West Africa

In a tragic turn of events, human rights organizations are up in arms over a recent series of army airstrikes in Nigeria's northeast region, where military forces have been embroiled in a longstanding conflict against various armed insurgents. These air raids, described as "accidents" by military leaders, have led to the heartbreaking deaths of at least 15 innocent civilians—an event that has sparked outrage and disbelief among local communities and international observers alike. General Christopher Musa, the army chief, is…

The Nigerian government has firmly stated that it will not permit the presence of foreign military forces within its borders as it navigates ongoing security challenges from insurgents and bandits. Nonetheless, it has expressed a willingness to collaborate internationally to "domesticate" military equipment production, aiming to sidestep delays often associated with procurement processes. President Bola Tinubu made these remarks during a recent meeting in Abuja with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Furthermore, President…

As President-elect John Mahama prepares to assume the highest office in Ghana on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, he faces a monumental task—leading a nation overwhelmed by its most severe economic crisis in decades. Mahama isn’t new to the political arena; he served as president from 2012 to 2017. His recent triumph over the ruling party's candidate, outgoing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, marks a noteworthy comeback that has captured national attention. "The economic landscape is challenging," Mahama expressed shortly after…

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is on the rise across Africa, and health officials are sounding the alarm about the risks of becoming too relaxed. According to a recent update from the World Health Organization (WHO), numerous regions on the continent are grappling with outbreaks linked to several virus variants, or clades. As of December 1, 2024, WHO reported that over 13,000 cases have been confirmed in 20 distinct nations. This report sheds light on the fact that different clades have different modes of transmission. For…

In a significant legal development, Ghana's Supreme Court has turned down two attempts aimed at halting the enactment of a contentious piece of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. This legislation, formally known as the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, received parliamentary approval in February. Under this bill, individuals from sexual minorities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years for engaging in homosexual relations. While the bill boasts substantial backing within Ghana, it has…

Military officials from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have boldly reiterated their commitment to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision stands firm despite ECOWAS's proposal for a six-month transitional period, which was put forth during a recent summit in Abuja. The trio had initially signaled their intent to part ways with the bloc back in January 2024, following their respective military takeovers. In a collective statement, the leaders of the junta—who have united under the banner of…

The Senate of Liberia has agreed to the draft budget for 2025 put forth by a faction within the House of Representatives, identifying themselves as the "majority Bloc." However, this move hasn't come without its share of controversy. Analysts, including the beleaguered Speaker Fonati Koffa and a former Supreme Court justice, have raised eyebrows about the legitimacy of this financial document. They point to ongoing tensions between the Speaker's supporters and those seeking to remove him from office. This hefty budget,…

In a decisive move, Lagos State officials are urging philanthropists, individuals, and organizations to register with local safety agencies when planning large gatherings—specifically, those expecting over 250 attendees. This call for precaution comes in the wake of a tragic series of incidents where numerous lives were lost due to dangerous stampedes at charity events. It’s a reminder of the paramount importance of safety during the festive season, a time usually filled with joy and generosity. Just last Christmas, a…

It’s painfully clear that this Christmas is shaping up to be one of the darkest for countless Nigerians. This isn’t due to a lack of enthusiasm or spirit; far from it! The issue at hand is a stark economic reality that makes the notion of celebration seem almost impossible. Ikechukwu Amaechi articulates this sentiment in The Vanguard, stating that the prevailing conditions are dampening the joys of the season. He highlights that this year's festivities feel more like a distant dream. Families are grappling with financial…

The second round of qualifying matches for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Countries like the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have successfully secured their spots in the much-anticipated final phase of the tournament. As sports enthusiasts tune in, they can't help but feel the excitement radiating from these tense encounters. Every kick, every pass, and every goal scored tells a rich…