West Africa

Next week promises to be a pivotal moment in international relations as U.S. President Donald Trump embarks on his first significant diplomatic initiative focused on Africa since re-entering the political arena. A summit of this magnitude raises important questions: What will be the outcome of these discussions? What implications will this gathering have on U.S.-Africa relations moving forward? The meeting is set to convene five esteemed African leaders: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President Bassirou Diomaye…

Nigeria's political landscape is once again stirring, as a group of formidable opposition leaders has come together to form a coalition under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Among them are notable figures like Peter Obi, who made waves during his presidential campaign, and Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned political player. Their objective? To take on President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. This coalition does not merely consist of a handful of politicians; it embodies a response to a populace…

The recent peace agreement facilitated by the United States between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo unfolded against the backdrop of a less explored narrative. As noted by Edward DeMarco, a strategist and commentator on African affairs, “Behind last week's U.S-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is a hidden storyline: Togo's quest to become West Africa's Rwanda.” This intriguing comparison draws attention to the ambitions of this small West African nation. How did Togo, a…

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) finds itself at a critical juncture, issuing a 21-day ultimatum aimed squarely at the federal government. The stakes are high, as the association threatens nationwide industrial action unless urgent attention is paid to pressing issues surrounding salaries, allowances, and overall welfare. When medical professionals raise their voices in unison, it is not just a flurry of words; it's a call for action that demands to be heard. Bala Audu, President of the NMA, recently expressed…

In a poignant ceremony, Liberia recently conducted a reburial for its former President, William Tolbert, precisely 45 years after his tragic assassination during a coup in 1980. This event served not only as a remembrance but also as a vital chapter in the nation’s complex history, marked by trauma and resilience. To chronicle such a narrative, we must delve deeper. Just ten days following Tolbert's brutal murder, 13 of his Cabinet members were subjected to a summary execution that remains seared into the collective memory…

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently hailed the remarkable advancement in Mali’s legislative efforts to safeguard the rights of stateless individuals. This new law is not just a piece of legislation; it marks a transformative step toward addressing the complexities of statelessness in the country. By creating a clear pathway to nationality for its citizens, defining what it means to be stateless, and ensuring accessibility to healthcare and education, Mali is sending a powerful message about…

The emergence of kush, a synthetic concoction derived primarily from marshmallow leaves, marks a troubling chapter in West Africa's battle against substance abuse. First surfacing in Sierra Leone during the early 2020s, this alarming trend quickly gained traction, infiltrating neighboring nations such as Liberia, Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal. What drives this rapid proliferation? Is it the ease of production or the allure of a cheap high that beckons many into its addictive embrace? Initially, kush might…

In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian politics, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared his unwavering commitment to his supporters. He recently proclaimed his intention to contest against President Bola Tinubu once more in the upcoming 2027 election. Such announcements stir a mixture of hope and skepticism among the populace. Could Obi’s steadfastness transform Nigeria’s political narrative? While some might regard his promise as mere rhetoric, others see a glimmer of possibility in his…

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

In a significant move poised to reshape Nigeria's financial landscape, Bola Tinubu has recently ratified four pivotal pieces of legislation aimed at overhauling the country’s tax framework. These reforms are not mere bureaucratic adjustments; they are fundamental shifts intended to streamline revenue collection processes, alleviate the tax burden on select individuals and enterprises, and ultimately boost fiscal resources for government initiatives. The quartet of bills, comprising the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigerian Tax…