Africa

Liberia Bans Militia Group Amid Rising Tensions Liberian authorities took decisive action on Monday, banning a militia group known as the National Fula Security of Liberia (NFSL), which has raised alarm among citizens. The group's formation, primarily consisting of migrant Fulanis, has sparked a wave of public concern and debate. The government's response was prompted by a viral video that circulated widely over the weekend, showing NFSL members assembled in an organized formation. This footage has led to intense…

US Imposes Sanctions on Nigerian Individuals Linked to Terrorism and Cybercrime The United States has taken a decisive step to combat terrorism and cybercrime by imposing sanctions on eight Nigerian individuals allegedly connected to Boko Haram and ISIL. This announcement was made on February 10 by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). As part of these sanctions, the individuals have been added to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. This…

Kenya and Ghana Launch Investigations into Russian Man's Alleged Non-Consensual Filming Authorities in Kenya and Ghana are set to investigate disturbing reports that a Russian man secretly filmed sexual encounters with women in both countries and subsequently posted the footage online without their consent. This alarming case has raised serious concerns about gender-based violence and cybercrime in both nations. The individual at the center of this controversy has been identified as a self-styled "pick-up artist." Media…

Qatari Military Cargo Plane Lands in Mogadishu Amid Shifting Horn of Africa Alliances MOGADISHU, Somalia — A Qatari Emiri Air Force C-17A Globemaster III landed at Aden Adde International Airport on Monday, signaling a continued buildup of military logistics in the Horn of Africa as regional tensions reshape long-standing alliances. The heavy-lift transport arrived in the Somali capital after a multi-leg journey originating in Turkey. Flight data and local reports indicate stops at military facilities in Kayseri and Ankara…

South Africa has declared the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak a national disaster and will vaccinate 14 million cattle, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced, as the country confronts one of the worst outbreaks on record. "We have classified foot-and-mouth disease as a national disaster and will be mobilising all necessary capabilities within the state to deal with this crisis," Ramaphosa said, confirming the extensive vaccination campaign that authorities plan to roll out. The president's declaration elevates the…

Criticism Mounts Over Hepatitis B Vaccine Study in Guinea-Bissau A now-halted plan to test various hepatitis B vaccine schedules on newborns in Guinea-Bissau has drawn strong criticism from the World Health Organization (WHO), which labeled the study "unethical." The U.S. health department, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had funded a trial involving 14,000 babies. This controversial study aimed to compare two groups: one received the proven birth-dose vaccine immediately, while the other was scheduled to receive the shot…

Deadly Attacks in Northwestern Nigeria Leave at Least 30 Dead Armed gunmen on motorcycles launched brutal assaults on three villages in northwestern Nigeria, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 30 individuals, according to police sources and local residents. The raids struck the villages of Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa in Niger State, a region already grappling with instability following a recent wave of violence that claimed the lives of over 160 people earlier this month. In addition to the fatalities,…

The African Union's Legitimacy Crisis Among Youth Amid the annual summit in Ethiopia, the African Union faces a growing legitimacy crisis, particularly among the continent's youth. With 1.4 billion people to consider, the organization's failure to meet young Africans' expectations is increasingly evident. Youth frustration is linked to the AU's perceived focus on leaders over citizens. Military coups and protests highlight the disconnect between young Africans and their leaders. The AU Summit will address climate…

Kenya to Reopen Border with Somalia After 15-Year Closure Kenya's decision to reopen its border with Somalia marks a significant step toward mending regional ties and enhancing security cooperation. The closure, initially instituted due to security concerns, is set to end in April, facilitating cross-border movement. Closure enforced in 2011 due to al-Shabab attacks. Upcoming April reopening announced by President William Ruto. Initial reopening plan in May 2023 reversed after attacks. A History of Conflict…

China Responds to US Lawmakers’ Allegations of Illegal Mining in Nigeria The Chinese government has vehemently rejected allegations made by five US lawmakers claiming that it sponsored illegal mining activities in Nigeria and provided financial support to militias for protection. The embassy in Nigeria characterized the accusations as baseless and unfounded. In a statement, the Chinese embassy expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed as false claims, underscoring that Chinese nationals are required to adhere to…