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In a significant step towards justice, French lawmakers have unanimously approved legislation to repatriate the Djidji Ayôkwé, a historic talking drum, to Côte d'Ivoire. This drum, over three meters in length and weighing an impressive 430 kilograms, was seized more than a century ago by colonial troops in 1916, following the refusal of local communities to participate in forced road construction. Such an act speaks volumes about the strained legacy of colonialism. Once a vital means of communication among the Atchan…

In late June, a wave of protests surged through Togo, igniting a fervent demand for change. Citizens took to the streets, rallying against a longstanding ruler. Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, stands at the center of this unrest. His ascension was not just a matter of political transition; it came on the heels of his father’s long reign. Gnassingbé Eyadéma, a military officer turned president, governed from 1967 until his death nearly two decades later. This familial succession has sparked controversy and frustration…

On Thursday, a throng of passionate protesters gathered in the heart of Monrovia, expressing deep frustration over what they perceive as ineffective governance under President Joseph Boakai. The demonstration was spearheaded by a newly formed civil society group, Solidarity Trust for a New Day (STAND), which rallied individuals from various parts of the city. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as protesters clutched placards and chanted for their voices to be heard, urging either President Boakai or Vice President…

In a surprising move, Burkina Faso's military leadership has decided to dissolve its electoral commission, branding it as an unnecessary financial burden. This brave step raises numerous questions about the future of electoral integrity in the country. Emile Zerbo, the Minister of Territorial Administration, stood before the press to announce this monumental decision. He stated, "We could no longer justify the annual expenditure of around $870,000 on an institution that didn't align with our current objectives." A bold…

In a significant move, the United States has deported five individuals identified as "criminal illegal aliens" to Eswatini. These men hail from diverse backgrounds, including Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen. Their criminal histories are troubling; convicted of grave offenses ranging from murder to child rape, these deportees have become the center of a complex diplomatic situation. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Homeland Security, stated that the men’s home countries had declined to accept them, leading the…

The situation in Cabo Delgado has reached a critical crescendo, as the relentless surge in violence continues to undermine access to healthcare for countless vulnerable communities. It’s hard to fathom the scale of suffering that has unfolded over nearly eight years. Since the onset of this conflict, more than 400,000 individuals have been forcibly uprooted from their homes. Along with the displacement, medical services are shrinking, and the mobility of healthcare professionals is severely restricted. Where go the healers…

France has officially returned its last military base in Senegal, signaling the conclusion of a 65-year military presence. This significant withdrawal leaves the French armed forces without any permanent installations in West and Central Africa. It is a poignant moment, considering the broader trend of former colonies increasingly distancing themselves from their historical colonizers. At the heart of this transition is President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in 2024 with a resolute promise: to ensure that all…

Abahlali baseMjondolo has taken a firm stand against groups such as Operation Dudula, which have been unfairly targeting migrants as the scapegoats for South Africa's pressing economic dilemmas. It's a poignant example of how societal pressures can be directed towards the most vulnerable among us. As the saying goes, “It's easier to blame others than to face the truth.” In this instance, are we not witnessing a diversion of responsibility? Operation Dudula's campaign has notably included denying migrants access to…

In the verdant landscapes of Rwanda's southern province, the air hums with the excitement of newfound possibilities. Recent discoveries of lithium deposits have ignited the hopes of mining companies, elevating the nation into the spotlight of global mining ventures. After months of meticulous drilling, the preliminary results unveiled what experts refer to as a "high-grade lithium" presence, creating buzz not only among investors but also within various industries. Aterian Plc, one of the key players in this exploration…

Equatorial Guinea is actively advocating for a petition submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICJ), aiming to block the French government's sale of a high-value property owned by Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. This residence was seized in 2021, following his conviction under French legislation that targets wealth illicitly acquired by foreign leaders. The stakes are high, both politically and financially. The response from Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Carmelo Nvono-Ncá, has been…