West Africa

Nigeria's Nutrition Crisis: A Silent Struggle for Survival In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling capital, Abuja, a stark warning resonates from the Nigeria Health Watch Roundtable: the nation stands on the precipice of a silent crisis, grappling with a “triple burden” of malnutrition. This term paints a grim picture, embodying a complex web of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies that threatens the health and future of millions—especially the youngest among us. Understanding the Triple Burden As…

Crackdown on Drug Abuse: Liberia's Leadership Responds to Rising Public Outcry In a significant move this week, President Joseph N. Boakai of Liberia dismissed three top officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), a decision underscoring the administration's increasing awareness of the rampant drug issue plaguing the nation. This action comes amidst mounting public pressure and a recent scandal involving an LDEA senior official caught attempting to intervene on behalf of his daughter, who faced drug-related…

Western Africa's Future at the Crossroads: Trump Hosts Key Leaders Amid Controversial Aid Shifts In an unexpected turn of diplomatic engagement, U.S. President Donald Trump has convened a lunch meeting with five West African leaders, as the region contends with the repercussions of recent U.S. aid cuts and a broader reimagining of American foreign assistance. The Meeting of Minds The White House, an epicenter of global policy-making, witnessed a rather rare congregation this Wednesday. As reporters were ushered into the…

Shadows at the Edge of Europe: The Plight of Migrants in Mauritania In the heart of the Mauritanian desert, a silent crisis unfolds—a crisis that echoes the haunting sounds of desperation and seeks to cross the Mediterranean's turbulent waters. Reports from Human Rights Watch (HRW) reveal a staggering picture of abuse against migrants and asylum seekers, primarily hailing from West and Central Africa, underscoring the complexities and harrowing realities of migration in a world governed by borders and policies. A Detailed…

Sowing Seeds of Change: Senegal and France Redefine Their Relationship On a crisp autumn afternoon, the stately halls of the Élysée Palace echoed with the voices of two leaders navigating a complex web of history, diplomacy, and shared aspirations. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and French President Emmanuel Macron sat down for a meeting that was expected to redefine the longstanding relationship between their nations. With the backdrop of France's recent military withdrawal from Senegal, ending over six decades…

Mobilizing for Health: Africa’s Fight Against Mpox One Year Later In a world where every second counts, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) is racing against the clock. One year since declaring mpox a public health emergency, the organization is ramping up its efforts to combat the spread of the disease and save lives across the continent. With the shadow of a global health financing crisis looming, the urgency for international collaboration has never been greater. The Context of a Crisis Mpox, a viral…

Voices from Khar Yalla: The Plight of Displaced Communities in Senegal In the coastal community of Khar Yalla, Senegal, the comforting rhythm of waves has been replaced by the echoes of despair. Displaced by relentless coastal flooding, the residents have been thrust into a harsh existence in a makeshift settlement, where the pillars of human dignity struggle under the weight of neglect. A recent report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) underscores the urgency of this crisis, revealing a reality that is all too often brushed…

Kamto's Exclusion: A Growing Shadow Over Cameroon’s Elections In the heart of Central Africa, Cameroon prepares for its upcoming presidential elections, yet the air is thick with skepticism and unease. The exclusion of Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition leader and steadfast critic of long-time President Paul Biya, from the list of approved candidates for the 12 October election has unleashed a flurry of questions regarding the integrity of the electoral process. A Voice Silenced Maurice Kamto, once a beacon of hope for…

Hope and Heartbreak at the African Nations Championship This past weekend, the energy in East Africa was palpable as the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship unfolded, yet the local excitement soon transformed into poignant heartbreak. Despite fervent home support for the co-hosts—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the tournament’s dramatic atmosphere didn’t culminate in the fairytale many had hoped for. Instead, it was the defending champions, Senegal, and the rising surprise team from Sudan that emerged victorious,…

The Fall of Choguel Maiga: A Cautionary Tale of Power and Accountability in Mali In a dramatic twist reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedy, Choguel Maiga, the former prime minister of Mali, finds himself entangled in a web of controversy, facing charges of embezzlement and money laundering that could redefine the nation’s already tumultuous political landscape. This unsettling development, which follows his tenure as the head of the civilian wing of a military junta, raises deeper questions about governance, accountability,…