Top Stories

The African Football Confederation (CAF) recently stripped Senegal of hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), awarding the tournament to Morocco instead. This controversial decision followed chaotic scenes at the January 18 final in Rabat, where incidents marred the closing moments of the match. On Monday, the Senegalese Football Federation officially received the CAF’s written decision and rationale—a critical step before pursuing legal recourse at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge the ruling, as reported by RMC Sport. CAS ruling expected shortly with no further appeals The CAF President has deferred to the CAS for a final verdict, though no specific timeline has been disclosed. Proceedings are anticipated to conclude within weeks, leaving both Se...

Photo credit: TASS via Reuters The military leader of Burkina Faso has declared that the nation must abandon democratic governance, calling it a system that "kills" and is incompatible with the country’s needs. Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a coup three years ago, made these remarks during a state television interview, framing democracy as an obstacle to progress rather than a solution. Traoré, who has extended his rule by five years beyond his original pledge to restore democracy by July 2024, argued that Burkina Faso’s alternative model would prioritize sovereignty and revolutionary mobilization over Western-style elections. He dismissed political parties as divisive and corrupt, stating, "A true politician here embodies all vices: a liar, a flatterer, a smooth tal...

The people of Burkina Faso must abandon the notion of democracy, as it has proven destructive to their nation, declared the country’s military leader in a nationally televised address. Military ruler calls democracy 'not for us' Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in Burkina Faso three years ago, asserted that the nation should discard democratic principles, claiming they have no place in African governance. Speaking during a state television interview, he declared, « People must forget about democracy. It is not for us. » The 38-year-old leader, positioning himself as a revolutionary against Western imperialism, drew parallels with Libya, highlighting the chaos that followed the fall of Mouammar Kadhafi. He argued that Western-backed democratic interventions often lead to ins...

The military leader of Burkina Faso has declared that the nation must "forget" democracy, calling the system incompatible with the country's needs in a nationally televised interview. Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, argued that most Africans reject democratic governance and suggested Burkina Faso would pursue an alternative model—though he provided no specifics. This stance marks a stark departure from his earlier promise to restore constitutional order by July 2024, a deadline his junta has since extended by five years. In January, authorities banned all political parties as part of an initiative to "rebuild the state," consolidating power under military control. Traoré’s vision: rejecting democracy, embracing a new path During the televised interview, Traoré ...

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s military leader, has declared that the nation must abandon democratic principles, arguing that the system has failed to deliver stability and progress for the West African country. In a televised address to the nation, Traoré stated that democracy is not suited to Burkina Faso’s realities. “The people must forget about democracy,” he asserted during the evening broadcast. “It is not for us.” From democratic promise to authoritarian turn Traoré seized power in a 2022 coup, vowing to restore civilian rule by July 2024. However, with the deadline approaching, the military junta extended its mandate by five years, citing the need for a prolonged transition. Last January, authorities banned all political parties, framing the move as part of a broader e...

Since 2023, the Burkina Faso military, allied militias, and an Al-Qaeda-linked armed group have collectively killed over 1,800 civilians and forcibly displaced tens of thousands, according to a comprehensive report documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity across the country. Click to expand Image Key findings from the investigation The Burkina Faso army, alongside allied militias like the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM)—an Al-Qaeda affiliate—have systematically targeted civilians, resulting in mass casualties and displacement. Both state forces and armed groups have engaged in ethnic cleansing, parti...

In a tragic escalation of violence, sixteen residents were murdered on Friday within the Banibangou district. This location, situated in western Niger, sits in a volatile corridor near the Malian frontier frequently targeted by extremist factions.Renewed violence in TillabériThe assault took place in the Tillabéri region, specifically within the Banibangou department, disrupting a period of relative peace that had lasted for several months. This borderland is a known stronghold for militant groups, including the Islamic State in the Sahel and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM). According to recent reports from Africa news English, the area remains a focal point for security concerns within the context of African politics.This latest incident underscores the ...

Algeria and Niger boost health partnership with strategic cooperation The Algeria-Niger bilateral health partnership has taken a significant step forward during the second session of the Algeria-Niger Joint High Commission, held this week in Niamey. The meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to deepening collaboration in the healthcare sector, with a focus on sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes. According to a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Health, the discussions were led by Algeria’s Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène, and his Nigerien counterpart, Garba Hakimi. The ministers highlighted their shared vision to strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare, emphasizing the strong historical and fraternal ties between the two countries. Key priori...

On March 25, 2026, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Doctor Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, presided over a ceremony at the Hôpital Général de Référence (HGR) in Niamey to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Chinese medical team's presence in Niger. For half a century, successive waves of Chinese healthcare professionals have dedicated their expertise and commitment to serving the Nigerien population. A legacy of professionalism and solidarity During the event, Doctor Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi praised the discipline and exceptional skills demonstrated by the Chinese medical personnel. Their collaboration with local teams has significantly expanded the capacity of health facilities and improved healthcare access across the nation. As part of the celebration, the Chinese governmen...

Share Share on Facebook Share on Bluesky Share on LinkedIn Share Executive summary Following a series of military coups in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, press freedom in the three Sahel countries has witnessed an increasingly downward trend. Independent journalism faces threats from both regime authorities as well as broader insecurity in the region from terrorist groups. Under the guise of countering terrorism and safeguarding national sovereignty, the military regimes have carried out arbitr...

Examining Togo's economic health in February 2026 reveals a continued commitment to price stability, with the nation experiencing only a minimal rise in consumer prices. This period saw the overall cost of goods and services register a 0.4% increase, a figure that, while slightly elevated from the previous month, underscores a well-managed inflationary environment. The latest data indicates a gentle acceleration from January's 0.2% consumer price increase. Despite this marginal uptick, the overall trend for Togo's inflation remains firmly within a contained range. This consistent moderation in the consumer price index (CPI) reflects robust economic policies aimed at safeguarding household purchasing power and fostering a predictable financial climate across Togo. Observers of the Togolese ...

The United States is intensifying its diplomatic signals and outreach towards Niger. This heightened focus on Niamey follows closely on the heels of comparable high-level engagements and missions previously conducted in Mali and Burkina Faso. Such strategic maneuvers highlight Washington's deliberate attempt to reinforce its presence, cultivate essential alliances, and navigate the complex geopolitical currents within the critical Sahel region. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter