In-depth English analysis and breaking news from the heart of West Africa's Sahel region.
By late January 2026, Burkina Faso had entered a new political era—one where partisan politics no longer existed. On January 29, Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s government officially dissolved all political parties, including those that had once backed his 2022 coup d’état. While these parties had already been banned from operating since his rise to power, the […]
Invité Afrique Midi «it is unacceptable for coup plotters to be democratically elected» Listen – 05:45 The 39th African Union summit concluded with a bold declaration: to “silence the guns” and end unconstitutional power grabs. But can this promise be taken seriously? Cameroonian researcher Paul-Simon Handy, regional director of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) […]
The 39th African Union summit concluded with a bold declaration: silencing the guns and vowing zero tolerance for unconstitutional power grabs. But can such promises hold weight when those responsible for coups are later handed democratic mandates? This pressing question took center stage during a recent discussion on Africa Midi. a controversial stance on post-coup […]
The shifting geopolitical landscape in the Sahel is unfolding quietly. As European forces gradually withdraw from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—and Russia expands its footprint through quasi-state entities—the United States appears to be reviving its engagement in the region. However, this resurgence is more nuanced than a mere comeback, according to Emmanuel Dupuy, president of […]
solar energy powers healthcare in Niafounké, northern Mali In the Tombouctou region of northern Mali, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has equipped Niafounké Hospital with a cutting-edge solar power system. This renewable energy initiative enhances the facility’s self-sufficiency while ensuring uninterrupted medical care in a zone plagued by isolation and insecurity. transforming hospital operations with clean […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The year 2025 emerged as a transformative period for Burkina Faso’s healthcare system. Despite persistent national security and economic challenges, the health sector witnessed remarkable strides across infrastructure development, advanced medical treatments, and improved financial access to essential services. A landmark achievement in 2025 was the successful execution of the nation’s inaugural kidney transplant. This […]
In recent years, West Africa has seen a worrying surge in military coups, with Benin becoming the latest country to experience such an attempt. On a recent Sunday, soldiers briefly seized control of state television, declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of government institutions. Within hours, however, authorities confirmed the coup […]