Now, to some of the stories making headlines across the West Africa region, where a mix of political tension, security challenges and economic pressures continues to shape developments.

Ghana is intensifying its push for global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.

In Mali, authorities have secured a fragile truce that allows fuel deliveries to resume following the release of jihadist prisoners, a move that has raised questions about long‑term stability and the government’s ability to contain insurgent groups.

Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over press freedom, highlighted by the detention of a journalist in Mali, and over food security, with warnings of poor cocoa harvests emerging from Côte d’Ivoire.

To unpack these developments and what they mean for politics, peace and security in the region, we are joined by Dr David Matsanga, Political Scientist, and International Relations and Conflict Resolution Expert.