Ghana’s LGBTQI+ community fears new promotion of restrictions laws
Ghanaian lawmakers have reintroduced the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which was passed by Parliament in February 2024 but not enacted. The bill proposed five-year prison conditions to promote LGBTQ+ activities for same-sex relationships and up to three years. The Ghanaian Supreme Court dismissed its legal efforts to block it and found it would not be deemed unconstitutional as it has not yet been signed into law. President John Mahama, who took office in January, said he is committed to passing a bill that has been widespread in Ghana but has been criticized internationally for cutting LGBTQ+ rights. The law was born in an environment hostile to LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana. Many report living in the face of fear, violence and exile. Prominent voices, including human rights advocates and some religious leaders, opposed the bill, but others argued that they needed to protect children and maintain the values of their families.
The Battle of Libya will be eased after ceasefire is announced
According to Tripoli residents, the worst battle in Libyan capital calmed after the government announced the ceasefire, but officials did not immediately confirm the casualties. After the killing of a major militia leader, a conflict broke out. The Ministry of Defense said neutral police forces were deployed to ensure sensitive areas without heavy weapons. The ministry said the neutral units deployed around sensitive areas were from police and were not carrying heavy weapons. After the violence, burnt-out cars were scattered across the streets of some districts, and buildings had bullet marks. The violence was primarily involved with Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dubaiba and the 444 brigade, alongside the last major group outside his camp, Special Deterrence (RADA). Unsmil, the UN Libya mission, called for a ceasefire, saying it was “deeply wary of escalating violence in the densely populated regions of Tripoli.”
Democracy weakening related to freedom of the press in West Africa
The 2025 Reporter (RSF) press freedom rankings revealed major erosion in West Africa. The RSF report reflects an aggravation in the global trend of downgrading the state of freedom of the press around the world from “problematic” to “difficult.” Of the 16 countries in the region, 11 cases fell. Guinea was covered in the steepest drops, reaching 31st and 103rd, while Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Togo, Mali, Niger, Benin and Ghana also recorded decline. Only four countries recorded improvements: Cape Verde, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Liberia, but the Gambia continued to stagnate. The report highlighted the troublesome links between democracy and weakening of freedom of the press, especially in military-controlled states such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, where journalists faced arbitrary arrests, media halts and crackdowns. Journalists are increasingly targeted under authoritarian conditions, calling for urgent action to protect freedom of the press and media independence across the region.
Port Sudan under updated drone attack
According to residents, the dawn drone attack targeted Port Sudan, marking the 12th consecutive day of artillery fire. The ground-based anti-aircraft fire reportedly defeated several drones in the city and airport. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that between May 5 and 12, 550 families, including Eltaurak, Sararab and Dar es Salaam, are seeking evacuation in various parts of the Red Sea. Ongoing violence disrupts marine traffic, and Port Union leader Othman Taher has confirmed a sharp decline in port activities and warned that increased transportation and insurance costs could raise the prices of imports. Sudan’s military capabilities platform has identified the drones that will be used as upgraded FY-70 models. This is a Chinese-made replica of a Russian lo bullet with a combustion engine for the extended range. Despite the escalation, the RSF did not release a statement regarding the attack.
Zambia warns diplomats against interference after US aid cuts
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Zambian Foreign Minister Mrambo Haimbe warned diplomats against interference in the country’s internal affairs following US Ambassador Michael Gonzalez’s remarks on the “systematic theft” of US continuing drugs. Haimbe said envoys to ignore diplomatic channels “will increase the trend,” and this could undermine the “spirit of mutual respect.” He didn’t name anyone, but his comments were seen as directed at Lusaka’s US ambassador, Michael Gonzalez. Gonzalez announced that the US will cut $50 million in health aid due to theft of a life-saving drug the US was providing to patients. He said he decided to open it after holding more than 30 fruitless meetings with Zambian officials. Gonzalez said the test revealed a widespread resale of donated drugs and prompted the suspension of assistance. Zambian Home Minister Jacob Mwimb confirmed that forensic audits have led to 75 arrests and attacks on more than 400 medical facilities. Health Minister Elijah Muchima acknowledged that the issue precedes the current administration and said that digital systems were introduced to track inventory.
