Dissolution of NGOs in Burkina Faso raises civil society concerns

Burkina Faso’s move to dissolve 118 NGOs sparks global outcry Ousmane Diallo, Senior Researcher on the Sahel at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Regional Office, has voiced strong concerns over Burkina Faso’s decision to dissolve 118 NGOs and associations, labeling it a blatant violation of fundamental rights. The action directly contradicts Burkina Faso’s Constitution, […]

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Deadly explosion in northern Mali: civilian truck strikes mine near Aguelhok

Tragedy has once again struck the roads of northern Mali. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, a civilian transport truck fell victim to an improvised explosive device (IED) in the vicinity of Aguelhok, located in the heart of the Kidal region. A violent blast with severe consequences The explosion was extremely powerful, underscoring the ongoing security […]

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General Tiani’s delicate balancing act: secret dialogues and internal military strains in Niger

General Abdourahamane Tiani is reportedly engaged in a high-stakes effort to stabilize Niger, confronting a pervasive terrorist threat while simultaneously addressing growing discontent within his own military ranks. The head of Niger’s transitional government is navigating treacherous waters, employing a strategy that blends clandestine negotiations near Say with a robust reassertion of control over the […]

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Mauritanian President’s state visit to France: deepening strategic ties

The President of the French Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace this Wednesday. A month before the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11-12, symbolizing renewed France-Africa partnerships, this visit underscores the commitment to strengthening political, cultural, and economic bonds between the two nations. Upon the […]

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Mauritanian president’s state visit to France highlights strategic partnership

French President welcomed His Excellency Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace in Paris this Wednesday. With the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just one month away—scheduled for May 11-12—this visit underscores the renewed commitment to strengthening political, cultural, and economic ties between France and Mauritania. […]

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High election costs block opposition in africa’s presidential races

“Fixed outcomes”, “uncontested polls”, “incumbents re-elected in first rounds”. These phrases have become all too familiar in African presidential elections over the past year. The trend of locking out opposition candidates before campaigns even begin has reached new heights. Recent examples include Djibouti’s April 10 vote, where incumbent Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured 97.8% of ballots, […]

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Soaring election costs lock out Mali opposition

“Predetermined outcomes”, “one-sided contests”, “incumbents coasting to victory”. The 2025 presidential elections across West Africa followed a troubling pattern: opposition candidates were systematically sidelined before campaigning even began. Recent cases include Djibouti’s April 10 vote, where incumbent Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term with 97.8% of ballots, and Bénin’s April 12 election, where Romuald […]

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Soaring election costs lock opposition out of african polls

“Preordained victories”, “uncontested polls”, “incumbent presidents winning outright in the first round”— these phrases have become increasingly common in African electoral landscapes. The continent’s 2025 presidential elections followed a disturbing pattern: opposition forces were systematically sidelined before campaigning even began. Recent contests in Djibouti (April 10) and Benin (April 12) exemplified this trend. In Djibouti, […]

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Benin’s peaceful presidential election: a new chapter begins

The nation of Benin embarked on a pivotal democratic journey this Sunday, April 12, 2026, as citizens cast their ballots in the first round of the presidential election. This crucial electoral event ushers in a new political landscape, marking the conclusion of President Patrice Talon’s tenure and setting the course for Benin’s future. The atmosphere […]

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Maroc and Mauritania deepen security ties amid Sahel instability

Morocco and Mauritania strengthen security cooperation amid rising Sahel instability Rabat and Nouakchott deepen military ties with a focus on border security, counterterrorism, and organized crime amid growing regional fragility Introduction to security cooperation The strengthening of defense collaboration between Morocco and Mauritania emerges as a strategic response to escalating regional instability across the Sahel, […]

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Morocco Mauritania military cooperation highlighted in Nouakchott visit

Top military officials from Morocco and Mauritania convened in Nouakchott this week for a series of high-level engagements aimed at deepening bilateral defense ties. Led by General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone, the delegation engaged in critical discussions with Mauritanian counterparts. During the […]

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Burkina Faso leader rejects democracy, eyes alternative governance

The people must abandon the idea of democracy, declared Burkina Faso’s military ruler during a state television interview, calling the system fundamentally flawed for the nation. Military ruler outlines vision for Burkina Faso Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power three years ago, argued that Burkina Faso requires a radically different approach to governance, asserting that […]

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