Mashatile encouraged citizens to use the Christmas period to strengthen family bonds, care for the vulnerable, and extend kindness to those in need, particularly communities facing economic hardship.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by frontline workers including police officers, healthcare professionals, emergency services, and essential workers who remain on duty during the holidays to keep the country safe and functioning.

The Deputy President urged road users to travel responsibly, obey traffic laws, and prioritise safety to prevent unnecessary loss of life during the festive season.

Mashatile also called for restraint, respect, and tolerance, reminding South Africans that social cohesion and mutual respect remain vital to building a stable and prosperous nation.

He concluded by wishing all South Africans a joyous Christmas and expressed hope for a renewed sense of unity, peace, and progress in the year ahead.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s Christmas Message to South Africans appeared first on MDNtv.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, Dr. Bilkisu Oniyangi said the group—made up of Nigerians from diverse backgrounds and faiths—came together to respond constructively to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had suggested that Nigeria could be relisted as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and even hinted at possible military action.

According to Oniyangi, those comments have stirred anxiety and division across the country. “We are concerned that these developments could deepen our national fault lines and turn Nigeria into a pawn in global geopolitics,” she said.

She emphasized that Nigeria’s long-standing challenges—ranging from insecurity and poverty to poor governance—had made the nation vulnerable to foreign pressure. “This is our problem as Nigerians, and it will be solved by us,” she added. “What we need now is solidarity, not interference.”

The group acknowledged that while global partners such as the U.S., U.K., China, and Russia could support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, the country’s sovereignty must remain non-negotiable. They urged President Bola Tinubu to show stronger political will and accountability, calling on him to directly reassure citizens that their safety is his government’s top priority.

“We encourage President Tinubu to stay focused on rebuilding trust and reforming our decaying security institutions,” Oniyangi stated. “He should resist unnecessary foreign trips and instead lead from home.”

The group also called on the President to appoint capable ambassadors who would defend Nigeria’s image abroad and prevent misinformation. They urged religious and community leaders to promote unity and tolerance, reminding Nigerians that insecurity affects everyone regardless of faith or ethnicity.

“Nigerians should not argue about who suffers more,” the group said. “Every life matters. This is a battle between peace-loving citizens—Muslims and Christians alike—and those who seek to destroy them.”

They also warned against growing foreign influence in the Sahel region, which they said could empower extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, IPOB, and bandits. Such instability, they noted, threatens not only Nigeria’s unity but also the security of the wider region.

“Our independence and unity have been tested before,” Oniyangi concluded. “We will overcome again, but we need the support of genuine friends and allies.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to promote peace, national cohesion, and lasting security across the country.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Citizens Urge U.S. to Withdraw Threats, Call for Unity and Stronger Leadership in Nigeria appeared first on MDNtv.

Trump recently threatened military action against Nigeria, alleging that Christians were being killed without government intervention. He warned that the U.S. could suspend aid if the killings continue.

In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government does not condone violence of any kind and that the killings are carried out by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIL, who target everyone regardless of religion.

“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” said Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa. “The killing of any Nigerian is a loss to the country, and our government is firmly against it.”

The presidency added that while the U.S. is welcome to assist in combating terrorism, Nigeria’s sovereignty must be respected. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala expressed optimism that cooperation between both countries could lead to better results in fighting extremism.

President Bola Tinubu also defended Nigeria’s record on religious tolerance, saying his administration actively engages both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace and security nationwide.

Experts and analysts agree that Trump’s statements misrepresent the complex reality of Nigeria’s security crisis. Conflicts driven by extremist groups in the northeast have affected both Muslims and Christians for over a decade.

Humanitarian lawyer Bulama Bukarti described the “Christian genocide” narrative as misleading and dangerous, warning that such rhetoric could deepen division in an already fragile society. “These groups don’t target people based on religion — they attack everyone,” he said.

Similarly, analyst Ebenezer Obadare urged international cooperation rather than confrontation. “This is the time for support, not invasion,” he noted, emphasizing that undermining Nigeria’s authority would only make the situation worse.

Despite ongoing insecurity, the government maintains that Nigeria remains committed to protecting freedom of religion and ensuring peace for all its citizens.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Nigeria Rejects Trump’s ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims, Says All Lives Matter Equally appeared first on MDNtv.

“The Taiwan Strait faces grave danger, and the world is watching,” Cheng told supporters. “Taiwan’s security is constantly under threat, but peace remains our only path forward.”

Cheng, 55, succeeds Eric Chu and is known for favoring closer ties with Beijing. Her leadership marks a potential shift in the KMT’s approach to cross-strait relations. Soon after her election, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent her a congratulatory message urging cooperation toward “reunification.”

While Cheng avoided outlining specific policy steps toward China, she emphasized that her party will focus on easing tensions and ensuring stability. Her deputy, Hsiao Hsu-tsen, has already met with senior Chinese officials, signaling early efforts at engagement.

Cheng has also voiced opposition to the current government’s plan to increase defense spending, a policy backed by the United States. Despite losing the presidency in the last election, the KMT and its ally, the Taiwan People’s Party, now control the majority in parliament — positioning them to challenge the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on major decisions.

Her immediate focus will be on preparing for next year’s mayoral and local elections, which could serve as a key indicator of public sentiment ahead of the 2028 presidential race.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Taiwan’s New Opposition Leader Warns of Rising War Risk with China, Vows to Pursue Peace appeared first on MDNtv.

Witnesses reported heavy explosions and gunfire as militants disguised as soldiers stormed the facility on Saturday evening, attempting to free imprisoned members of their group. Authorities confirmed that none of the inmates escaped and that all the attackers were neutralized.

A witness, Halima Hassan, described fleeing in fear when the fighting erupted. Ambulances rushed nearly 25 wounded individuals to hospitals, though the exact number of casualties among security forces remains unclear.

The attack came just hours after the government removed long-standing roadblocks across Mogadishu—measures originally put in place to protect key government buildings.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia condemned the raid, calling it a cowardly act that shows al-Shabab’s disregard for human life and its efforts to undermine Somalia’s progress toward peace and stability.

Mogadishu had enjoyed a relative period of peace as government troops, supported by local militias and African Union forces, pushed al-Shabab fighters out of key regions in central and southern Somalia.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Somali Forces Foil Deadly Prison Raid, Kill Seven al-Shabab Militants appeared first on MDNtv.