Africa

Guinea junta official blames corrupt leaders for Africa’s political instability

Published

2 years ago

August 31, 2023

DANSA Kourouma

Guinea junta official blames corrupt leaders for Africa’s political instability

DANSA Kourouma, president of Guinea’s National Transitional Council (NTC) has blamed political instability in Africa on corrupt and insensitive leaders who conspire with foreign interests to exploit the continent’s rich resources leaving the people impoverished and underdeveloped.

“The issue is Africa’s natural resources, which some foreign countries prefer to deal with undemocratic regimes to exploit,” said Kourouma, Guest Speaker at the Chatham House London, a leading British policy Think-tank, on 30^th August 2023.

Kourouma, 43, a medical doctor and civil society activist, could be described as Guinea’s de facto Prime Minister following his appointment in January 2022 to lead the 81-member legislative Council in the aftermath of the September 2021 coup led by Col. Mamady Doumbouya, that toppled elected President Alpha Conde.

Explaining the nexus between economic development and political stability, Dr Kourouma urged continental organisations such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to review their engagement and intervention strategies on economic management to avoid political crises.

For instance, he argued that ECOWAS was set up for economic integration, insisting that the original objective must take precedence over political integration.

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“ECOWAS should be restructured to effectively tackle issues related to economic infrastructure, as well as unemployment and illiteracy” affirmed Kourouma, who was accompanied by other Guinean officials including the country’s Ambassador to Britain Aly Diallo.

On election, which is a major cause of political crisis and instability in Africa, Dr Kourouma said the “political class must realise the power of the youths, who have mastered the technology of all aspects of the electoral process.”

The Doumbouya coup followed discontent and disaffection that greeted Conde’s ill-advised decision to change Guinea’s constitution through disputed referendum for his controversial third term project in 2020.

At the Chatham House event anchored by Dr Alex Vines, Director, Africa Programme, and attended by diplomats, researchers as well as security and governance experts, Dr Kourouma outlined the 10-element transition programme of the NTC.

The highlights are conducting two types of population census, preparing an electoral register, a new constitution, setting up an electoral body, and conducting elections (referendum, local, legislative, and presidential), culminating in the handover of power in 2025.

The 24-month transition timetable, which started in January 2023, was a compromise between the junta which had wanted a three-year programme and ECOWAS, which condemned the coup and had given the junta six months to restore constitutional order.

Asked if the junta would not go back on its words to seek further extension, Dr Kourouma said: The transition is difficult, there might be some delays, but we are on course.”

He said the NTC was working hard to deliver a credible voter’s role, through an electoral body with integrity, because previous elections in the country lacked transparency and did not reflect the will of the people.

“Our mission is to restructure the institutions to ensure that the more than one billion dollars realised from mining annually is accounted for,” the NTC President said.

On the Euro 600 million budgeted for the transition programme, he explained that no amount was too much for political stability in a Bauxite-rich Guinea.

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Dr Kourouma disclosed that the country was currently using its internal revenue and had not received any external financial support for the transition programme.

A Steering Committee, monitoring the transition implementation is made up of local and international stakeholders, such as ECOWAS and development partners, with former Benin Republic’s former President Yayi Boni, who has undertaken several missions to Conakry in his capacity as the ECOWAS Mediator on the Guinea crisis.

Dr Kourouma said the regional bloc has a responsibility to rally international support for the effective implementation of the transition programme for a seamless restoration of constitutional order in Guinea.

The NTC comprises representatives of Guinea political parties, civil society, armed forces, employers’ organisations, trade unions and other interest groups, including farmers.

Its role as a legislative body in the absence of a parliament is crucial to the implementation of the transition programme.

Dr Kourouma told the Chatham House audience that Guinea under the present military regime was making progress on governance issues, including by freeing all political detainees, adding that any politician or former public office holder aboard was free to return home.

The regime is also promoting human rights, the rule of law and press free freedom, he added.

Three of the four ECOWAS countries currently under military dictatorships are Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Like Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso are also implementing different transition programmes.

With Africa facing “military coup contagion” or “domino effect,” political leaders and the armed forces owe the citizens the constitutional obligation to play their part in line with international best practices in governance systems to ensure that Africa’s resources are used for its development and prosperity of its more than 400 million long-suffering people.

*Paul Ejime is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance Communications

Guinea junta official blames corrupt leaders for Africa’s political instability

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Africa

Starvation Cult Preacher Faces Expanded Murder, Terrorism Charges in Kenya

Published

24 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie

Starvation Cult Preacher Faces Expanded Murder, Terrorism Charges in Kenya

A Kenyan court has expanded charges against self‑proclaimed preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and seven associates over the deaths of 52 more victims linked to the notorious Good News International Church starvation cult. The new charges come as part of ongoing investigations into one of the deadliest cult-related tragedies in Kenya.

Mackenzie, already facing trial in Mombasa for multiple counts of murder, manslaughter, and terrorism, appeared in court Wednesday with the seven co-accused. Prosecutors allege that even after his initial arrest in 2023, Mackenzie continued to influence followers through radical teachings, encouraging them to travel to Kwa Binzaro, where victims died from prolonged starvation.

Authorities say the additional 52 deaths occurred between January and July 2025, in shallow graves near Kwa Binzaro in Kilifi County. Prosecutors describe the group as a structured criminal sect, using extremist ideology to coerce followers into life-threatening practices. The defendants face charges including organized criminal activity, radicalization, and facilitating terrorism.

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All eight accused pleaded not guilty, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2026. Legal experts note that the expanded charges reflect the complexity of prosecuting cult-related killings and the ongoing effort to hold both leaders and their network accountable under Kenya’s legal system.

The Shakahola Forest case first drew global attention in 2023, when investigators discovered hundreds of bodies in shallow graves, following claims that Mackenzie had persuaded followers and children to starve themselves to “meet Jesus.” Over 400 victims were recovered from Shakahola, making it one of the worst cult-linked tragedies in modern Kenyan history.

Authorities warn that the expanded prosecution aims to dismantle the deadly network and prevent future tragedies, while sparking national debate about the regulation of fringe religious groups and doomsday cults in Kenya.

Starvation Cult Preacher Faces Expanded Murder, Terrorism Charges in Kenya

Africa

Nigeria Reopens Kebbi Borders With Benin, Niger

Published

2 days ago

February 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Niger Republic opens land border with Nigeria

Nigeria Reopens Kebbi Borders With Benin, Niger

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Command in Kebbi State has officially reopened the Kamba and Tsamiya borders in Dandi and Bagudo local government areas, enabling trade with the Republic of Benin and the Niger Republic. The move comes after the borders were closed for several years due to growing insecurity in border areas, affecting the movement of goods and disrupting bilateral trade.

The reopenings follow a series of talks and agreements between Nigeria and Benin, with clearance approved at the highest level of government. The Customs Area Comptroller in Kebbi State, Mahmud Matawalle Ibrahim, said the borders were reopened on presidential approval to facilitate the movement of legitimate goods through the Tsamiya border into Niger via the Kamba border in Kebbi.

According to Matawalle, the reopening has already allowed many trapped trucks from Benin to be cleared at Tsamiya, continuing their journey to the Niger Republic’s Tunga Jado border through Kamba. He emphasized that the initiative will boost trade, strengthen border security, and enhance economic cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbouring countries.

Matawalle highlighted that the Customs Service, in collaboration with border security agencies, is committed to maintaining agreements, ensuring the smooth operation of commercial activities, and preventing illegal cross-border activities. He added that this reopening will revive trade corridors, support local economies in border communities, and facilitate lawful transit of goods across West Africa.

The Kamba and Tsamiya corridors are crucial links for Nigeria’s regional trade network, allowing agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and other commodities to move efficiently between Nigeria, Benin, and Niger. The reopening is also expected to strengthen regional integration, improve supply chains, and reduce bottlenecks caused by previous border closures.

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Officials noted that while trade will resume, strict compliance and security measures remain in place to ensure that only legitimate activities are conducted. The reopening marks a key milestone in Nigeria’s border management strategy, balancing economic growth, trade facilitation, and national security priorities.

How Nigeria’s Kebbi Border Reopening Will Affect Trade and Local Markets

The reopening of the Kamba and Tsamiya borders in Kebbi State to Benin and Niger is set to have immediate and long-term effects on regional trade, logistics, and border communities:

Boost to Cross-Border Trade
Traders can now legally move agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and essential commodities from Nigeria to Benin and Niger. Trucks that were previously stranded at border posts are now being cleared, reducing delays and losses for businesses.
Revival of Transit Corridors
The Tsamiya border (Bagudo) and Kamba border (Dandi) serve as key transit routes. Goods from Benin can now pass through Tsamiya and reach Niger at the Tunga Jado border, creating a smoother flow of trade across West Africa.
Support for Local Economies
Border communities in Kebbi and neighbouring regions rely heavily on trade for income. Reopening the borders is expected to revive local markets, create jobs, and stimulate small-scale businesses that depend on cross-border commerce.
Enhanced Security and Compliance
The Customs Service and security agencies are monitoring trade activities to ensure only legitimate goods move across borders. This aims to reduce smuggling, trafficking, and other illegal activities, while maintaining safe commercial operations.
Reduced Logistic Bottlenecks
The reopening clears hundreds of trucks previously stuck at the borders, saving time and transport costs for traders and logistics companies. This also ensures a steady supply of goods for Nigerian and regional markets.
Strengthened Regional Integration
By facilitating smoother trade with Benin and Niger, Nigeria contributes to ECOWAS objectives of free movement, economic cooperation, and regional market growth. The borders now function as cooperation corridors rather than restricted zones.

The Kebbi border reopenings are expected to revive trade, improve livelihoods, reduce delays, and strengthen regional economic ties, while keeping security a top priority.

Nigeria Reopens Kebbi Borders With Benin, Niger

Africa

Electoral Malpractice: President Mahama Orders Immediate Recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

February 8, 2026

Trends Admin

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana

Electoral Malpractice: President Mahama Orders Immediate Recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has ordered the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, following allegations of electoral malpractice linked to his participation in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency. The decision marks a significant development in Ghana–Nigeria diplomatic relations and reflects Accra’s efforts to safeguard diplomatic integrity and public confidence in its foreign service.

The directive, contained in a press statement signed by the Minister of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, was issued on February 7, 2026, and directs the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to complete all administrative and diplomatic procedures to effect the recall.

The recall follows allegations that Baba Jamal engaged in voter inducement during the NDC’s parliamentary primary in Ayawaso East, where he emerged victorious with 431 votes amid claims that his campaign team distributed 32‑inch television sets and boiled eggs to delegates. Baba Jamal has defended the distribution of goods as gifts and goodwill gestures, insisting they were not meant to influence the outcome. Meanwhile, the NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, described the alleged conduct as a serious breach of party values and announced a full-scale investigation, warning that violations could lead to sanctions, including possible cancellation of controversial internal elections.

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What sets Baba Jamal’s case apart, and what appears to have prompted Mahama’s swift action, is his status as a serving public official and Ghana’s top diplomat in Nigeria. The presidency stressed that although similar allegations were made against other aspirants, Baba Jamal’s dual role as a diplomat and candidate raised questions about the integrity and ethical standards expected of public office holders. President Mahama’s move reflects a broader emphasis on accountability and transparency in public service — a key component of his government’s Reset Agenda, which includes strengthening foreign service standards and performance accountability.

The recall takes place against the backdrop of historically close ties between Ghana and Nigeria, two influential West African neighbours with deep cultural, economic, and political links. Earlier diplomatic efforts, including President Mahama’s official visits to Nigeria to discuss regional security and cooperation, underscored a shared commitment to peace, diplomacy, and mutual interest within ECOWAS. Analysts say President Mahama’s decision may resonate both domestically and internationally as a demonstration of Ghana’s commitment to upholding ethical conduct among its diplomats, even if it means recalling a key envoy from a strategic post like Nigeria. The recall also signals caution in balancing internal political developments with bilateral diplomatic responsibilities.

Domestically, the decision could bolster Mahama’s credentials among critics who have urged stricter enforcement of codes of conduct for political appointees. In Ghana’s competitive party politics — particularly within the ruling NDC — perceptions of fairness, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards are increasingly central to public confidence. The controversy also highlights broader debates about election integrity, campaign conduct, and the role of public officials seeking partisan office, issues that could shape political campaigns leading up to future general elections.