In Nigeria, controversy surrounds the recent election results as opposition parties await the Independent National Electoral Commission's response to allegations of fraud. A BBC investigation in Rivers State found significant discrepancies in the official vote counts, suggesting potential widespread irregularities. Despite these findings, the BBC notes that the discrepancies would not have changed the overall election outcome, with Bola Tinubu winning by a significant margin. The article highlights the challenges in verifying election integrity and the potential for similar issues in other states.

Ghana faces a severe plastic pollution crisis, with over 1 million tons of plastic waste produced annually, of which only 5% is recycled. The widespread presence of plastic waste, including bottles and packaging, severely impacts the environment and health, particularly in rural areas and beaches. Despite joining the Global Plastic Action Partnership in 2019 and implementing a Road Map to eliminate plastic from oceans and waterways by 2040, the country struggles with inadequate policies, lack of public awareness, and insufficient waste management infrastructure. The article highlights the urgent need for better waste management practices and increased responsibility from governments, companies, and citizens.

The article discusses the training of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by Italy, highlighting the involvement of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti, and the RSF's notorious history of atrocities in Darfur. The training aimed to combat illegal migration, with logistical and cyber espionage support possibly provided. The piece includes insights from journalist Massimo Alberizzi and touches on broader regional issues, including political instability in Senegal and violence in Cameroon.

Ousmane Sonko, facing rape charges in Senegal, has called for a 'final battle' against the government if President Macky Sall does not step down. Sonko, who did not attend his trial citing security concerns, risks ineligibility for the 2024 presidential elections if convicted. He has ceased defending himself in court, convinced of governmental manipulation, and is mobilizing supporters from Ziguinchor to Dakar. His case has been prominent since March 2021, when it sparked deadly clashes between protesters and police.

Ousmane Sonko, the Senegalese opposition leader, has been convicted again on appeal in a defamation case against Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang. Initially sentenced to two months of probation and a €300,000 fine, Sonko now faces six months of probation. Sonko and his supporters view the trial as a political maneuver to exclude him from the 2024 presidential elections. The article also highlights the broader political tension in Senegal, including President Macky Sall's controversial potential third-term candidacy and Sonko's upcoming trial for alleged rape.

The 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival features a significant presence of African and Afro-descendant filmmakers, with 12 films, 8 of which are in the official selection. This marks a departure from past years when only established African directors were selected. The festival showcases a new generation of young filmmakers, with six female directors in competition, including from Senegal and the Maghreb. Films cover contemporary themes such as violence against women, racial and sexual discrimination, gender issues, and the oppression of neo-capitalism. Highlights include Kaouther Ben Hania's 'Les filles d’Olfa' and Ramata-Toulaye Sy's 'Banel et Adama'. The festival also features sections like 'Un certain regard' and 'Quinzaine des cinéastes', with films from Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Morocco. The parallel ACID section and special screenings further highlight African cinema, along with the Pavillon Afriques and Afrocannes events promoting inclusion and diversity in the film industry.

The 15th edition of the Festival of Urban Music of Anoumabo (Femua) in Ivory Coast celebrated the revival of Pan-African culture with five days of concerts, featuring artists like Baaba Maal and Ferré Gola. The festival, which included philanthropic initiatives such as the inauguration of new schools, emphasized social cohesion and opportunities for youth. Baaba Maal, also a UN Goodwill ambassador, highlighted the importance of education and sustainable development. The event, attended by thousands, showcased a blend of music, multiculturalism, and social commitment, aiming to counter negative stereotypes of Africa.

The Festival of Urban Music of Anoumabo (Femua), founded by Salif Traoré of Magic System, has grown from modest beginnings to a major event with a budget of two million euros and an expected audience of 150,000. The festival, held in Abidjan and Bouaké, focuses on social issues, cultural exchange, and themes like food security and sustainable agriculture. It features performances from prominent African and diaspora artists and includes a section for children. Femua has also contributed to building schools and creating jobs, becoming an important institution for the Ivorian population.

Senegal faces unprecedented political uncertainty ten months before the February 2024 presidential elections. President Macky Sall's potential third-term candidacy remains unclear, while opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's eligibility is jeopardized by ongoing legal battles. Other key figures, Karim Wade and Khalifa Sall, are currently ineligible due to past convictions but may re-enter the race if granted amnesty. The newly formed F24 platform opposes Sall's third term, echoing past movements against extended presidencies. The political landscape is in flux, with various potential candidates and legal outcomes shaping the future.

The unstoppable rise of African cinema continues with the launch of the new series 'African Folktales: Reimagined!' by Netflix and UNESCO. This series, consisting of six half-hour short films, aims to promote the continent's cultural diversity and support its young filmmakers. The project emerged from a 2021 competition inviting young African directors, screenwriters, and film enthusiasts to modernize traditional African folktales. The selected winners, hailing from Kenya, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, received significant financial support for their productions. The series explores themes such as drought, climate crisis, supernatural elements, and family bonds, reflecting the diverse cultural narratives of Africa. Netflix Africa's director, Tendeka Matatu, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its role in amplifying underrepresented voices.