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FORGOTTEN HISTORY: 2 - Caught on Camera

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 Guardian - UK

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…

The Conversation

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.

Radio France Internationale

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Five years after the 2020 coup, where is Mali today?

When Mali’s military staged a first coup on 18 August 2020, they said they were not planning on holding onto power and promised elections. But after a second coup that overthrew the transitional civilian government in 2021, the military is still in charge. Five years on, the country finds itself…

Radio France Internationale

Ghana declares mourning after ministers killed in helicopter crash

Ghana has declared three days of national mourning after two government ministers were killed in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday.

Radio France Internationale

Sahel countries navigate uncertainty following split from Ecowas bloc

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso face the task of untangling themselves from West Africa’s main regional bloc, Ecowas, after officially cutting ties this week. The six-month window to reverse their withdrawal expired on Tuesday. With no sign of a return, both sides must work out what the split means for…

Radio France Internationale

‘The matter is in his hands alone’: president of Sierra Leone urged to ban FGM as court rules it tantamount to torture

The Ecowas court of justice has ordered the West African country to criminalise female genital mutilation after hearing the case of a woman brutally forced to undergo the practice

The Guardian - UK

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'Human Shield': Niger's Ousted President Held By Junta

President Mohamed Bazoum has been languishing for two years along with his wife in Niger's presidential palace since his ouster by a junta, which is using them as human shields to avert foreign military intervention to free them, according to the couple's lawyers.

International Business Times

Morocco's Atlantic Gambit: Linking Restive Sahel To Ocean

A planned trade corridor linking the landlocked Sahel to the Atlantic is at the heart of an ambitious Moroccan project to tackle regional instability and consolidate its grip on disputed Western Sahara.

International Business Times

Sierra Leone's President Bio to be the next ECOWAS chairman with region in turmoil

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has been chosen to be the next chairman of the West African economic bloc, ECOWAS

The Independent UK

Togo’s citizens want to leave Ecowas – new survey suggests why

A survey of Togolese citizens recently looked into perceptions of their government’s handling of the terrorist threat in the northern region and of the Alliance of Sahel States – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The survey was carried out by Afrobarometer, an independent, pan-African research network, in partnership with the…

The Conversation

At 50, West African Bloc Teeters Amid Shifting Alliances, Security Woes

Leaders of ECOWAS are gathering on Wednesday to celebrate 50 years since its formation and are expected to address regional security challenges as the continent also seeks answers in the face of US trade tariffs and aid cuts.

International Business Times

Armed groups are invading Benin’s forest reserves. Why and what to do about it

Benin’s Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, also called Pendjari National Park, and its surroundings have been targeted by non-state armed groups since 2019.

The Conversation

‘A step too far’: Mali military’s move to hold on to power prompts revolt

Civic spaces are shrinking under Goita’s rule, democracy activists say, as the military suspends ‘political activity’.

Al Jazeera

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Radio France Internationale

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.

International Business Times

I.Coast's Barred Opposition Leader Says Is Party's Only Presidential Candidate

Ivory Coast's main opposition leader Tidjane Thiam, struck off the electoral list in a row over his nationality, told AFP Wednesday his party would not replace him as its candidate in October's presidential election.

The Guardian - UK

Snakes, ‘border madness’ and solo trips: five Nigerian female travellers on their top tips and trickiest moments

Whether it’s driving solo from London to Lagos, a month on a motorbike or vanlife in east Africa, these influencers are sharing their adventures – and helping others to negotiate the difficulties of a ‘weak’ passport

The Guardian - UK

Niger’s junta withdraws from Lake Chad anti-Islamist force

Coalition of former allies Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria fought armed insurgents including Boko Haram

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Radio France Internationale

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.

The Independent UK

A West African mission sent to Guinea-Bissau to resolve dispute leaves following president's threats

A political mission sent to Guinea-Bissau by West Africa’s regional bloc to resolve an electoral dispute has left the country

The Conversation

Ecowas breakup could push up food prices and worsen hunger in west Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) lost three of its founding members on 29 January 2025. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger comprised 16% of the bloc’s population of 424 million and 7% of its economy.

The Conversation

Why Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s new plan to tackle extremist violence is likely to fail

The military-led nations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) on January 29. They had announced their intention to leave one year ago, shortly after establishing a new defence pact called the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES).

The Independent UK

What's ahead for a 50-year-old West African bloc after 3 junta-led countries left the group?

A 50-year-old West Africa regional bloc is facing significant challenges after three junta-led countries — Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — formally left the group, known as ECOWAS

Al Jazeera

With France’s military influence in Africa gone, can it rely on soft power?

The French language and a CFA currency tying 14 countries to France’s treasury continue to have big effects.

Top News

West African Nations Withdraw From ECOWAS Regional Bloc

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdraw from ECOWAS, forming a new security partnership. Challenges and implications for regional stability.

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