West Africa

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…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

The Nigerian presidency has made a somber announcement regarding the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff. President Bola Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the general's family and the entire military community. This tragic news comes just a year after the 56-year-old officer took on the prestigious role, and it is reported that he passed away in Lagos. The gravity of this loss resonates deeply not just within the military, but also throughout the nation. “His life was a testament to…

A federal court has dismissed treason charges against numerous minors who were apprehended amid recent nationwide protests fueled by escalating living costs and discontent with the government. President Bola Tinubu had previously mandated their release after several young demonstrators collapsed during their court proceedings, a situation that drew sharp criticism from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International. In Nigeria, treason carries severe penalties, potentially culminating in the death penalty. "Any…

The Supreme Court of Liberia has made it clear that lawmakers attempting to oust House Speaker Fonati Koffa must respect the legal procedures in place. This ruling came in response to a petition urging the court to intervene and stop the various factions of legislators who have been conducting their own sessions aimed at unseating the Speaker. In the midst of this political frenzy, Speaker Koffa remains steadfast, declaring that he has no intention of stepping down, despite calls for his resignation. Instead, he has called…

Human Rights Watch has strongly called on the Burkinabe authorities to carry out a "swift and comprehensive" inquiry into the tragic massacre of civilians in Barsalogho, a town that recently endured a catastrophic event on August 24, 2024. This horrific attack was perpetrated by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM), leading to the loss of over 130 lives, with countless others left injured. Carine Kaneza Nantulya, the Deputy Director for Africa at Human Rights Watch, articulated the…