West Africa

Liberia has once again claimed its place on the international stage, securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council after a lengthy hiatus of sixty-two years. In a decisive show of support, member states rallied behind the West African nation, granting it an impressive 181 votes in favor. This significant milestone not only marks a return to global diplomacy but also reflects Liberia's evolving role in the international community. The aftermath of the historic vote saw President Joseph Boakai addressing the…

In a striking revelation, Environment Watch, a revered non-governmental organization, has attributed the tragic loss of life during the recent floods in Mokwa, Niger State, to a failure in executing the Ministry of Works' 2025 Budget. The organization's critical stance toward Minister of Works David Umahi accuses him of procrastination in vital drainage and erosion control initiatives. Had these measures been timely and effectively implemented, would many lives have been spared? The deluge—precipitated by relentless…

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has recently raised concerns over the sharp uptick in mpox cases across the nation. With 69 "active cases" reported, the situation demands attention. This surge isn't just a local phenomenon; NPHIL has confirmed that these viral strains are highly infectious and have crossed borders into neighboring countries. In response, authorities are urging schools, places of worship, and businesses to take precautionary measures. Imagine entering a bustling market and noticing…

A tragic bus accident in Kano State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of 22 athletes returning from the Nigerian National Sports Festival held in Ogun State. The vehicle, which was reportedly carrying over 30 passengers, veered off the Chiromawa Bridge along the busy Kano-Zaria expressway. It’s a grim reminder of the precarious nature of road travel in the region. Investigators suspect that driver fatigue and excessive speed played significant roles in this catastrophic incident. The harrowing images of the overturned bus…

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu's administration has implemented a series of significant economic reforms. The removal of fuel subsidies, for instance, is intended to stabilize the economy, while efforts to reform foreign exchange regulations aim to encourage investment. However, these ambitious changes have been accompanied by soaring inflation, a devalued naira, and widespread public dissatisfaction, leading many to wonder: Are these measures truly in the best interest of the Nigerian people? In…

In an unsettling turn of events, the authorities at Roberts International Airport in Liberia were compelled to suspend all inbound flights after a private jet, tasked with transporting President Joseph Boakai, faced a frightening near-crash-landing situation. During its landing sequence, one of the jet’s tires reportedly blew out, forcing the aircraft to screech to an abrupt halt mid-runway. The Liberian airport authorities were swift to issue a statement regarding this alarming incident. They confirmed the details but…

In a pivotal moment for African development, Sidi Ould Tah, the former Mauritanian finance minister, has been elected as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). This noteworthy achievement follows a keenly contested election held during the Board of Governors' meeting in Abidjan, where Tah triumphantly emerged victorious after three challenging rounds of voting. In the end, he garnered a remarkable 76% of the votes, signaling a robust endorsement from his peers. As the news reverberated across the…

The ongoing withdrawal of French troops from West Africa is creating a significant power vacuum, one that is rapidly attracting the interests of private military contractors. Analysts have noted a concerning trend: nations in the Sahel region are increasingly leaning on these firms for a variety of missions. What does this mean for regional stability and the future of international military cooperation? As of early 2025, France has transferred control of its historic military bases from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to…

In a tragic display of violence, the heart-wrenching toll in Nigeria's central Benue state has escalated, with at least 42 lives claimed in a series of brutal attacks. This disheartening episode highlights a grim reality that many Nigerians face daily. A police spokesperson has confirmed these assaults, detailing a particularly harrowing incident where a police officer tragically lost his life while bravely defending against the assailants. Benue state, nestled in Nigeria's Middle Belt, serves as a poignant backdrop to the…

In a striking development, Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the temporary closure of the country’s embassy in the United States. This drastic measure stems from an ongoing investigation concerning serious allegations of visa fraud. The troubling revelations came to light following a meticulous audit that uncovered a sophisticated fraudulent operation purportedly orchestrated by a locally recruited staff member in collaboration with accomplices over a span of five years. Imagine the…