Pope Leo appealed for humane treatment of migrants during a visit to the Canary Islands, warning that dignity “has no passport.” The trip comes as Spain expands legal status for many undocumented migrants while a new EU pact tightens border and deportation rules.
Posts tagged as “west African”
Nigeria’s military says it freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in Borno State, while local mediators say they secured the unconditional release of 416. Authorities said two infants died from exhaustion and harsh conditions during captivity.
Dr. Peter Stafford, a U.S. doctor infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola while working in Congo, has recovered and left quarantine at Berlin’s Charité hospital. The outbreak has spread to Uganda, with Congo reporting a rising number of cases and deaths.
U.S. and Nigerian forces have killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the Islamic State's second-in-command, in a joint operation. The move is seen as a significant blow to ISIS's operations in Africa and globally.
U.S. officials met with the top Nigerien general involved in the recent military coup in Niger on Monday, but were unable to guarantee the safety of President Mohamed Bazoum. The ECOWAS bloc has threatened to use military force, but is hoping to find a peaceful solution to the crisis through diplomacy. The U.S. and Niger are continuing to work together to resolve the situation.
On Friday, mutinous soldiers in Niger declared their leader the new head of state, raising concerns that it could hinder the nation's fight against jihadists and boost Russia's influence in West Africa. The White House National Security Council has expressed concern over the unconstitutional seizure of power, and warned that it could put at grave risk the continued security cooperation with the government of Niger. Russia has the opportunity to increase its influence in West Africa, as the international community watches to see how the situation in Niger develops.
On Wednesday, members of the presidential guard in Niger attempted to overthrow the democratically elected government and detain President Mohamed Bazoum. In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassoumi Massoudou and citizens of Niger have condemned the coup and called for a return to democracy. Demonstrators have gathered to protest the detention of President Bazoum and the situation in Niger remains uncertain as the nation awaits the outcome of the attempted coup.