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Human Rights Watch has made a compelling appeal to Niger's military junta: they demand the immediate release of former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was abruptly ousted in a military coup in 2023. Under the command of General Abdourahamane Tiani, army officers dismantled the governance structure and apprehended both Bazoum and his wife. Such actions raise serious questions about the future of democracy in Niger. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphatically remarked, “Every day that former President…

It has been over a decade since the harrowing abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants in Chibok, Nigeria. Yet, the heartbreak lingers for the families of the 87 girls still unaccounted for. This lingering pain brings them to a singular, urgent plea: that the government offer more than mere assurances; they demand tangible action. In a poignant statement, the parents acknowledged the efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who played a significant role in securing the release of 103 girls. Nevertheless,…

Mali’s Strategic Appeal for U.S. Investment and Cooperation Amid ongoing turmoil and the persistent threat of Islamist insurgents, the leadership in Mali is making a concerted effort to court U.S. investment and diplomatic backing. The transitions within the government have ignited a push to fortify a regional alliance of military-led administrations across West Africa. But what is the driving force behind this urgency? And how might U.S. policies evolve in this sensitive landscape?…

In recent weeks, an intriguing tug-of-war has emerged within Zimbabwe's ruling party. A faction is fervently championing the idea of President Emmerson Mnangagwa pursuing a third term in office, a proposition that ignites deep divisions within Zanu-PF. Meanwhile, another faction rallies around the president's deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, positioning him as a viable alternative for leadership. What does this power struggle reveal about the dynamics at play in Zimbabwean politics? Experts are weighing in on the implications…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a poignant plea to the military junta and its allies, notably the Russia-supported Wagner Group, urging an immediate cessation of the executions targeting ethnic Fulani men in Mali. Furthermore, they demand transparency regarding the fate of those detained since the year's outset. In a region fraught with violence, HRW's call echoes the urgent need for accountability and justice. Since January, a grim tally has emerged: at least a dozen Fulani men have been executed while approximately 81…

The long-standing rivalry between South Africa's Banyana Banyana and Nigeria's Super Falcons is set to ignite once again at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Scheduled for Tuesday, this semifinal clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, steeped in history and passion. South Africa's journey to this stage has been nothing short of dramatic. They faced a determined Senegal team and emerged victorious after a nail-biting penalty shootout, winning 4-1. The resilience they exhibited during this match not only…

The management of the Police Hospital, a prominent referral institution in the country, has made a poignant announcement. They will soon conduct a mass burial for 300 bodies, a somber collection that includes former patients, abandoned corpses, and victims of various tragedies, such as accidents and crimes. This initiative poses an important ethical question: How should societies honor the lives of those who have passed without proper remembrance? “This solemn task is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the deceased…

In the swirling chaos of Liberia's recent past, hope for accountability appears to be dwindling. The establishment of a war crimes court, envisioned as a beacon of justice for the victims of the country’s 14-year civil conflict, is now shrouded in uncertainty. A pivotal player, the U.S. government, which was once anticipated to provide significant financial support, seems to be recalibrating its priorities. What does this mean for the aspirations of many Liberians seeking justice? Mark Toner, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to…

The recent announcement from the United Nations peacekeeping mission marks a significant development in the quest for stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This past Saturday, the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group officially signed the Qatar peace agreement, a move that many view as a beacon of hope in a landscape marred by conflict. This agreement, ingeniously titled the Declaration of Principles, symbolizes a shared commitment to fostering peace, particularly through the establishment of a…

Zimbabwe has finally broken a 34-year drought, positioning itself among the elite in rugby by securing a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The pivotal moment unfolded at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda, where the Zimbabwean team narrowly triumphed over Namibia with a score of 30–28 in the final of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. This hard-fought victory signifies much more than just a ticket to the World Cup; it's a reaffirmation of Zimbabwe’s rugby prowess. After appearing in the esteemed tournament in both 1987 and 1991,…