The U.S. government's recent decision to slash the number of embassies offering visa services in Africa from 50 to 20 has sparked concerns among Malawians, particularly regarding their nation’s exclusion from this select group. Reports from the Nyasa Times indicate that many citizens are left questioning whether they are "paying the price for failures at home." As the changes take effect, Malawians will find themselves needing to journey to regional hubs beyond their borders to apply for visas, attend necessary interviews,…

The United Nations says weapons looted during Libya’s 2011 conflict are now stoking violence across West Africa, turning up in the arsenals of extremist groups in Nigeria and throughout the Sahel. Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, told delegates at the UN headquarters in New York that the illicit arms trade fueled by that looting is amplifying insecurity in the region. Speaking on the proliferation of illicit arms, Nakamitsu warned that weapons diverted or…

Mali's military junta has announced a significant $3.5 million bounty for information that could lead to the capture or killing of Iyad Ag Ghaly, the leader of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). This move follows a substantial offensive initiated in April in collaboration with Tuareg rebels. The recent assaults mark the most extensive campaign against the Malian government in over a decade, resulting in numerous fatalities, including that of Defence Minister Sadio Camara. Ghaly, a former…

Amid rising political tensions, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has unveiled a new 30-member cabinet, a move that underscores the complexities within his party, Pastef. This reshuffle comes after Pastef initially threatened to withdraw from the process over disputes regarding the cabinet's composition. Led by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Pastef announced its intent not to engage with the government formation due to differing views on the lineup. Despite this stance, five members from the party made it onto the final…

A federal high court has handed down the death penalty to four men implicated in the harrowing 2022 assault on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where forty-one worshippers lost their lives and over a hundred sustained injuries during a Pentecost service. This devastating attack has drawn widespread condemnation across the nation. In a ruling delivered in Abuja, Judge Emeka Nwite emphasized that the prosecution established its case with compelling evidence, including testimonies from survivors who could…

In a troubling turn of events, renowned Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has signaled his intention to pursue legal recourse following the unauthorized disclosure of his personal data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. The situation escalated when a senior aide to the Federal Capital Territory minister faced backlash for disclosing what seemed to be Ike's confidential voter information via an INEC webpage. On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the aide, Lere Olayinka, scrutinized Ike's…

In response to alarming reports of armed bandits allegedly attacking various communities with a specific focus on school children, police in Lagos are taking decisive steps to reassure the public. A recent police statement highlighted the serious repercussions of circulating false security alerts, which have already resulted in a “tragic and avoidable loss of life” following an incident where a group of youths killed a motorcycle rider. The police emphasized their commitment to accountability, declaring, “Individuals found…

The government of Mozambique has reported that five of its citizens lost their lives in a series of "xenophobic attacks." In the wake of escalating anti-immigration protests, families have been compelled to abandon their residences in Kleinmond and Gansbaai, located in the Overberg area of South Africa’s Western Cape province.

Guinea has taken a significant step towards re-establishing its constitutional framework, as legislative and municipal elections unfolded in the country following the presidential election on December 28, 2025. Despite the peaceful nature of the double ballot, the voter turnout was notably low. Just five months post-presidential vote, nearly 7 million Guinean citizens participated in the elections aimed at solidifying constitutional order. This pivotal moment follows a transition period initiated by General Mamadi…

In a significant leadership shift, President Adama Barrow has named Major General Ousman Gomez as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces. This decision comes on the heels of Lieutenant General Mamat O. A. Cham's resignation, which was surrounded by serious allegations of misconduct. In his resignation letter, Cham cited his departure was prompted by "numerous allegations of misconduct and abuse of office inconsistent with the Office of Chief of Defence Staff." Prior to his new role, Gomez held the…