Analysis

The Togo stands out in Africa for an unenviable record: the continent’s longest-serving political dynasty. For five decades, father and son have maintained a firm grip on power, with Faure Gnassingbé now entering his third decade as president. By locking down state institutions and securing unwavering military loyalty, he has followed the same blueprint laid out by his predecessor, Gnassingbé Eyadéma. Evidence points to one conclusion: the current leader is determined to rule for life, mirroring the path of his late father. Preserving the clan at all costs: why democracy never gained ground The real obstacle to democratic change in Togo isn’t just one political party—it’s a tightly woven family network that treats the presidency as personal property. Since 1967, the Gnassingbé family and ...

West Africa's economic heavyweights: Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana face off When it comes to economic performance in West Africa, two nations consistently stand out: Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Both countries have demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in recent years, but which one truly leads the pack in 2024? The latest projections reveal surprising insights into their economic trajectories. Ghana's growth momentum surpasses Côte d'Ivoire According to the most recent economic forecasts, Ghana is poised to achieve a gross domestic product (GDP) of $118 billion this year. This figure not only marks a significant milestone but also positions the country ahead of its regional rival, Côte d'Ivoire, whose projected GDP stands at $110 billion. The shift represents a notable turning point in t...

Why Mali's high-tech arsenal struggles to turn the tide in Kidal The Malian military's investment in advanced weaponry—drones, tactical bombers, and precision-guided munitions—has failed to translate into battlefield success around Kidal. Despite overwhelming air superiority, government forces remain locked in a stalemate with rebels from the Front de libération de l'Azawad (FLA), exposing a critical flaw: technology is only as effective as the doctrine behind it. Kidal: a case study in military miscalculation For months, Bamako has relied heavily on aerial bombardments and drone strikes, yet the FLA continues to hold its ground. The reason isn't firepower shortage—it's a command structure crippled by a lack of education. Without officers trained in modern warfare tactics, Mali's sophis...

Senegal politics: why Sonko and Diomaye's split became unavoidableVideo reportIn Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on May 22, finalizing a political rift that had been building for months. Internal rivalries, governance disputes, economic reform disagreements, and power struggles shattered the partnership that once symbolized a bold departure from Macky Sall’s era. In this analysis, political analyst Babacar Ndiaye, director of the WATHI think tank, dissects the roots and repercussions of this high-stakes crisis at the heart of Senegal’s government.AdvertisementAbout our ads By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter