On Thursday, the 22 governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially declared their unanimous endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The announcement came during the APC National Summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, delivered the formal declaration.
To further affirm their position, the governors passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, reinforcing their commitment to his leadership and candidacy.
Kaduna State Governor and PGF Vice Chairman, Senator Uba Sani, joined Uzodimma on stage and formally seconded the motion supporting Tinubu’s presidential bid.
Uzodimma proceeded to present the motion for a vote to the summit’s attendees. The audience included high-ranking government officials such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the National Assembly, as well as current and former governors and party members from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The motion was met with a standing ovation and a voice vote of overwhelming approval, officially cementing Tinubu’s endorsement for a second term in 2027.
Highlighting the significance of the endorsement, Uzodimma underscored the importance of continuity in leadership and party unity:
“That for Nigeria to get to her destination faster in prosperity, that the president should be used and adopted as our flag bearer for 2027 presidential election, for a second term in office.
“That the governors produced by our All Progressives Congress are hereby charged to take responsibility to market our federal government policies, occupy the political space in their domains, and take responsibility for winning all elections in their states come 2027.
“It is therefore my humble pleasure, with total humility, to Almighty God to move that this August assembly adopt and concur the position of progressive governors that Mr President carries our flag 2027 and governors take responsibility for delivering this mandate. I so move as a motion.”
In seconding the motion, Governor Uba Sani added his voice of support:
“I rise to second the motion as ably moved by the chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, the governor of Imo state, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, that this August gathering pass a vote of confidence on our able and amiable president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a sole candidate of APC come 2027 general election.”
Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has addressed those finding it difficult to accept his transformation, declaring that the older version of himself is gone for good.
In a recent post shared on the official Instagram page of his upcoming album No Sign Of Weakness, Burna Boy blamed Nigerians for the death of the former version of himself.
He explained that the evolution of his persona has been shaped by internal conflict and the disapproval he has felt from his homeland.
He wrote, “The ‘African Giant’ Burna Boy died. His own people killed him.”
The Grammy winner explained that what now remains is the “Big 7” version of himself, a persona that influenced the direction of his last album “I Told Them, and which he says is “constantly in conflict with his lover boy side.”
Burna Boy’s post adds to a long-running narrative in his career marked by a strained relationship with his Nigerian audience. He has frequently accused them of failing to appreciate or support him at crucial moments.
His previous African Giant persona was known for embracing themes of Pan-Africanism, a sentiment that was clearly present in both his African Giant album and the Grammy-winning Twice As Tall.
These projects earned him international acclaim while cementing his reputation as a cultural figure beyond music.
At different points in his career, Burna Boy has alleged that individuals in the Nigerian music industry and media contributed to a kind of blacklisting that affected his rise.
While many fans have praised him for his artistic creativity, emotional openness, and sharp branding strategy, others have expressed concern about his mental health and the tone of his recent statements.
The Origin and Meaning of “African Giant”
The title “African Giant” wasn’t just born out of ego. It was a response to a perceived slight.
In 2019, when Coachella announced its lineup with Burna Boy’s name in smaller font size, he took offense and boldly declared on social media that he is an “African Giant.” That moment birthed not just an album title but a rebranding of Burna Boy as a continental force.
The African Giant album, released later that year, doubled down on that statement. With tracks like “Anybody,” “Gbona,” and “Dangote,” Burna Boy crafted an identity rooted in pride, protest, and Pan-African ideals.
The album wasn’t just a success it was a declaration of cultural dominance, reminding the world that Africa wasn’t to be overlooked.
Afrobeats: From Local Sound to Global Genre
To understand Burna Boy’s rise, one must also understand the evolution of Afrobeats a genre born from the pulsating rhythms of Nigeria and Ghana, rooted in the activism of Fela Kuti, and shaped by modern influences like hip-hop, dancehall, and R\&B.
While Burna Boy brought political depth and sonic experimentation, artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage helped commercialize Afrobeats for the global market.
Wizkid’s smooth sound and collaborations with Drake and Beyoncé made him a household name and Davido’s knack for hits and charisma turned songs like “Fall” and “If” into international anthems.
Afrobeats is no longer a niche genre. It’s a global movement, streaming in the billions, filling arenas worldwide, and earning prestigious awards.
Burna Boy’s Grammy win with Twice As Tall didn’t just validate his work it signaled the arrival of Africa’s sound at the global music table.
Burna Boy: A Revolutionary in Afro-Fusion
Burna Boy’s rise was not meteoric but deliberate. From early hits like “Like to Party,” he steadily crafted a sound he would later describe as Afro-fusion drawing from reggae, highlife, hip-hop, and more.
His 2019 album African Giant positioned him as a cultural spokesman, while 2020’s Twice As Tall solidified him as a global leader. Executive produced by Diddy, the album struck a balance between African roots and Western polish, earning him a Grammy.
His latest album I Told Them reflects introspection and defiance, driven by his “Big 7” identity, which he says is “constantly in conflict with his lover boy side.”
Yet Burna’s relationship with Nigeria remains complicated. He often claims that his own country failed to fully support him in his early years. His artistry is respected globally, but his emotional detachment from Nigeria fuels debates over whether he truly represents the continent’s heart or just its face abroad.
Wizkid: The Afrobeats Ambassador
Wizkid’s journey to global dominance began in earnest with his 2010 breakout album Superstar. Over the years, he evolved from teen sensation to Afrobeats trailblazer. His 2016 collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” was pivotal, becoming a worldwide hit and marking Afrobeats’ entry into the global mainstream.
With Made in Lagos, Wizkid didn’t just deliver hits he delivered a mood. The album’s success, particularly the viral anthem “Essence” featuring Tems, proved that Afrobeats could resonate with Western audiences without needing to compromise its soul.
Wizkid may not call himself the “African Giant,” but few can claim to have opened more international doors.
Davido: The People’s Champion
Davido’s career is a celebration of hit-making prowess. Since breaking out with “Dami Duro” in 2011, he has consistently topped charts across Africa and beyond. His global appeal is reinforced by collaborations with artists like Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Baby.
Beyond the music, Davido represents a relatable, heart-on-sleeve personality. Whether it’s giving scholarships, donating to charity, or mourning publicly after personal tragedy, his fans see him as a symbol of hope and resilience.
In 2023, he released Timeless, an album that reflected growth, pain, and maturity. While he hasn’t won a Grammy, Davido’s cultural impact is undeniable.
Rema: The New Wave Innovator
Rema burst onto the scene as a teenager with the infectious “Dumebi,” but it was his genre-fluid experimentation that set him apart. Combining trap, Bollywood melodies, and Afrobeats, Rema redefined what the new generation of African artists could sound like.
His 2022 track “Calm Down,” especially the Selena Gomez remix, became a global juggernaut, charting in over 20 countries and breaking streaming records. Rema’s Rave & Roses album established him as more than a viral artist he’s a visionary.
With performances at the Ballon d’Or and features in global media, Rema is not just riding the wave; he’s shaping it.
Was Burna Boy Ever the African Giant?
Burna Boy’s contributions to African music are undeniably significant. His artistry, thematic boldness, and global recognition have made him a towering figure. He turned “African Giant” into more than a moniker—it became a symbol of pride, defiance, and leadership.
Yet, the title of “African Giant” may not belong to one artist alone. It reflects whoever best represents the pulse of the continent at any given time. Today, that might include Wizkid’s global finesse, Davido’s cultural ubiquity, Rema’s innovation, and the coming wave of stars.
Ultimately, perhaps the most powerful legacy Burna Boy leaves is not in holding the title, but in redefining what it means and in inspiring a generation bold enough to claim it next.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a new reduction in the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) across Nigeria, as competition intensifies in the downstream oil sector. The refinery stated that the new prices range from N875 to N905 per litre, depending on the location. This adjustment reflects a N15 decrease per litre across all regions and partner retail outlets. The updated pricing was shared on the official social media handle of Dangote Refinery on Thursday.
The new rates apply to all major fuel marketers partnering with the refinery, including MRS, Ardova, Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde Energy. For instance, in Abuja, Optima Energy reduced its pump price to N895 per litre as of 8:00 pm on Thursday.
This development follows renewed competition between petrol-importing marketers and the refinery to control market shares and influence pricing.
A recent report from Argus indicated that the refinery is expecting nine million barrels of US light sweet WTI crude for delivery in June, according to traders. This volume is the highest for any month since the refinery commenced operations in early 2024. The report mentioned that trading firm Vitol sold three two-million-barrel shipments, while Petraco sold one two-million-barrel cargo and a Suezmax-sized shipment. Only one two-million-barrel cargo of WTI has arrived at Dangote in May so far, after three in April, according to Vortexa.
Regarding the petrol prices, the earlier pricing template had Lagos residents paying N890 per litre, with prices rising to N920 in the Northeast and South-South regions. With the new adjustment, Lagos residents will now pay N875, while those in the Northeast and South-South will pay N905 per litre.
A breakdown of the revised prices shows: Lagos, N875; South-West, N885; North-East, N905; North-West & Central, N895; South-South & South-East, N905.
The Dangote Refinery urged consumers to purchase fuel only from its partner outlets and encouraged Nigerians to report non-compliance via its hotline: +234 7074702099 or +234 7074702100.
“Our quality petrol and diesel are refined for better engine performance and are environmentally friendly,” the company stated in the notice.
Our correspondent gathered that the new reduction follows the return of a refund benefit policy offered to its customers earlier this week.
This development comes hours after reports indicated that independent oil marketers resumed large-scale importation of petrol. Fresh data shows that over 496.17 million litres of petrol were brought into the country within nine days.
Findings using the Tanker Position Report, a document that tracks oil tankers’ movement and was obtained from Blue Sea Maritime by our correspondent on Monday, revealed that 370,000 metric tonnes of petrol were discharged at various depots. These products berthed at seaports between May 11 and 20, 2025.
On Monday, the 650,000-barrels-per-day Lekki-based facility stated that the naira-for-crude deal allowed it to reduce the price of petrol, translating to reduced costs at the pumps. The company affirmed that petrol prices will remain affordable and stable.
The company noted that despite fluctuations in global crude oil prices, it has consistently reduced the price of petrol.
In a release signed by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company stated that the decision to maintain price stability reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigerian economy and alleviating the burden on consumers from the increase in fuel prices by maintaining price stability.
Marketers reported that the abrupt change in price has caused severe disruption to the system, with over 4,900 petrol retail outlet owners shutting their businesses and thousands of independent marketers scaling down operations.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria stated that over 70 per cent of its 7,000 retail outlets have folded due to unsustainable operating conditions. This represents the closure of 4,900 retail stations owned by members.
The President of the association, Billy Gillis-Harry, in an interview with our correspondent, said the issue was exacerbated by a lack of loan facilities from commercial banks.
“PETROAN has over 7,000 retail outlets, and over 70 per cent of those outlets are closed and are out of business today. And the reason is that we struggle to take loans from the bank,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Argus report on Thursday indicated that the NNPC allocated six June-loading cargoes to Dangote, comprising two of medium sweet Escravos, and one each of light sweet grades Brass River, Bonny Light, Okwuibome, and Yoho, totaling a maximum of 6 million barrels.
Market participants expect NNPC to slightly increase its official crude formula prices for June supplies, which should surface before the end of May. Even small increases to official prices would erode the appeal of Nigerian grades compared with WTI.
Kenyan authorities announced on Thursday that Tanzania has freed a Kenyan activist arrested for attempting to attend a court hearing in the treason case of a detained opposition leader in Dar es Salaam.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that Boniface Mwangi was received in Kenya’s southeastern Kwale County on Thursday afternoon. Kenya’s foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, also verified Mwangi’s release.
Mwangi had sought to observe the initial court appearance of opposition leader Tundu Lissu on Monday, in a case highlighting an increasing clampdown on critics of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
In April, Lissu, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt with 16 gunshot wounds and placed second in Tanzania’s last presidential election, faced treason charges for allegedly delivering a speech inciting the public to rebel and disrupt the upcoming October elections.
An advocacy group reported that Mwangi was detained on suspicion of providing false information to enter Tanzania.
“(Mwangi) is in high spirits. The Commission and other partners are making arrangements to transfer him to Nairobi for medical attention,” KNCHR stated on X, posting a photo of Mwangi with rights activist Hussein Khalid.
Hussein Khalid reported that Mwangi endured severe torture by Tanzanian security agents and was barely able to walk: “His body is broken but his spirit remains strong.”
Paul Mselle, the chief spokesperson for Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations of torture.
It remains unclear whether Ugandan lawyer and activist Agather Atuhaire, detained alongside Mwangi, has also been released.
President Hassan, who is running for re-election in October, has stated that Tanzania’s government is dedicated to upholding human rights despite several high-profile arrests of political adversaries.
However, in public statements on Monday, she cautioned foreign activists against “invading and interfering in our affairs”.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, just a week after the United States granted asylum to nearly 60 white South Africans (Afrikaners), President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House hoping to ease tensions and strengthen ties between the two countries.
But instead of a smooth diplomatic exchange, U.S. President Donald Trump surprised Ramaphosa during a live press conference by repeating a widely debunked claim of a “white genocide” in South Africa.
During the Oval Office meeting, Trump told aides to “turn down the lights” before playing videos showing violence against white South African farmers. He showcased footage of opposition politicians singing inflammatory songs and drone images of Afrikaner graves, asserting these as evidence of targeted attacks.
What You Should Know About The Meeting
White South African Genocide:
President Ramaphosa, taken aback by the unexpected presentation, maintained his composure and refuted the allegations. He emphasized that while crime does exist in South Africa, it affects all citizens regardless of race, and there is no government policy targeting white individuals.
Ramaphosa highlighted that the narrative of a “white genocide” lacks credible evidence and is not supported by official crime statistics .
He pointed out the white members of his delegation, including golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and South Africa’s richest man, Johann Rupert.
“If there was a genocide, these three gentlemen would not be here,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa did acknowledge that there was “criminality in our country… people who do get killed through criminal activity are not only white people, the majority of them are black people”.
As Trump pressed the issue, Ramaphosa stayed calm and tried to work his charm by making a joke about offering a plane to the US.
He invoked the name of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, saying South Africa remained committed to racial reconciliation.
Trade Relations:
Before the meeting, President Ramaphosa had said his main goal was to improve trade relations with the U.S. South African exports to the U.S. are currently facing a 30% tariff, which will take effect once a pause on Trump’s earlier import tax plan ends in July.
The need to preserve South Africa’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free access to the U.S. market for certain goods.
Despite the detour caused by Trump’s allegations, Ramaphosa used the opportunity to emphasize South Africa’s commitment to fair trade, economic reform, and international cooperation.
G20 Summit:
President Ramaphosa expressed a desire to strengthen the relationship between South Africa and the United States. He expressed optimism about President Trump’s attendance, stating his expectation that the U.S. would participate in the summit.
Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of collaboration on global challenges, such as economic stability, climate change, and health crises. Ramaphosa viewed the consecutive G20 summit scheduled to be held in Johannesburg in November 2025 as an opportunity for aligned leadership on the global stage.
Land Reform Policies:
President Trump raised concerns about South Africa’s land reform initiatives, particularly the expropriation of farmland without compensation. He expressed apprehension that such policies might adversely affect white farmers and foreign investors.
“But you do allow them to take land, and then when they take the land, they kill the white farmer, and when they kill the white farmer nothing happens to them.” Trump said.
“No,” Ramaphosa responded.
The US leader seemed to be referencing that Malema and his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, which is not part of the government, have the power to confiscate land from white farmers, which they do not.
A controversial law signed by Ramaphosa earlier this year allows the government to seize privately-owned land without compensation in some circumstances. The South African government says no land has been seized yet under the act.
In response, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a constitutional and lawful process of land reform aimed at addressing historical inequalities while ensuring food security and protecting property rights
President Bola Tinubu has officially transmitted a proposed budget of ₦1.48 trillion for the Rivers State Government to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
The move comes after the Supreme Court nullified the state’s 2025 budget, and the state was placed under emergency rule. This prompted the President to take the unusual step of forwarding the state’s financial plan to the federal legislature.
According to Tinubu, ₦324 billion from the budget will be directed toward infrastructure, ₦166 billion toward health, ₦75.6 billion toward education, and ₦31.4 billion for agriculture. The administration projects that agriculture spending alone will generate about 6,000 jobs.
“Please find forwarded herewith the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State for the consideration of the Senate,” the President’s letter stated.
President Tinubu reminded lawmakers that Rivers State has been under emergency rule since March 2025, which effectively suspended the operations of the state’s House of Assembly. Under Regulation 4, subsection 2(f) of the Emergency Rule 2025 provisions, any budget-related decision must now be approved by the federal legislature.
“The National Assembly is expected to perform the role of the state legislature under the emergency rule framework,” Tinubu wrote, justifying the request for the Senate to approve the proposed spending plan.
The President further stressed the importance of the proposed budget’s focus:
“This spending plan prioritises investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture, which is projected to generate approximately 6,000 jobs,” the letter added.
Concluding the letter, Tinubu expressed confidence in the Senate’s swift action:
“Accordingly, I hereby forward the Rivers State Government 2025 Appropriation Bill and trust that it will receive the expeditious and favourable consideration of the Senate.”
Following the reading of the President’s letter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the proposal to the Senate ad-hoc committee on Rivers State, urging them to review the bill promptly.
The National Assembly had previously approved the emergency rule in Rivers State on March 20, 2025. As part of the oversight process, an ad-hoc committee was established on May 6 to monitor governance and security conditions in the state.
Rumors of a military coup in Ivory Coast on Wednesday, 21st of May, 2025, have been firmly debunked by local sources.
According to a resident of Ivory Coast, simply known as Pastor, who spoke with LN247, he clarified that no coup or attempted coup has occurred, countering social media claims of unrest.
He said ‘”on Monday, May 19th, 2025, there was a protest by taxi drivers in Abidjan’s central business district, Plateau, over a newly imposed tax increase turned violent.
The situation escalated when the Finance Minister addressed the drivers and introduced a new tax system coordinator, prompting a riot.
Police intervened, opening fire, and some armed drivers returned fire, leading to several injuries and arrests”.
Our source emphasized that daily life remains unaffected, with people moving freely, the internet fully operational, and no signs of uprisings or demonstrations beyond the isolated incident.
He also noted that the upcoming October 2025 presidential election may be fueling political tensions, with social media being “weaponized” to exaggerate events and spread misinformation.
“You know the presidential election is coming up later this year, so everything will be weaponized, especially social media,” he said, promising to provide updates if further developments arise.
Recent posts on X support Pastor Niyi’s account, noting President Alassane Ouattara’s active governance, including chairing a cabinet meeting on May 20, 2025, and dismissing coup rumors as unverified.
The confusion likely stems from the protest’s violence, misreported as gunfire near the state house, and regional tensions, such as Burkina Faso’s junta accusing Ivory Coast of harboring rebels plotting a coup in April 2025.
Political sensitivities around the election, particularly the disqualification of opposition leader Tidjane Thiam, have further amplified fears of instability, but Ivory Coast remains a relative haven in a region marked by recent coups.
What Is a Coup?
A coup d’état is defined by political scientists Jonathan Powell and Clayton Thyne as an “illegal and overt attempt by the military or other elites within the state apparatus to unseat the sitting executive.” Successful coups result in military or junta-led governance, often justified by claims of addressing corruption, insecurity, or electoral malpractice.
Are there African countries that have witnessed successful coups in the last five years? Here’s what you should know.
Countries That HaveExperienced Coups in the Last Five Years
Since 2020, at least eight African countries have experienced successful military coups, with several facing multiple or failed attempts, contributing to the region’s “coup belt” moniker, particularly in the Sahel.
Mali (August 2020, May 2021):
In August 2020, a group of colonels, led by Assimi Goïta, overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita amid protests over deteriorating security, contested elections, and corruption allegations.
A transitional government was formed in October 2020, but nine months later, Goïta led a second coup, arresting interim President Bah N’Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.
Goïta was inaugurated as transitional president in June 2021, promising elections by February 2024, though delays have pushed this to 2027. Mali’s junta has expelled French forces and aligned with Russia, reflecting anti-Western sentiment.
Guinea (September 2021):
Special forces commander Colonel Mamady Doumbouya overthrew President Alpha Condé on September 5, 2021, after Condé amended the constitution in 2020 to run for a third term, sparking deadly protests.
Doumbouya was sworn in as president on October 1, 2021, pledging to return power to civilians by the end of 2024. The coup was widely supported by citizens frustrated with Condé’s authoritarianism, though the junta’s slow transition has raised concerns.
Sudan (October 2021):
On October 25, 2021, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan led a military takeover in Khartoum, dissolving a civilian-military transitional council established after the 2019 ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir. A prior failed coup attempt on September 21, 2021, underscored military tensions.
The 2021 coup derailed Sudan’s democratic transition, and by April 2023, a power struggle between Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, erupted into a war that has killed over 5,000 people and displaced millions.
Chad (April 2021):
Following President Idriss Déby’s death in battle against northern rebels on April 20, 2021—the first African head of state killed in combat since 1889—the military installed his son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby, as leader.
The junta suspended the constitution and promised an 18-month transition, but delays have extended military rule, with elections repeatedly postponed amid accusations of dynastic consolidation.
Burkina Faso (January 2022, September 2022):
On January 24, 2022, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba ousted President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, citing his failure to curb Islamist insurgencies.
Damiba was sworn in as president in February but was himself overthrown on September 30, 2022, by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who was appointed transitional president.
Traoré’s junta has promised elections by July 2024 but faces ongoing security challenges, with over 60% of the country outside government control.
Niger (July 2023):
On July 26, 2023, General Abdourahamane Tiani led a military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s first democratically elected leader to succeed another in a civilian-to-civilian transition (2021). The junta cited security and governance failures.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened military intervention but prioritized diplomacy, while the junta proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule.
Public rallies in Niamey supported the coup, reflecting frustration with Bazoum’s administration.
Gabon (August 2023):
On August 30, 2023, General Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the Republican Guard, overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba days after a disputed general election marred by a curfew, internet blackout, and barred international observers.
Bongo’s family had ruled Gabon for over 50 years, and the coup was welcomed by crowds frustrated with dynastic rule and electoral fraud allegations.
Guinea-Bissau (February 2022):
A failed coup attempt on February 1, 2022, targeted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, with gunfire reported near the government palace.
The attempt, allegedly led by military elements, was thwarted, but it highlighted ongoing political instability in a country with a history of coups.
Failed attempts, such as those in Niger (March 2021) and Guinea-Bissau (2022), still destabilize political systems. Africa has seen 214 coup attempts since 1950, with 106 successes, accounting for nearly half of the global total of 486.
What Coup Means For Africa
The wave of coups since 2020 signals a troubling reversal of democratic progress made between 2000 and 2015, when term limit adherence was strengthening across Africa.
Currently, 56% of African countries (30 out of 54) lack functional executive term limits, due to coups, term limit evasions by civilian leaders, or absent constitutional restrictions. This trend has significant implications:
•Erosion Of Democratic Norms: Military coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have suspended constitutions, delaying elections and entrenching juntas.
The median duration of military rule post-coup since 2021 exceeds 1,000 days, compared to shorter transitions before 2021.
•Public Disillusionment: Afrobarometer surveys reveal declining support for democracy (from 73% to 68% over a decade) and skepticism about elections, with only 44% of Africans believing they can remove unwanted leaders.
Public celebrations of coups in Niger, Guinea, and Gabon reflect deep frustration with civilian governments’ failures in addressing poverty, insecurity, and corruption.
•Security And Economic Challenges: Coups have coincided with worsening security, particularly in the Sahel, where jihadist groups have displaced millions and seized territory. Burkina Faso’s junta, for instance, controls less than 40% of its land.
The World Bank projects Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth to fall to 3.1% by 2025, exacerbating poverty and fueling unrest.
•Regional Dynamics and Anti-Western Sentiment: Most coup-affected countries (except Sudan) are former French colonies, where anti-French rhetoric has bolstered junta support. Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have expelled French troops and turned to Russia for security partnerships, though results remain limited. Ivory Coast’s recent expulsion of French forces aligns with this trend, despite its stability.
•Long-Term Risks:
While coups initially garner public support as a response to governance failures, analysts like Ibrahim Anoba warn they often fail to deliver promised reforms. “It’s like scratching an itchy wound—it feels good momentarily but worsens the condition,” Anoba says, highlighting the risk of prolonged instability under military rule.
Ivory Coast’s avoidance of a coup underscores its relative stability, but the taxi drivers’ protest and election-related tensions highlight underlying vulnerabilities.
Pastor Niyi’s account emphasizes the role of social media in amplifying isolated incidents, a pattern seen across the region.
Strengthening democratic institutions, addressing economic grievances, and ensuring fair elections are critical to preventing Ivory Coast and other African nations from joining the coup belt.
The British government is set to finalize an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after a High Court judge removed a temporary injunction.
On Thursday morning, the court issued an injunction that delayed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s planned virtual signing ceremony with Mauritian officials.
However, following a hearing later that day, Judge Martin Chamberlain lifted the injunction, paving the way for the United Kingdom to proceed with signing the multibillion-dollar agreement to relinquish sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The UK government welcomed the ruling, saying “this deal is vital to protect the British people and our national security.”
The United Kingdom has agreed to transfer the Indian Ocean archipelago, which includes the strategically significant naval and bomber base on Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. The UK will then lease the base back for a minimum of 99 years.
The deal was scheduled to be formalized by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam during a virtual ceremony on Thursday morning.
However, a judge issued an injunction early Thursday, halting the agreement. This followed a claim by two Chagossian women, representing the islands’ original inhabitants, who were displaced decades ago to accommodate the United States base.
Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, both British citizens, are concerned that returning to the islands will become even more challenging once Mauritius assumes control.
High Court judge Julian Goose had prohibited the UK government from taking any “conclusive or legally binding step to conclude its negotiations” to transfer the territory to a foreign government.
The United Kingdom, which has governed the region since 1814, detached the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in 1965 to establish the British Indian Ocean Territory.
In the early 1970s, approximately 1,500 residents were forcibly removed to Mauritius and Seychelles to clear the way for the Diego Garcia airbase on the largest island.
In October, the government revealed a draft agreement to cede the islands to Mauritius while securing a 99-year lease for the UK and the United States to continue operating the Diego Garcia base.
The administration of US President Donald Trump, which was consulted on the agreement, granted its approval. However, finalizing the deal was postponed due to a change in government in Mauritius and reported last-minute negotiations over costs.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has raised concerns over the low number of student loan applications from Rivers State University (RSU), urging immediate collaboration to address the situation.
This was disclosed by NELFUND Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, during a strategic engagement and sensitisation campaign held in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Director of Administration, Dr. Zino Ugboma, Sawyerr noted that an internal review of loan applications revealed troubling statistics.
According to data presented, the University of Port Harcourt recorded over 3,000 applicants, while Rivers State University registered only 1,500 applications—despite having nearly 40,000 students.
“Going through our records, we discovered something concerning. For a university of this size, the number of applicants is significantly low. The Managing Director directed that we meet with the university’s management to understand the reasons behind this,” Ugboma said.
He stressed that the funds are readily available and meant to be accessed by students, calling for stronger institutional collaboration to identify barriers and boost uptake.
In response, the Vice Chancellor of RSU, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi—represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Victor Akujuru—acknowledged the gap and pledged full cooperation to resolve the issue.
“We appreciate NELFUND for drawing attention to this shortfall. The Vice Chancellor has tasked relevant units, including the Director of ICT and the Head of Student Affairs, to be present and engage on solutions. The current figures are indeed a cause for concern,” Akujuru said.
Also speaking, Professor Sunny Orike, Director of ICT at the university, attributed the low application rate to the complexity of the application process, which many students struggled to complete.
“We’ve created designated spaces within the city where students can interact with our systems, and we’re committed to improving accessibility and user experience,” Orike explained.
He added that the ICT department is developing a more structured support system to guide students through the application process. This includes tagging students for follow-up, assisting with forms, ensuring compliance, issuing memos, and maintaining clear communication channels.
Orike further emphasized the importance of continuous training for both students and staff as the university transitions to more centralized, digital academic processes.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to hold a mop-up examination for candidates who were unable to participate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) due to various challenges.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting with Chief External Examiners, State Technical Advisers, and other key officials in Abuja.
Professor Oloyede revealed that the pressure stemming from technical hitches encountered during the UTME in parts of the South-East and Lagos State had been overwhelming—so much so that he briefly considered stepping down.
He defended the swift rescheduling of exams for affected candidates, stressing the urgency imposed by the national academic calendar.
Reaffirming his commitment to integrity and national service, the JAMB Registrar dismissed any allegations of bias in the board’s handling of the situation.
In his remarks, Professor Vincent Tenebe, Chairman of the Chief External Examiners Group, commended Professor Oloyede’s leadership during what he described as a particularly trying period.
Tragically, the meeting also observed a minute of silence in memory of a candidate who reportedly took her own life following the release of her UTME results.
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