Insights from Africa is Momentum Africa’s newsletter covering stories of interest in policy, governance and corporate spaces from across West Africa, East Africa and South Africa.
Here’s a round-up of the latest headlines from the countries and organisations we follow, curated from top media sources on August 22 2025.
- Bawumia Endorsed Evil by Meeting and Hugging Fante Comedy
- Togo’s Ex-Defense Minister Urges Military to Oppose Gnassingbé
- Opposition Activists Call for Plan B Nominee Ahead of Ivorian Presidential Poll
- Ex-Soldier Arrested Over Claims of Assassination Plot Against Barrow
West Africa
Ghana 🇬🇭
Bawumia Endorsed Evil by Meeting and Hugging Fante Comedy (Modern Ghana)
Dumenu Charles Selorm, in an opinion piece, condemns the NPP’s weakened leadership and faults Dr. Bawumia for associating with a controversial TikToker, saying it damages morality and credibility in Ghanaian politics.
Togo 🇹🇬
Togo’s Ex-Defense Minister Urges Military to Oppose Gnassingbé (Africa.com)
Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé is facing growing pressure to step down after his sister-in-law and former defence minister, Essozimna Marguerite Gnakade, publicly urged the military to back the people in ending his family’s decades-long rule.
Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
Opposition Activists Call for Plan B Nominee Ahead of Ivorian Presidential Poll (Africa News)
With Ivory Coast’s presidential election approaching, a group of opposition activists is urging the PDCI-RDA to name a new candidate after a court disqualified Tidjane Thiam, warning that failure to do so risks weakening the party and driving supporters elsewhere.
Gambia 🇬🇲
Ex-Soldier Arrested Over Claims of Assassination Plot Against Barrow (The Point)
The Gambian government has confirmed the arrest of former army officer Abdoulie Sanyang after a radio interview in which he made allegations of election rigging, state-orchestrated violence, and his own involvement in politically motivated attacks.
National Assembly Hears How Janneh Commission Secretary Reported to MOJ, Not Commission (The Voice)
A former secretary of the Janneh Commission told lawmakers that she reported to the Ministry of Justice rather than the commission’s leadership, highlighting gaps in its administrative structure. She said her role was largely limited to processing payments, underscoring unclear appointment procedures and lines of authority within the commission.