A catastrophic flood in Maiduguri, Nigeria, caused by the collapse of the Alau dam, has been attributed to years of government negligence and mismanagement. Despite repeated warnings from engineers and local residents about the dam's deteriorating condition, officials failed to take corrective action. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with up to 1,000 people killed and nearly half a million displaced. The flood has exacerbated existing challenges in the region, including food and water shortages, and has drawn attention to the need for urgent maintenance of over 300 other dams in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with promises of future action to prevent similar disasters.

The article discusses the impact of the Nigerian TV show 'Gidan Badamasi' on societal debates about high birthrates in Nigeria and Africa. The show, featuring a wealthy protagonist with numerous children, has resonated with audiences, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of Africa's youth boom. The narrative underscores the contrast between high fertility rates in Africa and declining birthrates in wealthier regions, emphasizing the need for education and employment to harness potential economic growth.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine addressed the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the global threat posed by Russia's aggression and nuclear saber-rattling. He called for international support to counter Russia's actions, highlighting the risks of nuclear disaster and the humanitarian impact on Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin escalated nuclear threats, suggesting a lower threshold for nuclear weapon use in response to conventional attacks. The UN Security Council faced criticism for its inaction on global conflicts, with calls for reform and greater representation for African nations. The article also discusses the geopolitical implications of military support for Ukraine, including debates over the use of long-range weapons.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, the youngest elected leader in Africa, advocates for a new world order that amplifies Africa's influence. His rapid rise from prison to presidency symbolizes a break from the continent's traditional leadership, resonating with Africa's youthful and growing population. In his first interview with a Western media outlet, he emphasizes the need for global recognition of Africa's potential and contributions.

An Al Qaeda-affiliated extremist group claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on two military sites in Bamako, Mali, marking the first such incident in the capital since 2016. The assault targeted a military police school in Faladié, highlighting the ongoing Islamist insurgency that has plagued Mali for 12 years, primarily affecting the northern and central regions. The attack underscores the persistent security challenges in the Sahel region.

Three American citizens, including Marcel Malanga and Tyler Thompson, were sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo for their involvement in a failed coup attempt led by Christian Malanga. The coup, which occurred in May, resulted in three deaths and a brief occupation of a presidential office. The trial concluded with 37 convictions and 14 acquittals, amid criticism of the D.R.C.'s decision to resume executions. The coup leader, Christian Malanga, was killed during the attempt, and his movement, New Zaïre, was associated with the failed coup. The verdict was delivered at a military prison in Kinshasa and broadcast on national television.

Residents of Mafa, a village in Nigeria's Yobe State, returned home after being assured of safety, only to face a deadly attack by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province, a Boko Haram splinter group. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 170 people, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Islamist extremists in the region. This incident follows another major attack in Burkina Faso, highlighting the persistent threat of terrorism in West Africa.

In 2013, a significant event took place in Wassu, Gambia, where 30 traditional practitioners of female genital cutting publicly renounced the practice. These women, who were respected figures in their communities, participated in a ceremony where they pledged to stop cutting girls, symbolically discarding their tools. This marked a shift in cultural practices, highlighting efforts to end female genital mutilation in the region.

Nationwide protests in Nigeria, driven by rising inflation and hunger, have resulted in at least 13 deaths, including four bystanders killed by security forces. Organizers have planned 10 days of demonstrations across the country, challenging government policies aimed at reviving the economy.

The former president of Guinea, Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara, was found guilty of crimes against humanity for his role in a stadium massacre and mass rape of pro-democracy demonstrators 15 years ago. The trial, which included 11 other defendants, was a significant test for holding military rulers accountable in the region. Captain Camara received a 20-year prison sentence, while Lieutenant Aboubacar Diakité, the former head of the presidential guard, was sentenced to 10 years. The judge convicted six other defendants and acquitted four, including a former health minister.