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Developed Countries Should Assist to Free Africa from Shackles of Debt- Shanghai Institute

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Developed Countries Should Assist to Free Africa from Shackles of Debt- Shanghai Institute

Developed Countries Should Assist to Free Africa from Shackles of Debt- Shanghai Institute

By: Michael Mike

The only way for Africa to be freed from the shackles of debt and get its development back on track is if assisted by developed countries, private financial institutions and international multilateral financial institutions.

This was this submission of an international online seminar with the theme “Africa’s Debt Situation and China’s Responses”, organised by the Shanghai Institute of International Studies (SIIS).

The seminar held at the weekend had in attendance experts and professionals from international organisations, enterprises, Chinese and foreign think tanks and representatives from universities, where they discussed in depth two major topics, assessing the debt situation in Africa, and China’s role in the African debt issue.

take stronger actions in providing financial support to developing countries and alleviating their debt

The seminar aimed to deepen the understanding of African debt crisis, and explore how China and the African community can deepen their cooperation with Africa. At the same time, the seminar called on all parties to coordinate and cooperate on this problem, especially the developed countries, private financial institutions and international multilateral financial institutions, and together they should take stronger actions in providing financial support to developing countries and alleviating their debt through actions by all parties can the world help Africa and the global economy to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

Four guests from different countries and fields provided in-depth analysis on the topics. Professor Deborah Brotigam, Director of the China-Africa Studies Initiative Program at Johns Hopkins University, shared her research results and made constructive suggestions on China’s loans to Africa, the proportion of Africa’s external debt, China’s debt treatment for Africa, and China’s participation in G20 debt treatment. 

Gregory Smith, emerging markets fund manager from M&G Investments analyzed the overall debt situation of African countries, deeply analyzed the manifestation and root causes of debt problems of African countries from the perspective of sovereign bonds and private creditors, and pointed out the importance of coordinated participation of different creditors. 

Wang Luo, Director of China Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, provided a new perspective on China’s participation in African development and support for African countries to deal with debt challenges from the perspective of “debt to development”. 

Also Read: 2023: Why Kashim Shettima will bring massive votes than Any Presidential Running…

Rui Wanjie, Founder and CEO of Rui Naxin Consulting, commented on the experience of dealing with debt crises in African countries in the 1990s and on China-Africa development cooperation, especially emphasizing the importance of quality cooperation and sustainable financing between China and Africa.

Chen Dongxiao, President of Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), delivered the opening speech, while senior fellow Zhou Yuyuan from the Center for West Asian and African Studies and senior fellow Ye Yu from the Center of World Economy presided over the conference. Giles, head of the African-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, gave the concluding remarks. 

Chen Dongxiao pointed out that although African economies in general showed signs of steady recovery, the debt problem remained serious. The international community has provided positive support to African countries through many agendas and initiatives, and how to enhance the effectiveness of debt response and global governance is still an important issue. 

He insisted that China is a staunch partner of Africa in terms of mutual development and has been playing an active role in addressing Africa’s debt problems..

The session concluded with a response from senior fellow Zhou Yuyuan of the Center for West Asian and African Studies of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies from the perspective of China’s contribution to Africa’s development cooperation, arguing that debt relief for Africa requires all relevant parties to balance to the relationship between short-term emergency relief and long-term debt governance. 

The conference was open to the public and was attended by about 150 people from different countries.

Developed Countries Should Assist to Free Africa from Shackles of Debt- Shanghai Institute

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Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

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Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai in Yobe have intercepted a truck loaded with suspected vandalised iron railway sleepers and arrested eight suspects, including five personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), during a targeted operation in Katarko area of Gujba Local Government Area.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which took place on July 8 at about 4:00 p.m., followed credible intelligence about the movement of vandalised railway materials.

The truck, was intercepted while en route to Damaturu. A Hilux vehicle marked NSCDC CD 234 A, believed to be providing escort for the illegal consignment, was also impounded.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the railway materials were vandalised from a section of the tracks around Kukuwa, also in Gujba LGA.

Further findings revealed that the arrested NSCDC officers were allegedly invited by the vandals to provide safe passage in exchange for monetary compensation.

A cash sum of ₦128,500, believed to be proceeds of the illegal escort, was recovered from one of the NSCDC officers. The money was reportedly concealed in his inner clothing.

The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu for further investigation. An anti-bomb squad has also been directed to sweep the recovered materials to ensure public safety.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly.

Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

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NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

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NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the rising incident of human rights violation in the country, stating that last alone over 320,000 cases were reported across the country.

Speaking during the presentation of June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.”

He lamented that: “Every month, when we gather to present this human rights dashboard, we are confronted with a sobering reality of the lived realities of those affected by violence, injustice, discrimination, and systemic neglect. These numbers compel us to reflect deeply on our collective responsibility and ask ourselves the difficult question: Are we doing enough? The events of June 2025 demand not just reflection, but an honest and urgent response.”

He said: “Last month, Nigeria witnessed a harrowing surge in violent attacks, with devastating consequences for affected communities and our national conscience. Among the most tragic incidents were the brutal assaults on the Yelewata and Dauda communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 innocent lives were lost. These were not mere figures on a report; they were fathers, mothers, children, and breadwinners; families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and futures extinguished in moments of senseless brutality.

“Equally alarming is the rising trend of attacks against law enforcement and local security forces. In Kaduna and Niger States, more than 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks, further destabilizing already fragile regions. Equally distressing was the massacre of over 40 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Ruggar Chida, brave individuals who stood on the frontlines to protect their communities, only to pay the ultimate price.

“Their deaths leave a void in local security structures, rendering civilians even more exposed to further violence.”

Ojukwu noted that: “The wave of insecurity plaguing our highways has also intensified. In June alone, more than 50 travellers were abducted along major transit routes in Kogi and Benue States. These are not isolated criminal acts; they represent a direct assault on the fundamental rights to freedom of movement, economic participation, and personal dignity. These abductions inflicts lasting trauma on victims and their families while further eroding public trust in the safety of our roads. This pattern of violence marked by impunity, fear, and systemic failure highlights a grave deficit in protection and accountability.”

He added that: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.

“To the government, we reiterate the need for decisive and coordinated security interventions. To civil society and the media, we urge sustained advocacy and amplification of these issues. To our development partners, we call for strengthened collaboration in addressing the root causes of these issues. This dashboard must not merely serve as a record of tragedies; it must be a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change.

“Let us never forget; every complaint documented, every statistic recorded in these dashboards represents a Nigerian citizen, a fellow human being seeking justice, safety, and the fulfilment of their basic rights.

“The National Human Rights Commission remains unwavering in its mandate to promote, protect, and enforce human rights across Nigeria. We will forge ahead with purposeful and sustained action.”

NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

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Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

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Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

By:Michael Mike

The federal government has granted five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas to allow travellers comply with the new visa regime.

A statement at the weekend by the public relations officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi said the amnesty would also reinforce a secure and transparent migration system.

The statement read: “The federal government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, announces an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty).

“This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.”

He disclosed in the statement that the initiative, which commenced on 1st May 2025, would run through to 30th September 2025.

He further announced that the amnesty specifically apply to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.

He gave the categories of those affected as: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival (VoA); Holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas and; Individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.

Akinlabi urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through
(https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.

He said, “To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
“For further information kindly visit the Nigeria Immigration website www.immigration.gov.ng.”

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

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