West Africa

Guinea: Government Dissolves Political Parties, Sparking Outcry The government of Guinea has taken a controversial step by dissolving 40 political parties, a move critics say underscores the potential shift towards a one-party state under President Mamady Doumbouya. This significant action includes the dissolution of well-known parties such as the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea and the Rally of the People of Guinea, which is associated with former president Alpha Condé. In a sweeping measure, the government has also…

Nigeria to Host Intra-African Trade Fair 2027, Building on Past Success The Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially signed the hosting agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027), taking over the baton from Algeria, which successfully hosted the fourth edition that recorded an impressive US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals. The agreement signing ceremony took place in Lagos, the designated 'host city', highlighting Nigeria's commitment to enhancing intra-African trade. This event was…

Ghana's Ambassador to Liberia Promises Justice Amid Escalating Tensions The Ghanaian Ambassador to Liberia, Godwin Baletum Amonzem, has offered reassurance that justice will be served in the brutal murder of a Liberian national in Ghana, an incident that has strained diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. During Ghana's 69th Independence Day celebrations in Monrovia, Amonzem addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in the security and legal frameworks of both nations.…

President Duma Boko Addresses Death Penalty and Corruption Allegations In a recent statement, President Duma Boko of Botswana refuted claims suggesting he harbors opposition to the death penalty, labeling these assertions as "baseless." He emphasized that the Clemency Committee has not yet put forth any recommendations regarding executions for his consideration, reinforcing his commitment to uphold the legal framework of the nation. Boko's statements come amidst rising concerns over governance and accountability within…

Nigerian Government Urges Mozambique to Release Detained Citizens The Nigerian government has called for the immediate release of 42 Nigerians allegedly arrested in Mozambique without any charges. The appeal was made by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa. She condemned the arrests and described the reported targeting of Nigerians at a spare parts market as a possible xenophobic act. Dabiri-Erewa urged Mozambican authorities to either release these individuals or formally charge…

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Calls for Revision of Citizenship Clause in Liberia Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has revived a long-standing debate on the need to revise the constitutional clause that restricts Liberian citizenship exclusively to people of "Negro descent." In a rare address to members of the Liberian Legislature, Sirleaf highlighted broader national issues and argued that the law is no longer relevant, undermining the country's commitment to equality and international norms. The controversial clause,…

Nigeria's Historic Settlement Paves Way for Oil Development President Bola Tinubu has presided over the successful conclusion of a historic settlement agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria, ENI, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL), resolving the long-running dispute about Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245. The agreement brings to a close 15 years of legal battles over OPL 245, paving the way for the development of one of Nigeria's most significant deepwater resources. This resolution is viewed as a…

Tunji Disu Sworn in as Nigeria's New Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has officially taken office as the new Inspector-General of Police, succeeding his predecessor who stepped down in February under circumstances widely believed to have been influenced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Although an official statement attributed the resignation to "pressing family considerations," political analysts speculate that it was part of a broader reshuffle requested by the president. The presidency has expressed optimism…

Synthetic Drug Crisis in West Africa: A Public Health Emergency A new report warns that the proliferation of synthetic drugs across West Africa presents the most "urgent and complex" public health and security challenges facing the region. Published by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, the report says the burden of consumption—and its devastating consequences—falls disproportionately on young people. "The crisis has grown so severe that since 2024, two countries have declared states of…

The UK Home Office has announced a significant policy shift, halting the issuance of study visas to nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. This decision also extends to skilled work visas for Afghans, with the government citing rampant visa abuse as the driving force behind the change. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that this move comes in response to a startling rise in asylum claims from individuals who first entered the UK legally on study visas. Official statistics reveal that asylum…