Africa
Lagos lagoon community demolished and burnt
In Nigeria’s largest city, locals believe that the demolition efforts are part of a plan to revitalize the waterfront area, a claim that government officials have disputed.
In Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, a significant number of wooden homes, including that of Anna Sobie, a mother of five, have been torn down in a shanty town situated on a lagoon. Critics argue that the demolitions are part of an effort by authorities to reclaim the valuable waterfront area for more upscale development.
However, officials from the Lagos State government counter that the demolitions in Makoko, the country's largest informal waterfront settlement, are necessary due to the area's proximity to high-voltage power lines, which poses a significant threat to the health and safety of residents.
Following the demolition of her home, Anna Sobie and her children have been forced to take shelter on the remnants of their former house's foundation, located on the Lagos Lagoon. This lagoon is the largest of 10 in the city, which is struggling to address a severe housing shortage and rising costs of living, leading to increased marginalization of vulnerable populations.
During an interview with the BBC, the waterways surrounding the demolished area were bustling with canoes, propelled by paddles or long bamboo poles, transporting the personal belongings of displaced residents, including mattresses and clothing.
According to residents, the demolition efforts began just two days before Christmas, with excavation teams and armed police descending upon sections of the waterfront settlement that face the Atlantic Ocean, marking the start of the displacement of numerous families.
A recent joint statement from 10 non-governmental organisations described a series of incidents in which armed individuals, security personnel, and demolition crews equipped with bulldozers repeatedly targeted the community, resulting in the destruction of homes.
According to the NGOs, the demolitions were often carried out with minimal warning, and in some cases, residents were still inside their homes when they were set on fire.
During a visit to Makoko, the BBC observed smoke hanging in the air, originating from both the remains of destroyed homes and makeshift fires used by residents to dry their clothes, fueled by damp wood.
Along the shoreline, excavators were actively dismantling structures, including houses built on wooden stilts over the lagoon, which were collapsing into the water as they were pulled down, with corrugated metal sheets from the roofs drifting away among boats.
With its origins dating back to the 19th Century, Makoko was established by fishing communities that have continued to reside in the settlement, joined over time by low-income families and migrants seeking improved opportunities in Lagos.
A longstanding dispute surrounds the ownership of the lagoon, with the state government asserting its claim under federal law, citing the lack of formal planning permission and occupancy rights for the Makoko community.
However, long-time residents argue that their settlement predates the modern city of Lagos, and as such, they possess a traditional right to the land that supersedes formal documentation.
The population of Makoko is estimated to range between 80,000 and 200,000 inhabitants, although the community is now fragmented due to various factors.
According to non-governmental organizations, the demolition of over 3,000 homes, as well as several schools, clinics, and churches, has resulted in the displacement of more than 10,000 individuals, while the state government has not released its own tally of destroyed buildings.
Sobie is one of the many residents who have lost their homes to demolition, highlighting the human impact of the conflict over the lagoon's ownership.
According to her account, she was indoors when the commotion began, describing the sound as extremely loud, and upon exiting, an excavator came into view.
She notes that the time frame allowed for minimal relocation of her family's possessions.
On the same day, her son Solomon's school in Makoko suffered demolition.
Initially, Sobie's family relocated to a nearby building, but it was also demolished at a later time.
Sobie reports that her family is currently forced to sleep in an open area, exposed to the rain, while nearby properties are being set on fire, stating that they have no alternative accommodation.
Solomon is among the many youngsters who have had to abandon their education, instead assisting their parents in scavenging for materials to sell, such as firewood, from the rubble of demolished buildings.
Despite the ongoing demolition efforts, commercial activities persist, with vendors navigating the remaining structures by canoe to offer their wares, including fish and other essential items.
However, numerous traders have been forced to cease operations due to the loss of their merchandise, which was destroyed when their homes were either demolished or set ablaze.
The lagoon plays a vital role in the community's daily life, prompting residents to voice their opposition to the relocation plans for Makoko.
A protest involving over 1,000 residents took place last week, with demonstrators marching to the House of Assembly, where they sought to meet with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose offices are in close proximity.
The protest took a turn for the worse when law enforcement deployed tear gas, resulting in injuries, according to demonstrators, who claim at least one person was hurt in the melee.
Local residents and community leaders allege that a similar incident occurred during the demolitions a few weeks prior, resulting in the loss of five lives, including those of children, after tear gas was reportedly used.
In an interview with the BBC, Sobie describes the scene, stating that children were overcome with emotion, with some losing consciousness, and others succumbing to the effects of the tear gas, which led to hospitalizations.
The Lagos State government claims it has no knowledge of its personnel using tear gas during the demolitions or of any fatalities linked to these events.
Gbenga Omotoso, the state's commissioner for information, told the BBC that the government would look into any such allegations, indicating a willingness to investigate these claims.
He explained that their primary goal is to establish the true cause of death, emphasizing that their personnel are not intentionally harming anyone.
A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, to which community leaders have been invited, where lawmakers from Lagos will hear their concerns.
The state government has justified the demolition of certain structures, citing the need to remove homes constructed under high-voltage power lines.
According to Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, the governor's special adviser on urban development, it is imperative for any responsible government to prevent people from residing under high-tension cables or obstructing crucial waterways.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has announced plans to provide financial support and other forms of assistance to affected families, dismissing accusations that he is intentionally causing harm to the Makoko community.
The governor expressed alarm over the rapid growth of shanties, which are encroaching on the vicinity of the Third Mainland Bridge, a crucial link between the mainland and the island areas that comprise the city's commercial hub and affluent neighborhoods.
This development poses a significant threat, according to the governor.
He warned that the presence of high-tension power lines beneath the bridge poses a significant risk, stating that a potential disaster could result in a substantial loss of life, with estimates suggesting between 100 to 500 fatalities, as reported by local media outlets.
In response to the situation, the governor stated that the shanties were relocated to a safer area, as a precautionary measure.
Peacemaker Afolabi, a real estate developer based in Lagos, noted in an interview with the BBC that the demand for land in the city remains extremely high.
The location of Lagos is highly valued, with waterfront areas being particularly sought after, according to one observer.
There are concerns among local residents that the recent demolitions may be intended to make way for new construction projects, such as high-end residences.
Despite denials from the state government, many people continue to harbor doubts about the true motivations behind these actions.
Emmanuel Abara Benson, a Nigerian journalist, has written an article for the Atlanta Tribune in which he describes Makoko as a prominent example of the gentrification underway in Lagos.
Benson notes that the gentrification process in Lagos is distinct from the gradual, long-term changes typically seen in Western cities, instead characterized by a swift and disruptive transformation that is already displacing large numbers of residents.
Lagos is poised to undergo significant transformations in the coming years, potentially enhancing its global appeal. However, for numerous residents, the city's evolving landscape may ultimately lead to a decline in livability.
A joint statement issued by NGOs alleged that the demolitions that took place in Makoko and other settlements in the previous year were motivated by a hidden agenda to acquire land.
According to the NGOs, the actions taken against thousands of peaceful and hardworking residents demonstrate a deliberate and systematic pattern of state-sanctioned violence targeting the urban poor, with the ultimate goal of clearing valuable land to make way for large-scale private developments that cater to elite interests.
An official report released in the previous year revealed that although the city's housing stock increased substantially from 1.4 million units in 2016 to over 2.57 million units in 2025, the growth has failed to keep pace with the rising demand for housing.
The report, as cited by Nigeria's Punch newspaper, noted that the housing shortfall has expanded by 15 percent, from approximately 2.95 million units in 2016 to 3.4 million units in 2025, highlighting the persistent challenge of meeting the city's housing needs.
The combination of a rapidly expanding population, increasing rental costs, and restricted access to formal housing has led to a surge in low-income residents relocating to informal settlements, often situated near waterways and transportation routes.
Previous demolition efforts in Makoko, including those that took place in 2017, have been met with resistance from residents, who successfully obtained a court order to halt forced evictions unless proper notice, compensation, and relocation arrangements were made.
According to Megan Chapman, co-director of the Justice and Empowerment Initiatives campaign group, the government has not provided adequate alternative housing for residents affected by the recent demolitions.
Chapman emphasized to the BBC that a more thorough approach is necessary, stating, "The authorities must identify all those who will be impacted and make suitable arrangements before any homes are demolished."
The effects of such displacement can be far-reaching, Chapman noted, impacting not only individual livelihoods but also the structure of families and the overall functioning of communities over an extended period.
In Makoko, the BBC observed boys gathered by the lagoon, mending their damaged fishing nets. Meanwhile, children navigated through rubble, gathering firewood from destroyed buildings.
A tractor was seen removing debris from a former residential site. The area was largely devastated, with only a few structures still standing, notably the residences of local traditional leaders.
Elizabeth Kakisiwe resides in close proximity to the affected area.
As part of her daily routine, she places wooden boards on the wet ground for her children to sleep on at night and then stores them away the following morning.
According to Elizabeth Kakisiwe, she was at the market when the destruction began. Upon returning, she found that her house had been completely destroyed, leaving her without a home.
According to her account, the displacement occurred without prior warning, leaving no opportunity to salvage personal items. As a result, essential belongings such as clothing, kitchenware, and bedding were lost. The subsequent rainfall only exacerbated their situation, leaving them exposed to the elements.
She describes the harsh conditions they face, stating that evenings are spent in the cold. When the children fall ill, they are given paracetamol as a means of alleviating their symptoms.
The rain has also complicated their ability to prepare meals, as the wet ground and debris have attracted rodents, making cooking a challenging task.
Kakisiwe reported that their dietary options have been severely limited, citing an instance where they only had garri, a traditional cassava-based drink, to sustain themselves. The lack of cooking facilities has left them with few alternatives.
Sobie echoes this sentiment, expressing the depth of their hardship. The high mortality rate and overwhelming difficulties have left the community at a loss for words, with many placing their hopes in divine intervention.
Reporting for this piece was also contributed by Gift Ufuoma.
For further coverage of African news, visit the BBCAfrica.com website.
Africa
Understanding the crisis in South Sudan: a simple guide
A deepening political divide is raising concerns of potential renewed conflict following allegations of treason leveled against the vice-president.
Concerns are mounting that South Sudan, the world's newest nation, is on the brink of descending into all-out civil war as clashes persist in Jonglei state, located northeast of the capital city, Juba.
The government is attempting to reclaim territory from forces loyal to First Vice-President Riek Machar, who has been suspended from his position amid allegations of plotting to overthrow President Salva Kiir.
Machar is currently standing trial in Juba, facing charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, all of which he denies.
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), Machar's party, has rejected the charges as a politically motivated attack aimed at dismantling the 2018 peace agreement that brought an end to a five-year civil war.
The SPLM/A-IO and its allied groups claim to have captured territory, including military bases, in Jonglei and other states since the end of last year.
In response, South Sudan's army launched a counteroffensive last month.
In a statement that has raised concerns, Deputy Army Chief Gen Johnson Oluny urged troops to show no restraint, including against civilians, when deployed to Jonglei, although the government later clarified that this was not an official order.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, contradicting Gen Oluny's statement.
The recent violence in Jonglei has displaced at least 280,000 people, forcing them to flee their homes.
Aid agencies, including Oxfam, have reported that their facilities, such as clinics, have been looted, and staff have been assaulted.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, following decades of fighting led by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), and has been one of the world's poorest countries.
Two years after independence, a civil war broke out when Kiir removed Machar as vice-president, accusing him of plotting a coup.
The conflict, largely driven by ethnic divisions between supporters of Kiir and Machar, resulted in an estimated 400,000 deaths and the displacement of 2.5 million people, which is more than a fifth of the population.
As part of the peace agreement, Machar was reinstated as vice-president in a unity government, which was intended to pave the way for elections.
Although the current conflict in Jonglei is primarily driven by national political rivalries, the state has a history of inter-communal violence, particularly between sub-clans of the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups.
Cycles of violence linked to cattle raiding, land access, and revenge attacks continue to shape and complicate the current conflict.
The SPLM/A-IO draws significant support from Nuer communities, while the government and its allied forces are dominated by Dinka leadership, leading to national political confrontations that often reignite local grievances and increase the risk of communal violence.
The current crisis began in March last year when the White Army militia, allied to Machar during the civil war, clashed with the army in Upper Nile state and seized a military base in Nasir.
On 7 March, a UN helicopter attempting to evacuate troops came under fire, resulting in several fatalities, including a high-ranking army general.
Nearly three weeks later, Machar and several of his associates were placed under house arrest, accused of attempting to incite a rebellion.
At the time, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, deputy leader of the SPLM/A-IO, stated that the prospect for peace and stability in South Sudan had been severely jeopardized.
Instead of easing tensions, the government intensified its actions against Machar, charging him with treason, among other crimes, in September.
Days later, the SPLM/A-IO escalated its rhetoric, denouncing Kiir's government as a dictatorship and calling for regime change.
Although Machar's inclusion in the unity government was a key aspect of the peace agreement, other provisions have not been implemented.
A major concern for many South Sudanese is the security arrangement, which has not been fully realized.
The peace agreement outlined a plan to integrate former rebel forces and government soldiers into a unified national army of 83,000 troops, with the remainder to be disarmed and demobilized.
However, this has not occurred, and numerous militias aligned with different political groups remain active.
The agreement also called for the establishment of a court, with the help of the African Union, to try those responsible for the violence, but this has not been created, partly due to the reluctance of those in power to face trial.
Elections scheduled for 2022 have not taken place, and a new constitution has not been drafted.
Kenyan mediators are attempting to revive the peace process.
The Tumaini Initiative, which translates to "hope" in Swahili, aims to hold talks in Kenya to lay the groundwork for credible elections.
Kiir and Machar, both in their 70s, were part of the SPLM that fought for independence, but long-standing tensions exist between them.
These tensions have been fueled by ethnic divisions, with Kiir being Dinka and Machar being Nuer, as well as competing political ambitions.
When Kiir dismissed Machar as vice-president in 2013, triggering the civil war, Machar denounced him as a dictator.
The repeated postponements of elections have created further problems between the two leaders.
The delays, which have occurred four times, have prevented Machar from realizing his presidential ambitions, while perceptions grow that Kiir intends to remain in power indefinitely.
Born in 1953, the 72-year-old Machar was the 27th son of the chief of Ayod and Leer and was raised in the Presbyterian Church.
Machar studied mechanical engineering at the University of Khartoum as an undergraduate and later earned a PhD in philosophy and strategic planning from the UK's Bradford University in 1984.
During the struggle for secession from Sudan, Machar switched sides on several occasions, seeking to strengthen his position and that of his Nuer ethnic group.
He became vice-president of South Sudan at independence in 2011, but was later sacked in 2013 and reinstated as part of a deal in 2016, only to flee as fighting resumed.
In 1951, a child was born to a family of modest means, with his father working as a cattle herder, and he was the eighth of nine siblings; today, at 74, he remains a devoted Roman Catholic.
At the age of 17, he enlisted with the Anyanya rebel group, which was fighting for southern independence during the First Sudanese Civil War that began in 1967; 16 years later, he co-founded the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement, one of five key individuals to do so, amidst the Second Sudanese Civil War.
As a former rebel commander with expertise in military intelligence, he emerged as a voice of moderation within the SPLM, assuming leadership of the group in 2005 following the death of John Garang in a helicopter accident.
Upon South Sudan's independence, he took office as president, a position he has held for 14 years, as the country has not yet conducted elections.
Nicholas Haysom, the UN mission head in South Sudan, cautioned last year that the nation was on the verge of plunging back into full-scale civil war, which would have devastating consequences for a country still reeling from its previous conflict.
According to Daniel Akech, an analyst with the Crisis Group think-tank, a resurgence of fighting could lead to "proxy warfare in the region", prompting concerns about the potential consequences.
Akech outlined two primary consequences of renewed conflict: the escalation of ethnic tensions as opposing sides seek to rally support, and the likelihood that neighbouring countries would become embroiled in the conflict.
The leaders of the Igad regional grouping, which includes Uganda, are tasked with upholding the 2018 agreement as its guarantors.
As part of a long-standing accord to support the army, some Ugandan troops have been deployed to South Sudan, according to the government.
For additional news and updates from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com.
Africa
Ghana designates Wednesday as ‘Fugu Day’ to promote traditional attire
A popular article of clothing has garnered significant online attention in recent days, sparked by a lighthearted exchange between individuals from Ghana and Zambia.
In a move to promote national pride, Ghana has declared Wednesdays as a day to don the country's traditional attire, known as the fugu, following a recent online exchange with Zambia.
The fugu gained international attention when President John Dramani Mahama wore it during an official visit to Zambia, sparking a debate after some Zambians referred to it as a "blouse", which led to a strong reaction from Ghanaians on social media.
According to Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, wearing the traditional outfit weekly will help showcase the country's cultural identity on a global scale, as announced on Tuesday.
Minister Gomashie encouraged the public to wear the fugu in its various forms, designs, and styles, accompanied by its unique and beautiful accessories, to promote the country's rich cultural heritage.
The fugu, also referred to as batakari, is a traditional garment originating from northern Ghana, characterized by its hand-woven cotton fabric strips stitched together to form a distinctive, poncho-style top.
Minister Gomashie noted that the weekly promotion of the fugu will have significant social and economic benefits, particularly for local artisans, designers, and traders involved in its production.
The minister stated that the government hopes the collective adoption of the fugu will foster national unity, boost the creative economy, and serve as a symbol of Ghana's cultural identity and confidence.
The fugu has been a trending topic on social media for several days, following the online debate between Ghanaians and Zambians.
The debate led to Ghanaians, including members of parliament, sharing photos of themselves wearing the fugu on social media, while Zambians responded by showcasing their traditional siziba outfits.
The online discussion caught the attention of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who announced plans to import fugus from Ghana.
President Mahama also proposed exporting the smock to Zambia in bulk, highlighting its potential economic benefits.
President Mahama emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the fugu, noting that Ghana's founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, wore it on Independence Day in 1957, and that he himself had recently worn it to the UN.
For more news and updates from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com.
Africa
Woman fights back after losing sons to jihadist attack
Yameogo Aminata reports that she lost four of her sons to violence and her daughter remains unaccounted for.
Certain details in this account may be disturbing for some readers.
Yameogo Aminata, a 57-year-old refugee, sits in a dimly lit room at a camp in Ivory Coast, struggling to come to terms with the traumatic loss of her four sons, who were killed by jihadists in their home country of Burkina Faso.
In 2022, Aminata was away from her home when armed insurgents, who have been wreaking havoc in central Burkina Faso for nearly 15 years, launched a devastating attack on her village.
The jihadists seized control of the village, taking cattle and land, and killing numerous residents, including Aminata's sons, who were between 25 and 32 years old.
Recounting the horrific event to the BBC, Aminata's body trembled with emotion as she described how the insurgents slit the throats of her children.
Aminata recalled arriving at the scene to find her fourth son being killed.
She attempted to fight back with a knife but was overpowered, beaten, and left with severe injuries to her head, shoulder, and throat.
During the chaos, Aminata became separated from her daughter, who remains missing to this day.
In 2023, Aminata fled to the Nioronigué camp in Ivory Coast, where she still keeps the blood-stained clothes from that fateful day as a poignant reminder of her loss.
Aminata expressed her desperation to the BBC, stating that she feels lost and without any sense of direction or purpose.
The insurgency in Burkina Faso has resulted in the deaths of at least 10,000 people, with the conflict also affecting neighboring Mali and Niger.
The United Nations has identified the region as a hub of global jihadist violence.
Military juntas have taken power in all three countries, pledging to combat the insurgency.
These juntas have shifted their allegiances away from traditional Western partners and are now seeking military aid from Russia.
Despite the deployment of Russian forces in Burkina Faso under the Africa Corps banner, the insurgency persists, with the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) being a prominent militant organization.
Hassane Tall, a 60-year-old farmer, fled northern Burkina Faso in 2023 with his three wives and 19 children after surviving multiple attacks.
Tall recounted to the BBC how they escaped clashes between jihadist groups and security forces, fearing for their lives.
Now residing in the Nioronigué camp, Tall expressed his deep sadness at leaving his ancestral land but sees no alternative for his family's safety.
The 12-hectare Nioronigué camp, which is home to Aminata and Tall, is located near the Burkina Faso border and was established in 2023 by the UN and Ivorian authorities.
Initially designed to accommodate around 6,000 people, the camp, along with the nearby Timala camp, currently shelters approximately 13,000 refugees, exceeding its intended capacity.
According to UN data, more than three million people have been displaced due to various conflicts in the Sahel region.
Over 80,000 people from Burkina Faso are currently living in camps in Ivory Coast.
Aminata expressed her gratitude to the Ivorian government and its people for providing her with shelter.
She recounted how she was forced to leave her home after being chased away by jihadists who sought to claim the country.
Similar stories of trauma and loss are echoed throughout the camp.
Among the refugees are individuals from Mali, including a 27-year-old finance graduate who, along with his brothers, undertook a perilous journey from Gao in northern Mali to the capital, Bamako, and then to northern Ivory Coast in search of safety.
The graduate stated that they were compelled to leave after their 24-year-old cousin, a fisherman, was killed by suspected jihadists.
He described the frequent attacks in the area, saying that such incidents occur daily.
The graduate told the BBC that they lived in constant fear, unsure if they would survive from one day to the next.
Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, Ivory Coast struggles with high unemployment and poverty, leaving locals in border areas concerned about the influx of refugees.
However, government representative Djamatigui Touré assured the BBC that refugees would be welcomed and not turned away.
Touré emphasized the shared history and culture between the refugees and the local population, referring to them as "brothers."
The UN Development Programme's resident representative, Blerta Cela, warned that the resources are being severely strained due to the large number of refugees.
Cela noted that the majority of refugees are not living in camps but are instead being hosted by Ivorian families.
For Aminata, rebuilding her life in a new country is weighed down by the memories of her past.
She acknowledged that she is still unable to come to terms with the traumatic events she experienced.
Aminata's only hope is for peace to be restored in Burkina Faso.
Additional reporting was provided by Noel Ebrin Brou.
For additional news coverage from Africa, visit the BBCAfrica.com website.
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