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West Africa

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#West Africa

433 Articles

Nigerian Government Charges Military Officers in Connection with Alleged Coup Plot

The Nigerian government has officially charged a number of retired senior military officers in connection with an alleged coup attempt aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu. The accused appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja, facing a serious 13-count indictment that includes conspiring to "levy war against the state." Reports suggest that the conspirators planned to invade the Presidential Villa, seize control of the government, and imprison President Tinubu along with other senior officials. This intricate…

Burkina Faso Junta Dissolves 118 Human Rights Organizations in Major Crackdown

The military government has escalated its crackdown on civil society, recently dissolving 118 organizations, with many focusing on human rights advocacy. The authorities have invoked a law regarding freedom of association enacted in July 2025, yet they have provided little justification beyond ambiguous claims of noncompliance. This latest move is part of a larger pattern of repression that emerged following the military coup in September 2022. Since that takeover, the regime has systematically targeted non-governmental…

Nigeria Refutes Claims of Concealed Spending in World Bank Report

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Finance is refuting claims made by the World Bank regarding alleged undisclosed expenditures and the misallocation of federal revenue. Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, has characterized these allegations as a misunderstanding of the situation. He emphasized that media narratives indicating a substantial portion of federal earnings is being improperly channeled are not only incorrect but also misleading. This clarification comes as the ministry addresses interpretations of the…

Sierra Leonean Opposition Politician Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

In a move that has sparked widespread outcry, activist and opposition figure Zainab Sheriff was sentenced to four years in prison for incitement. Known not only for her political stance but also as a model and musician, Sheriff was arrested in February after she voiced her criticisms regarding alleged electoral fraud at a political event. The contentious results of the 2023 general elections have ignited fierce debate, with numerous opposition leaders challenging the legitimacy of the polls that allowed President Julius…

Pope Leo XIV condemns Africa’s exploitation during Cameroon visit

On a visit to Cameroon's troubled northwest, Pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful rebuke to foreign profiteers, accusing them of siphoning Africa’s wealth and deepening the continent’s hardships. Speaking in Bamenda, the epicentre of the country’s long-running Anglophone separatist crisis, he urged Cameroon’s government to confront corruption so that peace can take root. The pontiff said domestic failings are being compounded by outside actors who, “in the name of profit,” continue to seize Africa’s resources to “exploit and…

Antibiotic Misuse in Liberia Increases Significantly, Raising Health Concerns

A shocking new survey highlights a distressing trend in Liberia: a staggering 90% of women reportedly use antibiotics monthly to address their menstrual issues. This revelation has alarmed health experts, who label the findings "frightening" and express deep concern about the potential for escalating antibiotic resistance within the nation. Antibiotic misuse has long been a significant issue plaguing Liberia's healthcare system. Health officials are increasingly worried that the very medications essential for treating…

Nigeria Dismisses Terror Charges Against Former Justice Minister

Nigerian officials have formally withdrawn terrorism financing allegations against former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and his son. Malami, who held office from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, now faces a narrowed set of charges related to the illegal possession of firearms. According to the revised charge sheet, authorities reportedly discovered firearms and live ammunition at Malami's home in Birnin Kebbi, located in northwestern Nigeria. During a recent court appearance, both Malami and his…

Former Nigerian Oil Minister Denies UK Court Bribery Allegations

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian petroleum minister, has made headlines as she stands trial in London, vehemently denying allegations of bribery and luxury accommodations linked to government contracts. Accused of enjoying opulent stays and extravagant spending sprees in the UK, she asserts that these claims are baseless. In her testimony to the jury, Alison-Madueke maintained her innocence, stating she never misused her position to solicit or accept bribes, despite facing six serious charges under the UK Bribery…

Ghanaian Footballer Fatally Shot in Armed Attack on Team Bus

Tragedy struck Ghanaian football as promising player Dominic Frimpong lost his life following a violent robbery targeting a bus carrying his team, Berekum Chelsea, on their return from a league match. Reports from law enforcement indicate that a VIP bus, transporting around 30 players and staff members, was approached by a group of six armed assailants while traveling from Samreboi to Berekum. Three of these individuals were armed with pump-action shotguns. Frimpong was critically injured during the attack, succumbing to…

Polls Close in Benin as Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni Seeks Election Win

Polling stations in Benin have officially closed following a significant turnout, with nearly eight million voters participating in the presidential election. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is anticipated to emerge as the victor. Patrice Talon, the current president, is concluding his tenure after serving two five-year terms and navigating a coup attempt last December. Talon has publicly supported his 49-year-old finance minister, Wadagni, as his successor to guide the next administration. The primary opposition party,…