Category: Politics

The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, has issued a formal appeal to the government of Burkina Faso, urging an end to all forms of civic space suppression and the reversal of plans to outlaw political parties. According to the High Commissioner, the current trajectory is a step backward for the human rights of the people of Burkina Faso. In a recent statement, he argued that rather than dismantling political organizations or incarcerating individuals for their personal views, the state should be expanding the environment for civil society and…

Key developments The year 2025 marked a significant shift in Chad’s political landscape under President Mahamat Idriss Déby, who secured his hold on power following a controversial 2024 presidential election. Opposition figures and watchdogs widely criticized the vote for irregularities. In 2025, constitutional amendments were enacted, extending presidential terms from five to seven years and removing term limits entirely. This effectively allows Mahamat Idriss Déby to remain in office indefinitely, provided elections are held every seven years. The political opposition faced severe restrictions. Succès Masra, a prominent opposition leader who…

In a bold move that has sparked widespread concern, the Union of African Free Press Journalists (UAFPJ) has vehemently denounced the Malian authorities’ decision to prohibit the sale and distribution of the renowned Jeune Afrique magazine across the country. The organization views this restriction as a severe violation of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the Malians’ fundamental right to access independent, balanced, and unbiased information. Jeune Afrique, a long-standing pan-African publication, has played a pivotal role in fostering democratic discourse and providing insightful analysis on the continent’s political, economic,…

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…

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.…

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…

“La situation au Mali est le résultat d’un échec patent de la Russie”, affirme Jean-Noël Barrot Le ministre des Affaires étrangères Jean-Noël Barrot est interrogé au Sénat, mercredi 26 novembre, sur la situation au Mali, où la pression des groupes djihadistes est croissante sur Bamako. Le 26/11/2025 à 17h05 | Durée : 1:02 Partager X By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

The Mali government faces mounting pressure from its citizens, who rank universal healthcare as their top priority for state intervention. Despite recent improvements in key health indicators—such as reduced infant and under-5 mortality rates, lower maternal deaths, and increased life expectancy—the nation still grapples with systemic barriers to quality medical services. In 2018, Mali launched a bold universal health insurance plan, yet critical challenges persist. A severe shortage of trained medical professionals, chronic underfunding, and persistent political instability have severely limited healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural regions. Shockingly, over half…

Niger’s authorities must end arbitrary detention of rights defender Moussa Tiangari Human rights organizations are calling for the immediate release of Moussa Tiangari, a prominent civil society activist and human rights defender in Niger. The Nigerien government is urged to stop weaponizing terrorism charges to silence dissenting voices, according to a joint statement by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT). Click to expand Image Arbitrary arrest and baseless charges On December 3, 2024, masked individuals claiming to…

Renforcer la protection des défenseur·e·x·s au moyen de lignes directrices diplomatiques 14 mars 2026 ISHR lance deux nouveaux outils interactifs visant à renforcer les initiatives diplomatiques en faveur des défenseur·e·x·s des droits humains : l’un s’adresse aux diplomates, l’autre aux défenseur·e·x·s. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

Protests erupt in Bamako over alleged military plans to dissolve political parties Hundreds of Malians took to the streets of Bamako on May 3 to voice strong opposition against what they perceive as a looming authoritarian shift by the military regime led by General Assimi Goïta. The rare demonstration unfolded against a backdrop of escalating political repression and growing concerns about the future of democracy in the country. Chanting slogans like “Long live democracy, down with dictatorship,” protesters gathered at the Palais de la Culture in Bamako, rallying under the…

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—has become a focal point for debates on democracy in West Africa. These nations, governed by military juntas since 2020, share a common struggle against terrorism and armed groups that have destabilized the region for years. Spanning over 2.8 million square kilometers, their territories have faced relentless attacks, prompting public support for military takeovers as a perceived solution to chronic instability. military rule and the erosion of democratic norms While the juntas cite security concerns as justification for their rule,…