West Africa

Military officials from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have boldly reiterated their commitment to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision stands firm despite ECOWAS's proposal for a six-month transitional period, which was put forth during a recent summit in Abuja. The trio had initially signaled their intent to part ways with the bloc back in January 2024, following their respective military takeovers. In a collective statement, the leaders of the junta—who have united under the banner of…

The Senate of Liberia has agreed to the draft budget for 2025 put forth by a faction within the House of Representatives, identifying themselves as the "majority Bloc." However, this move hasn't come without its share of controversy. Analysts, including the beleaguered Speaker Fonati Koffa and a former Supreme Court justice, have raised eyebrows about the legitimacy of this financial document. They point to ongoing tensions between the Speaker's supporters and those seeking to remove him from office. This hefty budget,…

In the bustling town of Galkayo, a significant attempt at peace is unfolding. Leaders from the Northeastern State and Galmudug regional administrations have embarked on a mission to resolve a violent rift among militias from their regions. This skirmish, rooted in a land disagreement in Jiicbor village, Galdadob district, has prompted leaders from both camps to engage in peace talks aiming at reconciliation. Officials on both sides stress the value of continuous dialogue. The game plan? To hold multiple meetings aimed at…

Recently, the Rwandan government made headlines by teaming up with U.S. comedian Steve Harvey's company, BILT LLC, in a pact designed to enhance both tourism and investment in the nation. This exciting agreement was formalized in the capital, Kigali, with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Francis Gatare signing alongside Steve Harvey himself. The focus of this partnership is far-reaching—it aims to develop skills in critical areas like film, media, and education. Moreover, it seeks to promote health and wellness…

In a decisive move, Lagos State officials are urging philanthropists, individuals, and organizations to register with local safety agencies when planning large gatherings—specifically, those expecting over 250 attendees. This call for precaution comes in the wake of a tragic series of incidents where numerous lives were lost due to dangerous stampedes at charity events. It’s a reminder of the paramount importance of safety during the festive season, a time usually filled with joy and generosity. Just last Christmas, a…

In a shocking event over in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, we find ourselves grappling with the tragic news of an attack on a Somali-owned shop. This isn't just a number; it's the loss of a community member, Sadaq Ahmed Hassan, who many knew better as Sadaq British. His life was snuffed out during a robbery that also left Mohamed Dahir nursing injuries. All this took place in the quiet suburbs of Pietermaritzburg—a reminder that even seemingly peaceful places aren't immune to turmoil. It's a gut-punch for the Somali…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a bid to tackle the drought and humanitarian challenges looming over Somalia, Mahmoud Macalin Abdulle, the top dog at the Somali National Disaster Management Authority (SODMA), convened with a United Nations entourage. The delegation was steered by George Conway, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the all-around UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. At the heart of their pow-wow was the dry spell hitting various Somali regions,…

It’s painfully clear that this Christmas is shaping up to be one of the darkest for countless Nigerians. This isn’t due to a lack of enthusiasm or spirit; far from it! The issue at hand is a stark economic reality that makes the notion of celebration seem almost impossible. Ikechukwu Amaechi articulates this sentiment in The Vanguard, stating that the prevailing conditions are dampening the joys of the season. He highlights that this year's festivities feel more like a distant dream. Families are grappling with financial…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious move, Northeastern State is rallying clans from the Bari region to combat the mounting menace of ISIS, which has dug its heels deep into the area. Spearheaded by First Deputy Speaker Mohamed Bari Shire, this charge comes on the heels of a deadly attack in Dharjaale village, laying bare glaring security frailties. Cast your mind back to the last day of 2024, when Northeastern State's security personnel managed to foil an ISIS assault on a military base in Dharjaale, resulting in the demise of…

The second round of qualifying matches for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Countries like the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have successfully secured their spots in the much-anticipated final phase of the tournament. As sports enthusiasts tune in, they can't help but feel the excitement radiating from these tense encounters. Every kick, every pass, and every goal scored tells a rich…