West

A Palestinian filmmaker, whose documentary recently received an Oscar, is currently facing detention by Israeli forces in the West Bank following an alleged incident involving settlers and Palestinians. Hamdan Ballal is one of four filmmakers behind No Other Land, which won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film earlier this month. The film sheds light on the ongoing struggles of Palestinian residents in the Masafer Yatta region, as they fight to prevent the Israeli military from demolishing their villages. As Ryan…

Imagine this: seated in a bustling conference room in Abuja on a warm Tuesday morning, Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, paints a vivid picture of the region's food security challenges. Yet, amid the swirling concerns, there's a distinct glimmer of hope. Speaking at the ECOWAS Regional Food Security Reserve Management Committee's third meeting, Kyari highlighted the power of food reserves in navigating crises. Though Kyari couldn't partake in person, he was…

For centuries, the story of the West African kingdom of Kaabu has resonated through the rich tapestry of oral traditions. Flourishing from the mid-1500s until the 1800s, this influential kingdom encompassed areas that today correspond to parts of Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and the Gambia. Yet, how do we capture the essence of a place when words are rooted in the past, whispered from one generation to the next? The answer lies in the griots—those remarkable oral historians who were the storytellers of their time, singing praises…

Nestled within the borders of Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger lies the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity. Yet, this remarkable sanctuary faces a perilous paradox. What should be a celebration of nature’s splendor is marred by a sinister undercurrent: organized transnational crime. From arms smuggling to drug trafficking and human exploitation, the WAP Complex has become a multifaceted battleground, as highlighted by Feyi Ogunade in The Conversation Africa.…

ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau: A Tense Political Landscape In a recent, unfolding drama that gripped West Africa, the regional bloc known as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) revealed an unexpected development. Its delegation stationed in Guinea-Bissau abruptly exited the nation on the first day of March. This sudden departure was precipitated by a startling ultimatum from the country's leader, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who threatened to expel the mission. It begs the question:…

In a significant and heart-wrenching turn of events, Israel has freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. This release closely followed the announcement by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which confirmed the handover of what are believed to be the remains of four hostages. This development represents a poignant chapter in a long-standing conflict that has deeply impacted countless lives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office articulated their sentiments clearly, stating that Israel received the…

Have you ever wondered why certain regions seem to experience endless cycles of political upheaval? Imagine the landscape of West Africa, where military coups have become a peculiar phenomenon, especially in nations like Mali and Burkina Faso. Concerns about democratic stability in this vibrant region are frequently overshadowed by the rumblings of military trucks signaling yet another seize of power. The landscape isn’t just influenced by unknown officers; it…

Ireland's native games have served as more than mere sports; they are vessels of culture, connection, and community. For countless years, these activities have woven intricate threads that link people across continents. A remarkable story emerged in 2024 when a London-Irish man, Stephen Redmond, ventured to the West Bank and was inspired to create something extraordinary. Thus, GAA Palestine was born, a vibrant initiative that seeks to cultivate the spirit of Gaelic games within Palestinian communities. Imagine the scene:…

The pursuit for the Premier League title is often a winding road, full of unexpected turns and speed bumps that test the mettle of any aspiring champion. Arsenal, with all their ambitions, experienced one such jolt this past Saturday. Playing on home turf, fans anticipated a vibrant display against West Ham United. Alas, it was not to be, as their aspirations took a tumble after a narrow 1-0 defeat. How do setbacks like these define a team's season? Imagine the scene: A crisp evening at the Emirates Stadium, with…

BOSASO, Somalia – Just a couple of weeks after the airstrikes in the Cal-Miskaad mountains of Northeastern State, the US Africa Command has finally pulled back the veil, announcing the identity of the ISIS leader who met his demise in the February 1 strikes. This revelation certainly brings an end to the many conjectures floating around about who the intended target was. In a rather rare move, President Donald Trump chose to personally address the airstrike in Somalia. He mentioned that the US Africa Command was after an…