West Africa

"We hadn't encountered anything like it before; the intensity was unlike any infectious disease we had ever faced," reflected former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the recent launch of a compelling new book that chronicles Liberia's struggle against the Ebola virus. Titled Stepping Up to the Plate: Liberia's Untold Ebola Story, this publication emerges from a collaborative effort by the Liberia Institute for Growing Patriotism and the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women's Empowerment. The book aims to shed light…

In a harrowing revelation, Ghanaian authorities have fallen short in safeguarding the human rights of countless individuals, predominantly older women, who have been unjustly accused of witchcraft. The recent report by Amnesty International highlights the grim reality that these women often endure, facing horrifying ritualistic attacks that compel them to abandon their homes, driven by an overwhelming fear for their lives. Entitled "Branded for Life," this poignant report sheds light on the dire circumstances faced by more…

Nigerian officials have imposed a ban on a provocative song that dares to criticize President Bola Tinubu and his administration's economic strategies. The track in question, "Tell Your Papa," crafted by renowned artist Eedris Abdulkareem, expresses a piercing discontent with the president’s two-year tenure, which has already been marred by significant unrest fueled by escalating inflation and soaring fuel costs. Interestingly, this Afrobeats anthem is directed at none other than Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who has…

The truth commission in The Gambia, a relatively young institution born in 2018, stands as a beacon of hope amid the shadows of a troubled past. This vital body has accused numerous officials from the regime of former president Yahya Jammeh of heinous acts, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and a slew of other human rights atrocities. Each of these allegations unfurls stories of grief, loss, and injustice that echo throughout the national psyche. Take, for instance, the recent issuance of an arrest…

The global wild meat trade is an intricate web, interlinking food security, income, and environmental health for millions across Africa and Asia. However, lurking within this complex system are significant threats to biodiversity, public health, and our ecosystems. Have you ever paused to consider how vibrant life hinges on the delicate balance maintained by these wild creatures? In regions where livestock is scarce, wild meat often steps in to fill a crucial nutritional gap. Yet, the very systems that provide for rural…

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a 90-day hiatus on trade tariffs for a multitude of countries, with one notable exception: China. This announcement, made through the ubiquitous channel of social media, has stirred quite a debate. In fact, President Trump stated that over 75 nations reached out to the U.S. administration, eager to "negotiate a solution." Isn't it intriguing how swiftly the global economy can find itself engulfed in complex negotiations, driven by the urgency to preserve…

In a troubling revelation, Amnesty International's recent report highlights that in 2024, the number of executions worldwide surged to its highest level in nearly a decade. This sobering news arrives at a time when several African countries, notably the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, are contemplating the reintroduction of capital punishment—a move that stirs deep fears among human rights advocates. Imagine a landscape that has gradually tilted toward hope—a world where progress in human rights was not just a…

Algeria recently found itself at the center of a diplomatic storm after allegations emerged that it shot down a Malian reconnaissance drone within Malian airspace. The Algerian defense ministry swiftly countered these claims, asserting that the evidence from radar systems undeniably indicated the drone had breached Algerian territory. This incident has exacerbated tensions that were already simmering between the two nations, complicating a relationship marked by historical grievances. The unfolding situation is reminiscent…

"Africa is fatigued from existing in the shadows. We must illuminate the continent—no exceptions." These compelling words resonated from Akinwumi Adesina in September 2016, mere months after he took on the formidable role as President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB Group). He underscored a crucial issue: electrification on the continent is not merely a luxury; it’s an imperative. Imagine, if you will, a vast expanse of land where cities pulsate with vibrant energy while remote villages grope in darkness.…

In the wake of numerous unmet deadlines for reinstating civilian governance, the military junta, led by General Mamadi Doumbouya, has announced a new timeline: a referendum on a proposed constitution is now slated for September 2025. This announcement follows the junta’s seizure of power in 2021—a time filled with hope for some, yet frustration for others. For many, these developments raise a pertinent question: what does the future hold for a nation striving for democratic restoration? As the junta continues to consolidate…