Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

Burkina Faso: Influential Imam’s Disappearance Sparks Alarm Amidst Political Tensions

Aïcha Abdou

A week has passed since his last public appearance, and a shadow of deep concern hangs over the fate of Imam Mahmoud Barro. This highly influential religious figure from Burkina Faso’s second-largest city, Bobo-Dioulasso, has been reported missing since March 31st. Amidst swirling rumors of abduction and a conspicuous silence from authorities, the incident has ignited significant distress within the Muslim community and civil society across Burkina Faso. An unsettling quiet now pervades the neighborhood of Imam Barro in Bobo-Dioulasso. For seven days, his family and close associates have received…

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Unpacking the jihadist civil war: JNIM versus EIGS in the Sahel’s shifting landscape

Aïcha Abdou

A recent confrontation along the Burkina Faso-Niger frontier is more than an isolated incident; it signifies another chapter in the intense hegemonic struggle between the two dominant jihadist entities in the Sahel: the Al-Qaeda-aligned Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). The evolving trajectory of the Sahelian conflict has definitively ended what was once considered a ‘global exception,’ where affiliates of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State managed to coexist. Since 2020, this dynamic has transformed into a full-blown, systemic…

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Bayern munich scores historic win at real madrid in champions league quarter-finals

Aïcha Abdou

football Champions League Bayern Munich Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany hails historic Champions League victory over Real Madrid Bayern Munich delivered a stunning performance in Madrid on Tuesday, securing a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash. While the win has set the stage for an exciting return leg, Bayern’s manager Vincent Kompany is already looking ahead to the next challenge. Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich head coach, after the 2-1 win over Real Madrid): «We’re naturally pleased with this result. A victory…

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Escalating insecurity in Niger: a fresh terror strike shakes Afala near Tahoua

Aïcha Abdou

The village of Afala, situated approximately 25 kilometers from Tahoua city, Niger, was the scene of a terrorist assault during the early hours of Monday, April 6, 2026. Reports from local sources and social media accounts indicate that the attackers descended on the community around 2 AM, specifically targeting and brutalizing the duty nurse. As of now, official channels have not released a detailed assessment of casualties or additional material damage resulting from this incursion. This incident follows closely on the heels of a previous wave of criminal acts in…

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Mauritania tightens market controls amid Middle East tensions and food price concerns

Aïcha Abdou

The ripple effects of the escalating conflict in the Middle East have prompted Mauritania to take decisive action against potential price surges in essential food products. In response to rising concerns over food inflation, government authorities have rolled out a sweeping campaign to monitor and stabilize prices across the country. The initiative focuses on staple goods such as rice, cooking oil, and sugar—items that directly impact households nationwide. To enforce compliance, specialized teams have been deployed in Nouakchott and are gradually extending their presence to other regions, ensuring continuous oversight…

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Senegalese actress bigué Diop indicted on theft and alleged homosexuality charges

Aïcha Abdou

In Senegal, actress Bigué Diop, also known as Mame Dior, is currently facing a double indictment following an unexpected turn of events. The 32-year-old performer initially presented herself at the gendarmerie on March 26th to file a defamation complaint. This complaint stemmed from videos circulating on TikTok that accused her of theft. However, her situation dramatically shifted during her subsequent interrogation, leading to her own apprehension and implication in a theft case, as reported by Senenews. Dual accusations emerge against the Senegalese actress The investigation took a further critical turn…

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Debunking the 45% child malnutrition death claim in Benin

Aïcha Abdou

Misrepresenting statistical data can drastically alter its meaning and public understanding. On March 31, 2026, during an audio segment titled “Dix ans sans bilan, partie 4,” released by the online platform Be Africa, prominent Beninese opposition figure Martin Rodriguez, currently in exile, asserted that in Benin, “more than 45% of children under 5 die from malnutrition.” To substantiate his bold claim, Rodriguez indicated that his figures originated from the United Nations. He urged listeners to verify his statement, saying, “I have read a United Nations report, two reports. One concerns…

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Burkina Faso’s captain delivers a rosy report card, but mass graves tell a different story

Aïcha Abdou

At 36, Captain Ibrahim Traoré holds new captain’s insignia and occupies a presidential palace, not through electoral victory, but by dissolving democratic processes. This move conveniently eliminates the need to mislead an electorate, allowing for direct misrepresentation to gathered journalists. From the Koulouba palace, he addressed a panel of six journalists, presenting an optimistic two-hour monologue. The captain painted a picture of military success, claiming territory reclamation, burgeoning industrial growth, accumulating gold reserves, expanding infrastructure, and unprecedented freedom for the Burkinabè people. The scene felt almost orchestrated, lacking only a…

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Burkina Faso’s military leader rejects democracy as ‘fatal’ for the nation

Aïcha Abdou

Burkina Faso’s military leader rejects democracy as ‘fatal’ for the nation Article Information April 3, 2026 Reading time: 5 min Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s military leader, has declared that democracy is “fatal” for the nation and must be “forgotten.” Speaking during a televised interview, he asserted that the democratic model is incompatible with Burkinabé society and that the country requires an entirely different approach. Traoré, who seized power in a coup three years ago, had previously pledged to restore democratic governance by July 2024. However, just two months before…

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Human rights violations in Burkina Faso escalate amid ongoing conflict

Aïcha Abdou

Burkina Faso: widespread atrocities committed by all conflict parties Click to expand Image The Burkinabè military, allied militias, and an Al-Qaeda-linked armed group have killed over 1,800 civilians and forcibly displaced tens of thousands since 2023. The junta itself commits horrific abuses, fails to hold perpetrators accountable, and restricts information flows to conceal civilian suffering. Regional bodies and international partners must urge Burkina Faso’s authorities to address violations by all parties and ensure accountability. Since 2023, the Burkinabè army, supported by allied militias known as the Volunteers for the Defense…

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Niger establishes civilian self-defense units to bolster national security

Aïcha Abdou

In the Fulfulde language, Domol Leydi signifies “Guardians of the Earth.” Within the administrative framework of Niger, this name now identifies new territorial self-defense organizations. This volunteer corps was formally established by a government decree during the Council of Ministers on Friday, March 27, to intensify the fight against extremist groups that have been active in this Sahel nation since 2017. Recruited from either former military personnel or local residents of the targeted areas, these auxiliaries will support the defense and security forces. According to official statements, they will operate…

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Sénégal loses africa cup of nations title: legal battle unfolds

Aïcha Abdou

Sports & football Senegal loses Africa Cup of Nations title: why did CAF strip the Lions of Teranga? The Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, awarding the title to Morocco instead. This unprecedented decision raises critical questions about competition integrity and the legal avenues still open to Senegal through its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). By Habib Badjinri Touré, Lecturer at Université Grenoble-Alpes and Criss-Dess Dongar, PhD in Law from Université Jean-Moulin Lyon 3 CAF strips…

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