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
National News
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting

GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
By: Michael Mike
The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) has launched a new initiative, “PeaceCORE,” in Taraba State as part of
strategic effort to foster peacebuilding and strengthen conflict-sensitive journalism in some states in the North.
The programme aims to equip media professionals with the tools and knowledge to promote peaceful coexistence in conflict-prone communities.
The PeaceCORE project, formally titled “Strengthening Capacities for Conflict Transformation and Livelihood for Groups in Vulnerable Situations in Nigeria’s Central Zone,” is being implemented in Taraba, Kaduna, and Plateau states, and focuses on enhancing the capacity of government and civil society actors to manage conflict through sustainable dialogue, accurate information dissemination, and inclusive engagement.
As part of the initiative, GIZ hosted an intensive three-day training from October 6 to October 8, 2025, in Jalingo, bringing together 30 journalists from radio, television, print, and digital media platforms.
The training emphasized responsible and ethical reporting in times of conflict, and provided participants with hands-on experience using fact-checking tools while addressing the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation in Nigeria’s volatile media landscape.
Facilitators at the workshop include: Silas Jonathan from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Nigeria; Jérôme William Bationo, a conflict media specialist with MiCT in Germany; and Oluwole Oladipo Olurishe, a media development expert with GIZ.
The trio delivered sessions that blended theoretical frameworks with practical tools to enhance journalistic objectivity and sensitivity in reporting conflicts.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Taraba State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Mathew Eliud Jen, commended GIZ for its commitment to sustainable peace through media engagement. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to drive narratives that promote unity and discourage incitement.
“This training is a timely intervention. As journalists, we have the power to shape public perception. Let’s use our platforms to build peace, not stoke division,” Jen emphasized.
The PeaceCORE project is expected to roll out a series of media-for-peace initiatives across the state in the coming months, reinforcing GIZ’s broader objective of stabilizing conflict-affected regions through inclusive communication strategies and livelihood support.
With increasing political, ethnic, and resource-based tensions in parts of the country, stakeholders believe empowering thev media with conflict transformation tools is a crucial step toward lasting peace and sustainable development in Nigeria.
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
National News
AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI

AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI
By: Michael Mike
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi in his continued strategic operational tour of the South East was in Ebonyi State, where he emphasized the Corps’ renewed focus on personnel welfare, grassroots security, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders.
Audi, who was warmly received by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, noted that his visit was to assess operational challenges, boost morale, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation for sustainable peace and development in the state.

During the courtesy visit at the Government House, Abakaliki, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s commitment to security and rural development, stating that the Corps remains steadfast in complementing the state government’s vision through intelligence-driven and community-oriented operations. He also requested the continued support of the State Government in the area of logistics and operational vehicles to further enhance the Corps’ capacity to respond effectively to security challenges.
“Security is the foundation upon which progress stands. Our officers in Ebonyi are dedicated, resilient, and ready to defend the people with integrity and professionalism. The NSCDC will continue to enhance its presence at the grassroots and protect critical infrastructure vital to the prosperity of the state,” Prof. Audi affirmed.
Nwifuru, in his remarks, lauded the NSCDC for its proactive contributions to peace and security across Ebonyi, describing the Corps as a dependable partner in maintaining law and order. He pledged the continued support of the State Government in providing logistics and operational resources to ensure that the Corps can deliver on its mandate effectively.
“Ebonyi, the Salt of the Nation, thrives on resilience, hard work, and unity. Our people are industrious and peace-loving, and we appreciate the NSCDC for its unwavering service to our communities,” the governor said.
After the courtesy call, the Commandant General proceeded to the NSCDC Ebonyi State Command Headquarters in Abakaliki, where he addressed officers and men of the Corps. He charged them to remain disciplined, committed, and proactive in their duties while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Prof. Audi also reaffirmed his administration’s continuous efforts to improve welfare, training, and logistics to enhance operational efficiency.
The Commandant General was accompanied throughout the visit by the Ebonyi State Commandant, Francis Nnadi, and other senior officers.
The tour reflects the Corps’ ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, foster synergy with state actors, and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s internal security architecture under Prof. Audi’s leadership.
AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI
National News
Air Peace flight aborts take-off in Abuja after engine failure

Air Peace flight aborts take-off in Abuja after engine failure
By: Zagazola Makama
Passengers on board an Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba escaped a potential disaster on Friday after the aircraft suffered an engine failure while preparing for take-off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft had gained speed and was almost closing in on the runway for take-off when a loud blast was heard, followed by flashes of light. There was, however, no fire outbreak.

The pilot immediately aborted the take-off procedure and taxied the aircraft safely back to the terminal, where all passengers were safely disembarked.

Eyewitnesses said the situation caused panic among passengers, some of whom broke into prayers and songs of thanksgiving after the aircraft came to a halt.
A passenger, told Zagazola Makama that the pilot maintained composure and quickly announced that the flight would no longer proceed due to a technical issue.

“We had gained full speed on the runway when we suddenly heard a loud bang. The plane shook slightly, and there was a flash like lightning. The pilot calmly informed us that there had been an engine failure and that we would return to the terminal,” the passenger said.
Air Peace officials were yet to issue an official statement as at the time of filing this report. However, sources at the airport confirmed that engineers were already inspecting the affected aircraft to determine the cause of the failure.

No injuries or damage were reported, and all passengers were safely evacuated in accordance with aviation safety procedures.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to investigate the incident in line with standard air safety protocols.
Air Peace flight aborts take-off in Abuja after engine failure
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