West

In the quiet hours of a Saturday morning, a tragedy unfolded in Karon Village, located in West Pokot County. Panic and despair swept through the community as news broke that four individuals lost their lives when a gold mining pit unexpectedly collapsed at 2 a.m. This incident has left families shattered and a village grappling with profound loss. County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi reported that the victims were tragically buried alive under the rubble after the mine caved in. The deceased have been identified as Lotudung…

Recently, an extraordinary event unfolded that brought together over 8,000 professionals and around 500 exhibitors, not just from Nigeria but from across Africa and beyond. It's a testament to the increasing global focus on the transformation of healthcare in West Africa. The attendees had the unique opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in diagnostics, medical imaging, AI-driven health technologies, and groundbreaking pharmaceuticals. This remarkable gathering illuminated a shared urgency and ambition to…

In a significant development for global shipping, Container News reports that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has officially launched two colossal vessels, the Diletta and Türkiye, on its Africa Express service. This service is designed to connect leading Asian export hubs—namely, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia—with vital ports in West Africa, including Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana), Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), and Douala (Cameroon). The MSC Diletta is nothing short of a maritime marvel. Spanning an…

The ongoing withdrawal of French troops from West Africa is creating a significant power vacuum, one that is rapidly attracting the interests of private military contractors. Analysts have noted a concerning trend: nations in the Sahel region are increasingly leaning on these firms for a variety of missions. What does this mean for regional stability and the future of international military cooperation? As of early 2025, France has transferred control of its historic military bases from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to…

The recently released 2025 EU Report on the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries sheds light on a growing concern: Nigerian seaports are rapidly becoming central transit hubs for the importation and re-exportation of counterfeit goods. These goods range from pharmaceuticals and electronics to fashionable apparel. This development raises vital questions about consumer safety, public health, and the overall integrity of international trade. Within the report's findings,…

The Growing Humanitarian Landscape: Russia's Expanding Role in Africa In a significant gesture of support, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced the dispatch of 709.5 tons of humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso, alongside an impressive commitment to supply up to 20,000 tons of wheat to Niger. This initiative forms a crucial part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing ties with the region’s military-led governments. The question arises: what are the implications of such actions in a complex geopolitical landscape? As…

In light of the escalating instability in the Sahel and evolving geopolitical dynamics in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the United States is working diligently to reinforce its connections in West Africa. A pivotal aspect of this effort is the establishment of a drone base in Côte d'Ivoire's bustling capital, Abidjan. This initiative is anything but a mere strategic exercise. It signals America's commitment to bolster security collaborations while addressing significant threats facing the…

Unpacking Justice: A Firing Squad Execution in Baidoa Baidoa (AX) — A somber chapter unfolded in the South West state of Somalia on Sunday, when authorities executed a man by firing squad. This was not an ordinary occurrence; the execution transpired less than 24 hours after the court had convicted the individual for taking the life of a young office worker. The urgency of this case has left many pondering the balance between swift justice and due process in a tumultuous legal landscape. The Incident That Sparked Swift…

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has sounded the alarm: a staggering number of individuals in West and Central Africa are grappling with unprecedented levels of hunger. Amidst a backdrop of armed conflict, widespread displacement, economic turmoil, and relentless extreme weather, the region teeters perilously on the edge of a humanitarian crisis. From June to August alone, over 36 million individuals faced challenges in meeting even their most basic food requirements. Alarmingly, projections indicate that this figure could…

Baidoa (AX) — In a significant meeting held on Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, engaged in discussions with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, commonly known as ‘Laftagareen,’ and his cabinet. The focus was on critical issues that resonate deeply within the Somali context: national political dialogue, security operations, electoral planning, and the pressing need for humanitarian assistance. Following the meeting, Swan addressed the media, emphasizing…