West Africa

MOGADISHU — Somalia has acceded to the Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), a step the federal government says will upgrade the country’s maritime safety, search-and-rescue capacity and technological integration across its busy coastline. Ports and Marine Transport Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nor deposited Somalia’s instrument of accession during a meeting with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on the sidelines of the IMO Assembly’s 34th regular…

President Tinubu Commends Security Forces for Rescuing Abducted Schoolgirls In a recent statement, President Bola Tinubu praised Nigeria's security forces for their swift action in securing the release of dozens of schoolgirls abducted in the northwestern state of Kebbi on November 17. The president emphasized that while this operation was successful, continued efforts are necessary to bring home other victims who have been taken captive across the region. The kidnapping incident in Kebbi triggered a wave of concern,…

Nigeria's Push for Enhanced Security Measures Amid Rising Challenges Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called for urgent reforms to bolster the nation's security capabilities as violence continues to threaten citizens across the country. Addressing lawmakers and security officials, Tinubu urged a comprehensive recruitment drive for the police and military, signaling a shift toward more localized and responsive security frameworks. The President's comments come in the wake of increasing incidents of banditry and…

PUL Rebukes House Speaker Over Threats to Journalists The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has issued a strongly worded rebuke of House Speaker Richard Nage Koon, who recently threatened to "jail" journalists recording proceedings prior to reaching a quorum in the legislative body. Such remarks have raised significant concerns over the treatment of press freedom in Liberia, with the PUL stating the Speaker's comments exhibit a "dangerous" mindset among some public officials and an attempt to "weaponize state power." The union…

Guinea-Bissau's Transitional Leadership Guinea-Bissau witnessed a significant change in leadership as Gen. Horta Nta Na Man was sworn in as the transitional president. This follows a military-led coup that ousted the nation's elected leader, creating yet another chapter in the country's political unrest. The military, calling itself "The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order," announced the coup. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was deposed, causing political disruption. The coup unfolded just before…

African Union Condemns Guinea-Bissau Military Coup Amid Electoral Unrest The African Union (AU) has issued a strong condemnation of the November 26 military coup in Guinea-Bissau, occurring just as the nation was poised to announce the results of Sunday’s presidential election. This sudden upheaval has raised significant concerns about the stability and democratic processes in the West African nation. In a statement released shortly after the coup, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the…

Guinea-Bissau Military Takes Control Amidst Political Turmoil In a dramatic political shift, Guinea-Bissau's military has asserted control over the nation, halting the electoral process and closing borders. This move follows recent national elections marred by unrest. Military declared control after gunfire near the presidential palace. Borders sealed and media programming suspended. General Denis N'Canha cited threats from national drug lords. Power Shift Led by Military Forces General Denis N'Canha…

Nigeria Declares Security Emergency Amid Rising Kidnappings Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a sweeping security emergency in response to a recent surge in large-scale abductions across the country. The government is taking significant measures to combat the crisis. Deployment of additional security forces to affected areas Immediate recruitment of more military and police personnel Focus on improving security in schools and vulnerable regions National Response to Abductions The recent abductions…

Nestlé Denies Claims of High Sugar Content in African Baby Foods Nestlé has firmly denied allegations that its baby food products sold across Africa contain higher levels of added sugar compared to those marketed in Europe. This response comes in light of a report indicating that over 90% of its Cerelac baby food products available in 20 African nations reportedly contain added sugars, often exceeding levels found in similar products sold in Europe. Despite the availability of sugar-free versions in European markets, the…

US Special Forces and Puntland State counterterrorism units on Wednesday carried out a coordinated raid on an ISIS hideout in Somalia’s Balade Valley, unleashing hours of gunfire and precision drone strikes that killed a senior commander and several militants, according to security sources. The joint operation inserted dozens of US troops by MH-60 helicopters and used MQ-9 Reaper drones to hit targets across the Habarbakuuje and Mareero areas of the valley, where intelligence indicated a fortified base was housing 10 to 15…