West Africa

DHS Targets Liberian Immigrants with "Worst of the Worst" Label In a significant escalation of immigration enforcement, more than 40 Liberians residing in the United States have been designated as part of a "worst of the worst" list by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This initiative, instigated by President Donald Trump's administration, comes amidst a broader crackdown on illegal immigration and follows the recent suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 74 countries, including Liberia. The…

Concerns Rise as DHS Labels Liberians as "Worst of the Worst" In a controversial move reflecting the intensifying crackdown on illegal immigration by the Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed over 40 Liberians living in the United States on a "worst of the worst" criminal list. This development comes in the wake of a suspension on immigrant visa processing for nationals from 74 countries, including Liberia. The offenses leading to this designation encompass a range of serious crimes,…

Senegal erupted in celebration after a dramatic, controversy-flecked final in which the Teranga Lions edged hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye moved quickly to declare a public holiday, turning a late-night sporting triumph into a national moment of pride and communal relief. The match — described by observers as one of the most explosive finals in African football — produced raw emotion on the pitch and on the streets. While details of the controversy have drawn intense attention, it was…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — A regional appeals court on Monday cleared Somalia’s representatives to take their seats in the East African Legislative Assembly, overturning earlier rulings that had blocked their participation and ending a months-long legal dispute over the country’s nomination process. The decision paves the way for Somalia’s full engagement in the East African Community’s legislative body and removes a significant obstacle to Mogadishu’s regional integration efforts since joining the bloc. Somalia’s ambassador to…

In a dramatic twist during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal's national football team briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a contentious refereeing decision. The match against hosts Morocco, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, quickly escalated beyond the realm of sport, drawing sharp rebukes from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who condemned the actions of "some Senegal players." The atmosphere was electric as Senegal faced Morocco, a match charged with national pride and the…

TRIPOLI, Libya — Libyan security forces have rescued more than 200 migrants from a clandestine underground prison in the southeastern town of Kufra, exposing what authorities described as brutal and degrading detention conditions along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Officials said the detainees — including women and children from sub-Saharan Africa, primarily Somalia and Eritrea — were found in multiple cells nearly three meters below ground. Some had been held for up to two years. The suspected trafficker…

Libya rescues more than 200 migrants from underground prison in Kufra as abuse allegations mount TRIPOLI, Libya — Libyan security forces have rescued more than 200 migrants from a clandestine underground detention site in the southeastern town of Kufra, where authorities say victims were held in brutal, degrading conditions for months and, in some cases, years. Security officials said the migrants were discovered in an improvised prison nearly three meters (about 10 feet) below ground, allegedly run by a Libyan trafficker.…

Senegal conquered Africa again on Sunday night, defeating host Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat to win the Africa Cup of Nations and ignite raucous celebrations from the Atlantic shore to the Sahel. Fireworks crackled above Dakar, horns blared and flags waved as the Teranga Lions claimed their second continental crown in four years behind a dramatic winner from Pape Gueye and a performance that withstood a chaotic finish. What to know: Score: Senegal 1, Morocco 0 (after extra time) Match-winner: Pape Gueye for Senegal…

MINNEAPOLIS — The corridors of Karmel Mall, usually a hive of bargaining and chatter, were hushed on a recent afternoon. Steel shutters rolled down over rows of storefronts. A bakery still perfumed the air with fried dough, the central heating hummed, and low recitations from the Quran drifted from a few open doorways. Mostly, though, vendors waited alone. “It’s been like this for three weeks now,” said Abdi Wahid, who works at his mother’s convenience store inside the sprawling Somali business complex in south Minneapolis.…

Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON bronze as Nwabali denies Salah Nigeria edged Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal on Saturday after a scoreless 90 minutes, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saving spot kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman converted the winning penalty to seal a cathartic finish to the Super Eagles’ campaign. The third-place playoff in Rabat did not go to extra time under tournament rules, placing immediate pressure on the kickers.…