West Africa witnessed a spectrum of events on Thursday, ranging from diplomatic achievements and regional development initiatives to human tragedies, protests, and societal debates.
In South Africa, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye received the Presidential Global Water Changemakers Award, recognising his pivotal role in co-hosting the 2026 United Nations Water Conference alongside the United Arab Emirates, Seneweb reports.
The award was presented during the African Union Water Investment Summit, where Senegal’s Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, showcased the Grand Projet de transfert de l’eau (Great Water Transfer Project) and the nation’s public-private partnership model for addressing water challenges.
Meanwhile, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara departed from Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan for a trip to France, accompanied by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, according to Abidjan.net.
In Uganda, Guinea’s honorary consul in Kampala, Aboubacar Kourouma, highlighted his diplomatic and social initiatives.
He cited support for the national team during the African Nations Championship and assistance to Guineans in distress, including the release of a citizen falsely accused of terrorism at the border.
Mali continues to advance its long-term vision with the Mali Kura 2063 roadmap, targeting industrialisation, electrification, agricultural development, skills training, and environmental protection.
Authorities aim to embed these goals into public policies to strengthen sovereignty, connectivity, and sustainability, reports Maliweb.
Energy cooperation was also in focus, with Niger’s Energy Minister Amadou Haoua presenting Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé an invitation to join the Salkadamna coal project, a strategic initiative for regional energy independence, according to Icilome.
In Burkina Faso, tourism stakeholders attended a training session at CENASA on combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Technical advisor Abdoulaye Dioni stressed the need for effective prevention measures, while Director General Monique Ouédraogo/Ilboudo highlighted penalties for non-compliance.
Tragedy struck in Ghana, where a fire near Ho Technical University destroyed a pub, two shops, and other businesses, causing damage estimated at over one million cedis.
Initial investigations suggest a power outage as the likely cause. In Gambia, activist Fatou Baldeh condemned the death of a young girl following female genital mutilation, calling it a tragic reflection of gender inequality and urging urgent action to end the practice.
Across the region, leaders and citizens grapple with development, security, and social justice, illustrating the complex and intertwined challenges facing West Africa today.
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