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Guterres’s Aide Raises Grave Concern On Ethiopia
Guterres’s Aide Raises Grave Concern On Ethiopia
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
The Special Adviser of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General (António Guterres) on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu has raised grave concern over the deterioration situation of Ethiopia, warning that the situation poses a great threat to the unity of the country and the East Africa sub region.
Nderitu, in a statement on Tuesday on the situation in Ethiopia, said she is gravely concerned at the deterioration of the situation of Ethiopia, where escalation of violence, increased incidence of ethnically and religiously motivated hate speech, displacement of populations and destruction of property display serious indicators of risk of commission of atrocity crimes.
She echoed calls for de-escalation and dialogue to address the current crises, including by the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union.
She said: “It is essential that all parties take serious and urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and take active measures to mitigate the risk of commission of wide-spread and systematic violence, including along ethnic lines. This risk is real and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
She noted that the decentralized nature of the country and the strengthening of ethnic-based allegiances, especially at the community level, enhances the possibility of such violence.
She said “further deterioration can have very serious consequences not only for the future of the country but for the overall region, including cross-border conflicts. It is therefore vital that regional actors take any possible initiative to strengthen dialogue and put an end to the armed conflict, including by supporting ongoing regional mediation efforts, and that the international community remains engaged in supporting such efforts and in contributing to open further options for peace.
“This includes the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) both of which have a key role to play.”
She noted that only through genuine and inclusive dialogue can Ethiopians address the root causes of their divergences and preserve their country’s unity and stability, which includes at the community level, where strategies to reduce conflict, division, distrust and hostility are especially paramount.
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She noted that: “Unfortunately, dynamics conducive to legitimizing violence for political and ethnic nationalism purposes precede the current conflict, and the current conflict is likely to build upon this negative legacy. This cycle needs to be broken for sustainable peace to emerge. Through dialogue, Ethiopians can find solutions based on shared needs and interests and build a common sense of belonging through constant interaction and shared experiences. In short, they can see once more that they have more commonalities than differences, as their kinship ties across ethnicities go back centuries.”
The Special Adviser reiterates concerns expressed in her 5 February and 30 July statements on the situation in this country, and notes that current developments occur in a context of history of inter-ethnic conflict; ongoing human rights violations and absence of accountability; increased politicization of identity and past grievances; increased inflammatory rhetoric, propaganda campaigns or hate speech; sexual and gender-based violence and creation of, or increased support to, militia or paramilitary groups.
The Special Adviser also noted that the country continues witnessing inter-group tensions and patterns of discrimination against specific groups, including ethnic profiling, incitement to violence and allegations of systematic attacks against specific populations.
She said: “These all constitute risk factors for atrocity crimes. Given their potential impact in triggering large-scale violence, allegations of hate speech by ethnic and religious leaders are particularly concerning.”
She however acknowledged the serious violations by all parties between November 2020 and August 2021 documented in the Joint Investigation into Alleged Violations of International Human Rights, Humanitarian and Refugee Law Committed by all Parties, issued by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights this week.
The Special Adviser joined the High Commissioner for Human Rights in urging national and international national actors to take steps for accountability for the serious violations documented in the period covered by the report, as well as for the alleged violations committed since. In this direction.
She welcomed the establishment of a high level inter-ministerial task force in response to the Joint Investigation and encouraged this body to take urgent steps, stressing that: “Accountability constitutes an essential prerequisite for prevention and must be prioritized as such.”
The Special Adviser also called on all non-State actors in a position of leverage to do their utmost to contribute to mitigating risks of further deterioration, noting that: “This includes tech and social media companies, to which I am grateful for their efforts to limit the reach of inflammatory statements by political actors,” while also calling on religious leaders and actors “to contribute to counter the seeds of division and to bring communities together.”
Guterres’s Aide Raises Grave Concern On Ethiopia
Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
A bandit attack on Tungar Dada Village in the Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto on April 13, 2025, has left one person dead and 50 others abducted.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 0400hrs, when a group of armed bandits stormed the village, shooting and killing one individual while abducting 50 villagers to an unknown destination.
Security officials have confirmed the death and are actively pursuing leads to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the suspects.
Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto
Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Republic of Korea has called for enhanced cultural exchange with Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of cross-fertilization to bolster diplomatic relations and share mutual experiences.
Making the call at the weekend in Abuja at the second edition of the Hansik Contest, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Kim Changki, said his country is willing to build on the already existing cultural relationship with Nigeria.
On the cooking competition, he said the primary goal is to foster social and cultural interaction between Nigeria and Korea.
He noted that this year’s contest was better organized and well attended than the first one held last year, disclosing that this will mark his final event as the director of the Korean Centre, which tenure conclude in May.
He said: “Nigerians have a deep appreciation for Korean Pop and Korean cuisine, and this concert serves as a celebration of culture through various artistic expressions. The winner of the contest will receive a prize of N1 million along with a trip to Korea.”
The culture and events officer, Yunijin Lee, on her part, emphasized that the contest has received sponsorship from Korean food institutions (KFPI) and is specifically designed to bring the vibrant experiences of Korean culture and cuisine to Nigerians.
She also highlighted that the selection process for the winner was both thorough and impartial, stating, “The judging panel consists of Korean individuals, including the ambassador, director, and the embassy chef, who worked alongside a Nigerian chef to ensure fairness in the selection of the winner.”
The contest attracted a diverse group of 40 participants, all eager to showcase their culinary talents and knowledge of Korean cuisine. After a series of intense competitions and eliminations, the field narrowed down to 12 finalists.
Among them, Patience Vincent secured an impressive third place, while Ruth Igbayiola Olowo took home the second prize. The top prize of N1 million and a trip to Seoul, Korea went to Deborah Olabelurin, who impressed the judges with her exceptional skills and creativity in preparing Korean dishes.
The event was well attended by a vibrant audience, including enthusiasts of Korean cuisine and fans of Korean pop culture, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement. Attendees were treated to a rich variety of traditional Korean foods, which were beautifully presented, showcasing the intricate flavors and techniques of Korean culinary art.
Additionally, the event featured captivating dance performances set to popular Korean pop songs, further enriching the cultural experience and demonstrating the deep connections between the two countries.
The jubilant winner of the contest Deborah Olabelurin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Korean Culture Center for organizing such a transformative event.
She expressed excitement about her upcoming trip to Korea, where she looks forward to immersing herself in the local culture and cuisine and how this incredible opportunity will play a crucial role in advancing her career as a chef.
Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
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