governance

The European Commission has made the call to let the current fishing agreement between Brussels and Dakar lapse, citing significant issues related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices. Jean-Marc Pisani, the EU’s ambassador to West Africa, highlighted that the decision stems from Senegal's lack of adequate measures against these harmful fishing activities. As a result, he noted, European fishing vessels will cease operations in Senegal’s exclusive economic zone starting from midnight on November 17th.…

Doctors Without Borders, an esteemed international medical charity, is urgently appealing to major pharmaceutical companies and every manufacturer of insulin to dramatically improve access to diabetes treatments in low- and middle-income nations. They’re advocating for the availability of insulin pen injection devices at a price point of just $1. In their recent announcement, they underscored a staggering fact: approximately 80% of individuals living with diabetes are found in low- and middle-income countries. These regions…

By the year 2025, Nigeria could see a staggering 33 million individuals grappling with severe food scarcity—almost double the current figures for those in dire need. This dire situation stems from a confluence of economic challenges, soaring inflation, the effects of climate change, and the ongoing violence that plagues the northeastern regions of the country. In the northwest, specifically in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, over five million people currently experience acute food insecurity, and the crisis is anticipated to…

In a noteworthy political shift, several members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have jumped ship to the newly formed uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK Party) over the past six months. High-profile figures like Floyd Shivambu, Mzwanele Manyi, former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and more recently, advocate Dali Mpofu, have all made the switch, stirring quite the buzz in South Africa's political landscape. Julius Malema, the charismatic leader of the EFF, has brought attention to a rather intriguing proposal made by…

Recent reports have emerged of new cholera cases at the Gache Gache fishing camp and Nyamhunga village, not long after the previous outbreak was officially declared over. Alarmingly, this situation raises concerns about the potential for the highly mobile fishmongering community to facilitate the disease's spread throughout Kariba and its neighboring regions. Tragically, one individual has succumbed to the illness, while 14 others are suspected to be infected. In response, the health ministry has actively engaged…

In a compelling appeal to the political landscape of Ghana, Kathleen Addy, the head of the National Commission for Civic Education, has urged local politicians to quit hurling insults on social media platforms. She passionately asserted that such behavior "could lead to violence," drawing attention to the broader implications of their words. Furthermore, Addy cautioned the media against peddling "misinformation, personal attacks, and divisive rhetoric," emphasizing the responsibility they carry in shaping public discourse.…

In an intriguing turn of events, the ECOWAS Parliament has decided to send a delegation to Monrovia. Their mission? To tackle the ongoing political gridlock surrounding attempts by certain lawmakers to unseat Fonati Koffa, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Now, it's worth noting that while those aiming to displace the Speaker haven't managed to muster the necessary 49 votes as mandated by law, their actions have nonetheless halted legislative activities. They've effectively disrupted the usual proceedings by…

This past weekend marked a significant shift in Botswana's political landscape as Duma Boko took the oath of office as the country's new president. This transition follows what many analysts are calling an unexpected defeat for the long-standing ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Yusuf Bangura from The Premium Times raises an intriguing question: Why did the once-dominant BDP, often regarded as a political powerhouse, falter in this election? The outcome has left political strategists and citizens alike…

President Nana Akufo-Addo's recent decision to unveil a statue of himself has ignited a fiery discussion across the nation. This revelation is part of a broader initiative to highlight development projects as he approaches the end of his tenure. Many dissenters argue that erecting a statue is misplaced, especially since several vital projects remain incomplete. “The citizens of the Western Region deserve more than these self-indulgent actions,” an MP took to X to voice their discontent. As President Akufo-Addo prepares to…

The former leader of Senegal, Macky Sall, is at the forefront of the opposition coalition as the nation gears up for its upcoming parliamentary elections. In a candid letter directed to his supporters, Sall laid out the concerning realities facing the country, nearly eight months after he stepped down from the presidency. "In just a few short weeks, our sovereign rating has been lowered not once but twice by separate agencies," he noted, highlighting the worrisome economic climate that Senegal is navigating, as reported by…