标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, is set to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, November 3, for a pivotal two-day visit. This visit marks the official commencement of the country’s preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Botchwey will land at V.C. Bird International Airport via a British Airways flight from London, where she will be greeted with an official welcome in the VIP Lounge. This visit highlights the strong partnership between the Commonwealth and Antigua and Barbuda as the twin-island nation gears up to welcome leaders from the 56-member Commonwealth family next year. On the evening of her arrival, the Secretary-General will attend the Independence Ceremonial Parade at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, joining dignitaries and government officials in commemorating the nation’s 44th anniversary of Independence. The official launch of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of CHOGM 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, at the Sandals Antigua Grand Resort and Spa. This ceremony will reveal the official dates, logo, and theme for the upcoming summit, signaling the start of a year-long intensive preparation period. Later that afternoon, Botchwey is expected to meet with the government’s CHOGM Task Force at the American University of Antigua (AUA) to review logistical and operational plans for the event.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an immediate cessation of all aid and assistance to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and leading oil producer. In a post on Truth Social, Trump threatened military intervention, vowing to eliminate Islamic terrorists responsible for what he described as ‘horrible atrocities’ against Christians. However, he provided no specific evidence to substantiate these claims. Trump labeled Nigeria a ‘disgraced country’ and warned its government to act swiftly, stating that any U.S. military action would be ‘fast, vicious, and sweet.’

The Nigerian government has yet to respond to Trump’s threats, and the White House has remained silent on the potential timing of any military action. Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth, a prominent commentator, echoed Trump’s sentiments on X, asserting that the U.S. Department of War is preparing for action if Nigeria fails to protect its Christian population.

This development follows Trump’s decision to re-add Nigeria to the U.S. State Department’s ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ list, which identifies nations accused of violating religious freedom. Other countries on the list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has refuted claims of religious intolerance, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom for all citizens. The Nigerian Foreign Ministry also reaffirmed its dedication to combating violent extremism and expressed hope for continued partnership with the U.S.

The U.S. military presence in West Africa has diminished significantly, with approximately 1,000 troops withdrawing from Niger last year. The largest U.S. base in Africa remains in Djibouti, housing over 5,000 troops. Trump’s re-designation of Nigeria as a country of concern opens the door to potential policy responses, including sanctions or waivers, though these are not automatic.

Nigeria, home to 200 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions, has a history of peaceful coexistence but has also experienced sporadic violence, often fueled by ethnic divisions or resource conflicts. The extremist group Boko Haram has terrorized northeast Nigeria for over 15 years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, predominantly among Muslims.

U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Tom Cole, have praised Trump’s actions, citing the ‘alarming persecution of Christians’ in Nigeria. The House Appropriations Committee has proposed increased funding for international religious freedom programs and support for communities affected by extremist violence in Nigeria.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has emphasized the nation’s growing prominence on the global stage, asserting that small states can wield significant influence in advocating for justice, equality, and climate resilience. In his Independence Day address, Browne highlighted the country’s remarkable achievements, including hosting major international conferences and leading regional development rankings, as evidence of its outsized impact. He proudly noted that Antigua and Barbuda now tops the Caribbean region on the United Nations Human Development Index, a testament to the nation’s effective governance and global relevance. Browne described the twin-island nation as “small, but substantial; modest in geography, but consequential in influence,” underscoring its recognition as a global leader. The Prime Minister pointed to the country’s recent successes in hosting significant international events, such as the UN SIDS4 Conference in 2024, the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in 2025, and the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026, as affirmations of its capabilities. He attributed this global respect to the nation’s unwavering commitment to principles of love, truth, and justice. Browne also reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s advocacy for reforming the international financial system, ensuring fair treatment for small island developing states, and intensifying global efforts to combat climate change. “Our global standing is not a gift,” he declared. “It is the earned respect of a country determined to stand up for principle and justice — not only for ourselves, but for all those who are threatened or disadvantaged.”