Economic warfare in the Sahel: militant expansion threatens west african stability

Aïcha Abdou

Economic warfare in the Sahel: militant expansion threatens West African stability Previously fragmented conflicts in the Sahel and coastal West Africa are converging into a single, interconnected battleground that is rapidly becoming a critical arena for militant competition. Key statistics from 2025 From January 1 to November 28, 2025: More than 10,000 fatalities resulted from political violence in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Militants abducted 30 foreign nationals, primarily in Mali (22) and Niger (8). Benin recorded a nearly 70% increase in fatalities compared to the same period in 2024.…

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Political instability in Benin: assessing the crisis after coup attempt

Ousmane Tandja

The West African region remains gripped by political turmoil, with multiple coups d’état striking nations across the Sahel, including Guinea and most recently Guinea-Bissau in recent years. Several military juntas in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have openly rejected ties with France, the former colonial power, since seizing control of their governments. Beyond diplomatic backing for Benin‘s armed forces, the Élysée confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron coordinated efforts to share intelligence with regional partners following the unrest. Macron also held emergency talks with Benin‘s President Patrice Talon—the target of the…

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UN appeals for $5.1 billion to tackle growing humanitarian needs in West and Central Africa

Aïcha Abdou

As part of a broader $33 billion global initiative for 2026, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are requesting $5.1 billion to support 24 million of the most vulnerable individuals across West and Central Africa. This urgent call for pan-African news outlets to highlight the region’s plight comes as millions face unprecedented challenges. By 2026, it is estimated that over 42 million people will require life-saving assistance and protection in nations including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and…

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UN seeks $5.1 billion to tackle the humanitarian crisis in West and Central Africa

Aïcha Abdou

As part of a massive $33 billion global humanitarian appeal for 2026, the United Nations and its partner organizations are requesting $5.1 billion. This funding is essential to provide life-saving assistance to 24 million of the most vulnerable individuals across West and Central Africa. Projections for 2026 indicate that over 42 million people will require urgent aid to ensure their survival and safety. The countries most affected include Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Mali, Niger, Nigéria, the République centrafricaine, the République démocratique du Congo, and Tchad. Charles Bernimolin, the regional head of…

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Bénin joins rising wave of african coups since 2020

Ousmane Tandja

In a dramatic turn of events, the Benin has become the latest West African nation to face a military takeover attempt, adding to a troubling pattern of coups sweeping across the region since 2020. On Sunday, a group of soldiers stormed the state television channel in Benin, declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of the government. The brief but intense mutiny was quelled within hours, according to Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, who confirmed in a widely circulated video that the “attempted coup aimed to destabilize the…

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Bénin: putschists still at large after failed coup attempt

Ousmane Tandja

what happened during the weekend’s failed coup in Bénin On Sunday, a group of mutineers disrupted programming on Bénin’s national television, declaring they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. The announcement sparked widespread concern, but by Sunday evening, the President reassured the nation that the situation was fully under control. While the attempted coup was thwarted, authorities confirm that some of the conspirators remain at large. Meanwhile, all hostages—including high-ranking military officers—have been successfully released. The incident has prompted coordinated regional efforts, with neighboring countries offering military assistance. current status of…

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Benin foils coup attempt amid west african instability

Aïcha Abdou

Africa Benin authorities thwart coup attempt amid regional tensions Gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in Cotonou as soldiers sealed off access points, sparking fears of a destabilizing power grab. Agence France-Presse In Cotonou Article Why trust Le Devoir? Benin’s government announced Sunday that it had thwarted a coup attempt targeting President Patrice Talon, who reassured citizens that the situation was “fully under control”. West Africa’s regional bloc, the ECOWAS, pledged military support to stabilize the country. The attempted power grab unfolded mere months before Talon’s second term concludes, following…

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Tentative de coup d’État au Bénin, la présidence dit garder le contrôle

Ousmane Tandja

Accueil International Afrique Tentative de coup d’État au Bénin, la présidence dit garder le contrôle Des militaires ont annoncé dimanche matin à la télévision publique du Bénin avoir “démis de ses fonctions” le président Patrice Talon, dont l’entourage a affirmé à l’AFP qu’il était en sécurité et que l’armée reprenait le contrôle. AFP Agence Publié le 07-12-2025 à 11h05

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Political turmoil in Benin after televised coup attempt

Ousmane Tandja

A tense situation unfolded in Cotonou, Benin’s economic hub, this Sunday morning as gunfire echoed through the streets and soldiers stormed the national television station. A group of eight military personnel, identifying themselves as the «Military Committee for Refoundation» (CMR), declared on live television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. However, the government swiftly countered, asserting that the «maneuver has been thwarted». what happened during the coup attempt? The self-proclaimed CMR, led by a lieutenant colonel, justified their actions by citing the «deteriorating security situation in northern…

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Benin foiled coup attempt against president patrice talon

Ousmane Tandja

A sudden mutiny in Benin’s capital sent shockwaves through the nation early on Sunday, December 7, as a group of disgruntled soldiers briefly seized control of the national broadcaster SRTB in Cotonou. The insurgents claimed to have ousted President Patrice Talon, who was swiftly taken to safety as loyalist forces recaptured key installations. Security sources reported that the mutineers first targeted high-ranking officers’ homes, including that of General Bertin Bada—military chief of staff—before heading toward the president’s residence in the Guézo district. By late morning, Cotonou was locked down under…

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Benin government denies coup attempt despite military takeover claim

Ousmane Tandja

On Sunday morning, December 7, a group of soldiers in Bénin announced during a broadcast on national television that they had « removed from office » President Patrice Talon. However, the president’s inner circle swiftly dismissed the claim, asserting that he was safe and that the regular army had regained control. Government response to the alleged coup The presidency confirmed that President Talon remained secure while military sources reported that the situation was « under control ». A military spokesperson stated, « This is merely a small group attempting to…

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Military coup attempt thwarted in Benin amid rising tensions

Aïcha Abdou

The Beninese government reported on Sunday morning that it had successfully thwarted an attempted coup d’état in Cotonou. The announcement followed a televised statement by a group of soldiers claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from office. President Talon, who has been in office since 2016 and is set to conclude his second term in April 2026, remains safe according to close associates. The situation in Cotonou remains fluid, with gunfire reported in the early hours and military personnel blocking access to key government buildings, including the presidential palace…

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