April 12th: Bénin’s democracy solidifies its foundations

Aïcha Abdou

Beyond the raw figures and the competing duos, the announcement of provisional results this past Sunday signifies a profound historical juncture. With a blend of institutional calm and vibrant public engagement, Bénin has decisively affirmed its democratic system as an unshakable bedrock. An election underscored by transparency The night of Sunday, April 12, 2026, is set to be etched into the nation’s historical records. As the final electoral envelopes reached the processing centers under stringent security, the subsequent declaration of results validated a core principle: the overarching interest of the…

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Vague de haine contre le Bénin après des élections organisées avec succès

Aïcha Abdou

Après le succès de ses élections présidentielles, le Bénin est de nouveau attaqué en ligne par des internautes de pays voisins jaloux de son alternance pacifique. Menées par des personnalités comme Juan branco, avocat de Kemi Seba, thomas Dietrich et autres influenceurs proches des pays de l’AES, ces attaques montrent une amertume de ces acteurs de ne pas voir le Bénin suivre leurs narratifs. Ils annonçaient depuis des mois que le président sortant Patrice Talon resterait au pouvoir. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

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Soaring election costs lock out african opposition candidates

Aïcha Abdou

Voter rolls read like empty promises when ambitious candidates face financial walls before the first ballot is cast. Across Africa’s electoral landscape in 2025, presidential races were routinely decided long before campaign posters ever went up. Two recent contests—Djibouti on April 10 and Benin on April 12—epitomize this trend. In Djibouti, incumbent President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term with 97.8% of the vote, while in Benin, Romuald Wadagni—handpicked successor to Patrice Talon—claimed 94% of ballots. Such lopsided outcomes reveal elections stripped of genuine competition. Ballot access priced out…

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Soaring election costs in west africa shut out opposition candidates

Ousmane Tandja

Presidential elections across Africa in 2025 unfolded with a striking pattern: opposition candidates were systematically excluded before campaigns even began. From Djibouti’s April 10 vote—where outgoing President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term with 97.8% of the vote—to Benin’s April 12 election, where Romuald Wadagni claimed victory with 94% of ballots, the outcomes reflected more than just voter preference. In both cases, the absence of viable competition painted a picture of elections where results were predetermined long before polling stations opened. In Djibouti, prominent opposition figure Alexis Mohamed withdrew…

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Élections en Afrique : des frais de campagne “exorbitants” disqualifient l’opposition

Aïcha Abdou

Partager Écouter “Élections jouées d’avance”, “scrutins sans suspens”, “victoires du président sortant dès le premier tour”. Les élections présidentielles en Afrique au cours de l’année 2025 ont été marquées par une tendance au verrouillage de l’opposition avant même le début de la campagne présidentielle. Dernières élections en date, celles qui ont eu lieu à Djibouti, le 10 avril, et au Bénin, le 12 avril. La première a vu le président sortant, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, réélu pour un sixième mandat à la tête du pays, avec 97,8 % des voix. Dans le second, Romuald Wadagani,…

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Élections en Afrique : des frais de campagne “exorbitants” disqualifient l’opposition

Aïcha Abdou

Partager Écouter “Élections jouées d’avance”, “scrutins sans suspens”, “victoires du président sortant dès le premier tour”. Les élections présidentielles en Afrique au cours de l’année 2025 ont été marquées par une tendance au verrouillage de l’opposition avant même le début de la campagne présidentielle. Dernières élections en date, celles qui ont eu lieu à Djibouti, le 10 avril, et au Bénin, le 12 avril. La première a vu le président sortant, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, réélu pour un sixième mandat à la tête du pays, avec 97,8 % des voix. Dans le second, Romuald Wadagani,…

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Surviving boko haram: nigerian women share their captivity ordeals

Ousmane Tandja

Three names dominate headlines when discussing Boko Haram kidnappings in Nigeria: Aisha, Juliana, and Hauwa. Yet their stories—often overshadowed by sensational media coverage—remain largely unheard. Through an in-depth investigation titled “Surviving Boko Haram”, The Republic, a leading Nigerian news outlet, sheds light on the harrowing experiences of these women, whose voices are frequently silenced despite enduring unimaginable suffering. For Aisha, the nightmare began on an April evening in 2014 as she prepared a stew—her children’s favorite meal—in Gamboru Ngala, a village in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. Before she could flee,…

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How science protects West African communities: an interview with Dr. Bintou Dembélé

Aïcha Abdou

How science protects West African communities: an interview with Dr. Bintou Dembélé Bamako – To celebrate World Health Day 2026, themed “Unite for Health. Support Science,” the World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting dedicated professionals who leverage scientific advancement to enhance lives across the African Region. Dr. Bintou Dembélé, a physician and public health specialist, has spent years combating infectious diseases and fortifying healthcare frameworks in Mali and throughout West Africa. She is a firm believer that scientific knowledge must serve the public. Her work focuses on utilizing research to…

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Can 2025 final controversy: Senegal-Morocco dispute escalates

Aïcha Abdou

The CAN 2025 final continues to generate intense debate and contention. Following the contentious ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeal jury on March 17, which awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory by default despite Senegal’s 1-0 on-field triumph, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). Concurrently, a separate but equally sensitive case is unfolding. This involves 18 Senegalese supporters facing charges of hooliganism following disturbances during the final on January 18. Initially sentenced on February 19 to prison…

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Benin’s historic turnout reshapes presidential election landscape

Ousmane Tandja

Voter apathy took a backseat as polling stations opened across Benin. Following a pivotal election marking the conclusion of President Talon’s tenure, initial figures reveal a groundbreaking participation rate exceeding 65%, demonstrating the nation’s unprecedented commitment to civic duty. a remarkable surge in civic engagement Despite lingering concerns about voter fatigue, Beninese citizens overwhelmingly rejected passivity, delivering a resounding message of political maturity. This 65% turnout is not merely a statistic—it sets a historic precedent for a transitional election, signaling a collective embrace of democratic values. From the paved streets…

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Mali’s post-alignment strategy and its impact on stability and sovereignty

Ousmane Tandja

Since the military takeovers in 2020 and 2021, Mali has undergone a significant political and strategic shift under the leadership of colonel assimi goïta. the regime has embraced a sovereigntist discourse, distancing itself from traditional western allies and forging new partnerships, particularly with Russia and the united arab emirates. yet, despite these efforts to assert national autonomy, the country continues to grapple with persistent insecurity, economic stagnation, and democratic backsliding. the rise of transactional sovereigntism colonel assimi goïta’s ascent to power through successive coups was framed as a response to…

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Can 2025 final dispute: edouard mendy breaks silence on Sénégal vs Morocco forfeit

Ousmane Tandja

The contentious CAN 2025 final continues to spark debate, nearly three months after its initial conclusion. On January 18 in Rabat, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory against Morocco following extra time. However, on March 17, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) controversially overturned this outcome, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win by forfeit. CAF’s appeal jury justified its decision by invoking articles 82 and 84 of its regulations. These articles state that a team leaving the field or refusing to recommence play is automatically deemed to have lost. The Senegalese Football…

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