Author: Ohene Anochie

he Forces Vives platform of Guinea, comprising opposition groups and civil society organizations, has declared it will no longer recognize the authority of the military junta after December 31, 2024. This date marks the end of the transition period initially promised by the junta following its 2021 coup. However, the military authorities have since announced a delay, citing the need for a “refoundation of the state.” Abdoul Sacko, coordinator of the Forum des Forces Sociales de Guinée, criticized the extension and the junta’s governance, stating: “There is no relevant, visible, or perfectible approach to a return to constitutional order.”…

Farmers in Egypt, including 43-year-old Mohamed Eissa from Beni Suef province, are embracing biogas production units as a sustainable solution to rising costs and environmental concerns. These units, provided through an initiative by a Cairo-based bioenergy company, convert manure into cooking fuel and organic fertilizers, offering both economic and agricultural benefits. “The unit benefits us both at home and in the field,” Eissa explained. “It has cut down our reliance on butane cylinders. I used to buy four cylinders a month, each costing EGP 170 ($3.30). Now, I only need one cylinder, saving me around EGP 500 ($9.80) monthly. Plus,…

Cheikh Oumar Diagne, Senegal’s minister in charge of administration within the presidency, has come under fire for remarks labeling colonial riflemen as “traitors.” In a December 21 interview on Fafa TV, Diagne stated that these soldiers fought against their African “brothers” during revolts and anti-colonial wars, a comment that has sparked widespread backlash. Social media and traditional outlets have been abuzz with criticism, with some calling for the minister’s resignation. Defenders of the riflemen, including historian Mamadou Fall, have countered Diagne’s claims, emphasizing the riflemen’s courage and suffering. Fall described them as heroes who endured great hardship rather than…

Whether for a brief getaway or an extended vacation, Kaunas warmly invites travelers to explore its celebrated landmarks and hidden gems, revealing a unique character on every visit. Catering to diverse interests from street art enthusiasts and nature lovers to food connoisseurs and history buffs Kaunas promises an unforgettable experience. For visitors seeking inspiration, Kaunas offers a mix of historic sites and cutting-edge modern attractions. The city brims with energy, featuring an array of cozy cafés serving hearty breakfasts, gourmet restaurants, and cocktail bars. To fully immerse yourself in the city’s charm, consider strolling or cycling along its scenic pedestrian…

A Lithuanian national has been placed on the international wanted list by the Russian-occupied Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), according to Russia’s TASS news agency. The DPR prosecutor’s office announced criminal charges against Albertas Glazauskas, a 31-year-old citizen of Lithuania, accusing him of participating as a mercenary in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The statement claims Glazauskas joined Ukraine’s defense forces from Poland in 2022 and served with the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, a battalion made up of Belarusian volunteers supporting Ukraine. He allegedly fought from April 2022 to October 2024 and was reportedly paid over 2.2 million rubles (equivalent to…

At least 12 people were killed and four injured in a devastating explosion at an ammunition factory in Balikesir, north-west Turkey, early Monday morning. The blast, which occurred at 8:25 local time in the factory’s capsule production section, sent shockwaves throughout the nearby Köteyli township. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has ruled out sabotage as the cause of the explosion, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has confirmed the launch of an official inquiry into the incident. Footage from the site showed a massive fireball engulfing part of the building, leaving behind a trail of dark…

President-elect Donald Trump has reignited contentious proposals from his first term, renewing calls for the U.S. to purchase Greenland from Denmark, reclaim the Panama Canal, and even annex Canada. These moves have sparked diplomatic friction with allied nations ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20. On Sunday, while announcing his ambassador to Denmark, Trump declared that U.S. control of Greenland is essential for “national security and freedom throughout the world.” This echoes his 2019 effort to purchase the island, which was rejected by Denmark and dismissed as absurd by Greenland’s government. Greenland’s head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, reiterated the…

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has rejected a withdrawal timeline proposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), labeling it a strategy to undermine their unity and sovereignty. At a recent summit in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS announced a six-month period for the AES nations to reconsider their decision to exit the bloc, with the official departure date set for the end of January 2025. The regional organization described the timeline as a “transition period” aimed at keeping communication channels open until July 29, 2025. However, AES leaders dismissed the…

Estonian rally star Ott Tänak is receiving strong backing from one of his closest allies in Northern Ireland to reclaim the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers’ title in 2025. The confidence comes after a challenging 2023 season where Tänak narrowly missed out on glory, with his hopes dashed in a dramatic finale. Tänak’s bid for the championship ended at last month’s Rally Japan, where an accident on the final day cost him the title. His Hyundai Motorsport teammate, Thierry Neuville, ultimately took the top prize in a tightly contested season. Despite the disappointment, insiders close to Tänak believe…

Burkina Faso’s government has passed a draft bill granting amnesty to individuals convicted for their roles in the failed 2015 coup. The measure includes conditions requiring those eligible to admit their involvement, demonstrate good behavior, and agree to be deployed in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The 2015 coup attempt was orchestrated by soldiers from the elite Presidential Security Regiment, loyal to former President Blaise Compaoré, who was ousted in 2014 after 27 years in power. Compaoré’s removal followed massive protests against his bid to amend the constitution to extend his rule. The coup, occurring just weeks before scheduled…