West Africa

Guinea-Bissau's Transitional Leadership Guinea-Bissau witnessed a significant change in leadership as Gen. Horta Nta Na Man was sworn in as the transitional president. This follows a military-led coup that ousted the nation's elected leader, creating yet another chapter in the country's political unrest. The military, calling itself "The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order," announced the coup. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was deposed, causing political disruption. The coup unfolded just before…

African Union Condemns Guinea-Bissau Military Coup Amid Electoral Unrest The African Union (AU) has issued a strong condemnation of the November 26 military coup in Guinea-Bissau, occurring just as the nation was poised to announce the results of Sunday’s presidential election. This sudden upheaval has raised significant concerns about the stability and democratic processes in the West African nation. In a statement released shortly after the coup, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the…

Guinea-Bissau Military Takes Control Amidst Political Turmoil In a dramatic political shift, Guinea-Bissau's military has asserted control over the nation, halting the electoral process and closing borders. This move follows recent national elections marred by unrest. Military declared control after gunfire near the presidential palace. Borders sealed and media programming suspended. General Denis N'Canha cited threats from national drug lords. Power Shift Led by Military Forces General Denis N'Canha…

Nigeria Declares Security Emergency Amid Rising Kidnappings Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a sweeping security emergency in response to a recent surge in large-scale abductions across the country. The government is taking significant measures to combat the crisis. Deployment of additional security forces to affected areas Immediate recruitment of more military and police personnel Focus on improving security in schools and vulnerable regions National Response to Abductions The recent abductions…

Nestlé Denies Claims of High Sugar Content in African Baby Foods Nestlé has firmly denied allegations that its baby food products sold across Africa contain higher levels of added sugar compared to those marketed in Europe. This response comes in light of a report indicating that over 90% of its Cerelac baby food products available in 20 African nations reportedly contain added sugars, often exceeding levels found in similar products sold in Europe. Despite the availability of sugar-free versions in European markets, the…

US Special Forces and Puntland State counterterrorism units on Wednesday carried out a coordinated raid on an ISIS hideout in Somalia’s Balade Valley, unleashing hours of gunfire and precision drone strikes that killed a senior commander and several militants, according to security sources. The joint operation inserted dozens of US troops by MH-60 helicopters and used MQ-9 Reaper drones to hit targets across the Habarbakuuje and Mareero areas of the valley, where intelligence indicated a fortified base was housing 10 to 15…

Ever-increasing security challenges in Nigeria, such as the mass school abductions of hundreds of students and staff in Kebbi and Niger states, have sparked national outrage and urgent calls for action. These tragic incidents have not only highlighted the vulnerabilities of educational institutions but also raised pressing questions about the government's ability to protect its citizens. The Kebbi civil society coalition condemned the abductions as direct attacks on education, a fundamental right for all children. Their…

Puntland State police officer and rickshaw driver killed in Garowe crash; presidential guard arrested after attempting to flee GAROWE, Somalia — A Puntland State police officer and a rickshaw driver were killed late Monday in a collision in central Garowe involving a vehicle driven by a presidential guard reported to be a close relative of the Puntland State president, authorities said. The crash occurred around 11 p.m. when the guard’s vehicle struck a rickshaw, according to a statement from the Puntland State Police…

Somali prime minister heads to Morocco for Medays International Forum MOGADISHU — Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre departed Tuesday morning for Morocco to attend the 17th Medays International Forum, where he is expected to outline Somalia’s priorities and the government’s agenda on security and governance as the annual gathering convenes leaders and experts from more than 120 countries. Hosted under the patronage of the King of Morocco, Medays will run Nov. 26–29 under the theme “Fractures and Polarization: Reinventing…

West Africa Media and Development Conference Kicks Off in Abuja The third edition of the West Africa Media and Development Conference (MDC 3.0) is underway in Abuja, bringing together approximately 300 journalists, policymakers, researchers, diplomats, and technology leaders from across more than a dozen African countries. In his opening remarks at the conference on Monday, Dapo Olorunyomi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES,…