Podcasts about west african states ecowas

Three West African countries - Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso - have finalized their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Another thing they have in common? All three countries are under junta rule after military coups that took place in recent years. They have since formed their own union - the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).   Why have these three countries exited ECOWAS, and is this a crisis point for the regional bloc? Catherine Nzuki is joined by Beverly Ochieng, Senior Analyst for Francophone Africa at Control Risks, and a Senior Associate with the CSIS Africa Program, to unpack these questions and more.   They discuss the state of politics and security in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso (1:30); why the leaders of these military juntas are popular at home and across Africa (4:40); what drove the decision to exit ECOWAS and what this means for unity in the region (7:37); how the AES is using arts, culture, and media to self-legitimize; (20:00); how the pan-African, decolonial rhetoric of the leaders of AES is translating into their governance choices (24:11); if the AES confederation is strong enough to weather rough international winds on their own (28:49); the state of Africa's legacy institutions today and how responsive they are to shifting regional politics and the collapsing post-WWII order (37:15).

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has withdrawn its mediation team from Guinea Bissau. Its mission was to help reach a political consensus on the elections, which were postponed by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. So will voting, pushed back to later this year, still go ahead?A BBC investigation finds that young women in Kenya are being lured into sexual exploitation on TikTok. Is the social media platform doing enough to keep users safe?And former South African football star, Benni McCarthy, is Kenya's new head coach. Is the appointment of Africans to lead African teams now an established trend?Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Producers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

An official of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been explaining the purpose of a delegation to Guinea Bissau over the weekend. Abdel Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security, says the delegation's purpose was to seek a consensus between President Omaro Sissoco Embalo and the opposition on when to hold peaceful and credible elections. He tells VOA's James Butty, the bone of contention is the legality of what opponents say is Embalo's continuous stay in power

Join us for an engaging classroom discussion this Monday morning, led by the esteemed Dr. Ray Winbush, a professor at Morgan State University and the Director of the Institute for Urban Research. Dr. Winbush will tackle the critical challenges facing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives today, shining a light on the ongoing attacks against them. He will also delve into the significant developments regarding the Sahel nations' departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), providing valuable insights you won't want to miss. We are honored to welcome Dana Crips, a courageous survivor of the Altadena wildfire, who will share her inspiring story of resilience and recovery. Additionally, Pam Africa from the MOVE organization will give us an important update on Mumia Abu-Jamal, adding depth to our understanding of this vital issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The military governments of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

An official of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says democracy remains a core value of the regional body. At the same time, Abdel Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security, says the regional body wants to understand what drove Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to military rule. The three countries formally withdrew from the organization on Wednesday. Fatau Musa tells VOA's James Butty, ECOWAS, which celebrates 50 years of its founding this year, vows to review its policies and improve its successes and challenge

Listen to the Mon. Dec. 23, 2024 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The episode features our PANW report with dispatches on the appointment of a new government in France; Africa's debt burden is rapidly increasing; the University of Johannesburg has been ranked as one of the top higher education institutions on the continent; and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has rejected a timeline advanced by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its departure from the regional body. In the second hour we review recent developments in West Asia. Finally, we look back on a discussion between Malcolm X and James Baldwin during the early 1960s.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given the military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger six months to reconsider their decision to leave the regional bloc. The decision came Sunday at the end of an ECOWAS summit in Abuja, Nigeria. The three countries formed their own confederation and were slated to withdraw on January 29, 2025. Abdel Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security. tells VOA's James Butty ECOWAS wants to give diplomacy another try.

An official of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has described the conduct of the December 7 election in Ghana as the beauty of democracy. Abdel Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security, tells VOA's James Butty, recent elections in Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal are proof that the people of the sub-region prefer democracy over military rule

An official of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says the regional body has confidence in the democratic tradition of Ghana. Abdel Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security, says all parties have assured ECOWAS that the December 7 general election will be free, fair and credible. Ambassador Musa tells VOA's James Butty, Ghana's years of democracy include nine unbroken regular elections and the peaceful transfer of political power

A delegation from the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is due in Liberia Monday on a mediation mission. This comes as one group in the Liberian House of Representatives, which claims to have the majority, is demanding the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Speaker Koffa has refused to step down. Representative Foday Edward Fahnbulleh, a member of the Good Governance and Reform Committee and a member of the group calling for Speaker Koffa's removal, tells VOA's James Butty, Speaker Koffa is conflicted.

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has appealed to the United Nations to assist the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as it combats terrorism in the Sahel region. He spoke Monday at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Former Liberian President George Weah is seeking the intervention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for what he calls attacks on his party the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) by the government of President Joseph Boakai. Dennise Nimpson reports from Monrovia.

On Daybreak Africa: Renewed fighting between Democratic Republic of Congo's army and M23 rebels broke out on Sunday around a densely populated town in eastern North Kivu province, where the rebels are waging an insurgency, the army and M23 said. Plus, Rwanda and DRC foreign ministers meet again in Angola in two weeks. Research shows that African youth prefer democracy to any kind of authoritarian alternative. Former Liberian President George Weah seeks the intervention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for what he calls attacks on his party by the current government. Attacks on humanitarian workers in the DRC hamper their efforts to care for thousands of refugees in IDP camps. For these and more, tune in to Daybreak Africa!

An old Angolan proverb suggests it is the voyage not the ship that is important. And for the people of Angola the voyage has been a long one, from the era of the might Kongo empire, through the slave trade, colonialism, an independence struggle, and more recently decades of civil war. Despite this, in 2015 the capital city Luanda was in was listed as the most expensive city in the world, But new high rises built off the back of an oil boom sit uncomfortably alongside squalid outskirts of the city in the former Portuguese colony.  In this episode I speak with Alex Vines OBE was a UN observer when Angola held its first elections 30 years ago, as the Director of the Africa program at Chatham House, Alex has seen the growth of the nation, its slow transition towards real democracy and has expert insights into the nation, and the challenges it continues to face. Alex Vines OBE Chatham House Alex Vines has led the Africa Programme at Chatham House since 2002. Previously he has held roles at Chatham House as director for regional studies and international security, and director for area studies and international law. He chaired the UN Panel of Experts on Côte d'Ivoire from 2005 to 2007, and was a member of the UN Panel of Experts on Liberia from 2001 to 2003. He was also a member of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Nigeria in 2023 (Mozambique in 2019 and Ghana in 2016) and a UN election officer in Mozambique (1994) and Angola (1992).   He worked at Human Rights Watch as a senior researcher on its Africa, Arms and Business and Human Rights programmes, and has served as a consultant including for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); JICA, DFID, USAID, the EU and for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He has also written expert reports for the EU parliament and has testified to law makers including for the US Congress and Senate, the EU parliament, the UK and Finnish parliaments and the Angolan and Mozambican National Assemblies. Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they're not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won't be bombarded by annoying ads and it's completely free. It's a great site, and don't just take my word for it they've been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Hopes were high for positive change when Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was first elected to chair the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in July 2023. Instead, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have exited the bloc. Can ECOWAS withstand the turmoil? Eddy Micah talks to security analysts Fidel Amakye Owusu and Saani Adib, and DW correspondent Thuso Khumalo in South Africa.

The latest from France as the election results come in. Then: Ecowas' annual summit – can the regional economic bloc still find common ground? And, Indian-Russian relations as India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, visits Moscow. Plus: the latest news from business and the world of sailing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Sun. July 7, 2024 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. This episode features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the French elections and the surge of the New Popular Front; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has requested again the return of the Alliance of Sahel States which left last year; Nigeria claims it has degraded the rebel groups operating inside the country; and the newly-elected UK Prime Minister declared that the Rwanda deportation scheme is dead and buried. We continue our focus on Freedom Summer of 1964 with a reexamination of the passage of the Civil Rights Act passed in July of that year. Finally, we listen to an audio documentary with James Baldwin on a tour of a west coast city sixty years ago.

Democracy in Question? is brought to you by:• Central European University: CEU• The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: AHCD• The Podcast Company: scopeaudio Follow us on social media!• Central European University: @CEU• Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: @AHDCentre Subscribe to the show. If you enjoyed what you listened to, you can support us by leaving a review and sharing our podcast in your networks!  GlossaryForeign direct investment (FDI)(10:34 or p.3 in the transcript)Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a category of cross-border investment in which an investor resident in one economy establishes a lasting interest in and a significant degree of influence over an enterprise resident in another economy. Ownership of 10 percent or more of the voting power in an enterprise in one economy by an investor in another economy is evidence of such a relationship. FDI is a key element in international economic integration because it creates stable and long-lasting links between economies. FDI is an important channel for the transfer of technology between countries, promotes international trade through access to foreign markets, and can be an important vehicle for economic development. source Mali Civil War(17:15 or p.5 in the transcript)Mali has been in crisis since 2012, when a northern separatist rebellion led by members of the minority ethnic Tuareg community paved the way for a military coup and an Islamist insurgent advance. Rebels—bolstered by arms from Libya and fighters with ties to Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)—declared an independent state of “Azawad” in the north. By mid-2012, AQIM and two allied groups had outmaneuvered the separatists to assert control over much of the north. At the transitional government's request, France deployed its military in early 2013 to counter an Islamist insurgent advance and ousted insurgent leaders from major towns in the north. A U.N. peacekeeping operation, MINUSMA, was established in mid-2013 to help stabilize the country, absorbing a nascent African-led intervention force. Veteran politician Ibrahim Boubacar Kéïta was elected president, at which point donors, including the United States, normalized relations with Bamako. French forces transitioned into Operation Barkhane, a regional counterterrorism mission that received U.S. military logistical support, in 2014. Under international pressure to reach a peace deal in the north, the government signed an accord in 2015 with two armed coalitions: one led by ex-separatists, and the other by pro-unity groups with ties to Bamako. President Kéïta was reelected in 2018, but opposition mounted over corruption, allegedly fraudulent legislative elections, insecurity, and economic hardships. Large street protests erupted against Kéïta's administration in mid-2020. State security forces cracked down on protesters, and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mediators failed to achieve a roadmap out of the impasse. The 2020 coup d'état followed. source 

Tuesday is Inauguration Day in Senegal as newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will take the oath of office as the country's fifth president. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated President-elect Faye on Tuesday and commended the people of Senegal for a peaceful and inclusive election. Senegalese political analyst Ibrahima Kane, tells VOA's James Butty, almost all leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the chairperson of the African Union Commission will attend, signaling the importance of Senegal as a model of democracy in Africa.

The former executive secretary of the Economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) says he hopes Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali will respond positively to the lifting of sanctions on Niger. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, now the African Union High Representative for ‘Silencing the Guns' conflict initiative, says this will allow the region to collectively deal with the challenges of terrorism, economic development, and governance. Chambas tells VOA's James Butty, it is only through democratic governance that West Africa can have sustained peace.

Listen to the Sat. Feb. 24, 2024 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the statements made by the Republic of Namibia on the parallels between the early 20th century genocide in their country and the Palestinian situation; the South African government is calling for worldwide testimony related to the case against Tel Aviv in the International Court of Justice; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted sanctions against Niger; and Russia is assessing the special military operations in Ukraine on the second anniversary of the war. In the second hour we continue our focus on African American History Month commemorating the 59th anniversay of the martyrdom of Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik Shabazz). 

Listen to the Sun. Feb. 11, 2024 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The episode features our PANW report with dispatches on mass demonstrations in the Kingdom of Morocco demanding that the government cancels its peace agreement with Israel; Egypt says that its 45-year-old accord with Tel Aviv is in jeopardy amid threats by the settler-colonial regime to launch an offensive in Rafah; and Ethiopia is working on its integration into the BRICS Summit. In the second hour we listen to a report from Pam Africa on the medical situation involving political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. Later we look at the political damage to the administration of President Joe Biden due to the United States role in Palestine, North Africa and West Asia. The Alliance of Sahel States composed of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, have announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Finally, we continue our African American History Month series with a rare archival 1970 interview with C.L.R. James on the Haitian Revolution.

More than 80% of African countries have experienced coups since the 1950s. The occurrence of coups can be seen as a reaction to poor governance that is unresponsive to the needs of the people. Regional and international responses to this “unconstitutional” seizure of power belittles and condescends coup leaders hence ostracizing and condemning already fragile nations without addressing the drivers of coups. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger's recent coups culminated with harsh sanctions from the regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). As a result, the three nations formed a mutual defense pact known as Alliance of Sahel States (AES) on September 16, 2023, then withdrew from ECOWAS on January 28, 2024. ECOWAS is accused of being a hypocritical, distant, and elitist club for privileged diplomats whose hostility to these nations drove them out. What are the failures of ECOWAS? What lessons can ECOWAS and other regional blocs in Africa learn from this? Mvemba is joined by General Saleh Bala, retired Brigadier General from the Nigerian military and CEO White Ink Consult in Abuja, Nigeria, to discuss how to understand the withdrawal of AES and where ECOWAS falls short as a regional bloc.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged what it calls “the political class” in Senegal to urgently restore the country's electoral calendar in accordance with Senegal's constitution. This, after President Mack Sall abruptly postponed the February 25, 2024 presidential election, and the parliament followed on Tuesday by pushing the polls to December. In a communique Tuesday, ECOWAS called on Senegal's stakeholders to shun violence and other actions that may further disturb the peace and stability of the country. Abdel Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security, tells VOA's James Butty, the decision by President Sall and the Senegalese parliament goes against the fundamental principles of the sub-regional organization.

Senegalese are still digesting the weekend bombshell dropped by President Macky Sall when he abruptly postponed the February 25, 2024 presidential election. According to the French News Agency (AFP), the president cited controversies over the disqualification of some candidates and corruption in election-related cases. Some political parties attempted to begin campaigning Sunday, but security forces prevented them from doing so. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for dialogue. Political analyst Ibrahima Kane says Senegalese are shocked, surprised, and feel betrayed. He tells VOA James Butty, there is legally justified emergency in the country to justify the postponement.

Danny and Derek return with headlines from around the globe. This week: the ICJ decision on Israel (0:29), Israeli accusations of UNRWA (5:08), ceasefire talks (10:35), and Biden sanctions settlers (15:56); a U.S. outpost in Jordan is bombed by a drone (18:54); secret Sudan peace talks in Bahrain (23:52); several countries quit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) (25:37); in Ukraine, Zelensky fires a top commander (27:23); the Biden admin is reimposing sanctions on Venezuela (33:34); international intervention is in doubt in Haiti (37:13); and the U.S. had record arms sales last year (40:24). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.americanprestigepod.com/subscribe

On this news episode of American Prestige, Danny and Derek return with headlines from around the globe. This week: the ICJ decision on Israel (0:29), Israeli accusations of UNRWA (5:08), ceasefire talks (10:35), and Biden sanctions settlers (15:56); a U.S. outpost in Jordan is bombed by a drone (18:54); secret Sudan peace talks in Bahrain (23:52); several countries quit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) (25:37); in Ukraine, Zelensky fires a top commander (27:23); the Biden admin is reimposing sanctions on Venezuela (33:34); international intervention is in doubt in Haiti (37:13); and the U.S. had record arms sales last year (40:24).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Listen to the Sun. Jan. 28, 2024 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. This program features our PANW report with dispatches related to attacks by the Washington Post on a leading primary source for Palestinian affairs; the Alliance of Sahel States have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); Mali has ended its ceasefire with a rebel grouping; and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has visited four African states. In the second hour we listen to a debate on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the South African lawsuit against Israel. We then examine the killing of three U.S. troops in a drone attack in Jordan.

*) Gaza truce starts after intense Israeli bombing, prisoner swap to follow A four-day truce in Israel's war on Gaza has started with hostages to be released in exchange for prisoners. It is the first major reprieve in seven weeks of conflict that has claimed thousands of lives. After prolonged negotiations, deliberations and delay, the pause was due to begin at 7:00 am (0500 GMT), silencing guns that have raged since Hamas's attack on Israeli towns near Gaza on October 7. The start of the truce is set to be followed by the release of the first group of 13 hostages being held in Gaza, and - an undefined number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, according to Qatari peace brokers. *) Egypt says 130,000 litres of diesel to be delivered daily to Gaza Egypt has said that 130,000 litres of diesel and four trucks of gas will be delivered daily to Gaza with a four-day truce. Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt's State Information Service (SIS), also said in a statement that 200 trucks of aid would enter Gaza daily. *) Israeli military confirms Al Shifa Hospital chief held for questioning The Israeli military has confirmed that the director of Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza had been held for questioning over allegations that the facility had been used as a command and control centre for Hamas. “In the hospital, under his management, there was extensive Hamas terrorist activity,” the Israeli ministry said in a statement, but offered no evidence. The Israeli army, which raided the hospital last week, has alleged that Hamas fighters used a tunnel complex beneath the facility in Gaza City to stage attacks. *) ECOWAS parliament seeks to lift sanctions on Niger The parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appeals to the bloc's heads of state to lift the sanction imposed on Niger after the July 26 military coup. It said the people of Niger desire relief from economic hardship and humanitarian challenges, triggered by a ban on trade relations - and a freezing of the country's accounts in regional central banks. “This is an appeal to the ECOWAS Heads of State to consider the humanitarian situation and resolve the political impasse in Niger,” Nigeria's Senate chief Ali Ndume said. *) China reports no unusual or novel pathogens in respiratory illnesses upsurge — WHO China has reported no “unusual or novel pathogens” in respiratory illnesses, spreading in the north of the country, the World Health Organization has said. The WHO said that Chinese authorities had responded, advising “that there has been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning.” It was a matter, the authorities said, of the “aforementioned general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens.”

The world holds its breath. Last month, the Nigerien military overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, declaring an end to his corrupt reign and a new era of anti-imperialist, pan-African struggle. While most Nigeriens actually support the move (a new poll found that 73% of the country wants the army to stay in power) Niger's West African neighbor Nigeria has strongly objected, and has tried to organize an invasion force to restore Bazoum. The regional body, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has condemned the events in Niger. But its 15 member states are split on how to react. Western powers, however, including France and the United States, have supported boots on the ground, and even considered sending troops themselves – a move that could draw Russia into a conflict that could make Libya or Syria look minor by comparison.Here to explain the tense situation that could ignite a world war is David Hundeyin. Hundeyin is an investigative journalist from Nigeria and the founder of “West Africa Weekly.”While the coup has been opposed in the West, Hundeyin explains that inside the country, the military is seen – rightly or wrongly – as leading “anti-imperialist movement; a popular movement against French imperialism.”The threat of invasion is far from an idle one. Since 1990, ECOWAS has launched military interventions in seven West African countries, the most recent being in the Gambia in 2017. The group's actions have ignited significant pushback across the region, with many describing it as a tool of Western imperialism. Currently leading ECOWAS is Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu. Tinubu has earned plaudits in the West as a defender of democracy and someone not willing to let another country be taken over by the army. While Tinubu has been praised in the media, his own background calls into question his democratic credentials. As Hundeyin's reporting exposed, Tinubu made his fortune from trafficking heroin in Chicago and had hundreds of thousands of dollars seized by the U.S. government. There are many other U.S. cases against Tinubu which have never seen the light of day, prompting many to speculate that he is an American intelligence asset.Will the new government succeed? Will African be plunged into war? And what is the U.S. role in all of this? To find out more, watch the full interview here.Support the showThe MintPress podcast, “The Watchdog,” hosted by British-Iraqi hip hop artist Lowkey, closely examines organizations about which it is in the public interest to know – including intelligence, lobby and special interest groups influencing policies that infringe on free speech and target dissent. The Watchdog goes against the grain by casting a light on stories largely ignored by the mainstream, corporate media.Lowkey is a British-Iraqi hip-hop artist, academic and political campaigner. As a musician, he has collaborated with the Arctic Monkeys, Wretch 32, Immortal Technique and Akala. He is a patron of Stop The War Coalition, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Racial Justice Network and The Peace and Justice Project, founded by Jeremy Corbyn. He has spoken and performed on platforms from the Oxford Union to the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury. His latest album, Soundtrack To The Struggle 2, featured Noam Chomsky and Frankie Boyle and has been streamed millions of times.

*)Dozens dead, many wounded in building blaze in South Africa's Johannesburg At least 58 people have been killed and more than 40 wounded following a fire at a multistorey building in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, local media and emergency workers said. Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the blaze on Thursday morning engulfed the building located in the city's central business district. Emergency Management Services said another 43 people were injured in the blaze. Mulaudzi said a search and recovery operation was underway, and it was likely the death toll would rise. *) Gabon junta names new transitional leader Gabon coup leaders have named Republican Guard chief General Brice Oligui Nguema as transitional president in a press release. The military seized control in the wake of elections, cancelling the August 26 general elections, closing all borders until further notice and dissolving all institutions of the republic. Gabon coup will be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020 if successful, ending the Bongo family's 56-year grip on power. *) Burkina Faso endorses troop deployment to Niger Burkina Faso's Cabinet has given the government the green light to send troops to help defend neighbouring Niger, where the military deposed President Mohamed Bazoum about a month ago. A Cabinet statement late Wednesday said the government was allowed to deploy a military contingent to Niger “in line with our country's strategic commitments.” Last week, Niger's military administration authorised troops from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso to intercede on their side “in the event of aggression” following threats of military intervention by a West African bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) force seeking to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum. *) N Korea says simulated 'scorched earth' nuclear strikes on South Korea North Korea's military said they fired two tactical ballistic missiles from the capital to simulate “scorched earth strikes in South Korea. The official Korean Central News Agency said that North Korea has been rehearsing an occupation of its rivals' territory in the event of conflict. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff called the launches “a grave provocation” that threatens international peace and violates UN Security Council resolutions which ban any ballistic launches by North Korea. And finally… *) Idalia weakens after devastating florida as category 3 hurricane Tropical Storm Idalia weakens after fierce Florida landfall as Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread devastation. The storm splintered trees, tore off roofs, and inundated roads, prompting evacuations in Florida's Big Bend region. Despite its downgrade, Idalia maintains destructive force, prompting President Biden to emphasise the climate crisis' impact. Thousands remain without power in both Florida and Georgia as utility crews rush to restore electricity.

Governments in West Africa have intensified their efforts to manage migration more effectively and to greater benefit. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders are exploring ways to boost remittance receipts, harness the potential of diasporas for developments, and enhance international financial connections. What are the latest migration dynamics in West Africa, and how are African leaders responding to these trends? Can European and African policymakers collaborate to create safer and better-managed migration between the two continents? In this episode, Migration Policy Institute Europe Associate Director Camille Le Coz engages in a conversation with Leander Kandilige, a senior lecturer at the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana. Tune in to learn more about the complexities of migration policymaking in West Africa and the opportunities.

Wongel Zelalem reports on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) activating its standby force for possible action against the Niger Republic Junta. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/support

At the end of July, the Presidential Guard of Niger, backed by the military, unseated the current president, Mohamed Bazoum, in a coup supported by the people. In response, the United States and France, with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), began planning a military intervention to return Bazoum to power. West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, quickly declared solidarity with the new government, a move that could turn a military intervention into a greater regional conflict. To understand what is happening in Niger and how it fits into the bigger picture of the rejection of neo-colonialism and US hegemony, Clearing the FOG speaks with Abayomi Azikiwe, the editor of the Pan-African News Wire. For more information, visit PopularResistance.org.

Wongel Zelalem reports on Russia warning the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that military intervention in Niger Republic could escalate the situation even further. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/support

Listen to the Sat. Aug. 19, 2023 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on developments in Niger where a delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has visited the country and held discussions with the new CNSP government as well as the ousted western-backed President Mohamad Bazoum; Sudan has witnessed an escalation of fighting in South Darfur between the Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF); Somalia is seeking admission to the East African Community regional organization; and Mali leaders have held talks with the United Nations envoy for peacekeeping on the departure of troops from the West African state. In the second hour we listen to a briefing on the upcoming BRICS Summit in South Africa where numerous states are seeking membership. Finally, we continue our month-long focus on Black August with an examination of the legacy of Nat Turner.

Listen to the Fri. Aug. 18, 2023 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the continuing threats by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to militarily intervene in Niger at the aegis of the United States, France and other NATO states; the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has endorsed Kenya's lifting of fuel subsidies which have triggered inflation inside the East African country; the Southern African Development Community (SADC) may send troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of a peacekeeping force; and United Nations troops are set to withdraw from the West African state of Mali. In the second hour we look in detail at developments in Niger where the new government has rejected the continuation of neo-colonialism inside this uranium-rich state. Finally, we continue our month-long commemoration of Black August with a focus on the wars of the 19th century in Florida where Africans and Indigenous people fought for decades against the United States.

West Africa's regional bloc is forging ahead with plans for the activation of a standby force for possible use against the military junta that took power in Niger in July, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy, but all options, including force, were on the table. The remarks came as the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Nigeria's Abuja on Thursday for an emergency summit to discuss responses to last month's military takeover in Niger after the coup leaders defied their earlier threat to use force to restore democracy. This comes after the ruling junta ignored an ultimatum, which expired on Sunday, for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to be reinstated. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to International Crisis Group, and Senior Advisor for African Union Liesl Louw-Vaudran

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) set Monday, Aug. 7, as the deadline for the Niger Coup plotters to step down and renounce power. That deadline has come and gone without any change, so what happens now? Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/ecowas-deadline-on-the-niger-coup

Niger mediation efforts have stalled after the leaders of a July coup rejected another diplomatic mission. Neighbouring allies who back the armed take over appealed to the United Nations to prevent a military intervention.Niger's junta denied entry to a joint delegation from African countries and the United Nations yesterday, resisting pressure to negotiate ahead of a summit on Thursday in which the main regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will discuss possible use of force. The coup leaders defied a deadline to reinstate the ousted president on Sunday. The possibility of military intervention will also be discussed, but ECOWAS has said it is a last resort. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Nigerian journalist, Jonathan James Lyamgohn

Listen to the Sun. Aug. 6, 2023 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the threats to intervene in the West African state of Niger where the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has drawn criticism over its unilateral threats backed up by the United States and France; the Nigerian Senate has rejected the proposal by President Bola Tinubu to send troops into Niger in order to reinstall a western-backed head-of-state overthrown by the military late last month; there has been push back on the Ghana's Founders Day commemoration which is said to distort the actual history of the anti-colonial struggle led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah; and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has escalated its production of munitions. In the second hour we look in detail at the burgeoning opposition to a proposed imperialist-backed ECOWAS military intervention in Niger to reimpose an operative of France and the U.S. Finally, we continue our Black August programming where we look further into the Haitian Revolution and the New Orleans Rebellion of 1811.

Last week's coup in Niger is the latest in a string of recent military takeovers in Africa—seemingly the final domino to fall in a region plagued by instability and the battle between Russia and the West for influence in the Sahel. Coup leaders are now facing an ultimatum from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinstate democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum or face the consequences including possible military intervention. On this week's bonus episode, Julia Macfarlane asks her co-host Sir Richard Dearlove what he's hearing from the French intelligence community about what's behind the rebellion and if there's any truth to reports about the Kremlin's involvement.

Listen to the Sat. Aug. 5, 2023 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our PANW report with dispatches on the current situation in West Africa where the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is threatening the military government in Niger; an African American professor has settled a lawsuit against Texas A&M University for discrimination; the city of St. Louis has agreed to pay monetary damages to protesters arrested two years ago during a demonstration against police brutality; and the doctors in Nigeria are continuing their strike over the deteriorating economic conditions inside Africa's most populous state. In the second hour we look closer at the situation in Niger and the rising anti-imperialist sentiment in the region. Finally, we begin our month-long commemoration of Black August with a rare archival interview with Pan-African Historian and Marxist theoretician C.L.R. James discussing his research on the Haitian Revolution as exemplified in the classic book Black Jacobins.

The military officers who seized power in the West African state of Niger 10 days ago have until today to restore Mohamed Bazoum as president or face military action from the Economic Community of West African States -  ECOWAS. In an intensification of the standoff coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has declared that he will not bow down to pressure and urged his countrymen to get ready to defend their nation. Last Sunday ECOWAS threatened the use of force against the junta if it did not release and reinstate the president within a week, an ultimatum immediately rejected by neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, all of which are run by mutinous soldiers who toppled their governments. On Thursday thousands of people took to the streets of Niger's capital, Niamey, in support of the military coup. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to  Christopher Isike, Professor of African politics and international relations at the University of Pretoria...

This is TRT World's Daily News Brief for Friday, August 4th. *) Donald Trump pleads ‘not guilty' to all charges in 2020 election probe Former US president Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump appeared before a magistrate judge in Washington's federal courthouse two days after being indicted on four felony counts by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. The charges accuse him of trying to subvert the will of voters and undo his election loss in the days before January 6, 2021, when supporters stormed the US Capitol. *) ​​Niger to respond ‘immediately' to any ‘aggression' from ECOWAS Niger's junta has said it would respond immediately to any “aggression or attempted aggression” against it by West African countries. ECOWAS has threatened the potential use of force if the junta does not restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum by Sunday. The landlocked nation is the fourth member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hit by a putsch since 2020. *) Russia ‘destroys' Ukraine's drones targeting Novorossiysk port Ukrainian sea drones have attacked a Russian navy base near the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk , a major hub for Russian exports. The drones were destroyed by Russian warships, Russia's defence ministry has said. The attack prompted the Novorossiysk port to temporarily halt all ship movement. Separately, Russian air defences downed 10 Ukrainian drones over Crimea and suppressed three more with electronic countermeasures. *) China to lift tariffs on Australian barley China has said it will remove extra tariffs on Australian barley, in the latest thawing of ties between the two after years of tensions. China had slapped hefty levies on key Australian exports such as barley and beef in 2020 at the height of a bitter dispute with the former conservative government. But their icy relations appear to have thawed since Australia's centre-left government adopted a less confrontational approach to China following its election a year ago. And finally… *) Freddie Mercury's private collection goes on display in UK From fanciful costumes and working drafts of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, hundreds of items that Freddie Mercury owned have gone on show in Britain. Sotheby's transformed its central London gallery to resemble the Queen frontman's former home in the UK capital for the month-long exhibition ahead of its sale. The singer-songwriter, who died in 1991, had assembled an array of “treasures” which had been left largely untouched at his one-time West London house. And that's your daily news brief from TRT World. For more, head to trtworld.com

This is TRT World's Daily News Brief for Thursday, August 3rd. *) Türkiye will continue intense efforts for grain deal resumption — Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told his Russian counterpart that Türkiye will continue to carry out “intense” efforts and diplomacy for the resumption of the Black Sea grain deal. Erdogan said that the long-term suspension of the Black Sea Initiative will not benefit anyone, adding that the low-income countries in need of grain will suffer the most. *) ​​Niger junta chief rejects sanctions, refuses to ‘bow down' to threats The leader of the coup that toppled Niger's president has said that French citizens had no reason to quit the country, but rejected international sanctions, vowing not to bow to “threats”. Responding to the international sanctions imposed in response to the coup, General Abdourahamane Tiani said the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) “rejects these sanctions as a whole and refuses to give in to any threat, wherever it comes from”. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders have imposed trade and financial sanctions and threatened the use of force if the junta does not restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum by Sunday. *) China's call for counter-espionage concerns US The United States has raised concerns over a Chinese call to encourage its citizens to join counter-espionage work and said it has been closely monitoring the implementation of Beijing's expanded anti-spying law. Washington's statement comes after China's Ministry of State Security said China should encourage its citizens to join counter-espionage work, including creating channels for individuals to report suspicious activity and rewarding them for doing so. A system that makes it “normal” for regular people to participate in counter-espionage should be established, the ministry said. *) Inter-religious clashes displace Muslims in north India A sense of dread hangs over Nuh, a small town in north India's Haryana state, where Muslims are in the majority, as the town and nearby districts were engulfed in “communal violence”, a reference made in India for inter-religious clashes. As the police have imposed a strict curfew, some local accounts suggest that dozens of Muslim families have fled their homes, fearing both a second round of mob attack led by radical Hindu outfits and arbitrary police detentions. The violence that erupted during a religious procession by Hindus in Nuh early this week killed at least seven people. And finally… *) Hollywood studios, writers to restart talks amid strike Hollywood studios will meet with writers this week to discuss reopening talks for the first time since a strike began nearly 100 days ago. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) walkout, which kicked off May 2 over pay and the threat of artificial intelligence, has brought US film and television production to a halt. Writers have been joined on the picket lines since last month by the much larger Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) ramping up pressure on the likes of Disney and Netflix to return to negotiations. And that's your daily news brief from TRT World. For more, head to trtworld.com

The Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, today (1 Aug) said “the unfolding crisis” in Niger, “if not addressed, will exacerbate the deteriorating security situation in the region.”Briefing reporters in New York via video teleconference from Accra, Ghana, Santos Simão said, “It will also negatively impact the development and lives of the populations in a country where 4.3 million people need humanitarian assistance.”He said, “Niger and the region do not need coups d'état.”Santos Simão said UNOWAS is supporting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) but is not directly engaged in negotiations “so far.”He said, “We are fully supporting the all-efforts to restore democratic order in that country.”The decision of whether “to use force, if necessary,” he said, “is not a UN decision. It is an ECOWAS decision,” adding that “what's important is that all means to find a peaceful solution for the problem should be used.”The UN official said, “If measures are not taken or this ratio is not reversed, it's very likely that the spread of terrorism in the region can increase.”He noted that during last week's ECOWAS ordinary summit in Guinea Bissau, “the decision was that was twofold,” firstly to “assist those countries in transition, namely, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, to complete the process of transition. through elections.” Secondly, he said, “not accept coups d'état anymore.”Secretary-General António Guterres today expressed deep concern over the reported arrest of several members of the government and urgently called for strict adherence to Niger's international human rights obligations and the prompt restoration of constitutional order.The Secretary-General underscored the utmost importance of safeguarding civilians and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those in need in Niger.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has historically had a strong record of regional norm-setting on governance and democracy. Yet ECOWAS now faces significant challenges in how to reorient its role and credibility amid a rise in military and 'constitutional' coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and most recently in Niger. On this episode of Africa Aware, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS's Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, discusses the regional bloc's immediate response to the coup in Niger, and outlines the organization's strategic vision for tackling the complex peace and security challenges in the Sahel and West Africa.

West African nation Niger faces unrest under military rule after President Mohamed Bazoum's overthrow in a coup. President Bazoum is now held captive by members of his own guard. Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of Niger's presidential guard, declared himself head of a transitional government. This move has plunged the nation into unrest and turmoil, drawing strong condemnation from the international community. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders have responded by giving the coup leaders seven days to step down and reinstate civilian Bazoum, backed by the threat of force. In this episode, our host Anna Priyadarshini and foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network Geeta Mohan delve into this coup and Niger's history in detail. Despite being one of the world's poorest countries, Niger possesses significant uranium deposits and gained independence from France in 1960. The duo discuss how this situation is a blow to democracy in Niger and examine its implications for the country and other major players in the region, what Wagner's role here is, and how it affects the people there. Join us for this insightful episode on the unfolding events in this West African country. Listen in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi Revisit our Sudan episode here: https://podcasts.indiatoday.in...&-history/geetas-world/sudan-why-africas-arms-dump-became-casualty-of-americas-global-ambitions-geetas-world-ep-41-548500-2023-04-25

Listen to the Sat. July 29, 2023 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The episode features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the military coup in Niger and its impact on Africa and the western states; the Russia-Africa Summit was held in St. Petersburg where issues related to food insecurity, neo-colonialism and the Ukraine war were discussed; the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has reported on its work inside the Horn of Africa state; and the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has sent a delegation to Liberia to monitor preparations for the upcoming elections. In the second hour we look at the recent military coup in Niger and its significance in the broader regional and international context. We then examine some of the developments surrounding the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg. Finally, we look back on the mass struggles of African Americans six decades ago in the pivotal year of 1963.

Irene Horejs in conversation with Boubacar Haidara and Bart Ouvry WHAT NEXT IN CENTRAL SAHEL A deep dive into the Crisis The central Sahel — Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — has changed dramatically since the armed insurgencies that emerged in northern Mali in 2012. Despite the initial success of counterterrorism operations led by France and the force of five neighbouring countries (G5 Sahel), despite the UN Peace keeping mission MINUSMA and the EU military training mission in Mali, integrated also by the Austrian army – the deterioration in security has been worse than anything experienced by the region in recent times. Aggressive extremist organizations, community-based armed groups, and criminal gangs have proliferated and serious human rights violations, including by security services and civilian deaths have reached staggering levels. In 2021 and 2022, the army took power in both Mali and Burkina Faso prompting harsh reactions by the West and the organisation of West African States ECOWAS. Mali´s new leaders reacted by requesting the withdrawal of French troops, tightening operating conditions for MINUSMA and engaging with Russia for military support through the Wagner group. Since August 2022, France relocated its military operation to Niger and EU countries reduced their presence in the EUTM. How can these developments be explained? What were the short comings of the peace agreement mediated in 2015 by neighbouring countries, the African Union, the UN and the EU? What happened to the EU “comprehensive stabilization strategy for the Sahel”? What is the way forward for the EU in this new context?   Welcome: Georg Lennkh, Former Austrian Special Ambassador for Africa Boubacar Haidara, Senior Researcher at the Bonn International Centre for Conflict StudiesBart Ouvry, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Mali (until April 2023) Günther Barnet, Department for Regional Cooperation with Africa and the Middle East, Austrian Ministry of Defense Irene Horejs, Former EU Ambassador to Niger and Mali

On Daybreak Africa: An official of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says the sub-regional body is pleased so far with the conduct of Sunday's parliamentary elections in Guinea-Bissau. At stake is President Umaro Sissoco Embalo's attempt to change the constitution and give himself more powers. Plus, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader calls for a united front. A government spokesperson says Eswatini's judiciary is independent despite allegations by pro-democracy groups that King Mswati III controls the courts. Gambia calls for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in neighboring Senegal. For this and more, stay tuned to Daybreak Africa!

West Africa will be striving for economic growth against the backdrop of a major pair of twin shocks: the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While GDP is set to decline by 1.2% in Burkina Faso, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal, Niger's GDP is forecast to increase (AfDB,2022). As most West African countries are import dependent, the soaring inflation rates both within the sub-region and globally will undoubtedly lead to higher import bills and thus risk eclipsing the level of exports (WADO,2022). The challenge for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which forms the financial backbone of the sub-region, will be to try to contain inflation rates low without suppressing inclusive growth. These global crises have increased the potential for a food crisis, with West Africa positioning itself at the centre of it given the possibility of social unrest. Higher prices for fertiliser have led to shortages, leading to less agricultural yields in the sub-region. However, this presents policymakers and ECOWAS with the opportunity to re-orientate economic and social policies to enhance intra-regional trade and strengthen the resilience of food systems in West Africa to better cope with future international market shocks. The unpredictable character of the global energy sector as an upshot of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has signalled for West African countries to achieve greater energy self-sufficiency. Petroleum producers in the sub-region such as Nigeria and Ghana have the potential to attract wider investment from the private sector. They will need to increase their refining capacity to promote further intra-regional trade and provide an avenue for West African countries to source cheaper products at a competitive rate. Security concerns and domestic political turmoil remain of paramount importance for achieving inclusive growth in the sub-region. Cross-border attacks in Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Benin will fail to aid both public and private investment. The volatile political circumstances in Mali and Burkina Faso and their increased ties to Russia's paramilitary organisation, Wagner Group, will also prevent ECOWAS' ability to achieve project growth and development targets. The result and impact of the upcoming Nigeria election in February will also be critical for the region as Benin's President warned in 2016 “if Nigeria sneezes, the whole of West Africa catches a cold.”

Construction of the China-aided headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is underway in Abuja, Nigeria. It's the latest in a long list of similar China-funded projects in different parts of the continent that include the almost complete Africa CDC headquarters in Ethiopia. To discuss further about the project, its significance and China's ties with Africa, host Zanele is joined by: His Excellency, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun, and Lawal Sale, an Abuja-based Global Affairs analyst and China-Africa relations expert.

"Too many regimes fail to represent the needs and hopes of their people." In Kofi Time episode 9, podcast host Ahmad Fawzi welcomes Mohamed Ibn Chambas to discuss democracy in Africa. Together they discuss the reasons why democracy seems to have lost some of its shine on the continent, especially among young people. And yet, surveys show that a great majority of people reject autocrats and military takeovers. Learning from Kofi Annan's leadership, how can we increase democratic resilience and facilitate the participation of civil society, women and young people? About Mohamed Ibn Chambas: Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas is a Ghanaian politician, lawyer, diplomat and academic. He served previously as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and Head of the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWAS) from 2014 to 2021. Dr Chambas was the Joint Special Representative (JSR) of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur(UNAMID) and Joint Chief Mediator (JCM) in charge of the Darfur peace negotiations between 2013–14. From 2010–13, he was the Secretary-General of the African Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP). Prior to his leadership of the ACP, Dr Chambas served as President of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2007–2010. He also served as the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS starting in February 2002, when ECOWAS was a Secretariat.

Listen to the Sun. Dec. 4, 2022 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. This episode features our PANW report with dispatches on the quest by the Ethiopian government to transform the peace agreement signed with the TPLF in Pretoria and Nairobi into a lasting stability; a flash flood in South Africa has killed numerous people attending a church service; Burkina Faso recently banned the state media in France from broadcasting inside the West African state; and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held a meeting today in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria. In the second hour we look back at a press conference held in the United States during the 1991 visit of martyred South African revolutionary Chris Hani. Finally, we review the level of police repression in the U.S. during 1969 from Los Angeles to Chicago which culminated in the assassinations of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark fifty-three years ago.

Listen to the Sat. July 23, 2022 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. This episode features our PANW report with dispatches on the July 31 commemorations of Pan-African Women's Day as organized by the African Union (AU); the AU has issued a common energy policy to encompass the entire continent; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned an attack carried out at military barracks near the capital of Mali; and yet another demonstrator has been killed by Sudanese security forces. In the second hour we listen to an address delivered by Republic of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 15th National Congress of the South African Communist Party (SACP). Finally, we look back at the significance of the 55th anniversary of the Detroit 1967 Rebellion.

Derek and Danny—through Covid and the sniffles, respectively— reunite for a news update. This week, they cover the fraught Iran nuclear discussions in Doha (0:31), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meeting (3:47), the start of the Chilean constitutional campaign (8:05), Ukraine (11:00), Finland and Sweden inching towards NATO membership (17:11), and dear Boris Johnson’s resignation (21:23). The music played under our Bojo sendoff is “Nimrod” from the Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar. Recorded July 7, 2022 This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.americanprestigepod.com/subscribe

Ghana to and ask IMF for help for its economy. South Africa extends daily power cuts for a week · Ghana - will hold formal talks with the International Monetary Fund on a support package. Until now, Ghana, had refused to seek IMF support to rescue an economy crippled by the pandemic, rampant inflation and a depreciating currency, despite analysts warning that; it is close to a debt crisis. · South Africa's state power utility, Eskom, says it would extend daily power cuts all through the week as generation capacity shortage continues. · Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday lifted economic and financial sanctions imposed on Mali, after its military rulers proposed a 24-month transition to democracy and published a new electoral law. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thekiso-anthony-lefifi/support

Leaders from dozens of countries and international organisations are meeting in Lugano, Switzerland to discuss the reconstruction of Ukraine. In Turkey, prices are rising at their fastest rate in 24 years, according to the latest official figures. The heads of state of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) meeting in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, accepted a proposal by the Malian military to hold elections and return to civilian rule by March 2024.

President Akufo-Addo is no longer the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as his tenure ended on Sunday, July 3.

Listen to the Sat. July 2, 2022 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. This episode features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation which met with the military leaders of Mali to discuss the current sanctions and plans for a democratic transition; Burundi has celebrated its 60th year of national independence; unrest in eastern Libya has led to a violent attack on the regional parliament; and South Africa is still plagued with power outages due to the lack of capacity by the state-owned electrical company. In the second hour we will receive an update from the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention on the current status of public health on the continent. Finally, we look at the recent NATO summit and its implications for further militarization and warfare.

Listen to the Sat. March 26, 2022 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the escalation in the Ukraine conflict; South Sudanese leaders have exchanged accusations over responsibility for renewed fighting inside the country; Kenya has gained international attention through the camel medical clinics providing services to rural populations; and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has continued to engage the military regimes in Guinea and Mali over their demands for a return to civilian rule. In the second hour we listen to a discussion on the South African position on the Ukraine war. We then continue our commemoration of Women's History Month with an examination of African women's labor during enslavement and the United States Civil War. Finally we review a panel discussion featuring African American women during 1968.

Listen to the Sat. Feb. 26, 2022 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the Russian intervention in Ukraine and the international implications of the conflict; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed another delegation to Mali to discuss the transitional process after two recent military coups; more people have been killed by a cyclone which hit the Southern African state of Madagascar; and Algeria is commemorating the 60th anniversary of its national independence from France in 1962. In the second and third hours we continue our celebration of African American History Month with examinations of the lives, times and contributions of figures within the Black Liberation Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Ella Baker and later the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Over the past year, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has undergone three successful coups among its member states, prompting fears of a potential shift back to the political instability that marked many post-independence African governments. While driven by a variety of factors, the coups in Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali appeared to share key similarities. Namely, these were instances where younger officers successfully identified that elevated levels of anti-government sentiment would provide them cover to act against their governments and secure advancement. The podcast will examine this phenomenon and highlight the ways in which the military juntas that have developed from these coups now act as a source of inspiration and support for other military governments and outline the challenge this trend creates for the region. In this week's podcast, join our Lead Middle East & Africa Analyst Eloise Scott, along with Benedict Manzin our Lead Sub Sahara Africa Analyst, and Edie Lipton our Associate Analyst, as we discuss the drivers behind Coups in West Africa.

Defamation (also known as calumny, vilification, libel, slander, or traducement) is the oral or written communication of a false statement about another that unjustly harms their reputation and usually constitutes a tort or crime. In several countries, including South Korea, a true statement can also be considered defamation. Under common law, to constitute defamation, a claim must generally be false and must have been made to someone other than the person defamed. Some common law jurisdictions also distinguish between spoken defamation, called slander, and defamation in other media such as printed words or images, called libel. In the United States, false light laws protect against statements which are not technically false but are misleading. In some jurisdictions, defamation is also treated as a crime. The United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled in 2012 that the libel law of one country, the Philippines, was inconsistent with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as urging that "State parties should consider the decriminalization of libel". In Saudi Arabia, defamation of the state, or a past or present ruler, is punishable under terrorism legislation. Overview. As of 2017, at least 130 UNESCO member states retained criminal defamation laws. In 2017, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media issued a report on criminal defamation and anti-blasphemy laws among its member states, which found that defamation is criminalized in nearly three-quarters (42) of the 57 OSCE participating states. Many of the laws pertaining to defamation include specific provisions for harsher punishment for speech or publications critical of heads of state, public officials, state bodies and the state itself. The OSCE report also noted that blasphemy and religious insult laws exist in around one third of OSCE participating states; many of these combine blasphemy and religious insult with elements of hate speech legislation. In Africa, at least four member states decriminalized defamation between 2012 and 2017. The ruling by the African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights in Lohé Issa Konaté v the Republic of Burkina Faso set a precedent in the region against imprisonment as a legitimate penalty for defamation, characterizing it as a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the treaty of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Countries in every region have moved to advance the criminalization of defamation by extending legislation to online content. Cybercrime and anti-terrorism laws passed throughout the world have led to bloggers appearing before courts, with some serving time in prison. The United Nations, OSCE, Organisation of American States (OAS) and African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Special Rapporteurs for Freedom of Expression stated in a joint declaration in March 2017 that "general prohibitions on the dissemination of information based on vague and ambiguous ideas, including 'false news' or 'non-objective information', are incompatible with international standards for restrictions on freedom of expression...and should be abolished." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/law-school/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/law-school/support

Listen to the Sun. Jan. 30, 2022 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features a PANW report with dispatches on the upcoming African Union 35th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; the AU plans to deepen its involvement in efforts to resolve the political crisis in the Republic of Sudan; a former Zimbabwe cabinet minister has been recruited to serve on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Panel of Elders; and the president of Tanzania has requested prayers for her office and the people of the East African state. In the second hour we continue to examine events in the West African countries of Burkina Faso and Mali where the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has sought to return the governments back to civilian rule. Finally, we review some of the most important issues taking place on the continent and internationally.

Listen to the Sat. Jan. 29, 2022 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features a PANW report with dispatches on the rising interests in Pan-Africanism related to the recent internal conflict in Ethiopia; another demonstrator has been killed in the Republic of Sudan as protests continue demanding civilian rule; in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over 2,000 people have been displaced due to an attack by the M23 rebel group; and in the United States the further collapse of transporation infrastructure has been illustrated with the falling of a bridge in Pittsburgh. In the second hour we examine the recent military coup in the West African state of Burkina Faso in detail and the response of the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Also we hear a briefing from the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Director General Dr. John Nkengasong on the public health situation on the continent. Finally, we review some of the most pressing and burning issues taking place in Africa and throughout the world.

Listen to the Sat. Jan. 15, 2022 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features a PANW report with dispatches on the sharp criticism leveled by the Ethiopian government towards the World Health Organization (WHO) Director General; demonstrations continue in Sudan against the military regime; Tunisian President Kais Saied is the subject of ongoing protest by opposition parties on the anniversary of the fall of the government in 2011; and there has been rallies in Mali in objection to the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In the second hour we pay tribute to the martyred Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 93rd anniversary of his birth in the United States. Finally, we review some of the most burning and pressing issues of the day.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed economic sanctions on the Republic of Mali. Member countries of the West African bloc took the decision at an extraordinary summit in Accra, Ghana on Sunday.

Listen to the Sun. Nov. 7, 2021 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the mass demonstrations held in the capital of Ethiopia in support of the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; the Sudan Professional Association (SPA) has rejected the offer by the military coup makers to establish another coalition government; opposition parties in Mali are demanding that the military leaders stay on course for the transition to civilian control; and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are continuing to pressure the military junta to withdraw from their positions of power in the government. In the second hour we listen to detailed reports on events in Ethiopia. Also there is a briefing from the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Finally, we further examine issues impacting Africa and the international community. 

The Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Nana Akufo-Addo, has charged presidential aspirants on the African continent to prioritize democracy in all their political activities.

Listen to the Sat. Sept. 18, 2021 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the announcement by the United States President Joe Biden that the government will detain and deport thousands of people from Haiti seeking asylum in southern Texas; Ethiopia is speaking out against the wanton interference in its affairs by Washington; Zimbabwe is reporting on an irrigation scheme in operation now for several years; and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been pressuring Guinea to hold elections in the aftermath of a military coup on Sept. 5. In the second hour we review a number of issues impacting Africa and the world. Finally, we will listen to a briefing from the Director General of the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. John Nkengasong, on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rollouts and other public health issues across the continent.

Listen to the Sun. Sept. 12, 2021 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features a PANW report with dispatches on the visit by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation to the Republic of Guinea for consultations with the military officers that overthrew President Alpha Conde one week ago; the government of Ethiopia is continuing to accuse the United States of involvement in its internal affairs; Tunisian President Kais Saied has suggested that he wants to change the national constitution; and the Director General of the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. John Nkengasong, has criticized the western nations for failing to meet their own commitments to adequately supply COVID-19 vaccines to underdeveloped states. In the second hour we look in-depth at the current political and security situation in Guinea in the aftermath of a military coup and the suspension of Conakry from ECOWAS and the AU. Finally, we examine other major issues impacting Africa and the world.

Listen to the Sat. Sept. 11, 2021 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the suspension of Guinea from the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the continental African Union (AU) due to the military seizure of power earlier in the month; Ethiopia has disputed the UNHCR's claims surrounding refugees in neighboring Sudan; Zimbabwe war veterans are endorsing the re-election of incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa; and Angola is reporting an additional 5,000 cases of COVID-19 in this Southern African state. In the second hour we look back on the 50th anniversary of the Attica Rebellion of 1971 where African American prisoners led an uprising against the prison-industrial-complex. Finally, we review some of the major issues in Africa and internationally in-depth.

Today on The Leaders' Brief - The World Bank has announced it had temporarily paused payments to operations in Mali after the military orchestrated the second coup in less than a year. The West African nation has been in a political crisis since August, last year. President Boubacar Keita was removed from power by the country's military who received strong support from the country's civilians but drew international criticism, inviting several sanctions. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for the second time, suspended Mali, freezing all aid passing through its borders.  US tech giant Google announced it would make a series of changes to its advertising technology after being fined 220 Million Euros ($268 million) in France for abusing its ‘dominant position in online advertising. An investigation by the French Competition Authority found that Google gave preferential treatment to its DFP advertising server, which allows publishers of sites and applications to sell their advertising space and its SSP AdX listing platform.  India, which till a few months ago had become the COVID epicentre in the world averaging over 400,000 daily cases, appears to have finally contained the Delta variant. While the country still recorded over 90,000 cases and 2,000 deaths yesterday, a rapid vaccination drive, one of the biggest in the world, is gradually allowing Indian cities to open up. It should be noted that since the end of April a second COVID wave had crippled the Indian economy as several states had to impose strict lockdown measures to cut the COVID chain. According to data released last month the lockdowns had seen India's factory output fall significantly.  About egomonk: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInegomonk is a global intelligence platform delivering asymmetric outcomes by bringing organizations closer to the communities they want to serve and the leaders they wish to influence. If you wish to collaborate with us then email us at contact@egomonk.com.

Listen to the Mon. May 31, 2021 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the recently concluded joint war games between Egypt and Sudan and their impact on relations with neighboring Ethiopia; the breakaway Somaliland region has held elections inside the Horn of Africa territory; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Mali from membership after yet another military coup last week; and Cuba is accusing the United States of terrorism against the socialist state for many decades. In the second hour we look back on the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 amid the historical recognition of this event after a full century. Finally, we review some of the leading issues influencing Africa and the international community.

Listen to the Sun. May 30, 2021 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on a recently-held summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Mozambique to discuss the security situation inside the country; thousands of Ethiopians have held a demonstration against United States intervention in the internal affairs of the Horn of Africa state; the diplomatic dispute between the Kingdom of Morocco and Spain has resulted in the mass outmigration of displaced persons into Southern Europe; and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held an emergency meeting in Ghana aimed at resolving the political crisis in Mali where another military took place several days before. In the second hour we review a number of current affairs on the continent and internationally. Finally, we listen to a speech delivered by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the new wave of COVID-19 infections and measures being implemented by the government.  

West African leaders suspended Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at an extraordinary summit Sunday, but stopped short of reimposing sanctions, after a second military coup in nine months.Ten regional heads of state and three foreign ministers attended the summit in the Ghanaian capital Accra, with former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan serving as a mediator in the crisis.“The suspension from ECOWAS takes immediate effect until the deadline of the end of February 2022 when they are supposed to hand over to a democratically elected government,” Ghana's Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said after the meeting.The final declaration called for the immediate appointment of a new civilian prime minister and the formation of an “inclusive” government.In a statement, ECOWAS also reiterated that “the head of the transition, the vice-president and the prime minister of the transition must under no circumstances be a candidate for the future presidential election”.Mali's new president Colonel Assimi Goita — who was the nation's vice-president until Friday — had arrived in the Ghanaian capital Accra on Saturday for preliminary talks.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.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 a promise to hold elections in early 2022.The faction said this week it would continue to respect that timetable, but noted that it could be subject to change.Meanwhile, French leader Emmanuel Macron said in an interview with the Journal du Dimanche newspaper published Sunday that Paris “could not stay by the side of a country where there is no longer democratic legitimacy or a transition”.

Top Story: West African leaders decided at an extraordinary summit on Sunday to suspend Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bodies after a second coup in nine months by the poor Sahel country's military, but stopped short of reimposing sanctions.

Hello, you're listening to the Migration & Diaspora Podcast, with me Loksan Harley. Today we're talking all about the state of free movement of persons across the African continent with Amanda Bisong. Amanda is a Policy Officer at the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), an independent think tank based in Maastricht, the Netherlands, that wants to make policies in Europe and Africa work for inclusive and sustainable development. Amanda, originally from Nigeria, has Master's degrees in International Law and Economics (World Trade Institute, Bern) and International Trade Policy and Trade Law (Lund University). She is currently also pursuing her part-time PhD on Regional Migration Governance (with a focus on West Africa) at the University of Nigeria. Amanda previously worked at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as Head of Trade and Customs managing a project on regional integration and trade in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Before that, Amanda worked at the ECOWAS Trade Directorate, the National Association of Nigerian Traders and the Nigerian Bar Association. Her focus research areas are on migration agreements, labour migration, exploring the linkages between trade and migration in Africa, migration governance and the interplay between regional and national commitments. Given her extensive work on the topic, Amanda was the ideal person to talk to us about regional migration governance in the African context, especially with regard to free movement of persons frameworks. Amanda starts by introducing us to what free movement of persons means (or, rather, how there is no universal definition), and explains how different regions of Africa, as well as the continent as a whole at the African Union level, have developed various frameworks that enable freer movement of Africans. It's a bit of a long interview, in part because of some banter and tangents for which I'll take some responsibility but also because Amanda with her combination of academic, practitioner and life experiences injects so much nuance into the discussion. And it's worthwhile listening till the end, when I get Amanda's predictions for what free movement in Africa might look like ten years from now! Without further ado, thank you so much for listening and we hope you enjoy the show. Useful links About Amanda Bisong Amanda/ECDPM's study: Free movement in West Africa: Juxtapositions and divergent interests Africa's overlapping regional groupings (infographic) Africa Regional Integration Index The Development of the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol: Origins, Objectives and Key Concerns (By Emmerentia Erasmus and Loksan Harley) MPI: Africa Moves Towards Intracontinental Free Movement for Its Booming Population AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol

3:31 - Motion 1: Last June 2020 PM Boris Johnson announced the merger of the Department for International Development (DfID) into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) forming a new department called Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). signaling the new direction that foreign policy will integrate development and diplomacy. THBT that the UKs decision to form the FCDO will do more harm than good for the developing world. 11:26 - Motion 2: Joe Biden recently won the US Elections in November 2020, despite this the incumbent Administration of Donald Trump isn't willing to accept the decision and has been threatening a resistance to transition. Trump is also widely believe to be concerned about future prosecution against him after he steps down as president. THBT the incoming Joe Biden - Kamala Harris administration should offer Donald Trump and his allies amnesty from future prosecution in exchange for a peaceful transition of power. 24:01 - Motion 3: Regional Peacekeeping Forces are military units organized by regional organizations to respond to a specific conflict in their neighboring regions. examples are ECOMOG a West African peacekeeping force from The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). NATO, African Union, etc. TH supports the shift from the use of United Nations peacekeeping forces in favor of regional peacekeeping forces.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has urged the Nigerian Government to conduct a speedy investigation in the shooting that occurred at the Lekki Toll Gate area of Lagos State.The body in a statement on Wednesday expressed its condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives during the protests and also wished the injured speedy recovery.ECOWAS added that while it recognises the right of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and protests, it wishes that those rights be exercised in a non-violent manner.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/newscast-africa/support

The African Union has strongly condemned the violence against anti-police brutality protesters in Nigeria.The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki, urged both political and social actors to respect human rights and the rule of law.He hailed the disbandment of the hated Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars) and encouraged investigations to ensure perpetrators of acts of violence are held to account.The regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), called for dialogue between the Nigerian government and the protesters.Ecowas urged both parties to exercise restraint as protests continue.--- This episode is sponsored by · Afrolit Podcast: Hosted by Ekua PM, Afrolit shares the stories of multi-faceted Africans one episode at a time. https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJxiiYRyfMQlDEXXpzlZS?si=mmgODX3NQ-yfQvR0JRH-WASupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/newscast-africa/support

Overview. As of 2017, at least 130 UNESCO member states retained criminal defamation laws. In 2017, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media issued a report on criminal defamation and anti-blasphemy laws among its member states, which found that defamation is criminalized in nearly three-quarters (42) of the 57 OSCE participating states. Many of the laws pertaining to defamation include specific provisions for harsher punishment for speech or publications critical of heads of state, public officials, state bodies and the state itself. The OSCE report also noted that blasphemy and religious insult laws exist in around one third of OSCE participating states; many of these combine blasphemy and religious insult with elements of hate speech legislation. In Africa, at least four member states decriminalized defamation between 2012 and 2017. The ruling by the African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights in Lohé Issa Konaté v the Republic of Burkina Faso set a precedent in the region against imprisonment as a legitimate penalty for defamation, characterizing it as a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the treaty of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Countries in every region have moved to advance the criminalization of defamation by extending legislation to online content. Cybercrime and anti-terrorism laws passed throughout the world have led to bloggers appearing before courts, with some serving time in prison. The United Nations, OSCE, Organization of American States (OAS) and African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Special Rapporteurs for Freedom of Expression stated in a joint declaration in March 2017 that "general prohibitions on the dissemination of information based on vague and ambiguous ideas, including 'false news' or 'non-objective information', are incompatible with international standards for restrictions on freedom of expression...and should be abolished." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/law-school/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/law-school/support

Listen to the Mon. Aug. 24, 2020 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features a PANW report with dispatches on the rise in COVID-19 cases in the Manicaland province of the Republic of Zimbabwe; the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is predicting a decline of nearly 9 percent in the GDP of the Republic of South Africa; leaders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are still attempting to negotiate with the military mutineers that staged a coup in the West African state of Mali; and in the United States another urban rebellion has erupted in Kenosha, Wisconsin and an African American, Jacob Blake, 29, was shot seven times in the back by police. In the second hour we continue our month-long focus on Black August with a look back at the Black Panther Party and the history of state repression. Finally, we listen to a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues by Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Babatunde Afolabi has worked on mediation and conflict transformation in West Africa for pretty much all of his adult life—first at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and then with the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue. This experience spans the full range of political conflict: “democratic reversals” and refusals to leave power, military coups, contested elections, the rise of extremist movements, and entrenched sub-national violence. With this as background we get into the nuts and bolts of inter-governmental diplomacy, “private” diplomacy, and the differences between the two. This is informed in part by ’Tunde’s own upbringing under a military regime in Nigeria, and the return to democratic rule in 1999. As always, all views are personal and don't reflect anyone's official position. --- Show notes: [04:30] Education in Ibadan, in south-west Nigeria. Finding his way due to the right mentor figures at the right time. 10:20] Growing up under a military regime, and becoming politically conscious. Early resolve not to work on conflict in Nigeria, and a fascination with Liberia’s history and culture. [17:45] Work with ECOWAS on conflict prevention, and the mid-2000s as the high water mark for the institution. Some unconventional but effective approaches in Niger and Guinea. [27:00] Loss of momentum for ECOWAS conflict prevention as the regional political environment evolved. Deciding to move on to work for West Africa through other means. [31:15] Pursuing a PhD as an ‘experiment to self-criticise’. Switching focus from Track 1 diplomacy to the role of civil society actors. [34:40] A second stint at ECOWAS. Knowing when to move on because the conditions aren’t right. Hopes and regrets about the potential of the institution. [41:30] Moving to the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. How “private diplomacy” fits into international conflict resolution, and its distinct niche in West Africa. Efforts in the Gambia, and back in Nigeria (despite early intentions!). [51:10] Getting ‘access’ as a mediator, and what brings real value to an entrenched conflict. Key skills and relationships developed over a career in the sub-region. [57:10] Moving from West Africa to a broader remit. Staying humble and curious, and avoiding ‘experts’. Staying focused on the African continent, and ambitions for the future. [1:04:00] Key points of learning over a rich career in conflict resolution. A few book recommendations to close.

Listen to the Sun. June 30, 2019 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the mass demonstrations held today in Sudan demanding the resignation of the Transitional Military Council (TMC); the situation in Ethiopia following an attempted coup last week has been discussed in neighboring East African states; the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is planning a military offensive in the northeast of the country in the aftermath of a series of criminal attacks; and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has agreed to establish a single currency for the region. In the second and third hours we conclude our commemoration of Black Music Month where we will honor the life, times and contributions of Langston Hughes, John Sellers, James Cotton, Otis Spann and Bessie Smith.

In this episode of Africa State of Mind Lee Kasumba speaks to Femi Oke. She is a journalist at Al Jazeera, a radio broadcaster and founder of moderatethepanel.com.  In 2007 Femi Oke's work in Africa was recognised by The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Communications Agency with the presentation of the "African Achievers Award 2007". Femi was also named Nigerian media personality of the year in 2007 and picked up the Interaction media award in 2008 for her commitment to broadcasting the complex issues of Africa.

Listen to the Tues. Dec. 25, 2018 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the escalating demonstrations in the Republic of Sudan demanding the resignation of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a statement calling for transparent and fair elections in Nigeria and Senegal; the elections commission in the Democratic Republic of Congo says it is prepared to conduct polls on Dec. 30; and Madagascar runoff election results have been reported with the losing contestant claiming fraud. In the second hour we rebroadcast a speech delivered by host Abayomi Azikiwe earlier in the year on Mass Incarceration for Profit. In the final segment we look back at the events of the year with addresses delivered at the United Nations General Assembly 73rd Ordinary Session in Sept. 

In the framework of the 7th World Forum on Energy Regulation (WFER), ICER Women in Energy and FSR teamed up to ‘give a voice’ to women professionals actively contributing to the event. In this podcast, Swetha Bhagwat (FSR) interviews Ifey Ikeonu, an energy policy and regulation consultant with over 25 years of experience. Ms Ikeonu discusses her role in various power sector reform programmes, highlighting the main pioneering efforts put in place to establish the regulatory framework for the electricity market of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Ms Ikeonu concludes the podcast by stressing the importance of gender equality and empowering women at all levels to help them reach their highest potential. She discusses two very different sides of the coin when it comes to gender and energy. On one side, years of working in the sector have opened her eyes to the massive lack of women’s representation and participation in the sector, especially when it comes to male dominated executive positions. On the other side, she stresses that the lack of energy access disproportionally effects nearly every aspect of women’s lives — from meeting their basic needs, like having electricity for food refrigeration and light for reading, to increasing their participation in the workforce and public life of their communities. Check out more podcasts like this one and learn more about the Lights on Women Initiative here: medium.com/lights-on-women/

Nikolai DiPippa, Clinton School Director of Public Programs, sat down with Robin Sanders, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and the Republic of Congo, former U.S. Permanent Representative to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and former director of the Africa National Security Council at the White House. She currently serves as CEO of FEEEDS Advocacy Initiative, which focuses on food security, education, environment, economic development and self-help projects, particularly in Africa.

Trade talks set to disrupt Africa-Europe relations. Talks towards free trade between the European Union (EU) and Sub-Saharan African countries could seriously sour the political relations between the two continents and potentially jeopardise their Summit next April. After over ten years of negotiations, the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are due to be completed over the next few months. Failure to do so by October 2014 - a deadline unilaterally set by the EU - will mean that some African countries will lose their preferential access to the European market. Based on a new ECDPM paper, San Bilal writes in ‘This is Africa’ on the ongoing process, saying the challenge is that negotiations on EPAs, meant to be concluded on a regional basis, are still bogged down by some remaining technical issues that negotiators seem unable to overcome. It is time to take more explicit account of the political nature and interests behind this EPA process, so as to encourage more strategic diplomacy. ECDPM also released a paper asking what would it take to make an EPA economically and politically feasible for Europe and Africa? http://ecdpm.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f3098f0aa17cc73cc4c42bc9b&id=0b457364f2&e=540025a8c8 Don’t miss the monthly EPAs update Keep up to date with the monthly ACP-EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) update from ECDPM. Each month in our GREAT Insights magazine we provide a unique service with the latest news on the trade talks between the EU and ACP countries. Last month we covered the The 97th ACP Ministerial Trade Committee and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meeting that led to the new West African customs union. The update covers West Africa, the Eastern African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). http://ecdpm.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f3098f0aa17cc73cc4c42bc9b&id=464f3aac56&e=540025a8c8