problem, instead of copying and pasting what exists in other regions.

Tuggar revealed that the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, are invited for the summit.

Tuggar: Departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali from ECOWAS Has Not Affected Trade, Bilateral Relations Among West African Countries

Benue Killings: Nigeria Can’t Continue On This Trajectory Of Bloodshed, IPCR Laments

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has expressed serious concern over the continued killings in Benue State.

Latest reports showed that recent killings in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State has claimed the lives of over 200 persons

The attacks on Yelewata and other communities in Benue State in the past weeks have been met with widespread condemnation across the country, with the Federal Government describing the attacks as inhuman and anti-progress, the Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia also condemned them as evil in its purest form.

The IPCR, in a statement signed on Monday by its Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, noted that the incessant violence, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property, has become a recurring theme in the lives of citizens. He decried that the situation has reached a boiling point, and it is imperative to acknowledge that Nigeria cannot continue on this trajectory of bloodshed.

Ochogwu said in the statement that: “There is a need for all hands to be on deck to address this situation. Stakeholders from all sectors should come out and raise their voices against this development; it should not be left to the government alone. The human cost of this violence is staggering, with lives lost and many more displaced, forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The trauma inflicted on individuals, families, and communities is immeasurable.

“The nation’s collective psyche is scarred, and the social fabric is beginning to fray. The economic impact of this bloodshed is also significant, disrupting economic activities, leading to the closure of businesses, and deterring investment.

“The situation demands collective action from all stakeholders. The government, security agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society must work together to address the root causes of the violence.

“The security agencies have been playing a crucial role in the fight against insecurity, and they still have a critical role to play in restoring peace and stability. They must be equipped with the necessary resources, training, and expertise to effectively respond to security challenges. The government must also ensure that the security agencies operate within the bounds of the law, respecting human rights and upholding the rule of law.”

He stressed that: “Dialogue is essential in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. The government must engage with various stakeholders, including community leaders, youth groups, and other interest groups, to address grievances and find lasting solutions. This includes creating a platform for dialogue, where issues can be discussed openly and honestly.

“Nigeria cannot continue on this trajectory of bloodshed. The nation must chart a new course, one that prioritizes peace, security, and development. This requires a multifaceted approach, involving the government, security agencies, and civil society. Nigeria’s trajectory of bloodshed must be halted. The nation requires a new direction, one that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, promotes economic growth, and ensures peace and stability.

“The way forward requires a collective effort. The government, security agencies, and civil society must work together to address the root causes of the violence. This includes addressing poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare. By working together, Nigerians can promote peace and stability, ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“Also, effective local governance, which is a key to conflict prevention and resolution, must be be emphasized. Local governments are the first tier of government that connects directly with the people, making them crucial in conflict prevention, management, and resolution. Effective and efficient local governance operations can help identify and address potential conflicts before they escalate.

“By engaging with local communities, understanding their needs, and providing essential services, local governments can build trust and promote peace. Capacity-building initiatives, adequate funding, and skilled personnel are essential to empower local governments to perform their roles effectively. When local governments are empowered, they can respond promptly to conflicts, mediate disputes, and foster community cohesion. Effective local governance is critical to promoting peace, stability, and development, and it is imperative that local governments are equipped to meet the needs of their communities. Local action is key to national stability.”

Benue Killings: Nigeria Can’t Continue On This Trajectory Of Bloodshed, IPCR Laments