As the seven-day ultimatum given by West African leaders for the military in Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum draws to a close, both sides have crucial decisions to make.

Niger coup: Decision time for West Africa as deadline nears

In the seaside town of Saint-Louis, Senegal, officials and residents say bodies of migrants from capsized boats attempting the dangerous trip from West Africa to Spain are buried in unmarked beach graves. But there is no clarity on whether these tragic deaths are investigated according to international law. More importantly, do families of the dead have any idea of whether their loves ones are dead or alive?

Undocumented lives, unmarked beach graves | World of Africa

A group of coup supporters in Niger launched a violent attack on the headquarters of the deposed president's party, setting it ablaze and damaging vehicles nearby.

The arsonists had broken away from a larger demonstration backing the coup leaders outside the parliament, where Russian flags were displayed, as reported by the BBC.

<h2>International response to the coup</h2>

The army has expressed support for the troops responsible for detaining President Mohamed Bazoum, while Russia and other nations, along with the United Nations, have called for his release.

President Bazoum, a vital Western ally in combating Islamist extremists in West Africa, received promises of "unwavering support" from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

<h2>Niger's fragile political landscape and western interests</h2>

Niger's coup raises concerns among the US and France, both of which maintain military bases in the uranium-rich nation.

They have condemned the coup and expressed worries about the country's stability.

With neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso also experiencing coups influenced by Islamist uprisings, Western influence in the region is facing challenges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-un-humanitarian-operations-are-on-hold-says-spokesperson-620086">Niger: UN humanitarian operations are 'on hold', says spokesperson</a>

<h2>Junta's uncertain leadership</h2>

The coup leaders have not revealed their leader, leading to uncertainty about who is truly in charge of Niger.

State TV has been broadcasting the coup announcement, interspersed with patriotic music and Quranic verses. While the capital, Niamey, saw shops reopening and coup supporters taking to the streets, the situation remains fluid.

<h2>Accusations against the ousted party and shifts in alliances</h2>

The coup supporters blame the ruling party, PNDS Tarraya, for corruption and insufficient efforts to improve security and counter the long-standing jihadist insurgency. Some civil society groups in Niger have been advocating a shift away from France towards Russia, which has prompted reactions from the junta and the West.

Also watch |&nbsp;President being held by Presidential guards: Niger

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<h2>Potential ramifications for west African stability</h2>

The coup's occurrence underscores the fragility of West African stability and poses challenges for French and Western efforts to restore order in the Sahel region.

The insurgent groups linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda may exploit the political unrest and instability to further their agendas.

<h2>Niger's history of coups</h2>

Niger, one of the world's poorest nations located on the edge of the Sahara desert, has a history of coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. The recent coup is the fourth in the country's history, with numerous other attempted coups.

<h2>Calls for resolution and mediation</h2>

While the situation in Niger remains tense and divided, Niger's foreign minister has urged the population to oppose the coup. He emphasised that dialogue could still be a possible path towards resolution. However, mediation missions are facing obstacles due to border closures and escalating tensions.

The coup in Niger has raised alarm globally, drawing attention to the country's delicate political landscape and its impact on regional stability.&nbsp;

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A group of coup supporters in Niger launched a violent attack on the headquarters of the deposed president's party, setting it ablaze and damaging vehicles nearby.

A group of coup supporters in Niger launched a violent attack on the headquarters of the deposed president's party, setting it ablaze and damaging vehicles nearby. The arsonists had broken away from a larger demonstration backing the coup leaders outside the parliament, where Russian flags were displayed, as reported by the BBC. International response to the coup The army has expressed support for the troops responsible for detaining President Mohamed Bazoum, while Russia and other nations, along with the United Nations, have called for his release. President Bazoum, a vital Western ally in combating Islamist extremists in West Africa, received promises of "unwavering support" from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Niger's fragile political landscape and western interests Niger's coup raises concerns among the US and France, both of which maintain military bases in the uranium-rich nation. They have condemned the coup and expressed worries about the country's stability. With neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso also experiencing coups influenced by Islamist uprisings, Western influence in the region is facing challenges. Also read | Niger: UN humanitarian operations are 'on hold', says spokesperson Junta's uncertain leadership The coup leaders have not revealed their leader, leading to uncertainty about who is truly in charge of Niger. State TV has been broadcasting the coup announcement, interspersed with patriotic music and Quranic verses. While the capital, Niamey, saw shops reopening and coup supporters taking to the streets, the situation remains fluid. Accusations against the ousted party and shifts in alliances The coup supporters blame the ruling party, PNDS Tarraya, for corruption and insufficient efforts to improve security and counter the long-standing jihadist insurgency. Some civil society groups in Niger have been advocating a shift away from France towards Russia, which has prompted reactions from the junta and the West. Also watch | President being held by Presidential guards: Niger Potential ramifications for west African stability The coup's occurrence underscores the fragility of West African stability and poses challenges for French and Western efforts to restore order in the Sahel region. The insurgent groups linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda may exploit the political unrest and instability to further their agendas. Niger's history of coups Niger, one of the world's poorest nations located on the edge of the Sahara desert, has a history of coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. The recent coup is the fourth in the country's history, with numerous other attempted coups. Calls for resolution and mediation While the situation in Niger remains tense and divided, Niger's foreign minister has urged the population to oppose the coup. He emphasised that dialogue could still be a possible path towards resolution. However, mediation missions are facing obstacles due to border closures and escalating tensions. The coup in Niger has raised alarm globally, drawing attention to the country's delicate political landscape and its impact on regional stability. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Niger Coup: President Bazoum ousted, ruling party headquarters set on fire

Unknown assailants have killed as many as 44 people in two attacks in the West African country of Burkina Faso. The incident transpired overnight on Thursday and the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in the Sahel region, near the Niger border were targetted.

Unknown assailants have killed as many as 44 people in two attacks in the West African country of Burkina Faso. The incident transpired overnight on Thursday and the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in the Sahel region, near the Niger border were targetted. Rodolphe Sorgho, lieutenant-governor of the Sahel region dubbed the killing as 'despicable' and 'barbaric', adding that the toll was provisional and could rise. The region is bustling with Islamist groups linked to deadly terror outfits al Qaeda and Islamic State. However, it was unclear which group carried out the attack in the dead of the night. Authorities probing the case have blamed the attack on 'armed terrorist groups'. WATCH | Troops film boys' killings in Burkina Faso × Such incidents have become a normal phenomenon in the African country. Earlier this year, 51 soldiers were killed in an ambush by jihadists in the northern region. Though the army suffered heavy damage, 160 assailants were also killed in the exchange. The incident came a month after Burkina Faso's former colonial ruler France confirmed that it was withdrawing its troops stationed in Burkina. Army chief vows to step up operations With the frequency of insurgent attacks increasing, the Burkina Army chief said 'dynamic offensive' was being stepped up against the jihadists. "The dynamic offensive underway in the past few weeks will be stepped up to force armed groups to lay down their weapons," said Colonel Celestin Simpore, adding, "Certain operations will be carried out in coordination with fellow armies in neighbouring countries." ALSO READ | Burkina Faso: At least 51 killed in attacks by jihadist groups Jihadist war-torn country of Burkina Faso Being one of the poorest countries, Burkina Faso is undergoing a violent cycle after witnessing two coups last year. It is battling jihadist insurgency which spilled over eight years ago in 2015 from the neighbouring country of Mali, which is also incidentally run by the military. According to reports, the violence has led to the death of over 10,000 while two million people have been displaced, with no end to the jihadist violence in sight. "Growing insecurity and conflict means vulnerability is increasing in the region, and it is getting harder to help communities in isolated areas," said UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marie-Pierre Poirie. With jihadist violence rising in Burkina Faso, the US is preparing to send long-term assistance to neighbouring countries of Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo. Washington believes that violence could spill into coastal West Africa which could destabilise the region. "It's a significant and burgeoning threat. It's something of concern to us because the capabilities of the governments in place - they've never faced a threat like this before," said Michael Heath, the deputy assistant secretary of state in charge of West Africa (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Burkina Faso: At least 44 killed in 'terrorist' attacks on two villages

An American aid worker held hostage by terrorists in Niger for the last six years has been freed, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday.

“I’m gratified &amp; relieved to see the release of US&nbsp;hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The US&nbsp;thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss &amp; love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom,” tweeted Sullivan.&nbsp;

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I’m gratified &amp; relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss &amp; love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom.
— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeSullivan46/status/1637815029272571906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Transport facility&nbsp;and the required support are now being given to Jeffery Woodke.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-citizens-killed-two-return-alive-in-mexico-kidnapping-case-569776">Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case</a>

“We are working closely with partners in the region and beyond to ensure safe transport and immediate access to the best medical and psychiatric support we can offer,” said a senior administration official while speaking to reporters on Monday. “Where exactly Jeff chooses to go will be a bit up to him," he added.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had visited Niger earlier this month.

“We have certainly been in touch with them about what a priority it is for us to secure the release of Americans like Jeff Woodke, and that’s something that the Secretary confirmed when he was out there,” said the official, adding that more details about the citizen's release will be shared by Niger.

The government of Niger was thanked by the official for its efforts in freeing the US citizen and the official confirmed that no ransom was paid by the US officials to the terrorists.

WATCH | President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town

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“There was no direct negotiation here between the US government and the terrorist organisations, it is worth making that clear. Certainly, we did not pay a ransom a concession to a terrorist organisation here,” said the official.

“Emerging as our best line of effort among many that we have tried over the years was working to see what a very good and capable and thankfully willing partner in Niger was able to deliver in their own engagement,” he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, French journalist Olivier Dubois was also released along with Woodke. Dubois was kidnapped by militants in Mali in 2021.&nbsp;

In a press conference, Dubois said, "It's huge for me to be here today. I wasn't expecting it at all. I feel tired but I'm well."

(With inputs from agencies)

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An American aid worker held hostage by terrorists in Niger for the last six years has been freed, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday.

An American aid worker held hostage by terrorists in Niger for the last six years has been freed, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday. “I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of US hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The US thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom,” tweeted Sullivan. I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom. — Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) March 20, 2023 × Transport facility and the required support are now being given to Jeffery Woodke. ALSO READ | Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case “We are working closely with partners in the region and beyond to ensure safe transport and immediate access to the best medical and psychiatric support we can offer,” said a senior administration official while speaking to reporters on Monday. “Where exactly Jeff chooses to go will be a bit up to him," he added. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had visited Niger earlier this month. “We have certainly been in touch with them about what a priority it is for us to secure the release of Americans like Jeff Woodke, and that’s something that the Secretary confirmed when he was out there,” said the official, adding that more details about the citizen's release will be shared by Niger. The government of Niger was thanked by the official for its efforts in freeing the US citizen and the official confirmed that no ransom was paid by the US officials to the terrorists. WATCH | President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town “There was no direct negotiation here between the US government and the terrorist organisations, it is worth making that clear. Certainly, we did not pay a ransom a concession to a terrorist organisation here,” said the official. “Emerging as our best line of effort among many that we have tried over the years was working to see what a very good and capable and thankfully willing partner in Niger was able to deliver in their own engagement,” he added. Meanwhile, French journalist Olivier Dubois was also released along with Woodke. Dubois was kidnapped by militants in Mali in 2021. In a press conference, Dubois said, "It's huge for me to be here today. I wasn't expecting it at all. I feel tired but I'm well." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US citizen freed from West Africa after six years, says President Biden’s national security adviser

Ahead of 2023 General and Presidential elections in Liberia, opposition parties in West Africa support citizens and stage protests against Liberian Presidents absence from the country.

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The West African leaders have decided to take care of the security in the region. They will now be establishing a regional peacekeeping force and this is in order to intervene in member states whenever required to help restore the security and the Constitutional order in the area.

West Africa: Decision to restructure security architecture in conflict areas

If you are a fan of rice and there isn't enough in your country then we suggest you visit Senegal, it's in plenty there. The West African nation's rice production has sored in recent years as it seeks to reduce dependence on imports.

Africa: Rice production boom in Senegal; dependence on home-grown rice now in focus

A generation before the gold coast became Ghana, a local photographer known as JK Bruce opened a small studio in the then-colonial capital Accra, where his family would become the De facto visual historians of a nation that had not yet been born. For 100 years, three generations of Bruce have painstakingly amassed the world's largest collection of 20th-century Ghanaian photographs under one roof. They believe their Deo Gratias photo studio is the oldest in West Africa.

World of Africa | Ghana's history in black & white

The Ivory coast known for its beach, resorts, rainforests and a French colonial legacy the vast Ebrie lagoon. It is famously known as pearl of lagoons. Well, what was once a jewel of West Africa is now visibly sick and sorry sight.

WION Climate Tracker: Lagoon in Ivory Coast is choked by plastic pollution

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In an effort to revitalise France's post-colonial connection with the continent, President Emmanuel Macron arrived late on Monday in Cameroon, the first stop of a three-nation trip through western Africa. Around 10:40 p.m., Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute met Macron at the airport in Yaounde. Macron should be able to "show the commitment of the president in the process of renewing the relationship with the African continent" during his first trip outside of Europe, which will also take him to Benin and Guinea-Bissau, according to a French presidential official who asked not to be identified.

Tuesday morning at the presidential palace, Macron is scheduled to meet with his 89-year-old counterpart Paul Biya, who has controlled Cameroon with an iron fist for almost 40 years. They are anticipated to talk about security in Cameroon, which has been torn apart by ethnic conflict and a 2017 insurrection by anglophone separatists seeking the independence of two English-speaking districts. Jihadists from Boko Haram have also carried out attacks in northern Cameroon.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-crisis-economy-lessons-india-can-learn-498205">Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn</a>

In 2020, Macron angered Biya by threatening to exert "maximum pressure" on the president in response to the "intolerable" violence in the West African nation. His visit comes at a time when China, India, and Germany are gaining ground on France, a former colonial power, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres. Macron will meet with representatives of youth and civil society after having lunch with Biya and his wife Chantal. He will finish the day at "Noah Village," which is being hosted by former tennis champion Yannick Noah, who is building a recreation and educational facility in a well-liked Yaounde neighbourhood where he spends several months of the year.

On Wednesday, Macron will travel to Benin, which has experienced devastating attacks by jihadists who have expanded from the Sahel to the countries of the Gulf of Guinea.

(with inputs from agencies)

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In an effort to revitalise France's post-colonial connection with the continent, President Emmanuel Macron arrived late on Monday in Cameroon, the first stop of a three-nation trip through western Africa.

In an effort to revitalise France's post-colonial connection with the continent, President Emmanuel Macron arrived late on Monday in Cameroon, the first stop of a three-nation trip through western Africa. Around 10:40 p.m., Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute met Macron at the airport in Yaounde. Macron should be able to "show the commitment of the president in the process of renewing the relationship with the African continent" during his first trip outside of Europe, which will also take him to Benin and Guinea-Bissau, according to a French presidential official who asked not to be identified. Tuesday morning at the presidential palace, Macron is scheduled to meet with his 89-year-old counterpart Paul Biya, who has controlled Cameroon with an iron fist for almost 40 years. They are anticipated to talk about security in Cameroon, which has been torn apart by ethnic conflict and a 2017 insurrection by anglophone separatists seeking the independence of two English-speaking districts. Jihadists from Boko Haram have also carried out attacks in northern Cameroon. Also Read: Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn In 2020, Macron angered Biya by threatening to exert "maximum pressure" on the president in response to the "intolerable" violence in the West African nation. His visit comes at a time when China, India, and Germany are gaining ground on France, a former colonial power, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres. Macron will meet with representatives of youth and civil society after having lunch with Biya and his wife Chantal. He will finish the day at "Noah Village," which is being hosted by former tennis champion Yannick Noah, who is building a recreation and educational facility in a well-liked Yaounde neighbourhood where he spends several months of the year. On Wednesday, Macron will travel to Benin, which has experienced devastating attacks by jihadists who have expanded from the Sahel to the countries of the Gulf of Guinea. (with inputs from agencies)

Macron reaches Cameroon to kickstart west Africa trip to reboot post-colonial relations

A member of the Ivorian parliament has introduced a bill to legalise polygamy, saying that the practice remains rampant in the West African nation. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint | Debate over Ivory Coast's bill to legalise polygamy

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday lifted economic and financial sanctions imposed on Mali, after its military rulers agreed to return to civilian rule by March 2024.

West African bloc ECOWAS lifts economic and financial sanctions on Mali

Gabon and Togo joined the Commonwealth on Saturday, becoming the latest nations with no historic ties to Britain to enter the English-speaking club headed by Queen Elizabeth II.&nbsp;

The 54-nation group of mostly former British colonies accepted Togo and Gabon's application for membership on the final day of its leadership summit in Rwanda.

"We have admitted Gabon and Togo as new members, and we all welcome them to the Commonwealth family," Rwandan President Paul Kagame said at the closing press conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-as-head-of-state-commonwealth-members-can-decide-own-course-says-prince-charles-491527">Queen as head of state: Commonwealth members can decide own course, says Prince Charles</a>

The French-speaking West African states are the first new members to join the Commonwealth since Rwanda in 2009.

Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said membership opened the door to 2.5 billion consumers in the Commonwealth realm, offered new education opportunities, and tapped a "craze" for English among his countrymen.

"Togo's membership is motivated by the desire to expand its diplomatic, political, and economic network&nbsp;as well as to get closer to the English-speaking world," he told AFP.

It also allowed the small and developing nation of 8.5 million to redefine bilateral relations with the UK outside the European Union in the aftermath of Brexit, he added.

Francophone states have also sought Commonwealth membership in recent years to pivot away from France, analysts said.

Togolese political scientist Mohamed Madi Djabakate said the move would prove popular as French influence in Togo was often blamed for its economic woes.

"Togo joining the Commonwealth is better for many people than sharing the French language and culture, which at the end of the day has not promoted development," he told AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;Commonwealth Summit 2022: Climate change, Food crisis on agenda

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'Making history'

Rwanda's own membership came at a time of immense strain between Kigali and Paris, and the east African state has forged close ties with the UK in the years after its admission, including a controversial migrant deal agreed this year.

Gabonese President Ali Bongo said his country was "making history" by joining the group.

"Sixty-two years after its Independence, our country is getting ready to breakthrough with a new chapter," Bongo said in a statement on Twitter.&nbsp;

"It's a world of opportunities for Gabon on the economic, diplomatic &amp; cultural levels."&nbsp;

Their admission is a boon for the Commonwealth at a time of renewed discussion over its relevance and purpose.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the interest from new members proved the organisation was alive and well.

But it could also raise questions about the Commonwealth's espoused commitment to good governance and democracy as fundamental values of its charter.

Oil-rich Gabon, a former French colony on the Atlantic Ocean, has been ruled by the Bongo family for 55 years.

Ali Bongo took over after his father's death and was returned to power in 2016 following an election marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud.

Togo, a former German then French colony, has also been under dynastic rule for more than half a century.

General Gnassingbe Eyadema governed with an iron fist from 1967 until his death in 2005, upon which his son Faure Gnassingbe took power.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/campaigners-urge-commonwealth-to-press-rwanda-on-human-rights-487001">Campaigners urge Commonwealth to press Rwanda on human rights</a>

He was re-elected in polls that were all contested by the opposition.

Born out of the British Empire, the Commonwealth represents one-third of humanity and spans nations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Mozambique a former Portuguese colony became the first Commonwealth member without historic links to Britain when it joined in 1995.

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Gabon and Togo joined the Commonwealth on Saturday, becoming the latest nations with no historic ties to Britain to enter the English-speaking club headed by Queen Elizabeth II.

Gabon and Togo joined the Commonwealth on Saturday, becoming the latest nations with no historic ties to Britain to enter the English-speaking club headed by Queen Elizabeth II. The 54-nation group of mostly former British colonies accepted Togo and Gabon's application for membership on the final day of its leadership summit in Rwanda. "We have admitted Gabon and Togo as new members, and we all welcome them to the Commonwealth family," Rwandan President Paul Kagame said at the closing press conference. Also read | Queen as head of state: Commonwealth members can decide own course, says Prince Charles The French-speaking West African states are the first new members to join the Commonwealth since Rwanda in 2009. Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said membership opened the door to 2.5 billion consumers in the Commonwealth realm, offered new education opportunities, and tapped a "craze" for English among his countrymen. "Togo's membership is motivated by the desire to expand its diplomatic, political, and economic network as well as to get closer to the English-speaking world," he told AFP. It also allowed the small and developing nation of 8.5 million to redefine bilateral relations with the UK outside the European Union in the aftermath of Brexit, he added. Francophone states have also sought Commonwealth membership in recent years to pivot away from France, analysts said. Togolese political scientist Mohamed Madi Djabakate said the move would prove popular as French influence in Togo was often blamed for its economic woes. "Togo joining the Commonwealth is better for many people than sharing the French language and culture, which at the end of the day has not promoted development," he told AFP. Watch | Commonwealth Summit 2022: Climate change, Food crisis on agenda 'Making history' Rwanda's own membership came at a time of immense strain between Kigali and Paris, and the east African state has forged close ties with the UK in the years after its admission, including a controversial migrant deal agreed this year. Gabonese President Ali Bongo said his country was "making history" by joining the group. "Sixty-two years after its Independence, our country is getting ready to breakthrough with a new chapter," Bongo said in a statement on Twitter. "It's a world of opportunities for Gabon on the economic, diplomatic & cultural levels." Their admission is a boon for the Commonwealth at a time of renewed discussion over its relevance and purpose. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the interest from new members proved the organisation was alive and well. But it could also raise questions about the Commonwealth's espoused commitment to good governance and democracy as fundamental values of its charter. Oil-rich Gabon, a former French colony on the Atlantic Ocean, has been ruled by the Bongo family for 55 years. Ali Bongo took over after his father's death and was returned to power in 2016 following an election marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud. Togo, a former German then French colony, has also been under dynastic rule for more than half a century. General Gnassingbe Eyadema governed with an iron fist from 1967 until his death in 2005, upon which his son Faure Gnassingbe took power. Also read | Campaigners urge Commonwealth to press Rwanda on human rights He was re-elected in polls that were all contested by the opposition. Born out of the British Empire, the Commonwealth represents one-third of humanity and spans nations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Mozambique a former Portuguese colony became the first Commonwealth member without historic links to Britain when it joined in 1995. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

West African states Gabon and Togo join Commonwealth

Africa, one of the most under-reported continents in the media sphere is now evolving fast. Catch all the latest vibrant, untold & intriguing stories on One Africa with Erik Njoka every Tuesday on WION.

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West African leaders have put off sanctions. There are still no sanctions on African Juntas. ECOWAS is aiming to limit political turmoil in West Africa.

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9 African leaders attended an opening session of the UN COP15 talks on Monday. The talks focused on desertification and land degradation, these two climate issues have devastated large parts of the African continent

UN COP15 talks in West Africa's Abidjan: Leaders discuss land degradation

West&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;is facing its worst&nbsp;food&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;on record&nbsp;driven&nbsp;by&nbsp;conflict, drought, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on&nbsp;food&nbsp;prices and availability, aid agencies said on Tuesday.

There are about 27 million people suffering from hunger in the region and that number could rise to 38 million by June, a 40 per cent&nbsp;increase from last year and a&nbsp;historic&nbsp;high, said 11 international aid organizations in a joint statement.

Large swathes of&nbsp;West&nbsp;Africa, including parts of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, are facing Islamist insurgencies that have forced millions of people off their land. Along with Chad, those are the countries most affected by hunger.

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The region has also seen worsening floods and droughts due to the effects of climate change, making it harder to farm. Cereal production in 2021/22 was down 39 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in Niger and 15 per cent&nbsp;in Mali, according to&nbsp;West&nbsp;Africa's&nbsp;Food&nbsp;Crisis&nbsp;Prevention Network.

On top of that, global&nbsp;food&nbsp;prices have&nbsp;surged and trade has been disrupted due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Border closures due to COVID-19 have also had a negative impact, the&nbsp;Food&nbsp;Crisis&nbsp;Prevention Network said.

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drought-crisis-in-the-horn-of-africa-13-million-people-face-severe-hunger-466951/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What is new and worsening is mainly all the displaced people and abandoned land because of&nbsp;conflict, but also we are witnessing new drivers," said Assalama Dawalack Sidi, Oxfam's regional director for&nbsp;West&nbsp;and Central&nbsp;Africa.

Six&nbsp;West&nbsp;African countries import 30-50 per cent&nbsp;of their wheat from Russia and Ukraine, according to the United Nations&nbsp;Food&nbsp;and Agriculture Organization (FAO).&nbsp;

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The Ukraine war also risks redirecting much-needed funding from the region, Sidi warned.

"Many donors have already indicated that they may cut funding for&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;to pay for refugees in Europe," she said.

West Africa is facing its worst food crisis on record driven by conflict, drought, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on food prices and availability, aid agencies said on Tuesday.

West Africa is facing its worst food crisis on record driven by conflict, drought, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on food prices and availability, aid agencies said on Tuesday. There are about 27 million people suffering from hunger in the region and that number could rise to 38 million by June, a 40 per cent increase from last year and a historic high, said 11 international aid organizations in a joint statement. Large swathes of West Africa, including parts of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, are facing Islamist insurgencies that have forced millions of people off their land. Along with Chad, those are the countries most affected by hunger. Also read | Cloning pets is all the rage, and it can cost thousands of dollars. Here's how it works The region has also seen worsening floods and droughts due to the effects of climate change, making it harder to farm. Cereal production in 2021/22 was down 39 per cent year-on-year in Niger and 15 per cent in Mali, according to West Africa's Food Crisis Prevention Network. On top of that, global food prices have surged and trade has been disrupted due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Border closures due to COVID-19 have also had a negative impact, the Food Crisis Prevention Network said. Watch | Drought crisis in the horn of Africa, 13 million people face severe hunger "What is new and worsening is mainly all the displaced people and abandoned land because of conflict, but also we are witnessing new drivers," said Assalama Dawalack Sidi, Oxfam's regional director for West and Central Africa. Six West African countries import 30-50 per cent of their wheat from Russia and Ukraine, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Also read | Sri Lanka's newly-appointed finance minister quits after just one day The Ukraine war also risks redirecting much-needed funding from the region, Sidi warned. "Many donors have already indicated that they may cut funding for Africa to pay for refugees in Europe," she said.

West Africa faces historic food crisis driven by conflict, price surge

Why has France been at war for a decade in the West African desert?

From Burkina Faso to Mali: West Africa's new wave of coups

In West Africa's G. Bissau the govt has survived an attempted coup. The President of the state has claimed that attackers had killed several people. At least 6 people have been reportedly killed in the attack.

At least 6 people killed in coup attack in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), has effectively cut off Mali from the rest of West Africa. The block of 50 countries have closed borders and ceased trade with the country.

Mali faces isolation as West African union shuts borders and ceases trade

More than a century after French colonial troops ransacked a West African royal palace and took its treasures, President Emmanuel Macron of France on Wednesday began the formal transfer of 26 of those artefacts to Benin in the first large-scale act of restitution to Africa by a former European colonial power.

Macron spoke at a ceremony at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, where the objects are on display for the last time, through Sunday. The president will complete the transfer in a signing ceremony with President Patrice Talon of Benin at the Élysée Palace, after which the treasures will permanently leave France.

The restitution of the objects is a tangible and powerfully symbolic result of a confluence of events in Europe: a belated reckoning with its colonial past, fueled by a contemporary questioning of sexism, racism and other social inequalities.

That reexamination has been particularly fraught in France, which maintained strong ties to its former colonies in Africa decades after they became officially independent. The restitution is part of Macron’s attempt to reset relations with them even as he has tried to deflect a conservative backlash domestically.

“The purpose of this adventure is not for France to get rid of every piece of the heritage of others. That would be a terrible vision,” Macron said at the ceremony.

The 26 objects returning to Benin were plundered from a royal palace in 1892 when French forces invaded the country then known as Dahomey and made it a French colony for more than six decades. Their assault ended the reign of King Behanzin, who had resided in the palace at Abomey, a city in what is now southern Benin.

Highlights of the collection include a wooden effigy of Behanzin depicted as half-man-half-shark, a pair of elaborate wooden thrones and four painted gates from the palace.

On arrival in Benin, the artifacts will initially be displayed in a museum compound in the city of Ouidah, where slaves were once traded by the Portuguese. They will then be transferred to the royal palace compound in Abomey, where a new museum is being built. The two museums are among the beneficiaries of 1 billion euros, around $1.16 billion, spent since 2016 on the nation’s cultural infrastructure in an effort to turn Benin into a tourist destination, the country’s foreign minister, Aurélien Agbénonci, said at the Paris ceremony.

The events Wednesday signaled the start of a crucial new chapter in a process that began in 2017, when Macron declared in a speech in Burkina Faso that he could “not accept that a large part of the cultural heritage of several African countries should be in France.” He then commissioned a report on restitution from two experts, historian Bénédicte Savoy and economist Felwine Sarr.

Savoy and Sarr recommended in 2018 that “any objects taken by force or presumed to be acquired through inequitable conditions” by the French army, scientific explorers or administrators between the late 1800s and 1960 be handed back — if their countries of origin asked for them.

The report sent shock waves through European museums. Yet today, many other countries appear to be following France’s lead.

Over the past year, Germany has announced the return of some 1,100 Benin Bronzes, priceless sculptures seized in an 1897 British raid on what was then known as the Kingdom of Benin, in present-day Nigeria. A Dutch panel has recommended the unconditional return of any objects stolen from the Netherlands’ former colonies, and Belgium’s Africa Museum has started talks to give back looted artefacts to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Emmanuel Kasarhérou, the president of the Quai Branly Museum, said that besides Benin and Senegal — to which France returned a historic sword in 2019 — other countries had put in formal restitution requests to French authorities: Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Mali and Chad. These requests were being examined by French museum experts in tandem with teams in each of those countries.

The main factor to consider was whether the objects had been taken without consent, he said.

“It’s hard for a French person to go to the British Museum and say ‘Give us back all of the French art,’ or for a Dutch person to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and say ‘Give us back everything that’s Dutch.’ It makes no sense,” he added.

“The word ‘restitution’ applies to objects that were acquired in an illicit manner,” Kasarhérou said.

More than a century after French colonial troops ransacked a West African royal palace and took its treasures, President Emmanuel Macron of France on Wednesday began the formal transfer of 26 of those artefacts to Benin in the first large-scale act of restitution to Africa by a former European colonial power.

More than a century after French colonial troops ransacked a West African royal palace and took its treasures, President Emmanuel Macron of France on Wednesday began the formal transfer of 26 of those artefacts to Benin in the first large-scale act of restitution to Africa by a former European colonial power. Macron spoke at a ceremony at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, where the objects are on display for the last time, through Sunday. The president will complete the transfer in a signing ceremony with President Patrice Talon of Benin at the Élysée Palace, after which the treasures will permanently leave France. The restitution of the objects is a tangible and powerfully symbolic result of a confluence of events in Europe: a belated reckoning with its colonial past, fueled by a contemporary questioning of sexism, racism and other social inequalities. That reexamination has been particularly fraught in France, which maintained strong ties to its former colonies in Africa decades after they became officially independent. The restitution is part of Macron’s attempt to reset relations with them even as he has tried to deflect a conservative backlash domestically. “The purpose of this adventure is not for France to get rid of every piece of the heritage of others. That would be a terrible vision,” Macron said at the ceremony. The 26 objects returning to Benin were plundered from a royal palace in 1892 when French forces invaded the country then known as Dahomey and made it a French colony for more than six decades. Their assault ended the reign of King Behanzin, who had resided in the palace at Abomey, a city in what is now southern Benin. Highlights of the collection include a wooden effigy of Behanzin depicted as half-man-half-shark, a pair of elaborate wooden thrones and four painted gates from the palace. On arrival in Benin, the artifacts will initially be displayed in a museum compound in the city of Ouidah, where slaves were once traded by the Portuguese. They will then be transferred to the royal palace compound in Abomey, where a new museum is being built. The two museums are among the beneficiaries of 1 billion euros, around $1.16 billion, spent since 2016 on the nation’s cultural infrastructure in an effort to turn Benin into a tourist destination, the country’s foreign minister, Aurélien Agbénonci, said at the Paris ceremony. The events Wednesday signaled the start of a crucial new chapter in a process that began in 2017, when Macron declared in a speech in Burkina Faso that he could “not accept that a large part of the cultural heritage of several African countries should be in France.” He then commissioned a report on restitution from two experts, historian Bénédicte Savoy and economist Felwine Sarr. Savoy and Sarr recommended in 2018 that “any objects taken by force or presumed to be acquired through inequitable conditions” by the French army, scientific explorers or administrators between the late 1800s and 1960 be handed back — if their countries of origin asked for them. The report sent shock waves through European museums. Yet today, many other countries appear to be following France’s lead. Over the past year, Germany has announced the return of some 1,100 Benin Bronzes, priceless sculptures seized in an 1897 British raid on what was then known as the Kingdom of Benin, in present-day Nigeria. A Dutch panel has recommended the unconditional return of any objects stolen from the Netherlands’ former colonies, and Belgium’s Africa Museum has started talks to give back looted artefacts to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Emmanuel Kasarhérou, the president of the Quai Branly Museum, said that besides Benin and Senegal — to which France returned a historic sword in 2019 — other countries had put in formal restitution requests to French authorities: Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Mali and Chad. These requests were being examined by French museum experts in tandem with teams in each of those countries. The main factor to consider was whether the objects had been taken without consent, he said. “It’s hard for a French person to go to the British Museum and say ‘Give us back all of the French art,’ or for a Dutch person to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and say ‘Give us back everything that’s Dutch.’ It makes no sense,” he added. “The word ‘restitution’ applies to objects that were acquired in an illicit manner,” Kasarhérou said.

Looted treasures begin a long journey home from France

Amid a growing political crisis, the West African regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Mali's membership in response to last week's military coup.

West African bloc ECOWAS suspends Mali's membership over military coup

West African leaders were due to meet on Sunday in Ghana to discuss situation in Mali, the country which witnesses second coup in nine monthsh. Mali's new president Colonel Assimi Goita arrived in Accra on Saturday ahead of the extraordinary summit of regional bloc ECOWAS.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara and Burkina Faso's Marc Christian Kabore were among those attending the summit.&nbsp;

Goita led the young army officers who overthrew Mali's elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last August over perceived corruption and his failure to quell a bloody jihadist insurgency.

After the takeover, the military agreed to appoint civilians as interim president and prime minister under pressure from ECOWAS, which has served as a mediator.

But on Monday, soldiers detained transitional president Bah Ndaw and prime minister Moctar Ouane, releasing them on Thursday while saying that they had resigned.

The twin arrests triggered a diplomatic uproar and marked Mali's second apparent coup within a year. 
Mali's constitutional court completed Goita's rise to full power on Friday by naming him transitional president.

With the junta going back on its previous commitment to civilian political leaders, doubts have been raised about its other pledges, including holding elections in early 2022.

Jihadist attack

The summit is likely to take note of a fresh Jihadist attack in Mali that killed at least 5 persons on Sunday. The attack took place in the country's southern region. Southern Mali has been mostly spared from Islamist unrest in the country.

Unidentified men attacked a checkpoint near Bougouni town between 3:30 am and 4 am (local time). A local lawmaker told AFP that an outpost used by police and forest rangers was attacked.

(With inputs from agencies)

West African leaders were due to meet on Sunday in Ghana to discuss situation in Mali, the country which witnesses second coup in nine monthsh. Mali's new president Colonel Assimi Goita arrived in Accra on Saturday ahead of the extraordinary summit of regional bloc ECOWAS.

West African leaders were due to meet on Sunday in Ghana to discuss situation in Mali, the country which witnesses second coup in nine monthsh. Mali's new president Colonel Assimi Goita arrived in Accra on Saturday ahead of the extraordinary summit of regional bloc ECOWAS. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara and Burkina Faso's Marc Christian Kabore were among those attending the summit. Goita led the young army officers who overthrew Mali's elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last August over perceived corruption and his failure to quell a bloody jihadist insurgency. After the takeover, the military agreed to appoint civilians as interim president and prime minister under pressure from ECOWAS, which has served as a mediator. But on Monday, soldiers detained transitional president Bah Ndaw and prime minister Moctar Ouane, releasing them on Thursday while saying that they had resigned. The twin arrests triggered a diplomatic uproar and marked Mali's second apparent coup within a year. Mali's constitutional court completed Goita's rise to full power on Friday by naming him transitional president. With the junta going back on its previous commitment to civilian political leaders, doubts have been raised about its other pledges, including holding elections in early 2022. Jihadist attack The summit is likely to take note of a fresh Jihadist attack in Mali that killed at least 5 persons on Sunday. The attack took place in the country's southern region. Southern Mali has been mostly spared from Islamist unrest in the country. Unidentified men attacked a checkpoint near Bougouni town between 3:30 am and 4 am (local time). A local lawmaker told AFP that an outpost used by police and forest rangers was attacked. (With inputs from agencies)

West African countries in huddle over situation in Mali

In a luxury villa on Lake Togo, ten young West African screenwriters are getting a rare chance to hone their skills and see their work on the small screen.

The Togo initiative by Maison Junior association brings together writers from five countries with the idea of eventually crafting the second season of the French series "Junior des idees au Or" –- "Junior with the golden ideas" -- to become the first major French series written entirely in French-speaking West Africa.

The animated film takes a look at the daily lives of a group of African schoolchildren, including the hero Junior.

"In Season 1, it was French screenwriters who made this series and who spoke about the daily life of African children," said Christophe Guignee, screenwriter, cartoonist and co-founder of Maison Junior.

"Now we are turning it around: it is African screenwriters who will talk about the daily life of African children. It &nbsp;must be accessible for Europeans and at the same time, something Africans can identify with."

Accompanied by two French professionals and one Togolese, the ten have already completed a four-month distance course.&nbsp;

After the stay in Togo, the young screenwriters will have another two-month period of distance training.

"This training is interesting, because it allows us to offer content that is modelled on our realities, on what we are experiencing in Africa," said Odilon Edjedji, a 25-year-old from neighbouring Benin.

For the young writers, it is a real chance at sharpening their skills.

"In Africa, it is not always easy to train in cinema. And as for scriptwriting, it is not easy, because training is rare," said Anais Kere, a 23-year-old Burkinabe journalist, screenwriter and film critic.

The training is both theoretical and practical. But it also has a new challenging aspect.

Two famous Togolese slam-rappers, are also supervising the students in conceiving a song for the series.

Sitting around a table in the middle of the villa's lush garden not far from the Togo capital Lome, the young screenwriters have trying to adapt text to music.

"There are things that I did but did not understand," said Yoann Feteke, a young Togolese screenwriter.

"With this training, I gradually mastered all the stages of writing."&nbsp;

In a luxury villa on Lake Togo, ten young West African screenwriters are getting a rare chance to hone their skills and see their work on the small screen. The Togo initiative by Maison Junior association brings together writers from five countries with the idea of eventually crafting the second season of the French series "Junior des idees au Or" –- "Junior with the golden ideas" -- to become the first major French series written entirely in French-speaking West Africa.

In a luxury villa on Lake Togo, ten young West African screenwriters are getting a rare chance to hone their skills and see their work on the small screen. The Togo initiative by Maison Junior association brings together writers from five countries with the idea of eventually crafting the second season of the French series "Junior des idees au Or" –- "Junior with the golden ideas" -- to become the first major French series written entirely in French-speaking West Africa. The animated film takes a look at the daily lives of a group of African schoolchildren, including the hero Junior. "In Season 1, it was French screenwriters who made this series and who spoke about the daily life of African children," said Christophe Guignee, screenwriter, cartoonist and co-founder of Maison Junior. "Now we are turning it around: it is African screenwriters who will talk about the daily life of African children. It must be accessible for Europeans and at the same time, something Africans can identify with." Accompanied by two French professionals and one Togolese, the ten have already completed a four-month distance course. After the stay in Togo, the young screenwriters will have another two-month period of distance training. "This training is interesting, because it allows us to offer content that is modelled on our realities, on what we are experiencing in Africa," said Odilon Edjedji, a 25-year-old from neighbouring Benin. For the young writers, it is a real chance at sharpening their skills. "In Africa, it is not always easy to train in cinema. And as for scriptwriting, it is not easy, because training is rare," said Anais Kere, a 23-year-old Burkinabe journalist, screenwriter and film critic. The training is both theoretical and practical. But it also has a new challenging aspect. Two famous Togolese slam-rappers, are also supervising the students in conceiving a song for the series. Sitting around a table in the middle of the villa's lush garden not far from the Togo capital Lome, the young screenwriters have trying to adapt text to music. "There are things that I did but did not understand," said Yoann Feteke, a young Togolese screenwriter. "With this training, I gradually mastered all the stages of writing."

Young West Africans write first French TV series

There has been an attempted coup in the West African country Niger. The failed coup unfolded just ahead of President Mohamed Bazoum's inauguration.

Niger: Attempted coup ahead of President Bazoum's inauguration

Gravitas Plus | Jihadist terror is on the rise in West Africa. Terror outfits like the Boko Haram are strengthening their base, as the world looks the other way. They could soon pose a threat to Africa's stability. The implications will be global. Here's a wake-up call by Palki Sharma Upadhyay.

Gravitas Plus: Jihadists on the rise in West Africa

Health workers in two African countries are working overtime to contain an Ebola outbreak. More than 10 cases are being reported out of Guinea and Congo. At least 7 people have died. Is this the beginning of a new epidemic? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: An Ebola outbreak in Africa in the middle of a pandemic

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