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In the past decade since the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted, notable global achievements have been made in health, education, energy and digital connectivity, said “The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025.”

New HIV infections have declined by nearly 40 percent since 2010. Malaria prevention has averted 2.2 billion cases and saved 12.7 million lives since 2000. Social protection now reaches over half the world’s population, up significantly from a decade ago. Since 2015, 110 million more children and youth have entered school. Child marriage is in decline, with more girls staying in school and women gaining ground in parliaments around the world, the report said.

In 2023, 92 percent of the world’s population had access to electricity. Internet use has surged from 40 percent in 2015 to 68 percent in 2024. Conservation efforts have doubled protection of key ecosystems, contributing to global biodiversity resilience, the report said.

However, the pace of change remains insufficient to meet the SDGs by 2030.

More than 800 million people still live in extreme poverty. Billions still lack access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services. Climate change pushed 2024 to be the hottest year on record. Conflicts caused nearly 50,000 deaths in 2024. By the end of that year, over 120 million people were forcibly displaced. Low- and middle-income countries faced record-high debt servicing costs of 1.4 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023, according to the report.

The document called for action across six priority areas — food systems, energy access, digital transformation, education, jobs and social protection, and climate and biodiversity action.

“We are in a global development emergency — an emergency measured in the over 800 million people still living in extreme poverty, in intensifying climate impacts, and in relentless debt service, draining the resources that countries need to invest in their people,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the launch of the report.

“Today’s report shows that the Sustainable Development Goals are still within reach. But only if we act — with urgency, unity, and unwavering resolve,” he said.

When introducing the report, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua called for “urgent multilateralism” to address the lack of progress in the SDGs.

“The challenges we face are inherently global and interconnected. No country, regardless of its wealth or capacity, can address climate change, pandemic preparedness or inequality alone. The 2030 Agenda represents our collective recognition that our destinies are intertwined and that sustainable development is not a zero-sum game, but a shared endeavor that benefits all,” said Li.

“This moment demands what I call ‘urgent multilateralism’ — a renewed commitment to international cooperation based on evidence, equity and mutual accountability. It means treating the SDGs not as aspirational goals but as non-negotiable commitments to current and future generations,” he said.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua (2nd R) speaks at the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 at the UN headquarters in New York, on July 14, 2025. With only five years to go, merely 35 percent of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track, while nearly half are stalling and 18 percent have regressed, according to a UN report released on Monday.

Xinhua

Hospital officials highlighted these figures on July 14, 2025, during an explanation of discrepancies noted in the report by the Auditor General of State Finances for the year ending in June 2024. The report raised issues such as the purchase of various items at inflated prices, sometimes doubling the expected cost.

Brother Charles Nkubiri, the Director-General of CARAES Ndera, told members of the The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the hospital’s primary procurement, such as for medication, was based on projections.

However, the fluctuating number of patients made it difficult to predict the exact needs, as the number of patients could either increase or decrease unexpectedly.

“When patient numbers rise, you need more beds, more medication, and in some cases, even more staff.” The number of hospital staff increased by 18% in 2024 due to the rise in patients.

Brother Nkubiri also shared that the hospital received 94,000 patients in 2023, while in 2024, the number surpassed 101,000.

“As you can see, patient numbers are steadily increasing. Essentially, CARAES Ndera needs to expand and develop further. We were once at the level of a district hospital, but now we are a teaching hospital that also provides medical care, and this requires growth to meet the demand and align with available resources,” he explained.

Currently, CARAES Ndera is operating at 116% capacity, with patients often facing delays in payments for services rendered.

Brother Nkubiri shared the difficulties, stating, “A person brings a patient, calling it an act of kindness, and you thank them for bringing the patient. But then, you ask, ‘Who will pay for the services provided?’ They often reply, ‘The district will cover it,’ but the payment ends up delayed.”

He emphasized the need for detailed planning and modernization of the hospital’s infrastructure to bring it up to the desired level. “A thorough study is needed to build modern facilities. Just like Kigali University Teaching Hospital [CHUK] is relocating to a larger space in Masaka, Ndera should not be left behind. Built in 1968, it needs to expand in line with the growth of Kigali,” he added.

Nkubiri also noted that nearly 45% of the hospital’s patients come from Kigali. “As Kigali grows, so does the number of patients treated at the hospital, and nearly half of them are from this city. Just look at how much Kigali has expanded since 1968,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the hospital has seen a significant increase in mental health patients following the COVID-19 pandemic, although the rise did not reach the global average of 30%.

“Globally, COVID-19 increased mental health issues by 30%, and we saw a similar but slightly lower rise. Cases of severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD increased significantly,” he explained.

CARAES Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital was established in 1968.

IGIHE

This remarkable milestone gives us a good opportunity to look back on the great years that we have gone through and cherish the hard-won peace and development.

As a staunch force for world peace and a steadfast partner in supporting peace and development in Africa, the PLA has always adhered to the advanced theories put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and is committed to deepening cooperation with armed forces of all African countries, including the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), so as to jointly safeguard peace and create a more prosperous future.

1.Anchoring the Course of Peace with the Flag of Thought: Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military and Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind

Since its birth on August 1, 1927, the PLA has gone through a 98-year long journey of development and reform. It has always served and protected the Chinese people, and meanwhile safeguarded the world peace.

Since the very first day of its founding, the growth of the PLA has resonated with national rejuvenation and world peace. After the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, President Xi Jinping creatively put forward a theory, Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military, which has served as the overarching guidelines for the PLA to achieve historic reforms and achievements in the new era.

At its core, the theory aims to build a military that maintains absolute loyalty to the ruling party, that is able to fight and win, and that forges excellent conduct, in order to ensure national sovereignty, security and development interests and contribute in maintaining world peace.

Moreover, as the world is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, President Xi also put forward the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, with building a community with a shared future for mankind at its core. China believes that all countries live in the same global village. Only by working together in solidarity can we address global challenges, and create a brighter future for humanity.

Therefore, China proposed Three Global Initiatives, namely Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative. The three Initiatives echo with each other and work in a complementary way, shedding light on the solutions to address global challenges and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

1. Fulfilling the Promise of Safeguarding Peace with Actions: The Chinese Army’s Commitment and Dedication

China has pursued an active defense policy. The purpose of developing national defense capabilities does not lie in seeking hegemony or expansion, but for defending national independence, people’s well-being and world peace. Peace is in the genes of the PLA.

Since 1990, the Chinese military has participated in 25 United Nations peacekeeping operations. Among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has dispatched the largest number of peacekeepers with more than 50,000 in total.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Mali, Chinese peacekeepers helped repair roads, build schools and save the wounded. Their blue helmets have become a symbol of peace and hope. In the Gulf of Aden and waters of Somalia, the Chinese naval escort task-force has escorted more than 7,000 Chinese and foreign ships.

In international humanitarian relief efforts, the Chinese military personnel were among the first to respond and deliver medical aid to disasters such as the Nepal earthquake and Myanmar earthquake, impressing the world with 'Chinese speed' and 'Chinese warmth'. Behind these facts and numbers lies the Chinese military’s vision of pursuing the greater public good and forging solidarity for all humanity.

1. Deepening China-Rwanda Cooperation with Sincerity: Hand in Hand for a New Chapter of Joint Development

Though thousands of miles apart, China and Rwanda enjoy a profound brotherly friendship that transcends mountains and seas. During the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024, President Xi Jinping and President Paul Kagame announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. China-Rwanda relations are now at their best in history.

As an important pillar, the relations between the PLA and RDF have yielded fruitful outcomes over the years. Mutual trust has been continually enhanced as a result of deepened cooperation in high-level exchanges, personnel training, and military aid, etc.

China upholds the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith to pursue the greater public good and shared interests when developing relations with African countries.

Under the fundamental principles, China is willing to continue to work together with African brothers including Rwanda, to deepen cooperation in national defense, to jointly address regional security challenges, to support 'African solutions to African problems', so as to achieve prosperity and stability on the African continent.

1. Building a Consensus for Peace in the Light of History: Lessons to be Learned and the Right Way Forward

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, the Chinese people ended a 14-year long of hard-fought battle and forged an indomitable great wall against aggression with their unyielding will.

This great victory symbolizes the triumph of justice over evilness, light over darkness and the progressive over the reactionary. The Chinese people made indelible contributions to the final victory of the World Anti-Fascist War with great sacrifices. Highest tribute should be paid to the heroes who dedicated their precious lives to the victory of the war and to the cause of peace, civilization, and progress for all humanity.

When we commemorate the victory, we also need to learn from the history. History warns us that hegemonism, power politics, and unilateral bullying are the root causes of conflict and turmoil. Peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when we are benefiting from it. But none of us can survive without it.

It requires us to uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, and the international order underpinned by international laws. China stands ready to join hands with other countries to defend the victory and hard-won peace, and together to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity.

Senior Captain (Navy) Li Dayi is the Chinese Defence Attaché to Rwanda.

The People’s Liberation Army Honor Guard is in a military parade in Beijing, China.

The honor guard of the Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion is receiving the inspection by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Li Dayi

For many European companies operating in Africa – staff exchanges are crucial. Africa’s greatest asset is its youth, and when young professionals employed by European companies are allowed to travel, learn from colleagues in Europe and return with new insights, both sides benefit.

But Belgium’s practice of blocking Schengen visa applications from Rwandans – even when they do not plan to travel to Belgium – sends a deeply worrying signal. Targeting ordinary Rwandans under the pretext of visa control is not only short-sighted, it also tarnishes Europe’s overall credibility. Belgium cannot be allowed to unilaterally decide who is allowed to have contact with the rest of Europe.

Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, put it best in her speech during Africa Day on 27 May 2025 in Stockholm: “A vibrant market economy, private sector development, entrepreneurship, trade and reducing bureaucracy are important building blocks for growth… It is no coincidence that Sweden – and now the EU – focuses so much on competitiveness and increasing trade with our partners.”

Just a week earlier, Jozef Sikela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, reiterated this ambition at the signing of the EU CAF Cooperation Agreement in Cairo on 18 May 2025:
'Africa is the youngest continent – full of energy, talent and ambition. And we believe it is full of potential. Together – Europe and Africa – we must do our best to transform this potential into real opportunities.'

IST Group, a Swedish-based international EdTech company, has been actively investing in Africa in recent years. The company’s presence is particularly noticeable in Rwanda, where it has established businesses such as IST Africa and IST Legal, and invested in local initiatives such as Academic Bridge and KudiBooks.

In total, the Rwanda-based companies within IST Group employ almost 100 full-time employees — a testament to the company’s long-term commitment and the region’s growing potential.

Despite this commitment, challenges are inevitable. Companies exist to solve problems and create value — all within the framework of a functioning market economy. But today, a disturbing echo of colonial thinking is returning from Brussels. It seems that Belgium is actively opposing EU-Africa trade. But how?

In recent months, staff from IST Africa and its partner companies have had their Schengen visas revoked inexplicably, with Belgium being a recurring actor behind these disruptions.

While the political tensions between Belgium and Rwanda are well known, it is deeply irresponsible for a single Member State to impose punitive administrative barriers affecting professionals who have nothing to do with these conflicts. These measures appear to be based more on old grudges than actual policy — and their consequences reach far beyond Belgium.

Europe continues to preach partnership with Africa, but Belgium acts as a gatekeeper. By targeting Rwandan citizens with unfounded visa revocations, Belgium is countering the EU’s broader strategy. If this behavior is allowed to continue without echelon, Europe’s vision of mutual growth will be little more than a parachute jump — without a parachute.

Belgium’s actions run counter to the principles of a free and fair market — and it is time for EU policymakers to consider whether one country should really have unfettered power over the mobility of an entire continent.

When a country hijacks Schengen, it doesn’t just hurt Rwanda – it damages Europe’s credibility, competitiveness and claims to partnership. Belgium’s grip on Rwanda’s business mobility is not just diplomatically irresponsible; it is shooting itself in the foot, while hurting other European economies. If Europe is really serious about mutual growth with Africa, it must address the gatekeeper within itself.

Björn Sundeby, is a Swedish entrepreneur and author.

Björn Sundeby

Since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda ended, the defeated Ex-FAR and Interahamwe forces fled to what is now the DRC (formerly Zaire), where they were supported by local authorities aiming to use them to launch attacks on Rwanda.

Successive governments in the DRC have collaborated with the forces, and many former combatants have been integrated into the national army. The FDLR militia, established in the early 2000s, was given representation in the DRC government, and President Félix Tshisekedi has incorporated them into the army fighting alongside the M23 rebel group.

In recent peace agreements between Rwanda and the DRC, signed in Washington, the two countries committed to eradicating the FDLR, with Rwanda expected to lift its defensive measures thereafter.

Speaking in a recent interview, Senator Evode Uwizeyimana said the DRC cannot dismantle the FDLR because the militia effectively forms part of the country’s national army.

'Even though the Congolese government has agreed to dismantle the FDLR, it knows that it will not be able to carry this out. I even wondered if they truly believe they can do it. Asking the DRC government to dismantle the FDLR is the same as asking it to dismantle the FARDC [the national army],' the senator said.

The FARDC is the principal security force in the DRC. Uwizeyimana asserted that many of its key leaders come from the FDLR.

'Telling the DRC government to dismantle the FARDC is like telling the President to remove the unit that protects him and replace it with DASSO [a paramilitary group]. The powerful branches of the FARDC are largely made up of former FDLR members, many of whom were trained in prestigious military schools in Belgium and at the Rwanda Military Academy (ESM),” he added.

“Many who started as lieutenants and second lieutenants are now generals. The Omega [Pacifique Ntawunguka] you hear about is a well-trained soldier; he is even a pilot.

Uwizeyimana confirmed that many FDLR members received advanced military training, and that President Tshisekedi has incorporated them into his army.

'Therefore, when you ask Tshisekedi to dismantle the FDLR, it is like asking him to cut off his own hands, to destroy himself. In other words, it is impossible.'

On July 4, 2025, during a media engagement, President Kagame affirmed that as long as the FDLR remains near Rwanda’s borders, problems will persist, and Rwanda is prepared to take necessary action.

'Rwanda will always do what it has to do when FDLR is along our border. There is no magic word here to be used by anybody,” President Kagame said in response to a journalist’s question about what would happen if the DRC fails to honour its commitment to dismantle the militia group.

President Kagame further emphasised that Rwanda is committed to fulfilling its obligations.

'You will never find Rwanda at fault with implementing what we have agreed to do. You will never,” he added.

Speaking in a recent interview, Senator Evode Uwizeyimana said the DRC cannot dismantle the FDLR because the militia effectively forms part of the country’s national army.

IGIHE

In the past two weeks alone, Turkish gendarmerie forces have detained 50 more suspects in coordinated raids in Ankara and 19 other provinces, 33 of whom were formally arrested, five placed under judicial control, and the rest going through proceedings, Yerlikaya said on the social media platform X.

The individuals are accused of conducting activities within the current structure of the movement, maintaining contact with senior operatives via payphones, financing organizations affiliated with the movement, and spreading its propaganda on social media, he said.

The Turkish government classifies the Gulen movement as a terrorist organization and holds it responsible for the July 15, 2016, coup attempt, in which more than 250 people were killed. The movement was led by Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who lived in the United States from 1999 until he died in 2024.

In the years since the failed coup, Turkish authorities have arrested thousands of suspects accused of links to the movement.

Xinhua

The proposal will extend both measures to Nov. 5 after their scheduled expiration date on Aug. 7, according to the parliament’s press service.

The martial law and general mobilization have been extended 15 times since they were first introduced in February 2022 in response to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian president has proposed extension of martial law, mobilization to parliament

Xinhua

The strike, carried out on June 16, allegedly involved six precision-guided bombs aimed at entrances to a secret underground facility in western Tehran, where the president and other top officials were attending a session of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Iranian outlet Fars reported that the blasts cut off power and blocked exits, forcing the president to evacuate through an emergency shaft, during which he sustained minor leg injuries.

A senior Iranian official, speaking to Al Jazeera, described the attack as a failed assassination attempt targeting the heads of Iran’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

'This attempt will not pass without Israel paying a price,' the official warned.

The incident occurred during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on June 24. During the conflict, Israeli air raids reportedly killed several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.

The Israeli operation was said to be modelled after the 2024 strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Last week, President Pezeshkian publicly confirmed the assassination attempt in an interview with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson.

'They did try, yes… but they failed,' he said. 'It was not the United States that was behind the attempt on my life. It was Israel.'

Israel has not officially commented on the claims. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the broader military operation, saying it was necessary to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme.

While Tehran insists its nuclear activities are purely civilian, the Israeli strikes came just days before scheduled talks between the U.S. and Iran aimed at reviving diplomatic negotiations.

The June conflict resulted in heavy casualties. According to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, at least 1,060 people were killed in Iran. Israel also suffered losses, with 28 fatalities reported due to retaliatory Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Fars has called for an investigation into possible espionage, citing the 'accuracy' of Israel’s intelligence in targeting the meeting location. As tensions continue to simmer, observers warn the episode may further complicate prospects for renewed diplomacy in the region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was reportedly injured during an Israeli airstrike targeting a high-level security meeting in Tehran last month, according to Iranian state-affiliated media.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The death, confirmed by Buhari’s former aides Garba Shehu and Bashir Ahmed, has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country and among African leaders.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a seven-day national mourning period on Sunday, as a mark of respect for Buhari’s service and legacy. As part of the observance, all national flags will fly at half-staff throughout the mourning period.

An emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also been convened for Tuesday to honour the former leader’s memory and contributions.

Buhari, a military ruler from 1984 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was known for his austere lifestyle, his strong stance against corruption, and his reputation for discipline and integrity.

Leaders and citizens alike have hailed him as a patriot who dedicated his life to national unity, economic reforms, and the fight against graft.

In a statement, President Tinubu described Buhari as a 'dedicated servant of the nation' whose leadership left a significant imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape.

Tinubu emphasised the former president’s legacy of reforms and the difficult battles he waged against corruption, insecurity, and economic instability.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to London to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s remains. Plans are in motion for a state funeral, with the late president expected to be buried in his hometown of Daura, in Katsina State, on Monday, July 14, with full military honours.

Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era for many Nigerians who lived through both his military rule and his democratic presidency.

Tributes have been pouring in from political figures, foreign governments, and ordinary citizens, all highlighting his firm commitment to discipline, his modest personal life, and his efforts to steer Nigeria through turbulent times.

Nigeria will observe seven days of national mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a clinic in London.

Rania Umutoni

His tenure from 2015 to 2023 was defined by bold initiatives, regional diplomacy, and domestic challenges with continental implications. While he earned praise for his leadership in regional security and anti-corruption efforts, Buhari also faced criticism over economic protectionism, suppression of dissent, and a perceived reluctance to engage in wider African affairs fully.

Here are 11 key achievements and controversies that shaped Buhari’s African legacy:

Achievements

1. Leadership in Regional Security (ECOWAS Interventions)

Buhari’s legacy in West African diplomacy is perhaps best illustrated by his active role in preserving constitutional order within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His government was instrumental in resolving The Gambia’s 2016—2017 political crisis, in which long-time ruler Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing elections.

Nigeria, under Buhari’s leadership, mobilised diplomatic and military pressure alongside other ECOWAS states to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to Adama Barrow. Buhari’s insistence on a peaceful resolution, without plunging the region into violence, was widely hailed.

This leadership was replicated in Mali, where Buhari and Nigeria took a stand following the 2020 military coup. Though not leading ECOWAS at the time, Buhari used Nigeria’s influence to push for the restoration of civilian governance, even as the regional body tried to mediate with the coup leaders. His position reflected an understanding that instability in Mali could spill across borders and threaten regional peace.

More broadly, Buhari consistently advocated for regional cooperation in responding to political instability and security threats. While some critics felt his approach lacked aggressive follow-through, Buhari’s willingness to position Nigeria as a stabilising force reflected Nigeria’s traditional role as a regional hegemon. His tenure reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peacekeeping, democracy, and ECOWAS protocols.

2. Counterterrorism collaboration through the MNJTF

One of Buhari’s top priorities after assuming office was counterterrorism, especially the containment and rollback of Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Recognising that terrorism respects no borders, Buhari revived and strengthened the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) with Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin. The task force conducted joint operations that weakened Boko Haram’s territorial control in Nigeria’s northeast and bordering countries.

This regional collaboration marked a turning point. Whereas earlier efforts under previous administrations were more nationally focused, Buhari’s security strategy acknowledged that Nigeria could not succeed alone. He personally engaged regional leaders to share intelligence, coordinate border patrols, and mobilise funding and logistics for counterinsurgency.

Despite ongoing attacks, particularly in Borno State and Lake Chad regions, the MNJTF under Buhari’s tenure successfully reclaimed territory and disrupted major insurgent operations. The Buhari government’s leadership in the MNJTF model is now seen as a framework for regional responses to insurgencies elsewhere in Africa, such as the Sahel.

3. The P&ID legal victory

In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s sovereignty and anti-corruption drive, Buhari’s government successfully challenged a $10 billion arbitration award in a UK court.

The P&ID legal victory culminated in October 2023 when a UK High Court ruled in favour of Nigeria, overturning the massive arbitration award against Process & Industrial Developments Ltd. (P&ID). The dispute stemmed from a failed 2010 gas processing contract, which led to the hefty claim due to alleged non-compliance.

Under President Buhari, Nigeria aggressively challenged the arbitration, presenting evidence that P&ID engaged in corrupt practices, including bribery and manipulation of the contract and arbitration process. The UK court found these allegations credible and ruled that enforcing the award would violate public policy, effectively nullifying the payout.

This legal victory significantly boosted Buhari’s anti-corruption agenda and Nigeria’s national sovereignty, preventing a potentially crippling financial loss. Beyond Nigeria, the case resonated across Africa as a precedent highlighting vulnerabilities in international arbitration, encouraging greater vigilance and reform in contract negotiations and enforcement.

4. Promotion of African self-sufficiency through agriculture

Buhari’s agricultural reforms, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) and the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, sought to boost Nigeria’s food production and reduce dependence on imports.

Though domestically focused, these initiatives aligned with broader African Union goals for self-reliance and food security. His government empowered smallholder farmers with access to credit and inputs, helping revive key staples like rice and maize.

Buhari’s push for agricultural transformation sparked interest among other African nations, particularly in West Africa. Countries such as Ghana and Senegal examined Nigeria’s policy tools as templates for improving their own rural economies. Nigeria’s food import bill dropped significantly between 2016 and 2020, and Buhari regularly promoted these achievements in regional and AU fora as evidence that Africa could feed itself.

However, challenges such as poor post-harvest infrastructure, inflation, and insecurity limited long-term gains. Still, Buhari’s push for agriculture laid an ideological marker: that Africa’s prosperity depends less on aid and more on domestic productivity. That message resonated with many African leaders confronting similar food security challenges.

5. Combating corruption on a continental scale

Buhari’s reputation as a corruption fighter extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. In 2018, he was named African Union Anti-Corruption Champion, a symbolic nod to his high-profile campaigns against graft. He promoted measures such as Nigeria’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) and pursued asset recovery from overseas, including the repatriation of over $300 million in 'Abacha loot' from Switzerland and Jersey.

These actions resonated continentally. Buhari used regional and international platforms, including the African Union summits, to call for cooperation in asset recovery, transparency in public service, and international banking reforms to block illicit flows. His rhetoric found favour among African youth disillusioned by kleptocratic elites and governance decay.

Yet, Buhari’s anti-corruption stance was not just rhetorical. His administration worked with other African governments to tighten financial regulations and encourage whistleblower policies. Though critics at home questioned the consistency of his enforcement, his image as a corruption fighter elevated Nigeria’s soft power among reform-minded leaders and civil society actors across the continent.

6. Support for AfCFTA and pan-African economic integration

Initially hesitant, Buhari signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in 2019 after extensive domestic consultations. Though Nigeria was the last major economy to join, its signature was crucial: without Nigeria’s participation, AfCFTA would have lacked continental weight. Buhari’s eventual support was seen as a commitment to Africa’s collective economic future.

Before signing, Buhari expressed concern about potential job losses and trade imbalances, fears shared by many African countries. His caution sparked useful debate on how to design AfCFTA to protect weaker economies. After joining, Nigeria took part in technical discussions and policy frameworks that sought to balance trade liberalisation with economic fairness.

Buhari’s endorsement of AfCFTA added momentum to the idea of “African solutions to African problems”, not just politically but economically. By the time he left office, Nigeria was positioning itself as a future trade hub, with a growing emphasis on infrastructure, border digitisation, and export-led growth aligned with the AfCFTA vision.

Controversies

1. Persistent insecurity and expansion of non-state actors

Despite gains against Boko Haram, Nigeria remained plagued by widespread insecurity during Buhari’s presidency. Kidnappings, banditry, and violent clashes between farmers and herders spread from the northeast to the north-central and southern regions. The rise of non-state actors created a climate of fear and lawlessness, undermining national and regional stability.

Buhari’s critics argued that his administration was reactive rather than proactive in dealing with security threats. While the military launched offensives, they were often under-resourced or hampered by poor coordination. In many rural areas, local populations felt abandoned, leading to the emergence of vigilante groups and further erosion of state authority.

Regionally, Nigeria’s instability had cross-border consequences. Armed groups and displaced persons moved into Niger and Cameroon, straining diplomatic and humanitarian capacities. Observers feared that Buhari’s failure to resolve Nigeria’s internal security crisis weakened his credibility as a regional security anchor.

2. Human rights concerns and police brutality (EndSARS)

The October 2020 #EndSARS protests, sparked by police brutality, especially by the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), marked a turning point in Buhari’s international image. Though initially praised for allowing youth protests, the violent crackdown at the Lekki Toll Gate, where security forces allegedly opened fire on peaceful demonstrators, triggered global outrage.

Buhari’s delayed response and refusal to acknowledge the alleged shootings intensified tensions. International bodies, including the United Nations and African Union, expressed concern over human rights abuses and shrinking civic space in Nigeria. The government’s dismissal of some reports and reliance on state media narratives further deepened public mistrust.

Across Africa, the EndSARS movement resonated with youth confronting similar police abuses. Buhari’s perceived mishandling of the crisis stained his reputation as a democratic leader and empowered regional autocrats to justify harsh crackdowns on dissent by citing security concerns.

3. Protectionist border closure and trade fallout

In 2019, Buhari controversially closed Nigeria’s land borders to curb smuggling and protect local producers. The move, lasting over a year, was meant to enforce customs regulations and encourage self-reliance. However, it had negative consequences for neighbouring countries like Benin, Togo, and Ghana, who relied on Nigeria’s market.

ECOWAS protocols promoting free movement and regional integration were effectively suspended by Nigeria’s unilateral action. Small traders and transporters across West Africa bore the brunt, as border communities plunged into economic distress. Critics argued that the closure contradicted Buhari’s commitment to AfCFTA and regional cooperation.

Though Buhari eventually reopened the borders in late 2020, the policy left a bitter aftertaste. It showcased how Nigeria’s domestic economic decisions could upend regional stability. Buhari’s border closure is now frequently cited in discussions on the need for continental trade rules that balance national interests with regional obligations.

4. Twitter ban and digital repression

In June 2021, Buhari’s government banned Twitter after the platform deleted a tweet deemed inciting violence. The ban lasted for seven months and was condemned globally as an attack on freedom of expression and digital rights. Nigeria’s youth, entrepreneurs, and activists—many of whom relied on Twitter for work, advocacy, and mobilisation—were most affected.

The government justified the ban by accusing Twitter of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and threatening national unity. It demanded that the platform register locally and comply with Nigerian laws. Though eventually lifted in January 2022 after negotiations, the ban raised fears of increasing digital authoritarianism.

Other African governments took note. Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Ethiopia, among others, would later invoke 'national security' to justify internet shutdowns and censorship. Buhari’s digital crackdown thus unintentionally set a precedent for state-led internet repression in Africa’s fledgling democracies.

5. Selective anti-corruption enforcement

While Buhari’s anti-corruption rhetoric won praise, critics frequently pointed to selective enforcement. High-profile opposition figures were often investigated, arrested, or prosecuted, while alleged corruption within the ruling party appeared overlooked. This dual standard raised questions about the true impartiality of his campaign.

Several corruption scandals involving Buhari’s appointees, such as the mismanagement of funds in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), drew public ire. Yet, accountability for those within the president’s political camp was inconsistent.

This perceived bias undermined Buhari’s message of reform. Regionally, while some countries admired his stance, others pointed to the flaws as justification for inaction. His legacy, therefore, remains one of aspirational anti-corruption leadership—inspiring, but not entirely credible in execution.

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari died Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82.

Wycliffe Nyamasege