Politics

On December 7, 2025, a group of mutineers stormed Beninese television studios in Cotonou, claiming to have overthrown President Patrice Talon. Their announcement sparked immediate reactions across the country, particularly among young citizens who gathered in the streets on December 13 to protest this attempted coup. However, the military swiftly intervened, foiling the putsch and reaffirming Talon’s leadership. a political figure unlike any other in west africa President Patrice Talon has often been described as an "unconventional" or "rare" political figure in West Africa. His leadership style, characterized by bold reforms and a no-nonsense approach, sets him apart from his peers. Since assuming office, he has implemented sweeping changes across various sectors, including governance, ...

After a day of considerable uncertainty on Sunday, initiated by the appearance of military personnel on national television declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, the head of state later that evening confirmed that the situation was "completely under control." While the search for some individuals involved in the foiled coup attempt in Bénin on Sunday remains active, with perpetrators still at large, a critical development is the successful release of all hostages. These include several high-ranking officers. Concurrently, neighboring countries in the region are preparing to offer assistance, particularly military support. By Fati Seyni — Analyst

A group of soldiers claiming to represent the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) declared on Sunday morning that they had “removed President Patrice Talon from office” during a broadcast on national television in Benin. However, the signal was cut shortly afterward, and government officials swiftly denied the legitimacy of the announcement. Within hours, a high-ranking source close to the presidency told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that President Talon was safe and that the regular armed forces had regained full control of the situation. “This is nothing more than a small group with access to television only. The legitimate army is in charge. The city of Cotonou and the entire country are fully secure,” the source stated. security situation in Cotonou and international reactions ...

"La situation au Mali est le résultat d'un échec patent de la Russie", affirme Jean-Noël BarrotLe ministre des Affaires étrangères Jean-Noël Barrot est interrogé au Sénat, mercredi 26 novembre, sur la situation au Mali, où la pression des groupes djihadistes est croissante sur Bamako.Le 26/11/2025 à 17h05 | Durée : 1:02PartagerX By Fati Seyni — Analyst

Mali: Alleged atrocities by state forces and allied militias in Ségou New evidence has emerged detailing how Malian army soldiers and allied Dozo militias targeted civilians in two villages in the central region of Ségou earlier this month. Survivors and local leaders describe a pattern of extrajudicial killings, arson, and looting that left at least 31 people dead and entire families displaced.

The judicial harassment of six journalists in Niger on November 2nd represents a blatant violation of press freedom. Three have been arbitrarily detained, while the others remain under investigation. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), through the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, strongly condemn these actions and demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained journalists. Arrests and charges against journalists in Niamey On November 2, 2025, judicial police in Niamey arrested Moussa Kaka, a former RFI correspondent and current director of Radio-télévision Saraounia (RTS), along with five other journalists: Abdoul Aziz Idé, Ibro Chaibou, Youssouf Seriba, Oumarou Kané, and Souleyma...

Allegations of widespread corruption are being brought forward by Korag, a body established last year in Burkina Faso. This institution is mandated to oversee the nation's strategic vision during the transitional period. In a comprehensive statement, Korag has revisited a four-year-old case involving customs officials accused of extorting money from truck drivers seeking to transport their goods across borders.According to the newly formed oversight body, investigators possess conclusive physical evidence of this illicit activity. This includes significant amounts of cash discovered in the officers' offices and residences, along with witness testimonies and video recordings capturing them in the act of soliciting bribes.Despite the compelling nature of this evidence, the accused individual...

Mali’s conviction of former Prime Minister Moussa Mara, sentenced to two years in prison (including six months suspended) and a symbolic fine of 500,000 CFA francs (€762) to the Malian state, represents a mockery of justice, Amnesty International has warned. Authorities are urged to release Mara immediately, along with all others detained solely for exercising their political opinions. « The conviction of Moussa Mara underscores the Malian authorities’ blatant disregard for human rights obligations outlined in the country’s Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — treaties Mali has ratified, » stated Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa. « Instead of st...

In Bamako, the capital of Mali, former Prime Minister Moussa Mara stood firm in a courtroom as judges dismissed his legal team’s plea for provisional release. Prosecutors, meanwhile, pushed for a two-year prison sentence, underscoring the military junta’s tightening grip on political opposition and dissenting voices. Click to expand Image Moussa Mara, who served as Prime Minister for eight months between 2014 and 2015, was arrested on August 1 following a social media post. In the message, he expressed solidarity with imprisoned political activists in Mali and vowed to seek justice for them. Authorities swiftly accused him of undermining state credibili...

Burkina Faso enacts controversial law criminalizing homosexuality On September 1st, Burkina Faso’s transitional legislative assembly enacted a controversial new law that criminalizes consensual same-sex relationships, marking a significant setback for LGBT rights in the country. Under this legislation, individuals convicted of homosexuality face up to five years in prison and substantial fines. This move directly violates the rights to non-discrimination and privacy for LGBT individuals and was passed amid a broader crackdown on civil liberties. The military junta has intensified repression against political opposition, independent media, and peaceful dissent in recent months. Historically, Burkina Faso had no existing laws prohibiting same-sex relations, unlike many Afric...

The military junta in Burkina Faso has declared the United Nations' top representative, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, persona non grata following the release of a critical UN report detailing widespread abuses against children in the country. Click to expand Image Expulsion follows UN report on child rights violations This marks the second time the junta has declared a senior UN official persona non grata in recent years, after Barbara Manzi faced the same fate in 2022. The move underscores the regime’s growing hostility toward independent oversight and critical assessments of its actions. The junta’s spokesperson accused Carol Flore-Smereczniak of involvement in compiling a report released i...