As Uganda gears up for its presidential election on January 12, 2026, concerns are mounting over the potential for violence and repression under President Yoweri Museveni’s regime. Museveni, 80, has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term, a move rights groups fear could spark “mass atrocities.” Museveni’s initial rise to power…
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has strongly criticised France after President Emmanuel Macron said African countries should be “grateful” for France’s military support in the Sahel region. Macron made the remarks while addressing French diplomats on Monday, on the trend of African countries kicking out French troops, particularly in the Sahel. The comments have sparked…
As of December 2024, the U.S. Department of State has placed 21 nations under its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, including seven African countries. This categorization highlights extreme risks such as armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and civil unrest, deeming these destinations unsafe for travelers. Understanding Travel Advisories The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories…
In a significant development reflecting the shifting dynamics of West Africa, the Government of Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) has announced that French troops stationed in the country will begin their withdrawal in January 2025. President Alassane Ouattara revealed this decision during his end-of-year address, emphasizing that the move aligns with the modernization of the Ivorian…
Nigeria has taken significant strides in reviving its oil refineries, a move hailed by economists and industry experts as a potential game-changer for the country’s economy. The restoration of the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Port Harcourt Refinery marks a pivotal moment in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported petroleum products. Economic…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of misappropriating N2.73 trillion in interest payments from the controversial Ways and Means advances. This revelation, detailed in the consolidated financial statement for the year ending December 31, 2021, raises significant concerns about the management of public funds. The Allegations According to…
Nigeria’s economic stability could face significant hurdles if the government fails to meet its fiscal deficit reduction targets, according to a recent warning from Fitch Ratings. The global credit rating agency emphasized that missing these targets could lead to further naira depreciation, higher inflation, and increased borrowing costs, undermining the government’s reform agenda. Fiscal Deficit…
On Wednesday, December 18, President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 appropriation bill before the 10th National Assembly. The budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” is the second presented by Tinubu as Nigeria’s president. The proposed budget stands at ₦49.7 trillion, with allocations detailed for various sectors of the economy. President Tinubu emphasized…
The exchange rate between the Nigerian naira and the U.S. dollar slid back to around N1,745/$1 on the parallel market as of Wednesday, December 11. This marks a sharp reversal from the sub-N1,600 levels recorded late last week, fueling concerns over the currency’s stability. An earlier report had quoted the exchange rate at approximately N1,685/$1,…
Burkina Faso’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic shake-up as Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s military leader, dismissed Interim Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and dissolved the government on Friday. The announcement came via a decree issued by Traoré’s office, though no explanation was provided for the decision. Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela…