Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

Deadly jihadist assault leaves 31 civilians dead in western Niger

Ousmane Tandja

Tragic strike in Bosiye: 31 civilians killed in suspected jihadist raid A devastating attack struck the village of Bosiye in western Niger, resulting in the deaths of 31 civilians. Four additional victims remain hospitalized in critical condition, according to local sources. The assault, which unfolded on Sunday, has sent shockwaves through the region, already grappling with persistent security challenges. Unrelenting violence in the Sahel’s ‘tri-border’ zone The village of Bosiye lies within the Gorouol municipality, part of the Tillabéri region—commonly referred to as the “three borders” area. This volatile zone…

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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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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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Diphtheria surge in Mali amid ongoing humanitarian crisis

Ousmane Tandja

diphtheria surge in Mali amid ongoing humanitarian crisis Since mid-September, Mali has been grappling with a rapid surge in diphtheria cases, a preventable yet deadly infection now thriving in a fragile healthcare landscape. Chronic shortages, restricted humanitarian access, and a collapsing public health infrastructure have created the perfect storm for this outbreak to spread unchecked. By early December, official reports tallied over 530 cases and 30 deaths, but experts warn the true numbers are likely far higher due to widespread underreporting. The hardest-hit regions include Mopti and Ségou in central…

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Unified force of the AES: strategies to achieve its security goals

Ousmane Tandja

The military juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are convening in Bamako for a critical two-day summit to assess progress since the Niger founding summit in July 2024. The meeting, which began on December 22, will evaluate security, diplomatic, and development challenges while designating a new president for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) confederation. According to the Malian government, the gathering marks the first anniversary of the AES’s operational roadmap. Key discussions will focus on consolidating institutional frameworks and addressing regional and international implications of the confederation’s initiatives.…

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Mali Niger Burkina Faso launch joint security force against jihadists

Ousmane Tandja

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso—collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—are governed by military juntas that seized power through coups between 2020 and 2023. These administrations prioritize sovereignty and have distanced themselves from Western influence. regional leaders convene in Bamako for strategic talks On Monday, Malian junta leader Assimi Goïta hosted his Nigerien counterpart, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in Bamako. The summit continued Tuesday with the arrival of Burkinabé leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, according to Malian officials. joint military force takes symbolic first step The primary agenda item centered…

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Patrice Talon: Africa’s political outlier with bold reforms

Ousmane Tandja

On December 13 in Cotonou, Bénin, hundreds gathered—mostly young citizens—rallied to condemn a failed coup d’état that had unfolded just six days earlier. On December 7, mutineers had stormed state television, declaring they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. Yet by day’s end, the military, supported by loyal security forces, had crushed the rebellion and restored constitutional order. This dramatic confrontation underscored a defining trait of Patrice Talon’s leadership: his ability to navigate crises while advancing transformative policies. A former businessman turned head of state, Talon has steered Bénin toward economic…

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Political instability in Benin: assessing the crisis after coup attempt

Ousmane Tandja

The West African region remains gripped by political turmoil, with multiple coups d’état striking nations across the Sahel, including Guinea and most recently Guinea-Bissau in recent years. Several military juntas in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have openly rejected ties with France, the former colonial power, since seizing control of their governments. Beyond diplomatic backing for Benin‘s armed forces, the Élysée confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron coordinated efforts to share intelligence with regional partners following the unrest. Macron also held emergency talks with Benin‘s President Patrice Talon—the target of the…

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Bénin: putschists still at large after failed coup attempt

Ousmane Tandja

what happened during the weekend’s failed coup in Bénin On Sunday, a group of mutineers disrupted programming on Bénin’s national television, declaring they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. The announcement sparked widespread concern, but by Sunday evening, the President reassured the nation that the situation was fully under control. While the attempted coup was thwarted, authorities confirm that some of the conspirators remain at large. Meanwhile, all hostages—including high-ranking military officers—have been successfully released. The incident has prompted coordinated regional efforts, with neighboring countries offering military assistance. current status of…

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Bénin joins rising wave of african coups since 2020

Ousmane Tandja

In a dramatic turn of events, the Benin has become the latest West African nation to face a military takeover attempt, adding to a troubling pattern of coups sweeping across the region since 2020. On Sunday, a group of soldiers stormed the state television channel in Benin, declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of the government. The brief but intense mutiny was quelled within hours, according to Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, who confirmed in a widely circulated video that the “attempted coup aimed to destabilize the…

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