Author: kajarbi54

Somalia’s food and malnutrition crisis is expected to nearly double compared to the previous year, with about 6.5 million people projected to face acute food insecurity, as acute malnutrition rises for the second consecutive year, affecting more than 1.8 million children. A report published by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative revealed that key drivers such as poor rainfall, conflict and insecurity, displacement, and soaring food prices are major contributors to the worsening crisis. The projected figure of 6.5 million is nearly double the 3.4 million recorded in the last analysis conducted in August 2025. The situation is…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a critical health assessment in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Southern Nigeria, to investigate illnesses linked to decades of oil pollution. The study, targeting 4,000 residents, seeks to establish a correlation between long-term exposure to hydrocarbons and adverse health outcomes. It is being conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized WHO agency. Commissioned by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), the study began in mid-2025 with desk reviews, mapping, and baseline research, and is expected to span nearly three years. HYPREP Project Coordinator Professor Nenibarini Zabbey described the assessment as…

The Chiefs of Naval Staff of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states have moved to strengthen and operationalise a Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) to combat rising security threats in the Gulf of Guinea. A statement issued by the Nigerian Navy’s Acting Director of Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, highlighted key discussions during the 5th Meeting of the ECOWAS Sub-Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff held in Accra from February 16-20, 2026. The meeting addressed escalating maritime insecurity, including terrorism, drug trafficking, piracy, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Discussions were led by Nigeria’s Chief of Naval…

The High Court of Uganda has halted the scheduling of the treason trial against veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his co-accused after the prosecution failed to fully disclose its evidence to the defense. During proceedings held in Kampala on Tuesday, trial judge Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the case could not proceed to conferencing a critical pre-trial stage, until the state complies with earlier court orders requiring full disclosure. Defense lawyers led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Fredrick Mpanga told court that the prosecution had only supplied what they described as “Volume One” of the case file. According…

Kenya has introduced a specialised Counter-Terrorism and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CT/CFT) prosecution curriculum aimed at improving how terrorism and terror-financing cases are handled, both domestically and across sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking at the launch on Monday, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga described the programme as a significant advancement for Kenya’s justice sector and a practical step toward reinforcing accountability in complex security cases. He noted that the curriculum draws from lessons learned in high-profile counter-terrorism prosecutions, integrating real case experience into structured training designed to sharpen prosecutorial strategy and courtroom effectiveness. The training framework also addresses evolving security…

The Gambian National Assembly delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament has called for the creation of an agricultural bank and the training of border officers, measures they say are critical to the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The recommendations were made during a presentation on “Women, Youth and Informal Cross-Border Traders: Unlocking Inclusive Growth Under the AfCFTA.” Hon. Sheriff Sarr highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable citizens, particularly women, in accessing finance and basic services. Citing examples from The Gambia, he noted the daily struggles of women to include paying tuition, hospital fees, and providing for…

The Nigerian Government on Tuesday denied claims that it paid a ransom to secure the freedom of pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria. In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described reports circulating in parts of the media, including those attributed to international wire services, as “completely false and baseless.” Idris said the allegations undermine the professionalism and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces in the ongoing fight against insecurity. While affirming its respect for press freedom, the government rejected what it called a narrative driven…

Malian authorities have announced a new economic directive placing national companies and domestically manufactured products at the center of state procurement policy. The move forms part of broader reforms under transitional President Assimi Goïta aimed at strengthening economic self-reliance. In a statement addressed to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alousseni Sanou, the government outlined revised procedures for the execution of public contracts, with explicit preference to be granted to Malian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and locally produced goods. Under the new measures, ministerial offices will be equipped with furniture designed and manufactured in Mali. Government institutions are also…

The Nigerian Government is under renewed pressure over healthcare reforms as FX outflows for health-related travel surged to $549.29 million in the first nine months of 2025, compared to $465.67 million in 2024. Experts say the increase reflects sustained reliance on treatment abroad for complex procedures such as heart surgeries, cancer care and other specialised services, amid persistent concerns about infrastructure, equipment and drug availability in local hospitals. Despite repeated pledges to curb medical tourism, including commitments by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, to strengthen health security and reduce outbound travel, the upward trend…

Ghanaian authorities have officially restored the name of Kotoka International Airport to its original designation, Accra International Airport. In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Transport said the decision followed a review which concluded that the airport’s former name better reflects its historical identity and international recognition. “The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its redesignation. The government considers it appropriate to restore the airport to its former and internationally recognised name,” the statement read. The Ministry assured the public, industry stakeholders and international partners that the change would not disrupt airport operations, safety standards…