Tag Archives: politics

Nigerian Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari Laid to Rest in His Hometown of Daura

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By Ndiho Media – Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria has bid farewell to one of its most consequential and controversial leaders. Former President Muhammadu Buhari was buried Tuesday at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, two days after he died at age 82 in a London clinic.

His body was flown back to Nigeria aboard a presidential aircraft and received by President Bola Tinubu at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina. From there, a somber procession carried the late leader’s remains to Daura, where hundreds gathered for Islamic funeral prayers at the town’s central mosque.

Buhari was then laid to rest in the grounds of his home, in a simple ceremony attended by dignitaries including President Tinubu, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and members of the late leader’s family and inner circle.

The ceremony capped off a day of national reflection, as Nigeria observed a public holiday and entered the second day of a seven-day mourning period declared in honor of Buhari.

But the burial also marked a moment of reckoning.

“He meant well for Nigeria—but the system around him failed him,” said Sir Leonard Anyogo, a constitutional lawyer and political analyst based in Abuja, in an exclusive interview with Ndiho Media. “He was a disciplined man, a patriot, but his cabinet was riddled with scandals he didn’t address. That’s part of his legacy too.”

Buhari, who initially ruled as a military leader in the 1980s and later returned to power to win democratic elections in 2015 and 2019, was seen by many as a symbol of integrity and honesty. Others viewed his presidency as a missed opportunity.

“Even in death, Buhari’s journey raises questions,” Anyogo added. “He died in a foreign clinic—despite leading a resource-rich nation with brilliant medical professionals. Why couldn’t we build a hospital in Nigeria good enough for our own presidents?”

While his tenure was marked by bold infrastructure projects, such as the Second Niger Bridge and new rail lines, it was also marred by rising insecurity, economic hardship, and persistent institutional weaknesses.

“Leadership in Nigeria isn’t just about good intentions,” Anyogo noted. “It’s about building systems that work—even after you’re gone.”

TRUMP MEETS WEST AFRICAN LEADERS AS U.S. SHIFTS FROM AID TO TRADE

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By Ndiho Media

U.S. President Donald Trump this week hosted a pivotal working lunch at the White House with five West African leaders: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, and Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema. The gathering signaled a proposed shift in U.S. engagement with the region, focusing less on aid and more on trade and investment.

During the meeting, President Trump described the visiting nations as “very vibrant places with valuable land, minerals, oil, and wonderful people,” reflecting a brand-new strategy framing Africa as a partner in economic development.

The African leaders emphasized that Africa’s long-term growth depends not just on extraction, but on local processing and industrialization—areas where U.S. investment could play a transformational role.

President Brice Oligui Nguema told U.S. President Donald Trump during Wednesday’s meeting at the White House.

“We are not poor countries. We are rich in raw materials, but we need partners who will support us and help develop those resources through win-win partnerships.”

Behind the polite welcome, however, a sensitive proposal was reportedly raised: U.S. officials urged these nations to temporarily host deported third-country migrants while their asylum cases move through the American system—a deportation strategy sparking concern in diplomatic circles.

To provide further clarity, Ndiho Media interviewed Melvin P. Foote, founder of the Constituency for Africa and a seasoned policy strategist.

“If you were to say we’re going to change [USAID] and improve it—I’ve got a whole laundry list of ideas,” Foote said. “But to throw it away? I’m not sure how that works out for Africa—or even for us here in the United States.”

He warned that long-standing tools of U.S. influence, such as Voice of America, Peace Corps, and NGO partnerships, are being devalued.

“Why would we give up our leverage? The Peace Corps is taking a hit. Many of the programs that helped build trust between Africans and Americans are vanishing.”

Foote also challenged the transactional tone of the administration’s new focus:

“All I hear is: how can we squeeze something out of Africa? Not how we solve problems together—health care, climate, governance.”

Yet, Foote remained optimistic about the continent’s future, especially youth-driven initiatives like the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

“YALI created a generation of empowered leaders. Future ministers, presidents, innovators—it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.”

Finally, Foote emphasized the importance of diaspora engagement:

“When you call yourself African American, you’ve got to love both Africa and America. And we need to start acting like partners—not patrons.”

Against the backdrop of shifting geopolitics and rising global competition, Melvin Foote argued that U.S.–Africa relations must be rooted in trust, mutual respect, and long-term vision, not just transactional deals.

At Least 11 Dead in Kenya Protests as Central Business District in Nairobi is Locked Down

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By Ndiho Media | Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya is once again in crisis mode. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead and scores injured following a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests led essentially by Gen Z activists. The demonstrations, timed to coincide with Saba Saba Day, descended into violence as police sealed off central Nairobi, fired live ammunition, and deployed tear gas to suppress the unrest.

A doctor at Eagle Nursing Home in Kangemi confirmed to Ndiho Media that protesters brought in had died from gunshot wounds, a chilling escalation in a country once seen as a regional model of democratic progress.

For insight into the unrest, Ndiho Media spoke to Michael Agwanda, a political analyst based in Nairobi.

“By early morning, police had mounted barricades across the CBD. Shops stayed closed. The tension was thick. You could feel it,” Agwanda said.

“This wasn’t just a protest—it was a lockdown. The roads were sealed, and access to the city center was completely restricted. That kind of response only confirms how threatened the government feels by these young people.”

Agwanda emphasized that the protest movement is decentralized but robust.

“These youths are well-educated but sitting idle in their homes. They’re saying, ‘We have time. We have nothing to lose.’ And they’re determined to keep protesting until they are heard.”

He warned that the government is underestimating the resilience and desperation driving this new generation.

“Some of these kids are writing funeral notes to their families before heading out to protest. That level of commitment can’t be crushed by tear gas.”

Agwanda added that the government’s economic promises have failed to materialize, fueling frustration.

“The president’s ‘bottom-up’ economic strategy sounded good during the campaign, but it hasn’t translated into anything real. The youth feel abandoned, and now they’re fighting back.”

With Nairobi still on edge and no sign of de-escalation, observers fear the death toll may rise further. Rights groups are calling for an independent investigation, while protest organizers vow to return to the streets until their voices are heard.

“If the government doesn’t address their grievances—joblessness, corruption, inequality—these protests won’t go away,” Agwanda warned. “This is not just a moment. It’s a movement.”

“We’ve Suffered Enough”: Gisele Busima Speaks Out on U.S.-Brokered DRC–Rwanda Peace Deal

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By Ndiho Media

A new U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is raising both hope and complex questions. Championed by President Donald Trump and signed in Washington, the deal promises to pull Rwandan troops out of eastern DRC and dismantle armed groups like M23 and the FDLR. But on the ground—and among survivors—the reaction is far from unanimous.

To understand what this moment means for everyday Congolese, Different Perspectives sat down with Gisele Busima, a Congolese-American entrepreneur and survivor of political persecution in the DRC. For her, this isn’t just a diplomatic milestone — it’s personal.

“My cousins have been displaced, killed, raped over the last 30 years,” she said. “This signature meant a lot—not just to me, but to the people of eastern Congo.”

Busima credits President Trump for making the deal happen and believes his leadership was the key factor in its success.

“He’s the only American president who’s had the courage to face this crisis head-on. He deserves a Nobel Peace Prize,” she said. “He’s not afraid to tell the truth.”

But she also sounded a clear warning: the hard part is still ahead.

“We’ve had peace deals before. They’ve meant nothing. This time, it has to be different. It depends on whether President Tshisekedi and President Kagame actually follow through.”

Busima says she was falsely accused of being a Rwandan spy, detained without charges, and subjected to emotional, mental, and physical abuse in Kinshasa.

Her plea to President Tshisekedi was direct:

“Mr. President, Rwanda is not killing us—we are killing ourselves. End the xenophobia. You are not just the president of Kinshasa or one tribe. You are the president of all Congolese.”

Despite everything she’s endured, Busima refuses to stay silent.

“I lost my business, my reputation, my freedom. But I’m speaking out—for every Congolese woman who’s been tortured, raped, or disappeared. The truth has to come out.”

Ndiho Media has reached out to the DRC’s Minister of Information for comment and is awaiting a response.

In part two of this exclusive interview, we’ll explore the specific allegations Busima has raised against key figures in the Congolese government.

Stay with us. The story isn’t over.

Kenya’s Democracy Under Siege: A Deadly Crackdown on Protesters Raises Alarm

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By Ndiho Media | Nairobi

Kenya is reeling from one of the deadliest waves of political unrest in recent years. At least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during mass protests in Nairobi this week, as security forces cracked down on demonstrators demanding accountability and economic justice.

Ndiho Media spoke with Hussein Khalid, a leading human rights advocate and CEO of VOCAL Africa, who painted a grim picture of the state of civil liberties in the country.

“This week was meant to commemorate comrades who were killed last year,” Khalid said. “Instead, the state responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets—and once again, live ammunition.”

The protests were sparked by growing frustrations with President William Ruto’s administration, which had campaigned on promises of economic reform and youth empowerment through a “bottom-up” agenda. Instead, young Kenyans say they feel betrayed.

“The same government that claimed to be for the hustlers is now turning its guns on them,” Khalid added. “What we are seeing is a war on dissent.”

He said the situation has become so dangerous that activists now live in fear of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

“Yes, I am afraid. People are being taken from their homes. Some disappear, some are found dead,” Khalid said.

The government has blamed the unrest on “terrorists” and “looters,” but Khalid rejected that narrative, calling it a dangerous attempt to criminalize a constitutional right.

“We don’t need permission to protest. It’s a guaranteed right in our constitution,” he said. “If the government wants to ban demonstrations, they need to call a referendum. Until then, we will not be silenced.”

There’s also concern over a government-ordered media blackout during the protests. Khalid said attempts to muzzle the press are unconstitutional.

“Media freedom is non-negotiable. If the police don’t want their brutality reported, they should stop committing it,” he said.

Despite the bloodshed, the youth-led movement shows no signs of backing down.

“We’re at a standstill,” Khalid told Ndiho Media. “Protesters are mobilizing for another round, and the government refuses to listen. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight.”

Washington’s Africa Pivot: Trade, Visa Bans, and Energy Politics

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By Ndiho Media

As Washington sharpens its global strategy, Africa is feeling the shift — and not always for the better.

In a wide-ranging interview with Ndiho Media, Michael Walsh, a visiting researcher at the University of Granada in southern Spain, unpacks how U.S. foreign policy toward Africa is evolving under the Trump administration. From Senate hearings to sweeping visa bans and energy politics, Africa’s place on the U.S. agenda is changing fast.

Senate Priorities: From Health to Hegemony

According to Walsh, while the level of engagement by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hasn’t dropped, the focus has. “Under Senator Cory Booker, global health, human rights, and democratic governance were front and center,” Walsh said. “Now, under Senator Ted Cruz, the top priority is countering China, followed by energy security and access to critical minerals.”

That means less funding for development aid and a greater push for deals. “The mantra is trade, not aid,” Walsh explained. “If it doesn’t serve a strategic U.S. interest, it’s off the table.”

Visa Bans: Policy or Politics?

Over 30 African countries have been affected by recent U.S. visa bans. The rationale? A mix of national security concerns and immigration enforcement. “Some of the justifications include terrorism, poor vetting, or high visa overstay rates,” Walsh told Ndiho Media. “But when you look at the data, the bans are inconsistently applied. It’s confusing and, frankly, undermines U.S. credibility.”

Walsh believes Congress needs to step in. “We need a clear statutory framework. Right now, it’s too discretionary — we don’t even know who’s making the final calls.”

Energy, Influence, and What’s Next

On the energy front, countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are key targets for investment. “The U.S. wants reliable access to resources — oil, gas, rare earth minerals — but it also wants to outcompete China in these markets,” Walsh said. “That’s why they’re willing to underwrite private investment risk to get a foothold.”

But the bigger picture? A global power realignment. “We’re witnessing the U.S. rethinking its role in multilateral institutions, from the UN to the IAEA. They’re reviewing everything,” he added.

Final Thought

“The administration believes the old model of aid dependency didn’t work,” Walsh concluded. “But by pulling back without a replacement, the U.S. could be creating a vacuum — and others are more than willing to fill it.”

Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate as U.S. Weighs Military Option

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By Ndiho Media,

Israel and Iran are exchanging direct strikes in a dangerous military escalation, raising fears of a broader war in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a possible strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo nuclear facility — a move that could pull America deeper into another regional conflict.

Meanwhile, global powers are scrambling to de-escalate the situation. But as Dr. Edgar Githua, a security and diplomacy expert at Strathmore University in Nairobi, warns: “If the U.S. joins in, you risk drawing in Russia, China, even Pakistan. That’s how world wars start.”

Githua told Ndiho Media that Israel’s preemptive strikes are rooted in a long-standing fear that Iran is close to building a nuclear weapon. Iran has enriched uranium to 70%. You need 90% for weapons-grade. They’re two months away. That’s why Israel is striking now.”

The stakes are high. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei faces mounting pressure, while Israeli leadership says he “cannot continue to exist.” The rhetoric is sharp, and the consequences are possibly catastrophic.

Githua also touched on the broader history, noting that while Israel is widely believed to have nuclear weapons, it is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran is — yet continues to block complete inspections. That’s why the world is jittery.”

He warned that the current cycle of strikes and retaliation could lead to a much larger regional war unless diplomacy prevails. “It’s never too late. But without honesty from Iran and restraint from Israel, this could spiral out of control.”

His upcoming book, Why Iran’s Nuclear Ambition Will Lead to International Conflict, examines these very tensions and warns of the global fallout.

As missiles fly and alliances harden, Githua’s closing words echo loudly: “There are no winners in a nuclear war. Humanity loses.”

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