Nigerian Government Rejects Misinterpretation of World Bank Report, Kenyan President Justifies Fuel Costs, Somaliland Renews Sovereignty Push, Zambia Tightens Sexual Offences Laws, DR Congo Accepts U.S. Deportees
The Nigerian government has firmly denied allegations of hidden spending and revenue diversion, calling them a misinterpretation of the latest World Bank Nigeria Development Update. Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that media reports suggesting large-scale diversion of federation earnings are inaccurate and fail to grasp the complexities of Nigeria’s fiscal system.
Oyedele emphasized that the World Bank report acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal reforms, including efforts to enhance petroleum revenue remittances and improve transparency through a 2026 Executive Order. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fiscal transparency, better revenue mobilization, and efficient public spending.
Kenyan President Defends Fuel Prices
In Kenya, President William Ruto has defended the country’s high fuel prices, linking them to Kenya’s economic status and infrastructure needs. Speaking at a church service, Ruto explained that Kenya, classified as a middle-income economy, faces different challenges compared to its less-developed neighbors.
He highlighted that fuel levies fund road infrastructure, with Kenya maintaining over 20,000 kilometers of tarmac roads and constructing an additional 6,000 kilometers. Ruto urged citizens to view development as a long-term investment, emphasizing that higher standards come at a cost.
Somaliland Reaffirms Sovereignty Amid Recognition Push
The government of Somaliland has reaffirmed its sovereignty in response to a recent joint statement by foreign ministers questioning its status. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that Somaliland’s independence is rooted in historical and legal foundations, including its brief independence in 1960 and its withdrawal from union with Somalia in 1991.
Somaliland pointed to over three decades of stability, democratic governance, and regional cooperation as evidence of its legitimacy. Despite lacking formal international recognition, the region has seen increased diplomatic and economic engagement globally.
Zambia Introduces Non-Bailable Sexual Offences Law
Zambia has enacted a landmark legal reform, making sexual offences non-bailable under the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act No. 4 of 2026. This move, spearheaded by HIV activist and former child bride Princess Kasune Zulu, aims to strengthen the fight against sexual crimes, including child abuse, rape, and incest.
While the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) has welcomed the law as progressive, some critics fear it could lead to false accusations and prolonged detention due to court delays.
DR Congo Welcomes U.S. Deportees Under Third-Country Agreement
The Democratic Republic of Congo has received 15 deportees from the United States as part of a third-country agreement. These individuals, reportedly from South America, are temporarily hosted in DR Congo, with the U.S. funding their reception and care.
This marks the latest move in the U.S. immigration crackdown, which has seen deportees sent to several African nations, including Ghana and South Sudan, since President Donald Trump took office last year.
— Reported by Nexio News
