Month: January 2026

Women trapped in Mali’s artisan mining crisis: survival against all odds

Ousmane Tandja

The collapse of an unstable mine shaft in Kéniéty, Kéniéba district, claimed six women’s lives on January 9, 2026. Behind this tragedy lies a harsh truth: crushing poverty forces mothers to risk everything for survival. Mothers risking life and limb to feed their families No woman in Mali’s artisan mining sector chooses this work—she is driven by absolute necessity. With no other means to feed her children or cover basic household expenses, she endures grueling 12-hour shifts under scorching sun in Kayes Region, extracting gold with little more than her…

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Bergamo’s burkinabe diaspora to host pioneering international cultural symposium

Aïcha Abdou

The Association of Young Burkinabe in Bergamo (AJBB) has officially announced its inaugural Cultural Symposium, a landmark event poised to significantly advance the global structure of Burkinabe culture. This pivotal international gathering is scheduled to take place in Italy on January 31 and February 1, 2026, following its public announcement during a press conference held on Thursday, January 8, 2025.   More than just a celebration, this groundbreaking symposium emerges from a deep desire for critical reflection and strategic dialogue. Louré Toubga, Secretary General of the AJBB, emphasized that the initiative…

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Mali corruption: how small bribes fuel a social crisis

Ousmane Tandja

Mali’s silent corruption epidemic: when small bribes become a social disaster In Mali, terms like « bonya » (respect), « woro songo » (cola price), or « buru songo » (bread price) are often used to describe the small, informal payments that grease the wheels of corruption. These routine bribes, passed off as harmless gifts or tokens of appreciation, mask a deeper societal rot. While they may seem trivial on the surface, their cumulative impact is devastating—undermining institutions, distorting economies, and perpetuating injustice. But why does this practice persist? And…

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Mali’s corruption perception index 2024 shows persistent governance challenges

Ousmane Tandja

In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, released by Transparency International, the Mali ranks 136th out of 180 countries, scoring 28 out of 100. This result underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to combat corruption, which continues to undermine governance and hinder economic progress. institutional erosion and systemic corruption The report highlights a significant weakening of oversight institutions in Mali. It points to opaque public finance management and a lack of transparency in public procurement, both of which fuel widespread perceptions of corruption. The report further reveals that access to…

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Breakthroughs in Burkina Faso healthcare system 2025

Ousmane Tandja

The year 2025 marks a historic turning point for the healthcare system in Burkina Faso. Despite persistent national challenges in security and economic stability, the country has achieved remarkable progress across medical infrastructure, specialized care, and financial accessibility of health services. In a groundbreaking achievement, Burkina Faso performed its first-ever kidney transplant in 2025. This landmark procedure, executed at the Tengandogo University Hospital Center (CHU) through collaboration between Burkinabè and Turkish medical teams, signifies a major leap forward in treating renal failure. This medical milestone is expected to significantly reduce…

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