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EXPLAINED: Ecowas | Rare Historical Photos

AI-driven border surveillance is spreading across west Africa. What this means for migrants’ rights

West Africa as a region has long had one of the most mobile populations in the world. Since 1979, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has allowed citizens of its member states to travel freely across borders without visas.

The Conversation

US troops in Nigeria to help fight terrorism could end up making it worse - analyst

The recent deployment of US soldiers in Nigeria to assist the west African country in its counterterrorism campaign could worsen Nigeria’s insecurity.

The Conversation

Can IFAD’s “First Mile” revolution secure Africa’s food future?{Business Africa}

We find out how IFAD is transforming farm losses into bankable opportunities for rural youth and local markets and ECOWAS promised cheaper regional flights after aviation tax cuts — but high fares and conflicting national policies are stalling reforms.

Euronews

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Ecowas without the Sahel states: how the split is testing free movement and regional legitimacy

New governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso formally left the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) a year ago, having created the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The move happened as a consequence of diplomatic tensions related to military coups in the three countries, after which the regional…

The Conversation

Africa’s trade blocs were designed to unite the continent: four reasons they haven’t delivered

In a rapidly fracturing world, regional integration could be a source of resilience for the African continent.

The Conversation

US strikes on Nigeria set 'deeply troubling precedent' for African governance

When the United States launched airstrikes on northern Nigeria in late December, it said it had taken out Islamic State jihadists – at Abuja's request – to stop them killing Christians. Yet experts have criticised Washington's claims that Christians are being massacred in Nigeria, a narrative promoted by the American…

Radio France Internationale

Islamic State claims attack on international airport and airbase in Niger

Motorcycle-riding militants launch strikes using heavy weaponry and drones, damaging planes belonging to Ivorian carrier and Togolese airline

The Guardian - UK

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France backs Benin after foiled coup as Ecowas warns of rising instability

France has confirmed it provided surveillance, observation and logistical backing to Benin’s armed forces during the weekend’s attempted coup, stepping in at the request of the authorities in Cotonou as loyalist troops moved to regain control.

Radio France Internationale

West African bloc says region is in a state of emergency amid surge in coups, insecurity

Coups and attempted coups in West Africa, along with escalating security challenges, have left the region in a state of emergency, according to a regional official

The Independent UK

Nigerian troops held in Burkina Faso after ‘unfriendly’ emergency landing

Unauthorised touchdown comes less than 24 hours after Nigerian forces intervened in attempted coup in Benin

The Guardian - UK

Guinea-Bissau coup: election uncertainty has triggered military takeovers before

Guinea-Bissau has had nine attempted coups and five successful ones since its independence in September 1973. Salah Ben Hammou, a researcher with a focus on the politics of military coups, explains that the coup on 26 November 2025 appears to have followed earlier patterns of military intervention. It undermines Guinea-Bissau’s…

The Conversation

Benin’s failed coup: three factors behind the takeover attempt

Military elements attempted to topple Benin’s government in early December 2025. However, unlike other coups across the Sahel and west Africa since 2020, this bid triggered a military response from Benin’s neighbours.

The Conversation

Benin coup leader's location and fate of hostages unknown after failed takeover

The apparent leader of a failed coup in Benin is on the run and the fate of hostages remains unclear a day after a group of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of the West African nation

The Independent UK

Africa’s power grabs are rising – the AU’s mixed response is making things worse

Hardly a month goes by without news of another unconstitutional change of government on the African continent.

The Conversation

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International Business Times UK

West Africa's Latest Coup Attempt: Benin Soldiers Storm State TV Before Being Crushed by Loyalist Forces

Soldiers stormed Benin's state TV to oust President Patrice Talon, but loyalists crushed the coup. Fourteen, including Lt Col Pascal Tigri, were arrested in West Africa's latest failed power grab.

The Guardian - UK

Troops and warplanes deployed in Benin after ‘failed coup attempt’

West African Ecowas forces sent to country after group of soldiers announced dissolution of government on state TV

Euronews

Benin interior minister says military coup attempt foiled by loyalist troops

Benin’s interior minister said a coup plot, announced by a group of soldiers on state-run television earlier on Sunday, has been foiled. Benin is the latest in a string of coups plotted across west Africa over the past few weeks.

Radio France Internationale

Guinea-Bissau electoral commission says poll results ‘destroyed’ in coup

Guinea-Bissau's electoral commission says that it cannot publish the results of last week's contested election as the vote counts have been destroyed in an attack. The military took control of the country a day before the provisional results were due to be announced.

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The Independent UK

West African bloc delegation arrives in Guinea-Bissau for talks with military coup leaders

ECOWAS delegation has arrived in Guinea-Bissau on Monday, as the military government which seized power in the country banned all demonstrations, strikes and activities regarded as threat to peace and stability

Radio France Internationale

Gunmen storm party headquarters as military cements power in Guinea-Bissau

Two of Guinea-Bissau's main political parties saw their headquarters attacked by armed men on Saturday as the military continues to establish its grip on power following a coup earlier this week. Party officials say they fear an attempt to plant weapons in preparation for bringing false charges against them.

Radio France Internationale

Guinea-Bissau’s deposed president flees to Senegal as UN condemns latest coup

Guinea-Bissau’s ousted president has found refuge in neighbouring Senegal following a military power grab, drawing condemnation from the United Nations, Ecowas and the African Union.

The Independent UK

Deposed Guinea-Bissau president Embaló arrives in neighboring Senegal a day after coup

Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have announced a new junta leader, cementing a forceful takeover of power that began after a disputed presidential election and led to deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló departing for neighboring Senegal

The Guardian - UK

How al-Qaida-linked jihadist group JNIM is bringing Mali to its knees

Political instability and fuel shortages caused by rebel group is driving Mali to brink of becoming Islamist republic

The Conversation

Côte d'Ivoire’s elections have already been decided: Ouattara will win and democracy will lose

Even before the ballot, the 25 October presidential polls in Côte d'Ivoire can already be described as a loss to democracy and democratic values. Incumbent president Alassane Ouattara is running for a fourth term. With his two main contenders barred from participating, the president will most likely win by a…

Radio France Internationale

Guinea votes on new constitution as junta leader eyes presidency

A long-awaited constitutional referendum gets under way in Guinea on Sunday, and is set to test whether the country is moving towards democracy or further entrenching military rule.

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