Mali’s shadow diplomacy: how private actors challenge state authority
In the heart of Mali, a single photograph has become a symbol of the country’s fractured sovereignty. The image, which spread rapidly across Malian social media, depicts opposition leader Oumar Mariko—currently living in exile—standing alongside fighters from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin, JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate […]
Read MoreHow Algeria fuels terrorism in the Sahel, Mali and Niger claim
Mali and Niger have reignited sharp criticism of Algeria, accusing it of exporting terrorism into the Sahel by providing sanctuary, logistical backing, and indirect support to armed factions operating across their borders. At a regional security gathering in Sénégal this week, officials from Bamako and Niamey stopped short of directly naming Algiers, yet their remarks […]
Read MoreBurkina Faso’s humanitarian reliance overshadows junta’s sovereignty claims
From promises of self-sufficiency to reliance on foreign aid Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s transitional government in Burkina Faso continues to emphasize national independence, yet the nation remains heavily dependent on external rice donations from Pakistan, China, and Canada to address a worsening food crisis that military strategies have failed to resolve. At the recent handover ceremony […]
Read MoreKemi Seba’s decline: why panafricanism turned its back on him
From Pan-African Icon to Isolated Figure Once a prominent voice in African identity politics, Kemi Seba now faces extradition from South Africa to Benin, navigating a landscape devoid of the allies who once championed his cause. While his supporters decry political persecution, a striking silence has emerged from former collaborators such as Nathalie Yamb and […]
Read MoreKémi Séba’s South African detention: political martyrdom or a web of hidden interests?
Currently detained in Pretoria following an arrest for alleged immigration law violations, the prominent Pan-Africanist figure Kémi Séba is claiming to be the victim of political harassment. However, beneath his rhetoric of sovereignty, investigations reveal a series of clandestine alliances that are as unexpected as they are concerning, spanning from Russian influence networks to the […]
Read MorePassport AES Nigeria delayed, but Burkina Faso and Mali progress
what is the AES passport and why was it introduced? The AES passport is a next-generation biometric travel document created by the military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger after their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (Cédéao) in 2024. This highly secure electronic passport meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) […]
Read MoreTogo’s evolving Sahel strategy targets regional stability
The Togo has taken a proactive stance in reshaping its Sahel strategy, positioning itself as a potential mediator between West African nations facing jihadist threats and the broader international community. Speaking on April 18, officials emphasized Lomé’s determination to act as a bridge to foster dialogue and collective security solutions. According to Robert Dussey, Togo’s […]
Read MoreBurkina Faso crackdown on civil society: restrictive laws and repression
Burkina Faso’s military government tightens grip on civil society Nairobi — Burkina Faso’s military leadership has escalated its crackdown on civil society through restrictive legislation, administrative pressures, and punitive measures targeting both national and international organizations. This alarming trend, highlighted by Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the World Organisation Against […]
Read MoreTogo positions itself as a diplomatic link between the Sahel and the world
Togo unveiled its fresh geopolitical and security roadmap for the Sahel during a significant gathering in Lomé this past Saturday. The conference hosted delegates from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), alongside international representatives from the European Union and France. This diplomatic effort seeks to re-establish […]
Read MorePolitical maturity in Benin: Boni Yayi welcomes the new administration of Romuald Wadagni
In a regional landscape often defined by political friction, Benin is currently demonstrating a notable level of democratic maturity. Former President Thomas Boni Yayi, a central figure in the nation’s public life, has chosen a path of reconciliation by officially recognizing the rise to power of Romuald Wadagni. This solemn gesture is being viewed as […]
Read MoreThe crumbling mask of Kemi Seba: pan-africanism or political opportunism?
Stellio Capo Chichi, better known by his pseudonym Kemi Seba, often presents himself as the supreme commander of the black cause and a champion of African sovereignty against modern-day colonialism. However, beneath the aggressive rhetoric and carefully curated social media persona lies a series of contradictions that threaten to undermine the very movement he claims […]
Read MoreGeopolitical fallout: the leaked recordings of kémi séba and the sahel’s watergate
A recently circulated audio recording has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, acting as a catalyst for what many are calling the “Watergate of the Sahel.” In a candid and cynical exchange lasting only a few minutes, Kémi Séba appears to dismantle the very persona he spent years cultivating. The activist’s own words reveal a stark […]
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