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Norway to provide NOK 6 million to AU peacekeeping mission
OSLO – The Government is providing NOK 6 million to support the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic.
“I am very concerned about the situation in the Central African Republic. The presence of a robust international peacekeeping mission is vital to protect the sorely tried civilian population and ensure that humanitarian actors can do their work,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
The Norwegian contribution was announced at a donor conference arranged by the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa on 1 February. The funds will be used to support the civilian component of the AU mission – the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA). The UN Security Council has given MISCA a mandate to protect the civilian population and help to stabilise the country. The mission consists of a military force of around 5 300 troops in addition to a civilian component made up of police officers and other civilian personnel.
“Norway wishes to support the AU in its efforts to deal with conflicts in its own region. Our support to MISCA is an important contribution to this end,” said Mr Brende.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recently appealed to the international community to intensify efforts in the Central African Republic (CAR). The security and humanitarian situation is dire. The civilian population is being subjected to widespread violence, and law and order has virtually broken down in large parts of the country. The local population and those who have fled their homes are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection. On 28 January, the UN Security Council approved the deployment of an EU force to strengthen the international stabilisation effort. In addition to the AU and EU forces, French troops are also engaged in this effort.
Norway has previously increased its humanitarian support for CAR. Last year, the country received NOK 58.3 million for humanitarian efforts. Further contributions to the emergency relief efforts are under consideration.
“I am also concerned about the regional consequences of the crisis, particularly in the light of the situation across the border in South Sudan. There is a danger that the lawlessness we are seeing in CAR could turn it into a haven for extremists, armed groups and international organised criminals, thus increasing instability in the region,” Mr Brende said.
President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele during his nomination on Wednesday.
The Senior Pastor of Freedom Life International Christian Center, Richard Tochukwu, has declared that gospel music possesses the spiritual capacity to transform Nigeria, describing it as a divine instrument capable of restoring hope and unity in the nation.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, the cleric said music inspired by God’s Word can positively influence Nigeria’s spiritual and socio-political landscape by promoting peace, comfort and moral revival.
According to him, gospel music goes beyond entertainment and should be seen as a ministry tool for national healing.
ALSO READ: How Pastor Jerry Eze’s NSPPD Became The World’s Third Most-Watched YouTube Channel
“Gospel music is not just sound; it carries power. When songs are inspired by Scripture, they can heal hearts, restore faith and redirect a nation toward righteousness,” he said.
Pastor Tochukwu made the remarks while discussing his latest worship single, “I Want To Pray,” a spiritually reflective song produced by Audio5.
He explained that the track was created to encourage believers to remain steadfast in prayer and maintain consistent fellowship with God.
The song draws inspiration from Luke 18:1, which urges believers to pray always and not lose heart.
A spiritual son of Paul Enenche, Pastor Tochukwu revealed that most of his songs are birthed from deep study of Scripture.
“Sometimes while studying or preaching from a passage, a melody begins to flow. The lyrics are drawn directly from the Word. Our songs are intentional; they carry the same message we preach,” he explained.
Reflecting on his journey, he recounted beginning as a drummer who also sang before discovering what he described as a divine instruction to minister through music.
“I realised that you don’t minister only through preaching. God made me understand that songs are another channel through which His Word can reach people. Every release is backed by Scripture,” he added.
Pastor Tochukwu currently serves in Lagos, combining pastoral leadership with music ministry.
The audio and video for “I Want To Pray” are now available on major digital streaming platforms.
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