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

Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls

By Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Police Force(NPA) Lagos Command has arrested three suspects involved in an alleged human trafficking operation and successfully rescued two teenage girls who were being trafficked to Libya for prostitution.

Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that at 8:20 AM on March 7, officers of a tactical team based in Amuwo-Odofin received credible intelligence about the illegal movement of two underage girls via Kano State.

Acting on the tip-off, a team of special operatives intercepted the traffickers at Bokori Park, Kano State, where the victims, Ikimot Moruf (17 years old) and Rodiot Jelili (15 years old), were rescued unharmed.

Following the interception, three suspects were tracked and arrested in their hideout at No. 12/22 Akintunde Street, Alakuko, Lagos. The suspects were identified as: Yakubu Arise, Kalimot Moruf and Musilyat Balogun 54 years old.

The victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls

UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group

By: Michael Mike

In a major stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration, the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

The launch of this Working Group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creatives industries leaders which took place in London on Tuesday, represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border
creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development. Both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

A statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria, said: “By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries.”

It revealed that a Terms of Reference and joint workplan for 2025 were also agreed upon to guide the Group’s focus and efforts.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group. Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film,fashion, and arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, Mr. Obi Asika,, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations: “The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”

Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs Adedayo Ayoade, said:“The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”

The launch of the Working Group and match-making event which took the form of a series of in person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian
governments as well as creatives and served as an institutional framework for deliberations and actions.

UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group