Category: Top Stories

Mali under jihadist blockade: civilians face starvation as government rules out negotiations with armed groups The Malian government has once again reaffirmed its refusal to engage in dialogue with armed jihadist groups controlling parts of the country, despite mounting humanitarian crises and public outcry. Speaking to the diplomatic corps in Bamako, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop declared: «Our position remains unchanged: we will not negotiate with lawless terrorist factions responsible for years of suffering among our people.» This stance comes as militants tighten their grip on critical regions, particularly in the…

While Lomé portrays itself as a regional mediator, a darker undercurrent is surfacing in Western chancelleries. According to diplomatic sources and declassified US intelligence reports, the administration of Faure Gnassingbé allegedly facilitated covert negotiations between Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré and jihadist factions of the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). The alleged pact? A fragile truce in Burkina Faso in exchange for a coordinated assault on neighboring Mali under Colonel Assimi Goïta. By brokering this alliance between terrorists and rebel groups like the Front de Libération de…

The Senegalese U17 national football team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisia in a friendly match on Thursday at the Hammam Lif Municipal Stadium. The winning goal was scored by Cheikh Omar Sy, providing a morale boost ahead of their upcoming campaigns. The Lionceaux (Lion Cubs), as the team is affectionately known, will now shift their preparations to Morocco, where they will continue their training before the tournament kicks off. Their first match in the competition is scheduled for May 14 at 4:00 PM against South Africa. CAN U17…

The Senegal U17 national team secured a crucial victory this Thursday in a friendly match against Tunisia, winning 1-0 at the Hammam Lif Municipal Stadium. This result marks a key milestone in their preparation for the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026. The Senegalese coach, Lamine Sané, fielded a balanced lineup with Assane Sarr, captain and goalkeeper from Ndangane FC, leading the defense alongside Cheikh Dieng, Cheikh Thior, Abdourahmane Dièye, and Thierno Sow. In midfield, Mahamet Ba, Sébastien Nogueira, and Ibrahima Sow worked to control the game’s tempo,…

Born in the Parisian suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, Arthur Zagré has forged a football career that spans top European clubs, but now he’s making a bold move—one that connects him to his ancestral roots. At just 24 years old, this left-footed defender has chosen to represent Burkina Faso, the land of his heritage, after decades of playing under the French flag. Zagré’s football journey began at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy, where his talent caught the eye of coaches and earned him youth international call-ups. Over 23 appearances with the Under-18 and…

The coordinated attacks that struck Mali on April 25 have intensified concerns about the escalating security crisis across the Sahel. These assaults, marked by unprecedented scale and sophistication, have exposed critical vulnerabilities in the Malian state while highlighting the adaptive strategies of armed groups and the fragility of external alliances. unprecedented assaults reveal state fragility The April 25 offensive was not a conventional insurgent operation but a meticulously coordinated campaign targeting military and government installations in Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, and Séveré. By striking simultaneously across these locations, the attackers…

A significant strain currently exists between Togo’s political establishment and its judicial system. At the heart of this contention lies the alleged failure to execute a ruling by the Lomé Court of Appeal, which mandated the release of thirteen detainees. Amidst accusations of arbitrary actions and assertions of national security imperatives, the nation finds itself grappling with a deepening crisis of institutional trust. The core of the dispute: a disregarded court order? This situation escalated into a national concern when various opposition coalitions, including the Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzro (DMK), the…

Despite official narratives celebrating the National Development Plan and stable macroeconomic growth, ground realities have delivered a stark rebuke to Faure Gnassingbé’s administration. The latest Afrobarometer survey paints a picture of a Togo struggling, with 62% of its citizens believing the nation is heading in a detrimental direction. Amidst a surge in severe poverty, critical water shortages, and inadequate healthcare, the chasm between the ruling elite and the populace has never been more profound. This widespread disillusionment has landed squarely on the desks of policymakers in Lomé. More than six…

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…