Ghana's informal gold mining boom, producing 1.2 million ounces in seven months, has sparked protests due to its environmental and social impacts. The practice, known as galamsey, is a significant electoral issue as the country approaches its general election. A recent 'environmental prayer walk' and planned labor union strikes highlight public discontent. The government, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, faces pressure amid an economic crisis and debt overhaul, with 40% of gold output from largely unlicensed small-scale mines.

Burkina Faso's junta claims to have uncovered an international plot to overthrow it, involving a massacre by Islamist insurgents. Critics argue this is a diversion from the junta's failure to address the security situation. The junta accuses opponents, backed by Western intelligence and European mercenaries, of orchestrating a destabilization plot. The accusations lack evidence, and critics fear retaliation. The regime has been documented suppressing opposition through abductions and torture.

A massacre in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, by Islamist militants has led to public outcry and criticism of the ruling junta's silence. The attack, one of the deadliest since 2015, has intensified scrutiny on junta leader Ibrahim Traore, who has been intolerant of dissent. The junta's failure to address the violence has led to increased tensions, with calls for leadership change. The Catholic Church and victims' relatives have condemned the junta's response, while the Justice Collective for Barsalogho has accused authorities of suppressing information. The situation highlights the ongoing instability and challenges in Burkina Faso.

Senegal's opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently released from jail, has emerged as a strong presidential contender with the backing of popular leader Ousmane Sonko. The opposition is gaining momentum as support for President Macky Sall wanes. Faye, seen as incorruptible, is supported by former prime minister Aminata Toure and is appealing to urban youth frustrated by economic challenges. The coalition's proposals, including a new national currency and renegotiation of contracts, may concern regional allies and investors.

Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently released from jail, attracted hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential candidate. Supported by the popular Ousmane Sonko, Faye promises to tackle corruption and poses a significant threat to the ruling party. The opposition's momentum is growing as support for President Macky Sall declines. Faye and Sonko, both former tax inspectors, are seen as incorruptible and aim to change the political status quo. High-profile politicians, including former prime minister Aminata Toure, have also backed Faye. The opposition's proposals, such as creating a new national currency and renegotiating mining and energy contracts, may concern regional allies and investors.

Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently released from jail, attracted hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential candidate. Supported by the popular Ousmane Sonko, Faye promises to tackle corruption and presents a significant threat to the ruling party. With President Macky Sall stepping down due to term limits, the opposition gains momentum. High-profile politicians, including former prime minister Aminata Toure, back Faye, emphasizing his integrity. The opposition's proposals, such as creating a new national currency and renegotiating contracts, may concern regional allies and investors.

Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently released from jail, attracted hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential candidate. Supported by the popular Ousmane Sonko, Faye promises to tackle corruption and is seen as a serious threat to the ruling party. The opposition's momentum has increased as support for President Macky Sall has waned. Faye and Sonko, both former tax inspectors, are viewed as incorruptible and aim to change the political status quo. High-profile politicians, including former prime minister Aminata Toure, have also backed Faye.

Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently released from jail, drew hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential candidate. Supported by the popular Ousmane Sonko, Faye promises to tackle corruption and is seen as a serious threat to the ruling party. The opposition's momentum is growing as support for President Macky Sall declines. Faye and Sonko, both former tax inspectors, are viewed as incorruptible and aim to change the political status quo. High-profile politicians, including former prime minister Aminata Toure, have also backed Faye.

Sierra Leone's former president Ernest Bai Koroma has been charged with treason following a failed military coup attempt in November. The government is investigating the incident, which involved attacks on military barracks and a prison, resulting in the release of 2,200 inmates and over 20 deaths. Koroma's bodyguards are alleged to have led the coup, and the former president was summoned for questioning in December. The charges were read out in court, where Koroma's supporters expressed their distress.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, the first such program in West Africa. The initiative aims to manage the high number of pre-trial detainees and those incarcerated for petty crimes who cannot make bail due to lack of official addresses. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding and fear potential misuse for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. Despite these concerns, individuals who have experienced the ankle monitor prefer it over prison conditions. The program, led by Lieutenant Moussa Dieye, is currently monitoring around 240 people with the capacity for 1,000. Over half of Senegal's prison population are pre-trial detainees, and the country's prisons operate at 130% capacity. Amnesty International's Seydi Gassama highlights the program's limitations, including the exclusion of those in areas without electricity.