August 01, 2014
West Africa: Ebola - Softly, Softly On Bush Meat
Medical teams struggling to curb Ebola in West Africa have been discouraging bush meat consumption, believed to have caused the outbreak, but some rural communities dependent on… Read more »
July 18, 2012
Sierra Leone: Health Fees Scrapped but Gaps Remain
Under the new directive government health facilities are to provide free care to under-five children and pregnant and lactating women. Read more »
January 30, 2012
Cote d'Ivoire: Separated Children Yet to Return Home
Hundreds of children in Côte d'Ivoire were separated from their parents when people fled their villages during post-election violence in 2011, but nine months after the… Read more »
October 18, 2010
Mali: Disabled Seek Jobs, Not Charity
Mali's disabled have access to some free healthcare options, and are supported by a number of associations and charities, but what they really want is to find work and contribute… Read more »
March 31, 2010
Senegal: Killing Babies to Hide Indiscretion
In Senegal women who become pregnant outside of marriage - their husbands living abroad - commonly kill their babies out of fear and shame. Read more »
July 20, 2009
Gambia: Timeline of Crackdown On Journalists
Below is a timeline outlining the arrests and detention of prominent journalists in Gambia over recent years, as reported by Reporters without Borders and Amnesty International. Read more »
May 06, 2009
Burkina Faso: 'Pleasure Hospital' for Genital Mutilation Victims
Construction has begun of West Africa's first clinic for reconstructing clitorises for victims of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Amid high demand, the US non-profit… Read more »
April 10, 2009
West Africa: Genital Repair Surgery Remains Prohibitely Expensive
Amid high demand from victims of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) for clitoral reconstruction surgery available in Burkina Faso, the procedure remains unaffordable for… Read more »
October 02, 2008
Cote d'Ivoire: Toxic Waste Criminal Investigations May Indict Higher-Ups
Ivorian government lawyers have said they may pursue criminal investigations against the Netherlands-based oil trader Trafigura, which owned the oil waste dumped in open-air sites… Read more »
October 01, 2008
Cote d'Ivoire: Who is to Blame for Dumping Toxic Oil Sludge?
A trial is under way in Abidjan of local officials accused of conniving in the dumping of toxic oil sludge in August 2006 and causing over a dozen deaths, and illnesses to tens of… Read more »
August 19, 2008
Cote d'Ivoire: UN Warns Toxic Waste Still a Threat
Two years after an illegal toxic dumping operation in the Ivorian capital Abidjan created a widespread medical emergency and political scandal, UN contamination expert Okechukwu… Read more »
August 07, 2008
Mauritania: Military Ousts President, Seizes Power
International leaders, heads of states and human rights lobbyists have condemned the military ouster of Mauritania's President Sidi Mohamed ould Cheikh Abdallahi, and Prime… Read more »
June 02, 2008
West Africa: Sahel is 'Ground Zero' for Climate Change
The Sahel region of West Africa is "ground zero" for vulnerable communities struggling to adapt to climate change, the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on conflict, Jan… Read more »
May 21, 2008
Guinea: President Sacks PM, Names Close Ally to Post
In a move which could potentially plunge Guinea into political and social turmoil, President Lansana Conté sacked his internationally-backed prime minister Lansana… Read more »
March 21, 2008
Liberia: Special Court for Sexual Violence Underway
The Liberian government has created a special court to deal with not only rising rape cases, but also other forms of violence against women, Liberia's Information Minister Laurence… Read more »
March 20, 2008
Senegal: Rebels Act On Kidnap Threats in Casamance
Rebels belonging to the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) kidnapped 16 villagers in Bissine, 64 km east of Ziguinchor near the Guinea-Bissau border on 16 March… Read more »
February 14, 2008
Chad: Refugees From Capital Still Fear Returning
Fighting ended in Chad's capital N'djamena almost a week ago but many of the tens of thousands of Chadians who sought refuge across the River Chari in northern Cameroon say they… Read more »
January 24, 2008
Senegal: Lack of Basics Blocks Return of War-Weary Displaced
Despite a lingering landmine threat, families who years ago fled fighting in Senegal's southern Casamance region are slowly trying to return to their home villages. But a lack of… Read more »
November 01, 2007
Guinea: Country Postpones Legislative Elections
As the latest target date for Guinea's overdue legislative election approaches, Guineans are waiting for the government to declare a new schedule. Observers say a poll is unlikely… Read more »
October 22, 2007
Niger: Humanitarian Crisis Feared in North
In an atmosphere void of information and full of insecurity, some aid workers fear a humanitarian crisis is emerging in the troubled northern region of Niger, where thousands of… Read more »
October 11, 2007
Cote d'Ivoire: UN 'Deeply Concerned' About Failing Peace Effort
The UN Secretary-General is "deeply concerned" by the failure of the government and former rebels in Côte d'Ivoire to achieve steps toward peace. Read more »
October 10, 2007
Niger: Uranium - Blessing Or Curse?
As the global demand for nuclear energy rises, analysts say the large amount of uranium in Niger is not a benefit to the country's people but adds to the serious problems facing… Read more »
September 19, 2007
Cote d'Ivoire: No War, No Peace Five Years After Rebellion
In Côte d'Ivoire five years after a rebellion carved up a country and a people already burdened by ethnic strife, the government is set to begin an operation to tackle… Read more »
September 14, 2007
Cote d'Ivoire: Thousands of Toxic Waste Victims Could Miss Out On Compensation
Thousands of people poisoned by toxic waste illegally dumped in Cote d'Ivoire in August 2006 might receive no part of a US$198-million settlement because they sought treatment in… Read more »
June 21, 2007
West Africa: Flood Season Starts But Not Where It Should
As seasonal rains start to fall across the Sahel, climatologists warn that the region is entering a cycle of unpredictable heavy rains that could destroy crops and leave thousands… Read more »