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Following strong opposition, President Bola Tinubu has decided to temporarily halt the implementation of his controversial annual levy, which required companies employing foreign nationals to pay up to $15,000 for directors and $10,000 for other employees.  Following a meeting in Abuja, the Ministry of Interior declared the delay to allow for stakeholder consultations. READ ALSO: Dangote Group and 50 Other Businesses Included in Nigerian Investigation of Former Central Bank Governor Various organizations strongly opposed the fee, which was intended to reduce the exploitation of expatriate quotas and promote employment possibilities for Nigerians while bridging salary gaps. The government's move to reevaluate the levy's effects on the business sector was welcomed by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), which cited a commitment to creating an environment that is favorable to both domestic and foreign investors. Groups like ...

Following nearly a year of clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan. He specifically appealed to the warring factions to halt hostilities during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Related To This: Sudan's Junta Calls On UN To Immediately Terminate Political Mission Guterres' plea coincides with ongoing negotiations among UN Security Council members regarding a British draft resolution that advocates for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access. The resolution could potentially be voted on as early as Friday. The UN Secretary General emphasized that a cessation of hostilities must pave the way for a definitive end to violence and establish a solid path towards lasting peace. He expressed grave concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, warning that the situation was rapidly deteriorating in terms of human rights...

This week, 50 people—mostly women—were kidnapped by suspected Islamist terrorists in northeastern Nigeria, according to reports from local authorities and a resident.  Over the past ten years, there has been a great deal of bloodshed and displacement in Borno state as a result of the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members, who have been attacking both civilians and security forces. Related To This: Yobe Governor, Buni's Convoy Attacked By Boko Haram; Six Security Personnel Injured On Monday, a large number of people were abducted in the isolated Gamboru region close to the borders of Cameroon and Chad. A civilian working with the military to support counterinsurgency efforts as a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force revealed that more than fifty individuals from an internally displaced persons camp went out to collect firewood near Lake Chad, which is known to be ISWAP area. The victims were ambushed by armed assailants and forcibly led t...

The Senegal government has officially declared that the presidential election will be held on 24 March. This decision comes after a period of unrest triggered by President Macky Sall's previous postponement of the election, leading to widespread protests throughout the West African nation. Parliament has recently endorsed an amnesty law aimed at addressing offenses linked to the protests, reflecting a step towards reconciliation. President Sall, facing accusations from his opponents of orchestrating a constitutional coup, asserts that his intent is not to extend his time in office. His current 12-year tenure is set to conclude on 2 April. Related To This: Senegal Elections: President Macky Sall's Failure to Announce New Date For Poll Raises Concerns The announcement of the election date has been met with approval from opposition figures, emphasizing the need for fair, just, and transparent electoral processes. Aminata Touré, a former prime minister who transitioned to the oppos...

Nikki Haley achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to win a Republican primary in Washington, DC. The former ambassador to the United Nations secured victory late on Sunday, marking a significant moment in her campaign.  However, despite this achievement, former President Donald Trump maintains a substantial lead in the race for the Republican nomination in the upcoming presidential election in November. Related To This: Trump Steps up Attacks on Nikki Haley To Defeat Her In New Hampshire's Republican Primary In the capital, Haley's sole remaining challenger for the nomination garnered 62.9% of the vote, while Trump received 33.2%. This outcome awarded Haley all 19 delegates at stake, reflecting a shift among Republicans away from Trump and his tumultuous administration. Campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas emphasized that Republicans near the Washington establishment are rejecting Trump's chaos and dysfunction. Despite this sentiment, the GOP appears...

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially parted ways with head coach Jose Poseiro, as announced by the Portuguese coach on his personal social media page on Friday. Reflecting on his tenure, Poseiro expressed his gratitude and sentiments about coaching the Super Eagles, highlighting 22 months of profound dedication, sacrifice, emotional investment, and boundless enthusiasm. He conveyed a sense of accomplishment and pride in his service to the national team. Related To This: AFCON 2023: We Didn’t Show Our Level Against Cote d’Ivoire – Nigeria's Coach Jose Peseiro Acknowledging the support and collaboration during his coaching stint, Poseiro extended words of appreciation to key figures within the NFF, including former President Sir Amaju Pinnick, President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF staff, and most notably, the players, emphasizing the joy and privilege he experienced in working with the team. In his farewell message,...

March 2nd has been formally declared as "Burna Boy Day" by the City of Boston, Massachusetts in the United States of America (USA) in honor of the well-known Nigerian artist.  The Boston City Council issued the proclamation in a formal statement that was signed by Councilwoman Ruthzee Louijeune. The statement recognized Burna Boy's significant contributions to advocacy work and music, especially in raising the voices of underrepresented groups and fighting for their rights and recognition. The Council applauded Burna Boy for utilizing his position to inspire and educate people in addition to providing entertainment, since this helped to start important discussions about representation, equity, and social justice. Related To This: Burna Boy to Perform at 2024 Grammys Highlighting Boston's dedication to embracing cultural diversity, the statement emphasized the city's vibrant multicultural landscape showcased through various cultural events, festivals, and communit...

During an interview on February 29, 2024, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, the Chief Executive of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), highlighted that Ghana is losing its competitive edge in the West African region due to escalating business costs.  He attributed this challenge to the burdensome tax regime faced by businesses, forcing some enterprises to relocate operations outside the country in a bid to maintain competitiveness. Related To This: African Presidents Convene In Rome for Italy-Africa Summit Twum-Akwaboah pointed out that Ghana stands out as the most expensive country for doing business compared to its regional counterparts. He emphasized the urgent need for the government to reassess its policy measures to create a more conducive environment for private sector growth. Expressing concern over the high cost of finance in the country, Twum-Akwaboah noted that many enterprises are grappling with the exorbitant borrowing rates, hindering their ability to sustain operations. Des...

The recent remarks made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, regarding Ghana's proposed "Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024," are drawing significant attention. Türk expressed deep concern over the implications of this bill, which he described as profoundly disturbing. Related To This: Parliament Passes Controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill After 3 Years of Deliberation In his statement, Türk highlighted several troubling aspects of the bill. He emphasized that the legislation not only expands the scope of criminal sanctions against individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual, and queer (LGBTQ+), but also threatens legal repercussions for those perceived as allies of the LGBTQ+ community.  Türk called for the bill to be rejected before it becomes law, urging the Ghanaian Government to uphold the rights of all individuals to live free from violence, stigma, and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientatio...

Virginia Palmer, the US ambassador to Ghana, recently voiced her grave concerns about the anti-LGBT bill's passage by the Ghanaian parliament. The anti-LGBT bill, which is actually intended to support human sexual rights and family values, has caused concern since it severely restricts activities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.  Related To This:  U.S. Warns of Economic Fallout as Ghana Enacts Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill In addition to making these actions illegal, the law also makes it illegal for them to be funded, advocated for, or promoted within the nation. Ms. Palmer highlighted that the measure violates everyone's rights in a tweet posted by the US Embassy in Ghana on an undisclosed date. She specifically mentioned how the bill affects freedom of expression, assembly, and She outlined the negative consequences of the bill, emphasizing that if it were to become law, it would not only violate the fundamental human rights of LGBT people but also ...

President Macky Sall of Senegal has tabled a proposal for amnesty for individuals convicted in relation to political demonstrations over the past three years, aiming to foster reconciliation and bolster national unity. President Sall articulated the intention behind the amnesty, highlighting its potential to defuse political tensions and reinforce the country's social cohesion. These remarks were made during discussions that have notably faced a substantial boycott by opposition factions and civil society organizations. Related To This: Senegal Elections: President Macky Sall's Failure to Announce New Date For Poll Raises Concerns Facing significant backlash for delaying scheduled elections without setting a revised date, President Sall finds himself under intense scrutiny. The Constitutional Court has issued a directive for the urgent rescheduling of the elections, escalating pressure on the government to adhere to democratic timelines. President Sall intends to present the p...

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to lift all sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger, including the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger.  These sanctions were initially put in place in response to a military takeover that ousted the democratically elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, last year. Related To This: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Withdraw from ECOWAS The sanctions had isolated Niger from its traditional trading partners, exacerbating food insecurity among vulnerable populations. Despite this, the junta in power maintained close ties with neighboring countries Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali, viewing them as allies due to their shared military rule status. During an extraordinary summit held in Abuja, Nigeria on February 24, 2024, to address political, peace, and security issues in the ECOWAS sub-region, the Heads of ECOWAS member states unanimously agreed to lift the sanctions on Niger with immediate...

Guinea's transitional president, Mamady Doumbouya, announced the dissolution of the government led by Dr. Bernard Goumou, effective February 19, 2024. The official decree, conveyed through state TV and shared on presidential social media channels, included critical directives aimed at restructuring governance in the country. Related To This: Sudan's Junta Calls On UN To Immediately Terminate Political Mission Decree and Reform Measures The decree, read by the Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic, outlined significant actions, including the freezing of accounts belonging to outgoing government members and the mandatory surrender of travel documents. In a notable shift, technocrats from various ministries and directors have been tasked with interim administrative responsibilities to ensure ongoing governance stability. Mamady Doumbouya assumed the role of transitional president following the ousting of former president Alpha Conde in 2021. Conde's extended rule...

Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has rebuffed demands for President Bola Tinubu's resignation, labeling them as a diversionary tactic. Following appeals from some governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for President Tinubu to step down due to the country's economic woes, Mr. Idris asserted on Sunday that the President would not resign and was fully equipped to address Nigeria's economic challenges. Related To This: Lagos State to Ban Single-Use Plastics and Styrofoam In a statement, Mr. Idris emphasized President Tinubu's resilience in the face of adversity, stating, "President Tinubu is resolute and unwavering in confronting the current national trials. He will not shirk his duties but will confront and conquer these obstacles, laying the groundwork for a rejuvenated Nigeria." Nigeria is grappling with a severe economic downturn, marked by a sharp decline in the local currency's value and widespread ...

Nigeria has reached out to Interpol for assistance in capturing three individuals accused of stealing $6.2 million (£4.9 million) from the central bank by forging the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari.  The suspects are believed to have colluded with Nigeria's former central bank chief, Godwin Emefiele, who is currently facing trial on 20 charges related to the illicit receipt of the stolen funds. READ ALSO: Nigeria To Ban Degrees From Kenya and Uganda Emefiele, who denies all allegations and is out on bail, is the most prominent former official to be implicated in corruption since President Bola Tinubu assumed office last year. Prosecutors assert that Emefiele illicitly authorized the release of the money from the central bank vault, a claim he vehemently refutes as "barefaced lies" aimed at fulfilling a sinister agenda. The alleged accomplices of Emefiele, identified as Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Ocheme, a former central bank employee, are rep...

Nurses and midwives in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, have initiated a strike in protest of new regulations aimed at verifying their qualifications for foreign nursing boards.  The rules, designed to reduce the departure of healthcare workers from Nigeria, now require nurses to pay verification fees and demonstrate at least two years of practice in Nigeria before their credentials are confirmed.  Related To This: Exodus of Ghanaian Nurses: President of Nurses Association Expresses Discontent Additionally, all applications will now have a minimum processing time of six months. The protesting nurses argue that the government should focus on improving their working conditions rather than restricting their ability to work where they choose.  Nigerian authorities reported last year that over 75,000 nurses and midwives had left the country in the past five years, resulting in a significant domestic shortage. Shop With Us: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SokoMalls

Eatizaz Yousif, the Country Director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Sudan, has sounded the alarm on the escalating hunger crisis in the region, exacerbated by persistent violence since April of the previous year.  Sudan is currently grappling with its most severe levels of food insecurity during what is traditionally the harvest season, a period when food supplies are anticipated to be more abundant. READ ALSO: Mali’s Departure from ECOWAS Sparks Economic and Political Ripples Yousif expressed grave concerns, indicating that an estimated seven million people in Sudan could confront extreme hunger by the upcoming lean season in June 2024 if decisive action is not taken promptly.  The prolonged lack of access to adequate food leads to weakened immune systems, heightened susceptibility to diseases, and ultimately the risk of malnutrition and starvation among the population. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Yousif stressed the imperative for immediate int...

The world of athletics was hit with a devastating blow as news surfaced of the untimely demise of Kelvin Kiptum, the renowned men's marathon world record holder from Kenya, at the young age of 24. The tragic incident occurred in a road accident in his homeland, claiming not only his life but also that of his coach, Gervais Hakizimana from Rwanda. READ ALSO: Landslide Claims 22 Lives at Tanzanian Mine Kelvin Kiptum had emerged as a rising star in the marathon scene, making headlines in 2023 when he established himself as a formidable competitor, challenging the likes of his fellow Kenyan, Eliud Kipchoge, a legend in the sport. His moment of glory came in Chicago last October when he surpassed Kipchoge's achievements by completing the marathon distance of 26.2 miles in an impressive time of two hours and 35 seconds. Both Kiptum and Kipchoge had been selected as part of Kenya's preliminary marathon team for the upcoming Paris Olympics, a testament to their exceptional talent ...

In the latest update on the Russian presidential race, Boris Nadezhdin, a key figure in the political landscape, faces obstacles in his candidacy bid for the upcoming elections in March.  Nadezhdin is determined to contest the decision of the Central Election Commission (CEC), which rejected his candidacy registration. He plans to take his case to the highest court in the country to pursue his aspirations of challenging current President Vladimir Putin. Related To This: Boris Nadezhdin Submits Bid to Stand in Russia's Presidential Election Background Nadezhdin, a vocal critic of the conflict in Ukraine, aims to unseat the long-standing incumbent, Putin. His efforts hit a roadblock when the CEC denied his registration as a candidate despite him submitting the necessary 100,000 signatures through the small center-right Civic Initiative party. Election Commission's Concerns The CEC identified issues with 15% of the signatures provided by Nadezhdin, citing discrepancies and even i...

With the aftermath of Mali's decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) still being felt, the colorful streets of the country's capital, Bamako, depict a scene of frantic activity mixed with underlying fears.  Markets are booming, but there are growing worries about the ramifications of this significant decision ever since the military government announced that Mali will be leaving the 15-member regional union. Related To This: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Withdraw from ECOWAS The energy of Bamako is alive in the early hours of the day, as market merchants hurry to set up their stalls for the coming day and city buses squeeze through clogged roads. However, beneath this veneer of daily hustle, the decision to sever ties with ECOWAS has instigated a wave of economic challenges and political uncertainties, casting a shadow over the city's fabric. The aftermath of ECOWAS sanctions, imposed in response to successive coups within Mali and the ensu...