Crackdowns often punish miners who are trying to survive, fuelling crime and conflict while leaving powerful players untouched.

The apparent rise of trafficking by older adults could reflect a new criminal adaptation rather than individual criminality.

Crowdfunding campaigns rescue hostages – but the visibility they generate is becoming part of how ransom demands are set.

Post-election ‘ghost town’ protests disrupted trade, revealing neighbouring countries’ economic reliance on stability in Cameroon.

In the interest of national stability, Ghana’s new government must tackle threats and gaps in the security sector.