In-depth English analysis and breaking news from the heart of West Africa's Sahel region.
The recent docking of the Russian cargo vessel « Mikhail-Britnev » at Lomé port, a ship subject to international sanctions, coupled with reports detailing the deployment of several hundred Africa Corps personnel on Togolese territory, has intensified discussions regarding Togo’s diplomatic and security direction. Many observers interpret these developments as an accelerated alignment with Moscow, […]
In a thought-provoking exchange during the third edition of the African Democracy Forum, hosted at the Théodore Monod Museum in Dakar, Cameroonian philosopher and historian Achille Mbembe dismantled prevailing assumptions about governance and justice on the continent. Speaking at the event themed « The Strength of Societies », he argued that democracy in Africa has […]
African nations with vast critical mineral reserves convened in Abidjan to forge a united strategy aimed at transforming their geological wealth into sustainable economic growth, industrial power, and social progress. The focus was on harnessing these resources to drive value creation on the continent, securing development financing, and building regional value chains capable of meeting […]
From promises to peril: tracking the AES-Russia security pact The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—has doubled down on its exclusive military partnership with Russia, framing it as a bold step toward sovereignty and an end to reliance on Western powers. Yet beneath the rhetoric of liberation lies a grim reality: […]
The Contradiction of a Regime Claiming Independence In Ouagadougou, the rhetoric of sovereignty and self-reliance echoes through the corridors of power. Yet, the harsh reality tells a different story. While the Burkinabè government proudly declares its break from foreign influence, it simultaneously extends its hand to Moscow for emergency food aid. This glaring contradiction has […]
Within Mali’s General Directorate of Customs, every personnel shift isn’t just an administrative move—it’s a high-stakes political and economic chess game. Recent waves of appointments and transfers have sent ripples through the institution, sparking both official narratives and hushed corridor debates. Journalist and analyst Fousseyni Sissoko dives deep into the turmoil, questioning whether this is […]
From privileged collaborator to restricted figure: the case of Niger’s transitional prime minister In Niger’s current political landscape, where military authorities hold sway, the line between trusted advisor and potential threat can dissolve without warning. The recent developments surrounding Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, the country’s transitional prime minister, have reignited discussions about the precarious position […]
analyst jason stearns advocates for pragmatic dr Congo-Rwanda peace, rules out military defeat of Rwanda Signature of the declaration of principle by the Congolese and Rwandan Foreign Ministers in Washington Politics During a recent online discussion hosted by journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, prominent researcher Jason Stearns advocated for a political compromise involving the M23 movement […]
In a recent diplomatic gesture, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Togo was awarded the rank of Commander in the Order of the Stallion, Burkina Faso’s highest honor. While official channels frame this distinction as evidence of a robust diplomacy of openness, solidarity, and proximity pursued by Lomé, the underlying political realities present a far […]
Marking the 105th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (PCC) foundation, the Chinese Embassy in Gabon recently hosted a significant press conference. This event aimed to illuminate the remarkable trajectory of an organization that has become a pivotal force on the global stage. Addressing journalists and invited guests, Chinese diplomats underscored the historical path of […]
How can a nation proactively address the potential impact of plummeting oil prices, escalating inflation, or an increasing public debt burden before these issues compromise state finances? This critical question underpins the new macroeconomic model currently being developed for Gabon by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Detailed in a technical assistance report released in December […]
The once-brilliant facade of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has begun to crumble, two years after its much-hyped establishment. Beneath the fiery declarations of sovereignty from the juntas in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey, a harsh reality persists: the only truly coordinated and effective fighting force dictating its own rules remains the Support Group for […]