Can 2032 bid raises questions as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger grapple with insecurity
The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have jointly submitted a bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), positioning their candidacy as a testament to regional solidarity under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). While the move is framed as a unifying gesture for West Africa, it has sparked a critical debate: can these nations, currently battling deep-rooted security crises, meet the stringent requirements of organizing Africa’s premier football tournament?
security remains the elephant in the room
The bid’s timing is particularly contentious. Since military-led administrations took power in all three countries following coups, restoring stability has been their stated top priority. Yet, despite these pledges, armed groups continue to inflict heavy tolls on civilians,...











