Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, African movements have issued an urgent call to action as civic space crumbles under the popular leadership of President Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso. A joint statement signed by 18 movements and activists has condemned “kidnappings” under the regime and urged the international community to intervene, as journalists and dissenting voices are being rounded up. More is detailed in this revealing press release, which highlights how opposing voices are being forced to face jihadists in the Sahel.

African politics has long been male-dominated, but a transformation is underway. Women are rising to the highest office, challenging norms, and reshaping governance. The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president in 2025 marks a turning point in the push for gender-inclusive leadership. More in this publication.

Amidst Sudan’s ongoing violent conflict, a horrific and largely unseen crisis is unfolding, exposing the cruellest depths of war. More in this report.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has withdrawn its mission from Guinea-Bissau following threats of expulsion by President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. More in the report.

Africa is owed US$36 trillion in climate debt by rich polluting countries, a new report by ActionAid shows. More in the press release, which contains a link to download the report.

African Clerks from the Society of Commonwealth Clerks held a meeting in The Gambia to exchange insights on strategizing the future of legislative administration in Africa. More in this news report.

ECOWAS issues statement on withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the ECOWAS. More in this press release.

The Gambia Bar Association welcomes the ECOWAS approval of the establishment of a Special Tribunal in The Gambia to prosecute alleged perpetrators who bear the most responsibility for human rights violations that occurred during the era of former President Jammeh.

The Gambia’s Victim Center welcomes the ECOWAS Authority’s decision to establish a Special Tribunal in The Gambia that will prosecute persons deemed to have committed gross human rights violations in the country. More in the statement.

Two civil society organizations launched a research paper on “Gender and Migration: Spotlight on Gambian Women’s Mobility” on Friday, 13th December 2024, at Baobab Hotel. More in the article.