African Union holds emergency meeting on Somalia mission after US funding cut
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The African Union convened an emergency meeting regarding its military mission in Somalia following an announcement from Washington to cease critical funding. The United States stated it would end payments to the UN Support Office in Somalia UNSOS, which largely funds the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia AUSSOM, by the end of the year. A senior African diplomat confirmed the decision as "irreversible," indicating the mission is "finished." The US cited Somalia's government for failing to maintain progress against Al-Shabaab, take ownership of security functions, or undertake serious security sector reform, attributing this to "internal rivalries and political infighting." The US has provided substantial funding to UN missions and African troops in Somalia since 2007. Somalia has been battling the Al-Shabaab insurgency for approximately two decades, with the group still controlling significant areas. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended his term earlier this year, leading to political crisis and violent clashes, and much of the progress made against Al-Shabaab after he took office in 2022 has since been lost.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has drawn criticism on social media after actor James Olarenwaju, known as Baba Ijesha, announced that the monarch gifted him a new car, luxury items, and a chieftaincy title. This announcement followed the birth of Baba Ijesha's son. Many Nigerians questioned the decision to honor the actor, who was convicted in 2022 for sexually assaulting a minor. Baba Ijesha expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler on social media for the "royal reception and fatherly support" extended to him and his wife, Abiodun Tokunbo. However, social media users, including #cutie_juls and Oliver John, argued that the gesture rewarded misconduct and undermined the moral values expected of traditional institutions. They stated that traditional titles should be reserved for individuals who exemplify integrity and good character. Eluwande Bode described the gifts as misplaced priorities. Conversely, some social media users defended Baba Ijesha, arguing that he had served his prison sentence and deserved a chance to rebuild his life, with Ola Christopher and Adeniran O. Oladipupo offering support.
The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has overturned a previous Oyo State High Court judgment that permitted Muslim students at the International School, University of Ibadan, to wear hijabs as part of their school uniform. In a split decision, the appellate panel ruled by a two-to-one majority that the Supreme Court's decision on hijab use applies only to public schools, not private institutions like the International School. The court set aside the earlier judgment by Justice Moshood Ishola, which had stated that the school's hijab ban violated students' constitutional rights to freedom of religion and non-discrimination. Justice Biobele Georgewill, delivering the lead majority judgment with Justice K.I. Amadi concurring, stated that the International School is a private institution and that students had waived their right to wear hijab by agreeing to the school's dress code. Justice Fadawu Umar, however, dissented, arguing the appeal lacked merit. The dispute originated in 2018 when Muslim students challenged the school's uniform policy, leading to the 2022 Oyo State High Court ruling in their favor, which the school authorities subsequently appealed.
The African Democratic Congress ADC has demanded an independent judicial commission of inquiry into the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council PFIPC controversy. The opposition party accused the President Bola Tinubu-led government of failing to explain how an organization it now calls "fictitious" allegedly operated across federal institutions. The ADC stated that the presidency's defense of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has raised more questions than answers, highlighting what it describes as "the staggering depth of institutional decay." The party questioned how a non-existent organization could secure recruitment approvals, appear in budget documents, correspond with public institutions, and engage foreign diplomats. The ADC also referenced allegations that Gbajabiamila received between N200m and N600m from Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, asserting that these claims warrant an independent investigation. The party identified ten institutions and public officials, including the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, that should be investigated. The ADC criticized the government for applying different standards in handling corruption allegations, noting the swift action taken in cases involving political opponents compared to the response concerning the Chief of Staff. The party warned that if the Tinubu-led government fails to order a transparent invest