Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

Gabon: fostering national stability through spiritual governance Libreville, Gabon – During significant periods of political transformation, nations frequently seek equilibrium not only within their established institutions but also within the collective consciousness of their populace. In Gabon, a recent high-level meeting between President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Reverend Louis Sylvain Allogo Engo, who leads the Evangelical Church of Gabon, transcended mere official protocol. It illuminated a critical aspect of modern governance: the strategic a...

Afrique Politique Afrique, souveraineté et influence : Oligui Nguema esquisse la doctrine diplomatique du nouveau Gabon ...

The Sahel region is currently grappling with an alarming escalation of instability, forming a perilous crisis arc that stretches across West Africa from Mali to Nigeria. This expanding zone of turmoil is primarily fueled by persistent terrorism, which continues to challenge regional security and undermine the fabric of society in numerous communities. The volatile situation demands urgent attention from both local and international stakeholders concerned with African politics and stability. As militant groups exploit existing vulnerabilities and cross porous borders, the threat of further fragmentation within the Sahelian states becomes increasingly real. This dynamic creates significant obstacles for effective governance in Africa, as national authorities struggle to assert control and de...

France – Afrique Nicolas Sarkozy Emmanuel Macron Alassane Ouattara By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

Despite the killing of a senior commander in a Moroccan strike, the Polisario Front continues to insist it is open to dialogue with Rabat. This contradictory stance reveals the disarray of a movement that is both militarily outclassed and diplomatically isolated.The death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a prominent Sahrawi army commander and son of the movement's former president, lays bare the harsh reality on the ground. He was struck by a precision weapon while withdrawing during an operation, joining dozens of others killed by drones in recent years. This technological superiority crushes the capabilities of the separatists, who have historically relied on modified Spanish Land Rovers. Facing such a blatant asymmetry, the Polisario delegate in Madrid, Jalil Mohamed Abdelaziz, resignedly s...

The northern Malian city of Kidal remains a critical flashpoint in regional African politics, often at the heart of complex power struggles among Tuareg factions. This strategic location is central to the aspirations of various groups, defining much of the governance landscape in this part of Africa. At the forefront of this intense competition are two formidable Tuareg leaders: El Hadj Ag Gamou and Alghabass Ag Intallah. Their rivalry for control and influence over Kidal has long shaped the political and security dynamics of the region, embodying the persistent challenges to stability. A notable moment in this ongoing struggle unfolded on May 4, 2026, when both El Hadj Ag Gamou and Alghabass Ag Intallah were observed at a prominent roundabout in Kidal. The two leaders were positioned befo...

For a full month, Mountaga Tall, a respected lawyer, former minister, and staunch advocate for democracy in Mali, has been held incommunicado by State Security. His detention, reportedly in a secret location and entirely outside legal frameworks, highlights a concerning trend. Tall’s son, along with other pro-democracy activists, military personnel, and religious leaders, has also faced similar abductions. These disappearances escalated following the widespread attacks on April 25, carried out by jihadist groups like Jnim and separatist elements from the FLA.Mamadou Ismaïla Konaté, a prominent lawyer and former Malian Minister of Justice, has been an outspoken critic of the military regime that has governed Mali for six years without elections. In an exclusive interview, Konaté addressed t...

General Assimi Goïta, the transitional president of Mali, delivered a significant political address on May 27, 2026, from Koulouba. His remarks followed the Eid al-Kebir prayer, which was observed at the presidential palace in Bamako. In the presence of the Prime Minister, the President of the National Transitional Council, various government officials, and accredited diplomats in Mali, General Goïta publicly expanded the concept of terrorism to encompass media narratives, economic pressures, political maneuvering, and both state and international influences. a prayer service outside traditional protocol For security reasons, particularly given the prevailing situation in Bamako, this year's solemn Eid prayer did not take place at the Grand Mosque of Bagadadji, its customary venue for off...

In the vast Sahelian belt stretching from Nigeria to Cameroon, the shadow of Boko Haram looms large—not just for its violent ideology, but for the lucrative business it has built around human abduction. This kidnapping economy has evolved into one of the group’s most reliable revenue streams, funding its insurgency across West Africa’s most volatile region. Inside the booming kidnapping industry fueling terrorism Recent security assessments reveal a disturbing trend: what began as sporadic attacks has morphed into a structured and highly profitable kidnapping operation. Between mid-2024 and mid-2025 alone, nearly 1,000 incidents resulted in over 4,700 abductions—many targeting schools in Nigeria’s northern and central regions. The most active groups include not only Boko Haram—designated ...

Bamako endures: daily life under Mali's state of emergencyIn Bamako, the vibrant capital of Mali, a persistent Bamako state of emergency continues to define daily existence. Access points to this critical West African hub remain obstructed by active Islamist militias, a significant development in African politics that demands ongoing attention from independent African journalism.A tangible fear of potential terrorist attacks permeates the city, adding to the complexities of life under these conditions. Furthermore, residents are facing growing challenges as essential food supplies become increasingly scarce. Amidst these escalating concerns for society in Africa, the French government has issued a clear directive, advising its nationals to repatriate, highlighting the international dimensi...

The bond between Algeria and Chad extends far beyond mere transactional interests, resting on a rich tapestry of enduring cooperation, profound solidarity, and shared experiences. This deep-rooted history imbues their relationship with a strategic and human dimension that is truly indispensable for understanding African politics.In recent years, the relationship between Algeria and Chad has seen a remarkable upswing, characterized by frequent reciprocal visits from high-ranking officials and a clear mutual desire to bolster political, economic, and security collaboration. This renewed closeness has been cemented through the signing of numerous cooperation agreements across vital sectors, including transport, trade, professional training, energy, and border security. This development is cer...

In the complex and often volatile landscape of northern Mali, particularly within the Kidal region, the influence of figures like Alghabass Ag Intalla is paramount. As the new master of Kidal, his ascent signals a shift in the delicate balance of power, drawing attention to the diverse array of individuals and groups that constitute his inner circle. Understanding the dynamics of governance Africa requires a closer look at the key actors shaping events. Alghabass Ag Intalla's network is characterized by a blend of allegiances and interests, reflecting the intricate tapestry of African politics. This includes not only Tuareg notables with deep roots in society Africa but also elements with prior military experience and, controversially, those linked to jihadist movements. Among the prominen...