In Nigeria, controversy surrounds the recent election results as opposition parties await the Independent National Electoral Commission's response to allegations of fraud. A BBC investigation in Rivers State found significant discrepancies in the official vote counts, suggesting potential widespread irregularities. Despite these findings, the BBC notes that the discrepancies would not have changed the overall election outcome, with Bola Tinubu winning by a significant margin. The article highlights the challenges in verifying election integrity and the potential for similar issues in other states.

Ghana faces a severe plastic pollution crisis, with over 1 million tons of plastic waste produced annually, of which only 5% is recycled. The widespread presence of plastic waste, including bottles and packaging, severely impacts the environment and health, particularly in rural areas and beaches. Despite joining the Global Plastic Action Partnership in 2019 and implementing a Road Map to eliminate plastic from oceans and waterways by 2040, the country struggles with inadequate policies, lack of public awareness, and insufficient waste management infrastructure. The article highlights the urgent need for better waste management practices and increased responsibility from governments, companies, and citizens.

The article discusses the training of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by Italy, highlighting the involvement of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti, and the RSF's notorious history of atrocities in Darfur. The training aimed to combat illegal migration, with logistical and cyber espionage support possibly provided. The piece includes insights from journalist Massimo Alberizzi and touches on broader regional issues, including political instability in Senegal and violence in Cameroon.

Ousmane Sonko, facing rape charges in Senegal, has called for a 'final battle' against the government if President Macky Sall does not step down. Sonko, who did not attend his trial citing security concerns, risks ineligibility for the 2024 presidential elections if convicted. He has ceased defending himself in court, convinced of governmental manipulation, and is mobilizing supporters from Ziguinchor to Dakar. His case has been prominent since March 2021, when it sparked deadly clashes between protesters and police.

Ousmane Sonko, the Senegalese opposition leader, has been convicted again on appeal in a defamation case against Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang. Initially sentenced to two months of probation and a €300,000 fine, Sonko now faces six months of probation. Sonko and his supporters view the trial as a political maneuver to exclude him from the 2024 presidential elections. The article also highlights the broader political tension in Senegal, including President Macky Sall's controversial potential third-term candidacy and Sonko's upcoming trial for alleged rape.

The 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival features a significant presence of African and Afro-descendant filmmakers, with 12 films, 8 of which are in the official selection. This marks a departure from past years when only established African directors were selected. The festival showcases a new generation of young filmmakers, with six female directors in competition, including from Senegal and the Maghreb. Films cover contemporary themes such as violence against women, racial and sexual discrimination, gender issues, and the oppression of neo-capitalism. Highlights include Kaouther Ben Hania's 'Les filles d’Olfa' and Ramata-Toulaye Sy's 'Banel et Adama'. The festival also features sections like 'Un certain regard' and 'Quinzaine des cinéastes', with films from Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Morocco. The parallel ACID section and special screenings further highlight African cinema, along with the Pavillon Afriques and Afrocannes events promoting inclusion and diversity in the film industry.

The 15th edition of the Festival of Urban Music of Anoumabo (Femua) in Ivory Coast celebrated the revival of Pan-African culture with five days of concerts, featuring artists like Baaba Maal and Ferré Gola. The festival, which included philanthropic initiatives such as the inauguration of new schools, emphasized social cohesion and opportunities for youth. Baaba Maal, also a UN Goodwill ambassador, highlighted the importance of education and sustainable development. The event, attended by thousands, showcased a blend of music, multiculturalism, and social commitment, aiming to counter negative stereotypes of Africa.

The Festival of Urban Music of Anoumabo (Femua), founded by Salif Traoré of Magic System, has grown from modest beginnings to a major event with a budget of two million euros and an expected audience of 150,000. The festival, held in Abidjan and Bouaké, focuses on social issues, cultural exchange, and themes like food security and sustainable agriculture. It features performances from prominent African and diaspora artists and includes a section for children. Femua has also contributed to building schools and creating jobs, becoming an important institution for the Ivorian population.

Senegal faces unprecedented political uncertainty ten months before the February 2024 presidential elections. President Macky Sall's potential third-term candidacy remains unclear, while opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's eligibility is jeopardized by ongoing legal battles. Other key figures, Karim Wade and Khalifa Sall, are currently ineligible due to past convictions but may re-enter the race if granted amnesty. The newly formed F24 platform opposes Sall's third term, echoing past movements against extended presidencies. The political landscape is in flux, with various potential candidates and legal outcomes shaping the future.

The unstoppable rise of African cinema continues with the launch of the new series 'African Folktales: Reimagined!' by Netflix and UNESCO. This series, consisting of six half-hour short films, aims to promote the continent's cultural diversity and support its young filmmakers. The project emerged from a 2021 competition inviting young African directors, screenwriters, and film enthusiasts to modernize traditional African folktales. The selected winners, hailing from Kenya, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, received significant financial support for their productions. The series explores themes such as drought, climate crisis, supernatural elements, and family bonds, reflecting the diverse cultural narratives of Africa. Netflix Africa's director, Tendeka Matatu, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its role in amplifying underrepresented voices.

The article highlights the presence of African cinema at the Berlin Film Festival, showcasing a variety of films that address themes such as terrorism, artificial intelligence, capitalism, colonialism, and environmental destruction. Notable works include Apolline Traoré's 'Sira,' Thierno Souleymane Diallo's 'Au cimetière de la pellicule,' and Boubacar Sangare's 'Or de vie.' The festival also features feminist short films and tributes to past influential works, emphasizing the rich and diverse narratives emerging from African filmmakers.

The 65th Grammy Awards ceremony, held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, saw Nigerian artist Tems win the Best Melodic Rap Performance for 'Wait for u,' making her the first Nigerian female singer to win a Grammy. The event also highlighted African talent with South African artists Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, and Nomcebo Zikode winning the Best Global Music Performance for 'Bayethe.' The article underscores the growing influence of African artists in global music awards.

The article discusses the ongoing political and ethnic tensions in Ivory Coast, particularly in the context of the presidential election. It highlights the concerns of parents in Yopougon, a neighborhood affected by past violence, who are hesitant to send their children back to school. The article touches on the history of ethnic divisions, exacerbated by the concept of 'Ivoirite' and the 2010-11 conflict. It also addresses accusations of 'ethnic readjustment' under President Ouattara's administration and the challenges of social cohesion and reconciliation. The role of various organizations, including the National Programme for Social Cohesion and international rights groups, is discussed in the context of improving the situation and addressing past injustices.

In Burkina Faso, citizens like graffiti artist Deri Issaka are actively participating in the democratic process as the country approaches a historic election. The transitional government, led by Michel Kafando and Lieutenant-Colonel Yacouba Isaac Zida, has been in place since the ousting of Blaise Compaore's 27-year rule. A coup attempt by General Gilbert Diendere was thwarted by mass uprisings and the national army. The Movement of People for Progress (MPP), led by Roch Marc Kabore, is a favorite in the elections, despite concerns about its ties to the previous regime. The Union for Progress and Change (UPC), led by Zephirin Diabre, and the Union for the Renaissance-Sankarist Party (UNIR-PS), led by Benewende Sankara, are also significant contenders. The election is closely watched, with over 17,000 observers and preliminary results expected soon after the polls.

The article discusses the cultural and economic significance of akpeteshie, a local Ghanaian spirit, in Accra. It highlights the drink's history, from its role in the anti-colonial struggle to its current rebranding by entrepreneurs Raja and Kofi Owusu-Ansah, who have opened a bar called The Republic that exclusively serves akpeteshie. The drink, once stigmatized, is now gaining popularity across different social classes and is seen as a potential economic boon for Ghana amidst financial challenges. The Owusu-Ansah brothers are planning to scale up production with a $3m investment to produce 500,000 liters of akpeteshie, aiming to replicate the success of cachaça in Brazil. The article also touches on the IMF's $918m aid program to Ghana and the historical context of akpeteshie during the Great Depression and post-independence era.

The article discusses the sale of Ivorian state-owned oil company Petroci's petrol distribution network to Puma Energy, a Swiss-based private company. It highlights the controversy surrounding Puma Energy in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly its association with the country's worst-ever environmental disaster in 2006, when the Probo Koala oil tanker, chartered by Trafigura, offloaded toxic waste in Abidjan. The article details the inadequate legal repercussions for Trafigura and Puma Energy, the insufficient compensation for victims, and the ongoing struggle for justice and decontamination of the affected sites. It also presents differing views on the ethics of allowing Puma Energy to continue operations in Côte d’Ivoire, with some arguing that their presence could facilitate victim compensation and site cleanup.

Illegal loggers in Ivory Coast are devastating virgin forests to meet domestic and export demands, exacerbated by corruption and the local charcoal market. The formal timber sector is valued at 176 million USD, with 90% exported, while the informal sector, crucial for the domestic market, is worth 125 million EUR. Charcoal, a primary cooking fuel for 47% of the urban population, contributes significantly to deforestation. Malebi, an organization led by Delphine Ahoussi, promotes a model combining charcoal production with reforestation. The government aims to increase forest areas and is negotiating a Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU to ensure legal timber exports. However, challenges remain, including the need for a radical industry overhaul and better regulation of the charcoal market.

Côte d’Ivoire has experienced severe deforestation, dropping from 16 million hectares of forest in the 1960s to just two million today. Illegal logging, driven by domestic and export demands, and the expansion of cocoa farming are major contributors to this environmental crisis. Corruption facilitates the illegal timber and charcoal trade, despite the detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Charcoal is a primary cooking fuel, used by nearly half of the urban population, due to the high cost and inaccessibility of gas. The informal sector dominates the domestic market, with legal production failing to meet demand. Efforts to combat deforestation include Malebi's sustainable charcoal production model, which incorporates reforestation, and the Ivorian government's negotiations with the EU on a Voluntary Partnership Agreement to ensure timber legality. The future of Côte d’Ivoire's forests, climate change impact, and the informal economy are at stake.