South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has officially declared his candidacy in the upcoming presidential by-election, following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Announcing his bid on Thursday, Lee pledged to bridge the country’s deep political and economic divides through bold government spending and inclusive economic growth. The election, scheduled for June 3, was triggered by the Constitutional Court’s upholding of Yoon’s impeachment over his controversial martial law declaration.

Lee, who lost narrowly to Yoon in the 2022 presidential race, recently resigned as chairman of the liberal Democratic Party to focus on his campaign. He is currently the party’s leading candidate, with Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon also entering the race.

In a campaign video, Lee criticized the growing wealth gap and emphasized the need for government-driven investment in talent and technology to revive the economy.

“We have more than before, but wealth remains concentrated,” Lee said. “Private sector growth alone is no longer sufficient. Government intervention is essential to restore balance and stimulate the economy.”

Lee also underscored the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States and Japan, while reaffirming that South Korea’s national interests must guide all foreign policy decisions.

Known for his anti-elitist stance and outspoken style, Lee remains a polarizing figure. His supporters see him as a reformist leader, while critics accuse him of populism and lacking realistic funding strategies for his policies. He is currently facing multiple legal challenges, including five criminal trials related to corruption.

The conservative People Power Party (PPP) is in disarray following Yoon’s removal, with internal divisions between loyalists and reformers. Several prominent conservatives, including Han Dong-hoon, Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim Moon Soo, Hong Joon-pyo, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon are expected to contest the party’s nomination.

Han, leading the anti-Yoon faction, also declared his presidential bid on Thursday, positioning himself as a centrist alternative who opposed Yoon’s martial law decree and warned against the rise of a “populist monster government” under Lee.

With the by-election set to determine South Korea’s next leader for a full five-year term, the race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the country’s democracy, economy, and global alliances.

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the Czech Republic, particularly in the areas of trade, industry, investment, and technological development.

Speaking at the opening of the Czech-Ghana Business Forum in Accra—part of a three-day state visit by Czech President Petr Pavel—President Mahama emphasized the vast potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between both nations.

The Forum focuses on strategic sectors such as agriculture, health, and water resource management, fostering collaboration between private sector players from both countries.

President Mahama highlighted the historical significance of Ghana-Czech relations, which date back to October 8, 1959, when Ghana first established diplomatic ties with the former Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.

“Today, we stand poised to elevate this relationship, transforming our historical bonds into dynamic 21st-century economic partnerships,” Mahama said.

He stressed that the gathering of influential business leaders and government officials signified the importance both nations place on deepening commercial and economic ties, especially amid ongoing global challenges.

President Mahama noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents new opportunities for partnership, as Ghana positions itself as a strategic gateway to West Africa’s growing market of 1.3 billion consumers.

He also introduced his administration’s 24-Hour Economic Policy, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at boosting productivity, optimizing infrastructure, and generating sustainable employment across key industries.

“This policy aligns with the goals of AfCFTA and focuses on sectors ripe for Czech-Ghanaian collaboration, including manufacturing, automobile production, and agro-processing,” Mahama explained.

He welcomed Czech expertise in machinery, automotive components, and advanced agro-processing technologies, all of which could help Ghana create high-value supply chains and maximize its agricultural potential.

In healthcare, President Mahama praised the Czech Republic’s excellence in medical innovation and manufacturing, citing the Medivac Programme and the Kpone Mini Hospital project as key areas of successful collaboration.

On trade, President Mahama shared data from the UN Home Trade Database showing that Czech exports to Ghana totaled $20.82 million in 2023, while Ghanaian exports to the Czech Republic reached approximately $1.12 billion. He described this trade imbalance not as a deficit but an opportunity for growth and diversification.

Czech President Petr Pavel commended Ghana for its democratic strength, natural resources, and leadership in regional stability.

“In an increasingly unstable world, Ghana stands out as a beacon of stability and opportunity. We share a common interest in building on friendship, shared values, and sustainable partnerships,” President Pavel said.

The Forum concluded with a strong commitment from both sides to foster deeper cooperation, build lasting partnerships, and unlock the full potential of Czech-Ghanaian economic relations.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has raised concerns over Nigeria’s continued ban on the importation of 25 categories of goods, stating that the restrictions hinder access to the Nigerian market for American exporters.

The criticism was issued on Monday and follows closely on the heels of a move by former U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 14 percent tariff on goods entering the United States, including those from Nigeria.

According to the USTR, Nigeria’s ban has negatively affected several industries, particularly agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods. The restricted items include commonly traded goods such as beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and alcoholic beverages—products the U.S. views as key exports.

“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
Restrictions on items like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits limit U.S. market access and reduce export opportunities.
These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market,” the agency said via its X handle.

Nigeria initially introduced the ban in 2016 as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imports and promote local production. Items on the banned list include poultry, pork, refined vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa products, spaghetti, beer, and specific pharmaceutical products.

More recently, on March 26, 2025, the Federal Government announced a new plan to prohibit the importation of solar panels. This initiative is aimed at boosting domestic production in support of Nigeria’s clean energy agenda.

Saudi Arabia’s visa restrictions have sparked confusion in Nigeria Ahead of 2025 Hajj.

Nigerians were thrown into a state of uncertainty on Monday, 7th April following reports of new visa restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about their potential impact on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Misinformation quickly spread online, with some interpreting the policy as a blanket ban on Nigerian participation in the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

However, both the Federal Government of Nigeria and Saudi authorities have moved to clarify the situation, dispelling rumors and providing key details about the temporary measures.

The confusion stems from a notice issued by Saudi Arabia, widely circulated by Gulf-based media, announcing a temporary suspension of short-term visa issuance to nationals of 14 countries, including Nigeria.

The policy, effective April 13, 2025, affects single and multi-entry business visas, tourist e-visas, and family visit visas.

Other nations impacted include Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension is set to last through June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.

Saudi authorities explained that the measure is part of a broader effort to regulate travel ahead of the pilgrimage, following challenges during the 2024 Hajj.

Last year, the kingdom recorded at least 1,301 deaths, primarily due to extreme heat and logistical strain, with most fatalities linked to pilgrims lacking official Hajj permits.

The Saudi government has since tightened controls to prevent overcrowding and the misuse of non-pilgrimage visas during the sacred event.

Key Facts

Effective Date and Scope: The visa suspension begins April 13, 2025, and applies to short-term visa categories for nationals of the 14 listed countries.

Travel Window: Holders of existing short-term Saudi visas can enter the kingdom before April 13 but must depart by April 29, 2025, or face penalties, including a possible five-year entry ban.

Hajj Exemption: The restriction does not affect pilgrims traveling under the official Hajj scheme, facilitated by Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) or approved tour operators.

Quota System: Saudi Arabia allocates a limited number of Hajj permits to each country, distributed via lottery. However, high costs often push pilgrims toward unauthorized travel options, a practice the new policy aims to curb.

Previous Restrictions: In February 2025, Saudi Arabia limited travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days and suspended one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely.

How it affects you

The visa suspension does not signal a complete ban on Nigerians entering Saudi Arabia, as some social media claims suggested.

Pilgrims registered through NAHCON or recognized operators will still be granted Hajj visas, the only authorized travel document for the pilgrimage period.

However, tourist visa holders will be barred from entering or staying in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH), to ensure compliance with Hajj regulations.

An official from NAHCON, described the policy as a routine adjustment, noting that “countries often tweak visa policies to achieve specific objectives.”

The official urged Nigerians to seek clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Saudi authorities rather than relying on unverified sources.

Federal Government and Saudi Authorities Response

The Federal Government of Nigeria swiftly addressed the wave of misinformation.

In a statement, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, dismissed reports of a blanket visa ban as “entirely false.” He cited confirmation from the Saudi Tourism Centre, which clarified that no such directive exists beyond restrictions tied to the Hajj season.

“For clarity, the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season,” the statement read. “Individuals holding a tourist visa are not permitted to perform Hajj.”

The ministry emphasized the importance of using official channels for updates and warned against spreading unverified claims.

Saudi authorities echoed this position, stating that the temporary suspension is a logistical measure to manage the influx of visitors during Hajj, building on lessons from the 2024 season’s challenges.

They reaffirmed that pilgrims with proper documentation remain welcome.

As the 2025 Hajj approaches, Nigerian stakeholders are encouraged to rely on NAHCON and other official bodies for guidance, ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience amidst the evolving travel policies.