Sierra Leone

Kush, a synthetic cannabinoid, is spreading quickly for the promise of a stress-relieving high. But what's the impact on users — and Sierra Leonean society? And how are the authorities responding?

The attack on the barracks and detention centers raised fears of a breakdown of order amid a surge of coups in the region.

The island of Nyangai off the coast of Sierra Leone is on the frontline of climate change. More frequent and intense weather has eroded Nyangai to a nubbin. Residents who remain fear for its future.

The explosion took place after a bus struck the tanker near the country's capital city. Dozens were injured after large crowds gathered to collect leaking fuel, officials and witnesses said.

"Our beach is a God-given thing," exclaims one Sierra Leonean. "We have to make use of it!" That means walking, working out ... and lots of soccer in the sand.

Sierra Leone's education minister and MIT graduate David Moinina Sengeh is shooting for the moon when it comes to his country's future, from schools to health-care to ... space travel.

The challenge of refrigerating COVID-19 vaccines is acute in sub-Saharan Africa, where only 28% of health care facilities have reliable power. One solution? A new kind of freezer powered by the sun.

As COVID surges, so does demand for oxygen. And oxygen manufacturing plants simply can't keep up. That's bad news not only for severely ill COVID-19 patients but others in need, including newborns.

His father left with their savings, and the mother isn't able to work. A new report points to an increase in child labor, with millions of kids working. And COVID has likely made matters worse.

Early this year, the president declared an emergency to address the issue of sexual assault — then ended it some months later without explanation. Activists are not happy but are still hopeful.