US shifts focus to trade and security partnerships in the Sahel The recent visit of Nick Checker, head of the US State Department’s African Affairs Bureau, to Mali signals Washington’s renewed engagement in the Sahel region. However, this doesn’t mark a return to previous policies. Instead, the United States isContinue Reading
In 2025, leaders across West Africa and the Sahel escalated their crackdowns on civil liberties while consolidating political control, according to a comprehensive analysis by leading human rights organizations. The Sahel region, already grappling with escalating armed conflicts, witnessed intensified violence as Islamist militant groups and government forces—often backed byContinue Reading
Burkina Faso’s mobile clinics revolutionize cervical cancer screening In the heart of West Africa, Burkina Faso is leading a transformative movement to combat one of the most deadly cancers affecting women. By bringing screening and prevention services directly to communities, the country is making significant strides in eliminating cervical cancer,Continue Reading
Explosions and gunfire rock Niamey’s international airport The capital of Niger, Niamey, experienced a wave of intense gunfire and explosions in the early hours of Thursday, according to a Reuters journalist on the ground. The incident, which began nearly an hour prior, persisted until at least 00:12 GMT. Visual evidenceContinue Reading
Burkina Faso leads UEMOA health budgets with 11% allocation in 2026 In the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), Burkina Faso stands out as a regional leader in healthcare investment. For the 2026 fiscal year, the country has allocated 11% of its total public expenditure to the health sector—aContinue Reading
In a tragic escalation of violence, an armed assault struck the village of Bosiye in western Niger on Sunday, leaving 31 civilians dead and four others in critical condition. The assault, which has been attributed to suspected jihadist militants, marks another brutal chapter in the region’s ongoing security crisis. Niger’sContinue Reading
Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 has placed Mali at the 136th position out of 180 countries, with a score of 28/100. This persistent low ranking underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to curb corruption, which continues to erode governance and hinder sustainable development. why Mali remains stuck inContinue Reading
2025: a landmark year for healthcare transformation in Burkina Faso Despite persistent security and economic challenges, Burkina Faso’s healthcare system achieved remarkable milestones in 2025. The nation witnessed groundbreaking advancements in medical infrastructure, specialized care, and financial accessibility, positioning itself as a leader in regional health innovation. historic medical firstsContinue Reading
Since the middle of September, Mali has been grappling with a swift escalation of diphtheria infections. This disease, which is entirely preventable, is currently flourishing due to a crippled healthcare infrastructure, chronic medical shortages, and increasingly restricted humanitarian access. By early December, official records confirmed over 530 cases and moreContinue Reading
The Mali health crisis is worsening as diphtheria spreads rapidly, fueled by a weakened healthcare system, chronic shortages, and increasingly restricted humanitarian access. Since mid-September, the country has faced a sharp rise in cases of this preventable yet deadly disease. alarming toll and underreported reality By early December, official reportsContinue Reading
In just two days, the highest authorities of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—will gather in Bamako for a pivotal summit. The primary agenda includes a comprehensive review of the unified force’s (FU-AES) progress, security challenges, diplomatic strategies, and development milestones achieved since theContinue Reading
The Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—three nations united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—are led by juntas that seized power through coups between 2020 and 2023. These governments advocate for a sovereignist agenda, distancing themselves from Western influence. key leaders convene in Bamako for strategic discussions On Monday, MalianContinue Reading