Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

Influenceuse panafricaine denied access to Paris by french authorities

Aïcha Abdou

The ongoing information war between France and Russia in Africa has escalated into a direct confrontation. Following Russia’s intervention in the Central African Republic in 2018, Moscow intensified its efforts to undermine Paris’s influence across the continent by manipulating public opinion. Though France has only recently acknowledged this hybrid warfare strategy—previously observed in other regions since at least 2014—it is now responding with countermeasures of its own. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

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Pro-russian influencers in Africa: voices amplifying Kremlin narratives

Aïcha Abdou

In the complex geopolitical chessboard of Africa, Evgueni Prigojine, a key Kremlin figure and financier of the Wagner Group, stands as a central player in spreading pro-Russian narratives. His influence network extends through organizations like the Afric (Association for Free Research and International Cooperation), led from Maputo by Mozambican academic José Matemulane. This structure, headed by Ioulia Afanasieva, a Prigojine associate, acts as a conduit for Russian influence operations across the continent. Through Afric, Prigojine collaborates with panafricanist media outlets such as Radio Révolution panafricaine and Afrique Média TV, based…

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Mali human rights crisis in 2025: repression and violence escalate

Aïcha Abdou

Mali human rights crisis in 2025 Under the current administration, Mali has seen a severe contraction of fundamental freedoms, particularly regarding freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Political opponents and civil society members face arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and unlawful detention. Security forces, allied militias, and armed groups have intensified attacks on civilians, while militant factions have imposed crippling blockades in multiple urban centers. The conflict has left over 2,000 schools shuttered, depriving hundreds of thousands of children of their right to education. Political and legal backdrop The country…

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Niger’s health common fund assessed by french development agency

Aïcha Abdou

The Health Common Fund in Niger: Evaluating AFD’s Impact The Health Common Fund in Niger has been a game-changer for the country’s healthcare system. Launched in 2006, this multi-donor initiative has mobilized €91 million between 2015 and 2019 to strengthen health policies and services across the nation. A recent evaluation by the French Development Agency (AFD) highlights its achievements and identifies key areas for improvement. Why the Health Common Fund Was Created The Nigerien government, with initial support from AFD and the World Bank, established the Health Common Fund to…

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Measles surge in Niger demands urgent attention

Aïcha Abdou

measles surge in Niger demands urgent attention related insights vaccination: protecting the most vulnerable associated initiatives pediatric care in southern Niger support for displaced persons in Diffa Dr. François Rubona, a medical coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières in Niger, highlights the escalating measles crisis gripping the nation. Since February, MSF teams have mobilized mass vaccination campaigns across multiple regions to curb the alarming rise in early-onset measles clusters. Here’s an in-depth look at the epidemic’s current state. how severe is Niger’s measles outbreak? This year has witnessed a dramatic surge…

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Polio vaccination campaign launched in seven regions of Burkina Faso

Aïcha Abdou

polio vaccination campaign launched in seven regions of Burkina Faso polio vaccination campaign launched in seven regions of Burkina Faso health Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign on Friday, targeting seven regions across the country. Running from 18 to 21 September 2020, the campaign aims to immunize over 2 million children under five in seven regions: Plateau Central, Centre, Centre-Nord, Centre-Ouest, Centre-Sud, Est, and Centre-Est. UNICEF confirmed this in a press release, highlighting the urgency…

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Un’s growing alarm over Sahel armies’ alleged human rights abuses

Aïcha Abdou

Allegations of severe human rights abuses, including forced disappearances and summary executions, are increasingly being leveled against soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These forces are actively engaged in counter-jihadist operations across the Sahel region, prompting significant concern from the United Nations. During a Security Council videoconference focusing on the Sahel, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, emphatically stated, “I urge the G5 Sahel Joint Force and its member states to spare no effort” in upholding human rights. This concern has been voiced with increasing urgency for…

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New pediatric unit in Koutiala, Mali enhances child healthcare

Aïcha Abdou

new pediatric unit in Koutiala, Mali enhances child healthcare pediatric care explore Koutiala, Mali, where a groundbreaking pediatric unit is transforming child healthcare since 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has operated a pediatric program in Koutiala, southeastern Mali, to combat child mortality through preventive and curative care. To enhance treatment for young patients, MSF initiated the construction of a modern pediatric unit. Over more than a year, we documented this transformative project. malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality in the Koutiala region. Affected children often experience reduced appetite,…

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Benin’s constitutional reforms: a new political landscape emerges

Aïcha Abdou

A significant constitutional amendment, swiftly enacted on November 1st, introduces a “presidential ticket” system for Benin. This new framework mandates the simultaneous election of both the President of the Republic and a Vice-President, requiring an absolute majority of votes over two electoral rounds. Further provisions within the revised constitution include the abolition of the death penalty and the establishment of a dedicated Court of Accounts. Additionally, it enshrines the principle of affirmative action to promote female representation in electoral processes. Legislative terms for members of parliament are now capped at…

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