West Africa

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's (FAAN) newly launched cashless payment system has triggered massive congestion at the country's major airports, leaving motorists and travelers stranded for hours. The policy, which took effect on March 1, aims to curb revenue leakages but has instead resulted in significant delays and frustration. Heavy gridlock was reported at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as drivers scrambled to obtain the new toll payment…

Kinshasa — The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a five-year, $1.2 billion health financing agreement with the United States, officials announced, joining neighboring Uganda in adopting Washington’s new government-to-government aid framework. Under the pact, the DRC will receive $900 million in U.S. assistance while committing to boost domestic health spending by $300 million. The arrangement targets a slate of priority interventions intended to strengthen disease control and maternal-child health services. Program…

Jeffrey Epstein's Connections with West African Elites Uncovered Newly released records from U.S. authorities have shed light on the extensive ties that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein forged with influential figures in West Africa. Noteworthy among these connections are Karim Wade, the son of former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, and Nina Keita, the niece of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. According to the documents, Epstein and Karim Wade first crossed paths in 2010, quickly building a rapport.…

Tweah Accuses Vice President Koung of Conspiracy During Corruption Trial Former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah has accused Vice President Jeremiah Koung of orchestrating a plot to imprison him, alleging that such a move would clear a path for Koung’s own presidential ambitions. These serious accusations emerged as Tweah's corruption trial resumed, where he and several former officials face allegations regarding the misappropriation of $6.2 million funds. The funds at the heart of the case were reportedly designated for…

Protests Erupt in Kaduna Over El-Rufai's Continued Detention Protests erupted in various parts of Kaduna State in response to the ongoing detention of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The demonstrations, primarily led by youth groups, were fueled by concerns that El-Rufai's prolonged detention—despite pending court proceedings—undermines both due process and legal fairness. Participants voiced their frustrations and called for El-Rufai's immediate release, arguing that his treatment reflects a troubling trend of…

Attack on Peter Obi's Motorcade Raises Security Concerns in Edo State The motorcade of former presidential candidate Peter Obi was attacked by unknown gunmen in Edo State, escalating concerns regarding political violence as the country approaches crucial elections. According to a statement released by his media team, the incident occurred while Obi was en route to a meeting with the former chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). "We unequivocally confirm the attack and assure all supporters worldwide that…

Nigeria Denies Ransom Payments to Boko Haram for School Abductions The Nigerian government has categorically rejected claims that it paid a significant ransom to the Islamist group Boko Haram in connection to the abduction of more than 200 pupils and staff from St. Mary's School in Papiri in November 2024. Information Minister Mohammed Idris described the allegations, which emerged from a report by AFP citing unnamed intelligence sources, as "false and baseless reporting," asserting that such claims undermine the…

Political Tensions Rise Over Proposed Criminal Procedure Law in Liberia The political landscape in Liberia is experiencing turbulent shifts as the Secretary General of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Jefferson Koijee, has publicly denounced the proposed amendment to the country's criminal procedure law. Koijee asserts that the changes are a strategic maneuver aimed at targeting former President George Weah. Koijee's concerns revolve around the perceived increase in discretionary powers granted to prosecutors,…

The Trump administration is canceling humanitarian aid programs it previously identified as lifesaving, according to an internal State Department email obtained by The Atlantic, a move that could sharply reduce assistance to vulnerable populations in parts of Africa. The internal communication, made public by The Atlantic, says the new round of cuts will end all U.S. humanitarian funding in seven African countries. The report did not identify the countries by name in its initial coverage. The email marks a reversal from…

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is canceling humanitarian aid programs it previously identified as lifesaving, according to an internal State Department email obtained by The Atlantic, a move that could sharply reduce U.S. assistance to vulnerable populations abroad. The internal message, made public by The Atlantic on Tuesday, says the new round of cuts will reportedly end all U.S. humanitarian funding in seven African countries. The email characterizes the affected programs as lifesaving before notifying colleagues…