Category: Top Stories

At the conclusion of the 39th African Union summit, a bold declaration echoed through the halls of Addis Ababa: silencing the guns and ending unconstitutional power transfers once and for all. But in a region grappling with political instability, can such promises truly hold weight? Paul-Simon Handy, a Cameroonian researcher and Regional Director for East Africa at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), was present in Addis Ababa during the landmark gathering. In an exclusive interview on Africa Midi, he shed light on the summit’s outcomes and the challenges facing…

Invité Afrique Midi «It is unacceptable for coup plotters to be democratically elected» Listen – 05:45 The 39th African Union summit concluded with a bold declaration: to “silence the guns” and end unconstitutional power grabs. But can this stance hold? Prominent Cameroonian researcher Paul-Simon Handy, Regional Director for the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in East Africa, who attended the Addis Ababa gathering, joins Africa Midi to dissect the continent’s shifting political landscape. The 39th African Union summit in Addis Ababa wrapped up with a firm commitment to eradicate unconstitutional…

The geopolitical landscape of the Sahel is quietly undergoing a transformation. As European forces scale back their presence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and Russia’s influence grows through para-state structures, the United States appears to be regaining momentum in the region. However, this shift is less about a dramatic return and more about a recalibration of Washington’s strategic positioning, according to Emmanuel Dupuy, president of the Institute for Prospective and Security in Europe (IPSE). Dupuy emphasizes that the U.S. never fully disengaged from the Sahel; instead, it adopted a…

i Vue des panneaux solaires installés par MSF à l’hôpital de Niafunké, dans le nord du Mali. © Lamine Keita solar energy revolutionizes healthcare in niafounké, northern Mali In Mali’s Timbuktu region, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has recently equipped the Niafounké hospital with a cutting-edge solar panel installation. This vital energy transition strengthens the hospital’s operational autonomy and ensures more consistent healthcare delivery in a remote area grappling with persistent insecurity. Previously, the hospital relied almost entirely on a diesel-powered thermal plant, which was prone to frequent power outages. To…

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Social Development in Mali officially took delivery of 39 rugged 4×4 vehicles. These essential all-terrain vehicles are set to significantly bolster the nation’s health infrastructure, enhancing access to critical health services, particularly immunization programs, across Mali’s most underserved and remote communities. The handover ceremony occurred at the Ministry of Health’s headquarters within Bamako’s Administrative City. Valued at an estimated 689 million CFA francs, this vital fleet of equipment is a direct result of a robust and productive collaboration between Mali’s…

In a brazen assault on Niger’s capital, armed militants linked to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) launched a coordinated attack on Niamey’s international airport and the adjacent 101 military base on the night of January 28-29, 2025. The assault involved heavy gunfire, multiple rocket strikes, and the deliberate destruction of civilian aircraft and military equipment. Graphic footage released by the attackers revealed their movements through the facility, underscoring the sophistication and boldness of the operation. Niger’s security landscape under Abdourahamane Tiani: progress and persistent threats Since General…

The recent visit of Nick Checker, head of the U.S. State Department’s African Affairs Bureau, to Mali signals a renewed Washington presence in the Sahel. However, this engagement comes with a strategic pivot—three core priorities now guide American policy in the region: a stronger economic focus on trade, particularly in minerals; a recalibrated security approach that reduces permanent military deployments; and a shift away from broad humanitarian aid toward targeted economic and security partnerships. Expert analysis: insights from Dr. Gnaka Lagoke Driving forces behind U.S. policy in West Africa DW:…

In West Africa and the Sahel, military juntas have escalated their crackdown on freedoms while consolidating power throughout 2025, according to recent findings. Civilian populations and critical infrastructure have borne the brunt of repeated attacks by both Islamist armed groups and government forces, alongside their allies. Click to expand Image authoritarian trends threaten regional stability Human Rights Watch has highlighted a disturbing pattern of repression across West Africa and the Sahel. Military juntas in countries like the Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad have systematically weakened democratic institutions, silenced dissent,…

In the heart of Burkina Faso, a silent revolution is unfolding in the fight against cervical cancer. By bringing medical services directly to communities, the country is setting a powerful example for Africa in making health care accessible to all. Breaking barriers to cervical cancer screening in rural Burkina Faso Ouagadougou — “When I heard the town crier announce that health workers were offering free screening nearby, my first thought was fear: what if I tested positive? How would I afford treatment? But then I remembered my six children and…

Since the military coup in July 2023, Niger has witnessed a sharp decline in human rights, with authorities intensifying repression against political opponents, dissidents, union leaders, and journalists. Arbitrary detentions remain rampant, including that of former President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, former government officials, journalists, and human rights activists. These individuals are held incommunicado, with no access to legal counsel or family visits. The security situation has deteriorated further as Niger continues to battle multiple Islamist armed groups, including the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS), the Support Group…

why the us is prioritizing security and mineral deals over democracy in Sahel juntas The United States has signaled a sharp shift in its approach to three West African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—where military-led governments have distanced themselves from France and aligned with Russia. This new strategy emphasizes security cooperation and access to critical minerals, sidelining long-standing concerns about democracy and human rights. In a move that underscores this pivot, U.S. officials announced a high-level visit to Bamako, the capital of Mali, by Nick Checker, head of the State…

The relationship with Niger’s military junta, which seized control in 2023, is showing no signs of improvement. Following an attack on the airport in Niamey, the junta’s leader has lauded Russia for its military assistance while directly accusing the presidents of France, Bénin, and Côte d’Ivoire of being the “sponsors” of the assailants. According to the junta’s statement, the incident resulted in injuries to four soldiers, while twenty attackers, including an individual identified as “a Frenchman,” were killed and others were apprehended. The events unfolded during the night between Wednesday…