In-depth English analysis and breaking news from the heart of West Africa's Sahel region.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
“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, […]
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 […]
cotonou holds its breath in calm anticipation. since 7:00 am this morning, beninese voters have been heading to the polls for the first round of the 2026 presidential election. this crucial vote marks the end of the patrice talon era and shapes the future of benin. the country presents an image of serenity on this […]
Precisely at 7:00 AM this morning, over 17,000 electoral precincts nationwide commenced their operations. Nearly 8 million registered citizens are anticipated to cast their ballots, selecting the individual who will succeed Patrice Talon, thereby marking a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic journey. Cotonou – The electoral process was initiated with the first light of […]
Morocco and Mauritania deepen security cooperation against Sahel threats Rabat and Nouakchott bolster military alliance focusing on border security, terrorism, and organized crime amid rising regional instability Introduction to security cooperation General Berrid’s visit to Nouakchott Morocco-Mauritania military commission Institutional ceremony and political recognition Key topics discussed Joint military training Regional context and strategic priorities […]
The high-level military delegation led by General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone, concluded a productive visit to Nouakchott on Tuesday. The delegation was received by Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghezouani, with Ambassador Hamid Chabar of Morocco present during the meeting. During the […]
A wave of concern has swept across Burkina Faso, particularly within the Muslim community and civil society, following the mysterious disappearance of Imam Mahmoud Barro. This influential religious leader from Bobo-Dioulasso, the nation’s second-largest city, has not been seen since March 31st. A week after his last public appearance, swirling rumors of abduction and the […]