West African leaders are gathering in Sierra Leone for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings, a key moment for the region as Heads of State, ministers and senior officials come together to review progress and set priorities. The meetings will culminate in the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, where critical decisions are expected on issues ranging from peace and security to economic integration, trade, and democratic governance. To help us understand what's at stake and what outcomes to watch for, Mpho Sithole spoke to Lassané Ouedraogo, Legal Researcher at the University of Pretoria and ECOWAS analyst.

West African leaders are gathering in Sierra Leone for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings, a key moment for the region as Heads of State, ministers and senior officials come together to review progress and set priorities. The meetings will culminate in the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, where critical decisions are expected on issues ranging from peace and security to economic integration, trade, and democratic governance. To help us understand what's at stake and what outcomes to watch for, Mpho Sithole spoke to Lassan&eacute; Ouedraogo, Legal Researcher at the University of Pretoria and ECOWAS analyst.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory meetings underway in Sierra Leone

Africa has emerged as the global epicentre of iGaming fraud, according to a new report by Sumsub - a global verification provider aiming to make verification processes simple. The findings point to a rapidly evolving threat, with fraudsters increasingly using stolen identities, AI-assisted tools, and coordinated networks to target online gaming platforms across the continent. The report shows that Africa recorded the highest fraud rate globally in early 2026 with identity fraud now far more common than traditional document forgery. To unpack what's driving this trend, Mpho Sithole spoke to Jarryd Jensen, Regional Director for Southern Africa at Sumsub

Africa has emerged as the global epicentre of iGaming fraud, according to a new report by Sumsub - a global verification provider aiming to make verification processes simple. The findings point to a rapidly evolving threat, with fraudsters increasingly using stolen identities, AI-assisted tools, and coordinated networks to target online gaming platforms across the continent. The report shows that Africa recorded the highest fraud rate globally in early 2026 with identity fraud now far more common than traditional document forgery. To unpack what's driving this trend, Mpho Sithole spoke to Jarryd Jensen, Regional Director for Southern Africa at Sumsub<a href="https://zaf01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsabc-plus.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMothataWM%40channelafrica.co.za%7C3bfad36d99a84d5c490e08dee1e2320b%7C17694f0c19394195913e8542ec6bea22%7C0%7C0%7C639196558778882228%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=MgbhAb6BBe4yJeBNcB0R7nLCarh4NJZk4G2Mri5SFLo%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0"></a>

Africa emerges as global epicentre of iGaming fraud

Tension in the Middle East has escalated after the United States military launched strikes on Iran, following threats by US president Donald Trump to control access through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated, collapsing a fragile truce and reigniting fears of a wider regional conflict. Mpho Sithole spoke to Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow & Director At Africa Asia Dialogues (Afrasid) to unpack the implications

Tension in the Middle East has escalated after the United States military launched strikes on Iran, following threats by US president Donald Trump to control access through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated, collapsing a fragile truce and reigniting fears of a wider regional conflict. Mpho Sithole spoke to Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow &amp; Director At Africa Asia Dialogues (Afrasid) to unpack the implications

Tension in the Middle East has escalated following strikes on Iran

A South African court has delivered its judgment in the extradition case of Zimbabwean political activist Wellington Masiwa, also known as Comrade Nyokayemabhunu. The case raises important questions about extradition law, political asylum, and the protection of activists in South Africa. Masiwa has been a prominent and outspoken critic of efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond constitutional limits, gaining attention through his activism and online broadcasts. However, Zimbabwean authorities maintain that the extradition request relates to fraud charges, not politics. In an exclusive interview with Channel Africa producer Tracey Boomgaard, conducted in holding cells as he awaited his return to prison, Wellington spoke about his journey and arrest in South Africa.

A South African court has delivered its judgment in the extradition case of Zimbabwean political activist Wellington Masiwa, also known as Comrade Nyokayemabhunu. The case raises important questions about extradition law, political asylum, and the protection of activists in South Africa. Masiwa has been a prominent and outspoken critic of efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond constitutional limits, gaining attention through his activism and online broadcasts. However, Zimbabwean authorities maintain that the extradition request relates to fraud charges, not politics. In an exclusive interview with Channel Africa producer Tracey Boomgaard, conducted in holding cells as he awaited his return to prison, Wellington spoke about his journey and arrest in South Africa.

ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory meetings underway in Sierra Leone

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