West Africa

Celebrating 50 Years of ECOWAS: A Legacy Worth Remembering Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, recently articulated a powerful sentiment during the launch of the community's 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra, Ghana. "The achievements of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over five decades are not only worthy of recognition but also worthy of celebration," he asserted, emphasizing that our journey has been far more impactful than many might realize. In a political and…

In a significant ruling that reverberated through the political landscape of Ivory Coast, a court recently determined that Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, was not eligible to run for office due to his registered French citizenship at the time of his electoral application. This decision, announced on a Tuesday, highlighted the contentious issues surrounding dual nationality and the complex legal framework governing Nigerian electoral candidacy. Thiam's legal team, in a statement provided to…

In a riveting turn of events, a Nairobi court has decided to keep three individuals in custody for an additional month as they face serious terror-related charges. On Tuesday, the court denied bail to Kenyans Noor Yakub Ali and Yusuf Maalim, along with Somali national Isaq Cabdi Xasan. These men stand accused of plotting a violent attack against Kenyan security officers while allegedly being affiliated with the notorious al-Shabaab terror group. Their alleged crimes are not just serious; they strike at the very heart of…

The Catholic Church stands on the precipice of a historic transition, preparing for the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, followed closely by a pivotal conclave. This assembly, consisting of over 100 Cardinals from around the globe, will undertake the sacred responsibility of electing the new Pope. It’s a moment steeped in tradition yet ripe with modern complexities. In recent years, the composition of these conclaves has evolved significantly. Analysts have noted a remarkable shift, highlighting a more diverse…

In a historic turn of events, President John Mahama made the unprecedented decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a move that marks the first time a sitting chief justice has faced such disciplinary action in Ghana's history. This bold step sends ripples through the nation’s political and legal landscapes, raising eyebrows and concerns alike. This suspension was not an arbitrary decision. It stemmed from the filing of three undisclosed petitions advocating for her removal. These petitions cite constitutional…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy declaration, Abdiqadir Aw Ali Firdhiye, the leader of the SSC-Khatumo interim administration, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to fostering unity among the residents of the Sool and Sanaag regions. His vision is to create a cohesive administration that not only encompasses these territories but also nurtures a deeper sense of community among their inhabitants. “We strive to bring the people of Sool and Sanaag together, to unite them, and to establish a harmonious administration where…

Decoding Africa's Debt Dilemma in a Challenging Economic Landscape In a world marked by financial instability—skyrocketing inflation, rising interest rates, and tightening credit—debt has returned to the forefront of economic discussions. Amidst these fluctuations, African nations find themselves navigating a complex labyrinth of financial obligations, especially concerning their interactions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As the globe wrestles with challenges like geopolitical unrest, trade…

In the face of increasing unrest, a planned strike by app-based transportation workers in Nigeria highlights critical concerns surrounding their working conditions. These dedicated individuals, who play significant roles in the ever-evolving digital economy, have voiced serious allegations of exploitation, hazardous environments, and an alarming absence of workers' rights. As Steven Iwindoye, the Public Relations Officer of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), articulated, the urgency to…

Mogadishu (AX) — Recently, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo found himself in the thick of a heated discourse regarding the recent strategic withdrawal of government forces from crucial military positions, including Aden Yabaal in Middle Shabelle. In a world rife with misinformation, Farmaajo's plea to the Somali public emphasized unity and support for the national army, rather than succumbing to the insidious propaganda of Al-Shabaab. In a press release on Tuesday, the former leader articulated his…

In an exciting development on the global diplomatic stage, President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing to welcome President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine this Thursday. This occasion will mark a historic first: the inaugural visit by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa. It’s more than just a formality; it represents a significant moment for both nations as they seek to navigate the complexities of contemporary geopolitics. Vincent Magwenya, the presidential spokesperson, has articulated the essence of this visit well. He…