West Africa

The economy is marked by severe fuel price volatility and supply chain disruptions. The Dangote Refinery drastically increased petrol prices twice before a minor reduction, while exporters face container shortages at Lagos ports and a major trade complex was shut down. International trade governance remains contentious, as WTO reform talks in Cameroon ended in failure.

• 1US trade chief sees only limited role for WTO after failed meeting in Cameroon - The Straits Times
• 1Dangote refinery slashes petrol gantry price to N1,200
• 1Ivanhoe Atlantic secures Liberia approval for iron ore transport
• 1Atlantic Lithium wins key Ghana approval for Ewoyaa mine
• 1Benin to expand exports to China: trade minister

Politics is active across local, national, and international spheres. In Nigeria, 31 APC governors convened in Lagos for a crucial meeting, and early campaigning for the 2027 Lagos Assembly is underway. Internationally, a French tycoon faces a corruption trial over Togo dealings, Ghana signed a landmark defense deal with the EU, and Benin held a presidential election.

• 2Ghana and EU sign landmark defence deal to combat militant Islamist threat
• 2French tycoon Vincent Bolloré to face corruption trial over Togo dealings
• 22027: KWAM1’s daughter declares ambition for Lagos Assembly
• 2France returns sacred 'talking drum' looted during colonial rule to Ivory Coast
• 1Appeal trial of ex-Gambian minister Sonko opens in Switzerland

Security is fragmented, with high-profile local violence in Lagos and a significant militant attack in Benin. Lagos faces cult violence, police misconduct, and clashes requiring mass arrests, while an army base in Benin was attacked, killing at least 15 soldiers. Authorities are taking reactive measures, with the Lagos police commissioner threatening to disband a task force.

• 2Navy ship and two tugboats run aground on Rio beach
• 2Army base attacked in Benin, at least 15 soldiers killed
• 1Women harvest hope as extremist threat grows in Benin
• 1Suicide bombing kills 23 in Nigeria as Boko Haram activity rises
• 1Africa: Ghana Rescues 73 Human Trafficking Victims

Society is grappling with the immediate aftermath of a building collapse in Lagos and a growing international push for slavery reparations. The Lagos school collapse forced resident relocations, while Ghana successfully championed a UN slavery resolution, sparking a global debate on reparations led by a descendant of Kwame Nkrumah.

• 2Ivory Coast remembers Bassam attacks ten years later
• 1Pendjari Reserve closure destabilizes Benin region
• 1UN backs Ghana slavery resolution as Nkrumah grandson calls reparations fair and just
• 1Egypt delivers Hepatitis C treatment aid to Ghana
• 1Font size of Daily Mirror angers NPP Deputy Minister