Christmas in Africa: 6 Countries That Don’t Celebrate the Birth of Jesus

While Christmas on December 25 is widely celebrated by Christians around the world, some African countries do not observe it as a public holiday. According to reports, Algeria, Libya, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Morocco fall into this category. In these countries, Christmas celebrations are either private, limited to small Christian communities, or geared toward tourists. Factors include low Christian populations, safety concerns, or religious laws prohibiting non-Islamic festivities. For instance, Somalia bans Christmas entirely, and in Morocco, public observances are rare despite minor decorations in cities and tourist centers.

Portuguese Police Seize €5 Million From Private Jet Carrying Wife of Ousted Guinea-Bissau President

Portuguese Judicial Police seized €5 million in cash from a private jet arriving from Guinea-Bissau at Lisbon’s Figo Maduro Airport. The jet carried the wife of ousted Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and a close associate, who was arrested on suspicion of smuggling and money laundering. Authorities believe the funds were being transported to sustain the former president’s family lifestyle abroad. Embaló, removed from office in November 2025, is reported to be considering seeking political asylum in Portugal.

Guinea-Bissau’s opposition is urging ECOWAS to intervene to protect the country’s democracy.

They are calling for the same kind of involvement the bloc showed recently in Benin.

Rising political tensions have sparked worries about the state of democratic institutions.

Opposition leaders warn that without ECOWAS action, those institutions could be undermined.

The regional organization has a record of mediating governance issues across West Africa,
and supporters hope it will step in to help preserve peace and stability.

Atiku Visits Jonathan in Abuja After Returning From Guinea-Bissau Mission

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited ex-President Goodluck Jonathan at his Abuja residence following Jonathan’s return from an election observation mission in Guinea-Bissau. The meeting comes shortly after Atiku’s defection from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress, where he is expected to emerge as a top presidential contender for the 2027 elections. Atiku shared photos of the visit on his social media platforms.

BREAKING: President Talon Safe as Benin Army Recaptures Key Sites After Attempted Coup

Benin Republic has confirmed that President Patrice Talon is safe after an attempted coup led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri and officers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation.” The coup plotters briefly seized the national television station and attacked Talon’s residence in Le Guézo, where Tigri declared himself leader.
According to the presidency, loyalist forces are now restoring control, dismissing the coup attempt as the action of a small faction with limited influence. The incident comes amid a surge of military takeovers across West Africa, including recent coups or attempts in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, highlighting deepening regional instability and democratic fragility.

BREAKING: Military Launches Coup in Benin Republic, Attacks President Talon’s Residence and Seizes National TV

A coup attempt is underway in Benin Republic as soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri attacked President Patrice Talon’s residence in Cotonou early Sunday morning. Tigri has appeared on national television—now reportedly under military control—declaring himself chairman of a “military re-establishment committee.”
The situation in the capital remains tense, with heavy troop movements reported at strategic locations. President Talon and his government have not yet issued any official statement.
This uprising adds to the growing wave of coups destabilizing West Africa, following similar military takeovers or attempts in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in recent years, deepening concerns over democratic backsliding across the region.

African Leaders Including Femi Falana, Kwame Karikari Demand Release Of Guinea-Bissau Election Results, Condemn Military Rule

Twenty eminent African leaders, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and Professor Kwame Karikari, have demanded the immediate release of Guinea-Bissau’s November 23 election results. The group condemned the military’s seizure of electoral materials and interference with the process, warning that West Africa cannot afford another democratic collapse. In a joint statement titled “Restoring Constitutional Order and the Rule of Law in Guinea-Bissau,” they urged ECOWAS, the African Union, and the UN to take decisive action to restore civilian rule and protect the will of the people.

Fake Coup In Guinea-Bissau: How Embaló Tried To Disrupt Democracy — Inside Story By Owei Lakemfa

The article exposes how Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló allegedly orchestrated a fake coup after losing the November 2025 election. Facing imminent loss of power and possible prosecution, Embaló reportedly staged a sham overthrow with loyal soldiers, misleading the media and foreign observers. International missions, including AU and WAEF led by Goodluck Jonathan, already had verified election results showing the opposition won. As his plot collapsed, Embaló fled Senegal, while ECOWAS and Nigeria now protect President-elect Fernando Diaz. The piece calls for the coup plotters to step down and for Embaló to face trial for treason.

Nigeria Grants Asylum to Guinea-Bissau Presidential Candidate at Embassy

The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted temporary asylum to Guinea-Bissau opposition presidential candidate Fernando Dia Da Costa, offering him protection inside the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau amid credible reports of threats to his life.

The decision was formally communicated in a letter dated November 30, 2025, from Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to the President of the ECOWAS Commission.

Al-Kasim Abdulkadir, Media Aide to the Minister, confirmed the move, stating that granting refuge to Mr Da Costa “falls squarely within Nigeria’s sovereign responsibility and its longstanding commitment to regional peace, stability, and democratic governance.”

He emphasised that the intervention is aimed at de-escalating tensions in Guinea-Bissau, promoting social cohesion, and preventing further instability in the West African sub-region.

“This action is guided solely by the imperatives of peace, human security, and regional stability, in full alignment with ECOWAS principles and Nigeria’s historic role as a stabilising force in West Africa,”

Abdulkadir added the development comes ahead of Guinea-Bissau’s presidential run-off election scheduled for later this month, in which Mr Da Costa is a leading contender.

Nigeria President, Bola Tinubu don approve protection and security for Fernando Dias Da Costa, Guinea Bissau presidential candidate for di November, 2025 presidential election, for inside di Nigerian Embassy for Guinea Bissau.

Inside one letter wey dey signed by Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and addressed to di President of di Economic Community of West African States, Ecowas, Omar Touray, oga Tugar say President Tinubu approve di "provision and of protection and security for di premises of di Nigerian Embassy inside Guinea-Bissau."

Dis dey come afta military takeover power for di kontri thrpugh coup as citizens bin dey wait for di outcome of di presidential election.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has opened up on why he had to leave the troubled Guinea-Bissau on a Côte d'Ivoire flight and not Nigeria. Video in the comment.

Photo Credit: X/@GEJonathan

Why I Returned to Nigeria from Guinea-Bissau on Ivorian Aircraft — Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has explained his decision to return to Nigeria aboard an Ivorian aircraft amid the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau. He expressed gratitude to Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu, and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara for their empathy and support during the crisis.

Jonathan Demands Immediate Release of Guinea-Bissau Election Results

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the prompt release of the Guinea-Bissau presidential election results, following growing tensions in the country.
This comes after military officers seized “total control” on Wednesday, suspending the electoral process, shutting down national institutions, and closing the country’s borders—just days after presidential and legislative elections were held.

Jonathan urged all stakeholders to respect democratic principles, ensure transparency, and allow the will of the people to prevail.

AU Suspends Guinea-Bissau After Military Coup Topples President Embalo

The African Union (AU) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its activities following the military coup that removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from power.

The AU’s action came just hours after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies in response to the unconstitutional takeover.

Both regional bodies condemned the coup, stressing the need to restore constitutional order and stability in the West African nation.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to Nigeria after being briefly stranded in Guinea-Bissau during the coup.

#BREAKING: GUINEA-BISSAU POWER SHIFT: PRESIDENT OUSTED, GENERAL HORTA INSTALLED AS INTERIM LEADER

Guinea-Bissau’s military has taken over the government, appointing General Horta N’Tam as leader for one year after overthrowing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and suspending election results. Soldiers have shut down media, imposed a curfew, and briefly closed borders. The military claims it acted to stop a plot involving “drug lords” aimed at destabilising the country. Several top officials, including the president and opposition leader Domingos Pereira, have been arrested. ECOWAS, the UN, and Portugal have condemned the coup as the region faces a growing wave of military takeovers.

Coup: Ex-President Jonathan Very Safe, Out Of Guinea-Bissau — Foreign Affairs Ministry
Jonathan’s departure followed the call by the House of Representatives on the Federal Government to ensure the safety of the former president.

The Nigerian government has condemned the coup in Guinea-Bissau, demanding the restoration of democratic order in the West African country.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has safely left Guinea-Bissau after the military staged a coup and seized power. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed he departed on a special flight with his delegation, following calls from the House of Representatives to ensure his safety.

Jonathan had been in the country leading the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission during last Sunday’s elections before the military suspended the electoral process, closed borders, and took control. President Umaro Embalo was arrested, and the army later appointed General Horta N’Tam as interim leader for one year.

The Nigerian government strongly condemned the coup, describing it as a violation of ECOWAS democratic principles, and demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional order.

Election observers from ECOWAS, the AU, and the West African Elders Forum also denounced the military takeover, calling for the release of detained officials and warning that the coup undermines the region’s democratic progress.