Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye paid a historic state visit to Guinea-
Bissau, where he reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to supporting its neighbor in
strengthening security and stability. Welcomed by President Umaro Sissoco
Embaló, the visit included bilateral meetings focusing on regional cooperation in
defense, education, health, agriculture, and trade. Both leaders highlighted the
strong ties between their countries and expressed shared visions on major
challenges facing the region, including ECOWAS disintegration and climate
change. Faye’s visit—his third in a year—was marked by symbolism and historic
significance, culminating in his receiving Guinea-Bissau’s highest honor, the
Amílcar Cabral medal.
General News
Nine Ivorians Escape Human Trafficking Network in Nigeria
Nine Ivorian nationals have escaped from a human trafficking network in Nigeria
after being lured into the country by promises of lucrative job opportunities, which
turned out to be part of a sophisticated pyramid scam.
The victims were reportedly deceived by recruiters — often acquaintances or
relatives — who promised high-paying jobs and required upfront payments for
housing and administrative procedures. Upon arrival, however, the migrants were
stripped of their passports and phones and forced into confinement in overcrowded
rooms. They were subjected to daily psychological abuse, food deprivation, and
coerced into recruiting new victims.
“They said I would earn four times my usual salary. Instead, I was held hostage
and fed once a day,” one escapee told reporters.
The trafficking ring also falsely promised relocation to Europe or Canada,
demanding continuous payments for fake travel documents. Victims, under
pressure, were forced to solicit money from their families back home in Côte
d’Ivoire.
Taking advantage of a lapse in guard supervision, the nine victims escaped by
climbing over barbed wire and wandering the streets of Abuja, where they were
eventually rescued by local police and the Ivorian embassy.
Ivorian and Nigerian authorities have launched joint efforts to dismantle such
trafficking networks, and calls have intensified for public awareness campaigns to
prevent future exploitation.
While nine have regained their freedom, many more remain in captivity.
Authorities stress the need for international cooperation to combat human
trafficking across the region.
Benin Launches National Survey to Map CSOs Working for Women’s and Girls’ Rights
The National Institute for Women (INF) of Benin has launched a national survey
from May 26 to June 6, 2025, to identify Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls. The aim is to create a
detailed map of these organizations, foster collaboration among them, and evaluate
their impact. The collected data will help inform future public policies and action
strategies. The information gathered will remain confidential and can be submitted
through an online form.
Ghana Closes Washington Embassy Amid Major Visa Fraud Scandal
Ghana has temporarily closed its embassy in Washington, D.C. following the
discovery of a major corruption scandal involving visa fraud and unauthorized
payments. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the
closure is part of efforts to restore integrity to Ghana’s diplomatic missions. A
special audit revealed that a locally hired IT officer, Fred Kwarteng, diverted visa
applicants to his private company, illegally collecting fees for over five years. All
embassy staff have been recalled, and a full audit is underway. The government
has pledged zero tolerance for corruption, though no reopening date has been
announced.