Niger embraces digital payments for faster vaccination campaigns During the April 2026 National Polio Vaccination Days in Niamey, Niger introduced a pioneering digital payment system for health workers and community actors, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Niger. Over 1,200 participants received their payments via mobile money—a shift awayContinue Reading
Nigeria is confronting a security challenge that transcends its borders, with the ongoing crisis in Mali serving as a catalyst for regional instability. The interconnected struggles across the Sahel—particularly in Niger, Burkina Faso, and northern Nigeria—have created a volatile environment where insurgent groups thrive. the rise of transnational insurgent networksContinue Reading
In the high-stakes arena of global politics, timing dictates outcomes—and missteps can have irreversible consequences. The decision by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all under military governance—to sever its ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is increasingly resembling a high-riskContinue Reading
The President of Benin, Patrice Talon, has been bestowed with an unprecedented honor by the Vodun community. On May 2, 2026, the spiritual leaders of Vodun recognized his unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting indigenous religious heritage by awarding him the honorary title of « Hounon d’honneur ». Unprecedented recognitionContinue Reading
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the village of Doungouro, located in the Tillabéri region, became the site of a devastating double tragedy. Following a lethal raid by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) that claimed the lives of four civilians, an intervention by the Volunteers for the DefenseContinue Reading
In the bustling port city of Cotonou, a groundbreaking innovation is reshaping the future of water treatment. SSaFE, a pioneering startup founded by chemical engineer Marielle Agbahoungbata, has developed a first-of-its-kind AI-driven filtration robot designed to turn polluted water into a valuable resource while bridging communication gaps in local communities.Continue Reading
In the heart of West Africa, Senegal is witnessing a pivotal moment in its political landscape. The once-unbreakable alliance between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, is showing visible fractures. After years of presenting a unified front, tensions have surfaced in a dramatic fashion, signaling aContinue Reading
Assimi Goïta centralizes power in Mali’s government By assuming the role of Minister of Defense alongside his presidential duties, Colonel Assimi Goïta has consolidated authority in Bamako, signaling not just administrative changes but a potential acknowledgment of military strategy failures. The recent loss of Kidal to JNIM and FLA forces,Continue Reading
Supporting adolescents living with HIV in Burkina Faso: insights from AFRAVIH As the 13th AFRAVIH conference on HIV prevention and treatment unfolds in Lausanne, Switzerland, experts highlight critical challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV in Burkina Faso. Mental health support emerges as a key priority in their care. WithContinue Reading
In partnership with national coalitions representing activists in Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Niger, ISHR has released a compilation of effective methods for safeguarding human rights defenders and facilitating their essential activities during emergencies. The impact of global health measures on civic space The introduction of lockdownsContinue Reading
Mali’s stability hangs by a thread as coordinated attacks on April 25th, including a deadly strike in Kati that claimed the life of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, underscore the fragility of regional security efforts. While the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and ECOWAS remain theoretically positioned to respond, their actions—markedContinue Reading
The head coach of Senegal’s Under-17 national team, Lamine Sané, has unveiled the final squad of 23 players who will compete in the 2026 African Nations Championship (CAN) U17, hosted by Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026. experienced lineup with regional tournament veterans Sané has built a teamContinue Reading