Africa

Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, recently ascended to the position of chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With this new role, he sets his sights on reinstating constitutional order and fostering a more robust democratic framework across the region. Taking over from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who faced significant tribulations during his two terms, Bio steps into a complex landscape. Tinubu’s leadership was not without its hurdles. His tenure endured the strain of…

The protests that erupted in March 2023 in Mozambique signified a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing struggle against corruption and authoritarianism. The voice of Azagaia, a beloved rapper known for his poignant critiques of power, resonates deeply within the hearts of countless young people. It seems that his music, laden with evocative words and raw emotion, inspired a wave of courage in a generation that had once been marked by fear and resignation. As crowds gathered, it was not just a reaction to the current…

Human Rights Watch has issued a compelling call to action, urging the Guinean government to conduct an investigation into the disturbing abduction and torture of Mohamed Traoré, a distinguished lawyer and former president of the national bar association. Over the weekend, armed intruders stormed his residence, seizing Traoré and his daughter in a harrowing display of force. Known for his outspoken criticism of Guinea's military junta, which seized control in September 2021, Traoré's situation highlights the escalating…

In a pivotal moment for Liberian politics, a coalition of opposition parties has emphatically called for the appointment of a special prosecutor. This comes in light of serious allegations regarding witness tampering and claims of "torture" linked to the investigation of a devastating fire that ravaged parts of the building housing the national legislature. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. This coalition, comprising several significant political entities, issued a robust joint statement accusing the…

FlySafair: A Beacon of Low-Cost Travel in Africa In an era where travel has become essential for personal and professional growth, FlySafair, a prominent South African airline, stands out once again by being honored as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa. This recognition is not merely a badge of honor; it symbolizes a steadfast commitment to making air travel more accessible to the everyday person across the continent. For a long time, air travel in Africa has felt like a distant dream for many. Think about it: how often…

Turkey and Somalia: Forging a Strong Alliance On Monday, a pivotal meeting unfolded, building on a series of significant agreements established over the past year. Among these was a landmark accord reached in February 2024, when the Somali cabinet approved a comprehensive 10-year defense and economic cooperation pact with Turkey. This initiative promises a host of collaborations, including naval training, joint patrols, and a revenue-sharing model for offshore…

The Supreme Court's Recent Decision: A Landmark Moment in U.S. Immigration Policy On a contentious Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court made a significant ruling that effectively greenlit President Donald Trump’s urgent appeal to resume deportations of migrants to countries that aren't their home nations. Notably, this includes regions like South Sudan—all executed with minimal notice. The implications of this decision spark discussions about morality, legality, and the human impact of such policies. This ruling not only…

Kirsty Coventry has carved her name into the annals of sports history, becoming the inaugural woman and the first African to ascend to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On June 23, 2025, she officially took the reins, succeeding Thomas Bach of Germany, who concluded a twelve-year tenure. Coventry's election at the IOC's 144th Session, held in the picturesque backdrop of Greece in March, signified a pivotal moment for gender representation in global sports governance. Competing against a…

In a significant stride toward reconciliation and cultural restitution, the Netherlands has returned 119 ancient sculptures that were taken from the former Kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria over a century ago. These remarkable artifacts, widely referred to as the Benin Bronzes, were the spoils of conflict during a turbulent chapter in history; they were seized in 1897 when British forces invaded and subsequently exiled the kingdom's ruler. This return marks not just a physical relocation of art but a profound…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…