West Africa

Guinea: Government Dissolves Political Parties, Sparking Outcry The government of Guinea has taken a controversial step by dissolving 40 political parties, a move critics say underscores the potential shift towards a one-party state under President Mamady Doumbouya. This significant action includes the dissolution of well-known parties such as the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea and the Rally of the People of Guinea, which is associated with former president Alpha Condé. In a sweeping measure, the government has also…

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s opposition-aligned Somali Future Council on Monday warned against any postponement of the country’s 2026 national elections, citing constitutional deadlines and the risk of renewed instability if timelines slip. In a statement, the council said the term of the Federal Parliament under the 2012 provisional constitution ends on April 14, 2026, while the president’s mandate expires on May 15, 2026. It urged authorities to keep the electoral calendar intact to safeguard the…

Nigeria to Host Intra-African Trade Fair 2027, Building on Past Success The Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially signed the hosting agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027), taking over the baton from Algeria, which successfully hosted the fourth edition that recorded an impressive US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals. The agreement signing ceremony took place in Lagos, the designated 'host city', highlighting Nigeria's commitment to enhancing intra-African trade. This event was…

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday signed a revised federal constitution into law, replacing the 2012 provisional charter and setting five-year terms for federal institutions in a move billed as a milestone for state-building but denounced by opposition figures as an overreach. The signing at the Presidential Palace capped a contentious review that culminated last week when both chambers of the Federal Parliament approved the overhaul in a joint session. The new document completes a long-stalled…

Ghana's Ambassador to Liberia Promises Justice Amid Escalating Tensions The Ghanaian Ambassador to Liberia, Godwin Baletum Amonzem, has offered reassurance that justice will be served in the brutal murder of a Liberian national in Ghana, an incident that has strained diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. During Ghana's 69th Independence Day celebrations in Monrovia, Amonzem addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in the security and legal frameworks of both nations.…

AU commander tours recaptured Somali town of Mubarak after joint offensive against al-Shabab MOGADISHU — The commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Friday visited the newly secured town of Mubarak in Lower Shabelle to assess troop readiness after a joint operation that pushed al-Shabab fighters from key positions south of Mogadishu. Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma toured security positions in and around Mubarak with senior Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) commanders, meeting soldiers…

MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Sunday sharply criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to sign a revised constitution into law, warning the move could endanger national unity and deepen political divisions in the fragile Horn of Africa nation. Farmaajo said the amendments threaten Somalia’s system of governance and risk undermining social cohesion at a sensitive political moment. “The constitution is a national agreement,” he said, arguing that any revision requires broad…

Nigerian Government Urges Mozambique to Release Detained Citizens The Nigerian government has called for the immediate release of 42 Nigerians allegedly arrested in Mozambique without any charges. The appeal was made by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa. She condemned the arrests and described the reported targeting of Nigerians at a spare parts market as a possible xenophobic act. Dabiri-Erewa urged Mozambican authorities to either release these individuals or formally charge…

CPJ urges North Western State of Somalia to free journalist detained without charge since Feb. 22 Monday March 9, 2026 HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia (AX) — The Committee to Protect Journalists on Monday called for the immediate release of Ahmed-Zaki Ibrahim Mohamud, a Hargeisa-based reporter and founder of the online outlet Warrame Media, who has been held without formal charges since February 22 in North Western State of Somalia. CPJ said unidentified individuals raided Warrame Media’s offices in Hargeisa on the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Fuel prices in Somalia’s capital surged nearly 77% overnight on Sunday, intensifying pressure on households and businesses already strained by rising living costs and supply disruptions across the region. The price of gasoline jumped from about $0.65 to $1.15 per liter late Friday, according to traders and drivers. By rush hour, cars queued at multiple Mogadishu stations as motorists scrambled to fill up, while taxi and three-wheeler (Bajaj) operators warned they may have to raise fares to stay afloat.…