Ibiza presents a stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyle of wealthy tourists and the harsh living conditions of local residents. While tourists enjoy high-end amenities at places like Pikes, the island's first boutique hotel, locals are forced to live in makeshift slums. This disparity highlights significant social inequality on the Balearic island.

The article discusses the complexities and chaotic nature of Nigeria, highlighting the recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It praises their effort to understand the country, drawing parallels with Sir Michael Palin's explorative journey for Channel 5. Nigeria's vast population and linguistic diversity are underscored, emphasizing the challenges in comprehending its workings.

In the historic Marais district of Paris, Manon Fleury and Laurène Barjhoux have launched Datil, an innovative restaurant that emphasizes vegetable dishes and features an all-female kitchen staff. Datil recently earned its first Michelin star, marking it as one of the 52 new entries in the latest Michelin Guide France. The restaurant is noted for challenging traditional French culinary hierarchies and promoting gender equality in the kitchen.

In the historic Marais district of Paris, Manon Fleury and Laurène Barjhoux have opened Datil, a restaurant that challenges traditional French culinary norms with its focus on vegetable dishes and an all-female kitchen staff. Datil recently earned its first Michelin star, marking a significant achievement in the prestigious Michelin Guide France. The restaurant is part of a broader movement to promote gender equality in the culinary world.

Five Nigerian sisters kidnapped from their home in Abuja have been rescued after their family faced criticism for crowdfunding to pay their ransom. The sisters, aged from their early teens to 23, and their father, Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, were taken on January 2 during a raid that resulted in the deaths of their uncle and three policemen. A sixth sister, 21-year-old Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, was killed by the captors when the family failed to pay her ransom in time.

Godwin Emefiele, Nigeria’s former central bank governor, is accused of hiding £543 million in UK accounts and stealing £5 million from the bank's vaults. An investigation revealed he maintained 593 bank accounts across the UK, US, and China. Emefiele allegedly colluded with finance ministry associates to embezzle central bank loans, inflate costs of a failed cash note redesign, and misappropriate an £80 million presidential payment.

Nigeria’s former central bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, is accused of hiding £543 million in UK accounts and stealing £5 million from the bank's vaults. An investigation revealed he maintained 593 bank accounts across the UK, US, and China. Emefiele allegedly colluded with finance ministry associates to embezzle central bank loans, inflate costs of a failed cash note redesign, and misappropriate funds approved by the president.

Jacob Zuma, former president of South Africa, has announced his support for a new political party, the Spear of the Nation Party, instead of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). He criticized President Ramaphosa and stated that his conscience would not allow him to lie to voters by supporting the ANC. Zuma's statement, read by his daughter, emphasized a shift from armed struggle to electoral competition.

Table Mountain in South Africa has seen a surge in knife-wielding robberies targeting tourists, walkers, and cyclists, with over 80 muggings and a suspected murder recorded this year. In response, Cape Town’s city hall and South African police have increased patrols, deploying 80 security staff and twelve rangers to the area.

Niger’s junta has formalized a military co-operation agreement with Russia, marking the completion of Russia's influence in the Sahel region. The agreement was signed following meetings between a Russian delegation led by Colonel General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Niger's junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani in Niamey. This development underscores Russia's expanding geopolitical reach in Africa.

At least 85 civilians were killed in a Nigerian army drone strike during a Muslim festival in Tudun Biri, Kaduna state. The strike, intended for terrorists, inadvertently hit villagers celebrating Maulud. Survivors and local reports indicate that the army has met with village elders and promised compensation. President Tinubu and Kaduna state governor Uba Sani have expressed grief and committed to an investigation and prevention of future incidents. Nigeria's northwest has seen an increase in violence, with the military conducting regular air strikes against Boko Haram jihadists and militants. Past incidents of civilian casualties during military operations have raised concerns about human rights abuses.

Niger's military government has repealed a 2015 law banning people-smuggling, potentially leading to an increase in African migrants traveling to Europe via the Sahara. The junta, which took power in a July coup, announced that all convictions under the law would be quashed and those imprisoned would be considered for release. Smugglers in Agadez, a key transit city, are expected to quickly resume operations.

Jealous Mpofu, a Zimbabwean ranger, has been recognized by the charity Tusk as its ranger of the year for his 25-year effort in conserving painted dogs, an endangered species in southern Africa. Mpofu, who grew up near Hwange National Park and once worked as a casual laborer, became the first ranger for Painted Dog Conservation, founded by Peter Blinston. Despite challenges, including the dispersal of Hwange's last pack in 2006, Mpofu's dedication led to the successful rehabilitation and release of painted dogs, with one female raising up to 30 puppies. Mpofu, who leads a team of six rangers, is known for his intimate knowledge of the dogs and his anti-poaching efforts. His work has allowed him to support his family and community, and he plans to use the £30,000 grant from the award to benefit both his family and the painted dogs.

China has established its first government school in Africa, the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the aim of training African leaders in the Chinese model of governance. The curriculum includes 'Xi Jinping thought', propaganda, and party discipline, reflecting the Chinese Communist Party's influence on the continent.

President Tinubu of Nigeria is facing criticism for allocating £5 million for a presidential yacht within a £2.3 billion supplementary budget, which also includes £29 million for his presidential villa and £13 million to upgrade the presidential fleet of planes. This comes as 60 percent of Nigerians live in poverty and are experiencing a cost of living crisis with soaring costs and a depreciating naira.

Oscar Pistorius is eligible to apply for parole after South Africa’s highest court ruled in his favor, potentially leading to his release a decade after the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. His previous parole attempt was unsuccessful due to not having served half of his sentence, but the constitutional court has now determined he met this requirement by March 21 this year. The Correctional Services Department is reviewing the court's decision to determine the next steps.

Following the coup in Niger that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the country has seen significant changes, including the departure of French troops and a shift in local sentiment towards Russia. The junta's rise to power has led to economic hardships, with aid cuts and sanctions impacting daily life. The local population expresses mixed feelings, with some supporting the coup and others criticizing the junta's actions. Humanitarian aid is at risk, and the future remains uncertain as the country navigates its new political landscape.

France has completed its military withdrawal from Mali, handing over bases to the Malian military amid deteriorating relations. Mali's military leaders have aligned with Russia, with Wagner Group mercenaries accused of severe human rights abuses. French General Laurent Michon criticized Wagner's exploitation of Mali's resources. French President Emmanuel Macron accused the Malian junta of failing to combat terrorism. The UN reported a worsening human rights situation in Mali, with increasing jihadist attacks and a shrinking civic space. The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali remains, but Egypt plans to withdraw its troops following casualties.

Cyprian Ekwensi, a prolific Nigerian author, significantly influenced African literature with his vivid depictions of urban life in Lagos. Despite being overshadowed by contemporaries like Chinua Achebe, Ekwensi's works, including 'When Love Whispers' and 'Jagua Nana,' captured the complexities and vibrancy of African cities. His career spanned various roles, from a forestry officer to the Director of Information for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, and he played a notable part in the Biafran war. Ekwensi's legacy endures through the urban narratives of modern African authors, positioning Lagos alongside global literary cities.

The president of Niger, Bazoum, has vowed to protect democracy following a coup attempt by soldiers. Bazoum, currently held in the presidential palace, assured that the nation's democratic achievements would be preserved. Niger's foreign minister, Hassoumi Massoudou, confirmed the coup bid but noted that not the entire army was involved, urging democrats and patriots to resist the takeover. The African Union's chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat, confirmed Bazoum's well-being, while France, with a significant military presence in Niger, remains a key stakeholder.

A Middle East Eye investigation reveals that the World-Check financial risk database, owned by Refinitiv, continues to use sources accused of promoting far-right and Islamophobic agendas. The database has faced multiple lawsuits from Muslim organizations wrongly listed under 'terrorism'. Notable sources include Jihad Watch and the Gatestone Institute, which have been linked to anti-Muslim sentiment. The article highlights the ongoing issues faced by organizations like the Finsbury Park Mosque and calls for regulatory intervention by bodies like the Information Commissioner's Office.

Patrick Herminie, the main opposition leader in the Seychelles, has been charged with witchcraft alongside seven others following the discovery of two exhumed bodies in a cemetery on Mahé island. Herminie, who intends to run for president, denies the charges and suggests the case is a political witch-hunt against him, stemming from his contact details being found in a fellow suspect's WhatsApp messages. The fellow suspect, a Tanzanian, was arrested at the Seychelles' main airport with various items described as satanic.

Majed al-Zeer, director of the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), won a legal battle to remove his name from the World-Check financial database's terrorism category, receiving £10,000 in damages. The case highlights accusations against the Israeli government for politically motivated listings. The PRC, recognized by the UN, continues to face challenges despite the legal victory. The article underscores the broader implications of such databases on Palestinian rights and the ongoing conflict with Israel.

The South African High Court in Pretoria has ruled that the coronation of Misuzulu as the Zulu king was unlawful and has ordered President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate whether due process was followed. The court's decision has intensified the ongoing family disputes over the rightful heir to the throne, with multiple claims from Misuzulu's siblings. The judgment has highlighted the complexities of Zulu succession traditions and the legal responsibilities of the South African government in recognizing traditional leadership.

The Cabinet Office is investigating claims that former UK Education Secretary Nicky Morgan misled parliament regarding the Trojan Horse affair, a controversy involving alleged attempts to Islamicise Birmingham schools. John Holmwood, a sociology professor, asserts that Morgan's department omitted crucial evidence in a report presented to parliament. The report, commissioned by Michael Gove and authored by Peter Clarke, has been criticized for inaccuracies and for failing to consider exculpatory evidence. Caroline Lucas has endorsed Holmwood's allegations, forwarding them to Prime Minister Theresa May. The affair has influenced government counter-extremism strategies, despite many of the initial claims being disputed or overturned.

Sayed Alwadaei, a prominent Bahraini human rights activist, was denied entry to the Conservative Party's annual conference in Manchester on police advice, raising concerns about the UK's relationship with Bahrain. Alwadaei, who has no criminal record in the UK, was invited by the charity Freedom From Torture to speak on a panel about global human rights. The decision to bar him has been speculated to be influenced by Bahrain, a country accused of suppressing political dissidents. The incident has sparked criticism from various human rights organizations and highlighted the UK's controversial ties with Bahrain, including arms sales and military cooperation.

In Abandze, Ghana, archaeologists have uncovered what they believe to be the remnants of the first known English structure in Africa, beneath an old Dutch slave fort. This discovery could significantly enhance the understanding of the history of the British slave trade and its global impact. The fort, a symbol of local identity, now holds potential global historical significance.

Bola Tinubu has been declared the winner of Nigeria's disputed presidential election, securing 37% of the vote. His victory replaces Muhammadu Buhari with another ailing Muslim leader, this time from the south, known for corruption. Rival candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have called for a rerun, dismissing the election as a sham.

Mani Bella, a Cameroonian singer, celebrates Cameroon’s recent ban on toxic skin-whitening products, reflecting on her own experience with harmful bleaching creams. The ban addresses the widespread use of these products in Africa and Asia, which often contain dangerous chemicals like mercury, leading to severe health issues including rashes and cancer.

Burkina Faso has expelled journalists from Le Monde and Libération following an investigation into soldiers executing children. The military junta, which took power last year, gave the journalists 24 hours to leave, marking a significant blow to press freedoms. Le Monde's director, Jérôme Fenoglio, condemned the expulsions as a major setback for journalism in the country.

Ebele, a single mother from Benin City, Nigeria, fell victim to human traffickers after being lured by the promise of work in Italy. She endured severe hardships, including imprisonment and abuse in Libya, before being repatriated by the United Nations. Upon her return, the charity Street Child, in collaboration with Girls’ Power Initiative, provided her with vocational training, enabling her to start a salon business. Despite recent setbacks, including a fire and theft, Ebele continues to rebuild her life. The article highlights the critical role of charities like Street Child in supporting trafficking survivors.

The long-beaked echidna, named in honor of David Attenborough, has been rediscovered in Papua, Indonesia, by a team of scientists from Oxford, Royal Holloway, UNCEN, and Mendel universities. The expedition, led by James Kempton, faced numerous challenges but ultimately captured video evidence of the elusive creature. The team also discovered new insect species, two new frog species, and rediscovered Mayr’s honeyeater. The findings highlight the rich biodiversity of the Cyclops Mountains and underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts in the region, which faces threats from palm oil production and habitat encroachment.

Ebele, a Nigerian woman, recounts her harrowing experience of being trafficked to Libya under false promises of work in Italy. After enduring severe hardships, including imprisonment and near-death experiences, she was repatriated to Nigeria. With the help of the charity Street Child, she received training and started her own salon business. Despite recent setbacks, including a fire and theft, Ebele remains resilient. The article highlights the critical role of charities like Street Child in supporting trafficking survivors and the ongoing need for funding.

Nigeria is demanding compensation from western countries due to severe floods that have displaced over a million people and resulted in 600 deaths. The country plans to use the upcoming Cop27 climate conference in Egypt to urge wealthy nations to finance climate change projects. Despite contributing less than 3% of global carbon emissions, African countries are disproportionately affected by climate change, and rich countries have not fulfilled their $100 billion annual commitment to help poorer nations.

The article provides a rare glimpse into the ongoing conflict in Nigeria, focusing on the town of Pulka, which is surrounded by Boko Haram-held territory. Despite claims of victory over Boko Haram, the group remains active, causing significant casualties and displacements. The Nigerian military and humanitarian organizations like Street Child are working to rehabilitate affected children and provide aid. The conflict has resulted in over 350,000 deaths and 2.2 million displacements, with Boko Haram factions continuing to fight each other and terrorize local populations. The article highlights stories of hope and resilience among the affected children and their families.

An African Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), is exploiting local conflicts to recruit new members by portraying African Parks, a conservation organization supported by Prince Harry, as a Western proxy. African Parks, which manages several national parks in Benin, faces challenges from local tensions and jihadist threats. Despite these challenges, the organization continues its conservation efforts, supported by wealthy benefactors. The situation in the Sahel region is deteriorating, with increasing violence and the involvement of Russian mercenaries following the withdrawal of French troops. African Parks aims to expand its conservation efforts despite the complex and dangerous environment.

Sajid Javid, Britain's home secretary and a potential future prime minister, is a prominent figure with a background that includes significant achievements in both finance and politics. Despite his Muslim heritage, Javid's political stance often diverges from the broader British Muslim community, particularly in his support for Israel and opposition to the BDS movement. His career reflects a blend of admiration for Margaret Thatcher and alignment with neoconservative ideologies, as evidenced by his connections to the American Enterprise Institute. The article highlights the complexities of Javid's identity and political affiliations, noting his ambition and the challenges he faces within the Conservative Party.

A man was mauled to death by a lion at Accra Zoo in Ghana after attempting to steal rare white lion cubs. The intruder scaled high fences and was attacked by the lions. Authorities believe he intended to steal the cubs, which are a significant attraction due to their rarity. The zoo has been temporarily closed, and an investigation is underway. White lions are extremely rare, with only a few existing in the wild. The incident highlights the dangers of zoo enclosures and the protective nature of animals towards their offspring.

British police have been accused of racially and religiously profiling Black and Asian passengers at airports under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Kevin Maxwell, a former counterterrorism officer, revealed that discriminatory practices were incentivized to meet performance targets. His memoir, 'Forced Out,' details systemic racism and Islamophobia within the Metropolitan Police's counterterrorism unit. The article also discusses a recent case where a woman was coerced to remove her hijab, leading to a human rights violation ruling. Despite official denials, Maxwell's account raises questions about the legality and fairness of Schedule 7 stops.

Bob Carr, former premier of New South Wales, praises King Charles for his environmental advocacy, noting that his ascension has not increased the push for Australia to become a republic. Carr believes there is no appetite for a referendum on the matter, highlighting the positive reception of King Charles' first year.

Five Nigerian sisters kidnapped from their home in Abuja have been rescued after their family faced criticism for crowdfunding to pay their ransom. The sisters, aged from early teens to 23, and their father, Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, were taken on January 2 during a raid that resulted in the deaths of their uncle and three policemen. A sixth sister, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, was killed by the captors when the family failed to pay her ransom in time.

Helen Williams, a wigmaker from Nigeria, has set a new Guinness World Record by creating the longest handmade wig, measuring 351.28 meters. The project took 11 days and cost over £2,000, using 1,000 bundles of hair and various other materials. Williams completed the wig on a highway between Lagos and Abeokuta, driven by encouragement from friends and family. Guinness World Records has officially recognized her achievement.

The article provides a rare glimpse into the ongoing conflict in Nigeria, focusing on the town of Pulka, which is surrounded by Boko Haram-held territory. Despite claims of victory over Boko Haram, the terrorist group remains active, causing significant casualties and displacements. The Nigerian military and various organizations, including Street Child, are working to rehabilitate affected individuals, particularly children who have been victims of the conflict. The piece highlights both the ongoing challenges and stories of hope and resilience among the survivors.

British counterterrorism police allegedly added Black and Asian airport passengers to terrorism databases without stopping them to meet targets, according to former officer Kevin Maxwell. This practice, involving the misuse of landing cards, has raised concerns about the lawfulness and discriminatory nature of Schedule 7. Maxwell's claims have prompted calls for investigations from advocacy group Cage, which highlights the disproportionate impact on minorities. The Metropolitan Police and Home Office have denied using racial profiling or targets for stops, but Maxwell's revelations suggest systemic issues within the counterterrorism unit.

Nigeria's presidential election faced significant delays and violence, with Islamists attacking officials and technical issues with a new digital voting system. Over 87 million voters were divided among two veteran politicians and a popular outsider, Peter Obi, who needed high turnout to win. Incidents included ballot box thefts and shootings, particularly in Lagos and the northeast.

France has started evacuating its citizens from Niger following a military coup that ousted President Bazoum, amid rising anti-French sentiment and regional tensions. An army passenger plane has already departed for a French air base in Niamey. The French foreign ministry cited violence against its embassy and the closure of airspace as reasons for the evacuation.

The president of Benin, Patrice Talon, is auctioning off the belongings of his political enemy, who is in exile in Paris. The auction includes 140 items such as a Rolls-Royce Phantom, Louis XIV-era furniture, and various household electronics. This move is seen as an example of strongman politics in a country once considered a beacon of democracy in West Africa.

Africa's rich tradition of heroes is now being celebrated in popular culture, with African superheroes taking center stage at Comic Con Africa in Johannesburg. The festival, in its fourth year, introduced the 'Afro Geek' pavilion dedicated to African comics, moving beyond the traditional American offerings like Marvel's Black Panther. This marks a significant step in showcasing African talent and stories in the comic book industry.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie engages in a personal conversation, discussing her family and career, while also complimenting the author's appearance and referencing her novel 'Half of a Yellow Sun'. The interaction highlights Adichie's charismatic personality and the admiration for her literary work.

General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who led a coup against Niger's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, has appealed for international support. Russia's Wagner group sees this as an opportunity to gain influence in Africa's 'coup belt'. Tchiani justified his actions by asking for understanding and support from Niger's international partners to address the country's challenges.

President Raisi of Iran visited Africa, marking the first trip by an Iranian president to the continent in over a decade. During his visit, Raisi signed trade agreements with Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, and criticized western sanctions. In Zimbabwe, Raisi and President Mnangagwa signed 12 memorandums of understanding, including plans for a joint tractor factory. The visit aimed to strengthen Tehran's alliances with nations affected by US sanctions.

President Putin has rejected a peace proposal from African leaders, led by President Ramaphosa of South Africa, aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The proposal included ten principles such as de-escalation and security guarantees, and called for unimpeded grain exports and the return of prisoners of war and displaced children. The Kremlin deemed the proposal 'very difficult to implement' after a private meeting in St Petersburg, which was also attended by the presidents of Senegal, Zambia, and Comoros.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's new economic policies, including the removal of a petrol subsidy, ejection of the central bank governor, and floating of the naira, have led to a surge in living costs and widespread criticism among Nigerians. The policies have been praised by foreign investors and have resulted in the highest stock levels in 15 years, but have also led to increased inflation and economic strain for citizens. The national domestic security agency arrested the former central bank governor, and the devaluation of the naira and removal of the fuel subsidy are causing inflation. Some Nigerians are adapting by walking to work or staying at work overnight, and there is a call for Tinubu to reduce government spending. Analysts see the potential for long-term stability and investment, but immediate challenges remain for the population.

Sudan's warring generals have agreed to a seven-day ceasefire, offering a potential respite from heavy fighting as the conflict enters its sixth week. The US and Saudi Arabia announced the ceasefire, set to begin at 9.45pm local time on Monday, following two weeks of negotiations in Jeddah. Previous ceasefires have failed, with over 850 civilians killed, nearly 4,000 injured, and a million displaced since the conflict began. The new truce will be monitored to ensure compliance.

African telenovelas are gaining global popularity, with Nigeria's 'Itura' and South Africa's 'Legacy' leading the charge. These shows are now being dubbed into Spanish for Latin American audiences, challenging the long-standing dominance of Latin American telenovelas. MultiChoice and its streaming service Showmax are key players in this trend, broadcasting these series through Africa Magic channels in various languages. The success of these telenovelas is attributed to their quality, cultural resonance, and the use of talent from the prolific Nollywood film industry.

British citizens in Sudan have been alerted to the limited availability of evacuation flights as concerns grow over the potential resumption of conflict after a US-brokered ceasefire ends. The RAF is working to evacuate 500 citizens daily from an airfield near Khartoum, with the ceasefire due to expire at midnight on Thursday. British officials are seeking alternative evacuation routes, with plans for a reception center near the Egyptian border. HMS Lancaster is en route to Port Sudan on the Red Sea to assist with the evacuation.

Khartoum experienced shelling and heavy gunfire, undermining hopes for a 24-hour truce agreement brokered by the US between warring generals. Japan is preparing to evacuate its citizens amid fears of a full-blown civil war. Leaders from Kenya, Djibouti, and South Sudan are set to arrive in Khartoum, but international efforts to mediate peace between Sudan's army leader and his paramilitary rival have so far been unsuccessful. Fighting continued in the capital, particularly around key locations such as the army headquarters and the Republican Palace.

Civilians in Khartoum, Sudan, are facing dire conditions as clashes between troops loyal to two feuding generals continue. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and has overwhelmed hospitals. The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, is accused of exacerbating the unrest. Residents are experiencing power outages, water shortages, and looting, with the confirmed death toll at 97 and 942 injured, though actual numbers are likely higher.

Chinese mining bosses are allegedly funding Nigerian militant groups to gain access to mineral reserves, potentially leading to indirect funding of terrorism in Nigeria. Chinese companies have been making security deals with insurgents in regions with frequent attacks. The Chinese embassy in Abuja has advised its citizens to enhance their security measures.

The Wagner Group, a private military company supporting the Russian army in Ukraine, is actively increasing its presence in Africa to enhance Russian influence. The group is employing military force and disinformation campaigns in Niger and Ivory Coast, diverging from its typical focus on unstable states. A recent video featured Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner and known as 'Putin's chef', alongside a former bus driver from West Africa.

In northern Senegal, traditional herdsmen like Bayal Obou face displacement due to the expansion of modern agribusiness driven by global food and water demands. The clash between traditional lifestyles and 21st-century agribusiness is exacerbated by population growth and climate change, leading to increased food insecurity and the marginalization of poorer communities.

Paul Rusesabagina, known for saving over 1,000 lives during the Rwandan genocide and the inspiration for a Hollywood film, will be released from prison following a United States diplomatic intervention. His 25-year terrorism sentence has been commuted, with his expected release date being Saturday.

The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, has intensified its presence in the Central African Republic, supporting the regime of Faustin-Archange Touadéra. An attack on a French-owned brewery by individuals in Wagner military attire highlights the group's activities in Africa, where it has been described as President Putin's 'private army'.

Ireti Kingibe, an engineer and wife of a former minister, has been elected as Abuja's new senator, representing the Labour Party. She plans to donate her salary to support policies aimed at wealth redistribution, improving access to water, health, education, and supporting farmers. Despite her progressive stance, female representation in Nigeria's parliament is declining, with Nigeria ranking 180th out of 186 countries for female parliamentary representation. Advocates like Abosede George-Ogan call for legislative action to increase women's participation in politics, citing financial barriers and violence as deterrents. Kingibe aims to push for more female representation within the Labour Party and establish a national lobby for women across parties.

Supermodel Georgie Badiel, a former Miss Africa, has returned to her homeland of Burkina Faso to provide drinking wells to nearly half a million people. Growing up, Badiel walked three hours daily to fetch water. Her humanitarian efforts are highlighted against the backdrop of the country's ongoing conflict. Her journey into modeling began when a stranger noticed her potential, leading to a successful career with brands like Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs.

Nigeria has postponed state elections by a week due to issues with reconfiguring a digital voting system, which had previously failed during the presidential elections. The opposition parties, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, claim the presidential vote was rigged, leading to a court battle. The electoral commission's decision to delay the elections follows a court ruling that came too late to prepare the digital tablets used for voting. The Labour Party and PDP allege voter suppression and intimidation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which denies the accusations. The upcoming state elections are crucial, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, where Labour's Peter Obi performed well in the presidential vote. Key figures include APC's Bola Tinubu and incumbent Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who faces a strong challenge from Labour's Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Rhodes-Vivour, a candidate with a diverse educational background including a master's from MIT, aims to transform Lagos by tackling its infrastructure challenges and corruption. He plans to introduce a belt road, a railway, and an affordable property scheme, as well as publish the state's financial accounts and develop an AI-backed planning portal. Despite the challenge posed by the newly elected president Bola Tinubu, Rhodes-Vivour is determined to change the political landscape without succumbing to existing power structures.

Shell faces a lawsuit from over 13,000 individuals affected by oil spills in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The claims, representing two communities totaling over 65,000 people, seek compensation and a potentially unprecedented oil clean-up. The legal battle, initiated in 2015, reached the UK Supreme Court in 2021, which allowed the case to be heard in England.

In Lagos, Nigeria, the presidential campaign of Peter Obi, an outsider candidate, has gained significant momentum, demonstrated by a large turnout of supporters during a march on Nigeria's Independence Day. The event, which took place near the Lekki tollgate, a site of a previous massacre, was filled with thousands of Obi's supporters, indicating his emergence as a serious contender. Obi, 61, promises to tackle corruption and authoritarianism, with tech consultant Chijioke Chuwunyere expressing optimism about the opportunity for change.

Kenyan police have arrested Jackton Odhiambo, the main suspect in the murder of LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba, who confessed to killing Chiloba over allegations of infidelity. Three additional suspects were detained for assisting in disposing of the body. The investigation revealed that Chiloba was strangled, and his body was found in a metal box. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in Kenya.

Tanitoluwa 'Tani' Adewumi, a 12-year-old chess prodigy who fled Nigeria to escape Boko Haram, has been granted asylum in the United States. Despite a challenging start, including time spent in a homeless shelter, Tani excelled in chess, winning the New York state chess championships. His family arrived in America in 2017, and Tani discovered chess at school while his parents worked low-wage jobs.

Nestlé has pledged £1bn to combat child labor in the cocoa industry, particularly in Ivory Coast, where 1.5 million children are believed to work in cocoa fields. The initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, who often resort to using child labor due to low profit margins. The article highlights the financial struggles of cocoa farmers and Nestlé's efforts to address these issues.

Peterside, a Nigerian art enthusiast, has played a pivotal role in elevating African art to global prominence through initiatives like Art X Lagos. The Black Lives Matter movement has significantly influenced the art market, driving a surge in demand for African art, now valued at £11.5 billion. Major names like El Anatsui have seen their works gain international acclaim. Multinational businesses, such as Nando’s, have also contributed by supporting emerging artists. The text underscores the transformative impact of political movements on cultural and economic landscapes.

Tosin Oshinowo, a London-educated architect from Lagos, has transformed a former Boko Haram stronghold into a modern village with solar street lights and color-coded roofs. The unveiling of the new Ngarannam, which was previously destroyed by Nigeria's military, was marked by a significant event despite the challenges of the jihadist insurgency in the area.

An elephant birth in Kruger National Park, South Africa, was captured on video and shared on Facebook. Adam Fillmore described the event as amazing and noted the electric atmosphere created by the herd's trumpeting. The video shows the mother elephant giving birth to a calf, which is then nudged awake by its mother and other female elephants.

Rod and Rachel Saunders, world-renowned botanists featured on BBC2, were kidnapped and murdered after their appearance on the show. They were known for their dedication to finding rare plants in South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains. The couple, aged 74 and 63 respectively, were bludgeoned to death and their bodies were disposed of in a river.

Mani Bella, a Cameroonian singer, celebrates Cameroon’s recent ban on toxic skin-whitening products. After experiencing adverse effects from these creams, Bella stopped using them and now advocates against their use. The ban reflects growing awareness of the health risks associated with skin-bleaching products, which are widely used in Africa and Asia and often contain harmful chemicals like mercury.

Single women are seeking more than just financial stability or physical attractiveness in men; they desire romance, emotional connection, and intimacy. Despite these clear demands, many single men, according to American couples expert Dr. Greg Matos, are not meeting these expectations as women become more selective.

Nigeria's advertising regulator has announced a ban on the use of foreign models and voiceover artists in adverts, effective from October, as part of a policy to develop local talent. Previously, companies were charged a tariff for using foreign models, positioning Nigeria as a strict environment for media representation.

A personal narrative about the author's experience in Nollywood, Africa's largest film industry, highlighting the vibrant and bustling environment on set in a warehouse north of Lagos. The author describes the anticipation and preparation for their role as a 'white tailor' in a Nollywood production.

A man in a slick suit announced the eviction of a housemate on the Nigerian version of Big Brother, which has been a popular show since 2017. Despite recent news about a potential British comeback, the focus remains on the local production, which continues to grow in scale. Beauty, a contestant, was disqualified for property damage and alcohol abuse.

Nigeria has banned the trade of bushmeat to curb monkeypox, a disease that has seen over 550 cases confirmed in at least 30 countries outside Africa, including 190 in Britain. Health officials have long warned of the risk of a global outbreak. Nigeria, the likely origin, has recorded nearly 600 suspected cases since 2017. Genome sequencing of a sample taken in Portugal is ongoing.

Mercenaries from the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group, alongside soldiers, allegedly executed about 300 civilians in Mali's Mopti region, burying them in mass graves. Witnesses reported that the mercenaries, described as 'white men speaking a bizarre language,' stormed the town of Moura on March 27, engaging in a gun battle with jihadists before detaining and executing men in small groups. Human Rights Watch has documented these claims, marking it as Mali's worst atrocity in a decade.

Maksim Levin, a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker whose work appeared in The Times, was killed by Russian soldiers in Huta-Mezhyhirska, north of Kyiv. The 44-year-old, who worked for LB.ua and contributed to Reuters, leaves behind a wife and four children. He was found shot twice amidst heavy shelling in the village. John Pullman of Reuters expressed that Levin's death is a significant loss to journalism.