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Burkina Faso Junta Abolishes Electoral Commission, Citing Cost and Push for Sovereignty
Burkina Faso’s military-led government has dismantled the country’s electoral commission and handed its responsibilities over to the interior ministry, justifying the decision by citing high operational costs and the desire to reduce foreign influence. The ruling junta described the commission as a financial burden, with the interior minister reporting it received around $870,000 in annual subsidies.
The announcement, broadcast on state-owned RTB TV, marks another significant change under the current military regime, which took power in September 2022. Since the takeover, the junta has delayed elections that were meant to restore civilian rule, pushing the transition timeline to July 2029. This extension allows the current head of state, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to remain in power and potentially contest the next presidential race.
The government claims that the move to dissolve the electoral body will strengthen national control over the voting process and reduce external interference. The shift is also seen as part of the broader effort to assert sovereignty, especially as Burkina Faso moves away from France—its former colonial ruler—and builds stronger relations with Russia.
Despite pledges to improve national security, rights groups have accused the military of committing abuses against civilians, suppressing political freedoms, and stifling dissent. Meanwhile, the Islamist insurgency persists, with jihadist group JNIM reportedly responsible for over 280 attacks in the first half of 2025—twice the number recorded during the same period in 2024, according to BBC-verified figures.
AFRINITY TV REPORT
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Meets Harvard Researcher Dr. Jennifer Wortham During U.S. Working Visit
As part of her recent working visit to the United States of America, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, held a significant meeting with her sister and ally in advocacy, Dr. Jennifer S. Wortham, Dr.PH — a renowned research associate in religion, spirituality, and forgiveness at Harvard University.
Dr. Wortham, a highly respected expert with over 30 years of experience in health system transformation, has consulted for leading public and private sector healthcare institutions. She holds a Doctorate in Public Health from UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, where she also serves as a faculty member, teaching graduate courses on health service quality and patient safety.
The two distinguished women engaged in an enriching discussion on Dr. Wortham’s ongoing international research, which investigates the health impacts of moral and spiritual injury. Their dialogue centered on developing integrated psycho-social-spiritual interventions that support victims of moral injury — a field closely aligned with the First Lady’s commitment to holistic well-being and dignity protection.
Dr. Wortham is also the author of A Letter to the Pope: The Keeper of the Nest, a memoir drawn from her family’s personal journey with clergy abuse. She leads a survivor-led coalition advocating for the establishment of a United Nations World Day for the Protection of Child Dignity — a cause deeply resonant with global efforts toward justice and child protection.
This meaningful meeting opened new pathways for collaboration in strengthening health systems, advancing child protection, and integrating spiritual care into public health policies.
Afrinity TV applauds this powerful alliance in championing health equity, dignity, and child safety on the global stage.
Sierra Leone’s First Lady Joins Global Conversation on Transformational Leadership
“We chose Impacting Humanity Over Changing Curtains” — These were the powerful words shared by the First Lady of Sierra Leone as she took part in Day One of the First Partners Global Academy held at the prestigious Ford Foundation on July 8, 2025.
The event, organized by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA), brought together First Ladies and First Partners from around the world to engage in high-level discourse aimed at shaping national and global development through strategic leadership. GFLA, known for its mission to empower First Partners with tools, training, and strategic insight, is providing a transformational platform for changemakers to learn and lead with purpose.
The First Lady described the opening day as both enlightening and inspiring, as discussions focused on purposeful partnerships, leadership impact, and the evolving role of First Partners in driving positive change in their countries and communities.
As the sessions continue, the First Lady expressed optimism about deepening collaborations with fellow global leaders and reaffirmed her commitment to impactful service for the people of Sierra Leone and beyond.
Afrinity TV will continue to follow this significant journey as Sierra Leone’s First Lady represents the nation on the global stage of transformational leadership.
South Sudan Confirms Custody of 8 Men Deported from the US
On Tuesday, authorities in South Sudan confirmed that eight men deported from the United States are currently in government custody.
Apuk Ayuel, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the men arrived at Juba International Airport on Saturday following routine deportation processes carried out by the U.S. government. Ayuel further mentioned that the individuals are undergoing screening by appropriate officials to guarantee their safety and welfare.
Botswana Set to Host Junior Chess Championship Ahead of African Qualifiers
According to a report by Botswana Gazette, the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) will hold the 2025 Botswana Junior Chess Championship at the University of Botswana in Gaborone from July 12 to 13.
The event, recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), will serve as a qualifying competition to select Botswana’s representatives for the forthcoming Africa Junior Chess Championship.
Nomination SPOTLIGHTS
Best Feature Film
🎞️✨ Spotlight on the top features of 2025!
The nominees for Best Feature Film are:
🎬 Never Enough – by African Homes Entertainment
🎬 Insurmountable – by Honey Vision Entertainment
🎬 Safire – by Awujor Films
💥 Each story, a masterpiece in its own right!
Nomination SPOTLIGHTS
Best Short Film
⏱️ Big impact. Short format.
Here are the nominees for Best Short Film:
1️⃣ Coup De Grâce — Horizon Edge Studio (The Gambia)
2️⃣ Heritage — Horizon Edge Studio (The Gambia)
3️⃣ Wet Trap — Pixshure (Nigeria)
🔥 Who will win the race in record time?
Nomination SPOTLIGHTS
Best Indigenous Film
🌍 Rooted in culture. Told in truth.
Nominees for Best Indigenous Film are:
1️⃣ Insurmountable — Honey Vision Entertainment (Sierra Leone)
2️⃣ Myth of the GODS — Dora’s Picture (Sierra Leone)
3️⃣ Seven Virgins — Sunset Films (Gambia)
🎬 Celebrating stories told in native voices.
Nomination SPOTLIGHTS
Best Documentary
🎥 Real stories. Real impact.
The nominees for Best Documentary are:
1️⃣ GCCI Mini Documentary — Gambia (Pixshure)
2️⃣ Legend of Biri Biri — Nigeria (Pixshure)
3️⃣ Treasure Women — Gambia (Pixshure)
📚 Documenting legacy, history, and strength.
Nomination SPOTLIGHTS
Best Leading Male Actor
🎭 Bold, commanding, and unforgettable!
Presenting the nominees for Best Leading Male Actor:
1️⃣ Ebrima Kanu — Coup de Grade
2️⃣ Sydney Franky Boyle Feury — Safire
3️⃣ Marklaw Penant Bangura — Insumatable
👏 Who delivered the performance of a lifetime?
D5 Creation