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West Africa News Agency

West Africa News Agency

Agence de Presse Ouest-Africaine

West Africa News Agency

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Author: Kabir Isa

Social Justice & Human Rights

Six Years After #EndSARS, Nigeria’s Youth Split Between Politics and Departure

By Kabir Isa

Six years after the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, the movement's legacy is splitting the generation that built it. Research links participation to increased political engagement, but also to trust deficits, psychological distress and, for some, the decision to leave Nigeria. Studies of the "Japa" phenomenon suggest migration is often framed as escape rather than economic calculation.

Global News

DRC Cobalt Exports Carry Undeclared Uranium, Study Finds, Raising Nuclear Accounting Concerns

By Kabir Isa

Research published in July 2026 estimates that 2,000 to 5,000 tonnes of natural uranium left the Democratic Republic of Congo inside cobalt hydroxide cargoes between 2000 and 2024, with less than 10 percent declared to the IAEA. The DRC has since launched a verification campaign to test uranium content in cobalt exports and will consult the nuclear watchdog.

Markets & Economy

ECOWAS, EU, GIZ Move to Finalise 13 Trade in Services Workplans

By Kabir Isa

ECOWAS, the European Union and GIZ held a technical session in Abuja on 24 September 2026 to finalise workplans for 13 strategic reform processes under the Trade in Services Programme. Participants reviewed priorities, sequencing, timelines and institutional responsibilities, including activities through March 2029. GIZ's Dr. Hartmut James said the next stage would be to validate the workplans and proceed towards implementation.

Social Impact & Development

ECOWAS Donates Supplies and 500,000 CFA to Ouidah Children’s Shelter in Benin

By Kabir Isa

ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, Ambassador Amadou Diongue, presented a donation to the 'House of Joy' Child Care and Protection Centre in Ouidah on September 21, 2026. The contribution included food, school supplies, vocational equipment, and 500,000 CFA for tuition fees. The ceremony was attended by local officials and the children at the centre.

Climate & Environment

Super El Niño Heat Projected to Kill 451,000, Nigeria Tops Toll

By Kabir Isa

Research from the University of Chicago's Climate Impact Lab projects 451,000 additional heat deaths worldwide from this year's strong El Niño, with Nigeria expected to record the highest national toll at 31,400. Sudan, Niger and Chad are also among the worst-affected countries, as limited electricity access and poverty leave millions unable to protect themselves from extreme heat.

Climate & Environment

West African Water Ministers Adopt Strategic Resolutions in Abidjan Before First Regional Water Forum

By Kabir Isa

Water ministers from across West Africa adopted strategic resolutions on regional water governance at the 6th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee on IWRM in Abidjan, convened under ECOWAS, WAEMU and CILSS. The decisions cover revision of the West African Water Resources Policy, operationalisation of the African Water Vision 2063 and institutionalisation of the West Africa Regional Water Forum. The outcomes will inform the First West Africa Regional Water Forum, scheduled for 24–25 September 2026 in Abidjan.

Defense and Security

ECOWAS Trains Nigerian Security Personnel on Weapons Stockpile Management in Port Harcourt

By Kabir Isa

ECOWAS conducted a five-day training on physical security and stockpile management for Nigerian security personnel in Port Harcourt from 7 to 11 September 2026. The programme, held with the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies and Nigeria's national small arms centre, drew participants from twelve agencies and included a visit to the Nigerian Army's 29 Battalion armoury.