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Ghana Signs First Security and Defense Partnership with EU Amid West African Terror Threats
Ghana and EU Forge Security and Defense Partnership
Ghana has become the first African country to enter into a formal security and defense partnership with the European Union (EU). The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism, including the delivery of surveillance drones and weapons. Ghana's Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang stated that this partnership will significantly enhance Ghana's security capabilities and promote peace and stability in the wider West Africa sub-region. This comes as coastal West African states seek to prevent violence from Islamist militant groups spilling over from the neighboring Sahel.
Iran War Threatens African Agriculture
The war in Iran has choked traditional supply routes and disrupted energy flows via the Strait of Hormuz, heavily impacting African agriculture. Up to 30% of internationally traded fertilizers are carried through this strait, and many African countries rely heavily on fertilizer imports from the Gulf. David Laborde, Director for Agrifood Economics at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted that countries like Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi are particularly vulnerable. The rising costs of fertilizers pose risks for smallholder farmers, potentially reducing yields and increasing the cost of living for households. While African producers like Morocco and Nigeria could offer alternatives, issues of blending different fertilizer types and market prices remain.
Floods Continue to Devastate Kenya
Kenya has been hit by heavy flooding for a third consecutive weekend, with at least 88 people losing their lives since the start of March. The capital, Nairobi, has been particularly hard-hit, recording 37 fatalities. Faced with mounting criticism, the government has urgently launched operations to clear drainage systems. However, residents blame rapid urban expansion and inadequate infrastructure for exacerbating the problem. Experts warn that without long-term city planning and disaster management strategies, some neighborhoods could become uninhabitable as the rainy season continues.
*Source: YouTube: France 24 English (2026-03-24)*
