In-depth English analysis and breaking news from the heart of West Africa's Sahel region.
Tensions between Niger and its former colonial power have sharply escalated, with the head of the military junta that seized control in 2023 openly blaming France for a recent attack on the airport in Niamey. The junta leader lauded Russia for its military assistance in repelling the assault and directly accused the presidents of France, […]
Intense gunfire and multiple explosions were reported early Thursday near Niamey’s international airport, according to a Reuters journalist on the ground. The sustained gunfire, which began nearly an hour prior, remained ongoing at 00:12 GMT, the journalist confirmed. A video shared on platform X captured the capital’s skyline illuminated by flashes of gunfire. However, Reuters […]
Nigeria faces an escalating wave of violence that transcends religious divides, thrusting the nation into a humanitarian emergency that receives far too little global attention. Recent months have seen a surge in attacks on schools, villages, and worshippers—whether in churches or mosques—prompting the United States to launch targeted airstrikes on Christmas Day against jihadist positions […]
Challenges facing the AES in achieving free movement of goods and people The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was intended as a step toward greater sovereignty. However, it has created significant barriers to the free movement of citizens and goods within the region. Administrative […]
Burkina Faso’s leading health budget allocation in UEMOA for 2026 Within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), one nation distinguishes itself significantly. For the 2026 fiscal year, Burkina Faso is poised to dedicate 11% of its national financial plan to the health sector. This amounts to 388 billion FCFA, derived from a total […]
Key achievements Significant progress was recorded between 2018 and 2024, leading to the following outcomes: Expansion of essential medical care: In both Mali and Mauritania, health initiatives reached over 5 million individuals, half of whom were women. This performance far exceeded the original target of 3.65 million people. Local clinics in the targeted areas saw […]
US continues security cooperation with Sahel military regimes Despite years of strained relations, the United States is maintaining its security collaboration with the military authorities of the three nations that form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This stance was confirmed by General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of US Africa Command […]
Mali leads the way in malaria prevention with R21/Matrix-M vaccine deployment The Mali health sector has reached a pivotal moment in its fight against malaria. By integrating the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, endorsed by the World Health Organization, into its national immunization program, the country is pioneering a hybrid vaccination strategy in the Kayes and Mopti regions. […]
An alleged jihadist attack in the village of Bosiye, located in western Niger, has resulted in the tragic loss of 31 civilian lives. Four additional victims remain hospitalized in critical condition following the assault. unprecedented violence in the Sahel region This violent incident unfolded in the Tillabéri region, specifically in the Gorouol commune, a high-risk […]
From January 23 to February 12, the Halles Saint-Géry in Brussels will host “In Their Eyes”, a powerful photographic exhibition documenting the humanitarian crisis in Mali. Organized by seven leading humanitarian organizations, this event aims to shed light on the daily struggles of over 6.4 million people affected by the ongoing conflict and its devastating […]
The Union of Journalists of the Free African Press (UJPLA) has voiced strong condemnation and deep concern over the Malian authorities’ decision to ban the sale and distribution of Jeune Afrique magazine across the country. According to the UJPLA, this move represents a serious violation of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the fundamental right […]
A devastating combination of drastic funding reductions and intensifying conflict is pushing millions into a catastrophic food emergency. The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning: approximately 55 million people are at risk of severe hunger this summer, including more than 13 million children whose lives are in immediate jeopardy. This West Africa […]