West Africa in May 2026: the most important developments in society
In West Africa in May 2026, the most reported social story was the launch of free health insurance in Lagos, covering surgeries, antenatal care and other services, announced on 27 May. Also in Lagos, a demolition in Makoko, a floating slum, disrupted the schooling of hundreds of students, and the national emergency agency NEMA warned 34 local governments in Lagos and Ogun of flood risk.
In Ghana, Parliament passed a law on 29 May that imposes severe penalties for same-sex relationships and for advocacy, drawing international criticism. Ghana's President Mahama approved the evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, and Ghana welcomed the Pope's apology over the Catholic Church's role in slavery. Separately, attorneys said a pregnant woman from Ghana and her son had been detained for more than a week at Dulles Airport in the United States.
Sierra Leone said it would take in hundreds of West Africans deported by the United States. Cape Verde barred a cruise ship from disembarking passengers over a hantavirus outbreak, and three passengers were evacuated.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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