Kenya Investigates Suspected Toxin After 15 Elephants Die In Amboseli

July 29, 2026

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is investigating a possible toxic substance after 15 elephants died in the Amboseli ecosystem between June 24 and July 24, with preliminary lab tests flagging a suspicious compound in samples taken from several of the animals.

The Amboseli ecosystem, which lies in southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, extends beyond the national park itself to include surrounding community land that serves as vital habitat and migration corridors for elephants and other wildlife in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.

According to KWS, ten of the elephants displayed matching symptoms before dying, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand. Death followed within one to two days of the onset of symptoms. The fatalities occurred across three sites: Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary, and the Kuku Ranch area.

Adult females and calves accounted for most of the deaths, with only a single adult male among the casualties. Wildlife officials said five of the carcasses were too decomposed or had already been scavenged to determine a cause of death.

Testing by the University of Nairobi turned up a potential toxin in preliminary analysis, though officials cautioned that further work is needed to determine its concentration, significance, and origin. Separately, initial screening by the government chemist came back negative for the toxins tested so far, and additional testing for other substances is ongoing.

Investigators are now examining water sources and other environmental factors in the area to determine whether the elephants were exposed to a shared contamination source.

KWS stressed that the deaths pose no danger to humans. The agency said the condition appears confined to the affected elephants, with no evidence suggesting it could spread to people.

South Africa Faces Labour Shortages After Migrant Workers Leave

Favour Enyosa

July 29, 2026

South Africa is beginning to feel the economic impact of a large-scale departure of migrant workers, with farms, factories and households struggling to find labour after thousands of foreign nationals left the country following xenophobic attacks and intensified immigration enforcement.

In one of South Africa’s major citrus-producing regions, Zimbabwean farmworker Aaron Majatamhe described how fruit remained unharvested as workers disappeared from the fields.

“I see a lot of farm owners who are crying now… people have to harvest those naartjies but there is no one,” the 33-year-old told AFP.

He added that vineyards are also facing severe shortages.

“It’s time to cut off the grapes and there is no one.”

Similar labour shortages are emerging across the country as businesses scramble to replace workers who left within weeks.

The exodus followed calls by fringe anti-foreigner groups for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by June 30. According to an AFP compilation based on figures from African governments repatriating their citizens, more than 160,000 migrants have returned home.

Zimbabwe, which received the largest number of returnees, said many had been employed in South Africa’s agriculture, construction and domestic work sectors.

The first major disruptions were reported in KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar industry, where one farmer said he lost nearly 80 per cent of his cane-cutting workforce almost overnight.

“Production and supply have deteriorated to the point where it is going to be difficult for the mills to stay open,” the farmer said anonymously, citing fear of retaliation.

Another farmer near Mid-Illovo said most cane cutters in the area were from Lesotho.

“There are fields we are supposed to be cutting, but there are just not enough people. Local people don’t like this job because it is back‑breaking and physical,” he said.

That claim is strongly contested by labour unions and researchers, who argue that South Africa’s unemployment rate—officially above 33 per cent—shows there is no shortage of local workers.

They contend that some employers prefer migrant labour because foreign workers are often cheaper, more flexible and less likely to insist on formal contracts, benefits or legal protections.

“They are making a profit out of foreign nations,” said Patrick Williams of the Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union.

According to him, many foreign farmworkers work seven days a week, skip lunch breaks to increase their earnings and are frequently paid below the national minimum wage.

Beyond farms, manufacturers are also feeling the effects. A manager at a clothing factory in Durban’s Chatsworth industrial area said the departure of experienced machinists from Malawi and Mozambique had made it difficult to meet production targets.

“We can barely meet our targets because most were forced to go,” she said, adding that local workers would need time to acquire the same skills.

The South African government has promoted a “locals first” employment policy while acknowledging that some industries rely heavily on foreign labour.

Last week, authorities expanded the Trusted Employer Scheme, which fast-tracks work visas for companies that meet conditions such as employing mainly South Africans, investing in skills development and operating in priority sectors.

Industry groups are now urging the government to create legal pathways for seasonal foreign labour, warning that sectors such as agriculture cannot replace migrant workers overnight.

Siyabonga Madlala, chief executive of the South African Farmers Development Association, suggested a regulated seasonal worker programme similar to those used in other countries.

“There may be a need for a special dispensation allowing seasonal labour from SADC countries where local supply is insufficient,” he told Newsroom Afrika.

More than 60 per cent of South Africa’s immigrants are estimated to come from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

For many migrants who left, however, the labour debate is secondary to concerns about personal safety. Police data indicate that at least four foreign nationals have been killed during recent unrest.

Zimbabwean resident Wayne Chimbadzwa Mutasa, who had lived in Robertson since 2014, said he decided to leave after foreign workers were targeted during house-to-house raids.

“The people who came into the houses of Zimbabweans were police officers saying that you are living here illegally,” he told AFP.

Majatamhe, the citrus worker, said he has not yet returned home because he cannot afford the journey.

“We are afraid to stay even in this place, but the problem is, we don’t have enough money to go home,” he said.

Tinubu Approves ₦46bn Reconstruction Of Kano Airport Second Runway

Favour Enyosa

July 29, 2026

President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the commissioning of the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the airport in Kano.

According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo said the runway project would significantly improve airport operations and strengthen Kano’s position as one of Africa’s leading international aviation hubs.

“The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earmarked Kano Airport for major upgrades because of the importance of this airport. That is why one of your great sons and one of our respected leaders, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was appointed by Mr. President to chair the Board of FAAN, because of the vision he has for aviation and for this great state.”

“The President has approved the sum of ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway so that the Kano Airport can compete with other international airports around the world”, Keyamo said.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upgrading aviation infrastructure nationwide under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Kano remains a strategic priority because of its economic and commercial significance.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; Director of Air Transport Management at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Ahmed Tijani; FAAN directors, aviation stakeholders and other invited guests.

The domestic terminal commissioned during the event is named after Mallam Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, a respected aviation pioneer from Kano State, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Describing the project as another milestone in the administration’s aviation reform programme, Keyamo said:

“Today, we are gathered for the commissioning of the remodeled and upgraded Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. In aviation terms, we simply call it MAKIA.”

He emphasised Kano’s critical role in Nigeria’s economy, describing the city as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria.

“The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. Kano, for us, remains the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. That is why we have earmarked Kano for major upgrades.”

Keyamo also disclosed that work has already commenced on upgrading the airport’s Hajj Terminal.

“We have also begun the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal. That project is ongoing, and contractors are already on site as we speak.”

He explained that the renovation of the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal forms part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety and service delivery at airports across the country.

Speaking at the event, FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku said the upgraded terminal demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to providing world-class airport infrastructure while improving the overall travel experience for passengers.

FAAN Board Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje praised President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for prioritising infrastructure development at Kano Airport, noting that the ongoing projects would further reinforce Kano’s status as Northern Nigeria’s leading commercial and aviation gateway.

‘I Thought I Would Die’: Survivors Recall Horror As Powerful Earthquake Hits Japan

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

July 29, 2026

Survivors in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture are describing scenes of fear and devastation after a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the region, killing at least 13 people and leaving widespread damage in its wake.

The earthquake hit late on Tuesday, sending buildings shaking violently and triggering a frantic emergency response across the region.

At Sendan Shokudo, a diner in Yatsushiro, 75-year-old co-owner Hiroko Ogata said she immediately took cover under a table as the building lurched from side to side.

Everything on the kitchen shelves fell to the ground, while bowls and glasses shattered.

“I was surprised, and scared,” Ogata told the BBC. “I thought I would die.”

The earthquake has brought back painful memories for residents of Kumamoto, an area located on an active tectonic fault system. In 2016, a series of powerful earthquakes killed hundreds of people and injured thousands more.

Residents said Tuesday’s tremor felt particularly intense, with strong aftershocks continuing to rattle communities hours later.

Yui, who runs a cake shop near an affected shopping mall, said she struggled to distinguish the sound of the earthquake from what she initially thought was an explosion.

“All I could do was hold the chair I was sitting in as big jolts came one after another,” she said.

Three people were reportedly killed at the Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto City, while rescue teams continued searching for people believed to be missing.

Emergency services have been mobilised, with thousands of personnel deployed to assess damage and support rescue operations.

Power and water supplies have been disrupted in parts of Kumamoto City, while dozens of medical facilities have reportedly sustained damage.

The earthquake also damaged historic landmarks, with parts of Kumamoto Castle’s exterior walls collapsing and the worship hall of Yatsushiro Shrine reportedly destroyed.

For many residents, the immediate concern is survival. Some stores have reportedly run out of food and water, while damaged roads and continuing aftershocks have heightened fears of another major tremor.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that further earthquakes could occur.

As rescue operations continue, survivors are also beginning the difficult task of rebuilding their lives and businesses.

Ogata said she has already started cleaning her restaurant, hoping to reopen as soon as possible.

But with aftershocks forcing her to stop work repeatedly, the road to normality remains uncertain.

“If we keep having this many aftershocks, it will be very stressful,” she said.

For residents across Kumamoto, the earthquake has left behind not only physical destruction but also the lingering fear of what might come next.

Japan Earthquake Leaves One Dead, Over 100 Injured As Search Continues

Favour Enyosa

July 29, 2026

A major search-and-rescue operation is underway in southwestern Japan after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, leaving several people feared trapped inside a shopping mall, damaging buildings, sparking fires and causing widespread disruption.

Emergency responders worked through the night after the 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities reported one confirmed death and more than 100 injuries, while rescue teams continued efforts to reach those believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Private broadcaster TBS reported that a “considerable number” of people were feared dead inside the Aeon Mall in Kashima after firefighters confirmed that part of the second floor had collapsed during the quake.

By Tuesday night, regional officials said 10 people were believed to be unaccounted for inside the shopping complex, according to public broadcaster NHK. Earlier, police sources quoted by NHK indicated that between 20 and 30 employees of the mall could not be reached.

Police, however, told AFP they could not yet confirm any fatalities inside the severely damaged building. Kyodo News reported that four people were rescued from the mall and taken to hospital, with all of them remaining conscious.

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae assured the public that rescue operations would continue throughout the night.

Emergency vehicles are seen outside the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima town, Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 29, 2026 after an earthquake struck the area. Photo by YUICHI YAMAZAKI / AFP

“We will work tirelessly through the night, starting with the rescue and lifesaving of those affected,” the Prime Minister said.

Authorities also expressed concern over another incident at a factory in Yatsushiro City, where part of a chimney collapsed. NHK reported that several workers there were also unaccounted for.

Elsewhere, one person reportedly died after a house collapsed during the earthquake, according to Kyodo News.

Television footage from across Kumamoto showed widespread destruction, including fires, damaged bridges, a derailed cargo train and several homes left dangerously unstable.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the earthquake struck at 4:27 p.m. (0727 GMT) with a magnitude of 7.1 and registered the maximum intensity of seven on Japan’s Shindo seismic scale.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the quake at magnitude 6.8.

Several aftershocks followed, including one measuring 6.1 just over 40 minutes later.

Widespread Damage and Power Outages

Residents described scenes of panic as buildings shook violently.

Damage is seen to part of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima town, Kumamoto Prefecture on July 29, 2026 after an earthquake struck the area. Photo by YUICHI YAMAZAKI / AFP

Chiharu Hara, a 35-year-old recruitment consultant in Kumamoto, said the experience was frightening.

“The office swayed violently side to side. I was afraid it would collapse. Everyone panicked,” she told AFP.

Videos verified by AFP captured traffic lights, heavy vehicles and streetlights shaking intensely for around 20 seconds, while other footage showed cracked roads and sections of damaged pavement.

The earthquake also forced the closure of several roads, suspended Shinkansen bullet train services across affected areas and temporarily shut Kumamoto Airport before it later resumed operations.

Hospitals across the region received dozens of injured victims.

NHK reported that at least two hospitals admitted more than 50 injured patients each.

“People are coming in with burns and fractures from being trapped under objects due to the earthquake, and ambulances are constantly bringing in injured people,” one hospital worker told NHK.

“Inside the hospital, there are water leaks and electrical system failures.”

The broadcaster also reported that approximately 10 elderly residents sustained injuries at a nursing home.

Prime Minister Sanae confirmed that authorities had recorded “human casualties, building collapses, road damage, fires…,” along with widespread electricity and water outages.

Japan’s military deployed 3,600 personnel and 20 aircraft to support emergency operations and assess the extent of the destruction.

Verified videos circulating online also showed sections of the historic Kumamoto Castle walls collapsing during the tremor.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at nearby nuclear facilities.

Kyushu Electric Power reported that around 45,000 homes and facilities lost electricity following the quake, although three nuclear reactors operating in the region continued functioning normally.

Japan’s Ongoing Earthquake Risk

A local NHK journalist reporting live shortly after the earthquake said the tremors continued well after the initial shock.

“Including myself, there may be some people who feel their hearts racing,” the reporter said.

Kumamoto has experienced devastating earthquakes before. In 2016, two powerful quakes measuring 6.5 and 7.3 struck the prefecture within two days, claiming 273 lives and injuring more than 2,800 people.

Japan remains one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations because it sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where four major tectonic plates converge.

The country experiences hundreds of earthquakes every year, accounting for roughly 18 per cent of global seismic activity. While most are minor, stronger quakes continue to pose significant risks depending on their depth and location.

The nation still bears the scars of the devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which claimed or left missing about 18,500 people and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

DIA Launches Manhunt After Senior Officer Killed In Abuja Attack

Favour Enyosa

July 29, 2026

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the killing of one of its senior officers, Colonel A.A. Ude, who was fatally shot by suspected gunmen during an attempted abduction at his residence in Abuja.

The Agency disclosed on Tuesday that the attack occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on July 27 at the officer’s residence in Phase 5, Army Housing Estate, Kurudu. According to the DIA, Colonel Ude confronted the armed attackers in an effort to stop them from abducting him before he was shot.

Describing the incident as a tragic loss to Nigeria’s security community, the Agency said Colonel Ude served the nation with professionalism, distinction and unwavering commitment throughout his military career.

The DIA confirmed that security and law enforcement agencies have begun a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.

According to the Agency, it is collaborating closely with other security agencies to identify, track and arrest the suspects responsible for the killing.

The DIA also extended its condolences to the family of the late officer, his colleagues and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing his death as a major loss to the country’s defence and intelligence community.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Agency stressed that the incident would not deter its resolve to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguard the nation.

It also pledged to continue working with relevant security institutions until those responsible for the attack are identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Senate Says FRSC Bill Only Reinforces Existing Preaching Restriction

Favour Enyosa

July 29, 2026

The Senate has clarified that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, does not introduce a fresh ban on preaching or hawking inside commercial vehicles, following public concerns over the bill.

According to the upper legislative chamber, preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles have long been recognised as offences under existing laws, particularly Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.

The Senate explained that the provision, which was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, has only been renumbered as Item 49 in the current amendment exercise.

In a statement released on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the chamber noted that the provision has remained part of Nigerian law since the FRSC Establishment Act came into force in 2007.

The Senate also refuted claims suggesting that the amendment bill seeks to outlaw street preaching or limit religious activities in public places.

“It is about the safety of commuters and other road users and is not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” the statement said.

The upper chamber further clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters.

According to the Senate, the bill originated in the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate as a concurrence bill, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The chamber emphasised that the legislative process is still underway and encouraged individuals and groups with concerns about the bill to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels before its eventual passage.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public participation, stressing that the proposed amendment is designed to strengthen road safety regulations and improve the protection of commuters and other road users across the country.

APC Replies Peter Obi, Says Party Never Forced Him Out Of Any Political Platform

Favour Enyosa

July 29, 2026

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations that it is responsible for the internal crises affecting opposition parties, insisting that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s movement between political parties was entirely the result of his own political decisions.

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, where he dismissed claims that the ruling party had orchestrated the instability and defections within opposition parties.

Addressing allegations that the APC played a role in Obi’s departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party and his subsequent political realignments, Yilwatda described the claims as unfounded.

“Nobody in APC chased Peter Obi out of PDP. Nobody from APC chased him out of the Labour Party; nobody in APC chased him out of the Labour Party to ADC. Who chased him from ADC again to the NDC?” he queried.

The APC chairman argued that Obi had been switching political parties long before the APC came to power at the federal level, stressing that the ruling party could not be held responsible for decisions made by opposition figures.

Yilwatda also dismissed suggestions that recent defections from the APC were a sign of internal divisions, maintaining that many politicians who exited the party did so primarily in search of electoral tickets rather than because of ideological differences or dissatisfaction with the party.

He stated that the APC remains united and continues to enjoy widespread support across the country. According to him, one year into his tenure as national chairman, the party has delivered on key commitments aimed at strengthening its internal structures while expanding its political base ahead of future elections.

COAS Appoints New GOCs As Nigerian Army Expands With Four Additional Divisions

Favour Enyosa

July 29, 2026

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for newly created Nigerian Army divisions following the expansion of the Army’s command structure to strengthen security operations across the country.

The appointments come after President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of four additional Nigerian Army divisions as part of efforts to enhance operational capacity, improve command and control, and strengthen responses to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

In a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X account on Wednesday, the Army said the new divisions would commence operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while further steps would be taken to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC).

“The landmark development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s force structure, expand its operational footprint, enhance command and control as well as improve the Service’s capacity to effectively respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges,” the post read.

The Army explained that activating the new divisions in phases would ensure “seamless operationalisation, operational continuity and rapid force projection across the country.”

New Operational Areas For Army Divisions

Under the new operational structure, the 1 Division Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while the 2 Division Ibadan will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.

The 3 Division Jos will be responsible for Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states, while the newly established 5 Division Makurdi will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.

The 6 Division Port Harcourt will continue operations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, while the 7 Division Maiduguri will retain responsibility for Borno and Yobe states.

The 8 Division Sokoto will continue to supervise Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

Meanwhile, the newly created 9 Division Ilorin will oversee Kwara and Niger states, while the 10 Division Jalingo will be responsible for border areas in Taraba and Adamawa states.

The 81 Division Lagos will continue to cover Lagos and Ogun states, while the 82 Division Enugu will remain responsible for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.

The 83 Division Benin City is expected to assume responsibility for Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states once it becomes operational later this year.

Senior Officers Appointed To Lead New Divisions

To provide leadership for the newly established formations, Lieutenant General Shaibu approved the deployment of experienced senior officers.

Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been appointed General Officer Commanding 9 Division Ilorin and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, following his redeployment from Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central).

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife has been named GOC 10 Division Jalingo after his redeployment from Headquarters 2 Division/Sector 3 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Major General Moses Gara has been appointed GOC 5 Division Makurdi and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, following his redeployment from the task force headquarters.

According to the Nigerian Army, the restructuring and appointments are intended to improve operational efficiency and enable quicker responses to security threats across the country.

“The newly established Divisions will immediately commence operations, in the respective locations, on attainment of Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while deliberate measures are being implemented to progressively attain Full Operational Capability (FOC),” the Army stated.

The military added that the expansion forms part of its broader strategy to build a stronger, more responsive force capable of addressing Nigeria’s changing security landscape.

US Walks Out Of UN Security Council Meeting During France’s Remarks

Favour Enyosa

July 28, 2026

The United States delegation staged a walkout during a United Nations(UN) Security Council meeting on Monday in protest against remarks by France, which accused Washington of aligning with authoritarian governments on human rights issues.

The diplomatic dispute stems from last week’s vote on extending the tenure of Volker Turk as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during which the United States joined North Korea and Russia in opposing his reappointment.

Following the vote on Friday, France’s mission to the United Nations criticised Washington and drew comparisons between the US, North Korea and Russia.

“The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore,” France’s UN mission posted on X.

Responding to the criticism, US Ambassador Mike Waltz accused France of supporting a human rights chief who had been “lecturing” democratic nations while “cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors,” although he did not specify the countries he was referring to.

Turk has previously criticised Russia over its war in Ukraine and also raised concerns about Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The US delegation walked out while France’s UN Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont was addressing an emergency Security Council meeting focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Following the protest, US Ambassador Dan Negrea said Washington would continue similar actions until France changed what he described as its “condescending and disrespectful rhetoric.”

The disagreement over Turk’s second term reflects broader tensions between the United States and the United Nations.

Despite US opposition, Turk secured a second term after receiving 144 votes in favour, while 10 countries voted against and 13 abstained.

The dispute comes as the Trump administration continues to reduce engagement with the United Nations, having already cut funding to several UN agencies and withdrawn from numerous UN bodies.

During Friday’s vote, US Ambassador Jeff Bartos criticised Turk’s reappointment and warned that the decision would have consequences.

“There will be consequences” to the assembly which “tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts”.

He added:

“The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding.”

France, however, defended Turk’s leadership, with Ambassador Bonnafont describing him as “a voice of conscience”who had shown “rigor and impartiality” throughout his first term.

Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment directly on the US walkout, stating only that the United Nations expects all member states to respect the outcome of the General Assembly’s decision.

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