Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has publicly declared her commitment to advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of her late husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, held in Owerri, Ambassador Ojukwu emphasized that she would take every necessary measure to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to grant Kanu’s release.

During her address, Ambassador Ojukwu voiced her belief that President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release in promoting peace and stability in the Southeast. She argued that freeing Kanu could help expose the criminal elements who have exploited his detention to sow chaos in the region. These individuals, she claimed, use Kanu’s cause as a shield for their actions, which include various violent crimes and disturbances that have disrupted communities across the Southeast.

Her speech, titled “Unifying the Igbo Race,” centered on the urgent need to end violence in the region, emphasizing that the Igbo people are historically characterized by unity and mutual respect rather than internal conflicts. Ambassador Ojukwu called for collective efforts to restore peace, asserting that only through unity could the Southeast overcome its current challenges and secure a future of stability and cooperation.

“The release of Nnamdi Kanu,” she stated, “is critical in distinguishing genuine freedom fighters from those criminals who hide behind his cause to incite violence in the Southeast. Our people are facing severe threats, and it’s essential that we take the necessary steps to restore peace to our communities.”

Reflecting on the legacy of her late husband, Dim Ojukwu, who was a prominent advocate for the Igbo people, Ambassador Ojukwu expressed sorrow over the current state of the Southeast. She lamented that, years after his passing, the region has descended into violence, forcing many families to abandon their homes and communities.

“Our communities are emptying out. Our best and brightest are fleeing, and kidnapping for ransom has become commonplace. This is not the vision Dim Ojukwu had for our people,” she noted with regret, highlighting the tragic shift in the region’s social fabric.

Ambassador Ojukwu underscored the significance of President Tinubu’s role in this issue, arguing that by granting Kanu’s release, the President would be facilitating efforts to identify and address those who are responsible for perpetuating violence in the Southeast under the guise of self-determination. “President Tinubu is aware of the impact that Kanu’s release could have,” she said, “as it would expose those who are masquerading as IPOB members while committing violent acts. This action would mark a step towards restoring law and order in the region.”

She also spoke out against the violent “sit-at-home” orders frequently imposed in the Southeast, pointing out that such measures contradict the ideals of self-determination and have severely disrupted the region’s economic and social life. The Igbo, she reminded her audience, are known for their enterprising spirit and strong communal bonds, values that are currently under threat due to ongoing instability.

“It’s time for us to reclaim our land and reassert the values that Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu upheld,” she added, emphasizing the need for the Igbo people to stand together and reject the violence that has undermined their communities.

Ambassador Ojukwu’s appeal aligns with the growing calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, as many believe it could be instrumental in curbing insecurity in the Southeast and promoting regional unity. As she continues her advocacy, her voice joins those who see Kanu’s freedom as a potential turning point for restoring peace and progress in the Southeast.

Biden’s announcement came after Israel’s Cabinet approved the cease-fire agreement. Before the deal was struck Israel launched waves of attacks in Lebanon.

Israel’s security cabinet greenlights truce agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group Israeli warplanes struck Beirut’s southern suburbs ahead of the cabinet’s truce decision Evacuation warnings issued in central Beirut for the first time Israel says will act ‘forcefully’ if Lebanon deal breached

Here are the latest developments in the crisis in Israel, Lebanon, Gaza and other parts of the Middle East on Tuesday, November 26:

Biden announces cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah

US President Joe Biden announced that a cease-fire has been reached between Israel and Hezbollah militants.

He said fighting across the border will end at 4 a.m. Lebanon time

The US and France brokered the truce that aims to end to the fighting triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Hezbollah and Hamas are both backed by Iran.

Biden spoke after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the truce.

“The length of the cease-fire will depend on what happens in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said.

The Lebanese Cabinet, that includes members of Hezbollah’s political wing, will reportedly meet on Wednesday to formally approve it.

Israelis divided over truce, poll finds

The Times of Israel reports a snap poll by Israel’s Channel 12 indicates that Israelis are split on the proposed cease-fire with Hezbollah.

When asked about their stance on the arrangement, 37% expressed support, 32% opposed it, and 31% were undecided.

The poll further reveals a stark contrast in opinions among political lines.

Among supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, only 20% back the deal, while 45% oppose it and 35% remain uncertain.

In contrast, 50% of opposition voters support the cease-fire agreement.

Israel’s national security minister opposes the truce

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he opposed the cease-fire deal with Hezbollah, describing it as a “historic mistake.”

The agreement does not ensure the return of Israelis to their homes in the country’s north, he said on social media.

“In order to leave Lebanon, we must have our own security belt,” Ben-Gvir added.

The comments come after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was ready to implement the deal and would present it to his full Cabinet later in the evening.

Netanyahu says cease-fire with Hezbollah would isolate Hamas

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that a cease-fire in Lebanon is unlikely to facilitate a truce or hostage-release agreement in Gaza, where Israeli forces continue their war with Hamas.

Speaking after Israel’s security cabinet approved a cease-fire deal with Hezbollah, Netanyahu said the truce would allow Israel to “intensify” pressure on Hamas and focus on the “Iranian threat.”

“When Hezbollah is out of the picture, Hamas is left alone in the fight. Our pressure on it will intensify,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu to present Hezbollah cease-fire deal to Israeli Cabinet

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is asking Israel’s cabinet to approve a cease-fire deal to stop fighting against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

He made the announcement on Tuesday after meeting with his security cabinet.

It could end the current fighting that has dragged on for over a year and intensified in September.

It led to thousands of deaths in Lebanon and nearly 100 Israeli civilians and soldiers killed.

Nearly 60,000 people in Israel and 1 million in Lebanon have had to flee their homes.

Netanyahu said a Lebanon truce will allow Israel to “focus on Iranian threat” but warned tough action will be taken against Hezbollah in the event of violations.

Iran-backed Hezbollah, considered a terror group by some countries, including the US and Germany, began attacking Israel on October 8, 2023, a day after the Hamas-led terror attack on southern Israel.

Israel stepped up its bombing campaign in September and mounted a ground operation.

Blinken says Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire deal ‘in the final stages’

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said efforts to secure a cease-fire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah were “in the final stages.”

“We are tracking this very closely. I hope and believe we can get this over the finish line,” he said at a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Italy.

Blinken said he hoped that “by de-escalating tensions in the region, it can also help us to end the conflict in Gaza.”

Israel pounds Lebanon ahead of truce decision

Israeli warplanes have hit Beirut’s southern suburbs with a wave of airstrikes just before Israel’s cabinet was set to discuss a ceasefire deal with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

A senior Israeli official and Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib appeared optimistic a deal could be reached.

But despite the possibility of an imminent diplomatic breakthrough, hostilities were still raging on Tuesday.

Israeli strikes hit parts of Beirut’s densely-populated southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. The Israeli military said one barrage of strikes had hit 20 targets in the city in just 120 seconds.

Israel had issued its biggest evacuation warning yet, ordering civilians to leave 20 locations. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said his country’s air force was conducting a “widespread attack” on Hezbollah targets across the city.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has kept up rocket fire into Israel.

Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by the US, Germany and several Sunni Arab countries, while the EU lists its armed wing as a terrorist group.

German foreign minister sees hope for Israel-Hezbollah truce

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has said that — after more than a year of violence — a ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon is “within reach.”

At the meeting of the G7 foreign ministers in Italy, Baerbock spoke of progress towards a political solution, crediting the direct mediation of the United States and France.

The German government had worked intensively on this with “closely coordinated shuttle diplomacy.”

“We are at a critical moment right now — perhaps a moment that also gives us hope,” said Baerbock at the meeting, which is being held in the small town of Fiuggi in central Italy.

The minister added: “Giving up, despite setbacks, is simply not an option.”

UN rights chief ‘gravely concerned’ about Lebanon violence

The United Nations human rights chief has voiced concern about the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, where his office said nearly 100 people had been reported killed by Israeli airstrikes in recent days.

While Israel has been locked in fighting with Lebanese armed group Hezbollah since October last year, fighting has escalated dramatically in recent months.

“UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk is gravely concerned by the escalation in Lebanon with at least 97 people reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes between the 22nd and 24th of November,” Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, told a Geneva press briefing.

The comments come as Israel’s security Cabinet prepares to meet on Tuesday afternoon to discuss a proposed cease-fire deal in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Lebanon truce deal to be decided soon, says deputy foreign minister

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel says the country’s security Cabinet is set to meet later in the day to discuss a cease-fire deal.

However, she declined “to go into details about it because of the sensitivity of the issue.”

Haskel also gave no exact time for the meeting. “There needs to be a decision, a discussion,” she said. “There might be a vote as well.”

She added: “The members of the Cabinet know some of the details and are going to go into more details this afternoon.”

An anonymous Israeli official previously said the security Cabinet would make its decision on Tuesday evening.

A senior Israeli official and Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib appeared optimistic that a deal could be agreed on.

An agreement between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon could clear the way for an end to the conflict that has killed thousands since last year’s October 7 attacks and Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and subsequent air strikes and ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel to act ‘forcefully’ if Lebanon cease-fire breached

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has told the UN’s Lebanon envoy that any breach of a cease-fire deal that the security Cabinet is set to vote on would result in Israel acting directly.

“If you do not act, we will do it, forcefully,” Katz told envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert when meeting her in Tel Aviv.

Katz added that Israel would have “zero tolerance” when defending its security interests in the future, according to a statement from his office.

“Any house rebuilt in south Lebanon and used as a terrorist base will be destroyed, any rearming or terrorist organization will be attacked, any attempt at transferring arms will be foiled, and any threat against our forces or our citizens will be immediately eliminated,” said Katz in the statement.

IDF calls for evacuation of parts of southern Beirut

Israel’s military has issued a new evacuation message for the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut.

In a post on the platform X, the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) Arabic language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, published maps showing several buildings and called on civilians nearby to evacuate.

Adraee told residents to maintain a distance of 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the sites, saying that they were “near Hezbollah facilities and interests.”

Israel has ‘no excuse’ not to implement Lebanon cease-fire — Borrell

EU top diplomat Josep Borrell has urged Israel to approve a US-mediated proposal for a cease-fire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“There is not an excuse for not implementing a cease-fire … No more excuses. No more additional requests. Stop this fighting. Stop killing people,” Borrell said.

The EU’s foreign policy chief stressed that the deal “gives Israel all the security commitments they were asking for.”

Borrell said that Lebanon had asked for France to be included in the deal’s implementation committee, but Israel expressed misgivings about the idea.

Referring to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Borrell called for European countries to fulfill their obligations under international law.

“You cannot approve of the court when it goes against [Russian President Vladimir Putin] and oppose it when it goes against Netanyahu,” he said.

Last week, the ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, as well as the Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

In March 2023, the court issued warrants against Putin and children’s rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova over allegations of unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.

Israeli Cabinet to discuss Lebanon cease-fire proposal

Israel’s wartime Cabinet was due to meet on Tuesday to vote on a proposed cease-fire deal with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group.

US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said talks were progressing.

“We believe we’ve reached this point where we’re close,” he said, adding “we’re not there yet.”

Meanwhile, the Reuters news agency cited Lebanon’s deputy parliament speaker, Elias Bou Saab, as saying that the agreement had already been approved by Lebanon’s government and that there were “no serious obstacles” towards its implementation.

Hezbollah’s political wing is part of Lebanon’s governing coalition, and the group has endorsed parliament speaker Nabih Berri to negotiate with Israel.

US news outlet Axios reported that Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon under the draft agreement, with Lebanese forces deploying near the border and Hezbollah moving heavy weapons north of the Litani River.

The proposal includes a provision under which Israel would reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations.

The Litani River lies around 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) to the north of the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israel has repeatedly called for Hezbollah to withdraw from areas south of the waterway, citing the terms of a UN resolution that put an end to the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

News of the planned cabinet meeting came as Israel’s military carried out a wave of airstrikes on Monday. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that at least 31 people were killed in the attacks.

Meanwhile, months of negotiations between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar, have failed to produce a deal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier this month, Qatar said it had suspended its mediation efforts and that they would only resume once “the parties show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war.”

THE HAGUE (AP) — The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor asked judges on Wednesday to issue an arrest warrant for the head of Myanmar’s military regime for crimes committed against the country’s Rohingya Muslim minority.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who took power from elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup in 2021, is accused of crimes against humanity for the deportation and persecution of the Rohingya.

Nearly a million people were forced into neighboring Bangladesh to escape what has been called an ethnic cleansing campaign involving mass rapes, killings and the torching of homes.

From a refugee camp in Bangladesh, the court’s top prosecutor, Karim Khan, said in a statement that he intends to request more warrants for Myanmar’s leaders soon.

“In doing so, we will be demonstrating, together with all of our partners, that the Rohingya have not been forgotten. That they, like all people around the world, are entitled to the protection of the law,” the British barrister said.

The allegations stem from a counterinsurgency campaign that Myanmar’s military began in August 2017 in response to an insurgent attack. Hlaing, who heads the Myanmar Defense Services, is said to have directed the armed forces of Myanmar, known as the Tatmadaw, as well as national police to attack Rohingya civilians.

ICC Israel Warrants
© Peter Dejong

Khan was in Bangladesh where he met with members of the displaced Rohingya population.

Myanmar does not belong to the global court, but Bangladesh does. In 2018 judges at the court ruled the prosecutor could look into crimes which were “completed” on the territory of a member state, such as forcible deportation.

In 2019, Khan’s predecessor, Fatou Bensouda, formally requested to open an investigation into the situation and judges gave the green light for investigations into “any crime, including any future crime” committed at least partly in Bangladesh or another court member state and linked to the Rohingya.

International Court Myanmar
© Peter Dejong

The move paved the way for Khan to pursue crimes beyond forcing men, women and children over the border and into refugee camps.

The request comes days after a powerful rebel group seized a key trading town in northeastern Myanmar on the Chinese border, taking control of a lucrative rare earth mining hub in another setback for the military-led government.

The military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February 2021, triggering intensified fighting with long-established armed militias organized by Myanmar’s ethnic minority groups in its border regions which have struggled for decades for more autonomy.

In 2022, the International Court of Justice, the United Nations’ highest court, advanced a separate case against Myanmar brought by Gambia alleging the Southeast Asian nation is responsible for genocide against the Rohingya. Five European countries and Canada have asked the court to back Gambia in the proceedings.