Author: fatimah

The Malian government has completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in a company specializing in the manufacture of explosives for civilian applications, marking a new phase in the reforms reshaping the country’s mining sector. Following a meeting of the Council of Ministers at the Koulouba Palace, authorities approved legislation allowing the State to hold a 51 percent stake in the Central Mali Industrial Company, known as FARATCHI-CO-SA. The firm was established through a partnership with the Chinese company Auxin, formalized under a shareholders’ agreement signed in November 2024. Officials say the move is intended to improve oversight of civilian…

Members of the Public Enterprise Committee (PEC) of the National Assembly have engaged the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and the National Audit Office (NAO) over persistent delays and operational challenges at the Port of Banjul. The discussion took place during a joint session, where a follow-up audit report on cargo handling at the port was reviewed. Presenting the findings, NAO Deputy Audit Manager Binta Ttawally said vessel turnaround times had worsened significantly. She noted that containerised cargo now takes between seven and 17 days to clear, while bulk cargo requires eight to 15 days, compared to two to three days…

The Sudanese Armed Forces have announced a significant military breakthrough, reopening the strategic Dilling road in South Kordofan nearly two years after the area fell under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a statement released by the military, the army said the road was reopened following what it described as a successful operation that led to the defeat and destruction of RSF units in the area. The army claimed the operation resulted in substantial losses in both personnel and equipment for the paramilitary group. Military officials said operations would continue until what they described as “all…

Sixteen officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been indicted over alleged involvement in a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government, following the completion of investigations by a Special Investigative Panel. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the investigation had been concluded and that the officers would be subjected to a military Court Martial. He explained that the probe uncovered actions at odds with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces, adding that the process was strictly disciplinary and intended to preserve internal discipline and cohesion. In October 2025, rumours of an alleged…

Burkina Faso’s transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has announced that 2026 will be a year of intensified development and national self-improvement, calling on citizens to prepare for a renewed drive towards industrialisation and infrastructure expansion. Captain Traoré made the remarks at the Koulouba Palace during the country’s first official flag-raising ceremony of the year. Reflecting on achievements recorded in 2025, the president highlighted notable progress in agriculture, pointing to the successful cultivation of crops previously considered unviable in Burkina Faso. These include wheat, pineapples, grapes, as well as cocoa and coffee. He stressed that the administration’s objective is not export-led…

Niger and Algeria have agreed to resume cooperation in the oil sector, signalling renewed momentum in bilateral energy relations between the two countries. The announcement was made on Monday during a working visit to Niamey by Algeria’s Minister of State for Energy, Mines and Hydrocarbons, who confirmed that discussions had been held on restarting joint oil exploration activities. Speaking to Nigerien state television, the minister said both governments had reviewed key projects and finalised plans to begin drilling operations in the Kafra oil block. He added that an Algerian energy company is expected to arrive in Niamey in the coming…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) Alternative Development Programme has commenced a pilot intervention in Ondo State, South-West Nigeria, aimed at tackling illicit drug cultivation and drug abuse. During a courtesy visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, citing a 2018 UN survey, revealed that about 15 million Nigerians aged 15-64 use drugs, nearly three times the global average. According to him, Ondo State has a drug use prevalence rate of 17 per cent, estimated at about 400,000 users, compared with Lagos State’s 33 per cent and Oyo State’s 24…

Traditional religion practitioners from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have gathered in Bamako for a three-day forum aimed at promoting and safeguarding indigenous cultural expressions across the region. The meeting, taking place from 25 to 27 January 2026 at the Palace of Culture in Mali’s capital, brings together custodians of ancestral spiritual practices, researchers and cultural stakeholders from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The opening ceremony was held on 25 January and was overseen by the Ministry of Crafts, Culture, Hospitality and Tourism, represented by Chief of Staff Dr Salia Malé. Organised by the Faso Kanu Blonba Association, the…

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced that the mpox outbreak is no longer classified as a continental public health security emergency.The decision was confirmed in a statement issued by the Africa CDC through its Executive Director, Jean Kaseya, formally lifting the emergency status that had been imposed in response to the spread of the disease across the continent. According to the statement, the move reflects Africa’s growing capacity to manage complex public health crises, underpinned by strengthened political leadership, regional solidarity, and effective international cooperation. The Africa CDC explained that the decision followed a…

A Gambian lawmaker representing Wuli East, Hon. Swaibou Touray, has stated that European nations owe former colonies more than US$7 trillion in reparations for slavery and colonialism. Hon. Touray made the remarks during a session of the National Assembly while presenting figures previously cited in a 2025 parliamentary session by Hon. José Manteigas Gabriel, who served as Rapporteur of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights and is also a member of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). Speaking during discussions on the African Union’s (AU) 2025 theme, Touray said the theme represents a critical milestone in Africa’s pursuit of justice, historical…