Top Stories

Elections with predetermined outcomes, lackluster campaigns, and landslide victories for incumbents marked the presidential contests across Africa in 2025. The trend continued with recent polls in Djibouti on April 10 and Benin on April 12, where candidates from the ruling parties secured overwhelming majorities—97.8% and 94% respectively. The numbers tell a story of elections where genuine competition barely existed. In Djibouti, opposition figure Alexis Mohamed abandoned his candidacy, citing insurmountable barriers. While concerns about personal safety played a role, the most significant hurdle proved to be the exorbitant nomination fees. Analysts argue these costs effectively neutralized any meaningful opposition, reducing the process to a formality. The price of democracy ...

“Rigged contests”, “lack of suspense”, “first-round victories for incumbents”. The presidential elections held across Africa in 2025 revealed a troubling pattern: opposition candidates were systematically sidelined even before campaigning began. Recent examples include votes in Djibouti on April 10 and Benin on April 12. In Djibouti, incumbent President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term with 97.8% of the vote, while in Benin, Romuald Wadagni—handpicked successor to Patrice Talon—won with 94% support. Both outcomes reflected overwhelming dominance in elections where genuine competition barely existed. In Djibouti, opposition leader Alexis Mohamed abandoned his candidacy after citing insurmountable financial barriers. While he cited safety concerns, the primary obstacle was the e...

“Rigged elections”, “predictable outcomes”, “incumbent presidents sweeping first-round victories”. The presidential polls held across Africa in 2025 followed a disturbing pattern: opposition candidates were systematically sidelined even before campaigning began. The most recent examples occurred in Djibouti on April 10 and Bénin on April 12, where incumbents secured landslide wins—97.8% and 94% of the vote respectively. These staggering figures reflected elections devoid of genuine competition. In Djibouti, opposition leader Alexis Mohamed withdrew his candidacy, citing insurmountable obstacles. While concerns over personal safety played a role, the prohibitive nomination fees emerged as the decisive barrier. Observers described the process as a “charade of democracy”, where financial b...

Nearly three months after the initial event, the CAN 2025 final controversy continues to generate significant debate. On January 18, in Rabat, Sénégal initially secured a 1-0 victory against Maroc after extra time. However, on March 17, the Confédération africaine de football (CAF) reversed this outcome, awarding Maroc a 3-0 win by forfeit. The CAF appeal jury justified its decision by referencing articles 82 and 84 of the regulations, which state that a team leaving the field or refusing to resume play is automatically declared the loser. This interpretation has been strongly contested by the Fédération sénégalaise, which has since appealed to the Tribunal arbitral du sport (TAS) to challenge and overturn this verdict. While awaiting the TAS ruling, Edouard Mendy broke his silence to c...

Since the military takeovers in 2020 and 2021, Mali has navigated a radical strategic and political shift under the guidance of Assimi Goïta. Adopting a narrative of strict national autonomy, the administration has moved away from traditional Western allies to forge fresh security and economic bonds with nations like Russia and the UAE. However, this move toward what is termed a sovereign path has primarily highlighted the vulnerabilities of transactional diplomacy in unstable regions. Despite tactical maneuvers and a broader range of partners, the nation continues to face persistent violence, economic stagnation, and a decline in effective governance. Mali now finds itself caught in the crossfire of global power struggles, ranging from the conflict in Ukraine to tensions in the Middle Eas...

Benin holds its breath in quiet anticipation as its citizens participate in a significant electoral event. Since 7:00 AM this morning, voters across the nation have been heading to the polls for the first round of the 2026 presidential election. This pivotal election signals the conclusion of the Patrice Talon era and will shape the future trajectory of Benin. A profound sense of tranquility characterizes the country on this Sunday, April 12, 2026. Across Benin, all 17,764 polling stations commenced operations at dawn, ready to welcome eligible citizens. Orderly queues formed outside voting centers in major cities like Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Parakou, extending even to the country's most remote regions. A peaceful electoral process In stark contrast to the tensions that have sometimes mar...

The strengthening of defense and security collaboration between Morocco and Mauritania is a direct response to the worsening regional climate, characterized by rising volatility in the Sahel and the growth of illicit trafficking networks. This partnership prioritizes the safeguarding of the extensive desert borders shared by the two nations. A recent visit by Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid to Nouakchott has highlighted the progression of bilateral military ties. The relationship is shifting from basic technical coordination toward a more robust, operational framework specifically designed to address shared security threats. Strategic discussions in Nouakchott The meeting took place during the sixth session of the Morocco-Mauritania Joint Military Commission, led by Mohammed Berrid a...

The military governments of West Africa’s Sahel region—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—are deepening their collaboration under a new security and political alliance, deliberately moving away from traditional Western partners. Russia has emerged as the key architect of this bloc, filling the strategic void left by the declining presence of the United States and its allies in the region. Through strategic military partnerships, arms transfers, and the deployment of private military entities, Moscow is steadily expanding its influence over fragile Sahelian regimes. This growing Russian footprint poses a direct threat to U.S. interests by disrupting Washington’s long-standing counterterrorism efforts in the area. The withdrawal of U.S. military bases and intelligence networks has weakened Ameri...

The Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR), General Mohammed Berrid, led a high-level military delegation to Nouakchott for a working visit, where he met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghezouani.During the visit, General Berrid also held discussions with Mauritanian Defense Minister Hanana Ould Sidi at the Ministry of Defense headquarters. The minister presented him with the Commander grade of the National Order of Merit, awarded by the Mauritanian Head of State. Later in the day, General Berrid and Mauritania’s Chief of Staff co-chaired the sixth session of the Joint Military Commission, where both sides reviewed the robust progress in bilateral defense collaboration.Senior military officials from both nations highlighted the tangible benefits of this s...

On Tuesday in Nouakchott, General Mohammed Berrid, Morocco’s Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, was welcomed by Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghezouani. The meeting took place in the presence of Morocco’s Ambassador to Mauritania, Hamid Chabar, as confirmed by an official statement from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.Later that day, General Berrid visited the Mauritanian Ministry of Defense, where he engaged in discussions with Defense Minister Hanana Ould Sidi. In a symbolic gesture, the Mauritanian Defense Minister presented the Moroccan general with the Commander grade of the National Order of Merit, awarded by the President of Mauritania.Following these exchanges, General Berrid and Mauritania’s Chief of Staff co-...

The Bayern Munich delivered a stunning performance against the Real Madrid on Tuesday, securing a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash. The Bavarian giants, under the guidance of manager Vincent Kompany, showcased their offensive prowess while maintaining defensive resilience against one of Europe’s footballing powerhouses. Kompany hails Bernabéu triumph as stepping stone for Bayern Speaking after the hard-fought win, Vincent Kompany, head coach of Bayern Munich, emphasized the significance of the result. « We’re pleased with the outcome—it’s a victory in every sense. Securing a win at the Santiago Bernabéu is a monumental achievement, one we can build on. However, the real test awaits us in the second leg at home, » he stated. Highlighting the intens...