Latest news with #USMission
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Bigger issues emerge as US updates travel advisory for South Africa
The latest level 2 travel advisory warning its citizens to be cautious when visiting the country, issued on May 27, comes hot on the heels of President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent visit to Washington where he and his delegation pleaded with Trump to reconsider some of his recent views about a white genocide in South Africa. Image: Jim WATSON / AFP The US government has revised its travel advisory to South Africa after President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Donald Trump at the White House, raising concerns that these may be further attempts to paint the country as a no-go zone. This latest level 2 travel advisory warning its citizens to be cautious when visiting the country, issued on May 27, comes hot on the heels of Ramaphosa's recent visit to Washington where he and his delegation pleaded with Trump to reconsider some of his recent views about a white genocide in South Africa. The advisory urges American citizens to exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Department of State also warns about the risk of terrorist violence and urges US Mission staff use fully armoured vehicles. International relations expert Dr Noluthando Phungula said the US was trying to vilify South Africa as part of a bigger issue. "We cannot deny crime remains a major challenge for the country, but the US is capitalising on this defect in painting SA as a no-go zone. Crime in this country remains a huge challenge which is closely tied to the stark inequalities. This reality continues to fuel the negative perceptions of the country," Phungula said. South Africa has been added to the list alongside Namibia, Botswana, Belgium, Greenland, Denmark, and Germany. Level 2 indicates moderate risk, unlike Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisories issued for countries such as Sudan and the DRC. The latest advisory comes more than a year after the US State Department issued another updated Level 2 travel advisory to South Africa in February 2024 in which it warned its citizens to exercise increased caution in the country due to crime and civil unrest. Responding to the alert, Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille indicated that context is important as South Africa remains one of the most safe and stable countries in the world. "We respect the sovereign right of all nations to provide guidance to their citizens travelling abroad. We also acknowledge the recent meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Trump and the subsequent media coverage that has followed. However, it is important to offer broader context and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all visitors to our country." Political commentator, Thobani Zikalala has indicated that in spite of rampant crime in South Africa, the advisory has once again cast a negative shadow on the recent attempts by Ramaphosa to rekindle the country's relations with the Trump administration. "While South Africa is trying to save its relations, the US continues long held assumptions about what is happening in the country. However, we cannot deny South Africa is a crime ridden society, the murder rate and violent crimes are high and government should do much more in capacitating the state and the police," he said. Cape Argus
Business Insider
28-05-2025
- Business Insider
U.S. mission issues security alert following bombing incident in Nigeria's capital
The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a security alert to American citizens and expatriates following a suspected bombing near the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja. The US Mission in Nigeria issued a security alert following a suspected bombing near the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja. The explosion resulted in one fatality, identified as the suspected bomber, and one injury to a bystander. The Mission urged American citizens to exercise caution, monitor developments, and maintain contingency plans. The US Mission in Nigeria issued a security alert after Monday's explosion in Abuja, which killed the suspected bomber and injured one other person. In its advisory, the US Embassy urged all Americans residing in or traveling to Nigeria's capital to exercise heightened caution. According to the advisory, as seen by Business Insider Africa, the US Mission warned its citizens to steer clear of the location at this time and recommended several precautionary actions. These include: monitoring local media for developments, staying aware of one's surroundings, reviewing personal security plans, keeping phones charged for emergencies, and carrying proper identification. The Mission emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant in public spaces and reiterated its longstanding guidance for US citizens to maintain a low profile, remain alert, and ensure contingency plans are in place. Nigeria is currently under a Level 3 travel advisory (Reconsider Travel) with the U.S. government designating about 18 states as " Do Not Travel" zones due to heightened risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gang activity. Speaking on the incident, the Nigerian Army confirmed the explosion at a bus stop near the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja and assured the public that the situation is under control. This was announced via its official X handle. Security sources suspect the blast may have resulted from a failed suicide bombing attempt, raising fresh concerns over the presence of extremist elements in or around the nation's capital. Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred when an individual wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) attempted to infiltrate the Mogadishu Army Cantonment along the Mararaba-Nyanya expressway. " The device had detonated during the attempt, killing the bomber on the spot and injuring one passerby," NEMA said in its statement. " Preliminary information indicated that the suicide bomber was attempting to gain unauthorized entry into the barracks when the IED detonated," the agency added in a follow-up statement. Meanwhile, the police said that operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the FCT Police Command have cordoned off the area. The spokesperson for the command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed in a statement that ' a male adult was injured in the incident.'
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
US hails private firm's investment in Nigeria's healthcare sector
The United States Mission in Nigeria has welcomed the launch of a private firm, Cassona Global Imaging operations in the country, hailing the investment as a significant boost to the nation's healthcare sector. The Commercial Officer, U.S. Mission in Nigeria, Blake Murray, at the launch on Thursday in Abuja, described the partnership as a powerful accelerator in Nigeria's healthcare modernization efforts. He said, 'Nigerian firms and public institutions collaborating with U.S. medical suppliers, like Cassona Global Imaging, have access to original equipment manufacturers, cutting-edge technologies, world-class standards, and critical service and warranty support' Murray also noted that strategic partnerships between U.S. companies and Nigerian institutions can improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, expand access to healthcare, and advance disease prevention and control. 'The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is committed to deepening bilateral trade relations between the two countries. 'Last year, two-way trade between the United States and Nigeria hit a record $13 billion. Our shared goal is to promote two-way investment and deepen commercial ties between our nations. 'The U.S. Department of Commerce and Nigeria's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment are set to launch the United States-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership next month in Abuja, prioritizing collaboration in agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure, including healthcare infrastructure. 'This partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement in Nigeria. 'By working together, the U.S. and Nigeria can address pressing healthcare challenges and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians. 'The investment by Cassona Global Imaging is a testament to the growing interest of U.S. companies in Nigeria's healthcare sector. 'It demonstrates the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that can drive progress and prosperity in both countries,' he said. Also, the Chairman and CEO of Cassona Global Imaging Limited, John Chigbu while speaking to journalists explained that the company's mission is to make quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians. 'We sell our equipment at a fraction of the cost. A CT scanner that would normally cost $1 million is available for $250,000. Not only do we sell it at an affordable price, we also finance it, allowing you to make a small down payment and pay the rest over 24 months,' he said. Chigbu also disclosed that the company's equipment range includes ultrasound machines, X-ray machines, CT scanners, and PET scans, which will significantly improve disease diagnostics in Nigeria. He raised concerns that the lack of access to quality healthcare has led to medical tourism, where Nigerians with means travel abroad for treatment. 'We need to reverse this trend. We need medical tourism to come into Nigeria, not the other way around. We need to make quality healthcare accessible to all, not just those who can afford it. 'Cassona Global Imaging plans to set up diagnostic centers and hospitals in Nigeria, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. The company will also provide training for healthcare professionals, ensuring that they are proficient in using the equipment. 'We're not just building hospitals; we're building a healthcare ecosystem. We'll provide training, maintenance, and support to ensure that our equipment is always working. If it breaks down, we'll fix it within 48 hours or provide a loaner,' he stated. He said the company is committed to localising Nigeria's healthcare system by recruiting and training Nigerian professionals. 'We need to build capacity in Nigeria. We need to train our people to take care of our healthcare needs. That's why we're recruiting Nigerian engineers and healthcare professionals to work with us. 'With Cassona Global Imaging's innovative approach, Nigeria's healthcare sector is poised for a significant transformation, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for all,' he said.
Arab News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
US mission in Islamabad eases staff movement curbs after India-Pakistan ceasefire
ISLAMABAD: The United States eased movement restrictions on its diplomatic personnel in Pakistan on Saturday, following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan that brought a pause to days of cross-border military exchanges. The conflict was sparked by a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 26 tourists, with New Delhi blaming Pakistan for the incident despite Islamabad's denial of the allegation. India launched missile strikes on what it said were 'terrorist camps,' prompting Pakistan to respond with attacks on Indian military targets. A ceasefire brokered by Washington was announced Saturday afternoon by President Donald Trump, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying both sides had agreed to hold talks at a neutral venue. 'Movement restrictions on US government personnel in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore have been adjusted to allow travel within city limits,' the US mission said in a security alert. However, it reiterated its 'Do Not Travel' advisory for areas near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control, citing 'terrorism' and the risk of 'armed conflict.' It also maintained a 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for Pakistan more broadly, reflecting long-standing US concerns about militant violence and limited consular access in parts of the country. Earlier this year, the US State Department had cited Pakistan's deteriorating security conditions, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. In its recent alert, the US embassy advised citizens in Pakistan to review their security plans and stay alert. It noted that flight availability remained fluid in Pakistan, urging travelers to confirm schedules with their airlines.
Bloomberg
10-05-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
US to Probe Reports of Swabs on Its Citizens Arriving in China
The US embassy in China said it received reports that American citizens are being subjected to 'invasive medical testing' upon arrival in the country. 'We are looking into these reports,' the embassy in Beijing said in a response to a query by Bloomberg. 'The U.S. Mission to China has no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens in China.'
