On January 29, 2026, the military junta of Burkina Faso, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, officially dissolved all of the country's political parties. This move marks a significant escalation in the junta's consolidation of power since seizing control in a September 2022 coup. Key Details of the Decree Total Dissolution: The decree targets all registered political parties—numbering over 100 before the 2022 coup—and scraps the legal framework that governed them. Asset Seizure: All assets belonging to the dissolved parties are to be transferred to the state. Future Regulation: Minister of Territorial Administration Emile Zerbo stated that new draft laws for establishing future "political groups" will be submitted to the Transitional Legislative Assembly "as soon as possible". Stated Justifications The junta and Minister Zerbo provided several reasons for the ban: National Unity: Authorities claimed the "proliferation" of parties fostered divisions amon...

                                                        Dr. Richard Montgomery -  British High Commissioner to Nigeria The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability, primarily through the launch of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme in January 2026. Key components of this support include: The SPRiNG Initiative: A four-year (2024–2028) UK-funded programme designed to bolster institutional capacity for conflict management and response. It specifically targets northern Nigeria to address the intersection of conflict and climate-related pressures. Strategic Security Partnership: The partnership, underscored by British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery, focuses on counter-terrorism, border security, and tackling hybrid threats like disi...

  Sweden plans to implement a nationwide ban on mobile phones in all primary and middle schools, and after-school facilities. The ban is set to go into effect for the start of the autumn term in August 2026. Details of the Ban Scope: The ban will apply to all students up to the ninth grade (typically ages 15-16) and will be in effect throughout the entire school day, including breaks and after-school activities. Enforcement: Students will be required to hand in their phones at the beginning of the school day, and the devices will be stored and returned at the end of the day. This standardizes current practices, as about 80% of schools already had some form of ban at the principals' discretion, but enforcement varied. Rationale: The government's primary goal is to decrease distractions in the classroom to improve student concentration and academic performance, particularly in core subjects like reading and mathematics. The policy also aims to promote better mental health and hea...

  Image -  Nigerian soldiers on operation near road As of January 27, 2026, bandits who abducted 177 worshippers in Kaduna State have demanded a ransom of ₦250 million and 20 motorcycles for their release. The abduction occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, during morning services at three churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area. Key Details of the Incident: Targeted Churches: The attacks hit two branches of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). Victims: While 177 people were initially seized, 11 managed to escape shortly after the attack, leaving 166 (including women, children, and the elderly) in captivity. Ransom Demands: Financial: The bandits initially demanded ₦29 million to replace motorcycles they allegedly lost during military operations. As of January 27, this demand has escalated to ₦250 million. Logistical: They also demand 20 motorcycles (increased from an initial request of 17). Official Resp...

The corruption trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke began in London's Southwark Crown Court on January 26, 2026, though its full commencement faced delays for legal and technical reasons.  The 65-year-old faces six charges—five for accepting bribes and one for conspiracy to commit bribery—allegedly involving over £100,000 in cash, luxury goods, and private jet flights between 2011 and 2015. Key details regarding the trial: Accusations: She is accused of accepting "financial or other advantages" from individuals tied to Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical groups while serving as Minister. Alleged Benefits: Bribery allegations include use of London properties, staff costs, furniture, chauffeur-driven cars, and high-end items from Cartier and Louis Vuitton. Procedural Status: The trial, which is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks, involves the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and is presided over by Justice Thornton. Background: Alison-Madue...

  On January 24, 2026, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, was fatally shot by federal Border Patrol agents in south Minneapolis. The incident occurred during a confrontation amid protests against a federal immigration enforcement crackdown. Key Details of the Shooting Location: The shooting took place around 9:05 a.m. on Nicollet Avenue, an area known as "Eat Street". Conflicting Accounts: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated agents acted in self-defense after Pretti "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him while he brandished a 9mm handgun. Video Evidence: Multiple bystander videos verified by major news outlets appear to contradict the federal narrative. Analysis indicates that while Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit, an agent had already removed the weapon from his waistband and was walking away when at least one other agent fired approximately ten shots at Pret...

  An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for metro Atlanta and North Georgia from 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, until 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, with significant icing (0.25 to 1 inch) and wind gusts up to 40 mph expected.  This high-impact event is likely to cause widespread power outages, tree damage, and make travel impossible. Impacts: Dangerous, potentially crippling conditions for travel and infrastructure. Hazards: Significant ice accumulation combined with 20–30 mph wind gusts will likely snap tree limbs and power lines. Safety: Georgia officials have declared a State of Emergency, urging residents to stay off roads. Closures: Many schools, including Atlanta Public Schools, have moved to remote learning or closed for Monday, Jan. 26. Preparation: Complete all preparations by Saturday morning, as conditions will deteriorate quickly. Also, MARTA is implementing an inclement weather service plan for Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, due to a winter storm, operating...