Author: kajarbi54

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…

By Bakary Tourey Jr. Former Nigerian Senator, Dr. Ita Solomon Enang, has called for the direct election of members into the ECOWAS Parliament, proposing that such an arrangement include a sunset clause limited to one year, as originally conceived in the 2016 Act. Senator Enang made the call on Tuesday, during the ongoing extraordinary session and seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja. He spoke while delivering a presentation on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), outlining opportunities and challenges in expanding intra-community trade within the ECOWAS region. Addressing lawmakers, Enang explained that free trade agreements – whether bilateral…

Gambian lawmaker Hon. Maimuna Ceesay has called on the ECOWAS Parliament to move from what she describes as “integration by mouth” to genuine and practical implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Hon. Ceesay made the call on Tuesday at the ongoing Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, focused on accelerating implementation and shifting from negotiations to “functional integration” to advance the AfCFTA within the sub-region. She maintained that the region lacks proper translation of talks into action, urging ECOWAS to establish a parliamentary oversight mechanism on AfCFTA implementation. “Every country should have a commitment. It cannot be…

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs formally submitted a report to the White House detailing their findings and recommendations on addressing the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. This follows President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his directive for Congressman Riley Moore and Appropriations Committee Chairman, Tom Cole, to lead the investigation. Moore’s December 2025 mission to Nigeria took him to Benue, North-Central Nigeria, where he met victims of terrorism and engaged top officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The report draws from expert interviews, congressional hearings, roundtables,…

A pro-government militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo says it has killed around 50 members of the M23 rebel coalition during a recent offensive in the region. The group known as Wazalendo said the clashes occurred between Monday, to Sunday, Feb. 16 and Feb. 22 and several rebels were also captured as well. It said their fighters recaptured several localities in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Walikale in North Kivu province as well as in Fizi in South Kivu following clashes with the M23 rebel coalition. According to a statement, on the Nkokwe/Masisi axis, the fighters recaptured positions…