World
ECOWAS, US, France Condemn Military Take-Over in Burkina Faso

ECOWAS, US, France Condemn Military Take-Over in Burkina Faso
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the coup d’etat in Burkina Faso, describing it as a step backward.
The regional body had in two separate statements on the military take-over of government in the West African countries condemned the action in its entirety.
In an early statement when the military had not explicitly came out to declare a take-over, the body said: “ECOWAS is following with great concern the political and security developments in Burkina Faso since Sunday, 23 January 2022, characterized by an attempted coup d’état.
“ECOWAS condemns this extremely serious act which cannot be tolerated under the relevant regulations.
“It holds the military responsible for the physical integrity of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. ECOWAS calls on the military to return to their barracks, to maintain a republican posture and to give priority to dialogue with the authorities to resolve the problems.”
The body came out with a new statement when the picture became clearer that military was not going to change its posture. The statement read that: “ECOWAS notes that, despite calls by the regional and international community for calm and respect for constitutional legality, the situation in Burkina Faso is characterised by a military coup d’état on Monday 24 January 2022, following the resignation of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, obtained under the threat, intimidation and pressure of the military after two days of mutiny.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this military takeover which marks a major step backwards for Burkina Faso. An extraordinary ECOWAS summit will be held in the coming days to examine this situation.”
Sanctions are expected to be issued after the extraordinary meeting by ECOWAS against Burkina Faso to compel the military to retrace their steps.
In a similar development, the United States has equally condemned the military putsch,
A statement by the spokesman of Unites States Department of State, Ned Price, read: “The United States is deeply concerned by events in Burkina Faso. We note that military officers have asserted that they have dissolved the government and national assembly and suspended the constitution.
“We are also deeply concerned by reports of the January 23 detention of Burkina Faso’s President, Roch Marc Kaboré, by members of Burkina Faso’s military. We condemn these acts and call on those responsible to deescalate the situation, prevent harm to President Kaboré and any other members of his government in detention, and return to civilian-led government and constitutional order.
“We acknowledge the tremendous stress on Burkinabé society and security forces posed by ISIS and JNIM but urge military officers to step back, return to their barracks, and address their concerns through dialogue.
“The United States is closely monitoring this fluid situation, and we call for restraint by all actors as we carefully review the events on the ground for any potential impact on our assistance.”
Also, the French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the military take-over.
Also Read: 2023: Against Odds, Tinubu still a sellable material for…
In his reaction to coup d’etat during an interview by Radio France Internationale (RFI), Macron: “As you know, France is present in the region to fight terrorism. And I am constantly committed to working alongside regional bodies. ECOWAS condemned yesterday this new coup d’état, which was led by the military. And since President Kaboré has been democratically elected by his people twice, France supports the position of ECOWAS. Our priority is obviously that his physical integrity is preserved and that calm is maintained.
“Today it is too early to go into more detail, if I may say so, in the characterisation of the situation in Burkina Faso. And it is clear that this situation remains worrying in view of what has happened since the summer of 2020 in Mali and what has happened in recent months in Guinea. And I think that the region must be supported in its desire to maintain civil transitions and democratic elections. In addition to this, I would like to remind you that our priority in the region is obviously to continue to fight against Islamist terrorism, which continues to wreak havoc in Mali, but also in Burkina Faso, which has been the target of numerous terrorist attacks in recent times.”
He added that: “Moreover, when we look at the demands, the motivations of the coup plotters, it is clear that the security situation and the blows that have been dealt to both the army and the civilian population by these terrorist groups is a determining factor in this rebellion. So our desire is in close collaboration with ECOWAS on the one hand, but also with all the states involved, what we call the Accra Initiative, to fight against all forms of terrorism in the region, and to stand by the states and the people.”
On whether he entertains fear that other countries will suffer from what are called popular coups, Macron said: “We must not underestimate the fatigue and exhaustion created by the permanent attacks of terrorist groups, which weaken the armed forces on the one hand, and which also profoundly weaken the link with the population and the legitimate institutions. So, this is also why, if we want to fight for education, economic emancipation, stability in these democratically elected countries and for the sovereignty of the states, it is important to continue to intensify the fight against terrorism.”
The French President said he does not yet have any information about the deposed Burkina Faso’s President.
He said: “I don’t have any more information than that which has been passed on. It was confirmed to me last night that he was in good health and that he was not under threat. I hope that this will be officially guaranteed in the next few hours and that we will collectively ensure that he and his family are placed in safety.”
World
China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders in diplomacy, academia, and the media have dismissed the claim that China has ulterior motives in Africa, insisting that the Chinese Government has come to the continent as a friend and key development partner.
They made this point at the Media Executives Forum and Book Launch held in Abuja at the China Cultural Centre.
The event, which featured the unveiling of Balancing the Narrative: China-Africa Relations authored by seasoned diplomatic journalist Raphael Oni, brought together diplomats, media professionals, and scholars to discuss the impact and perception of China’s growing involvement in Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Oni, who recently participated in a media training programme in China, described the book as a product of his experience and research.
He said: “There is a gap in understanding China’s role in Africa. A lot of misinformation is being circulated, especially through Western media. This book is my effort to correct that.”
Oni, who is the Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Extra, a magazine dedicated to foreign affairs and diplomatic reports, pointed to China’s numerous contributions in areas such as infrastructure, education, and technology, citing projects like roads, railways, and airport construction supported by Chinese funding and expertise.
He also highlighted capacity-building programmes that send Nigerian professionals and students to China for training.
on his part, the Director, Centre for Chinese Studies in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Onunaiju, commended Oni’s work, stating that it contributes to knowledge-driven cooperation. He noted that: “There are myths surrounding China-Africa relations, but what we need is deeper understanding and accurate information.”

In his remarks, the President of the African Union of Journalists and erstwhile President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate China’s development-driven approach. “China’s progress is rooted in long-term planning and strong national vision. We can learn a lot from that,” he said.
Diplomatic representatives from the High Commissions of Sierra Leone and Malaysia, as well as the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, also delivered goodwill messages. They praised the book and emphasized the importance of cultural and media exchanges in building international partnerships.
Participants at the event called for greater collaboration between African and Chinese media to present more balanced narratives and foster mutual understanding. They urged African journalists to take the lead in shaping the continent’s global image by telling stories grounded in fact and experience.
The forum concluded with a consensus that China remains a reliable ally in Africa’s development journey and that dispelling misinformation through responsible journalism is essential for strengthening bilateral ties.
China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders
News
6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Thursday, declared that his vision of transforming the state, set six years ago, has now become a tangible reality.
He stated this in Gombe during a state-wide broadcast marking the sixth anniversary of his administration’s leadership in the state.
According to Yahaya, his government has achieved remarkable progress since 2019, with visible development in every region of the state serving as undeniable proof.
He noted that the transformation agenda spanned education, healthcare, the economy, roads, infrastructure, and security, among other key areas of governance and public welfare.
Yahaya noted that his administration met public expectations by delivering quality governance, making Gombe a national benchmark across various development sectors.
“When we began this journey six years ago, we promised to transform Gombe into a development model. Today, that promise has come to fruition,” he said.
He said that every corner of Gombe bears evidence of growth and change, reflecting the state’s steady advancement under his leadership.
In the health sector, Yahaya said his government revamped and equipped 114 primary health centres, recruited personnel, and revitalised healthcare delivery across the state.
On education, he emphasised a holistic, data-driven strategy that improved learning outcomes and earned praise from the Federal Ministry of Education and development partners.
“We have also overhauled Gombe’s road infrastructure, delivering over 900 kilometres of rural and urban roads to enhance accessibility and economic growth,” he said.
These projects, he added, have linked communities, boosted trade, and eased the movement of people and goods across the state.
“All township roads under this scheme feature solar-powered streetlights, improving visibility at night and enhancing local security,” Yahaya noted.
Addressing water scarcity, the governor stated that over 900 boreholes had been constructed during his tenure to improve access to clean water.
He thanked the people of Gombe for their steadfast support and vowed to consolidate on achievements during the remaining two years of his second term.
“In the next two years, we’ll enhance Gombe’s strengths in commerce, agriculture, and renewable energy,” Yahaya pledged.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, good governance, and youth empowerment to prepare them for a dynamic and changing world.
6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya
News
Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Rivers State have arrested a serving soldier over an alleged attempted rape, theft, and assault on a police officer in Kpor Division, under Zone 16, Yenagoa.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Cpl. Dinebari Legudu, who claimed we was attached Special Forces, in Maiduguri, was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint by a 17-year-old female, Peace Baridor, of Bera community.
According to the police, the teenage girl reported that the suspect, whom she recently befriended on Facebook, visited her residence around 3:30 p.m. on the same day and allegedly attempted to rape her. She managed to escape and locked the suspect inside the house.
“In her absence, the suspect ransacked the home and allegedly stole N150,000 belonging to the girl’s mother before breaking out and fleeing,” the statement said.
Upon receiving the report at about 6:05 p.m., officers from the Kpor Division, acting swiftly alongside the complainant, traced and apprehended the suspect. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that he is a serving soldier currently on pass from his unit in Maiduguri.
The police also reported that the suspect resisted arrest and assaulted one of the arresting officers during the operation.
He is currently in police custody and investigation is ongoing.
Authorities said due process would be followed and the military hierarchy has been notified for necessary administrative procedures.
Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics10 months ago
Kashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident