West Africa’s major headlines this Wednesday span emotional farewells, banking reforms, Bitcoin’s latest surge, and sweeping political and social developments across the region.
In Nigeria, an emotional farewell was held for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82. According to Premium Times, a state funeral was held in Daura, Katsina State, where current President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima led a prominent delegation of former leaders and dignitaries to honour Buhari’s legacy.
Elsewhere in Nigeria, the Premium Times also reported significant changes in monetary policy, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revised its forbearance framework. The shift is expected to squeeze liquidity, reduce profitability, and increase provisioning obligations for commercial banks—potentially reshaping the country’s financial landscape.
Meanwhile, industrialist Aliko Dangote is advancing his economic footprint. According to Financial Afrik, he has submitted plans to build a deep-sea port in Olokola, Ogun State. If approved, the port would become the largest in Nigeria, boosting the nation’s trade infrastructure.
In the cryptocurrency sector, Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $123,205.09 on July 14, Financial Afrik reported, shaking traditional monetary models and fueling debates on digital assets’ role in modern economies.
Ghana has seen major institutional changes as Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak announced the dismissal of over 500 security personnel following investigations into recruitment irregularities during the December 2024 elections, Graphic reported.
In Benin, La Nation said the private sector has proposed 11 fiscal measures aimed at reviving economic activity, improving competitiveness, and addressing structural imbalances.
Liberia is preparing for the “Enough is Enough” protest slated for July 17. But religious voices are offering a different tone. Apostle Donatus S. Nayensuabo told the Liberian Observer that the country’s real crisis is spiritual, not political, calling for national redemption over confrontation.
In Spain, the Senegalese community in Murcia is reeling from a wave of xenophobic violence. L’Observateur shared that fear now governs daily life for many migrants, as attacks have surged. Resident Mady Bâ, who has lived in Torre-Pacheco since 1999, revealed that most Senegalese have suspended non-essential activities out of fear.
On the diplomatic front, Le Soleil reported that Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye paid a working visit to Cotonou, where he and Beninese President Patrice Talon committed to deepening trade and bilateral relations.
Meanwhile in Mali, Maliweb published comments from Dr. Ahmadou Touré of Kurukanfuga University on efforts to establish state presence in the restive Taoudéni region, raising concerns about ongoing security and governance challenges.
In regional news, L’Essor reported that the Integrated Development Authority of the Liptako-Gourma States has been appointed the Project Implementation Agency of the Confederation of Sahel States, following a decision taken during the 8th summit of ALG leaders held via videoconference.
About The Author
