BIZARRE: 6 | Mind Blowing Facts

Burkina Junta Rallies Supporters After Claimed Coup 'Plot'

Several thousand people rallied in support of Burkina Faso's ruling junta Wednesday, days after the military authorities said they had uncovered a "plot" to overthrow the government.

International Business Times · Apr 30, 2025

West African group Ecowas turns 50 amid struggle to stay united

Celebrations marking 50 years of the Economic Community of West African States – known as Ecowas – began in Ghana this week, but the mood was far from jubilant. The region’s main political and economic bloc finds itself at a crossroads after losing three key members.

Radio France Internationale · Apr 24, 2025

West Africa’s bold trade experiment turns 50: an Ecowas report card

The Economic Community of West African states (Ecowas) is set to mark 50 years in May 2025. It was established in 1975 by 16 member states. Though seven of the founding leaders had ascended to power through coups d’état, the initial focus was economic growth and regional trade and cooperation.

The Conversation · Apr 22, 2025

Livestock Theft Is Central To Jihadist Economy In West Africa

Musa was asleep in the village of Dusuman in northeast Nigeria when he was awoken by a sharp burst of gunfire and Boko Haram stole his main source of livelihood -- his livestock.

International Business Times · Apr 3, 2025

Burkina Faso pardons 21 soldiers involved in failed 2015 coup

Twenty-one soldiers, convicted for their role in the failed coup d'état in Burkina Faso in September 2015, have received a presidential pardon.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 31, 2025

Niger junta sets out five-year transition to constitutional rule

Niger's ruling junta said there would be a five-year transition to constitutional rule starting from Wednesday, in an announcement during a signing ceremony for a new transition charter.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 26, 2025

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso withdraw from French language body

As French-speaking countries celebrate International Francophone Day, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have this week announced their withdrawal from the International Organisation of Francophonie, which organises the event as part of its mission to celebrate French language around the world.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 20, 2025

Video of Burkina Faso massacre appears to implicate government-allied militia, watchdog says

Human Rights Watch says video footage circulating on social networks of a recent civilian massacre in Burkina Faso appears to implicate government-allied militia

The Independent UK · Mar 15, 2025

How drones killed nearly 1,000 civilians in Africa in three years

Use of unmanned aircraft has surged across Africa, often resulting in mass civilian deaths, new report finds.

Al Jazeera · Mar 11, 2025

Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré is making waves in west Africa. Who is he?

Captain Ibrahim Traoré is the interim leader of Burkina Faso, having taken over the position following a coup which he led against Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba in September 2022. The 37-year-old captain had supported Damiba, his commanding officer, in a putsch earlier that year against former president Roch Marc…

The Conversation · Feb 20, 2025