In-depth English analysis and breaking news from the heart of West Africa's Sahel region.
The recent detention of three high-profile figures in Bénin on suspicion of orchestrating a “coup d’état” has thrust the issue of President Patrice Talon‘s succession into the spotlight as his final term approaches in 2026. Earlier this week, the prosecutor for the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) in Bénin announced […]
Click to expand Image A year after the military coup in Niger, a coalition of human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), reports a severe crackdown on opposition, independent media, and peaceful dissent by the ruling military authorities. The junta has arbitrarily detained numerous individuals, […]
Who is Kémi Séba, the controversial pan-African influencer linked to Russian narratives? In the digital sphere of Francophone Africa, few personalities spark as much debate as Kémi Séba. This Beninese activist, with a massive online following, has become a polarizing figure due to his anti-Western rhetoric and controversial ties to Moscow. His recent loss of […]
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2024 – The World Bank has sanctioned a $100 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA)* to empower Mali. This funding aims to elevate the availability and utilization of crucial, high-quality reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, adolescent health, and nutrition services, while simultaneously fortifying health emergency preparedness in designated regions. Leveraging a […]
When repression becomes the last resort for failing military regimes The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—is facing a deepening crisis of legitimacy. As public discontent grows, the military juntas in these nations are turning to widespread repression, arbitrary detentions, and severe restrictions on freedoms to cling to power. Human rights […]
Press freedom in Niger is facing severe threats as transitional authorities resort to intimidation and arbitrary arrests of journalists covering the country’s conflict and security issues, according to human rights advocates. Since the 26 July 2023 coup, led by presidential guard commander Abdourahamane Tchiani, who deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and established the National Council for […]
Escalating restrictions on civil society in Mali The Malian government has taken another step to tighten its grip on civil society by dissolving a prominent student association, marking the latest in a string of administrative actions aimed at curbing freedom of association. The Minister of Territorial Administration accused the Mali Students and Pupils Association (AEEM) […]
The impending withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) could severely restrict citizens’ access to justice, warns Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior researcher at a leading human rights organization. Her concerns stem from the pivotal role the ECOWAS Court of Justice has played in addressing human rights […]
Since the military takeover on July 26, 2023, authorities in Niger have arbitrarily detained numerous former government officials and stifled critical media and peaceful dissent, according to reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. These authorities are urged to immediately release all individuals held for politically motivated reasons and to uphold due process safeguards. […]
Responding to the enforced disappearance of Samira Sabou, a Nigerien journalist and blogger who was abducted from her home on September 30 by masked individuals identifying themselves as security service members, Ousmane Diallo, a Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa, stated: We are deeply concerned by the enforced disappearance […]
The military takeover in Niger on July 26, orchestrated by General Tiani and resulting in the ousting of President Bazoum, marks the latest in a troubling surge of coups across the Sahel. This incident brings the total to seven such power grabs in the region since 2020. What sets this event apart are the unprecedented […]
Following the military coup that unfolded in Niger on July 26, 2023, international reactions were swift. Prominent organizations such as ECOWAS, the AU, and nations including the USA, France, and Russia, quickly articulated their positions. Within Bénin, the involvement of President Patrice Talon and hints of a potential armed intervention have not been universally welcomed. […]