The Africa Agenda

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  • African Liberation Week: A Rising Force for Pan-African Unity and Transformation

    Ouagadougou | Nairobi | Accra – As the African continent continues its collective march toward unity, justice, and sovereignty, the annual African Liberation Week (ALW) has emerged as one of the most impactful mass mobilisations in Pan-African civil society. Organised under the leadership of Africans Rising, ALW has become a dynamic platform for Africans at home and in the diaspora to take action on the continent’s most urgent social, political, and economic issues.

    From humble beginnings in 2017—when just over 2,000 volunteers launched 300 events across 42 countries—African Liberation Week has grown into a continent-wide mobilisation that, by 2023, saw over 1,000 coordinated actions across 50 countries. Themes have ranged from illicit financial flows and modern slavery to public health, climate justice, and regional integration.

    2025: Expanding the Legacy Under a Unified Theme

    This year, African Liberation Week returns under the powerful theme:
    “A Borderless Africa for All Africans.”

    In continuation of a growing movement for free movement and continental integration, the 2025 mobilisation will push harder for systemic change—rallying strategic alliances, grassroots mobilisation, and cross-border advocacy to drive a unified Pan-African agenda.

    Through strategic collaborations with grassroots organisations, civil society networks, trade unions, women’s groups, youth collectives, and climate justice advocates, Africans Rising aims to elevate both awareness and action across the continent.

    “In 2025, we aim to expand our legacy by driving systemic change through strategic alliances, grassroots mobilizations, and cross-border advocacy,” reads the mobilisation’s statement of intent.

    Key Objectives for ALW 2025

    • Mobilize Africans across all 54 African countries to demand the ratification and implementation of the AU Protocol on Free Movement.
    • Organize over 500 events across the continent and diaspora, tackling sub-themes such as climate justice, gender justice, economic justice, and conflict solidarity.
    • Reach at least 5 million people through both digital campaigns and on-the-ground actions.
    • Coordinate peaceful Borderless Africa Marches in major cities across the continent.
    • Strengthen partnerships with key organisations, media outlets, and social movements.

    Theme and Sub-Themes for 2025

    While the overarching theme remains “A Borderless Africa for All Africans,” the mobilisation also incorporates four critical sub-themes:

    1. Pan-African Solidarity with African Countries Affected by Conflicts
    2. Climate and Environmental Justice
    3. Gender Justice
    4. Economic Justice

    These themes reflect a commitment to an intersectional liberation struggle that includes freedom of movement, peacebuilding, sustainability, and inclusive development.

    Mobilisation Activities and Calendar

    African Liberation Week 2025 will take place from 19th to 25th May, offering a full week of engagement through:

    • Pre-mobilisation conversations with members for clarity, preparation, and coordination
    • A Pan-African-wide Borderless Africa March
    • Country-level actions aligned with the sub-themes
    • Stakeholder engagement forums
    • An interactive map showcasing all registered events and their locations
    • Media collaborations to increase ALW visibility and document its impact
    • Publication of reports, pictures, and videos from member-organised events

    Registration and Participation

    Organisers are calling on individuals, organisations, and collectives to register their events and join the growing movement. Those interested can sign up their actions and access the full concept note through the official Africans Rising platform.

    From community-led education campaigns and digital town halls, to peaceful marches and public art installations—African Liberation Week 2025 will be a continent-wide testament to the enduring call for African unity, freedom, and sovereignty.

    In the spirit of Sankara, Nkrumah, Garvey, and everyday Africans rising across the globe, this May, the continent will speak with one voice: borderless, fearless, and determined.

  • Two Women Arrested in Eastern Region Drug Bust; 1,650 Slabs of Suspected Indian Hemp Seized

    Kwahu Mpraeso, Ghana – The Eastern North Police Command has arrested two women in connection with a major drug seizure operation that led to the discovery of 1,650 slabs of suspected Indian hemp in their residence at Nkawkaw Ampekrom.

    The operation, carried out on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Isaac Kwadwo Asante, the Regional Police Commander.

    The suspects, identified as Hawa Ibrahim, a 40-year-old landlady, and Latifa Adams, aged 30, were apprehended after officers acted on a tip-off and executed a thorough search of their compound. The search uncovered 24 large bags packed with the compressed substance believed to be cannabis.

    DCOP Asante commended the local community for their cooperation and reiterated the police’s commitment to clamping down on illicit drug operations in the region.

    “This is a significant breakthrough. The Eastern North Police Command remains resolute in its fight against narcotics trafficking,” he said.

    Both suspects are currently in police custody and are said to be cooperating with investigators. They are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days to face charges related to possession, trafficking, and distribution of illegal narcotics.

    Authorities say further investigations are ongoing to determine whether the operation is linked to a wider network of drug distribution across the Eastern Region and beyond.

  • Africa Remembers Pope Francis: A Pontiff of Peace, Justice, and Humility

    By: Moses Desire Kouyo

    The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, has prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection across Africa. As the first Latin American pope, his commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and outreach to marginalized communities resonated deeply with many on the continent. ​

    Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by a focus on the poor and disenfranchised, themes that found particular relevance in Africa. His visits to countries like Kenya, Uganda, and the Central African Republic highlighted his dedication to peace and reconciliation in regions plagued by conflict. ​

    African leaders have lauded his efforts. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the Pope’s “extraordinary life story” and “care for marginalized individuals and groups.” Similarly, the Archbishop of Lagos, Reverend Alfred Martins, described Pope Francis as “a fresh breath of life” to the Catholic Church, noting his compassionate leadership and promotion of peace. ​

    The Conclave and African Aspirations

    With the College of Cardinals preparing for the conclave to elect the next pope, attention has turned to Africa, home to some of the fastest-growing Catholic populations. Approximately 20% of the world’s Catholics reside on the continent, and many are hopeful that this demographic shift will be reflected in the Church’s leadership. ​

    Several African cardinals are considered potential successors

    • Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): Known for his advocacy on climate change and social justice, he has held significant Vatican roles, including President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. ​
    • Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of Congo): Respected for his efforts in promoting peace in conflict zones and his commitment to social issues. ​
    • Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea): A conservative figure known for his defense of traditional Catholic teachings and liturgical practices. ​
    • Cardinal Stephen Brislin (South Africa): Recently appointed Archbishop of Johannesburg, he has been recognized for his leadership within the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference. ​

    The prospect of an African pope is seen by many as a recognition of the continent’s growing influence within the Church. It would also symbolize a commitment to addressing issues pertinent to Africa, such as poverty, conflict, and youth empowerment. ​

    Continuing the Mission

    As the Church mourns Pope Francis, African Catholics express hope that his successor will continue his mission of inclusivity, compassion, and social justice. The election of a pope from Africa would not only honor the continent’s contributions to the faith but also inspire a new generation of believers.​

    In the words of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, there is hope that the next pope will “uphold and expand upon the values and initiatives championed during [Pope Francis’s] papacy.” ​

    As the conclave approaches, the world watches with anticipation, mindful of the profound impact the next pontiff will have on the future of the Catholic Church and its global congregation.

  • Protests Erupt in Simiyu Over Police Handling of Child Abductions; 108 Arrested

    Protests Erupt in Simiyu Over Police Handling of Child Abductions; 108 Arrested

    Intense protests broke out in Lamadi, Simiyu, early on August 21 as frustrated residents voiced their outrage over what they perceive as inadequate police action in response to a series of child abductions in the area. The demonstrations, which lasted over five hours, brought local activities to a standstill and escalated into violent clashes with the police.

    The protests were triggered by growing concerns over the disappearances and deaths of several children in the region, with residents accusing the authorities of neglecting their responsibilities. Tensions reached a boiling point, leading to the deployment of tear gas and reinforcements from the regional headquarters as protesters threw stones, attempted to burn down the police station, and caused significant property damage.

    District Commissioner Faiza Salim confirmed that 108 people were arrested during the unrest but denied reports of any fatalities, despite claims that police used live ammunition to disperse the crowd in nearby Busega. “No deaths have been reported during my four-month tenure, and no reports of missing children have been brought to my office,” Salim stated.

    However, local leaders and residents have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the authorities’ response. Mashimba Songoma, Chairman of Makanisani Hamlet, criticized the inaction of local officials. “Residents have reported missing children to the police and district authorities, but no action has been taken. That’s why the protests happened—people need answers about these disappearances,” he said.

    A Lamadi resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared their frustration with the inadequate police response. “Today, I received a letter from my child’s school advising me to ensure my child’s safety personally. Every few days, a child goes missing, and the police offer no solutions. This is unacceptable,” the resident stated.

    Despite circulating videos showing injured protesters and reports of fatalities, Commissioner Salim insists that only minor injuries have been reported and promised a full assessment of the situation.

    The protests in Simiyu reflect a broader sense of fear and frustration across the country, as concerns about child safety intensify amid a rise in disappearances and murders. The lack of effective action by authorities has left many communities feeling vulnerable and unheard.

  • Petition Calls for Kenya to Support Borderless Africa and Address New Travel Requirements

    Petition Calls for Kenya to Support Borderless Africa and Address New Travel Requirements

    Members of the Africans Rising Pan-African movement and the local Kongamano La Mapinduzi group have submitted a petition to the Kenyan government, calling for the ratification of the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community. This treaty aims to ensure free movement of persons, right of residence, and right of establishment across Africa.

    The petition comes as Kenya begins implementing the first phase of the treaty, which includes abolishing visa requirements for African travelers. However, the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which mandates travelers to apply 72 hours before visiting and pay a processing fee, has sparked controversy. Petitioners argue that this new requirement contradicts the spirit of the treaty by imposing additional barriers.

    The petition acknowledges Kenya’s commitment as one of the 32 signatories of the treaty but emphasizes the need for action. Only four member states have ratified the treaty so far, and 15 ratifications are required for it to come into force. The petitioners urge Kenya to take the lead in making history by fully supporting and ratifying the treaty.

    Beyond the ETA issue, the petition highlights significant delays in processing travel documents for Kenyans. Many citizens face long waits for passport approvals, which hinders their ability to travel, trade, and access educational and employment opportunities across the continent. The petitioners argue that a borderless Africa would greatly benefit Kenyan youth and communities by facilitating easier inter-country movement.

    The petition also underscores the historical impact of colonial-era borders, which continue to divide communities with shared socio-cultural and dialectic roots. Examples include the Kuria people along the Kenya-Tanzania border and the Karamoja cluster, which spans Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. These colonial boundaries, established to serve imperial interests, still separate people who had previously lived together harmoniously.

    The petition recalls President William Ruto’s announcement on December 12, 2023, declaring that Kenya’s borders would be open without the need for visas. While initially welcomed, the introduction of the ETA and its associated fees has tempered public enthusiasm.

    In their demands, the petitioners call on the Kenyan government to:

    1. Ratify the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community relating to Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence, and Right of Establishment.
    2. Reconsider the implementation of the ETA system and its fees, which they see as obstacles to achieving a borderless Africa.
    3. Improve the efficiency of travel document processing for Kenyan citizens to enable them to seize inter-country opportunities.

    This call for a borderless Africa reflects a broader vision of continental unity and cooperation, aimed at dismantling the remnants of colonial-era divisions and building a prosperous future for all Africans.


    1. Ratify the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community regarding the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence, and Right of Establishment.
    2. Reconsider the ETA system and its associated fees.
    3. Improve the efficiency of processing travel documents for Kenyan citizens.

  • Flash Floods Devastate Kenya: Dozens Dead, Thousands Affected

    Flash Floods Devastate Kenya: Dozens Dead, Thousands Affected

    Flash floods have wreaked havoc across nearly half of Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 32 individuals while two remain missing. Over 103,500 people have been affected by the deluge, with intense rainfall since mid-March exacerbating the situation over the past week. The Kenyan Red Cross reports conducting over 188 rescues since the onset of the rains.

    In Nairobi, several neighborhoods remain submerged, prompting the closure of some roads on Wednesday. Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed concern, stating that the county government is overwhelmed and urging national emergency services to intervene. He shared a video showing residents trapped on rooftops in a Nairobi informal settlement.

    The Kenya Red Cross Society conducted a rescue operation in Mathare 4A, saving 18 people stranded by floodwaters. Meanwhile, two major highways out of Nairobi experienced heavy traffic due to water submersion. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority closed affected roads partially and warned of flooding on others.

    As a precaution, Kenya Railways suspended commuter train services nationwide to ensure customer safety. The Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings of “heavy to very heavy” rainfall in various parts of the country, urging continued vigilance and preparedness for potential flooding.

  • Nigeria Faces Mounting Debt Challenges: IMF Projections Highlight Fiscal Concerns

    Nigeria Faces Mounting Debt Challenges: IMF Projections Highlight Fiscal Concerns

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Nigeria’s public debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio will increase to 46.6 percent in 2024 and 46.8 percent in 2025. This represents a 0.3 percentage point and 0.5 percentage point increase respectively compared to the IMF’s projection for 2023.

    According to a report by Nigeria’s Vanguard newspaper on Monday, the IMF disclosed this information in its Fiscal Monitor for April 2024 titled: “Fiscal Policy in the Great Election Year.” The report also indicates a downgrade in the country’s fiscal balance-to-GDP ratio to -4.6 percent in 2024 from -4.2 percent in 2023.

    The IMF highlights that a large portion of loans on concessional terms, coupled with high inflation and resulting favorable interest-growth differentials, has helped maintain average public debt-to-GDP ratios in low-income developing countries at around 50 percent of GDP since 2020. However, there was a slight increase to 53 percent of GDP in 2023, primarily due to exchange rate depreciation in Nigeria.

    The report emphasizes the heavy debt-service burdens faced by countries, with debt-service costs amounting to 13 percent of total spending and nearly 25 percent of tax revenues on average in 2023, which is double the level observed 15 years ago. In Nigeria, the debt-service burden amounts to around 56 percent of tax revenues. These high debt-servicing costs limit spending on essential services and critical investments necessary for economic resilience and poverty reduction.

    Furthermore, the report warns that low-income developing countries are increasingly borrowing on commercial terms, exposing them to interest rate and foreign exchange risks. This situation heightens the risks associated with debt refinancing, especially as substantial amounts of external debt, approximately $60 billion, are due for repayment in 2024–25, which is three times the average amount in the 2010s.

  • Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis: A Nation on the Brink

    Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis: A Nation on the Brink

    In the midst of a year-long conflict between rival military factions in Sudan, the nation faces an escalating humanitarian crisis. According to aid agencies, 25 million people, roughly half the population, are in desperate need of assistance. The conflict has compounded existing challenges, including acute food insecurity, with 17.7 million Sudanese facing immediate danger due to lack of food. Of those, 4.9 million are on the brink of famine, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.

    Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of gender-based violence and hunger. Agriculture, a vital source of income for most Sudanese, has been severely disrupted as farmers flee the fighting and lose access to essential supplies.

    Displacement has also reached alarming levels, with over 8.6 million people, roughly 16% of the population, forced to flee their homes since the conflict began. Sudan now holds the unfortunate title of hosting the largest displacement crisis globally, with an additional 3 million people already homeless due to previous conflicts, particularly in Darfur.

    The economic fallout from the war is devastating, with the economy contracting by 12% in 2023, according to the World Bank. Infrastructure has been severely damaged, supply lines disrupted, and the formal banking system has collapsed, leaving many without salaries and exacerbating unemployment, which now affects nearly half the population.

    Access to essential services like healthcare and education has also been severely impacted. Despite 11 million Sudanese needing urgent health assistance, 70% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas are either shut down or only partially functional. Outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, measles, malaria, and dengue fever are rampant, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system. Additionally, 19 million children are at risk of losing out on their education due to the war, with half of them having been in active war zones over the past year.

    Despite the pressing need for aid, access remains a significant challenge. Both the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) restrict humanitarian access, and what little assistance manages to get through is at risk of looting in RSF-controlled areas. Volunteer-run “emergency rooms” have emerged to provide minimal food rations and basic services, but the scale of the crisis far exceeds their capacity.

    Aid agencies are urgently seeking $2.7 billion from donors to provide relief to 14.7 million people in Sudan in dire need of assistance this year. However, to date, less than 6% of that amount has been raised, leaving millions at risk of starvation, disease, and displacement. Additionally, the UN refugee agency is seeking $1.4 billion to assist those who have fled to neighboring countries, highlighting the regional impact of Sudan’s crisis.

  • Survey Shows Majority Hold Vice President Bawumia Partly Responsible for Ghana’s Economic Crisis

    Survey Shows Majority Hold Vice President Bawumia Partly Responsible for Ghana’s Economic Crisis

    Recent survey data from Global Info Analytics indicates that 60% of voters attribute partial responsibility for Ghana’s current economic crisis to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    As the leader of the Economic Management Team, respondents feel Dr. Bawumia has not taken adequate measures to address the hardships faced by Ghanaians.

    However, 34% of respondents argue that while Dr. Bawumia holds a share of responsibility as Vice President, the ultimate accountability rests with President Akufo-Addo. Dr. Bawumia’s recent remarks, where he likened his role to a “driver’s mate” and distanced himself from full responsibility, drew criticism, particularly from the opposition.

    Despite attempts to absolve Dr. Bawumia during the State of the Nation address, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the constitutional principle that places ultimate responsibility on the President for the government’s actions.

  • Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa Denies Intent for Unconstitutional Third Term

    Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa Denies Intent for Unconstitutional Third Term

    In a recently released video by prominent Zimbabwean newspaper The Sunday Mail, President Emmerson Mnangagwa refuted allegations suggesting his candidacy for an unconstitutional third term. The 81-year-old leader vehemently denied any intentions to violate the country’s Constitution, stating, “There is not an iota of evidence where Zanu PF or I, as President, has ever expressed the violation of our Constitution.” Mnangagwa emphasized the commitment of Zanu PF, the ruling party, to democratic principles and adherence to the Constitution. Despite speculation fueled by slogans heard at Zanu PF rallies, such as ‘2030 vaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo’ (translated as ‘2030 Mnangagwa will still be president’), the party’s official stance remains one of constitutional compliance. Following a supermajority win in Parliament during disputed by-elections last February, Zanu PF stands closer to potentially amending the constitution. Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution limits presidential terms to two five-year mandates and establishes a constitutional court. Mnangagwa, a staunch member of Zanu-PF since independence and a key figure in the party, assumed the presidency after a succession war that ousted former President Robert Mugabe in 2017.