Latest West Africa News
As summit host, Spain urges NATO to watch its southern flank
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is certain to dominate an upcoming NATO summit in Madrid, Spain and other member nations are quietly pushing the Western alliance to consider how mercenaries aligned with Russian President Vladimir Putin are spreading Moscow's influence...
Survivors recount Mali's deadliest attack since coup
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Moussa Tolofidie didn’t think twice when nearly 100 jihadis on motorbikes gathered in his village in central Mali last week. A peace agreement signed last year between some armed groups and the community in the Bankass area had largely held, even if the...
Mali junta paves way for elections with new law
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Mali’s junta leader signed a new law paving the way for elections and a return of the West African country to constitutional rule. Col. Assimi Goita has been president of the transitional government since seizing power in a coup two years ago. The law signed...
Leader of Mali's junta signs election law letting him run
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Mali’s junta leader, Col. Assimi Goita, signed a new law Friday paving the way for elections and a return of the country to constitutional rule. Col. Goita’ has been president of the transitional government since seizing power in a coup two years ago. The...
Gabon and Togo admitted into Commonwealth group of nations
KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — The African nations of Gabon and Togo have been admitted into the Commonwealth group of nations. “We welcome them,” Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose government hosted a summit of Commonwealth leaders this week, told reporters Saturday. ...
Morocco: 18 migrants dead in stampede to enter Melilla
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Eighteen Africans seeking to cross into Spain were killed and scores of migrants and police were injured in what Moroccan authorities called a “stampede” of people surging across Morocco's border fence with the Spanish North African enclave of Melilla on Friday. ...
Climate, malaria highlighted as Commonwealth leaders meet
KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Leaders of Commonwealth nations met in Rwanda's capital Friday to tackle climate change, tropical diseases and other challenges deepened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The summit for Commonwealth heads of state in Kigali is the culmination of a series of meetings...
Raptors draft Arizona C Christian Koloko with 33rd pick
TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors selected Arizona center Christian Koloko with the 33rd overall pick in the NBA draft on Thursday night. “Good shot blocker, really good defensive numbers,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said of Koloko. “Ranks really highly in all of college...
Nigerians blame fuel shortage on Ukraine war, fixed prices
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria is grappling with widespread fuel shortages that are forcing motorists to spend hours in lines to buy gas and causing prices to surge for transportation and basic commodities. Russia’s war in Ukraine has caused prices to import fuel go up by more...
Burkina Faso to create military zones to fight jihadi rebels
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Burkina Faso’s ruling junta says it will create two military zones where civilians must vacate their homes to allow the army to battle jihadi rebels without any hindrances. The two zones will be established in the country's hard-hit East and Sahel...
