Violence and economic squeeze push Burkina Faso’s fulani to brink

Ousmane Tandja

The security crisis in Burkina Faso has reached a breaking point, with tensions between military authorities under Captain Ibrahim Traoré and the Fulani community escalating sharply. While the country battles armed insurgencies, allegations of targeted repression against Fulani civilians have intensified, raising concerns over a widening humanitarian and political divide. allegations of systematic military abuses The transitional government, which seized power in a coup in September 2022, relies heavily on the Volontaires pour la Défense de la Patrie (VDP), a civilian defense force. Though officially tasked with supporting the military,…

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Virtual meeting for US citizens in Chad on may 20

Ousmane Tandja

The U.S. Embassy in N’Djamena has announced an online meeting exclusively for American citizens residing in Chad. Scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, the virtual session will focus on critical topics such as security updates, emergency preparedness, and consular services. Who should attend? This meeting is open to two key groups: American citizens living in Chad and parents of minors holding U.S. citizenship. Whether you’re based in the capital or elsewhere in the country, participation is highly encouraged to stay informed about essential safety protocols and available assistance. How to join…

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Sénégal debt talks: president diomaye faye takes direct charge of fmi negotiations

Ousmane Tandja

The President of Sénégal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is personally steering negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (FMI) to address a pressing debt crisis. This strategic move comes as Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko hosts a high-profile forum in Dakar, focusing on exploring alternatives to traditional solutions imposed by Bretton Woods institutions. The cabinet clarified that President Faye is fully committed to resolving the issue, which stems from undisclosed liabilities uncovered in 2024 by the previous administration. In a bold display of leadership, President Faye met with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of…

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Contraceptive challenges in conflict zones across the Sahel

Aïcha Abdou

When family planning meets terror: the hidden dangers in Tillabéri’s crisis zones The capital city may spotlight women’s empowerment initiatives, but in the embattled districts of Tillabéri, a different story is unfolding. Programs like the Reach Married Adolescent (RMA) model, praised as a milestone for reproductive rights, are now facing harsh criticism as their rollout in high-risk areas raises serious health and security concerns—sometimes turning humanitarian goodwill into a life-threatening gamble for local women. Nutritional poverty magnifies contraceptive risks The Liptako-Gourma region’s extreme food insecurity creates an overlooked vulnerability when…

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Senegal’s debt strategy shifts away from IMF reliance

Aïcha Abdou

Senegal reconsiders IMF dependence for debt management President Bassirou Diomaye Faye meets with Edward Gemayel, IMF mission chief for Senegal, in Dakar on August 28, 2025 © DR With Senegal’s debt burden once again dominating economic discussions, policymakers in Dakar are actively exploring alternative financing solutions that extend beyond traditional International Monetary Fund programs. This strategic shift comes as the country faces significant budgetary constraints while seeking avenues to stimulate economic growth without compromising fiscal stability. In response to these challenges, economists and government officials have convened to examine innovative…

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Togo’s president strengthens ties with Kampala during Museveni’s inauguration

Aïcha Abdou

Under the scorching Kampala sun, official smiles and warm handshakes masked the gravity of Africa’s pressing challenges. On May 12, 2026, the President of Togo arrived in Uganda as a guest of honor for President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration—his re-election secured in January of the same year. Faure Gnassingbé’s visit was more than a diplomatic courtesy; it was a mission to accelerate a vital humanitarian effort: restoring peace in the Great Lakes region. The inauguration ceremony in Uganda’s capital was a spectacle of national pride, marked by traditional chants and military…

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Mali jihadist coalition offensive threatens Bamako’s grip on power

Aïcha Abdou

Home Debates and analysis Mali jihadist coalition offensive threatens Bamako’s grip on power A platform for in-depth analysis and debate on African geopolitical dynamics. Sahel and West Africa Print SHARE Mali jihadist coalition offensive threatens Bamako’s grip on power Author Jonathan Guiffard Associate Expert – Defense and Africa The Malian junta led by Assimi Goïta, allied with Russian forces, faces unprecedented pressure following a coordinated offensive on April 25 by jihadists from the JNIM (Al-Qaeda affiliate) and separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). Northern Mali now risks falling into…

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PSG eyes two more Russian talents after Safonov’s successful transfer

Ousmane Tandja

The summer of 2024 marked a bold move for Paris Saint-Germain with the acquisition of Matvey Safonov. The Russian goalkeeper, signed for €20 million from Krasnodar, has not only met expectations but exceeded them, outperforming even high-profile recruit Lucas Chevalier. Unless an unexpected setback occurs, Safonov is poised to start in goal for PSG in the upcoming Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30. The transfer has sparked a shift in PSG’s recruitment strategy, catching the eye of sporting director Luis Campos. His focus has now turned toward the…

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Central african freight corridors to go digital by 2030

Aïcha Abdou

The National Bureau of Land Freight of Chad (BNFT), along with freight authorities in Cameroon and the Central African Republic, formalized a landmark digitalization pact on May 12, aiming to transform Central African trade corridors by 2030. This groundbreaking agreement is designed to overhaul cross-border goods transport and transit, streamlining commercial exchanges across the subregion. By implementing advanced digital systems, the three nations seek to create a more efficient, secure, and transparent framework for managing transit procedures. Saleh Youssouf Erda, BNFT’s Director General, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative…

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ID4Africa 2026: Abidjan hosts digital identity leaders in May

Ousmane Tandja

From May 12 to 15, 2026, Abidjan will host the 7th Annual General Assembly of ID4Africa at the Port-Bouët Exhibition Park. The gathering centers on the theme “Digital Identity: From Public Digital Infrastructure to Public Digital Ecosystems.” This flagship pan-African event unites policymakers, technical experts, private sector innovators, and international institution representatives. The official opening session took place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, under the leadership of Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné. Over four days, discussions will focus on critical aspects of secure population identification, digital public service…

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Bénin showcases industrial and investment opportunities at Kenya forum

Aïcha Abdou

Bénin’s leaders pitch industrial transformation and investment potential in Nairobi The Director-General of SIPI-BENIN S.A, Létondji Beheton, and the CEO of CDC Bénin, Maryse Lokossou, recently presented the country’s industrial and financial strategy to international investors at the Africa Forward | Inspire & Connect event in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum, backed by key financial institutions, served as a platform to highlight investment prospects in Bénin, emphasizing local value addition, industrialization, and long-term capital mobilization. During the panel discussions, both leaders outlined Bénin’s vision for economic transformation, centered on leveraging its…

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Mali’s security crisis deepens as jihadist and rebel offensive challenges junta

Aïcha Abdou

The coordinated attacks by the JNIM and FLA on April 25, 2026, represent a pivotal shift in Mali’s security landscape since 2012. Striking simultaneously at Bamako, Kati, Kidal, Gao, and Sévaré, these groups exposed the vulnerabilities of a security model overly reliant on external support. The recapture of Kidal has dealt a severe blow to the junta’s legitimacy narrative, while also undermining the perceived effectiveness of Russia’s military partnership. Though a direct assault on Bamako remains unlikely in the short term, the JNIM is waging a relentless war of attrition,…

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