Outgoing President of Senegal, Macky Sall, congratulated opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his victory in the presidential election, with almost all other candidates, including former Prime Minister Ahmadou Ba, conceding defeat. Unofficial estimates suggest Faye won approximately 57% of the vote. The National Electoral Commission is compiling the official tally, and the final figures are expected to be announced by the Appeal Court of Dakar, with validation by the Constitutional Council. Sall is set to hand over power to Faye, Senegal's youngest President, on April 2nd. Faye's victory is seen as a triumph for democracy in Senegal and the ECOWAS region, which has seen a rise in military rule. Faye, a former tax collector, faces the immediate task of reconciling a politically tense nation and has promised to tackle corruption and address the needs of the youthful population.

Tension is rising in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government area of Benue State, after a Peugeot commercial wagon with seven passengers, including former PDP Organising Secretary Job Tiza, went missing. The vehicle was ambushed by hoodlums at Mbavuur on the Ugba-Anyiin road. While one passenger, Ormough, was released after three days, the whereabouts of the others remain unknown. The incident has caused confusion and concern among residents. In a separate but similar incident, Ukum Local Government Chairman Gideon Haanongu and his entourage were kidnapped. The police have not yet provided information on either case.

Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele refutes allegations of fraud in a report by private investigator Jim Obazee, appointed by President Bola Tinubu. Emefiele labels the claims as false, misleading, and satanic, asserting that there was presidential approval for the Naira redesign, contrary to the report's claims. He denies knowledge of a $6.23 million withdrawal or the opening of 593 foreign accounts linked to him. Emefiele has instructed his lawyers to initiate legal action to clear his name.

Four former ministers from President Muhammadu Buhari's administration are under investigation by the EFCC for alleged involvement in over N187 billion fraud. Contractor James Okwete has been arrested and is providing information that implicates former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk and other officials. The N37.1 billion in question was transferred to various accounts linked to Okwete, who allegedly used it to purchase luxury items and properties. The EFCC is also probing three other ministers for graft estimated at N150 billion. In 2020, the ICPC discovered N2.67 billion meant for a school feeding program in private accounts.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for not disclosing details of Nigeria's daily oil production, exportation, and revenue since the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023. SERAP seeks orders of mandamus to compel NNPC to reveal this information, arguing it is a legal responsibility and in the public interest. The failure to disclose is seen as a violation of Nigerian law and international commitments. The suit emphasizes the importance of transparency for public confidence and combating corruption in the oil sector. No hearing date has been set.

Globacom, a total telecommunications solutions provider, awarded five of its high net worth customers with business class return tickets from Lagos to Paris and London as part of its Festival of Joy promo. The event, which also celebrated a Lagos-based engineer as the first house winner, was attended by notable figures including Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, and Nollywood actors Osas Ighodaro and Tobi Bakre. The winners expressed their gratitude, and Globacom was praised for its customer relationship and for conforming to all promo regulations as confirmed by Mr. Arinze Ezeani of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission.

ECOWAS faces reputational damage due to its inadequate response to military dictatorships and political crises in its member states. The organization, once praised for conflict resolution in West Africa, is now criticized for leadership failures and ignoring regional protocols. Recent political tensions in Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone, along with questionable actions by leaders in Senegal, highlight the challenges. ECOWAS's effectiveness is questioned as member states under military rule form alliances, potentially undermining the organization's unity and objectives. The article calls for ECOWAS and its leaders to return to the principles of good governance and democratic practices to address the region's political instability.

An ECOWAS delegation met with Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio to discuss the attempted military coup. The delegation delivered a message from ECOWAS Chairman and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. President Bio and Minister Hernor Bah reported arrests and a manhunt for the attackers. Sierra Leone lifted the curfew imposed after the incident, which followed controversial June presidential elections. Meanwhile, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States for mutual defense, despite being suspended from ECOWAS and facing sanctions. The ECOWAS Parliament has called for sanctions on Niger to be lifted, and Niger terminated an EU agreement on curbing illegal migration.

An ECOWAS solidarity and fact-finding mission met with Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio to discuss the attempted military coup. ECOWAS, led by Omar Alieu Toure and accompanied by Nigerian officials, expressed concern over the armed attacks. President Bio appreciated the solidarity visit and reiterated his commitment to democracy. The nationwide curfew has been lifted following the shootout. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, suspended from ECOWAS, formed a mutual defence pact. ECOWAS faces challenges in restoring constitutional order in member states under military rule, and the ECOWAS Parliament has called for sanctions on Niger to be lifted due to severe impacts.

Sierra Leone's government imposed a nationwide curfew following an attempted coup at the Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown. The attackers were repelled without reported casualties. This incident follows a controversial presidential election where President Julius Maada Bio was re-elected, a result rejected by opponent Samura Kamara and his party. Observers have criticized the election's transparency, and efforts are underway to prevent a slide back into instability after the country's civil war.

Enugu State in Nigeria is set to commission the Goodwill Medical Centre (GMC), a multimillion Naira healthcare project aimed at serving the poor and low-income groups. The project, funded by the TY Danjuma Foundation, is a response to the weak healthcare systems in Africa and Nigeria's high poverty rates. The GMC will offer free services to the poor, while the rich and middle class will be charged standard fees. The centre is equipped with various health facilities and will also provide free eye screenings and treatments for pupils. The GMC is part of a larger effort by the TY Danjuma Foundation, which has funded over 200 pro-poor projects across Nigeria. The project is supported by the Enugu State Government and the local community, and it aligns with the community-directed health intervention strategy championed by Prof. Uche Amazigo.

Opposition leader Joseph Boakai is leading against incumbent President George Weah in Liberia's presidential run-off vote with 86.71% of the results released by the National Elections Commission. Boakai has 50.58% of the votes, while Weah has 49.42%, with a margin of 16,221 votes from 5,107 out of 5,890 voting places covered. This marks the fourth electoral contest between the two, with Weah having defeated Boakai in their first race in 2017. Weah's potential defeat is attributed to his administration's poor performance and corruption allegations.

France's ambassador to Niger was expelled following a military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally. The new junta accused the ambassador of failing to engage with the Foreign Ministry and demanded the withdrawal of French troops. President Macron's insistence on Bazoum as the legitimate leader and his derogatory remarks about African countries have fueled anti-French sentiment. The junta seeks to renegotiate economic contracts with France. Meanwhile, the US has resumed military drone flights from Niger, showing ambivalence towards the coup. The situation underscores the need for African nations to reassess their relationships with foreign powers and for ECOWAS to refine its conflict resolution strategies.

The recent coup in Niger has highlighted the complex geopolitical dynamics in West Africa, with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) showing willingness to negotiate a transition timetable with the Niger junta. External interests, particularly from France and the U.S., have complicated the situation due to their military bases and reliance on Niger's uranium resources. The coups in former French colonies have raised questions about Western influence and the efficacy of foreign military presence in Africa. The article suggests that the discontent towards France among citizens of these countries is significant, and there is a call for foreign powers to respect African sovereignty and recalibrate their policies towards a more equitable relationship.

Dr Dansa Kourouma, President of Guinea’s National Transitional Council, attributed Africa's political instability to corrupt leaders and foreign exploitation of resources. Speaking at Chatham House, he emphasized the need for economic development and political stability, urging the African Union and ECOWAS to focus on economic rather than political integration. Kourouma outlined Guinea's transition program, aiming for a handover of power in 2025, and stressed the importance of a credible electoral process. He highlighted Guinea's progress under the military regime, including the release of political detainees and promotion of human rights. The NTC, which includes various societal representatives, plays a key legislative role during Guinea's absence of parliament.

Guinea's National Transitional Council (NTC), led by Dr. Dansa Kourouma, is playing a key role in the country's political transition following the coup by Col. Mamady Doumbouya, which ousted President Alpha Conde. The NTC is implementing a 10-element programme, with a 24-month timetable for constitutional restoration by January 2025, and has budgeted Euro 600 million for the transition. The transition charter prohibits transitional government members from participating in the subsequent administration. Challenges include potential funding issues and the risk of prolonging the process. The Steering Committee, including ECOWAS and other stakeholders, has reported that the transition is on track. Former President Conde is facing charges for corruption and human rights violations and is among individuals sanctioned by the U.S. Guinea is striving for economic independence from France and has been suspended from the African Growth and Opportunity Act by America. Observers are monitoring Guinea's progress and the situation in other army-ruled ECOWAS member states.

ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Touray stated in Abuja that there is no intention to declare war on Niger or to invade the country. He criticized the junta's 36-month transition plan to restore constitutional order as unacceptable. ECOWAS had previously given the junta a seven-day ultimatum to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, threatening military action. The junta's reluctance to negotiate led to the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force. However, after discussions with ECOWAS Special Envoy Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, the junta expressed readiness for dialogue but announced a three-year transition plan, which ECOWAS rejected. Military intervention is unpopular due to the involvement of France and the U.S. and existing sanctions are impacting Niger's population with food scarcity and increased mortality in hospitals. ECOWAS Chairman and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met with Muslim scholars to encourage peaceful resolution, suggesting a transition program shorter than 24 months and Bazoum's release. West Africa is experiencing a resurgence of military coups attributed to governance failures.

Niger's military junta has defied an ECOWAS deadline to reinstate ousted president Mohamed Bazoum and has closed the country's airspace, affecting international flights. Nigeria faces economic challenges due to an unreliable power grid causing hospital shutdowns. Former U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyers are contesting his latest indictment.

Military rulers in Mali and Burkina Faso have supported the coup in Niger, defying ECOWAS and the international community. ECOWAS leaders, after meeting in Abuja, imposed sanctions on Niger and gave the coup leaders a seven-day ultimatum to restore constitutional order. The African Union and Western nations condemned the coup, while Russia's Wagner Group supported it. Mali and Burkina Faso threatened war if ECOWAS intervenes militarily and criticized sanctions as illegal. The situation raises concerns about regional stability, humanitarian consequences, and the need for consistent defense of democracy. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) condemned the Nigerian military for declaring their leader wanted, maintaining their non-violent approach to self-determination.

Coup leaders in Niger have cut diplomatic ties with France, Nigeria, Togo, and the US following a breakdown in negotiations with an ECOWAS delegation. The elected President Mohamed Bazoum is detained, and Nigeria has ceased electricity supply to Niger and imposed sanctions. Anti-Nigerian and Western protests occurred in Niamey, and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is seeking approval for military intervention. France and other Western countries are evacuating citizens from Niger. Experts warn of catastrophic consequences and regional instability.

General TY Danjuma, a Nigerian philanthropist, has inaugurated the Goodwill Medical Centre in Enugu State, built by the TY Danjuma Foundation to aid the poor. The center, spearheaded by Prof. Uche Amazigo, aims to provide quality healthcare at low cost, with plans to enroll indigent individuals into the NHIA GIFSHIP. The foundation has invested over $42.2 million in various pro-poor projects across Nigeria. Government officials and community leaders praised Danjuma's contributions to national development and healthcare.