West Africa

Niger has summoned the European Union's chargé d'affaires in response to a parliamentary resolution demanding the release of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The Nigerien government criticized what it described as the EU's "paternalistic and condescending attitude." The European Parliament's resolution asserted that Bazoum, who assumed office in 2021 following an electoral victory, remains Niger's democratically elected leader. Analysts indicate that Bazoum's strong connections with France, the former colonial power, may…

Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen resigned from the Justice and Solidarity Party led by Somalia’s president, in the latest sign of escalating tensions with the federal government. Laftagareen, who had served as the party’s deputy chairman, announced his departure on March 18, 2026. “I, President of Southwest State H.E. Abdiaziz Laftagareen, resign as Deputy Chairman of the JSP effective today, March 18, 2026. I cannot support unconstitutional actions that weaken our unity. My commitment remains to…

Somalia’s Interior Ministry said Wednesday it is monitoring escalating tensions with Southwest State and warned that continued political friction could endanger peace and stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation voiced concern about the dispute’s impact and underscored the need to uphold the constitution and the federal system of governance. “The federal government commends the people and administration of the Southwest State for their role in preserving the unity of the…

Southwest State senators back suspension of ties with Mogadishu Senators from Somalia’s Southwest State on Tuesday endorsed their administration’s decision to suspend cooperation with the federal government, accusing Mogadishu of interference in regional political and security affairs. By Ali MusaAxadle Times international–Monitoring Wednesday March 18, 2026 In a joint statement, the Upper House lawmakers said the move by the Southwest administration responds to actions by federal authorities that they say have undermined…

Caf Overturns Controversial Final Outcome Played in Rabat The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed a prior decision regarding the outcome of the contentious final held in Rabat. CAF confirmed in a statement that the decision was taken in line with its regulations, overturning the earlier outcome of the controversial final played in Rabat. Details surrounding the match and the specific reasons for the reversal have not been disclosed. The previous decision sparked widespread debates among fans and…

Explosions in Maiduguri Leave Over 20 Dead, Sparking Renewed Fears A series of devastating explosions in Maiduguri has resulted in more than twenty deaths and numerous injuries, unsettling a city that had recently experienced relative calm. More than twenty people were killed and many others injured in a series of explosions that targeted multiple locations in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Tuesday. Key sites affected included the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Post Office,…

Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone Leaders Meet to Address Border Tensions The leaders of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone convened in Conakry to alleviate rising border tensions following incidents involving Guinean soldiers. The leaders met in Conakry amid escalating tensions after reports surfaced that Guinean soldiers entered Liberia's northern Lofa County, raised the Guinean flag, and allegedly prevented a Liberian company from conducting mining operations along the shared river border. This situation has heightened…

North Western State of Somalia opposition Kulmiye alleges politically motivated arrests, targeting of journalists Party cites detention of Warrame Media founder and arrests of protesters in Burco; government has not commented HARGEISA — North Western State of Somalia’s main opposition party, Kulmiye, on Monday accused the government of conducting politically motivated arrests and targeting journalists and dissenting voices, warning the actions risk deepening social unrest. Speaking in Hargeisa, Kulmiye spokesperson…

Southwest State suspends cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, third region to cut ties Move follows Puntland State and Jubbaland amid disputes over constitutional changes; Mogadishu yet to respond Southwest State said it acted over alleged federal interference and military mobilization in its territory. BAIDOA — Southwest State on Tuesday announced it has suspended all cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, becoming the third regional administration to sever formal ties with Mogadishu amid…

WFP Somalia advertises multiple national vacancies across key hubs ahead of 28 May deadline The UN World Food Programme is recruiting Somali nationals for roles in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dollow/Dolow, Garowe, Beletweyne and Galkayo; women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must apply via WFP’s Workday platform. Application links were referenced in the source notice but not provided here. The World Food Programme (WFP) has opened applications for several Somalia-based positions with a stated deadline of…