The African Union (AU) has firmly dismissed allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, countering recent claims and implied threats of U.S. military intervention made by President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a United Nations press conference on Wednesday, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the allegations as “dangerously misleading” and warned against external narratives that could inflame tensions in Nigeria.

“There is no evidence of a systematic campaign aimed at exterminating Christians in Nigeria,” Youssouf stated. “Extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have, in fact, targeted far more Muslims than Christians since their insurgency began in 2009.”

AU: Violence Is Terrorism, Not Religious Cleansing

Youssouf explained that the AU continues to monitor the security situation in Nigeria’s northeast, where Boko Haram’s insurgency remains active. He stressed that the violence does not fit the definition of genocide and should instead be understood as “indiscriminate terrorism driven by extremist ideology, not religious policy.”

Nigeria Agrees with AU Position

The Nigerian government has also rejected Trump’s characterization of events. Officials say that both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered, and that framing the conflict as a religious war undermines counterterrorism cooperation.

AU Warns Against Foreign Military Intervention

Responding to Trump’s threat of possible military action to “protect Christians,” Youssouf urged the U.S. to avoid unilateral decisions.

“Nigeria is a sovereign state. Any intervention must be coordinated with African institutions and grounded in facts, not political sentiment,” he said.

He added that mischaracterizing Nigeria’s complex security challenges could worsen religious tensions and derail stabilization efforts.

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Oluwatoyin Atanda, the 2025 National President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria, has been honoured as the Most Outstanding National President among more than 100 leaders of the global youth organisation.

The announcement was made on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during the JCI World Congress Gala Night held in Tunis, Tunisia.

Atanda, who also serves as the Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Establishments and Training, dedicated the award to members of JCI Nigeria, especially her 2025 executive team.

“This is a proud moment for me and JCI Nigeria. Our ELV8 theme – rising together for a sustainable future, redefining leadership, and inspiring others to lead with purpose has truly paid off,” Atanda said in her acceptance speech.

Since assuming leadership in January 2025, Atanda has focused on mobilising Nigerian youth, promoting community development, and positioning JCI Nigeria as a global force for social impact.

At the World Congress, she also received a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of JCI Nigeria for the organisation’s exceptional global impact and contribution to the 2025 JCI Impact Drive.

She noted that the recognition underscores Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and highlights JCI Nigeria’s role in shaping the 2025 JCI Impact Report.

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The government of Chad has reportedly closed its border with Nigeria amid rising tension following U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of a possible military intervention in Nigeria.

Recall that on Friday, October 31, President Trump said there were reports of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and subsequently redesignated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) — a move that has sparked diplomatic unease across West Africa.

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by security and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the Chadian government has since ordered a complete border lockdown.

“Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a complete military lockdown along the Nigerian border after intelligence suggested that terrorist elements from northern Nigeria were preparing to flee into Chadian territory,” Makama wrote.

The report further revealed that the Chadian army has been placed on full alert, with troops and armoured vehicles deployed across strategic border corridors linking the two nations.

President Déby Itno was quoted as warning that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”

The border closure comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing speculation about potential U.S. military activities in parts of West Africa.

Security analysts believe Chad’s decision is a preventive measure aimed at protecting its sovereignty and curbing potential infiltration by armed groups exploiting the region’s instability.

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A small aircraft traveling from Kenya’s coast to the Maasai Mara National Park crashed early Tuesday, with all 12 people on board feared dead, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

The plane departed from Diani, a popular tourist destination, and was headed to Kichwa Tembo, a private airstrip within the Maasai Mara — one of Kenya’s most visited wildlife reserves. The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time (0230 GMT).

“The aircraft had 12 persons on board,” the KCAA said in a statement. “Government agencies are already on site to establish the cause of the accident.”

Authorities have not yet released details about the aircraft model or the nationalities of the passengers. Rescue and investigation teams have been deployed to the crash site to recover the wreckage and assess the situation.

This latest incident comes just months after a light aircraft operated by medical NGO Amref crashed near Nairobi in August, killing six people and injuring two others raising renewed concerns about air safety in the region.

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More than 3,000 people marched through Cape Town on Saturday, calling on South Africa’s government to sever diplomatic and trade relations with Israel over its war in Gaza, in one of the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations in months.

The rally, organised by civil society and faith-based groups, brought together political parties as well as Muslim and Christian organisations. Protesters carried Palestinian flags and placards with slogans such as “Don’t just feel bad, do something,” before handing over a petition to parliament.

The petition demanded the closure of Israel’s embassy in Pretoria, an end to South Africa’s coal exports to Israel, and the prosecution of South Africans who enlist in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

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“The government has to take action on the kicking out of Israel’s ambassador and embassy from South Africa now,” said Usuf Chikte, coordinator of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. He also urged that Israel be excluded from international sporting bodies such as FIFA.

Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In December 2023, it filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide, which Israel has denied.

The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s military response has since killed at least 65,926 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures the United Nations considers credible.

Saturday’s march reflected growing grassroots pressure on South Africa’s government to escalate its stance. “Boycott, divest and sanction Israel, the same way as the world did for us,” Chikte told the crowd, referring to the anti-apartheid movement.

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AFP