International

China Calls on Developing Countries to Stand Up Against Bullies

Published

4 years ago

August 15, 2022

Ochuwa Ibrahim

China Calls on Developing Countries to Stand Up Against Bullies

By Michael Mike

China has called on developing countries all over the world to stand up against bullies.

Speaking at the weekend at the reception and opening ceremony of China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) 2022 for over 70 journalists in Beijing invited by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) to familiarize with China, the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, lamented that recent visit of United States Speaker, Nancy Pelosi is an act of bully from America.

She noted that: “China’s development achievements over the past decades have been most impressive. To quote a poem, we have “been to the heavens for the moon and to the deep sea for the turtles”. Two female astronauts have traveled to space, a real-life version of Chang’e, a fabled Chinese goddess, flying to the moon. The high-speed rail network has shortened many long-distance travels across the nation into one-day trips. I doubt if the finest novelist could imagine ten or even five years ago the transformation taking place in China today.”

Chunying said. “Behind all these incredible achievements is an incredible political party — the Chinese Communist Party (CPC). Last year, we celebrated the centenary of the CPC. The CPC has grown from a small party with just over 50 members, to the world’s largest governing party with a 96-million-strong membership. Over the past century, the CPC has led the Chinese people to drive out the foreign invaders, end the fighting among warlords and the civil war, gain national independence, found a sovereign country, make foreign subjugation and hunger history, and build a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The Party is now leading the country on a new journey toward a modern socialist country. Every Chinese is filled with pride about what the country has achieved, and fully supports the CPC. In fact, the CPC, for years, has an approval rating of over 90 percent.”

She added that: “The CPC is a people’s party. It represents the fundamental interests of the greatest possible Chinese people, and has never represented the interests of a particular interest group, power bloc or privileged class. From day one, the CPC has made pursuing a happy life for the people its founding mission. It follows a people-centered philosophy, and puts the people’s interests, needs and satisfaction above everything else.

“The CPC is a vanguard party. It is keen to learn from past practices. It keeps abreast of the times by developing new theories and strategies based on new situations. It pursues self-reform to seek continuous self-improvement. And it sticks to principles and has flexibility under different circumstances, confronting problems head-on and finding solutions to make things work.

“The CPC is an open and inclusive party. It is ready to share, to learn from all advanced things and engage with all for mutual success and shared progress.

“In the online comment from a young Egyptian (by the name of Ismail Bashmori), he likened China to the first member of the impoverished family of developing nations to go to university. He called on developing countries to help and support China to keep climbing to the top, as China is the first non-Western country to even come close to reaching a status of `ultimate global importance.

“His comment touched many Chinese, me included. China has all along been a member of the big developing country family, standing with each other through thick and thin. We shall never forget that it is our brothers and sisters in Asia, Africa, and Latin America who helped restore the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China at the United Nations. Today, China is on a better footing. It will do its best to help, so that we all can have a better life.”

She recalled that: “As President Xi Jinping noted, in the world today, some are faring very well whereas some others are still struggling; this is not a good thing. Only when people all over the world enjoy better lives can prosperity be sustained, security safeguarded and human rights assured. Based on this belief, China has proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. We hope to achieve common development through hard work. People in all countries are entitled to choose their own development paths, and deserve a better and happier life. Just as China believes that not a single Chinese should be left behind on the journey toward common prosperity, no country should be left behind in our common pursuit of greater development.

“Regrettably, some do not want to see this happen for people in other countries, especially the Chinese people. In recent years, the US and a few of its allies have gone out of their way to smear and bash China, using all means to suppress and contain China.

“But people of the world are clear-eyed. A recent `survey shows that 76 percent of young Africans see China as a positive influence on their life; the Arabic populations prefer China and China’s foreign policy is better received in the Middle East; countries in Asia also believe that China’s right to legitimately emerge as a major country should be respected.”

She said it was recently realized that all believed that developing countries are a key force in building a fairer and more balanced global order, and in promoting peace, security, equality and development, noting that they agreed that “unity and cooperation should be enhanced to build a better world that meets the needs and aspirations of the developing world. This shows that we developing countries have a common purpose, and our hearts are closely linked.”

She admitted that: “The world today still faces many risks and challenges, and we need to jointly respond with unity and cooperation. There is much unfairness and injustice, and we need to support each other in defending our interests. There is much bullying and hegemony in the media and propaganda, and we need to speak with one voice, louder and clearer.

She stressed that: “After decades of hard work, China has accomplished a lot in its development. But China remains the only major country yet to achieve complete reunification. And China still faces real threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as seen from the recent visit of US House Speaker Pelosi to China’s Taiwan region. The Chinese government and people have every determination and capability to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity. If even China cannot do this, what about other developing countries? If we do not hold the line now, who will be the next Iraq or Syria? As developing countries, we’ve all had the experience of being colonized and bullied. Therefore, we must stand together and support each other when those things we hold dear are under threat.”

China Calls on Developing Countries to Stand Up Against Bullies

International

Nigerian seeks repatriation after alleged forced recruitment into Russian military

Published

4 days ago

February 13, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigerian seeks repatriation after alleged forced recruitment into Russian military

By: Zagazola Makama

A Nigerian citizen, Abubakar Adamu, has appealed to the Nigerian government for urgent repatriation after claiming he was lured to Russia under the pretext of civilian employment and coerced into military service.

Adamu’s legal representatives stated that he traveled to Moscow on a tourist visa issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja, under the promise of employment as a civilian security guard. However, upon arrival, his travel documents were reportedly confiscated, and he was compelled to sign enlistment papers written entirely in Russian, without the assistance of an interpreter. He later discovered that the documents enrolled him into the Russian Armed Forces.

A formal notice submitted to Nigerian authorities cited several legal positions, including the doctrine of Non Est Factum, which argues that Adamu did not understand the nature of the contract he signed, and fundamental misrepresentation, alleging that he was deceived into military service. His lawyers also highlighted potential violations of international law, including forced military conscription and deprivation of personal freedom.

According to the brief, Adamu remains stranded at a Russian military camp, refusing deployment to combat zones in Ukraine. He is reportedly seeking immediate intervention from the Nigerian government to facilitate his safe return and reunite him with his family.

The allegations come amid broader reports of African nationals being conscripted into the Russian military. A CNN investigation reported that Nigerians, along with citizens from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and other countries, were allegedly recruited under promises of high salaries, signing bonuses, and eventual Russian citizenship.

Upon arrival, many were forced into military service, provided minimal training, and in some cases deployed to combat zones against their will. Reports further indicate racial abuse, inhumane treatment, and coercion.Reports indicate that this is part of a growing pattern in which African nationals are being lured to the frontlines to sustain Russia’s war efforts.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, disclosed last year that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries are reportedly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with many being held in Ukrainian camps as prisoners of war. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has similarly reported that over 200 of its nationals may be in Ukraine, having been deceived by online recruitment networks advertising fake jobs.

The human cost of the recruitment drive remains largely unknown. It is unclear how many Nigerians have died while fighting for Russian forces, and Russia has not formally responded to reports of Nigerian casualties.

But speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, denied that the recruitment was state-sponsored. “There is no government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine.

“If illegal organisations or individuals are involved in such activities, they are acting outside the law and without any connection to the Russian state,” he said. Podyelyshev added that Russia would investigate any reported cases if provided with concrete evidence.

Zagazola warned that the case draws attention to the serious risks to Nigerian citizens traveling abroad for employment. Their is a need for stronger government oversight, diplomatic intervention, and public awareness to prevent exploitation and ensure the safety of nationals in foreign jurisdictions.

Adamu’s legal team has formally demanded that Russian authorities immediately cease his military deployment, return his confiscated travel documents, and facilitate his repatriation to Nigeria.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on Adamu’s appeal, leaving families and civil society groups calling for immediate diplomatic action and repatriation of their citizens caught in what is described as a transnational human rights and labor exploitation crisis.

This incident calls for urgent examination about the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad, the oversight of foreign employment schemes, and the responsibilities of international partners to safeguard human rights. Without decisive government intervention, more Nigerians may fall victim to similar coercive recruitment tactics, potentially placing them in life-threatening situations far from home without any help

Nigerian seeks repatriation after alleged forced recruitment into Russian military

International

Nigeria, China Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair

Published

1 week ago

February 8, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria, China Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic and strategic partnership as both countries marked the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations during the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair in Abuja.

The celebration, held at the Chinese Cultural Centre at the weekend, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural organisations and members of the Chinese and Nigerian communities. The event also coincided with the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, symbolising strength, resilience and progress.

China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the Spring Festival had grown beyond a traditional celebration to become a global cultural event promoting peace, harmony and mutual understanding among nations. He noted that the festival’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list had further strengthened its global significance.

Zhou described the temple fair as a practical expression of China’s commitment to cultural dialogue and people-to-people engagement, adding that cultural exchanges remain a key pillar of China–Nigeria relations. He highlighted the steady growth of bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, science, tourism and cultural exchange.

Reflecting on the history of bilateral ties, Zhou recalled that Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations in 1971 and have since developed a partnership founded on mutual respect, equality and shared development. He noted that the relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, opening a new chapter of deeper cooperation between both countries.

Also speaking, the Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as central to the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.

Tegbe said Nigeria’s partnership with China has delivered tangible benefits, particularly in infrastructure development, industrial growth and human capacity building. He acknowledged China’s contributions to key projects such as rail infrastructure and port development, which he said continue to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He disclosed that Nigeria is advancing new cooperative initiatives in agriculture, steel production and education, including a large-scale poultry programme designed to boost food security, create jobs and support local farmers. He also expressed optimism about renewed efforts to revitalise the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in collaboration with Chinese partners.

According to Tegbe, both countries are committed to strengthening educational and knowledge exchanges through scholarships, joint research and the development of industrial parks that will promote technology transfer and skills development.

The speakers noted that 2026 has been designated the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, providing an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding and expand cooperation beyond government-to-government engagement.

The event featured martial arts displays by the Chinese Wushu Association, cultural performances by Nigerian and Chinese artistes, exhibitions on Chinese culture and tourism, and interactive activities aimed at promoting friendship between the two peoples.

Nigeria, China Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair

International

Russia Declares End of Nuclear Weapons Reduction Deal With US

Published

2 weeks ago

February 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Russia Declares End of Nuclear Weapons Reduction Deal With US

By: Michael Mike

The Russian Federation has formally marked the expiration of the Russia–United States New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), stating that both countries are no longer bound by its obligations following the agreement’s termination on February 5, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow recalled that the treaty—signed in 2010, enforced in 2011, and extended once in 2021—had played a significant role in curbing the strategic arms race and ensuring predictability in nuclear relations between the two powers.

Russia noted that it suspended its participation in New START in February 2023, citing what it described as persistent violations and hostile actions by the United States that undermined the treaty’s core principles.

According to the statement, Washington’s military policies, particularly in the area of missile defense, disrupted the strategic balance envisioned by the agreement and constituted a material breach that made full implementation impossible.

Despite these concerns, Moscow acknowledged that the treaty had largely fulfilled its purpose over the years by enabling substantial reductions in strategic offensive arms and reinforcing strategic stability.

Russian said even after suspending its participation, it voluntarily continued to observe the treaty’s central numerical limits until its expiration, a move the United States also pledged to follow.

The statement further disclosed that in September 2025, President Vladimir Putin proposed extending voluntary limits on strategic weapons for at least one year beyond the treaty’s end. However, Russian authorities said the initiative received no formal response from Washington, which they described as regrettable and short-sighted.

With the treaty now expired, Russia stated that no binding commitments or reciprocal declarations remain in force.

Moscow emphasized that it would shape its future strategic arms policy based on an assessment of U.S. military posture and broader global security developments.

While warning that it is prepared to take military-technical measures to protect national security if new threats emerge, Russia reiterated its readiness to pursue diplomatic engagement aimed at stabilizing the strategic environment—provided conditions for equal and mutually beneficial dialogue are established.

Russia Declares End of Nuclear Weapons Reduction Deal With US