Mali’s billion-dollar bet: assessing the cost of Russian military support
The Price of Security: One Billion Dollars Spent on Russian Forces Mali has allocated nearly one billion dollars to fund its partnership with Russian paramilitary groups, initially Wagner and later integrated into the Africa Corps framework. These forces cost approximately $10,000 per fighter per month, a substantial financial commitment thatContinue Reading
Russian security ties in Africa: gold trade fuels growing influence in Sahel states
Moscow’s expanding security footprint in Africa is taking a new turn as gold concessions become the currency of influence in volatile Sahel nations. New reports reveal how a Russian-linked network is leveraging military partnerships to secure lucrative mining contracts, raising concerns over long-term sovereignty and economic transparency. From soldiers toContinue Reading
Bénin takes stand against CNews over alleged racist content targeting Africans
In a bold move against racist discourse in media, Claudy Siar, advisor to Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni, has formally requested the removal of French news channel CNews from Benin’s television bouquets. The demand comes after a wave of outrage over repeated on-air remarks Siar considers deeply offensive to African populations.Continue Reading
Sahel juntas trade one colonial burden for Russia’s costly security deal
The military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger once vowed to reclaim sovereignty by expelling French and Western forces. Yet the arrival of Russia’s Africa Corps—officially tied to the Wagner paramilitary network—has quietly shifted their dependence from Paris to Moscow. The result: a steep price paid in currency, lives,Continue Reading
17.6 million Congo fund transfer to US defense firm sparks scrutiny over missing cultural grant
An unusual financial transaction has drawn attention to a $17.6 million transfer from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government accounts to a Texas-based defense contractor, raising questions about its purpose, approval process, and potential ties to political figures linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Unverified Funding Allegations and theContinue Reading
Burkina Faso doubles down on regional debt with 100 billion FCFA bond issue amid rising fiscal strain
Ouagadougou has turned to the West African regional capital market for another critical cash injection, seeking 100 billion West African CFA francs (FCFA) through a bond issuance from October 12 to 30. The move underscores Burkina Faso’s growing reliance on short- to medium-term financing to plug a widening budget gap,Continue Reading
How France’s domestic turmoil strengthens Sahel’s military regimes
The sight of broken shop windows, riot police charges, burning trash bins and teargas clouds in Paris is becoming a familiar one—but not just to French citizens. Across Bamako, Ouagadougou and Niamey, the same footage streams on social media feeds daily. For supporters of Sahel’s military juntas, these images areContinue Reading
South Sudan records 73 deaths in suspected drone strike on Abyei market
A suspected drone strike on a bustling market in Abyei has killed at least 73 people and injured 19 others, authorities reported. The government of South Sudan immediately summoned Sudan’s ambassador in Juba to protest the attack, escalating tensions between the two neighbors. Market attack leaves heavy civilian toll TheContinue Reading
Senegal and Ivory Coast trade winds of change: unlocking 250 billion FCFA in untapped potential
The economic relationship between Senegal and Ivory Coast, the two powerhouses of West Africa, is undergoing a critical turning point. During a landmark visit to Abidjan, Senegalese Prime Minister Ahmadou Alhaminou Mohamed Lo delivered a clear message: bilateral trade, currently locked at 250 billion FCFA (approximately 380 million euros), mustContinue Reading
Mali conflict: escalating civilian casualties spark urgent calls for action
Fresh evidence of civilian targeting in Mali’s expanding conflict The central and northern regions of Mali continue to witness a disturbing escalation in violence against civilians, as documented in a recent investigation that points to systematic abuses by multiple armed factions. A comprehensive report highlights indiscriminate attacks that have leftContinue Reading
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un in critical condition: unverified reports spark global concern
Unverified claims of Kim Jong-un’s severe health crisis North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong-un is reportedly in critical condition after suffering a suspected cerebral hemorrhage, according to unverified claims circulating online. Rumors suggest he was rushed to China for emergency medical treatment at Beijing’s prestigious Peking Union Medical College Hospital.Continue Reading
French unrest fuels Sahel juntas’ political narratives
The recent urban unrest in France has not only generated reactions within the country but has also been seized upon by political factions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Since military-led governments took power in these nations, relations with Paris have deteriorated significantly. Footage of looting, property damage, and clashesContinue Reading