South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a new visa policy that allows Nigerian tourists to apply for visas without the need to submit their passports.

Additionally, the policy provides eligible Nigerian businessmen and tourists with a five-year multiple-entry visa option.

President Ramaphosa made the announcement on Tuesday during the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town.

He highlighted that the move is part of South Africa’s efforts to simplify visa processes and foster stronger business and tourism ties between the two nations.

“Our simplified visa process will help Nigerian business people travel to South Africa more easily. Those who qualify will be eligible for a five-year multiple-entry visa,” Ramaphosa said.

He also emphasized South Africa’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for increased investment and improving the business climate for companies operating in both countries.

“South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, and we need to remove any remaining barriers to further investment,” he added.

Nigeria, South Africa to Finalize Early Warning Mechanism Agreement:

At the same BNC session, the two countries agreed to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on an Early Warning Mechanism, which has been in development for five years. This system will monitor potential threats of violence, criminal activities, and reprisals involving citizens of both nations.

The decision follows a history of attacks on Nigerian nationals in South Africa, with both leaders agreeing on the need for an effective mechanism to prevent future incidents.

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, stated that the MoU would be finalized and signed by March 2025 during the South African Minister’s planned visit to Nigeria.

In addition to these discussions, the two countries adopted a joint stance on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic solutions.

They underscored the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and protecting civilians to achieve sustainable peace.

During the session, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also expressed the need for a strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa to promote economic integration and shared prosperity, contributing to the overall growth of Africa.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday firmly rejected calls for his resignation, dismissing them as “political fiction” in light of an impending no-confidence vote in parliament.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Saudi Arabia, Macron stated, “It doesn’t make sense… it’s frankly not up to scratch to say these things.”

Macron, who was elected twice by the French people, emphasized his commitment to serving until the end of his term in 2027.

“I am extremely proud of this and I will honour this trust with all the energy that is mine until the last second to be useful to the country,” he said.

The president’s rejection comes amid mounting pressure from opposition figures, some within his own camp, who have suggested that resignation might be his only option to resolve the political deadlock.

Macron also criticized the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen for supporting the no-confidence motion, accusing them of “unbearable cynicism” and warned against inciting fear.

“We must not scare people with these things; we have a strong economy,” he said.

While many commentators predict that a coalition between the left and far-right could succeed in toppling Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government, Macron expressed confidence, saying he did “not believe” the no-confidence motion would pass. “My priority is stability,” he added.

President Joe Biden announced over $1 billion in humanitarian assistance for Africa during his first visit to Angola on Tuesday, focusing on addressing the continent’s ongoing humanitarian crises.

Biden, who is also the first sitting U.S. president to visit the former Portuguese colony, met with Angolan President João Lourenço and pledged American support for displaced African communities.

The aid, which will target 31 African nations, will help address food insecurity and urgent needs for refugees and internally displaced persons, particularly in Southern Africa, which is currently enduring its worst recorded drought.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) confirmed that the funds would provide relief for those suffering from the effects of historic droughts across the region.

Speaking at the National Slavery Museum in Luanda, Biden reflected on the U.S.’s historical role in the transatlantic slave trade, highlighting Angola’s significance as a key source of enslaved people in the 19th century.

He acknowledged that “slavery was our nation’s original sin,” a sentiment shared at the museum which displays artifacts from the period.

Biden’s visit, the first to Sub-Saharan Africa since he took office, is seen as a pivotal moment in strengthening U.S.-Angola relations.

The two leaders discussed increasing economic and security cooperation, with a focus on Angola’s strategic role in Africa’s future.

Biden highlighted the ongoing U.S. investment in a major infrastructure project aimed at transporting critical minerals from landlocked countries to Angola’s port of Lobito, part of the larger Lobito Corridor project.

Biden emphasized that “the future runs through Angola, through Africa,” underscoring the importance of the continent in shaping global security and economic stability.

On the geopolitical front, Biden’s visit also comes amid rising concerns over China’s influence in Africa. Angola owes China approximately $17 billion, a significant portion of its national debt.

A senior U.S. official noted that many African governments are seeking alternatives to Chinese investments, which often come with long-term debt obligations.

Biden’s trip also includes a visit to the port of Lobito, where he will attend an infrastructure summit focused on regional investment. The summit, which will include leaders from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia, highlights the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Lobito Corridor railway.

This project, backed by the U.S., the European Union, and other international partners, is seen as a major step in increasing economic connectivity and reducing dependency on China.

While Biden’s visit is aimed at fostering economic collaboration, human rights groups have urged him to address Angola’s human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of protesters and critics of the government.

Biden has yet to respond to calls for him to press the Angolan government on these issues.