In-depth English analysis and breaking news from the heart of West Africa's Sahel region.
My initial arrival in Dakar was tinged with a slight apprehension. The reason? The African Cup of Nations (CAN) final. This particular match has unfortunately become a contentious point, reportedly souring the relationship between Morocco and Senegal – a sentiment widely acknowledged. Amadou, a courteous and smiling taxi driver in his fifties, immediately recognized my […]
In May 2026, the delicate balance of purchasing power across West Africa faces fresh strain. As households endeavor to safeguard their savings against persistent inflationary pressures, a stark reality emerges at fuel stations: a significant divergence in pricing has materialized between Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin. Côte d’Ivoire: The paradox of a producing nation Following a […]
Understanding the Sahel’s impact Mali’s military government, supported by Moscow, faces an existential threat following recent coordinated attacks by jihadist and Tuareg groups. These assaults resulted in the death of the defense minister and compelled Russian mercenary forces to withdraw from the northern regions. Such escalating instability fuels concerns about a potential surge in migration […]
Mali currently faces an acute security crisis, marked by recent assaults that have reportedly resulted in hundreds of civilian and military casualties, according to security sources. Western geopolitical analysts suggest that control over northern Mali is pivotal for influencing regime changes across the Sahelian nations, including Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania. Operating from his […]
The outcome of the Sénégal-Maroc final, particularly the decision awaiting the Court of Arbitration for Sport, has highlighted significant issues within football governance. This entire saga, culminating in a result being overturned months after the final whistle, could undoubtedly have been managed more effectively to prevent such extreme circumstances. To avert similar protracted disputes, Fifa […]
The Franco-Beninese activist Kemi Seba will remain in custody following a ruling by the South African justice system on Wednesday, April 29. The court rejected the arguments presented by his legal team, emphasizing the necessity of his detention in light of significant international legal pressures. This decision marks a critical juncture for the leader of […]
The Mali conflict has reached a critical juncture. On April 26, 2026, in the northeastern city of Kidal, Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps—successors to the Wagner Group—suffered a humiliating setback. Footage shared online showed their forces abandoning the area in disarray. Under pressure from the GSIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, […]
The highly anticipated resolution for the CAN 2025 final controversy is set to advance next month, as the case now rests with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). The Kingdom of Morocco, represented by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has been informed of the critical submission deadline for its statement of defense. While […]
In a significant and symbolic setback, pro-Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps—successors to the Wagner Group since 2025 and allies of Mali’s military junta—were forced into a humiliating retreat from Kidal in northeastern Mali on April 26. Social media footage captured the chaotic scene as the fighters, disarmed and overwhelmed, fled in trucks under pressure […]
A series of coordinated attacks over the weekend, orchestrated by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), has unleashed turmoil and starkly revealed the military junta’s vulnerability against an increasingly organized insurgency. Jihadist and separatist factions executed simultaneous strikes on multiple Malian cities, from Bamako […]
The Central Sahel region continues to grapple with a critical humanitarian situation. In nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, a staggering 7.5 million children urgently require assistance, even as some advancements have been noted in health, education, and civil registration. UNICEF urges global action for Central Sahel children Following a two-week mission across the […]
Russian forces retreat from Kidal without resistance as jihadist rebels gain ground A coordinated assault by Tuareg rebels, allied with jihadist factions, has exposed the fragility of Mali’s military regime. The situation escalated dramatically when Russian troops—part of the Africa Corps (formerly Wagner Group)—withdrew from Kidal, a strategic northern city, without firing a single shot. […]