Month: May 2026

Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s impactful legacy at WHO Burkina Faso

Aïcha Abdou

Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s impactful legacy at WHO Burkina Faso Ouagadougou – After a distinguished four-year tenure leading the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Burkina Faso, Dr. Seydou Coulibaly is preparing to depart the nation. His mission was notably characterized by an innovative approach, unwavering dedication to public health, and a collaborative management style that significantly strengthened both local teams and national partnerships. Dr. Coulibaly consistently emphasized that his primary objective was to bolster WHO’s support for Burkina Faso’s key health priorities. To achieve this, he and his teams diligently…

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Mali under siege: jihadist advance threatens Bamako’s stability

Aïcha Abdou

In the Mali, a wave of anxiety has gripped the northern regions as the security landscape undergoes a dramatic shift within a matter of days. Following the symbolic fall of Kidal, armed factions have accelerated their advance, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) escalates its campaign with an unprecedented political maneuver—calling for the overthrow of the transitional government. Military setbacks evoke memories of past crises The unfolding crisis mirrors the bleak scenario of 2012. On May 1, 2026, militants from JNIM and separatists from the…

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Senegal Morocco football tensions and unexpected impacts

Aïcha Abdou

Setting foot in Dakar for the first time came with a lingering sense of unease—thanks, in large part, to the shadow cast by the Africa Cup of Nations final. A narrative of rivalry had taken root, painting the relationship between Morocco and Senegal in sharp, adversarial strokes. And while there’s truth to that perception, the reality feels far more nuanced, even painful. Amadou, a taxi driver in his fifties, greeted me with the warmth and politeness that define Senegalese hospitality. As our conversation unfolded, he learned I was Moroccan. With…

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West african fuel prices: a divergence between Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin

Aïcha Abdou

As May 2026 unfolds, the delicate balance of purchasing power across West Africa faces renewed pressure. While households diligently strive to safeguard their savings against persistent inflation, a stark reality is emerging at the fuel pumps: a significant disparity is now evident between the prices in Côte d’Ivoire and those in Bénin. Côte d’Ivoire: the paradox of a producing nation Following a quarter of relative stability, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons in Côte d’Ivoire has officially announced the year’s inaugural price increase. For consumers, the impact is substantial: Super unleaded…

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Gianni Infantino issues stern warning to teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Ousmane Tandja

Several months following the Africa Cup of Nations final, where the Sénégal national team defeated Maroc 1-0, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has delivered a firm message to participating nations. This warning comes as the football world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexique. The previous continental final was marked by significant tension regarding officiating decisions. During the match, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndella awarded a penalty to Maroc right after a goal by Sénégal had been overturned. In a show…

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Alliance of Sahel states conducts joint airstrikes in Mali after attacks

Aïcha Abdou

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, executed intense aerial operations within Malian borders in response to coordinated jihadist and Tuareg separatist offensives, as announced by Niger’s government late Thursday. Over the weekend, armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Tuareg rebels launched the most significant assault on Mali in over a decade. The offensive resulted in the capture of the strategic northern city of Kidal and the tragic killing of Defence Minister Sadio Camara. The AES, a coalition formed by the three nations, operates a…

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Mali’s state funeral for ex-defence minister sadio camara

Ousmane Tandja

Mali bids farewell to General Sadio Camara with state funeral Mali recently held a state funeral to honour General Sadio Camara, the country’s former Defence Minister, whose life was tragically cut short during a devastating militant attack in Kati. The ceremony, broadcast nationwide and attended by junta leader Assimi Goïta alongside top military officials, underscored the gravity of his loss and its potential impact on Mali’s political and security landscape. The coffin, draped in Mali’s national colours, was paraded in a solemn procession marked by military honours. Large portraits of…

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