West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it regrets the “extreme decision” of the Malian authorities to expel its representative. In a statement issued on Thursday, the regional bloc says it “remains committed and will continue to deploy its efforts to support a successful and peaceful transition in …

French president Emmanuel Macron has confirmed the return to Benin of 26 works of art, looted by French troops from the royal treasure house of Abomey in 1892. After viewing the artefacts at the Quai Branly museum in Paris, Mr Macron said African youth should not be denied access to …

The Islamic police in Kano state known as Hisbah have arrested 26-year-old Aliyu Na Idris who was trending on social media last weekend for putting himself up for sale due to “poverty”. Hisbah Commander Harun Ibn Sina confirmed the arrest, adding that Aliyu Na Idris’ actions were forbidden. “Yes we …

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the symbolic leader of Anglicans around the world, has expressed concern over a new bill in Ghana that would impose severe penalties on the LGBT community. The bill is being debated in parliament, with a vote expected in a few days. The bill seeks to increase …

At least 18 people were killed and others wounded on Monday in Nigeria after gunmen on motorbikes attacked a mosque in Maza-Kuka community in Niger state, reports say. According to eyewitnesses, a large group of assailants stormed the mosque and opened fire as the victims offered morning prayers. Local police …

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional community’s envoy in Mali has been expelled as pressure mounts on the country to provide a definitive timeline on its transition to civilian rule. Summoned by the Malian foreign affairs ministry, Hamodou Boly was notified of the government’s decision “declaring him …

The new leader of a jihadist group in Nigeria linked to Islamic State in West africa has been killed by security forces, Babagana Monguno the Nigerian national security adviser said on Friday. Babagana Monguno has announced that Malam Bako, who recently succeeded Abu Musab al-Barnawi as leader of the Islamic …

Lawmakers in Benin have passed a law to legalize abortion in the country, expanding on the restricted circumstances where the practice was already permitted. Abortion, which was legally permitted only in limited situations such as rape or incest, or if the mother’s life was threatened, will now be possible for …

Military leaders in Guinea have eased Covid-19 restrictions, including ending a night curfew and suspending a requirement for prior authorisation to transport bodies outside the capital, Conakry. The military junta, the National Rally and Development Committee (CNRD), on Twitter posted : “The curfew is lifted; advance requests for authorisation to …

Nigerian separatist Nnamdi Kanu has pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism and treason after appearing in court on Thursday. His appearance in court was the first time he had been seen in public since he was captured abroad and repatriated in June. Mr Kanu’s initial arrest in 2015 triggered …