Niger’s junta at a crossroads: how a thwarted coup reshaped power under Tiani
In the world of politics, few moments are as revealing as a leader who gains power through an unconstitutional takeover only to later fear being toppled in a similar fashion. This paradox now defines the Nigerien junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. Less than three months after surviving a violent coup attempt on August 29, […]
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Niger’s hidden power struggle: how a 1.8 billion FCFA monthly fund reshapes elite dynamics
The Nigerien power elite is locked in a behind-the-scenes confrontation that stretches far beyond military doctrine. At the center of this internal power game is the Commandement des Forces de Protection et de Développement (CFPD), a specialized unit tasked with safeguarding the country’s most vital infrastructure. Behind its official mandate, however, lies a much more […]
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Mali’s media reforms: behind the facade of unity in a fractured industry
What appears on the surface as a unified front among Mali’s media owners during recent consultations may simply be a desperate attempt to salvage a sector on the brink of collapse. The show of solidarity masking the Cadre de concertation des faîtières (ASSEP, Groupement patronal, UNAJEP) hides a decade-long history of infighting, power struggles, and […]
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Niger’s general Tiani: the hidden calculus behind Libya’s southern power play
The coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power in Niamey in July 2023 didn’t just redraw Niger’s political map—it reset the country’s strategic compass. While the world watched for signs of domestic consolidation, behind the scenes Tiani’s regime began quietly recalibrating its foreign policy, with Libya’s southern desert emerging as a critical inflection point […]
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Bénin and Cuba’s hidden momentum: how old ties are driving new economic strategies
The unsung roots of Benin-Cuba economic revival Behind the official handshakes and signed agreements lies a deeper phenomenon: the strategic reawakening of Benin and Cuba’s half-century partnership. What began as diplomatic courtesy has quietly evolved into a calculated economic reset, driven by geopolitical shifts and mutual ambition. The meeting between Cuban Ambassador Denisse Amaro Salabarría […]
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Togo’s silent playbook: how one year in detention reveals the mechanics of political suppression
The anatomy of a strategic silence: what Marguerite Gnakadé’s year in detention exposes One year. That’s how long Marguerite Essossimna Gnakadé, Togo’s former defense minister, has been held in detention. Arrested on September 17, 2025, her case has become a stark reminder of a long-standing political pattern in Lomé: crossing the government’s red line often […]
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Niger’s defense restructuring: how hidden financial and power struggles shape national security
The creation of Niger’s Command of Protection and Development Forces (CFPD) in May 2024 was meant to secure critical infrastructure—from oil pipelines to mining sites. But behind its stated mission lies a deeper power struggle over control of troops, funds, and ultimately, the future of the country’s defense apparatus. From decree to dilemma: how a […]
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Behind Baudelaire Ndong Ella’s Washington debut: the strategy driving Gabon’s US reset
When Baudelaire Ndong Ella formally stepped into his role as Gabon’s ambassador to the United States last Tuesday, the moment was more than a ceremonial formality. The veteran diplomat presented his credentials to President Donald Trump at the White House, signaling the start of a mission designed to deepen the partnership between Libreville and Washington. […]
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Mali’s shifting security calculus: why Bamako seeks US aerial intelligence despite Russian ties
Behind the scenes: Mali’s quiet pivot toward Washington The partnership between Mali and Russia, once hailed as an unbreakable alliance, is showing unexpected cracks. While Bamako hasn’t formally severed ties with Moscow, the Malian junta is quietly but decisively exploring alternatives—particularly with Washington. The driving force behind this shift isn’t ideological alignment but a pragmatic […]
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Niger’s uranium shift: how America’s Dasa investment challenges France’s SOMAÏR legacy
When the United States poured $414 million into Niger’s Dasa uranium project last year, few anticipated the seismic shift it would trigger in Niamey’s mining landscape. While the historic SOMAÏR mine—once the backbone of French-controlled uranium extraction—gasps for air, Dasa is powering ahead, reshaping not just Niger’s economy but also its geopolitical alliances. Why the […]
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What’s really driving civilian deaths in Mali’s drone war?
The transformation of Mali’s conflict through drone warfare has been as rapid as it has been devastating. What were once marketed as precision weapons capable of surgically targeting militant groups now appear to be causing systemic harm to civilians. Between 2023 and 2026, 731 non-combatants lost their lives across 199 air strikes—figures that go far […]
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Behind the scenes of Benin’s first sustainable engineering master’s launch
Behind the scenes of Benin’s first sustainable engineering master’s launch The landscape of Benin’s higher education sector is evolving in ways that reflect deeper structural shifts. At the heart of this transformation lies a carefully crafted alliance between the Sèmè City Institute of Technology (SCITI) and the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA). The landmark agreement, […]
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