Nigerians living in Canada have appealed to the Canadian government to support efforts aimed at tackling the growing wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, citing the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers as a troubling example of the country’s worsening security situation.

The call was made during a protest rally in Toronto, where members of the Nigerian diaspora gathered to draw international attention to what they described as an alarming surge in kidnappings across different parts of Nigeria.

Speaking at the rally, the Initiator and Coordinator of Bring Back Our Children, Otunba Kemi Agbeke Olanrewaju, said the demonstration was organised to seek Canada’s support in addressing the crisis and to pressure Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted victims.

“We are here regarding our children being kidnapped. The children have been kidnapped by bandits for over two weeks now, and this is not the first time people have been abducted in Nigeria,” Olanrewaju said.

According to her, kidnappings have become widespread across the country, affecting communities in the North, South-West, South-East and other regions.

Describing the latest incident as particularly disturbing, she noted that children aged between two and 14 years were among those abducted.

“Our children went to school and never came back. Imagine, children are not safe in Nigeria. We are calling on the government of Nigeria to come to our aid. We are tired; enough is enough,” she said.

Olanrewaju lamented that teachers were also among those kidnapped and alleged that one victim had been killed while in captivity.

“Nigeria is bleeding right now,” she declared. “They should please set our children free. We are calling on the Canadian government to support us.”

She further urged authorities and the international community to work towards the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.

“Bring back our children, now and alive. We will not be silent. We will not look away. We will continue to speak, organise and advocate until our children are returned and meaningful action is taken,” she added.

Also addressing the gathering, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Canadian Association, Toyin Adebola, said Nigerians in the diaspora were increasingly frustrated by the recurring incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in their homeland.

“Canadians, we’re standing here under the sun not because we’re comfortable, but because it is a necessity. We are mothers, and we come from Nigeria, where children and teachers are being kidnapped from schools daily,” Adebola said.

She expressed concern that many Nigerians had fallen victim to kidnappings over the years without sufficient action being taken to curb the menace.

“We are tired. We are no longer proud to be called Nigerians because this is heartbreaking. The land is bleeding. We are tired,” she said.

Adebola called on the Canadian government to use its diplomatic influence to encourage stronger action from Nigerian authorities.

“As citizens, we are tired. As fathers, we are tired. We need the government of Canada to step up and push our Nigerian government to address this crisis,” she added.
The protesters vowed to continue their advocacy campaign until the kidnapped children and teachers are rescued and broader measures are implemented to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

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Morocco has received renewed diplomatic backing from Germany over its Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, reinforcing Rabat’s growing international support base on one of its most sensitive national issues.

The endorsement came during the second session of the Morocco-Germany Multilateral Strategic Dialogue held in Rabat, where German official Johann Wadephul met with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

In a joint declaration issued after the talks, Germany reaffirmed its position that Morocco’s autonomy initiative represents a “serious and credible basis” for achieving a final, mutually acceptable solution to the long-standing dispute over Western Sahara.

The declaration also welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which endorses Morocco’s proposal as a framework for negotiations.

Germany further praised Morocco’s readiness to engage constructively with all parties to clarify the plan’s modalities, including how autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty would be implemented.

Strategic Partnership Expands

Beyond the Sahara question, the Rabat meeting underscored the expanding strategic partnership between Morocco and Germany.

Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in security and defence, including military and armament collaboration, reflecting shared concerns over regional stability—particularly in the Sahel.

They also signalled progress toward easing travel restrictions, with ongoing discussions aimed at eliminating visa requirements for holders of service passports.

Germany described Morocco as a key partner not only bilaterally but also within broader international frameworks, including ties with the European Union and NATO.

Regional and Global Focus

Discussions extended to pressing international issues, with both sides emphasising the need for coordinated efforts to maintain peace and stability in volatile regions.

Germany commended Morocco’s proactive diplomatic role under King Mohammed VI, highlighting Rabat’s contributions to regional security and conflict resolution.

On the Middle East, both ministers called for strict adherence to ceasefire agreements and urged all parties to halt military operations, ensuring safe navigation through strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.

They also reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for a democratic and viable Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel.

Germany specifically acknowledged Morocco’s engagement in Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly through King Mohammed VI’s role as chairman of the Al Quds Committee.

Diplomatic Momentum for Rabat

The latest German endorsement adds to Morocco’s growing diplomatic momentum on the Western Sahara issue, as Rabat continues to rally international support for its autonomy proposal.

For Morocco, the Rabat dialogue represents more than routine diplomacy—it is a strategic consolidation of alliances, reinforcing its position on the global stage while advancing its vision for a negotiated resolution to one of Africa’s longest-running disputes.

A fresh controversy has emerged ahead of the race for the presidency of the Pan-African Parliament, following remarks by Algerian contender Fateh Boutbig describing Algeria as “almost a European country.”

The comment has drawn sharp reactions across diplomatic and political circles, raising questions about Algeria’s positioning within the African continental agenda at a time it is actively campaigning for top roles within the African Union system.

Boutbig, considered one of the leading candidates for the PAP presidency, remarked in a context that observers say reflects a broader narrative among some Algerian officials who often highlight proximity to Europe as a marker of economic and developmental progress.

The statement has, however, triggered criticism from analysts who argue that such positioning could undermine confidence in Algeria’s commitment to advancing African integration and identity.

The controversy is further deepened by Algeria’s ongoing efforts to expand its economic footprint across the continent while simultaneously promoting its national products in European markets through officials like Kamel Rezig.

Political observers say the mixed messaging risks portraying Algeria’s African engagement as strategic rather than ideological, especially at a time when the Pan-African Parliament is expected to play a stronger role in shaping continental unity and policy direction.

“The leadership of the Pan-African Parliament requires a clear belief in Africa’s potential,” a regional policy analyst noted. “Any suggestion that progress is measured by proximity to Europe could weaken a candidate’s standing among member states.”

Boutbig’s opponents are already seizing on the remark, framing it as evidence that his political outlook may be more aligned with external benchmarks than with Africa’s development priorities.

The Pan-African Parliament, as the legislative arm of the African Union, plays a key role in promoting democratic governance, integration, and cooperation among member states. Its leadership contest is often closely watched as a reflection of broader geopolitical alignments within the continent.

As campaigning intensifies, Boutbig’s comment is likely to remain a focal point in debates over identity, loyalty, and the future direction of Africa’s continental institutions.