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Tragedy Strikes as Over 69 Migrants Die After Boat Capsizes off Mauritanian Coast

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

At least 69 migrants have lost their lives, with dozens more still missing, after an overcrowded boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania. The vessel, carrying roughly 160 people, overturned near Mheijrat when passengers panicked and rushed to one side after spotting coastal lights. The majority of the victims were from Gambia and Senegal. Only 17 survivors were rescued, with reports indicating that the boat had departed from Gambia over a week ago. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, but authorities have warned that the chances of locating additional survivors are rapidly fading. Mauritania, with over 700 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, has become a significant transit point for African migrants attempting to reach Europe, further highlighting the dangers they face in their perilous journeys.

Cut in Secret: Fears Grow in Gambia as Infants Targeted Despite FGM Ban

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Banjul, The Gambia – A recent case of a newborn baby’s death from female genital mutilation (FGM) has reignited fears among anti-FGM activists in The Gambia, where the practice has remained widespread despite a legal ban in place since 2015. The one-month-old girl, who was rushed to Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital in early August with severe vaginal injuries, died from excessive bleeding before doctors could save her. Authorities confirmed that the fatal injuries were the result of FGM. The incident, which occurred in Wellingara — a community roughly 17 kilometers (10 miles) from the capital — has led to the arrest of three women, including the cutter and the infant’s mother. While the mother has since been released on bail, she may still face charges under the country’s anti-FGM law. The cutter, if convicted, could face life imprisonment. “She is the unlucky one,” said a grieving neighbor who attended the baby’s naming ceremony. “This is not the first time. Babies are cut in secret around here… It’s heartbreaking, but it keeps happening because no one speaks out.” Despite being outlawed, FGM remains deeply embedded in Gambian cultural traditions. The practice — which involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons — is believed by some to reduce sexual promiscuity and ensure virginity before marriage. Others view it as a religious obligation or a means of enhancing male sexual pleasure. Yet the consequences are devastating. In addition to the risk of death, survivors of FGM may face long-term health issues such as chronic infections, infertility, painful menstruation, complications during childbirth, and severe psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder. According to UNICEF, more than 144 million women across Africa have undergone FGM, with The Gambia among the countries with the highest prevalence — affecting approximately 75% of women. Although The Gambia’s 2015 law criminalizes the practice, enforcement has been weak, and prosecutions remain rare. The recent tragedy highlights the ongoing challenge authorities face in rooting out a practice that is often carried out in secret, particularly on very young girls and infants. Police have confirmed that an investigation into the baby’s death is ongoing. A mural in central Banjul boldly reads “END FGM” — a message that activists hope will one day become a national reality, not just a slogan.

France Returns Human Skulls to Madagascar, 128 Years After Colonial Massacre

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

France has returned three human skulls to Madagascar, more than 128 years after they were looted during the colonial era. The skulls, which had been held in a Paris museum, were formally handed over at a ceremony at the French Ministry of Culture on Tuesday. One of the skulls is believed to belong to King Toera of Madagascar, who was decapitated by French colonial forces during a massacre in 1897. The other two skulls are from the Sakalava ethnic group, a prominent group on the island. The remains were originally taken as trophies following the violent suppression of local resistance to French colonial rule. King Toera’s skull, along with those of others, was later placed in the French national collections, a stark reminder of the brutality of the colonial period. “These skulls entered the national collections in circumstances that clearly violated human dignity and were a product of colonial violence,” said French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati at the ceremony. The return of these remains marks a significant moment in the ongoing movement for the restitution of cultural artifacts looted during colonial times. French authorities have increasingly engaged in the process of returning such items to their countries of origin. At the ceremony, Volamiranty Donna Mara, Madagascar’s Minister of Culture, expressed gratitude for the return, describing the taking of the skulls as “an open wound” that has remained for 128 years. “They are not collectors’ items,” Mara said. “They are the invisible and indelible link that unites our present to our past.” The skulls were delivered in boxes draped in traditional cloth, and the somber ceremony was marked by a solemn procession through the ornate French ministry. A joint scientific committee has confirmed that the skulls originate from the Sakalava people. While it could not definitively identify one as belonging to King Toera, the historical context and evidence strongly suggest it is his. The ceremony serves as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and an acknowledgment of the painful legacy of colonialism, with continued calls for the return of more cultural treasures to their rightful homes.

The Whole Scheme Stinks: Ugandans Question Secretive Deal to Accept U.S. Deportees

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago07 mins

A controversial agreement between Uganda and the Trump administration to receive deportees from the United States—potentially including high-profile detainee Kilmar Abrego Garcia—has sparked a wave of criticism in Uganda, with opposition lawmakers and civil society figures denouncing the deal as opaque and politically motivated. Ugandan lawmakers have voiced outrage over the lack of parliamentary oversight and transparency, raising concerns that the East African nation is being used as a political bargaining chip amid President Donald Trump’s aggressive anti-immigration campaign. Controversy Over Deportee Deal Few details about the agreement have been officially released. Ugandan authorities have stated they prefer to receive deportees of African origin and not individuals with serious criminal records. However, leaked information suggests that the U.S. is pushing to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a Salvadoran national and Maryland resident—to Uganda. Abrego Garcia, who has an American wife and children, was granted protected legal status in 2019 after a U.S. judge ruled he could face harm if returned to El Salvador. Despite that, he was mistakenly deported earlier this year as part of Trump’s immigration crackdown. His lawyers say he was severely beaten and psychologically tortured while held in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT mega-prison. U.S. officials later admitted his removal was due to an “administrative error.” This week, Abrego Garcia was again detained by immigration authorities in Baltimore. The Department of Homeland Security stated he is now being “processed for removal to Uganda.” Political Motives Suspected “This whole scheme stinks,” said Mathias Mpuuga, former leader of the opposition in Uganda’s Parliament. “Uganda is already struggling to support refugees from neighboring conflicts. How are we now becoming a dumping ground for U.S. deportees?” Critics allege that President Yoweri Museveni’s administration entered the deal without public consultation or parliamentary approval. Some see it as a move to curry favor with the Trump administration amid rising international pressure over Uganda’s deteriorating human rights record. “This makes sense only as economic expediency,” said Ibrahim Ssemujju, a prominent opposition MP. “Museveni will be happy to oblige, especially with the U.S. sanctions hanging over his government.” Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially dismissed reports of a deal as “complete rubbish.” But just a day later, the ministry’s permanent secretary confirmed that an agreement was in place to accept deportees who are “reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin.” Uganda’s Deteriorating Rights Record Human rights organizations have long accused Museveni’s government of authoritarianism, corruption, and abuse of power. The 79-year-old leader, who has ruled Uganda for nearly 40 years, faces mounting criticism for unlawful killings, arrests of opposition leaders, and media suppression. Relations with Washington have grown tense in recent years. Under former President Joe Biden, the U.S. imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Ugandan officials over corruption, election interference, and LGBTQ rights violations—sanctions that remain in place under Trump’s administration. Uganda drew international condemnation in 2023 after passing one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ laws, prompting widespread human rights concerns. A May 2025 Human Rights Watch report accused the government of fueling “discrimination, violence, and misinformation” against LGBTQ communities. Among those sanctioned by the U.S. are Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, a close ally of Museveni, as well as the country’s prisons chief and several former security and military officials. What Uganda Stands to Gain Despite domestic backlash, some analysts believe Museveni sees strategic advantages in the deportation deal. “Museveni is looking for a way back into Washington’s good graces,” said Marlon Agaba, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda. “He sees this as a political opportunity—and potentially an economic one, if it leads to better trade terms.” “The Trump administration is all about transactional diplomacy,” Agaba added. “And any strongman understands that kind of deal-making.” Similar deportation arrangements are reportedly underway with other African countries. In July, the U.S. deported five individuals to Eswatini and eight to South Sudan. Rwanda has also agreed to receive up to 250 deportees under similar terms. Still, many Ugandans remain skeptical. “We deserve answers,” Mpuuga said. “We cannot sell our sovereignty behind closed doors.”

DRC prosecutor seeks death penalty for former leader Joseph Kabila

DRC Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty for Former President Joseph Kabila

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

A military prosecutor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has called for the death penalty for former President Joseph Kabila, who is on trial in absentia for war crimes, treason, and plotting to overthrow the government. Speaking at a military court on Friday, General Lucien René Likulia, the DRC’s military auditor general, urged judges to condemn Kabila for crimes including homicide, torture, and inciting insurrection. The charges are tied to the former president’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has seized large portions of eastern DRC in recent months. Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, is accused of collaborating with Rwanda to support M23 fighters in their campaign to destabilise the mineral-rich eastern region. He has been living abroad, primarily in South Africa, since 2023, and denies all allegations. Accusations Tied to M23 Offensive The indictment, seen by AFP, links Kabila to a series of violent events, including the forcible capture of Goma by M23 in January. He is also accused of leading efforts to topple President Félix Tshisekedi and of founding the Congo River Alliance (AFC), described by authorities as the political wing of M23. The military prosecution alleges Kabila colluded with Rwandan officials to launch a “forceful overthrow of the government” and holds him responsible for atrocities committed by M23 in North and South Kivu provinces. Kabila’s appearance in rebel-held territory in May — where he met local religious leaders in the presence of M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka — was cited as further evidence of his connection to the group. Rwanda has denied involvement, though UN experts report that the Rwandan military has played a “critical” role in M23’s resurgence. Political Fallout Kabila has denounced the trial as politically motivated, calling it “an instrument of oppression.” His party, the Common Front for Congo (FCC), echoed his claims, labelling the prosecution an act of “relentlessness and persecution.” In April, Kabila announced plans to return to the DRC to “promote peace” in the embattled east. The government responded swiftly by banning his party and freezing his assets. The DRC Senate lifted his immunity in May, clearing the way for prosecution. Despite the DRC lifting its moratorium on capital punishment last year, no executions have been carried out in decades. Human rights organisations have raised concerns about the return of the death penalty amid heightened political tensions. Regional and International Implications Kabila’s trial comes at a volatile time for the DRC, with the government struggling to contain multiple armed groups operating in the east. The conflict has intensified since the re-emergence of M23 in 2021, displacing hundreds of thousands and drawing international concern. Although Kabila left office in 2019 and has since resided abroad, he remains a significant political figure. He has frequently criticised President Tshisekedi’s administration, accusing it of authoritarianism and mismanagement. As the trial continues, the DRC faces growing scrutiny over its use of the judiciary in politically sensitive cases, and whether this marks a legitimate effort at accountability — or a purge of opposition figures ahead of the 2026 general elections. Sources: 22 August 2025 | By Al Jazeera

Mali Arrests Dozens of Soldiers Over Alleged Coup Plot

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Dozens of Malian soldiers have been arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the country’s military leadership, multiple sources have confirmed, amid growing political and security tensions. The arrests, which began several days ago and reportedly continued overnight, have raised fears of deepening divisions within the ruling junta. Authorities have not issued an official statement on the development. Initial reports claimed that Gen Abass Dembele, former governor of Mopti region, and Gen Nema Sagara, one of the few women at the top ranks of Mali’s army, were among those detained. However, a source close to Gen Dembele told the BBC he had just visited the general at home and confirmed “he was doing well.” According to AFP, citing military and junta-aligned transitional council sources, the detained soldiers — all members of the armed forces — allegedly planned to “overthrow the junta.” The number of arrests reported ranges from about 20 to 50. The alleged coup plot comes as Mali’s military government faces mounting political strain. Former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga are under pressure — Mara has been in detention since 1 August, accused of tarnishing the state’s image, while Maiga is facing judicial action over alleged embezzlement. In May, the junta dissolved all political parties after rare anti-government protests, a move critics say undermines reconciliation efforts. The military, led by Gen Assimi Goïta, seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, promising elections that never materialised. Last month, the transition period was extended by five years, allowing Goïta to remain in power until at least 2030. Despite citing insecurity as a key reason for taking power, jihadist attacks — ongoing since 2012 — have persisted and in some areas intensified. Mali, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, has turned to Russian military support after cutting ties with France, but significant security improvements remain elusive.

Ghana’s Defence, Environment Ministers Killed in Military Helicopter Crash

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s Ministers of Defence and Environment have died in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti Region, along with six others, government officials have confirmed. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced at a press conference that Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the eight fatalities in what he described as a “national tragedy.” The Ghana Armed Forces said the helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, went “off the radar” shortly after takeoff from Accra at 09:12 local time (GMT) on Wednesday. The aircraft was en route to Obuasi, a gold-mining town, for a national event when the crash occurred. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the accident. President John Dramani Mahama has ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims. On behalf of the president and government, the chief of staff extended condolences to the bereaved families and “the servicemen who died in service to the country.”

Five Nigerian Women, Seven Ghanaian Men Arrested in Asokwa Police Raid

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Five Nigerian women and seven Ghanaian men have been arrested during a police operation targeting criminal hideouts in the Asokwa Municipality of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The raid, carried out between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, was led by the Asokwa District Police as part of efforts to curb criminal activity in the area. Officers stormed known ghettos and hotspots in a surprise swoop aimed at apprehending suspected offenders before they could strike. Police confirmed that the women — identified as Empress David (22), Sonia Isaac (24), Loveth Michael (18), Success Moses (21), and Victor Alice (23) — later admitted to engaging in prostitution at Sokoban Wood Village to make ends meet. The seven Ghanaian men arrested were named as Jacob Amaliba (30), Usif Awuro (39), Adu Kofi (22), Kwame Atobiga (39), Isaac Boamah (27), Emmanuel Boakye (29), and Pekazine Puakan (28). According to a police statement, the men were picked up from various ghettos suspected to be “Wee” (cannabis) bases at Asago. However, no illegal substances or weapons were recovered during the search. “All twelve individuals are currently in custody and will be screened and profiled as investigations continue,” the statement read. The arrests come just days after Nigerian Senator Bassey Aniekan condemned protests in Ghana where some citizens had called for Nigerians to be deported.