Author: Aïcha Abdou

Chadian bishops urge dialogue to break political deadlock Chadian military personnel patrolling near Lake Chad – illustrative photo (AFP or licensors) In a strongly worded statement released on May 6, the Catholic bishops of Chad expressed deep concern over the country’s rapidly deteriorating political climate. The prelates called on authorities to foster an environment of trust conducive to national reconciliation, declaring that “sincere and inclusive dialogue remains the only viable path out of the current impasse.” The bishops’ appeal comes amid escalating intercommunal violence in regions such as Dar Tama in…

CAN U17 2026: Senegal’s mission to reclaim glory and their full schedule The highly anticipated U17 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN U17) is set to unfold in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026. Among the nations vying for continental supremacy, Senegal’s U17 team, affectionately known as the Lionceaux, is preparing for a pivotal campaign. Here is their complete fixture list for the tournament. Senegal embarks on a crucial mission to reclaim their dominance in youth football. After clinching the CAN U17 title in 2023, the Lionceaux faced an…

Why Mali’s Crisis Is Redrawing Nigeria’s Security Map Nigeria isn’t just observing the turmoil in Mali—it’s deeply entangled in it. The recent coordinated attacks across Mali, from Kati to Gao and Mopti in April 2026, highlight a regional security framework under unprecedented strain. With Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria accounting for the majority of conflict-related fatalities in West Africa, the crisis has evolved from a distant issue to a pressing domestic concern. For Nigeria, the threat isn’t merely spillover—it’s a reinforcement of existing dangers. The Sahel’s instability is no…

The high-stakes gamble of Mali’s withdrawal from ECOWAS In the delicate balance of geopolitical strategy, timing can mean the difference between triumph and disaster. The decision by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—to sever ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is increasingly resembling a high-risk move with diminishing rewards. As extremist threats like Boko Haram and ISWAP intensify across the region, unity should be the cornerstone of security—not fragmentation. And in matters of defence, fragmentation is not just ineffective—it is perilous.…

The recent appointment of Colonel Assimi Goïta as both President and Defense Minister in Mali marks a significant consolidation of power in Bamako. This strategic move, far from being a routine administrative decision, underscores deepening concerns about a military chain of command in disarray and an increasingly faltering counterinsurgency strategy. Centralization of power at the heart of the crisis By merging the roles of Head of State and Defense Minister, Assimi Goïta has positioned himself not only as the architect of national policy but also as the operational leader of…

Sahel crisis: when military failures reflect strategic void The Mali crisis continues to send shockwaves through West Africa, exposing not just military vulnerabilities but a profound regional security vacuum. Despite the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—supposed to unite Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger under a shared defense framework—the alliance has yet to prove its operational effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), from which Bamako withdrew in early 2025, struggles to regain relevance in a region increasingly fragmented by shifting allegiances and geopolitical realignments.…

The Confédération africaine de football has selected Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala to oversee the first leg of the Ligue des champions final. The high-stakes match between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR is scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa. At 38 years old, the referee from the Congo remains a prominent figure in African football, famously having officiated the final between Sénégal and Maroc. Although his performance in that game drew significant criticism, the continental governing body has reaffirmed its faith in him by assigning him to major club…