A Ugandan lawyer and youth advocate, Mwanje Gideon, has called on the African Union (AU) to urgently introduce a continental digital currency, invest in youth development, remove barriers to movement across Africa and reject migration agreements that turn African countries into offshore detention centres for European nations.

Gideon, alias Batapa, born on 8th April 2000, in Bamunaniika, Luwero, Uganda said the measures were necessary to accelerate Africa’s economic integration, strengthen its sovereignty, create employment opportunities for young people and protect the dignity of migrants and asylum seekers.

He made the appeal in a letter dated September 10, 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He physically went to submit the  letter at the AU headquarters.

In the letter titled “Urgent Priorities for Africa’s Economic Integration, Youth, and Sovereignty,” the Kampala-based lawyer acknowledged the progress made towards continental unity through the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity, its transformation into the African Union and the introduction of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He, however, expressed concern that Africa continued to face significant economic, political and migration challenges despite decades of commitments to regional integration.

According to him, the rapidly changing global political and economic landscape demands urgent and practical measures to safeguard Africa’s future.

Gideon identified four priority areas requiring immediate intervention by the continental body.

Calls for African digital currency

On economic integration, the lawyer advocated the development of a secure continental digital currency specifically designed to facilitate cross-border trade among African countries.

He argued that the current reliance on foreign currencies for transactions between African countries was undermining regional trade and draining valuable financial resources from the continent.

“Today, a trader in East Africa selling goods to West Africa often has to convert local money into foreign currencies first, paying heavy transaction fees and losing valuable capital along the way,” he said.

Gideon maintained that although the long-term ambition of establishing a unified African currency remained important, businesses could not afford to wait indefinitely for its realisation.

He proposed the introduction of a digital Afro currency that would enable African businesses to conduct transactions seamlessly across borders.

“A digital Afro currency would allow African businesses to buy and sell from one another seamlessly, keep financial value within our continent, and build real economic independence,” he stated.

He said such an initiative would strengthen intra-African trade, reduce transaction costs and accelerate the continent’s economic integration.

Seeks investment in sports, technology for African youth

The lawyer also urged African governments to prioritise investment in sports infrastructure, technology development, digital education and innovation centres as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment.

He noted that Africa, despite having the world’s youngest population, continued to struggle with inadequate employment and economic opportunities for millions of young people.

According to him, the global sports industry generates more than $500 billion annually through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, merchandise, sports tourism and other commercial activities.

Gideon cited Senegalese football star Sadio Mané and Egyptian international Mohamed Salah as examples of African athletes whose success had contributed to economic development in their home countries.

He claimed that Mané had invested more than $20 million in his hometown of Bambali, Senegal, supporting projects ranging from healthcare and education to agro-industrial development.

According to him, the investments have created employment opportunities, reduced poverty and strengthened the local economy.

He also highlighted Salah’s contributions to healthcare, youth development and community infrastructure in Egypt.

Gideon argued that developing more internationally competitive African athletes could generate substantial foreign exchange earnings and stimulate local economic growth.

“If Africa produces 1,000 elite athletes operating at Sadio Mané or Mohamed Salah’s market value across various international disciplines, the economy would see a direct capital injection exceeding $500 million in foreign currency inflows, transfer fees, and player remittances,” he said.

He urged the AU and member states to recognise sports as a major economic sector rather than merely a recreational activity.

“Sports are no longer just recreation; they are a major global industry that creates millions of jobs, builds local economies, and unites communities,” he said.

He added that investments in technology hubs, innovation centres and digital education would equip young Africans with the skills required to develop globally competitive products without leaving their home countries.

“Investing in our youth is the most critical economic investment Africa can make today,” Gideon declared.

Demands visa-free movement across Africa

On regional mobility, Gideon expressed concern that African citizens continued to encounter restrictive immigration procedures, high visa fees and lengthy processing times when travelling between countries on the continent.

He described the situation as inconsistent with Africa’s ambition to achieve economic and political integration.

The lawyer particularly criticised travel restrictions affecting African citizens attending meetings, conducting business or participating in civil society activities in cities hosting major continental institutions.

He identified Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Banjul, The Gambia, among important diplomatic destinations where easier movement should be guaranteed.

Gideon called on the African Union to introduce a mandatory policy granting African passport holders free visa-on-arrival access for at least four days when visiting member states hosting major continental headquarters.

According to him, the proposed arrangement would enable entrepreneurs, civil society representatives and other African citizens to conduct legitimate activities without unnecessary immigration difficulties.

“This short pass would give visitors enough time to complete their business calmly, rather than rushing through important meetings just to avoid immigration penalties,” he explained.

He maintained that removing unnecessary travel barriers would promote regional cooperation, strengthen people-to-people relations and bring the continent closer to achieving a borderless Africa.

Warns against Europe’s migration externalisation policies

Gideon also called for stronger African Union intervention against the externalisation of European migration and border control policies to African countries.

He expressed concern over arrangements under which European governments seek agreements with African states to host, process or detain migrants and asylum seekers in exchange for financial assistance or development funding.

The lawyer warned that such agreements could undermine Africa’s sovereignty and expose vulnerable migrants to human rights violations.

“Exchanging human beings for money is a deeply dangerous path that echoes the darkest chapters of our continent’s history,” he said.

He argued that wealthy countries should not transfer their international refugee protection responsibilities to African nations through financial arrangements.

According to him, the responsibility to protect people fleeing persecution must be shared in accordance with international refugee law and the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they face serious threats to their lives or freedom.

“Western nations must not be allowed to contract out their international duties simply because African hospitality, our spirit of Karibu, is warm and welcoming,” he stated.

Gideon urged the African Union to investigate existing migration cooperation agreements between African and European countries to determine whether they comply with international human rights standards.

He also called on the continental body to publicly condemn agreements that compromise migrant dignity in exchange for financial benefits.

“The African Union must investigate all existing migration deals, publicly condemn those that trade human dignity for funds, and warn member states against entering into arrangements that turn our land into offshore detention centers,” he said.

The lawyer maintained that African countries must resist becoming holding centres for migrants rejected or transferred by European governments.

He stressed that Africa’s traditional hospitality should not be exploited to justify arrangements that shift migration management responsibilities away from countries with obligations to protect asylum seekers.

Urges AU to demonstrate stronger leadership

Gideon concluded by urging the African Union Commission to demonstrate decisive leadership in advancing continental economic independence, youth empowerment, freedom of movement and migrant protection.

He maintained that the proposed initiatives were interconnected and essential to achieving a prosperous, united and sovereign Africa.

According to him, a continental digital currency would facilitate trade, investment in sports and technology would empower young people, relaxed travel restrictions would strengthen integration, while rejecting exploitative migration agreements would protect Africa’s dignity and independence.

He said millions of Africans were looking to the continental organisation to translate its longstanding commitments into practical policies that would improve their lives.

“These four priorities—a digital currency for trade, youth development through sports and tech, borderless Africa, easier travel to continental hubs, and the defense of human dignity against unfair migration deals—are essential steps for a truly sovereign Africa,” he said.

“With those four points, if realised, we shall start to see a unified Africa,” Gideon added.

Le Département américain de la Sécurité intérieure (DHS) a publié les noms de 24 Nigérians arrêtés par les autorités de l’immigration pour des infractions pénales présumées, alors que le pays intensifie sa campagne d’expulsions.

Le département a rendu publics les noms et les photographies des ressortissants nigérians qui auraient été interpellés par le Service américain de l’immigration et des douanes (ICE) dans différentes localités des États-Unis.

Les infractions présumées vont de la fraude postale et électronique au blanchiment d’argent, en passant par des délits liés à la drogue, l’usurpation d’identité, les agressions, le faux et les actes de cruauté envers un enfant.

Dans un communiqué, le DHS a indiqué que cette publication visait à mettre en lumière des ressortissants étrangers ayant des antécédents judiciaires et ayant été arrêtés par les agents chargés de l’application des lois sur l’immigration.

« Le Département américain de la Sécurité intérieure met en lumière les pires criminels étrangers arrêtés par le Service américain de l’immigration et des douanes (ICE) », indique le communiqué.

Il ajoute : « Sous la direction du DHS, les hommes et les femmes dévoués du DHS et de l’ICE tiennent la promesse du président Trump et procèdent à des expulsions massives, en commençant par les pires criminels, notamment les étrangers en situation irrégulière que vous voyez ici. »

Selon les informations publiées par le département, les 24 Nigérians ont été arrêtés dans différentes villes et différents centres de détention à travers les États-Unis.

Parmi les personnes citées figurent Emmanuel Omowaiye, arrêté à Richmond, au Texas, pour une fraude postale présumée ; Laurene Onwuka, interpellée à Chantilly, en Virginie, pour des faits présumés de fraude et d’usurpation d’identité ; Olusegun Shonekan, arrêté à Newark, dans le New Jersey, pour une fraude électronique présumée ; et Olusegun Olaseni, interpellé à Greencastle, dans l’Indiana, pour une infraction présumée liée à la vente d’amphétamines.

Les autres personnes citées sont Peter Ude, arrêté à Atlanta, en Géorgie, pour une fraude électronique présumée ; Newton Jemide, interpellé à Fort Dix, dans le New Jersey, pour des faits présumés de fraude électronique, de complot et de fraude postale ; Shedrack Umukoro, arrêté à Yazoo City, dans le Mississippi, pour blanchiment d’argent présumé ; et Olasoji Akinbode, interpellé à Kearny, dans le New Jersey, pour des faits présumés de fraude et d’usurpation d’identité.

La liste comprend également Oluwatosin Afolabi, arrêté à Conroe, au Texas, pour fraude présumée ; Alameen Adetunji Tokosi, interpellé à Chicago, dans l’Illinois, pour possession présumée de stupéfiants ; et Joshua Ipoade, arrêté à Atlanta, en Géorgie, pour une fraude électronique présumée.

Michael Orji, arrêté à Oxford, dans le Wisconsin, fait l’objet d’accusations mentionnées portant notamment sur des infractions liées aux armes, la fraude, l’usurpation d’identité, la fraude électronique, de fausses déclarations relatives à la citoyenneté et le blanchiment d’argent. Ahmadu Apooyin a été interpellé à Baltimore, dans le Maryland, pour une infraction liée à la drogue, tandis que Teslim Kiriji a été arrêté à Yazoo City, dans le Mississippi, pour blanchiment d’argent présumé.

Figurent également sur la liste Onomen Uduebor, arrêté à Seattle, dans l’État de Washington, pour une usurpation d’identité présumée, ainsi que Charles Ochi et Daniel Eta, tous deux interpellés à White Deer, en Pennsylvanie, respectivement pour blanchiment d’argent présumé et fraude électronique présumée.

Les autres Nigérians cités sont Ifeanyi Ibennah, arrêté à Tampa, en Floride, pour des actes présumés de cruauté envers un enfant ; Kazeem Runsewe, interpellé à Thomson, dans l’Illinois, pour une fraude électronique présumée ; Fatiu Lawal, arrêté à Lompoc, en Californie, pour une fraude électronique présumée ; et Justin Akubueze, interpellé à Orem, dans l’Utah, pour blanchiment d’argent présumé.

La liste mentionne également Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo, arrêté à Orlando, en Floride, pour des faits présumés de vol, de falsification de documents et de dissimulation de biens volés ; Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi, interpellé à Alden, dans l’État de New York, pour une agression présumée ; et Bright Eigbedion, arrêté à Lompoc, en Californie, pour blanchiment d’argent présumé.

Le DHS a précisé que ces arrestations s’inscrivaient dans le cadre de la vaste campagne de contrôle de l’immigration menée par le gouvernement américain, l’ICE étant chargé d’interpeller des personnes sur l’ensemble du territoire.

Cette annonce intervient alors que l’administration Trump cherche à intensifier les expulsions, les autorités de l’immigration donnant la priorité aux personnes qu’elles identifient comme ayant des antécédents judiciaires.

Toutefois, la publication des noms et des infractions présumées ne permet pas, à elle seule, d’établir le statut juridique définitif de chaque dossier ni l’issue des procédures engagées. Elle ne confirme pas non plus que les 24 Nigérians ont tous fait l’objet d’ordres d’expulsion ou qu’ils doivent être renvoyés immédiatement des États-Unis.

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Another batch of 111 distressed Nigerians has been evacuated from South Africa and returned to Nigeria amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the country.

The returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways (SAA) Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, following an evacuation exercise funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

In a statement issued in Abuja over the weekend, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the latest evacuation was part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians facing distress in South Africa.

The group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant federal government agencies received the returnees on arrival.

According to the ministry, the evacuation was fully funded from the $265,854 donation made by the RCCG to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The latest exercise brings the total number of consular evacuations conducted from South Africa to 15 since the ongoing operation commenced on June 10, 2026. It also raises the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated from the country to 2,037.

Of the total number evacuated, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government, the statement said.

The ministry added that the RCCG had so far funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians under its commitment to support the evacuation of 500 citizens, leaving another 182 returnees to benefit from the church’s intervention.

The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.

The government advised Nigerians in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety. It also urged them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance when necessary.

The ministry reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare and well-being.