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Check FAQAbout Sumner
Sumner Shagari Sambo is a journalist based in Abuja, Nigeria. Sumner has always been passionate about television news journalism, working especially with start-ups to rejuvenate broadcasting across Nigeria and Africa. He recently joined one of Africa's newest and promising channels, News Central Television, in a bid to combine his skills with other creative minds to reposition news coverage and program delivery for premium content consumers in Nigeria and on the continent. He is a multi-skilled Journalist and multimedia professional. He is a 2017/2018 Fellow of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). He also won the 2015/2016 Nigeria Investigative Journalist of the Year (TV) award run by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and was winner of the 2016/2017 Senate Reporter of the Year (TV) award organized by the Senate Press Corps of Nigeria's National Assembly. Before joining News Central, he was a Senior Correspondent/Deputy Bureau Chief with TVC News, a Pan-African news channel broadcasting from Lagos, Nigeria. Prior to that, he was a Stringer with Reuters and a Senior National Correspondent with NN24 TV, Nigeria. He also had a stint with The Nation Newspaper and regularly publishes NEWSMAN, an online newsblog on Facebook. An MSc/BSc Mass Communication graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; he is a technology-savvy and probing mind who also acts as a Fixer for many international news crews coming into Nigeria or West Africa to source for interviews and news stories. Sumner was the Media Coordinator of the 2011 NN24 Nigeria Presidential Debate. He has also won other awards like the Most Promising Youth, 2011/2012 presented to him by the Chamber Social Club, Abuja. A newsy person, he believes that the greatest investment in life is the cross-fertilization of ideas!
English
Portfolio
Tunisia to reopen borders, airspace on June 27
Tunisian Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced the reopening of the country's land, air, and sea borders from June 27 and the repatriation of Tunisian nationals starting June 4. The decision followed a meeting with the national commission to combat coronavirus. Tunisia has confirmed 1,084 COVID-19 cases. The country received medical aid from China, including facemasks, test kits, and medical protective goggles, which was donated to Tunisia’s Ministry of National Defense on April 16.
Military prosecutors takeover probe of Burkina Faso jail deaths
Military prosecutors in Burkina Faso have taken over the investigation into the deaths of 12 men, previously arrested on suspicion of terrorism, found dead in their cells at the Tanwalbougou gendarmerie. Government prosecutors, who found no evidence of gunshot wounds, handed the case to the military. President Roch Marc Christian Kabore called the situation 'unacceptable' and promised decisive actions post-investigation. Human Rights Watch and local group CISC have demanded independent and international inquiries, respectively. The deaths have heightened tensions, as most victims were from the Fulani community, which has faced accusations of supporting militants and suffered alleged abuses by security forces and vigilante groups.
Algeria recalls its ambassador in France for airing films on protests
Algeria is recalling its ambassador from France after French public television aired documentaries on Algeria's anti-government protest movement, which the Algerian interior ministry views as attacks on its people and institutions. The documentaries in question sparked debates on social media and include 'Algeria, my love' by Mustapha Kessous and 'Algeria: the Promises of the Dawn'. Algeria has accused certain circles in France of not wanting peaceful relations between the two nations. The Algerian government has also blamed foreign NGOs for influencing local media against state institutions and has blocked news websites covering protests. Algeria is ranked 146th on RSF's world press freedom index for 2020.
Nigeria extends partial lockdown by two more weeks
Nigeria has extended its partial lockdown by an additional two weeks, with federal authorities planning to impose targeted lockdowns in areas with rapid COVID-19 case increases. The full lockdown in Kano state continues due to a high number of cases and unexplained deaths. The phased reopening of Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun states is proceeding more slowly than initially planned, now extending the current phase by two more weeks. Nationwide curfew hours and mandatory face masks in public remain in effect, with increased enforcement measures to be implemented.
Covid-19: ‘No new cars for top politicians, officials in next five years’ – Namibian President
Namibian President Hage Geingob has imposed a five-year moratorium on new car purchases for top politicians and government officials to reallocate funds towards combating COVID-19. The decision is expected to save around 200 million Namibian dollars, which will be used for urgent priorities amid the pandemic. Namibia, with a population of 2.5 million, has reported 16 cases of COVID-19 and no deaths. The president also set a limit on monthly fuel consumption for top officials. Previously, in 2002, President Sam Nujoma had replaced Mercedes-Benz vehicles with Toyota Camry cars for ministers.
Soldiers kill 50 terrorists in Mozambique, insurgent attacks rise
Mozambican soldiers killed 50 suspected jihadists in Cabo Delgado province after a series of 20 attacks on villages between May 3rd and 12th. Interior Minister Amad Miquidade reported the insurgents had abducted citizens, destroyed infrastructure, and cut off communications. The military intercepted and destroyed a convoy of insurgents, killing 42, and quashed another assault, killing 8. The Islamist group responsible has escalated attacks since 2017, aiming to establish a caliphate, and has been linked to the Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for recent attacks. Mozambican authorities, acknowledging the insurgency only recently, have faced challenges in addressing the unrest, which has displaced 200,000 people and raised concerns among energy companies in the region.
Lesotho PM to quit May 22, ruling coalition crumbles
Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's ruling coalition has collapsed, with National Assembly Speaker Sephiri Motanyane announcing Thabane must step down by May 22. Thabane, suspected of conspiring to murder his ex-wife, has been under pressure to resign. His wife Maesaiah has been charged in the case. A new government is forming, with Finance Minister Moeketsi Majoro expected to replace Thabane. King Letsie III has passed legislation preventing Thabane from dissolving parliament to avoid a no-confidence vote, as Lesotho faces ongoing political instability.
Guinea accuses Human Rights Watch of bias
The Guinean government has accused Human Rights Watch of bias towards the political opposition after the NGO criticized the government for alleged abuses during the coronavirus crisis. Human Rights Watch reported harassment and arbitrary arrests by authorities, which the Guinean security ministry has denied, acknowledging only 'possible excesses' by security forces. The tension in Guinea's politics has been high due to a controversial constitutional referendum that could allow President Alpha Conde to seek a third term. International bodies and rights campaigners have expressed concerns over the credibility of the referendum and the government's authoritarian tendencies.
Former South African leader Zuma alleges threat to life, family
Jacob Zuma, South Africa's former president, has alleged that his enemies, who had previously attempted to assassinate him, instead poisoned and killed his son, Nhlakanipho Vusi Zuma, in 2018. Zuma, whose presidency was plagued by corruption allegations, claimed that these unnamed individuals interfered with his son's lupus treatment, leading to his death. He has faced accusations of allowing looting of state funds and influencing government appointments, and is currently on trial for a $3.4 billion arms deal dating back to his tenure as deputy president. Zuma denies all charges, and his next court appearance has been postponed to June 23 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Fresh tribal clashes leave 30 dead in Darfur
Thirty people have been killed in tribal clashes between the al-Raziqat and al-Falata tribes in South Darfur, Sudan. The violence, related to a dispute over stolen livestock, is part of long-standing tensions in the region. The conflict in Darfur has historically involved ethnic minority rebels opposing the then Arab-dominated government, leading to significant casualties and displacement. The transitional government is deploying military troops to address the violence and has agreed to transfer former president Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court for trial.
Tanzania investigates allegedly false Covid-19 tests, suspends top laboratory officials
Tanzania's government has formed a committee to investigate alleged false Covid-19 test results from the country's main public laboratory. The health minister suspended the laboratory's director and a senior official following President John Magufuli's claims of irregularities, including tests where a papaya, a quail, and a goat tested positive. Magufuli has been skeptical about the virus's impact and suggested potential sabotage. Opposition lawmaker Zitto Kabwe supported the laboratory director, urging them not to be disheartened by political interference. Tanzania has reported 480 cases and 16 deaths but has not implemented extensive measures against the virus.
Insurgency, cattle rustling and farmer-herds men clashes. A special report on Northern Nigeria.
Insurgency, cattle rustling and farmer-herds men clashes in Nigeria. A special report on Northern Nigeria
A special report on the blue economy diversification of African countries.
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