In-depth English analysis and breaking news from the heart of West Africa's Sahel region.
Escalating crackdowns on freedoms and democratic transitions In 2025, military-led governments across West Africa and the Sahel intensified their suppression of civil liberties while consolidating power, according to a recent human rights assessment. The report highlights a troubling pattern of authoritarian measures adopted by ruling juntas in the region, raising serious concerns about the future […]
US shifts Sahel strategy to trade and security partnerships The recent visit of Nick Checker, the US State Department’s African Affairs chief, to Mali signals Washington’s re-engagement with the Sahel region. However, this isn’t a return to previous policies. Instead, the United States is implementing a strategic repositioning across three key pillars: a stronger focus […]
Key developments In 2025, President Mahamat Idriss Déby solidified his grip on power following his victory in the 2024 presidential election, an outcome heavily criticized by the opposition due to alleged irregularities. Subsequent constitutional amendments approved in 2025 removed presidential term limits and extended each mandate from five to seven years. This effectively allows Mahamat […]
The landscape of human rights in Niger has seen a persistent decline following the military takeover in July 2023. Throughout 2025, the ruling military council intensified its crackdown on political rivals, dissenters, labor leaders, and members of the press. The authorities have continued the unlawful imprisonment of former President Mohamed Bazoum and his spouse, alongside […]
In a rare strike on Niger’s capital, the area around Diori Hamani international airport in Niamey was rocked by heavy gunfire and explosions shortly after midnight between January 28 and 29. The Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) claimed responsibility for the assault two days later through its propaganda arm, AMAQ. According to Nigerien authorities, […]
Washington’s new approach to the Sahel’s military regimes The United States has significantly altered its policy toward three West African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—following their shift from French military partnerships to alliances with Russia. These countries, now governed by military juntas, have faced persistent Islamist insurgencies while rejecting Western democratic models in favor of […]
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 […]