West Africa

By the year 2025, Nigeria could see a staggering 33 million individuals grappling with severe food scarcity—almost double the current figures for those in dire need. This dire situation stems from a confluence of economic challenges, soaring inflation, the effects of climate change, and the ongoing violence that plagues the northeastern regions of the country. In the northwest, specifically in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, over five million people currently experience acute food insecurity, and the crisis is anticipated to…

The Nigerian government recently expressed its approval of a report that concluded there was "no evidence" to support claims that military personnel engaged in illegal abortions targeting Islamist insurgents in clandestine operations. The Nigeria Human Rights Commission, which operates with governmental oversight, undertook a thorough investigation after three reports by Reuters surfaced in December 2022. These reports made serious allegations against the Nigerian military, suggesting the existence of a covert, systematic…

In a compelling appeal to the political landscape of Ghana, Kathleen Addy, the head of the National Commission for Civic Education, has urged local politicians to quit hurling insults on social media platforms. She passionately asserted that such behavior "could lead to violence," drawing attention to the broader implications of their words. Furthermore, Addy cautioned the media against peddling "misinformation, personal attacks, and divisive rhetoric," emphasizing the responsibility they carry in shaping public discourse.…

Burkina Faso is currently in talks about potentially bringing back the death penalty, a practice that was abolished back in 2018. Justice Minister Rodrigue Bayala recently mentioned that the subject is very much on the table. He noted that this topic "will be incorporated into the draft criminal code." It appears there might be additional changes on the horizon, aligning with the "vision and guidelines set forth by the head of state, Captain Ibrahim Traore," who took control of the nation following the coup in September…

In an intriguing turn of events, the ECOWAS Parliament has decided to send a delegation to Monrovia. Their mission? To tackle the ongoing political gridlock surrounding attempts by certain lawmakers to unseat Fonati Koffa, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Now, it's worth noting that while those aiming to displace the Speaker haven't managed to muster the necessary 49 votes as mandated by law, their actions have nonetheless halted legislative activities. They've effectively disrupted the usual proceedings by…

During the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held in Sochi, African ministers received a clear message: Russia stands firmly behind the continent, promising "total support" across various sectors. This assurance was conveyed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, representing President Vladimir Putin. It’s noteworthy that this support comes at a pivotal moment when several African countries are reevaluating their relationships with Western nations, amid allegations of interference and neocolonial practices, as noted by…

Security experts in Nigeria are on high alert following warnings from defense officials about an emerging insurgency linked to a group known as the Lakurawas, predominantly active in the northwest region. Major General Edward Buba, who serves as the military's spokesperson, has been tight-lipped about any significant attacks that may have been conducted by this group. Reports from local news outlets, however, have surfaced indicating that Lakurawas have been demanding cattle in return for so-called "protection." This…

It’s been a little over two years since the highly publicized reunion of the Nigerian music duo P-Square, made up of twins Peter and Paul Okoye, and now, they’ve hit another snag and decided to part ways once more. Peter Okoye, known in the music world as Mr. P, recently expressed his frustrations in an open letter aimed at his brother Paul, often referred to as Rudeboy. In this candid social media post, Peter highlighted the ongoing tensions that have tainted their relationship, even after their much-lauded reunion. He…

President Nana Akufo-Addo's recent decision to unveil a statue of himself has ignited a fiery discussion across the nation. This revelation is part of a broader initiative to highlight development projects as he approaches the end of his tenure. Many dissenters argue that erecting a statue is misplaced, especially since several vital projects remain incomplete. “The citizens of the Western Region deserve more than these self-indulgent actions,” an MP took to X to voice their discontent. As President Akufo-Addo prepares to…

The former leader of Senegal, Macky Sall, is at the forefront of the opposition coalition as the nation gears up for its upcoming parliamentary elections. In a candid letter directed to his supporters, Sall laid out the concerning realities facing the country, nearly eight months after he stepped down from the presidency. "In just a few short weeks, our sovereign rating has been lowered not once but twice by separate agencies," he noted, highlighting the worrisome economic climate that Senegal is navigating, as reported by…