Author: Editorial Staff

IN response to a recent directive for US troops to exit Niger, the Pentagon (US Defence Department) is actively engaging in diplomatic discussions with Niger officials to address concerns over the future of American military presence in the country, crucial for counterterrorism efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary for the Pentagon, emphasised the significance of ongoing talks, describing them as ;lengthy and direct.’ Singh highlighted the importance of maintaining stability and clarity amid uncertainties surrounding Niger’s diplomatic relationships, particularly with Russia and Iran. ‘We were troubled by the path that Niger is on,’ Singh remarked, reflecting the…

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THE recent tragic incident in Delta State, where Nigerian soldiers were killed, serves as a sombre reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave military personnel. President Tinubu’s condemnation of this cowardly act underscores the need for swift justice and unity in supporting our forces. To prevent such tragedies and ensure the safety of our troops, it is crucial to implement comprehensive measures addressing the root causes of these attacks and increase protection for our soldiers. The importance of communication in addressing security challenges Enhancing communication channels among different branches of the military, security agencies, and local authorities is key…

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THE Zambian government has extended heartfelt gratitude to the World Bank for disbursing $100 million to bolster the country’s energy sector, providing a much-needed lifeline amid ongoing challenges. This financial infusion, part of a larger $700 million grant allocated for the first phase of the Zambia National Energy Advancement and Transformation (NEAT) programme spanning 2023 to 2033, comes at a crucial juncture. Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, hailed the approval of these funds as a timely intervention, particularly amidst Zambia’s struggles with an electricity deficit exacerbated by drought conditions. ‘The release of these funds demonstrates the World Bank’s…

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IN a move stirring concerns among activists, Gambian lawmakers opted to defer a decision on repealing a 2015 ban on female genital cutting during Monday’s session. The legislation, which has sparked intense debate, was referred to a national committee for further deliberations, potentially paving the way for its reconsideration in the coming weeks or months. Activists in Gambia, a predominantly Muslim nation, have expressed apprehension over the potential consequences of lifting the ban, fearing it could undermine years of concerted efforts to protect the rights and well-being of girls and women. Female genital cutting, often performed on girls under the…

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IN a significant shift, Eswatini is poised to legalise cannabis for medical purposes, signalling a departure from a colonial-era drug law entrenched for over a century. The move aims to harness the potential benefits of medical cannabis cultivation and production while addressing longstanding economic and social challenges. Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo highlighted the multifaceted benefits of legalising cannabis, telling VOA, ‘The legislation will also provide measures to guard against increasing the black market… We look forward to the unbanning of the cannabis plant as an opportunity to develop the country, our economy, and to empower Eswatini themselves.’ Dr. Thys Louren,…

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KRISTALINA Georgieva, IMF Managing Director, provided an optimistic update on Monday regarding the Ghana’s efforts to secure debt relief and progress on its programme with the Fund. Speaking from the capital city, Accra, Georgieva highlighted tangible progress in negotiations with official creditors, signalling a positive trajectory for Ghana’s economic recovery. Ghana recently achieved a significant milestone by reaching a deal to restructure $5.4bn of loans with its official creditors, including China and France, in January. This development marked a pivotal moment in Ghana’s efforts to alleviate its debt burden amidst one of the most severe economic crises in recent memory.…

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LANRE Kolade, CEO of CSquared, the company overseeing the Equiano cable landing station in Lome, Togo, has announced a significant enhancement in internet capacity for West Africa in response to recent cable faults. CSquared, a digital infrastructure company specializing in open-access broadband infrastructure across Africa, has stepped up efforts to address internet outages caused by damaged cables serving the region. The Equiano cable, landed in Togo by CSquared in 2022 with services operationalised in 2023, emerged as a crucial lifeline for internet connectivity in West Africa following disruptions to other major cables such as ACE, WACS, MainOne, and Sat3 last…

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IN a crucial legislative session scheduled for Monday, Gambian lawmakers are poised to decide on a proposal that could overturn the country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). This potential reversal has ignited fervent debates surrounding cultural traditions, human rights, and public health concerns. Enacted in 2015, Gambia’s ban on FGM imposed stringent penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment, for those found guilty of perpetrating the practice. FGM, condemned by the World Health Organisation for its harmful physical and psychological effects, has been linked to numerous health complications, including excessive bleeding, shock, and even death. Despite global efforts to outlaw…

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IN a strategic move to ensure a positive legacy post-mine closure, Barrick Gold Corporation has inaugurated its state-of-the-art training academy at the old Buzwagi mine. This initiative is part of Barrick’s commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment beyond the lifespan of its mining operations. The newly unveiled Barrick Academy is tailored to provide comprehensive training programmes aimed at nurturing frontline managers. These programmes are meticulously designed to foster personal growth and leadership development, equipping participants with the necessary skills to enhance team management and performance. Over the next 24 months, the Barrick Academy plans to train more than 2,000…

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MOROCCO proudly announced its inaugural legal cannabis harvest in 2023, a landmark development following the country’s approval of cannabis cultivation and export for medicinal and industrial purposes. According to the cannabis regulator ANRAC, the harvest yielded an impressive 294 metric tons, underscoring Morocco’s strategic pivot towards a regulated cannabis industry. The bountiful harvest was the result of collaborative efforts by 32 cooperatives, comprising 430 farmers, who cultivated cannabis across 277 hectares in the picturesque northern Rif mountain regions of Al Houceima, Taounat, and Chefchaouen. ANRAC disclosed these details in an email to Reuters, shedding light on the scale and organisation…

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