Guinea’s transitional military government has revoked 51 mining licenses, targeting a wide array of strategic minerals including bauxite, gold, diamonds, graphite, and iron ore. The sweeping move was announced by Information Minister Fana Soumah on May 15 and formalized through a presidential decree signed by interim President Mamady Doumbouya. The government said the decision was driven by non-compliance with Guinea’s mining code, particularly concerning concessions that were inactive or underutilized. Authorities emphasized that many of the affected operators had failed to advance development on their licensed sites or meet other regulatory obligations. Guinea is home to some of the world’s…
Author: TheStories
Rwanda has commenced the local manufacturing of weapons through its indigenous company, Rwanda Enhanced Military Capabilities Organization (REMCO). The initiative marks a milestone in the country’s ambition to build a robust and technologically advanced defense sector. This is in a move toward self-reliance and defense industry development. REMCO, a subsidiary under the Ministry of Defence, unveiled a range of locally-produced military equipment including assault rifles, ammunition, and other tactical gear. The production is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers and strengthen Rwanda’s national security infrastructure. Speaking at the launch, senior military officials emphasized that…
Burkina Faso has introduced its first domestically manufactured military patrol vehicle, the LX70. This development underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities through local innovation. The move is in the country’s significant stride towards military self-reliance. Rear view of LX70 The LX70, a light-armored patrol pickup truck, was conceptualized and constructed entirely within Burkina Faso. Equipped with a thermal imaging system and other standard military-grade features, the vehicle is designed to meet the operational needs of the country’s security forces. Side view of LX70 Currently, the LX70 is on display at the SYNERGIE SURETE, DEFENSE & SECURITE (SYSDEF)…
Burkina Faso has begun building a national gold reserve for the first time since its independence. The government announced plans to retain at least 5% of the country’s annual gold production to serve as internal reserves. This is a historic move aimed at strengthening national sovereignty and economic resilience,. The initiative marks a strategic shift in the management of Burkina Faso’s vast mineral wealth. As one of Africa’s top gold producers, the country recorded an output of approximately 57.3 tonnes of gold in 2023, sourced from 17 industrial-scale mines. By setting aside a portion of this output, the government seeks…
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has pledged unwavering support for Burkina Faso in its fight against terrorism, underscoring the urgent need for regional cooperation in addressing insecurity across the Sahel. Sonko made the declaration during a two-day official visit to Ouagadougou, where he met with Burkinabe President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The visit focused on regional security and the imperative of collective action to combat terrorism and violent extremism. “I have come to convey a message of absolute support to President Ibrahim Traoré, his government, and all the people of Burkina Faso in their fight against terrorism,” Sonko said. “Senegal is…
Amid a flurry of media reports on the recent Supreme Court ruling involving the defunct FSB International Bank and Sagecom Concepts Limited, questions have arisen over Fidelity Bank Plc’s capacity to comply with the judgment. As the judgment debtor, the bank has faced speculative commentary from some quarters. However, it’s critical to emphasize that the case remains sub judice. A standing court order expressly prohibits the publication of details or commentary on the matter, with any violation constituting contempt of court—a serious legal offense. That said, this article provides an objective look at Fidelity Bank’s financial standing and strategic strength—key…
In the wake of Abdallah el-Kurebe’s thought-provoking editorial, “Why Nigerians Don’t Vote—and Why Forcing Them Won’t Fix It,” published on May 18, 2025, on ASHENEWS, I found myself stirred—not just by the clarity of his argument, but by what was left unsaid. El-Kurebe’s central thesis is compelling: Nigeria’s low voter turnout reflects more than apathy—it is a symptom of a fractured system, scarred by distrust, electoral violence, and political redundancy. He rightly dismisses compulsory voting as a simplistic fix for a deeply complex problem. But while his diagnosis is both honest and urgent, I believe it overlooks a more insidious…
The Obidient Movement, in a statement signed by Nana Kazaure, the Director of Strategic Communication and Media, said it had received numerous inquiries from members at home and abroad, as well as the general public, following claims about the alleged offer. The Obidient Movement, which comprises largely supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, denied reports that Obi had been offered the position of running mate to Atiku Abubakar in a coalition planned for the 2027 general elections. It described the reports as unfounded and warned against misinformation. “While frank and cordial engagements with our partners and stakeholders…
The National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has formally received 24 retired military officers who have pledged their allegiance to the Kwankwasiyya ideology. The declaration took place during a special gathering in Kano, where the former service members, drawn from various ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces, were publicly welcomed into the movement known for its strong grassroots structure and red-cap symbolism. Kwankwaso, who also contested in the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), hailed the retired officers for their decision, describing it as a “boost…
As the world prepares for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) scheduled for June 30, 2025, in Seville, Spain, Nigerian civil society groups are rallying for transformative reforms in both global finance systems and domestic economic policy. Their unified stance is outlined in a newly released advocacy report titled “Financing for Development in Nigeria: Sectoral Context and Insights for the Fourth International Conference”. The document is the product of a coalition led by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with Oxfam in Nigeria, Christian Aid, the International Budget Partnership, Connected Development, and other partners…