Forced disappearances in West africa: tools of repression by military regimes
In Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger, military authorities are using forced disappearances as a systematic tool to silence dissent and suppress civil society. According to the latest findings from human rights organizations, security forces and defense units are increasingly relying on unlawful detentions and abductions to curb opposition voices and stifle criticism of governing […]
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Mali authorities urged to withdraw proposal to dissolve political parties
In response to Mali’s proposal to dissolve all political parties following consultations on the revision of the Political Parties Charter, Ousmane Diallo, Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa, issued a stark warning: « The suggestion to dissolve political parties in Mali is deeply troubling and represents a blatant violation […]
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Mali pioneers hybrid malaria vaccine strategy to protect children
Mali becomes first nation to deploy hybrid malaria vaccine approach 25 april 2025 The Republic of Mali has made history by becoming the first country globally to implement a hybrid malaria vaccination strategy, marking a significant milestone in public health innovation on World Malaria Day. This groundbreaking approach combines routine vaccination with seasonal booster doses […]
Read MoreBurkina Faso targets exiled journalists and activists with terror list
Authorities in Burkina Faso have officially designated several exiled journalists and civil society activists as wanted individuals, accusing them of “criminal association in connection with a terrorist enterprise.” This move is widely viewed as a tactical expansion of the government’s campaign to silence dissenting voices and dismantle independent media coverage. A new phase of repression […]
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Burkina Faso: journalists targeted in escalating media crackdown
Click to expand Image (Nairobi) – The military junta governing Burkina Faso detained three journalists on March 24, 2025, for reporting on the government’s escalating suppression of media, Human Rights Watch announced today. Authorities apprehended Guezouma Sanogo, president of the Association of Journalists of Burkina (AJB), Boukari Ouoba, its vice-president, and Luc Pagbelguem, a journalist […]
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Niger faces human rights crisis as Amnesty International warns of crackdown
Nearly a year and a half after the military takeover on July 26, 2023, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling CNSP continues to consolidate its power over Niger. A recent investigation by Amnesty International, released in March, details a disturbing pattern of forced disappearances, unlawful detentions, and a systematic dismantling of political opposition. Titled […]
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Escalating repression of human rights defenders in Sahel nations
Sahel governments intensify crackdown on human rights advocates The Sahel region is witnessing a dramatic escalation in the repression of human rights defenders, with civic spaces shrinking and fundamental freedoms under severe threat across multiple nations. On February 20, 2025, the Observatoire pour la protection des défenseurs des droits humains—a joint initiative of the International […]
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Declining justice systems in Sahel nations after ceeowas withdrawal
How military juntas in Sahel nations are undermining justice The Sahel region of Africa is facing a troubling trend: three neighboring countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—share more than just borders. Each has experienced a military takeover, each has seen escalating human rights abuses, and each has now severed ties with the Economic Community of West […]
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Niger becomes first african country to eliminate river blindness with who recognition
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially acknowledged Niger as the first country in Africa—and the fifth globally—to meet the criteria for eliminating Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite responsible for river blindness. « Eliminating a disease is a monumental achievement that demands relentless dedication,» stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. « Niger’s success in freeing […]
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Burkina Faso secures substantial funding to fortify its health system
WASHINGTON, January 24, 2025 – The World Bank today announced the approval of a significant financial package aimed at bolstering Burkina Faso’s healthcare infrastructure. This package includes a credit of 142 million euros (equivalent to 150 million US dollars) from the International Development Association (IDA)*, complemented by a 17 million dollar grant from the Global […]
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Mali introduces HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancer in women
Mali rolls out HPV vaccine: a major step in protecting women’s health The Malian government has taken a historic step by incorporating the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization program starting November. During a ceremony in Bamako, attended by dignitaries and international partners including Gavi and the Ministry of Health and Social Development, […]
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African commission urged to address human rights violations in Burkina Faso
urgent call to protect civilians as human rights crisis deepens in Burkina Faso The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) must prioritize pressing human rights concerns during Burkina Faso’s upcoming review, scheduled for October 23, 2024, according to advocacy groups. The Burkinabè government faces mounting pressure to safeguard civilians caught in the armed […]
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