In-depth English analysis and breaking news from the heart of West Africa's Sahel region.
French President welcomed Mauritania’s Head of State Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani at the Élysée Palace in Paris this Wednesday. A month before the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, symbolizing renewed France-Africa partnerships, this state visit reflects the shared ambition to deepen political, cultural, and economic bonds between France and Mauritania. At the Mauritania President’s […]
As the national independent electoral commission (CENA) officially declared the provisional results, a pivotal chapter unfolds in Benin’s political narrative. Securing an overwhelming 94.05% of the votes, Romuald Wadagni transcends his previous role as the acclaimed Minister of Economy to become the nation’s president-elect. His victory resonates with a promise of stability and continuity, celebrated […]
“Rigged polls”, “no suspense in sight”, “incumbent presidents coasting to victory in first round”. These phrases have become commonplace to describe presidential elections across Africa in 2025. A clear trend emerged: opposition candidates were systematically sidelined even before campaigning began. The most recent examples came in early April 2026, first in Djibouti on the 10th, […]
No surprises, no suspense, no competition. The 2025 African presidential elections increasingly resemble scripted victories before campaigns even begin. The trend reached new heights in April 2026 with contests in Djibouti and Benin—both producing landslide wins for incumbents or handpicked successors. In Djibouti, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term with 97.8% of the […]
“Predictable contests,” “one-sided races,” and “incumbent victories in the first round” have become defining features of recent presidential elections across Africa. The 2025 electoral cycle was no exception, with opposition figures systematically sidelined before campaigning even began. In Djibouti, where polls were held on April 10, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term with […]
Elections that seemed predetermined from the start, races lacking suspense, and incumbents claiming victory in the first round. The 2025 presidential contests across Africa followed a familiar pattern: opposition was systematically sidelined before campaigning even began. The most recent examples were Djibouti’s April 10 vote and Benin’s April 12 election. In Djibouti, incumbent President Ismaïl […]
Three names, three untold stories. In a detailed investigation titled “Surviving Boko Haram,” a leading Nigerian news outlet, The Republic, sheds light on the lives of women whose ordeals rarely make headlines beyond the initial shock of mass abductions by the extremist group. These survivors, though frequently featured in international coverage, remain unheard voices in […]
To celebrate World Health Day 2026, themed “Unite for Health. Support Science,” the World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting the work of dedicated leaders who use evidence-based research to enhance lives throughout the African Region. Dr. Bintou Dembélé, a seasoned physician and public health specialist, has spent years at the forefront of fighting infectious diseases […]
Tensions surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final show no signs of fading. The controversy deepened after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee controversially awarded Morocco a 3-0 forfeit victory on March 17, despite Senegal’s 1-0 triumph on the field. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) swiftly escalated the matter by appealing […]
When former Senegalese president Macky Sall envisioned himself ascending to the pinnacle of global diplomacy, his aspirations collided with an unexpected obstacle. While 55 African nations appeared to back his bid to succeed António Guterres, Togo, Senegal, and the AES bloc have shattered the illusion of continental unity. This outright rejection sends shockwaves through diplomatic […]
The Beninese electoral landscape closed its doors on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and the outcome could not have been more reassuring. Against all odds in a West African subregion plagued by turmoil, Cotonou emerged as a beacon of stability, validating President Patrice Talon’s final security gambit before his term’s end. The stakes were monumental. With […]
Following recent military takeovers, Mali’s governing body has rebranded the nation as a self-reliant power. By moving away from traditional Western cooperation and leaning toward partners like Russia and the United Arab Emirates, the regime claims to be reclaiming national autonomy. However, this shift has highlighted the dangers of transactional diplomacy in fragile environments. Despite […]