Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

More than 40 Burkinabè journalists, representing both public and private media outlets, have recently completed a military training program. The ruling junta has characterized this initiative as a « patriotic immersion » experience, which authorities now plan to conduct annually. While a similar mandatory program was introduced last year for baccalaureate students, a measure implemented within the […]

In Chad, President Mahamat Idriss Déby recently issued a decree granting a full pardon to opposition politician and former Prime Minister Succès Masra, who had been serving a 20-year sentence for over a year. This executive action completely annuls the prison terms for Masra and eight other prominent opposition figures. While the government frames this […]

President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema recently concluded his significant West African tour, which included stops in Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire. A notable highlight of this diplomatic journey was his visit to Côte d’Ivoire, where he was the guest of honor for the 66th anniversary celebration of the nation’s independence, hosted by his […]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Nigéria Nigeria’s security challenges: balancing state police reform with regional tensions and persistent kidnappings President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent remarks regarding the roots of insecurity in northern Nigeria have gained significant attention, especially as the nation confronts a fresh surge in kidnappings. During a meeting with Nigerian traditional leaders on July […]

African organizations raise constitutional concerns in Togo A coalition comprising 43 African civil society organizations has formally petitioned both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Their collective action specifically addresses recent constitutional developments in Togo under the administration of President Faure Gnassingbé. These influential organizations are actively seeking […]

Crédit photo, AFP via Getty Images Cameroonian leader Paul Biya, a prominent national figure who has been absent from public view for nearly two months, has enacted a significant military reshuffle amid growing concerns over his prolonged stay abroad. The 93-year-old president appointed new officials to critical positions within the armed forces and elevated five […]

At 93 years old, President Paul Biya has spent nearly two months abroad, initially described as a “brief private stay in Europe”, raising serious concerns about his ability to lead. His prolonged absence has fueled accusations of a power vacuum and intensified speculation about his health. To counter mounting doubts, the Cameroonian head of state […]

Established nearly four months ago in Montreux, the Joint Expanded Verification Mechanism (MCVE+), intended to oversee adherence to the ceasefire between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23, has yet to commence its vital operations. The primary obstacle stems from the expulsion of one of three Congolese officers by the Rwanda-backed movement. These officers were dispatched to Goma […]

Eight weeks have now passed since Cameroonian President Paul Biya departed for what was described as a “brief private stay in Europe,” yet he remains abroad. At 93 years old, the head of state’s prolonged absence inadvertently raises significant questions about his capacity to govern. Meanwhile, the profound silence from authorities only intensifies speculation within […]

Click to expand Image On June 15, 2026, air strikes conducted by the Russian government-controlled Africa Corps in central Mali resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children, in what appears to be an illegal attack. This incident has drawn significant concern regarding Mali current affairs and the conduct of allied forces. That […]

The African continent holds a significant portion of the world’s critical mineral reserves, essential raw materials driving both the global energy transition and the digital revolution. A pivotal conference held on July 27, 2026, themed « Africa at a Crossroads: Navigating Global Geopolitical Competition in the Age of Critical Minerals », illuminated the immense challenges […]

When Captain Ibrahim Traoré publicly addressed Arab slavery and its ongoing implications within contemporary radical Islam, the Burkinabe leader shattered a long-standing taboo. This was no mere provocation; he exposed a blind spot in African historiography, a truth often suppressed by Gulf powers and certain Western intellectuals. This political declaration reveals deep-seated historical tensions across […]