As May 2026 unfolds, the delicate economic stability across West Africa faces a fresh challenge. Amidst households striving to safeguard their savings against persistent inflationary pressures, a stark reality emerges at fuel stations: a notable divergence in pricing has taken root between Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin. Côte d’Ivoire: The paradoxContinue Reading
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—has executed coordinated aerial operations within Mali in response to a surge of violent attacks linked to al-Qaeda and Tuareg separatist factions, as confirmed by Niger’s government late last week. Over the preceding weekend, these militant groups launched their mostContinue Reading
On April 25, Mali witnessed an unprecedented coordinated assault that transcended its decade-long conflict. Islamist militants and Tuareg separatists executed simultaneous strikes on military outposts and civilian hubs, seizing control of Kidal—a northern stronghold—and extending their reach toward Bamako. For the wider Sahel region, particularly Algeria, the crisis has shiftedContinue Reading
understanding the Sahel’s escalating challenges Mali’s military government, supported by Moscow, is facing an existential threat following recent coordinated assaults by jihadist and Tuareg factions. These attacks led to the death of the defense minister and compelled Russian mercenaries to withdraw from the country’s northern territories. Such escalating instability raisesContinue Reading
In the predawn hours of April 25, a wave of coordinated violence erupted near Kati, a strategic military outpost just 15 kilometers northwest of Bamako, Mali’s bustling capital. The assault began with thunderous explosions and sustained gunfire, signaling the most daring insurgent offensive in the country since the 2012 crisis.Continue Reading
As the nation undergoes a thorough reconfiguration of its external partnerships, Niger has formally accepted a contribution of 20,000 tonnes of fertilizer provided by the Russie. This significant shipment, which arrived through the port of Lomé before being transported by land, reflects the transitional government’s stated ambition to stimulate domesticContinue Reading
The African Football Confederation (CAF) has announced the roster of referees chosen for the preparatory training ahead of the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations, a pivotal stage before the final selection of match officials for the tournament in Morocco from 13 May to 2 June. Senegal’s sole representative inContinue Reading
South African judiciary rejects activist’s arguments Activist Kemi Seba, a Franco-Béninois national, remains incarcerated after the South African judiciary ruled on April 29 to deny his release. The court dismissed all defenses presented by his legal team, including a diplomatic passport that lacked official accreditation. With two international arrest warrantsContinue Reading
Following a series of intense assaults on Malian military installations, the country’s leader, Assimi Goita, declared that the government had stabilized the situation. He noted that Russian paramilitary units provided crucial aerial assistance to prevent insurgents from seizing strategic locations, including the seat of power in Bamako. Despite these assurances,Continue Reading
Mali dismisses Belgian football coach after major tournament setbacks The Mali national football team has concluded its partnership with head coach Tom Saintfiet, the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) announced. The Belgian tactician, who took charge in August 2024, faced criticism after failing to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA WorldContinue Reading
West Africa is still absorbing the shock of co-ordinated rebel attacks that breached Mali‘s defences, penetrated the capital Bamako and assassinated the Defence Minister, while militants also seized control of strategic northern cities. By Abdoulaye Mounkaila — ReporterContinue Reading
The security landscape in northern Mali shifted dramatically this Sunday, April 26. Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps—the organization that succeeded the Wagner Group in 2025—fled their positions in Kidal, marking a symbolic and strategic defeat for the Bamako junta’s allies. Visual evidence circulating online depicts a chaotic withdrawal; underContinue Reading