The distinguished police officer, who previously served as the first female Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), will speak on the theme “The Role of Women Leaders in Promoting Integrity in Public Life in the Era of AI”.

This year’s conference is under the theme “Deploying Artificial Intelligence in the Fight Against Corruption in Commonwealth Africa”.

The 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa is being held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The conference which began on May 4, 2026 will come to a close on May 8, 2026.

It is being hosted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC).

The event aims to strengthen institutional integrity and share best practices to combat corruption, focusing on collaboration across Commonwealth countries.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC) is an independent Cameroonian public body established on March 11, 2006, dedicated to fighting corruption through prevention, education, and investigation. Based in Yaoundé, it acts as a specialized focal point for anti-corruption strategies, conducting nationwide campaigns to promote integrity, particularly in education and public sectors.

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Mali’s army chief of staff, General Oumar Diarra, will serve as a minister delegate for defence, said the report, which described the move as a “strategic decision ​coming in a security context that remains sensitive.”

The simultaneous attacks beginning on the morning of April 25 showed how fighters from different groups ​with different goals were able to strike at the ​heart of the West African country’s military government, which took power after ‌coups ⁠in 2020 and 2021.

Sadio Camara, the former defence minister who was instrumental in forging stronger ties with Russia, was killed when a car laden with explosives driven by ​a suicide attacker ​drove into ⁠his residence, the government has previously said.

The attacks set off fighting across Mali’s vast ​desert north, raising the prospect of significant gains ​by ⁠armed groups that have shown an increasing willingness to strike neighbouring countries and, analysts say, could eventually set their sights ⁠further ​afield.

Malian authorities are investigating soldiers suspected ​of involvement in the attacks, a judicial official said on Friday.

The applicants are the first under a new Nigerian government-assisted repatriation scheme, the minister said on Sunday, amid fears that confrontations in ​South Africa could escalate.

Protesters held rallies in Pretoria and Johannesburg ​last week, demanding tougher action against illegal immigration, saying ⁠undocumented foreign nationals were putting pressure on jobs, security and public ​services. Migrant-rights groups say foreigners are often scapegoated for South Africa’s economic ​problems.

Nigeria condemns the violence against its citizens in South Africa, including the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly assaulted by security officials, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, a spokesperson ​for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday.

“Nigeria seeks full ​cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and relevant case files, and in ‌facilitating ⁠access to legal processes for the families of the deceased,” Ebienfa said, adding that accountability should include “appropriate disciplinary and prosecutorial action” where wrongdoing is established.

South Africa last month promised to crack down on ​anyone carrying out xenophobic attacks ​after Ghana ⁠and other African countries reported that their nationals had faced violence and discrimination.

More protests were planned on ​May 4 and May 8 and Nigeria would ​be watching ⁠developments closely, the government said.

It had already summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja over the situation, and its diplomatic missions in South ⁠Africa ​are working with local authorities to reduce ​risks to Nigerians, the foreign minister said.

The police stated on Sunday that landslides were reported in Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Kiambu counties in the country’s central and eastern regions. They confirmed that 18 lives had been lost to these incidents and urged caution amid the challenging weather conditions.

Mudslides are impacting “multiple families, displacing households, and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure”, the police said, warning residents living in landslide-prone or flood-affected areas to be careful.

It’s unclear how many people have been displaced.

Reports from local media show streets in the capital city, Nairobi, overflowing with water as cars and pedestrians wade through the deluge.

Traders in the city’s Makongeni and Ruai neighbourhoods staged protests on Sunday over the poor state of roads amid the rains, saying it was affecting their businesses.

Weather authorities earlier on Friday warned that the rains posed health risks in the form of waterborne diseases, and that damage to crops and farmland across the country was likely.

This is the second time in less than two months that parts of Kenya are seeing deadly floods. In March, floodwaters swelled to the brim in parts of Nairobi, killing at least 37 people.

The East African country is currently experiencing its seasonal March to May rain season, which usually peaks in the first half of May. However, experts have long warned that human-induced climate change is exacerbating weather conditions in Kenya and other East African countries.

“Across African cities, water extremes, too much during intense rains and too little during droughts, are driving increasingly severe impacts,” Fruzsina Straus, head of Disaster Risk Reduction for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said in a brief last week, adding that “cities must adapt rapidly to this new water volatility”.

The reptile suspected to have eaten the missing man had already been killed, but Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter said it was still a nerve-wracking experience.

“The sharp end of a crocodile is not the best place to approach it,” he told the News24 website.

After Potgieter had used a rope to secure the animal, both were hoisted away from the Komati River in the north-east of the country.

DNA tests will now be carried out to confirm if the remains are those of the missing man.

His car had become stranded attempting to cross a low bridge in the flooded river last week. By the time the police got to the scene, it was empty, leading them to suspect he had been swept away by the water, Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo told the national broadcaster, SABC.

The authorities used drones and helicopters in the search mission and noticed a small island where a number of crocodiles were basking in the sun, recounted Potgieter, commander of a police diving unit.

He said that, based on years of experience, they could tell that one of the animals had recently eaten.

“Besides having a massively full tummy, he didn’t move around or try to slip into the river despite the noise of the drones and the chopper,” he told News24.

The reptile was then killed before Potgieter embarked on what police described as the “highly dangerous and complex operation” to recover it.

The massive crocodile, measuring 4.5m (15ft) and weighing 500kg (1,100lb), was then flown to the nearby Kruger National Park, where human remains were discovered inside its intestines.

Potgieter said that, in addition to the body parts, six different types of shoes were found. He said this could indicate it had killed other people, but not necessarily: “A crocodile will eat or swallow anything.”

South Africa’s acting police chief, Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane, praised Potgieter for his bravery.

He insists that justice must first be served before any funeral arrangements proceed.

Speaking on JoyNews PM Express on Wednesday, he revealed that Ghana has demanded a full investigation into the killing, which officials say was initially treated as a routine criminal incident.

“So the current xenophobic actions that are going on, nobody has lost their lives. The statistics are there; they’ve given it to us,” he said, addressing broader concerns about the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa.

He, however, confirmed a specific case involving a Ghanaian man found dead in East London.

“In fact, there was a story going round about a Ghanaian who had lost his life in East London… we went there yesterday on the instructions of the Foreign Affairs Minister,” he said.

Mr Quarshie disclosed that initial findings showed the victim was killed in a violent robbery.

“We got to find out that the gentleman was stabbed to death by armed robbers, and it happened three weeks ago,” he said. “They just left his body there, and we only got to know after three weeks.”

He said Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has since demanded action. “The Foreign Affairs Minister has officially asked them to open an investigation,” he noted.

According to him, Ghanaian officials moved quickly to prevent what they described as premature disposal of the body.

“In fact, they wanted to mass-bury the gentleman, but the Minister again gave instructions that the gentleman should not be buried until a full investigation is completed,” he said.

He stressed that Ghana’s position is firm: “until we know who killed him, why he was killed, and compensation given to his family.”

Mr Quarshie added that the deceased’s family has been traced in Ghana.

“The family has been identified in Ghana. We’ve spoken to them,” he said, describing the situation as deeply distressing. “It has been a difficult one for them, because this is a breadwinner in the family.”https://www.youtube.com/embed/oeBxpk-F1ow?si=RL_ypcAr4MyE-FwH

He also highlighted the emotional toll of the killing. “When you hear the story as to how they killed him, it’s really, really pathetic,” he said.

The High Commissioner warned that Ghana will no longer tolerate delays or silence in such cases.

“I’m sure that the era of Ghanaians or any other person being killed, and South African authorities just brushing it aside… I think that era is over,” he said.

He pledged to continue pressuring authorities to ensure accountability.

“We will ensure there’s accountability. Will account for every single individual, be it Ghanaian, be it any African person,” he said. “When we get to know it, until justice is done, we will not stop.”

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express with Evans Mensah, he said, “So the current xenophobic actions that are going on, nobody has lost their lives.”

His comments come amid heightened tensions and circulating reports online suggesting that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have been targeted and killed in parts of South Africa.

Mr Quarshie said official data available to the mission contradicts those claims. “The statistics are there; they’ve given it to us,” he stated.

He addressed a specific viral case involving a Ghanaian man reportedly killed in East London, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In fact, there was a story going round about a Ghanaian who had lost his life in East London… We went there yesterday on the instructions of the Foreign Affairs Minister,” he explained.

According to him, investigations revealed the death was unrelated to xenophobic violence. “We got to find out that the gentleman was stabbed to death by armed robbers, and it happened three weeks ago,” he said.

He disclosed that the case came to the authorities’ attention only weeks later.

“They just left his body there, and we only got to know after three weeks that the citizen had been stabbed to death,” he added.

The envoy said the Ghanaian government has since intervened at the highest level. “The Foreign Affairs Minister has officially asked them to open an investigation,” he noted.

He revealed that steps have been taken to ensure due process, including halting an attempted burial.

“In fact, they wanted to mass-bury the gentleman, but the Minister again gave instructions that the gentleman should not be buried until a full investigation is completed,” he said.

He stressed that authorities are seeking clarity and justice. “Until we know who killed him, why he was killed, and compensation given to his family,” he stated.

Mr Quarshie confirmed that the victim’s family in Ghana has been identified and contacted. “We’ve spoken to them. It has been a difficult one for them, because this is the breadwinner in the family,” he said.

Describing the circumstances of the killing, he added, “When you hear the story as to how they killed him, it’s really, really pathetic.”

Despite the incident, he maintained that it should not be conflated with xenophobic violence.

He also signalled a shift in how such cases are handled.

“But I’m sure that the era of Ghanaians or any other person being killed, and South African authorities just brushing it aside… that era is over,” he said.

He pledged sustained action from Ghana’s diplomatic mission.

“We would ensure there’s accountability. Will account for every single individual, be it Ghanaian, be it any African person,” he stated.

“Until justice is done, we will not stop,” he added.

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The warning follows reports and viral videos of xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in parts of the country.

In a statement issued on behalf of the High Commissioner, Benjamin Anani Quashie, the mission urged Ghanaian nationals to prioritise their safety.

“I urge everyone to continue exercising heightened vigilance and to place the highest priority on personal safety during this period,” the statement said.

The High Commission also advised Ghanaian shop owners to temporarily close their businesses and avoid protest areas.

“Shop owners are strongly encouraged to close their businesses for the day and avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place,” it noted.

Ghanaians were further cautioned against participating in any gatherings that could turn confrontational.

“Please refrain from participating in public gatherings that could escalate into confrontation,” the statement added.

It also encouraged nationals to keep a low profile and act with discretion, both in public and online, including avoiding the sharing of content that could be seen as provocative.

The High Commission said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as developments unfold.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, April 27, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with the Government and people of Mali following the deadly assaults on multiple military installations, including locations in the capital, Bamako.

“Violent extremism must have no place in our world, and we must step up collective efforts to end this horror,” the statement noted.

The attacks, which targeted several strategic sites, are reported to have resulted in multiple casualties, including senior military officials and civilians. General Sadio Camara, a key figure in Mali’s military leadership, is said to be among those killed.

The incident marks one of the most significant security developments in the Sahel in recent months, where extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS continue to operate amid ongoing political instability.

In response to the deteriorating situation, the Foreign Ministry has advised Ghanaian traders and transport operators who ply the Mali route to suspend their activities temporarily.

“As the Government of Mali takes necessary actions to control the situation, Ghanaian traders and drivers who ply the route for trading activities are advised to suspend movements until further notice,” the statement added.

The Ministry also urged Ghanaians currently residing in Mali to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain in close contact with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Bamako.

It further indicated that authorities are closely monitoring developments and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of citizens abroad, stressing that their security and well-being remain a top priority, while assuring that updates will be provided as the situation evolves.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, April 26, the regional bloc described the coordinated assaults as heinous, warning that they highlight the growing threat posed by extremist groups to peace, security, and stability across West Africa.

Reports indicate that Mali’s Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, was among those killed during the attacks on military installations nationwide.

ECOWAS expressed grave concern over the persistent insecurity in the region, stressing that instability in Mali has wider implications for neighbouring countries.

“These heinous acts demonstrate once again the barbaric nature of the perpetrators who continue to threaten peace, security, and stability in the West African sub-region as a whole,” the statement said.

The organisation called for urgent and coordinated action, urging member states, security agencies, and citizens across the sub-region to unite in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

“ECOWAS calls on all states, security forces, regional mechanisms, and populations of West Africa to unite and mobilise in a coordinated effort to combat this scourge,” it added.

The bloc also extended condolences to the families of victims and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Mali.

Mali has faced prolonged insecurity since 2012, with terrorist activities persisting despite interventions by international forces, including the United Nations peacekeeping mission and French-led operations.

ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to working with Mali and other member states to pursue lasting solutions to the region’s security challenges.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, April 25, Mr Quashie revealed that he had been summoned by South African officials who assured him of their commitment to addressing the situation.

“Yesterday, I was summoned by the South African authorities, and they told us they know the people behind these acts, and they will go to great lengths against them,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that the South African government has expressed regret over the incidents and pledged to investigate the attacks.

According to him, the assurance followed diplomatic engagements after viral videos surfaced showing harassment involving Ghanaian nationals.

Mr Ablakwa noted that Ghana has strongly condemned the attacks and continues to engage South African authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens.

He added that discussions with his South African counterpart underscored the need for swift action to prevent a recurrence, stressing that Ghana expects firm measures to protect the rights and dignity of foreign nationals.

Zambian journalist and digital creator Lilian Chipeso and Ghanaian content creator Goshers captured attention during the widely discussed Ghana–Zambia fufu saga.

What started as lighthearted banter about food and culture quickly gained traction across social media, drawing in audiences from both countries and beyond.

For Lilian, a communications professional and storyteller, the journey to Ghana became more than just a visit it was an opportunity to experience firsthand the culture she had been engaging with online. Her arrival in Accra was met with excitement, reflecting the strong connection she had built with audiences even before setting foot in the country.

Goshers, whose influence helped shape the narrative, emphasized the intention behind the viral moment:

“Everything started during the Ghana–Zambia fufu saga… But when the banter started heading towards division, I knew I had to find a way to bring people together and remind everyone that, after all, it was just banter . we are still one people.”

That message has become the defining theme of their story turning what could have divided into something that unites.

During her stay in Ghana, Lilian was hosted at the Groove Essipong Hotel, where she experienced a blend of comfort and hospitality that complemented her cultural journey.

The hotel’s serene environment and attentive service provided the perfect space for rest and reflection amidst a busy schedule of media appearances and engagements. It also offered a quiet reminder of Ghana’s growing appeal as a destination for both leisure and cultural exchange.

Her time in Ghana, from media tours to cultural immersion, further strengthened the bond between her and Goshers moving their connection beyond screens into a shared real-life experience that resonated with many.

Their story, now amplified on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, goes beyond viral fame. It highlights how digital platforms can foster meaningful connections, reshape narratives, and promote unity across borders.

In a time when differences are often amplified, Lilian Chipeso and Goshers have offered a refreshing perspective, one that celebrates shared identity, mutual respect, and the simple truth that, despite it all, we remain one people.

Local officials reported that the gunmen arrived at approximately 4:00 p.m. local time (15:00 GMT/Ghana time) and operated with near impunity for several hours. The assault marks a significant escalation in the 17-year insurgency that continues to destabilise Africa’s most populous nation. Despite numerous military campaigns, extremist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain capable of overwhelming local defences.

Lethal Incursion in Pubagu

The village of Pubagu, situated in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, suffered the highest casualty count with 11 residents confirmed dead. For many, the violence was a shocking departure from the community’s history of relative peace. Mwada Saidu Uba, the local council chairman, noted the unexpected nature of the violence. “Pubagu is one of the locations in our council area that had never suffered such an attack until yesterday,” he stated following the funerals of those killed.

Eyewitnesses in Pubagu detailed a relentless onslaught that lasted over an hour. One survivor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the indiscriminate nature of the violence. “Yesterday evening, the terrorists stormed our community in Pubagu. They shot sporadically for hours, burning houses and shops. They killed both men and women after operating for over one hour,” the source said. Usman Rumirgo, a local ward official, confirmed that assailants set several houses ablaze before fleeing, leaving two survivors critically injured.

Assault on Mayo-Ladde

Simultaneously, the attackers crossed into Adamawa State to strike the community of Mayo-Ladde in the Hong Local Government Area. In this secondary location, nine people were killed as the gunmen exploited the porous border between the two states. Like the raid in Borno, the militants focused on the destruction of infrastructure and the seizure of vital resources.

The humanitarian impact of the raid was immediate and devastating. In addition to the loss of life, the militants engaged in systematic destruction of property and essential resources, including the looting of food supplies. Mada Saidu, the chairman of Askira-Uba district, provided a grim assessment of the total scale of the tragedy. “In total, we have 20 deaths, 11 from Askira Uba in Borno, nine from Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa,” Saidu confirmed.

Condemnation and Allegations of War Crimes

The international community has reacted with sharp condemnation to the scale of the atrocities. Amnesty International released a statement strongly condemning the “vicious and unlawful attack,” noting that in addition to the loss of life, Boko Haram militants targeted places of worship and private residences. The organisation emphasised that the deliberate killing of non-combatants represents a grave violation of international law.

“Such horrific killing of civilians by Boko Haram once again demonstrates its brazen disregard for life,” the human rights group stated. “These killings specifically targeting civilians amount to war crimes, and perpetrators must be swiftly brought to justice.” Amnesty further asserted that the consistent targeting of civilians is “unacceptable and must end,” calling for a shift in accountability for the insurgent group’s 17-year campaign of terror.

Military Counter-Offensive and Recent Gains

Following the raids on Pubagu and Mayo-Ladde, the Nigerian military launched a series of high-stakes counter-offensives. In the early hours of April 23, 2026, troops from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully repelled a major terrorist assault at the Kukareta location. Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, reported that the engagement lasted three hours and resulted in a “disorderly withdrawal” of the insurgent forces.

The military reported that 24 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter. Troops also recovered a significant cache of weaponry, including 18 AK-47 rifles, multiple machine guns, anti-aircraft guns, and mortar tubes. While two personnel were wounded and an armoured tank sustained damage, the military characterised the operation as a decisive success. “This successful operation highlights the resilience, combat readiness and fire superiority of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action,” Uba stated, adding that exploitation operations are ongoing to recover additional equipment along withdrawal routes marked by blood trails.

Federal Government and Military Response

In response to the surge in violence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated the State House commiserated with the people of Borno and Adamawa. The President characterised the raids as “final, desperate, and frantic attempts” by terrorist elements to spread fear in the face of sustained military pressure. “We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be,” Tinubu stated, noting that he has directed security chiefs to move to the region to take direct charge of the situation.

The Nigerian Armed Forces have signalled a simultaneous escalation in counter-terrorism operations, deploying additional troops to the Askira-Uba axis. A spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the army is currently conducting intelligence-led missions to locate the motorcycle-mounted units responsible for the raids. To sustain this momentum, the federal government announced the approval of advanced equipment and operational support to enhance the capabilities of frontline troops stationed in these high-risk “theatres” of conflict.

Despite these strategic gains, the vulnerability of remote hubs remains a critical concern. Mada Saidu noted that when the initial attacks began, local security groups were quickly outmatched. “I later went there together with the army. Initially, it was local security that was there, that is, hunters and vigilantes. But they were overpowered by the terrorists,” Saidu said. This pattern highlights the ongoing difficulty the Nigerian government faces in securing vast rural landscapes against mobile, highly motivated insurgent cells that expertly exploit security gaps.

Regional Instability and Emerging Threats

This latest wave of violence is emblematic of a broader surge in extremist activity across the northeast. Just days prior, on April 16, Boko Haram militants killed four soldiers and a civilian woman in the Mussa community in Askira Uba, highlighting the persistent danger to both military personnel and civilians. Beyond the established presence of Boko Haram and ISWAP, the region now faces emerging threats from the IS-linked Lakurawa and various bandit ggroups specialisingin kidnapping and illegal mining. “Vulnerable rural communities regularly come under fire from Islamic extremists and bandits who take advantage of Nigeria’s vast rural areas and security gaps,” officials observed.

Humanitarian Crisis and Strategic Outlook

The long-standing conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced at least 2 million people, creating a humanitarian crisis that aid organisations struggle to contain. As the two critically injured victims from the recent raids receive treatment at a nearby hospital, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the limitations of local vigilante groups against well-armed insurgents. The recurring violence underscores a complex security dilemma where the state must balance the protection of remote agricultural hubs with the pursuit of highly mobile militant factions. To prevent further erosion of authority, a more robust and proactive presence is required to shield these isolated border communities from the shifting frontlines of the 17-year conflict.

The Acting High Commissioner was invited by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to formally convey Ghana’s strong concern over alleged intimidation and harassment targeting foreigners, including Ghanaians, as captured in widely circulated social media videos.

In a press release issued on April 23, the Minister cited a specific incident in KwaZulu-Natal Province, where a Ghanaian resident was reportedly confronted, asked to produce proof of legal status, and told to leave South Africa and “fix his country.” He described such actions as conduct that undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding individuals.

The statement further noted that although no fatalities or injuries have been recorded in the current incidents, similar occurrences in the past have led to loss of lives and property, underscoring the need for swift intervention to prevent escalation.

Mr Ablakwa also highlighted the long-standing relationship between Ghana and South Africa, recalling Ghana’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle as a symbol of enduring solidarity.

“Unprovoked harassment of foreign nationals is contrary to the principles of African unity and peaceful coexistence,” he stressed.

The government has since lodged a formal protest, calling for urgent measures to ensure the protection of Ghanaian nationals, prevent further incidents, and guarantee that such situations do not recur.

In response, Mr Dthamba assured that the South African government is taking the matter seriously and has initiated steps to restore calm.

He added that law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent violence and ensure accountability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ghanaians abroad, indicating that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities will continue.

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However, commission chairman Mohamed Chande Othman did not say who was responsible for the deaths and recommended further investigations.

Opposition parties and human rights groups had previously accused the security forces of unleashing a brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the 29 October poll with 98% of the vote – which the opposition described as a “mockery” of democracy.

At the time, the president said the election was fair and transparent and blamed foreigners for the violence saying it was part of a plot to overthrow her.

International observers, however, last year raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the vote, with the African Union and the southern Africa bloc Sadc saying the election had fallen short of democratic standards.

Last year, the BBC verified multiple videos of police shooting towards groups of protesters. Footage posted online showed that demonstrators were confronted by heavily armed police units blocking their progress and firing tear gas to disperse crowds. In many of the videos, gunfire can clearly be heard as people scatter in the ensuing chaos.

The scale of Tanzania’s election violence was shocking for a nation that had cultivated an image of calm, consensus and order for nearly six decades.

Speaking after receiving the report on the violence, Samia said it “shook our nation” and the government would take lessons from it.

She also defended the actions of the security agencies, saying they had prevented the state from sliding into anarchy.

“We have learnt. The commission has told us that all the violence was planned coordinated, financed and executed by people who were trained and given equipment for committing crimes,” she said.

She believed that the objective of those involved was “to create a leadership vacuum” and make the country “ungovernable”, adding that they would be held accountable.

The main opposition party, Chadema, told the AFP news agency that the report was a “cover-up” and described it as “an attempt to whitewash the regime’s crimes”.

This is the first time the authorities have said how many people died.

Among the 518 dead, 490 were male, 21 were children and 16 were security officers, Othman said, adding that 197 had died from shotgun wounds.

But he explained that the death toll could be higher as some victims had been buried without the authorities being told.

More than 2,000 people were injured, including 120 security officers, he added.

Opposition and religious groups had said thousands of people were killed, with reports of bodies being taken from hospitals and some allegedly buried in mass graves.

Othman said the claims of the existence of mass graves “could not be substantiated”, alleging that AI was used to manipulate some images.

The commission identified several underlying causes of the violence, citing economic, political and social issues, including demands for political reforms, unemployment and “lack of patriotism”.

It said politicians and activists used these issues to persuade citizens to take part in protests. It added that the demonstrations were neither peaceful nor lawful and would not qualify for legal protection.

After the nine‑member commission was appointed by President Samia, opposition parties had raised concerns.

They said the inquiry “cannot be independent or impartial, especially in a situation where the government is the primary suspect in the crimes being investigated”.

The commission had a mandate to determine the root causes of the violence, who was involved and for what purpose.

It was also tasked with examining the consequences of the unrest, the response to it and make recommendations on the way forward.

It collected evidence from across the country from ordinary citizens, victims, political leaders and security agencies. Some of its sessions were held in private.

The protests started in Dar es Salaam on 29 October and spread across the country over the following days.

The demonstrations were largely organised by young people angered by what they saw as a political system dominated by one party since Tanzania gained independence in the 1960s.

The two main opposition leaders were blocked from contesting the poll. Tundu Lissu is still in detention on treason charges, which he denies, while Luhaga Mpina’s candidacy was rejected on technical grounds.

The commission made several recommendations including free medical treatment and psychosocial support for victims and that a national day of mourning be set aside in honour of those who died.

It also proposed setting up a commission of criminal inquiry to determine who is to be held accountable.

Besides, it recommends that a new constitution should be in place by 2028, before the next general election, as well as a new commission to foster reconciliation.

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Speaking on Badwam on Adom TV, he urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to summon the South African High Commissioner in Ghana.

According to him, the situation requires urgent attention at the diplomatic level to address concerns surrounding the treatment of Africans, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.

“With immediate effect, the South African High Commissioner in Ghana should be summoned by the Foreign Minister to address this issue,” he insisted.

He stressed that engaging the High Commissioner would provide an opportunity for Ghana to formally register its concerns, seek clarification on the matter, and find solutions to the issue.

Collins Adomako-Mensah added that swift action by the Foreign Ministry would demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring mutual respect among African nations.

The demonstration, scheduled to take place between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., is being organised by local South Africans who claim that foreigners are taking over jobs meant for citizens.

Chairman of the Ghanaian community in Mthatha, Yirenyi Gyekye Darko, said he has been in touch with local police, who have assured him that the protest will be peaceful and well monitored.

“I spoke to one of the station commanders, and he confirmed that there will be a peaceful demonstration. The police are taking precautionary measures to ensure everything remains under control,” he said in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.

Despite these assurances, Dr. Darko has advised members of the Ghanaian community to remain cautious and prioritise their safety.

“We have asked our people to stay indoors and not open their shops until about midday, when the situation is expected to normalise,” he stated.

He explained that the protest is being driven by demands for the South African government to prioritise employment for its citizens, amid claims that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Zimbabweans, are taking up local jobs.

“The demonstrators are calling for priority to be given to South Africans. Their main concern is that foreigners have taken their jobs,” he added.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Mr Ablakwa said he initiated a telephone conversation with the South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation to address the disturbing incidents and coordinate an official response.

“I called him on the trending videos about Ghanaians coming under extremely disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” he stated.

According to Mr Ablakwa, the South African government has expressed concern and assured Ghana of swift action.

“The South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised full-scale investigations into the depressing incidents,” he said.

He further disclosed that authorities in South Africa are expected to brief African ambassadors as part of efforts to address the situation and reassure affected countries.

Mr Ablakwa also confirmed that he has been in constant communication with Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, to coordinate Ghana’s response.

“I am also able to confirm that since yesterday, I have been in constant contact with Ghana’s High Commissioner in South Africa… coordinating our response,” he noted.

He revealed that Ghana’s diplomatic mission has already located one of the victims captured in the viral footage and is providing consular support.

“I am gladdened that so far, colleagues in our diplomatic mission have located the main victim in the viral video and are offering consular assistance. He is doing very well,” he added.

The Minister assured that no Ghanaian fatalities have been recorded in connection with the incident and urged the public to remain calm.

“No Ghanaian life has been lost. We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he said.

Reaffirming government’s commitment, Mr Ablakwa stressed that the administration remains resolute in protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.

He also called for unity across the continent, cautioning against actions that could undermine Pan-African solidarity.

“May these regrettable incidents never quench our Pan-African love and solidarity… we shall not be divided by the hatred of a few fringe elements,” he added.

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The engagement follows renewed efforts by both nations to establish a framework for long-term collaboration, including a proposed parliamentary cooperation arrangement aimed at delivering mutual economic benefits.

A delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone is currently in Ghana for the discussions, which bring together officials from both countries to explore opportunities across key sectors.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khadija Iddrisu, welcomed the Sierra Leonean delegation and urged the joint committee to produce practical and impactful outcomes.

She emphasised the importance of the engagement, encouraging members to ensure their deliberations result in strong, actionable recommendations that will benefit both countries.

The formation of the joint committee stems from recent high-level engagements between President John Dramani Mahama and his Sierra Leonean counterpart, during which both leaders signalled their commitment to establishing permanent cooperation.

As part of the proposed collaboration, Ghana is expected to offer expertise in the cocoa sector, while Sierra Leone will contribute its strengths in other areas of the economy.

The Sierra Leonean delegation, led by Alance Logan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed optimism about the partnership.

He commended Ghana for its economic progress and noted that the collaboration would create opportunities for shared growth.

“We are happy to partner with Ghana. With Ghana’s rich experience in the cocoa sector and other areas, we believe this cooperation will be mutually beneficial,” he said.

The ongoing discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for a stronger economic partnership between the two West African nations.

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Malema’s lawyer said he would be appealing against the decision to prevent the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from being taken into custody. The length of the sentence could also see the 45-year-old disqualified as a Member of Parliament.

Standing in court in a dark suit and red tie, Malema showed little emotion as the magistrate read out the sentence.

Last year, he was convicted of five offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a weapon in a public space, and reckless endangerment.

The charges relate to an incident in 2018 when a video emerged showing Malema firing several shots into the air with a semi-automatic rifle during his party’s fifth anniversary celebrations in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province.

In his defence, Malema told the court the firearm was not his and that he fired the shots to rouse the crowd, South African news site SowetanLIVE reported at the time.

After being found guilty last October, Malema told supporters outside the court in East London that “going to prison or death is a badge of honour.”

“We cannot be scared of prison [or] to die for the revolution. Whatever they want to do, they must know we will never retreat.”

He also vowed to challenge the judgment up to South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court.

Malema’s prosecution came after Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, which has a contentious relationship with him and the EFF, opened a case following the viral video.

The visit comes shortly after President Mahama launched his flagship Free Primary Healthcare Programme in Dodowa on Wednesday, April 15.

He is expected to join a number of African leaders and senior officials at Thursday morning’s ceremony, which formally ushers in President Sassou N’Guesso’s new term in office.

The visit is also seen as part of Ghana’s broader effort to deepen diplomatic and economic relations across the continent, particularly with countries in Central Africa.

President Mahama is scheduled to return to Accra later the same day after the ceremony.

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The country has not had a top envoy in the US since Ebrahim Rasool was expelled last year after he accused President Donald Trump of trying to “project white victimhood as a dog whistle”.

This worsened already strained relations between the two nations, which took a downward spiral after Trump’s return to office last year.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed Meyer’s appointment to the BBC, saying it would be “immediate”.

“I can confirm that President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the US,” he said.

Meyer, 78, played a key role as one of the chief mediators, alongside Ramaphosa, during the talks to end the racist system of white-minority rule known as apartheid in South Africa in the 1990s.

He was the chief representative of the National Party, which introduced apartheid, while Ramaphosa represented the African National Congress (ANC) led by Nelson Mandela.

During that period, the two enjoyed a fishing trip together and would eventually form a lifelong friendship.

Meyer was part of a group of 32 prominent South Africans the president chose last year to guide the national dialogue, a process aimed at addressing the country’s various challenges.

He was constitutional affairs minister in the last apartheid government and went on to join the government of national unity formed in 1994 when Nelson Mandela became president.

He left just two years later and went on to co-found the United Democratic Movement. He later became a member of the ANC.

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At the 2023 Russia-Africa summit, Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso, challenged African leaders when he said, “Why do our heads of state travel the world begging?” About two years later, in September 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, his Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo echoed similar sentiments when he said, “We didn’t come to the United States to beg. We’ve moved beyond the dynamic of holding out our hands.”

The country’s leaders have said at different times that it was shameful for African leaders to keep begging the international community for financial assistance, while frowning on foreign debt as one that undermines sovereignty. Yet, Burkina Faso under Traore is now more indebted and dependent on international aid than before the coup.

Burkina Faso experienced a military coup in January 2022, when Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba ousted President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, citing the government’s failure to contain escalating insecurity and economic strain. A second coup followed in September 2022, bringing Captain Traoré to power. In the aftermath, the military junta pledged to restore security, stabilise the country, and lay the groundwork for economic recovery. It also promised to boost agricultural productivity, improve self-reliance, and create jobs.

However, data from Burkina Faso’s Directorate General of the Treasury and Public Accounting shows that total public debt has been steadily increasing since at least 2021, rising from 5.998 trillion to 8.311 trillion CFA francs as of the second quarter of 2025—a 38.56% increase in four and a half years. According to government projections included in the explanatory memorandum of the 2026 Finance Law, it is expected to reach 8.784 trillion CFA francs by the end of 2025, representing a further increase of 9.4% compared to 2024.

The external share of this debt, which is loans taken from foreign entities, represents 40.3% of the total, or 3.349 trillion FCFA, an increase of 506 billion FCFA since 2021.

Between 2023 and 2024, this external debt increased by 9%, driven mainly by multilateral debt, which now represents 89.4% of the total outstanding external debt.

Domestic debt, representing 59.7% of the total, comprises nearly 80% securities (treasury bills and bonds) issued on the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) sub-regional financial market. It amounted to 4.962 trillion FCFA in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 3.155 trillion FCFA in 2021.

According to the debt bulletin data, the debt linked to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is recorded as domestic debt. Its contributions amounted to 369.21 billion FCFA in the second quarter of 2025.

If international partners were to withdraw funding, “there will likely be shortfalls in wage payments, including those of civil servants,” said Beverly Ochieng, senior analyst at Control Risks, a specialist global risk consultancy. “Social services, particularly education and medicines, are likely to be restricted.”

Ochieng also said it could lead to the introduction of new taxes to cover the shortfalls resulting from any such withdrawal or reduction of foreign aid to Burkina Faso.

Major projects rely on development finance

The Burkinabe government’s data also offers some insights into official development assistance (ODA) received between 2021 and 2024. While bilateral aid has declined, multilateral aid has increased.

Bilateral aid fell from $699.65 million in 2021 to $269.21 million in 2024, a drop of 48.4%, attributed to the departure or suspension of disbursements by some partners, including France. However, this was offset by other sources. Multilateral aid reached its highest level since 2015, when it rose to $1.518 billion in 2024. Contributions from international NGOs have almost doubled, rising from $86.57 million to $157.58 million between 2021 and 2024.

The names of donors are familiar. The World Bank remains Burkina Faso’s largest multilateral contributor, with $632.85 million in 2024, up from $586.3 million in 2023. The United Nations comes in second with $543 million.

These institutions did not simply finance abstract budget lines. Four major projects launched between 2024 and 2026 illustrate the concrete nature of the cooperation in strategic sectors of the country. For the Water Security Project, 91.2 billion FCFA out of 92 billion is financed by the World Bank. There is also the Urban Mobility and Development Project (with 118.93 billion out of 124.8 billion externally funded), the ECOTEC Entrepreneurship Support Project (with 98.98 billion out of 106 billion externally funded), and an economic infrastructure rehabilitation project financed by the Islamic Development Bank. These four projects alone represent more than 440 billion FCFA, almost entirely financed by foreign partners.

The total amount of published ODA is $1.94 billion for 2024, but it could be higher, as data relating to contributions from the Global Fund and the United States were not available when the document was provided.

The situation is compounded by increasing budgetary pressure as debt servicing reached 1.17 trillion FCFA in 2024.

Humanitarian needs hinge on foreign support

The spiral of insecurity that has plagued the country for many years has inevitably increased reliance on external partners to address the challenges. In 2025, according to the UN Resident Coordinator in Burkina Faso, 155 partners mobilised $271.3 million to assist 1.7 million people. For 2026, humanitarian needs are estimated at 735 billion CFA francs, nearly half (364.68 billion) of which is covered by external partners.

Furthermore, in February 2026, Burkina Faso and the United Nations concluded a partnership amounting to 850.2 billion FCFA, of which 645.7 billion was earmarked for agriculture and water.

Data compiled from official Burkinabe sources is clear: international financial flows to Burkina Faso have not stopped. But its leaders continue to trumpet a sovereignty rhetoric that mocks foreign financial assistance in Africa as a whole.

“The historical cooperation between Burkina Faso and other Western donors is the cornerstone of humanitarian aid,” said Ochieng. “And as long as current partners maintain pragmatic and non-confrontational relations with the military government, this active cooperation will remain in place.”

Internal fund mobilisation continues

Authorities in Burkina Faso continue to mobilise more local finance, even if current outcomes have been insufficient to meet the country’s financial obligations and its quest for sovereignty.

Extraction of resources such as gold has been ramped up. According to the Prime Minister in a speech to the National Assembly on January 30, 2026, the country produced a total of 94 tonnes of gold in 2025. In previous years, total production stood at 60.8 tonnes in 2024 and 57.3 tonnes in 2023. In 2021 and 2022, production was 67.1 tonnes and 58.2 tonnes, respectively, according to the Ministry of Mines.

Then there was the Patriotic Support Fund, financed by voluntary contributions, taxes on consumer goods, electronic communications, imported products, and mandatory deductions from salaries, the mining development fund, and other sources.

Between 2023 and the end of 2025, this fund mobilised nearly 500 billion FCFA, exceeding the initial target of 450 billion. “This means that we have internal capabilities that were not sufficiently exploited,” said Finance Minister Aboubacar Nacanabo in February 2026. But this fund is primarily intended for the support of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) and the acquisition of military equipment.

According to Ochieng, Burkina Faso is pursuing its goal of financial autonomy in various ways. “For example, in the mining sector, where the majority of operators are foreign, the country has adopted a policy that facilitates increased participation by local entities, and has allowed local banks to finance the expansion of mining activities,” she said.

For now, though, the country continues to rely on loans and support from international organisations to meet its obligations at home, even though this was not what the current military rulers promised when they said it was time to stop begging for help.

This article was produced with support from the African Academy for Open Source Investigations (AAOSI) and the African Digital Democracy Observatory (ADDO) as part of an initiative by Code for Africa (CfA). Visit https://disinfo.africa/ for more information.

Despite the presence of Russian instructors since April 2024, is Niger truly safer than before?

Ever since the men of Africa Corps set foot on Nigerien soil, the junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani has been lavish in its praise of this new alliance. In official statements, Moscow is now presented as the providential partner, the one stepping in where the West has failed, the one that would honour the country’s sovereignty without humiliating conditions. For example, following the airport attack, General Tiani praised the bravery of the Russian partners, who he said, alongside the Nigerien military, “routed the enemy in the space of twenty minutes”.

And yet, on the ground, armed groups continue to strike. And yet, the contracts remain classified. And yet, no one truly knows what these instructors are doing, or how many of them there are.

The turning point of summer 2023

Everything shifts in July 2023, when the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland overthrows Mohamed Bazoum. The coup does not merely trigger a political crisis, it sets off a sweeping diplomatic avalanche. French soldiers pack their bags and leave. The Americans, for their part, abandon their prized drone base in Agadez, where more than 1,000 American soldiers were deployed at the time of the coup. In March 2024, Niger denounces “with immediate effect” the military cooperation agreement with Washington, deeming it had been “unilaterally imposed”.

Within months, Niger finds itself alone, confronting its own demons: the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara pressing from the west, Boko Haram threatening from the southeast, and a state whose security foundations have just been shaken from within.

It is into this vacuum that Russia moves. On 10 April 2024, the first Africa Corps instructors land in Niamey aboard an Ilyushin-76, with military equipment on board. The outfit, partly heir to the Wagner Group’s methods and doctrine, arrives with a three-part pitch: train Nigerien soldiers, strengthen aerial defence, and improve intelligence capabilities. The programme sounds ambitious. The reality proves far more complicated.

Screenshot of posts on Facebook celebrating the transfer of military equipment to Niger from Russia. The post was copypasted at least 50 times between November 28 and 29, 2024. ‘This important equipment strengthens the defense capabilities of the Republic of Niger and contributes to the consolidation of its sovereignty,’ the report said. Source: CfA through Meta Content Library.

Screenshot of posts on Facebook made in February 2026, reporting the deployment of Russia’s Africa Corps officers alongside the Nigerien army to repel the terrorist attack on Niamey airport. The post was copypasted dozens of times. Source: CfA through Meta Content Library.

Training soldiers, but which ones?

At Niamey’s Air Base 101, training sessions have indeed taken place: drone operation, aerial surveillance, asymmetric warfare tactics, skills the Nigerien armed forces desperately need. Russian technicians are also said to have brought back into service equipment previously acquired but left idle for lack of maintenance.

But therein lies the problem. Of the 100 military instructors deployed in April 2024, military sources cite a gradual return of the majority to operational zones in Ukraine, leaving only around twenty men on the ground, according to the site ActuNiger, Above all, these training programmes remained concentrated in the capital. In the areas where danger is most immediate, the Tillaberi region, the remote stretches of Diffa, Nigerien soldiers still face the same ambushes, with no measurable shift in the dynamics on the ground. According to ACLED, some 1,500 civilians and soldiers died in jihadist attacks from the coup until August 2024, compared to 650 in the year preceding the coup. In 2024, Niger recorded the highest global increase in terrorism-related deaths, with 930 fatalities, a rise of 94%, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2025. Training a handful of battalions in Niamey is simply not enough to alter the face of a war being fought hundreds of kilometres away.

It is precisely this gap between official announcements and field realities that exasperates Moussa Mahamadou, a teacher based in Niamey who has been closely following the security situation for several years. “They talk to us about training, cooperation, and strategic partnership. But I want to see concrete results. Are the people of Tillaberi and Tahoua sleeping better at night? Can the farmers of Diffa go out and tend their fields without fear of being attacked? The answer is no. This cooperation, for now, is nothing but a smokescreen, a political façade that does absolutely nothing to change the daily reality of Nigeriens living under the threat of violence.”

On Monday, December 4, 2023, the Russian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Lunaus-Bek Yevkurov, held fruitful discussions chaired by the Minister of State for National Defence, Lieutenant General Salifou Mody. Photo credit: A Niamey News

A shield for the capital, an illusion for the rest

On the matter of aerial defence, the Russians have delivered concrete results. In less than a month after the arrival of the first instructors, Russia chartered three cargo flights to deliver military equipment to Niamey, radar systems, an anti-aircraft defence platform, and surveillance equipment. The capital is better protected than it once was, according to official narratives.

But that shield stops at the city’s gates. In the border regions, populations have been living in fear for years. According to FEWS NET (October 2025), the Tillaberi region accounts for nearly 60% of the country’s total security incidents, where attacks by the Islamic State in the Sahel and JNIM are most intense and frequent in the far north-west. The Dosso region recorded a 195% increase in security incidents and nearly 600% more deaths in 2025 compared to the previous year. And even Niamey itself is not impregnable. The attack on the airport on 29 January 2026, claimed by the Islamic State, served as a painful and unambiguous reminder: two ASKY civilian aircraft damaged, a munitions stockpile in flames, and satellite imagery showing partially burned areas near the runway.

This geography of protection, everything for the capital, nothing for the periphery, has not gone unnoticed by Adamou Issoufou, an independent analyst specialising in governance and natural resources. In his view, the concentration of security assets around Niamey is no accident whatsoever. “Look at where this equipment is being deployed. Around the capital, around sensitive infrastructure, around strategic corridors. Not in the villages of Tillaberi. Not in Diffa. Why? Because the real objective is to protect the regime and secure access to the country’s mineral wealth. Niger sits atop uranium, oil, and gold.

The Russians did not come here out of idealism. They came to secure a seat at the table. And the junta, in return, gets the guarantee of remaining in power. Ordinary citizens, meanwhile, are nothing more than spectators to this arrangement.”

Intelligence: when promises meet the reality of the Sahel

The third pillar of the partnership, intelligence sharing, is perhaps the most revealing illustration of its underlying fragilities. The episode did not go unnoticed among specialists. In May 2025, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) abruptly terminated technical intelligence cooperation agreements with Russia and Turkey. According to security sources cited by the Zagazola portal, the General Directorate of Documentation and External Security (DGDSE) assessed that “the equipment and operators deployed by both countries did not meet operational standards”, particularly in the domain of telephone interception. This decision forced Niamey to urgently turn to a Moroccan company specialising in communications interception.

The CNSP shocked its Russian partners by cutting short the intelligence cooperation, but promptly signed in 2025, with Mali and Burkina Faso, a regional agreement to use Roscosmos satellite services, Russian high technology for imagery and geolocation, but without Russian agents on the ground.

Alkassoum Tahirou, a merchant long established in Niamey, has a far more direct way of capturing what he feels. His words, delivered with a quiet and settled bitterness, carry the weight of popular wisdom. “Where we come from, we say that one hare has left and another has arrived. France left, Russia came. But both hares are utterly useless to us, the ordinary citizens. Neither one truly cares about our security, our peace, or our social cohesion. These are arrangements made between the powerful. The farmer from my village who can no longer go to market for fear of being attacked, nobody is interested in him. Not Paris, not Moscow, not even Niamey.”

The ghosts of the contract

What does all of this actually cost? No one truly knows. No contract has been made public. No official figures have been released regarding the cost of the equipment delivered or the remuneration of the instructors. And how many of them are there, for that matter? Between 60 and 100 men, according to diplomatic sources, up to 350 according to other estimates. The junta says nothing.

This silence carries a measurable economic cost. According to Africa Defense Forum, the junta has been forced to cut its budget by 40% since the coup, and has accumulated $519 million in arrears on its international debt. The World Bank estimates that Niger’s economic growth in 2024 was 45% lower than it was before the putsch. It is in this context of financial distress that the junta sought, according to analyst Liam Karr of the Institute for the Study of War, “to barter Niger’s natural resources for loans and weapons.”

The most tangible illustration of this opaque barter is the uranium affair. In 2024, the junta revoked the operating licences of Orano, the French company 90% controlled by the state, bringing to an end more than fifty years of nuclear cooperation. By late 2025, according to Le Monde and several French government sources, an agreement valued at an estimated $170 million was reportedly negotiated with Rosatom, the Russian nuclear giant, for the transfer of approximately 1,000 tonnes of uranium yellowcake stockpiled at the Arlit mine.

Niger is the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer. In December 2025, Niger officially signed a memorandum of understanding with Rosatom for the development of new mining sites. This is the probable quid pro quo for a security cooperation whose terms remain unknown.

This silence is far from inconsequential. Specialists in these kinds of security partnerships know all too well that agreements with outfits such as Africa Corps frequently contain deeply uncomfortable clauses, namely legal immunity for foreign personnel, access to natural resources, and discreet economic arrangements operating well below the public radar. In a country where Parliament has been suspended and replaced by a Consultative Council that neither legislates nor holds the executive to account, there is simply no one left to ask the questions that urgently need answering.

The battle of narratives

The Russian-Nigerien cooperation is also being fought in the realm of perception and public opinion. On social media, images of Russian cargo planes touching down in Niamey, or of demonstrators waving flags bearing the red star, are multiplying at a striking pace. Media outlets aligned with Moscow hail each equipment delivery as a historic milestone. The communication machine is well-oiled, effective, and omnipresent.

On the other side, international media outlets continue to highlight the grey areas, the ongoing attacks, and the questions that remain unanswered. The result is a public debate torn in two, where hard facts struggle to find their way through the noise of competing narratives.

It is against this polarised backdrop that a more measured voice deserves to be heard. Hama Danda, a retired civil servant and an attentive reader of the national press, firmly refuses to succumb to the prevailing pessimism.

Seated in the courtyard of his home, he chooses his words deliberately. “People are far too impatient. A security cooperation of this scale cannot be built in a single year, or even two. It takes time to train men properly, to master the equipment, for results to become visible on the ground. I listened carefully to the head of state when he spoke. In his major interview, General Tiani was unambiguous that this cooperation is mutually beneficial, conducted in full respect of Niger’s sovereignty and its political choices. These are not empty words. Our authorities do not lie to the people. We must trust them and allow time to do its work. The results will come.”

Photo credit: Nigerien Ministry of Defence

An alliance to stabilise the country, or to consolidate power?

Some analysts are raising a question that few dare voice openly: what if this cooperation were serving, first and foremost, domestic political interests? Strengthening the defence of Niamey and its strategic infrastructure also means tightening the regime’s grip on the country. In a context where the junta’s legitimacy remains contested on the international stage, securing control of the airspace above the capital is anything but a trivial detail.

Internal Russian government documents consulted by the BBC reveal that Moscow’s partnerships with African juntas rest on a well-tested model: the security of administrative centres and incumbent regimes, in exchange for mining concessions. This pattern, first tested in Sudan as early as 2017, where Wagner secured gold mining concessions in exchange for training the security forces of the Bashir regime – was then refined in the Central African Republic from 2018 onwards, with control over diamond mines granted in exchange for the personal protection of President Touadéra.

The model was subsequently systematised across the Sahel following successive coups. In Mali, the junta invited Wagner in 2021, culminating in 2023 in the signing of an agreement to build the country’s largest gold refinery. In Burkina Faso, Captain Traoré reportedly ceded a mine directly as payment for the deployment of Russian forces. Niger, sitting atop strategic reserves of uranium, oil, and gold, follows the same logic: the revocation of Orano’s licences and the negotiations initiated with Rosatom in 2025 do not represent a rupture, but rather the faithful reproduction of a model that Moscow has patiently refined from one end of the continent to the other.

An unanswered equation, a people left without certainty

The four voices gathered in the course of this investigation paint the portrait of a society divided in the face of an alliance it does not fully comprehend. Between the scepticism of Moussa Mahamadou, who is waiting for tangible proof on the ground; the distrust of Adamou Issoufou, convinced that the country’s natural resources lie at the very heart of the deal; the disillusionment of Alkassoum Tahirou, who sees in the great powers nothing but actors indifferent to ordinary suffering; and the measured patience of Hama Danda, who places his trust in time and in the authorities: the national sentiment is, at its core, profoundly divided.

Three years on from the coup, the fundamental questions remain entirely unanswered. Have the Russian instructors genuinely altered the balance of power against the armed groups? Or does their presence amount to little more than a geopolitical symbol, with limited operational impact on the ground? And at what price, human, financial, and institutional, has Niger purchased this new form of security?

The only available elements point to a mixed assessment: a capital better protected, yet exposed to the first jihadist attack in its history; forces trained in Niamey, but the countryside of Tillaberi and Diffa still drenched in blood; intelligence systems deemed ill-suited, rejected and replaced in haste; and contracts that have never been made public.

In this war of many faces, military, diplomatic, and informational, sweeping announcements rarely precede decisive victories. Niger has chosen its side. What remains to be seen is whether that choice will succeed in bringing peace back to the villages of Tillaberi, Tahoua, and Diffa, or whether it will merely shift the fault lines in a Sahel that shows no signs of settling.

Cet article a été réalisé avec le soutien de l’Académie africaine des enquêtes sur les sources ouvertes (AAOSI) et de l’Observatoire africain de la démocratie numérique (ADDO), dans le cadre d’une initiative de Code for Africa (CfA). Pour plus d’informations, consultez le site https://disinfo.africa/.

The United States-born pope arrived in the capital Algiers at around 09:00 GMT on Monday, an AFP news agency journalist travelling aboard the papal plane said.

He is expected to pay tribute to victims of Algeria’s war of independence from France (1954-1962) later in the day.

The 70-year-old pontiff is on an ambitious 11-day tour of four countries in Africa, urging global leaders to address the needs of the continent where more than a fifth of the world’s Catholics live, according to Vatican statistics.

Algeria, however, is an overwhelmingly Muslim country with fewer than 10,000 Catholics among its population of some 48 million people. This is the first time it will host a Catholic pope.

The trip is aimed at continuing to “build bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds”, the archbishop of Algiers, Jean-Paul Vesco, told AFP.

After two days in Algeria, Leo will go to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea in a whirlwind tour of 11 cities and towns, traversing nearly 18,000km (11,185 miles) over 18 flights. The three sub-Saharan nations the pope is visiting have populations where more than half identify as Catholic.

The pope, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the US-Israeli war on Iran, has made only one major overseas trip since being elected last May, visiting Turkiye and Lebanon in November and December. He visited Monaco in March.

Pope to deliver 25 speeches in 11 days

Leo’s tour is the 24th by a pope to Africa since the late 1960s.

He is expected to touch on many topics in 25 planned speeches over 11 days, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni told journalists on Friday, given that the four nations face diverse issues.

Likely topics include exploitation of natural resources, Catholic-Muslim dialogue, and dangers of  political corruption, said Bruni.

Politics

Monday’s itinerary includes a visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers – with the world’s highest minaret – and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, overlooking the Bay of Algiers.

Leo plans to pray privately in the chapel dedicated to 19 priests and nuns murdered during Algeria’s 1992-2002 civil war. He will not, however, visit the Tibhirine monastery, whose monks were kidnapped and murdered in 1996, an event still shrouded in mystery.

The Vatican said, during his trip, the pope will also speak about corruption in often authoritarian regimes and the role of political leaders. Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea have presidents who have been in power for decades and have been accused of human rights abuses, which they deny.

The biggest event of the itinerary will likely come in Cameroon on Friday, when the Vatican said some 600,000 are expected for a mass in the coastal city of Douala.

Africa as a whole contributed more than half of the 15.8 million new Catholics who were baptised in 2023, or 8.3 million new African Catholics, according to the latest Vatican statistics. The continent also contributes thousands of men to the priesthood and women to religious orders each year, turning a continent that was long on the receiving end of Western missionaries into one that exports its priests and nuns abroad.

According to Vatican statistics, Angola and Cameroon consistently produce some of the largest numbers of seminarians on the continent each year.

Comfortable in several languages, Leo is expected to address audiences in Italian, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish during the trip.

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The appointment was announced by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres in a press statement. He commended Ms Gbeho’s extensive experience across political, humanitarian and development operations within the United Nations system.

She takes over from the late Nicholas Haysom, whose leadership of UNMISS was praised for its impact on peacebuilding efforts in the conflict-affected country.

Ms Gbeho brings more than 25 years of experience working in complex environments, including conflict and post-conflict settings across Africa and beyond.

Her career has seen her contribute to UN operations in countries such as Somalia, Sudan, Iraq and Cambodia, positioning her as a seasoned figure in international diplomacy and crisis management.

Prior to her latest appointment, she served as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, while also holding the roles of Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator. In these capacities, she was instrumental in coordinating humanitarian responses and development initiatives, and at times acted as Officer-in-Charge of the mission.

Her previous assignments include senior leadership roles within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, where she worked on stabilisation and peace support efforts.

She also served with the United Nations Development Programme in Namibia and held positions within the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Ms Gbeho’s academic background includes studies in the United States and Ghana, earning degrees in social sciences and international relations from the University of Ghana and the State University of New York.

Her appointment comes at a critical time for South Sudan, where the United Nations continues to play a central role in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and support for political stability. As head of UNMISS, Ms Gbeho is expected to lead efforts aimed at sustaining fragile peace and advancing long-term recovery in the country.

The development also underscores Ghana’s continued contribution to global diplomacy and peacekeeping, with Ms Gbeho joining a distinguished list of nationals who have served in high-level international roles.

Over 10 days from April 13 to 23, Leo will travel nearly 18,000 km (11,185 miles) to visit 11 cities and towns in Algeria, Cameroun, Angola and Equatorial Guinea as part of a whirlwind itinerary that includes 18 flights.

The Pope is making the visit with a mission “to help turn the world’s attention to Africa”, Cardinal Michael Czerny, a senior Vatican official and close adviser to Leo, told Reuters.

“By heading to Africa so ​early in his pontificate, the Pope shows that Africa matters,” Czerny said. “Leo wants to make sure that Africa is not forgotten by countries and people caught ​up in their own concerns.”

Leo, who in recent weeks has emerged as an outspoken critic of the Iran ⁠war, has made only one big overseas trip since being elected last May, visiting Turkey and Lebanon in November and December. He visited Monaco in March.

Vatican officials and African Church ​leaders say the upcoming tour is a personal priority for Leo, the first US Pope, and a sign of the value the Church places on the continent, the place ​where Catholicism is growing fastest.

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More than 20 per cent of the world’s Catholics live on the continent, according to Vatican statistics. Three of the countries Leo is visiting have populations where more than half of the people identify as Catholic.

Equatorial Guinea, which has not been visited by a Pope since 1982, is more than 70 per cent Catholic. Algeria is an overwhelmingly Muslim country with under 10,000 Catholics among its population of ​some 48 million people.

Popes have dedicated attention to Africa with tours since the late 1960s. Leo’s will be the 24th by a leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church.

“The African Church ​is vibrant and alive, full of vocations to the religious life and priesthood,” said Rev. Mark Francis, a US Priest and friend of the Pope since the 1970s.

Pope Leo, succeeded the late Pope Francis and is 70, relatively young for a Pope and in good health. He is planning to give 25 speeches over 10 days, as well as holding official meetings with political leaders and local Catholics.

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The state department’s travel update on Wednesday added that specific Nigerian states that pose an increased risk have been placed under the most severe warning that advises against all travel in the affected areas.

Washington also authorised the departure of “non-emergency” staff and their families from the US embassy in Abuja, following what it calls a “deteriorating security situation” across the country.

The advisory comes amid a fresh surge in deadly attacks across parts of the country, and despite an expanding security partnership between the two nations.

According to the US State Department, Washington has been working with Abuja on counter‑terrorism, maritime security, intelligence sharing and military training.

Recent cooperation has included surveillance and reconnaissance support, and the use of US‑supplied aircraft and helicopters by Nigerian forces against Islamist insurgents and armed groups.

The decision to scale back embassy staffing underscores the gap between strategic military cooperation and the reality of daily insecurity faced by civilians in many parts of the country.

In the travel advisory, US citizens were warned that attacks could occur with little or no warning in public spaces, including markets, hotels, places of worship, schools and transport hubs.

While, in Washington’s classification, the country remains at “level 3” – to reconsider travel – in the updated advisory, at least 23 states have been placed under “level 4”. “The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain,” the advisory said, adding: “Do not travel to these areas for any reason.”

States from the north-west and central Nigeria have been added to the most severe category, including Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba. These join states such as Borno and Yobe in the north-east, long affected by an Islamist insurgency.

In Plateau and Benue, weeks of violence blamed on a mix of armed banditry, communal clashes and reprisal attacks have left dozens of people dead.

In the northeast, the Boko Haram group and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, continue to mount attacks on civilians, military convoys and aid workers, particularly in Borno.

With violence spreading beyond traditional flashpoints and public frustration growing, some Nigerians say the US warning highlights the urgency of restoring security and rebuilding confidence – both at home and abroad.

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Hackett will head a newly created office charged with dealing with the cases from a period characterised by widespread repression, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) was set up to document the extent of the alleged abuses.

In its final report, handed to current President Adama Barrow in 2021, it identified those most responsible and recommended their prosecution.

The TRRC, which heard harrowing testimony from victims, former security operatives and other witnesses, also called for reparations to be paid to the victims, warning that failure to act risked entrenching impunity.

The TRRC has started phased compensation payments, starting with victims of abuses committed shortly after the 1994 coup when Jammeh first came to power.

But for many survivors, financial compensation is secondary to accountability.

Among the most notorious cases highlighted by the TRRC were the 2004 killing of journalist Deyda Hydara and the murder of more than 50 mainly West African migrants, executed by security forces after being wrongly accused of plotting a coup.

A handful of perpetrators have already been convicted abroad under the principle of universal jurisdiction, including former members of the notorious paramilitary unit and death squad known as “the Junglers” – some of whom have been jailed in Germany and the US.

The appointment of Hackett, who has previously served at the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon and who investigated war crimes committed by senior military commanders during the Kosovo war, is seen as a decisive step towards domestic accountability.

Attorney General Dawda Jallow was quoted as saying that Hackett had a four-year mandate and was chosen from a wide selection of candidates.

Jammeh, who refused to co-operate with the TRRC, only left power at the insistence of regional leaders.

They sent in troops to The Gambia when he refused to step down after his shock election defeat in December 2016.

Now aged 60, Jammeh has previously denied wrongdoing and is believed to be living in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

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The first discovery is in the Ghadames oil basin, made in conjunction with a production subsidiary and Algeria’s state-owned energy company, Sonatrach, showing production rates of 13 million cubic feet of gas and 327 barrels of condensate daily, NOC said.

The Ghadames basin is located in northwestern Libya, near the Libyan-Algerian border.

The second gas discovery ​was with Italy’s Eni North Africa, with ​two separate tests showing flow rates of 14 million cubic ‌feet ⁠and 24 million cubic feet.

The discovery is in the western Libya offshore area, approximately 95 kilometres from the coast.

The NOC also made a ​discovery with ​Spain’s Repsol ⁠Libyan branch REMSA at exploratory wells in Murzuq Basin, some 800 kilometres ​south of Tripoli. Tests after drilling showed a ​production ⁠rate of 763 barrels of oil per day, it said.

Libya’s economy relies on oil for more ⁠than ​95% of its economic output.

“Africa stands at a defining moment. We are the youngest continent in the world, and our youth are creative, connected, and determined,” he stated.

However, he cautioned that “youthfulness alone will not deliver transformation,” warning that the continent must go beyond celebrating its demographics.

He highlighted that nearly 60 per cent of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, describing it as “an immense asset” but also “an urgent task.”

According to Mr. Ayariga, “it can be an asset or a ticking time bomb,” depending on how governments respond to employment and skills challenges.

He pointed out that job creation across the continent is not keeping pace with population growth, while technological advancement continues to outstrip the ability of education and training systems to adapt.

“If we do not align leadership, skills, and innovation systems, we risk deepening inequality and exclusion,” he warned.

He emphasised that Africa must act decisively to unlock its demographic dividend, stressing that failure to do so could worsen socio-economic inequalities rather than drive prosperity.

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Mr Stephen Akuoko, of 21 Lincoln Green Court, Haines Way, Watford, pleaded guilty to two food safety offences at St Albans Magistrates Court on 11 February.

The court heard that Mr Akuoko had been illegally processing fish products from his flat, which is owned by Watford Community Housing (WCH).

He was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday 2 April.

The investigation began after cooked and smoked fish products traced back to Mr Akuoko were found being sold in Watford town centre.

Mr Akuoko had gone to considerable lengths to conceal where the fish products were being prepared, but a subsequent tip-off from the Fire Service helped officers identify that he was producing them from his home.

Environmental Health officers then served Mr Akuoko with a formal notice requiring him to cease production immediately.

Despite this the officers found he continued to supply products for sale and consumption by the public.

The decision to prosecute was taken due to the seriousness of the breaches, Mr Akuoko’s lack of cooperation during the investigation, his flagrant disregard for the law, and the potential risk posed to public health.

The judge also imposed two consecutive 12-month custodial sentences, suspended for two years, and signed a prohibition order banning Mr Akuoko from working in the food industry for five years.

He awarded £2,500 in costs (payable within three years) to reflect the council’s investigation, rather than issuing a fine. He described the evidence as overwhelming and praised the team’s persistence.

Fish and seafood production is tightly regulated because it poses higher food safety risks if not handled correctly, and businesses must be specially approved.

Poor storage or hygiene can cause illnesses such as Salmonella, Listeria or norovirus, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea. These rules protect residents and ensure safe operation.

Justine Hoy, Associate Director Housing and Wellbeing for Watford Borough Council, said: “Food safety laws exist to protect the public.

In this case, there was a clear and sustained failure to comply with legal requirements, despite formal enforcement action being taken.

“We will not hesitate to take action where businesses or individuals put public health at risk. This successful prosecution demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across Watford.”

The council continues to work proactively with food businesses to ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations and to safeguard the health of residents and visitors.

“This is a coup, a slow coup that is unfolding in Zimbabwe,” veteran opposition politician and former finance minister Tendai Biti told the BBC.

But Zanu-PF, in power since independence in 1980, has vehemently defended the proposed changes.

“There’s nothing that stops us from changing, to go to another system that’s less costly, less controversial,” party spokesman Patrick Chinamasa said.

The conflicting views highlight the deep polarisation that draft legislation – aimed at changing the constitution – has caused, pitting Zanu-PF and opposition supporters against each other.

This became clear during public hearings that parliament held recently to give people a chance to express their views on the proposed shake-up that will lead to:

• Presidential elections – held since 1990 – being scrapped
• Parliamentary and presidential terms being extended from five to seven years
• Parliamentary elections scheduled for 2028 being delayed to 2030
• President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose second and final term is due to end in 2028, is expected to remain in office until 2030
• The new parliament will elect the next president.

“I support the bill in its entirety,” a woman said at a public hearing in a sports arena in the capital, Harare, last week.

Thousands filled the venue, with speaker after speaker taking the microphone to echo calls for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028.

Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after ousting long-time ruler Robert Mugabe with the backing of military – and went on to win disputed elections in 2018 and 2023.

“Term limits must be extended from five to seven years and the MPs that we vote in, must be allowed to elect the president,” a man said at the public hearing.

When the microphone was moved to the area where leading critics of the bill were sitting, there were scenes reminiscent of the violence and intimidation that has often marred Zimbabwean politics, with pushing, shoving and fighting – along with the snatching of mobile phones and journalists being ordered to delete videos of the chaos.

Leading opposition member and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere told the BBC that Zanu-PF supporters had caused the “commotion” in order to prevent critics from registering their disagreement with the bill.

Chinamasa denied that the ruling party’s backers were behind the chaos.

“What reason do we have as Zanu-PF to be violent when the masses are behind us? The opposition does not accept that their view is failing to prevail,” he told the BBC.

But the opposition says Zimbabwe is seeing a new wave of repression. In the run up to the hearings, the opposition groups say, the police banned more than a dozen of their meetings.

Opposition National Constitutional Assembly leader Lovemore Madhuku said he was beaten by masked assailants last month as the police watched.

Biti, who leads the Constitution Defenders Forum, is out on bail after being accused of holding a public meeting without official permission.

“We have a history of repression [in Zimbabwe],” Biti told the BBC.

Parliament is expected to pass the bill in the coming weeks, marking the culmination of a campaign that began in 2024, with the slogan “2030 – he (Mnangagwa) will still be the leader” being chanted.

The campaign faced some fierce detractors within Zanu-PF, but its main critic – Blessed Geza, also known as “Bombshell” – died earlier this year.

For supporters of the 83-year-old president, the political overhaul will entrench democracy, ending what they regard as toxic presidential election campaigns that often trigger violence and lead to disputed results.

“As you know, any election of the president – and it’s not just Zimbabwe alone -. violence is associated with a popular vote,” Chinamasa told the BBC, as he defended the proposed changes.

But for critics, the bill is a step towards recreating the “imperial presidency” they fought to end during Mugabe’s 37-year rule.

A new constitution adopted in 2013 restricted a president to serving a maximum of two terms, further stating that any move to extend term limits would need to be endorsed by voters in a referendum – and, crucially, that a sitting president cannot benefit from any extension unless voters give their approval in a second referendum.

For the likes of Biti, the bill reverses these hard-fought gains, and could be challenged in the courts as, they argue, it violates the constitutional requirement that a referendum be held before the president’s term is extended.

But Zanu-PF is confident that it is acting constitutionally, saying there is no need for a referendum as, in its view, the two-term limit remains – all that is happening is that a term will now be seven, rather than, five years.

But critics fear that Zanu-PF – led by Mnangagwa – could be moving stealthily to scrap term-limits.

“If they can get away with two years what stops them from getting away with 20 years?” Biti said.

Chinamasa dismissed suggestions that the bill signals a “dramatic shift” in how Zanu-PF will govern Zimbabwe.

“It’s just that for this moment we would want to continue the political stability. We want to continue the economic development that is taking place since his excellency took over in 2018,” Chinamasa said.

“When his time is up we will choose other leaders.”

For the opposition, Zimbabwe is returning to its dark past.

“They are making the mistake that Mugabe made. That of closing [the democratic] space absolutely,” Biti said.

He argued that the current administration’s approach to regional integration and free movement reflects a continuation of Nkrumah’s vision for a more united and economically integrated African continent.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, April 6, Mr Tanko-Computer described President Mahama as an emerging global figure, crediting him with growing international influence.

“You will see that the ideas that Dr Kwame Nkrumah was trying to push, the current president is pushing those ideas. And that is why he’s now become like a global icon. Look at what he achieved in the UN.
Unprecedented,” he said.

He further claimed that the president had demonstrated significant diplomatic influence on the global stage, pointing to a recent vote at the United Nations.

“For an African leader to go and marshal the Western world, 123 of them, to vote in favour of a motion that he pushed.https://www.youtube.com/embed/NsENAQb-G-A?si=PVi3WMmzpUZZODRm

“That one alone tells you that he has the support of most of the African leaders here,” he added.

Mr Tanko-Computer also suggested that President Mahama was likely to assume a prominent role within continental leadership structures, including the African Union.

He also claimed that at the next African Union gathering, President Mahama is expected to assume the chairmanship, adding that West African leaders had broadly agreed to support his leadership. According to him, this development is evidence, in his view, that Ghana made the right electoral choice in 2024.

He also characterised the election outcome as the country’s most beneficial political choice, saying early indications point to positive gains under the current administration. He added that the president is in discussions with regional counterparts to advance the opening of African borders, emphasising that the initiative is being pursued without direct government funding.

According to him, the goal is to create a more open environment that will encourage business growth and strengthen economic activity.

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He left the country on Friday, April 3, 2026, after undertaking a series of official engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Zimbabwe.

Prior to his departure, President Mnangagwa visited the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, where he was briefed on healthcare services and infrastructure at the facility.

The visit is expected to yield concrete outcomes, with relevant institutions in both countries set to begin implementing the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the engagement.

The agreements are aimed at deepening cooperation and fostering stronger interaction between Ghana and Zimbabwe.

He clarified that although the policy, introduced by President John Dramani Mahama, removes visa fees for African travelers, it does not eliminate the requirement to apply for and obtain approval through the standard visa process.

In a Facebook post on Friday, April 3, he emphasized that “not paying visa fees is not the same as automatic entry into Ghana,” stressing that security screening remains a key priority.

Under the new arrangement, applicants will be processed through an electronic visa (e-Visa) system set to be launched in May. This platform will act as the main channel for all travel applications, including those from African nationals who qualify under the free visa policy.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, the system will be linked to Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API-PNR) systems, along with international crime databases, to ensure comprehensive background checks. This means individuals with criminal records or those flagged as security risks will not be permitted entry.

He also noted that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Transport have invested significantly in building the technological infrastructure required to support the initiative.

The policy, scheduled to take effect on May 25, 2026, coinciding with Africa Day, is designed to promote regional integration and facilitate easier movement across African borders, while still maintaining strict national security controls.

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He made the call during bilateral talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday, April 2, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance relations between the two countries.

President Mahama noted that both countries have already taken steps to strengthen ties in recent years. “In recent years, we’ve taken deliberate steps to revitalise and deepen our cooperation,” he said, referencing the general cooperation agreement signed in 2023.

Highlighting Ghana’s role in continental trade, he added that “the successful convening of the inaugural permanent secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area remains committed to promoting economic integration.”

He pointed out that the positions of both countries within their respective regional blocs present an opportunity for broader continental collaboration. “Ghana’s strategic position within ECOWAS and Zimbabwe within SADC presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the linkages between West and Southern Africa,” he said.

Touching on priority sectors, the President emphasised the importance of cooperation in mining, noting the need for both countries to maximise benefits from their natural resources.

“In the mining sector, both our countries are richly endowed with natural resources. We must work together to promote responsible mining practices and, importantly, enhance value addition and beneficiation so that Africa retains a greater share of the wealth derived from our natural resources,” he said.

On agriculture, he indicated that Ghana could benefit from Zimbabwe’s experience, particularly in addressing climate-related challenges.

“Zimbabwe’s experience in irrigation and climate-smart agriculture offers valuable lessons for Ghana as we continue efforts to strengthen our food security and modernise our agricultural sector,” he stated.

Energy was also highlighted as a key area of cooperation, especially in driving industrialisation.

“Energy remains central to our development ambitions. There is significant scope for cooperation in renewable energy and power infrastructure to support industrialisation and economic transformation,” he said.

Beyond economic sectors, President Mahama called for stronger collaboration in areas that foster closer ties between citizens.

“We must also deepen cooperation in education, tourism, culture, and sports areas that strengthen people-to-people connections and sustain long-term partnerships,” he said.

He expressed particular interest in tourism, suggesting joint initiatives that connect major destinations in both countries.

“I’m particularly encouraged by discussions on potential tourism collaboration, linking destinations such as Cape Coast and Victoria Falls,” he said.

“This presents an opportunity to combine Ghana’s rich historical heritage with Zimbabwe’s globally renowned natural attractions.”

The President also underscored the role of the private sector, urging increased business engagement to unlock economic potential.

“We must actively encourage business-to-business engagements to unlock the full economic potential of our partnership,” he said, adding that improved transport links would be critical.

“Improving connectivity, including exploring direct air links between Accra and Harare, will be essential to facilitating trade, tourism, and investment,” he noted.

President Mahama expressed optimism that the discussions would yield tangible outcomes.

“I’m confident that our discussions today will allow us to review the progress we have made, address any challenges, and chart a clear and forward-looking path for our bilateral relations,” he said.

“I look forward to productive and fruitful deliberations that will further strengthen the bonds between our two countries and advance our shared vision for Africa’s development,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa commended Ghana for its leadership in advocating for the recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

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In an official statement, authorities described the achievement as a “historic qualification” for the Leopards, highlighting its significance for football in the country. The Ministry of Employment and Labour confirmed the day would be observed as a paid holiday nationwide.

“Following the historic qualification of the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the 2026 World Cup, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, is declared a public holiday and paid day off across the entire national territory,” the statement said.

DR Congo secured their place at the tournament after a dramatic playoff victory over Jamaica, with defender Axel Tuanzebe scoring a decisive late winner in the 100th minute.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among Congolese fans at the Estadio Guadalajara, who had anxiously watched as their side sought a breakthrough.

This marks DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country—then known as Zaire—lost all three group matches. The Leopards have been drawn into a challenging Group K, where they will face Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.

Elsewhere, Iraq also qualified for the 2026 World Cup after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in a playoff, marking their first appearance since 1986.

The Leopards’ triumph has triggered jubilant celebrations across DR Congo, with citizens hailing the qualification as a major boost to national pride and the country’s global football ambitions.

Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of the bill earlier this month, but President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has since come under pressure from international human rights groups not to sign it.

U.N. human rights chief Volker ​Turk said on March 12 that the bill “flies in ⁠the face of the sacrosanct human rights we all enjoy: the rights ​to respect, dignity, privacy, equality and freedoms of expression, association and peaceful ​assembly.”

Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, both of whom promised to deliver a tougher anti-LGBT law while on the campaign trail in 2024, approved the bill on ​Friday, according to a government statement dated Monday and distributed by ​a government spokesperson on Tuesday.

Senegal’s penal code already included an article imposing up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to 1,500,000 CFA francs ($2,700) for “acts against nature”.

The new version doubles the maximum term and allows for fines of up to 10 million CFA francs.

It specifies that acts against nature relate ​to homosexuality, bisexuality, “transsexuality”, ​zoophilia and necrophilia.

Those ⁠found guilty of promoting or financing such acts also face prison time.

Reuters reported this month that Senegalese proponents ​of the bill discussed campaign strategy and mobilisation tactics ​with a ⁠U.S.-based “pro-family” group that calls homosexuality a public health threat.

The period leading up to lawmakers’ vote on the bill was marked by a surge in ⁠arrests of ​men on suspicion of “acts against nature” as ​well as, in some cases, “voluntary transmission” of HIV – a crime carrying up to 10 years ​in prison.

According to a statement from Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, President Mnangagwa will be received at Kotoka International Airport with full military honours by President John Dramani Mahama, including a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute.

A state banquet will follow in his honour, reflecting the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Zimbabwe.

The visit will feature bilateral talks at Peduase Lodge, preceded by a closed-door meeting between the two leaders. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, tourism, agriculture, health, sanitation, anti-corruption efforts, and job creation. Both countries are also set to sign Memoranda of Understanding to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.

As part of his itinerary, President Mnangagwa will tour the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre and the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant to observe developments in healthcare and waste management. He will also visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to lay a wreath in honour of Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah.

President Mnangagwa is scheduled to depart on April 3, with full honours at the Jubilee Lounge marking the conclusion of the visit.

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The meeting was attended by the Chairman and Ranking Member of Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade and Tourism, along with officials from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from both countries.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the longstanding and fraternal ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso, noting the pivotal role of bilateral trade in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and generating wealth for both nations.

She also highlighted current trade data and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to significantly boost trade volumes between the two countries.

The Minister invited the Burkinabè side to submit a list of their top ten imports, with a view to exploring opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to supply these products competitively.

She also commended Burkina Faso’s expertise in agricultural production, particularly in tomatoes and onions, and expressed Ghana’s interest in learning from their good agricultural practices. She called for deeper collaboration in the agricultural sector to promote knowledge exchange and mutual growth.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare further noted that recent insecurity in parts of Burkina Faso has disrupted cross-border trading activities. She stressed the urgent need for joint measures to ensure the safety and security of Ghanaian traders operating in the region.

On the issue of Burkina Faso’s indefinite suspension of fresh tomato exports, the Minister observed that Ghana sources approximately 70–80% of its tomatoes from Burkina Faso, with an annual import value of roughly $400 million.

She acknowledged the significant challenges this policy poses to Ghana’s tomato supply chain and called for a mutually beneficial resolution that addresses the concerns of both countries.

In her closing remarks, the Honourable Minister announced that in the coming months, she will invite between 20 to 50 Burkinabè traders and business operators to Ghana to explore trade and business opportunities in relevant sectors and products.

In response, the Ambassador of Burkina Faso and leader of the delegation expressed appreciation to Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare for initiating the dialogue aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

Regarding the tomato export suspension, the Burkinabè side explained that the policy seeks to ensure adequate raw material supply for the country’s newly established tomato processing factories. This represents a strategic shift towards domestic value addition and industrialization, moving away from the export of raw commodities.

Both delegations reaffirmed the strength and resilience of the bilateral relationship between Ghana and Burkina Faso. They recognized the value of sustained and constructive dialogue in addressing emerging challenges and committed to deepening collaboration in key areas, including trade expansion, market access, trader security, and agricultural development.

The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to explore concrete opportunities for increased trade and to resolve any future concerns through continued high-level diplomatic engagement.

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The mission, scheduled for deployment from April 7 to 15, 2026, underscores the regional bloc’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and peaceful transition in one of West Africa’s key democracies.

The appointment was confirmed by the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission in a statement released on Friday, 27th March 2026.

The April 12 election is set to be a defining moment for Benin.

The incumbent, President Patrice Talon, who has led the nation since 2016, is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term. His decision to step down after two mandates has been hailed by regional analysts as a vital signal for democratic stability in a sub-region recently rocked by constitutional overstays and military interventions.

Under Benin’s two-round electoral system, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the total votes to win outright in the first round.

President Akufo-Addo’s leadership of the mission is governed by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. This legal framework empowers the observers to monitor the technical conduct of the polls, the neutrality of state institutions, and the overall environment of the election to ensure it meets international standards.

According to a social media update from ECOWAS, the mission’s presence aims to serve as a “catalyst for promoting democracy, good governance, and regional stability.”

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This was a key focus at the West Africa Bio-manufacturing Regulation and Market Access Conference held in Accra, where industry players underscored the need to align policies to unlock local vaccine production, biologics development, and broader biotech innovation.

Director-General of the African Medicines Agency, H.E. Dr. Delese Darko, said the region is not starting from scratch but building on existing harmonisation systems in medicines regulation, agriculture, and biosafety.

She noted that West Africa’s track record in aligning drug and vaccine approvals provides a strong foundation to extend similar frameworks into biomanufacturing, ensuring that products manufactured in one country can gain seamless regulatory acceptance across the sub-region.

Dr. Darko further stressed that regional integration is critical to achieving Africa’s goal of producing 60% of its vaccines locally by 2040, warning that the continent’s continued reliance on importing about 99% of its vaccines poses serious public health and supply chain risks.

Regional architecture driving the shift

Experts at the forum outlined a “regional-first, national-implementation” model anchored on strong institutional coordination. Under this approach, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provides policy direction, while the West African Health Organization (WAHO) leads technical coordination and regulatory alignment.

They pointed to the West Africa Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation (WA-MRH) initiative, which has established a centralised system for medicine and vaccine approvals across 15 countries, as a proven template for scaling biomanufacturing regulation.

Harmonisation efforts are also extending into key technical areas, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), clinical trial oversight, pharmacovigilance systems, and biosafety standards. In the biomanufacturing space, this covers advanced areas such as cell and gene therapies, bioprocess validation, and laboratory quality assurance frameworks.

Stakeholders also emphasised the importance of joint regulatory assessment mechanisms that allow multiple countries to rely on a single scientific evaluation, helping to reduce duplication and speed up market authorisation for vaccines and biologics across borders.

In addition, ECOWAS policy frameworks are being aligned to support research and development, technology transfer, and intellectual property protection—key drivers for building sustainable local manufacturing systems. Regulatory systems are also being expanded to accommodate emerging technologies, including plant-based biotech and genetically engineered products.

These regional efforts are expected to complement continental initiatives such as the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation (AMRH) programme and the African Medicines Agency (AMA), with the long-term goal of establishing a unified African regulatory ecosystem.

Persistent bottlenecks

Despite these advances, challenges remain. CEO of the National Vaccine Institute, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, cited fragmented legal regimes, language barriers, infrastructure deficits, and the slow domestication of regional protocols as major constraints to scaling up.

Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health, Saviour Yevutse, also called for stronger political commitment to achieve the 2040 vaccine production target. He warned that Africa’s heavy reliance on imports continues to expose the continent to supply shocks and health security risks.

He stressed the need to move beyond policy statements to actionable frameworks, particularly in pooled procurement and market access, ensuring that vaccines produced within the region can circulate freely without regulatory bottlenecks.

“The region must transition from communiqués to implementation. A vaccine produced in Nigeria should be readily accepted in Ghana, just as a biopharmaceutical from Senegal should reach Liberia without unnecessary delays,” he said.

Participants at the forum called for stronger political will, capacity building, and integrated procurement systems to position West Africa’s biomanufacturing sector as competitive within the global pharmaceutical value chain.

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In an interview with Reuters over the weekend, Zane Dangor, director-general of the Department of International Relations, also rejected some other Trump administration demands, such as dropping South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, scrapping Black empowerment laws or accepting ​a refugee programme for whites.

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Dangor was speaking against the backdrop of the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, a conflict placing ​increased strains on governments navigating relationships with Tehran, and a sharp deterioration in Pretoria’s ties with ⁠the U.S. during President Donald Trump’s second term.

In August, Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imports from South Africa, a move ​that could cause tens of thousands of job losses at a time when a third of South Africans are out of work.

“We ​have no reason to cut ties with Iran,” Dangor said, but he added: “we are not absolutely uncritical of Iran,” noting that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government had admonished the republic for its crackdown on protesters in January, and for attacking neighbours in the latest war with the United States.

“(But) ​we cannot be pulled into the sort of sphere of influence politics that great powers want to pull us into, and ​that in this instance includes the U.S.,” he said.

In his first media interview, new U.S. Ambassador Leo Bozell was quoted by News24 as saying “an ‌association with ⁠Iran is an impediment to good relations with the United States.”

“You (the United States) have a particular relationship with Iran … that many in the developing world do not have,” Dangor said.

RELATIONSHIP WITH US HITS ROCK BOTTOM

South Africa’s relationship with the U.S. has been at a low since Trump accused its Black majority government of persecuting its white minority, repeating false claims about land seizures from white farmers circulating ​on far-right chat rooms.

Dangor said Pretoria ​was keen to improve ⁠ties with Washington, but “let’s engage about areas we agree on”.

Regarding the International Court of Justice case against Israel for its Gaza war, Dangor said: “it’s not even on the table … In my last engagement ​with the State Department people, we indicated that if you disagree with us on this, ​it’s a court ⁠process.”

Trump administration officials have suggested laws aiming to redress apartheid’s legacy, like minimum requirements for Black business ownership and Black employees, must be modified to ease South Africa’s 30% tariff.

“We’re not going to let the domestic issues that they’ve put on the table become part of ⁠that equation,” ​Dangor said.

The U.S. also aims to process 4,500 refugee applications per month from white ​South Africans, Trump claims, who are persecuted.

“It’s a preferential immigration programme,” Dangor said. “But they should do it through the normal channels. They cannot use the moniker of ‘refugee’,” ​he said, adding that this was why a Kenya-based organisation that processes refugees was denied entry.

Speaking after the ceremony on Thursday, March 12, the President described the vessel as a major step toward strengthening energy supply and improving access to clean energy in Ghana and the wider West African region.

According to him, the project highlights the importance of international partnerships in advancing infrastructure development and ensuring a reliable energy supply for emerging economies across the African continent.

“The commissioning of this vessel underscores the enduring value of international cooperation. It reflects the strength of partnerships between Africa and our friends around the world—partnerships built on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a shared commitment to sustainable development,” President Mahama said.

He further urged governments, investors, and industry stakeholders to intensify efforts to expand clean energy access while promoting inclusive economic growth across Africa.

President Mahama expressed hope that the LPG vessel MT Asharami Ghana would serve as a symbol of progress and inspire further investment, innovation, and collaboration within Africa’s energy value chain.

The summit, held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, culminated in the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering maritime security, climate change cooperation, and digital technology—a move aimed at deepening collaboration between the West African nation and its Asian partner.

President Mahama highlighted the shared history, democratic values, and commitment to human rights that have strengthened relations between Ghana and Korea over decades. He noted that these principles have guided cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, where both countries often align on global issues.

On the sidelines of the talks, President Lee commended Ghana’s role in promoting maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly efforts to protect the safety of South Korean nationals and vessels operating in piracy-prone waters.

The agreements signed include:

• Climate Change Cooperation MoU: Establishing a framework for joint action on climate initiatives.
• Maritime Security MoU: Between the Ghana Navy and Korea Coast Guard to enhance intelligence sharing, combat international maritime crimes, and improve search-and-rescue operations.
• Technology and Digital Cooperation MoU: Expanding collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital access, and youth skills development.

President Mahama also highlighted potential growth areas in agriculture and agribusiness, pointing to initiatives supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency to boost rice production and strengthen food security in Ghana.

Additionally, the Ghanaian leader emphasized opportunities for expanding economic ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra, positioning Ghana as a strategic hub for production and exports across Africa.

“Ghana’s natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological innovation, can drive a mutually beneficial partnership for sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” President Mahama said.

Below are some photos

“The number of people killed actually is very massive, but we don’t know the exact number, because I rely on the information from the chairman of the local government and the locals there,” said Nigerian lawmaker Mohammed Ali Ndume of the attack in the remote village of Ngoshe.

Ngoshe is a mainly Muslim community, and the attack reportedly took place in the evening, while many people were breaking their Ramadan fast.

The BBC has contacted the Nigerian military for comment.

Local media reports that suspected Islamist militants abducted more than 100 women and children during the attack, also targeting a nearby military base and camp for displaced people, killing several soldiers and civilians, including the village’s chief cleric and some community elders.

Senator Ndume told BBC Hausa the suspected militants had seized control of the village for two days before being forced out by the military, which used air strikes as well as ground troops to dislodge them.

Not since the heyday of Islamist group Boko Haram over a decade ago, when it controlled many parts of Borno, including Ngoshe, has the area seen such a “devastating attack”, he said.

He also suggested that the attackers may have escaped with weapons stolen from the military base, which could “reinforce them to attack the next location or target”, saying this was a pattern in previous similar attacks.

Umaru Yakubu Kirawa, a local journalist in Borno, told the BBC that residents had confirmed that many people had been killed and hundreds abducted.

He said residents told him they were “calling for [security] reinforcement. They are fasting – some of them were able to break their fast, and unfortunately some could not” before the armed men attacked.

Kirawa said the village is very remote and that residents had previously been displaced due to insecurity in Borno state, but “this is the first attack there after their resettlement by the government”.

For many years, Borno state has been the epicentre of Nigeria’s Islamist insurgency, with repeated attacks by Boko Haram and fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap).

Boko Haram gained global notoriety in 2014 after abducting more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in the state.

Although lawmaker Ndume is from the same party as President Bola Tinubu, he has frequently criticised the government’s handling of the security situation in the area.

He told the BBC that since the authorities had declared a “state of emergency on security, they should walk the talk.

“The major challenge that the Nigerian armed forces are facing is still a lack of equipment, a lack of ammunition, and a lack of motivation on the part of the government.”

The government has for some time been promising tougher action on insecurity.

From 2024 to 2025 it almost doubled its defence budget, analysts say. Yet this has not stopped the many waves of attacks on civilians.

The police spokesperson in Borno state, Nahum Daso Kenneth, told the BBC on Friday that the attack had happened on Wednesday night, but said he could not yet confirm the number of people affected.

“I can confirm that there was an unfortunate incident and, due to the efforts of security personnel, we were able to repel the insurgents,” he said, adding that a search and rescue operation was underway.

A spokesperson for Borno state Governor Babagana Umara Zulum said he had met survivors on Friday, offering food and other supplies, while promising them “we will do everything possible” to rescue the kidnapped and restore order.

Nkanu Adichie-Esege, one of the twins, died on 7 January after complications arose during preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) investigation panel established a prima facie case of medical negligence against Euracare and Atlantis Hospital over the child’s management.

The three doctors have all been suspended from practising medicine pending the determination of their cases by a disciplinary tribunal.

Dr Munir Bature, publicity secretary for the Nigerian Medical Association, confirmed the suspensions to the BBC.

“What will ultimately happen to those affected will be determined after another panel sits on their case,” he said.

He added that they could permanently lose their licences. The doctors have not commented.

Butare encouraged Nigerians to report any perceived wrongdoing by medical personnel so the council could intervene.

The family of Adichie had accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that medics denied oxygen to her son and administered excessive sedation, which they say led to cardiac arrest.

In a statement, the hospital expressed its “deepest sympathies” over the child’s death but denied any wrongdoing.

An inquest into Nkanu’s death is due to begin on 14 April at the Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

The coroner will hear from medical experts and hospital representatives to establish the circumstances and cause of death.

The case has sparked a wider debate about patient safety in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Following a public outcry, Nigeria’s health ministry admitted there were “systemic challenges” and announced the creation of a national task force on “clinical governance and patient safety” to improve the quality of care.

Adichie is an award-winning writer known for novels including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah.

Her 2013 essay We Should All Be Feminists was sampled by Beyoncé on her track Flawless, while the author was named among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2015.

She explores themes around gender and immigration in her works, establishing her as a leading voice in postcolonial feminist literature.

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Speaking on the AM Show, Dr Mireku said instability in the Middle East could push people to seek safe havens in Africa.

“If it becomes a regional conflict, if Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries decide to respond and the area is no longer hospitable, there’s a possibility people might want to find safe havens elsewhere. And what’s wrong with them coming to Africa?” he asked.

He highlighted previous instances where displaced people have arrived in African countries, noting that even non-refugees from Lebanon have sought refuge in Ghana.

Dr Mireku also referenced a recent case where Palestinians reportedly landed in South Africa, emphasising that the continent could again serve as a sanctuary for those fleeing escalating violence.

The expert cautioned that while Africa could play a humanitarian role, there are questions about how prepared Ghana’s systems are to absorb large numbers of refugees, particularly if the conflict intensifies.

The comments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East following US-Israel military actions against Iran, which analysts say could destabilise the region and trigger broader displacement.

Ghana, like other countries in Africa, has previously hosted refugees and asylum seekers from conflict zones, highlighting the importance of robust migration and humanitarian policies.

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Ivory Coast and neighbouring Ghana, which together produce some 50% of the world’s cocoa, are facing a growing crisis as unsold cocoa stocks from the main crop have piled up both inland and at the ports over the past months.

The unsold cocoa has accumulated because the country set farmer prices for the main crop last October, well above current world prices, leaving traders facing steep losses on purchases.

The stocks are weighing on world prices, which have plunged 50% this year alone, hitting a near three-year low earlier.

SOME MID-CROP SALES AGREED

Many international traders stopped buying Ivorian beans for the main crop a few months ago, although local trade and government sources said the country managed to sell 200,000 tons of its upcoming April to September mid-crop to international traders last week.

The mid-crop is typically processed locally and is generally cheaper because it is considered lower quality.

In a bid to get cash to farmers who had not been paid for their main crop beans, the Ivory Coast, in late January, pledged to buy 100,000 tons of unsold cocoa at a cost of about $500 million.

But the volume of the main crop it will need to buy is likely to be much larger, according to global cocoa trade executives and experts.

Ivorian traders – who buy cocoa from farmers and sell it to international traders – have defaulted on at least 100,000 tons of cocoa purchases from the main crop, two executives at global agricultural commodity trading houses said.

They asked not to be named because they are not authorised to speak to the media.

Farmers will harvest another 100,000 tons of main crop beans by the end of March that have not yet been sold to global traders and will not be sold if the Ivory Coast doesn’t drop its prices, the two executives said.

IVORY COAST SAYS ESTIMATE OF UNSOLD STOCKS ‘ERRONEOUS’

Abidjan-based cocoa regulator, the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC), responsible for overseeing the cocoa sector and setting farmer prices, told Reuters the market estimate for unsold stocks is “erroneous”, without giving further details.

Ivory Coast’s agriculture minister said on Monday the country will make an announcement on farmer prices for the upcoming mid-crop by the end of February, more than a month earlier than usual.

Ghana last week slashed its farmer price by almost a third after cocoa farmers said they had not been paid since November. Sources told Reuters last week that the Ivory Coast is considering cutting prices to align with Ghana’s.