West Africa

Anthony Joshua Involved in Fatal Car Accident in Nigeria Anthony Joshua, the Olympic gold medalist and British heavyweight champion, has been involved in a tragic car accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, claiming the lives of two individuals. Joshua was a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the incident occurred. The preliminary investigation by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggests that the Lexus lost control while attempting an overtaking maneuver. Reports indicate the vehicle may have been exceeding the legally…

Guinea's Presidential Election: A Troubling Path Ahead As Guinea approaches its presidential election, the atmosphere is charged with uncertainty and concern. Incumbent military leader General Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in 2021, is poised to retain his position in what many observers believe will be a contested and potentially flawed electoral process. Former President Alpha Conde, once a fixture in Guinean politics, and long-time opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo remain in exile, having faced…

U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State-Aligned Camp in Nigeria On Christmas Day, U.S. airstrikes launched from MQ-9 Reaper drones targeted camps linked to Islamic State-aligned militants in Sokoto state, northwestern Nigeria. While the operation has drawn attention, details remain scant. No civilian casualties have been reported. U.S. Africa Command (Africom) announced on December 26 that "multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps." However, the lack of transparent information has raised concerns among human…

Rwanda Closes 10,000 Churches in Major Crackdown on Religious Organizations The Rwandan government has reportedly closed about 10,000 churches across the country for failing to comply with a 2018 law regulating faith-based organizations. This sweeping action underscores an increasingly stringent approach to religious oversight and governance within the nation. According to the 2018 legislation, places of worship are mandated to meet strict health and safety standards, submit annual activity and financial reports, and…

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Heirs Energies Limited have announced a landmark US$750 million financing partnership designed to optimize Heirs Energy's capital structure and unlock critical liquidity to support its working capital requirements as it pursues its ambitious field development program. The investment is expected to significantly transform Nigeria's domestic energy capacity as demand rises. This collaboration comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, a nation grappling with increased energy demands and…

U.S. Diplomatic Recall Impacts Relations with Africa Amid Trump Administration's Policies In a sweeping diplomatic maneuver, the Trump administration has recalled dozens of U.S. diplomats from posts around the world, with significant ramifications for relationships in Africa. Among the envoys affected are diplomats from 13 African nations, including key countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, and Senegal. This directive mandates that these ambassadors vacate their posts by mid-January 2026, a move that raises eyebrows amid…

U.S. Congressional Delegation Visits Nigeria, Rules Out Military Deployment A U.S. Congressional delegation that recently visited Nigeria to assess the country's security situation has ruled out the possibility of deploying American troops to the West African nation. The lawmakers stated that Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) is aimed at encouraging diplomatic reforms rather than invoking military intervention. "It is unacceptable that anyone—Muslim or Christian—is experiencing this level of…

Nigerian Authorities Secure Release of Remaining Schoolchildren Abducted in Niger State Nigerian authorities have announced the successful release of the final 130 schoolchildren and staff abducted from St. Mary's Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger state, effectively bringing an end to one of the country’s most harrowing mass kidnappings. The ordeal began on November 21, when more than 250 individuals were taken during a brazen attack. Earlier this month, about 100 children had been freed, and 50 were reported to…

The Excitement Builds as AFCON 2023 Kicks Off in Morocco As teams begin to arrive in Morocco for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. The tournament, which kicks off this weekend, will see the hosts take on Comoros in a highly anticipated opening match that promises to set the tone for a month filled with thrilling football. A Month of Football Rivalries This year’s AFCON features 24 nations, divided into six gripping groups, each showcasing intense rivalries that…

Ghana Seeks Extradition of Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta The Ghanaian government has formally transmitted an extradition request to the United States Department of Justice for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. This development marks a significant chapter in the country's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, reflecting a renewed focus on accountability in public office. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Ghana's Attorney General and Minister for Justice, announced that the request follows an intensive investigation…