Burkina Faso’s democratic regression: two years of unchecked repression Two years after Burkina Faso’s military coup on 30 September 2022, the nation’s transition to constitutional order remains stalled. What began as a promise of reform has devolved into systematic suppression of civil liberties, with the transitional authorities systematically silencing dissentContinue Reading
Bénin Bénin: coup d’état foiled raises questions about post-Talon era The arrest this week in Benin of three prominent figures on suspicion of plotting a “coup d’état” has thrust into the spotlight the question of who will succeed President Patrice Talon, whose second term is set to end in 2026.Continue Reading
In the landscape of Francophone African digital influence, few figures spark as much debate as Kémi Séba. The 42-year-old Béninois activist and online personality, known for his sharply anti-Western rhetoric, has become a central figure in the discourse surrounding Russian influence on the continent. His recent loss of French citizenship—formalizedContinue Reading
WASHINGTON — The World Bank has greenlit a $100 million IDA credit to bolster Mali’s healthcare system by enhancing access to quality reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, adolescent, and nutritional services. The initiative also aims to strengthen emergency health preparedness in vulnerable regions. The Keneya Yiriwali project (meaning “Health for All”Continue Reading
Rising repression in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as juntas struggle with failures Across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, military regimes are tightening their grip through widespread repression, arbitrary detentions and media crackdowns. This escalation reflects deepening crises of legitimacy as the juntas fail to deliver on their promises ofContinue Reading
Press Freedom in Niger: A Growing Crisis The freedom of the press in Niger is facing severe threats as transitional authorities intensify intimidation and arbitrary arrests of journalists covering the country’s ongoing conflict and security concerns. This alarming trend has led many reporters to self-censor out of fear of retaliation.Continue Reading
Growing Crackdown on Civil Society Organizations in Mali The Mali government has intensified its crackdown on civil society, with the latest move being the dissolution of a prominent student association. This follows a pattern of restrictive actions targeting freedom of association and dissent across the country. The Minister of TerritorialContinue Reading
Military Junta in Niger Escalates Crackdown on Dissent and Media Freedom Since the July 26, 2023 military coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power, Niger’s ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) has systematically targeted former government officials, journalists, and peaceful critics through arbitrary arrests andContinue Reading
The military takeover in Niger on July 26, 2023, swiftly prompted a wave of international responses. Major organizations such as ECOWAS, the African Union, and nations including the United States, France, and Russia, quickly articulated their positions. Within Bénin, the pronouncements from President Patrice Talon and the prospect of anContinue Reading
strengthening human rights frameworks in Sahel’s most vulnerable zones The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) of Niger recently hosted a pivotal regional conference in Niamey, bringing together key stakeholders to address the escalating human rights challenges in the Sahel’s three-border zone—encompassing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The two-day event, heldContinue Reading
press freedom under threat in Mali and Burkina Faso: a coalition demands urgent action Newspaper vendor displaying front-page coverage of the January 22, 2022 coup in Burkina Faso. ©Olympie de Maismont – AFP organization: RSF_fr RSF_Inter share facebook twitter linkedin email Under the leadership of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), nearlyContinue Reading
Click to expand Image A television displays the cut signal of France 24, hours after Burkina Faso’s military government suspended the channel on March 27, 2023. © 2023 Olympia de Maismont/AFP via Getty Images In a significant blow to media freedom in Burkina Faso, the nation’s transitional military authorities haveContinue Reading