West Africa

The Trial of 42 individuals arrested during the 2021 presidential election violence began yesterday at the Criminal Court of Repression of Offenses (Criet). Those on trial, mainly opposition supporters, all pleaded "not guilty" to the charges against them. The cases of eleven accused were reviewed after the first day of court, with initial prosecution requests.

In Niger, Idrissa Soumana Maïga, head of the private newspaper known as l'Enquêteur, was detained by judicial police agents on the afternoon of Thursday, April 23.

Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, left Cotonou on Friday evening, April 26, after a 24-hour visit, which was the final stop on his West African tour. The European Union supports Benin across various areas, including economic reforms, decentralization, education, infrastructure, and, since 2021, combating terrorism.

A group of about 15 NGOs forming the Steel and Equity coalition has released a report called "Fair Steel Coalition" to expose the real cost of steel production. The steel industry alone is responsible for 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the impact of this industry is also felt in steel mills, mines, and their immediate environment. Particularly in developing countries, where environmental pollution and violations of the rights of local populations are prevalent. Examples include South Africa and Liberia.

After the 3rd meeting of the Refugee Management Coordination Committee in Northern Côte d'Ivoire on April 24, officials discussed a plan for refugees to return to their country. The latest HCR estimates suggest there are around 55,000 Burkinabe refugees.

The United States will temporarily withdraw troops from Chad, as announced by the Pentagon shortly after agreeing to pull out forces from neighboring Niger. In Chad, the US has around a hundred soldiers as part of the anti-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region. This withdrawal, albeit temporary, raises various concerns. Here's why.

In Mauritania, it's official, the current head of state, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who has been in power since 2019, announced his candidacy for the presidential election on June 29, 2024, in a letter addressed on Wednesday, April 24th. his bid did not come as a surprise to anyone in Nouakchott; the outgoing president and current African Union president is seen as the top contender in the upcoming election. His party won 107 out of 176 seats in the last parliamentary elections.

On the twelfth day of the campaign, activity picks up as candidates compete to win over voters with various strategies, including giving out gifts, flyers, and even food. Targeted meetings and door-to-door visits are the most popular tactics in the capital city.

The 15th edition of the contemporary African art biennial was scheduled to open on May 16th in Dakar. However, the event has been postponed due to insufficient funds, which is disappointing for both the organizers and fans of this globally recognized artistic gathering.

Good evening Here are tonight's highlights: According to Human Rights Watch, soldiers in Burkina Faso executed 223 civilians in a single day. Nairobi in Kenya is experiencing heavy rainfall, causing roads to flood. Ghana has been using a new malaria vaccine for a year now, with over two million doses given to children.