crisis

The latest reports from Nigeria reveal a concerning uptick in Lassa fever cases. In week 23 of 2025 alone, health officials documented 11 new infections, pushing the grim tally of fatalities to 143 this year. These figures starkly illustrate the persistent threat posed by this viral infection. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has observed a significant rise in the case fatality rate (CFR) among those afflicted by confirmed Lassa fever cases; alarmingly, this rate has surpassed that of the same…

Ghana's Gold Smuggling Crisis: A Multi-Billion-Dollar Dilemma Ghana, often celebrated as Africa's leading gold exporter, finds itself at a crossroads. Each year, this vibrant nation loses billions of dollars due to rampant gold smuggling, particularly linked to its bustling artisanal mining sector. The unsettling details of this issue have recently been illuminated in a report from the nonprofit organization Swissaid, shining a light on a reality that many might prefer to ignore. Dive…

The recent circulation of a memo from the Ministry of Agriculture urging Nigerians to engage in fasting and prayer amidst escalating food insecurity has stirred quite a tempest among various stakeholders. Farmers, agricultural experts, and concerned citizens alike have expressed their discontent at this unusual call to action. This internal notice, originating from the human resources department of the Ministry, encouraged staff members to partake in religious gatherings themed “Divine Intervention for Protection and…

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has recently issued a revised humanitarian appeal, requesting a staggering $29 billion. This figure underscores a significant and troubling adjustment, emphasizing drastic budget cuts from earlier projections that reflect an increasingly daunting reality. In a statement posted on its official X page, OCHA expressed the urgency of this situation, stating: "We have been forced to re-prioritize our work. Brutal 2025 funding cuts mean…

Starvation Warning: Children Fill Kenya's Refugee Ward After US Aid Cuts In the heart of Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, a tragic narrative unfolds. It’s a story marked by uncertainty, desperation, and, above all, a haunting sense of hunger. Hundreds of thousands of individuals find themselves gradually succumbing to starvation, a reality starkly highlighted by recent funding cuts from the United States. A United Nations official has candidly described the situation to the BBC, revealing that food rations have plummeted to…

In the heart of Somalia’s Lower Juba region, the reverberations of healthcare funding cuts are creating a silent crisis. Many residents in remote areas—like the villages of Badhadhe, Kulbiyow, and Kudhaa—are finding it increasingly difficult to access essential medical services. These cuts have not just diminished resources; they have effectively stripped away lifelines that countless families relied on for urgent medical treatment. Consider the struggles of Dahabo Cumar Ali, a mother who recently faced the devastating…

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has recently issued a stark warning: mpox remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This designation underlines the potential global threat posed by the disease, prompting urgent attention and action across nations. Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted a troubling trend: an increase in mpox cases, particularly alarming is the recent spike in West Africa. “There is likely undetected transmission in countries beyond the…

The ongoing strike by nurses and midwives has effectively paralyzed the country's healthcare system, prompting urgent calls from the government for the striking professionals to "reconsider" their actions. This drastic move is not just about wages; it embodies deeper systemic frustrations that have simmered for years. Imagine waking up in an emergency room, only to find minimal staff and a mountain of unattended patients. Such is the reality now faced by many hospitals, where the very individuals who dedicate their lives…

The Future of the African Union Mission in Somalia: A Balance of Responsibility In an era where the intricate dynamics of international relations intertwine with pressing security challenges, the future of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) hangs delicately in the balance. As President William Ruto convened with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and General Michael Langley, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command, the topic of funding took center stage. On June 2, 2025, during the Africa Chiefs…

Somalia finds itself in a precarious state, entrapped by a cycle of recycled political elites whose ambitions and rivalries continually hinder national progress. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and dialogue, the leadership crisis has deepened, culminating in the disappointing failure of the national dialogue initiative proposed by the current president. One is left to wonder—at what point do these empty promises cease to resonate with a populace yearning for genuine change? Ironically, many of those opposing the…