Wednesday, November 4
Safeguarding human rights defenders during crises in West Africa
Politics

Safeguarding human rights defenders during crises in West Africa

safeguarding human rights defenders during crises in West Africa In partnership with national human rights defender coalitions across Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Niger, ISHR has compiled a set of best practices designed to shield human rights defenders and sustain their vital work amid crises. The enforcement of restrictive measures and related directives to curb the spread of COVID-19 has reshaped how human rights defenders carry out their missions. Beyond the daily challenges they face, the way several African governments managed the pandemic further tightened the already fragile civic and democratic space in the region. During such difficult times, safeguarding access to advocacy and professional activities for human right...
Russia’s symbolic defeat in the Sahel amid regional security gaps
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Russia’s symbolic defeat in the Sahel amid regional security gaps

Mali’s recent turmoil, marked by coordinated attacks on April 25, has exposed deeper fractures in regional security frameworks. While the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—was designed as a bulwark against insurgency, its effectiveness remains theoretical. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), from which Bamako withdrew in early 2025, struggles to regain relevance after its failed military intervention in Niger. The void left by these shifting alliances has left the region in a strategic limbo, with no clear path forward. Security analyst Bakary Sambe, director of the Timbuktu Institute and lecturer at the University of Saint-Louis in Senegal, highlights the gravity of the situation. The attacks in Kati, which claimed the ...
Lamine sané announces Senegal U17 squad for CAN U17 Morocco 2026
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Lamine sané announces Senegal U17 squad for CAN U17 Morocco 2026

National coach Lamine Sané has officially unveiled the 23-player roster for Senegal's Under-17 national team, affectionately known as the "Lionceaux." This highly anticipated squad will represent the nation at the upcoming CAN U17 2026 tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026. The former international player has prioritized a blend of continuity and seasoned experience, integrating several key figures who have already competed in continental and regional (UFOA) football challenges. In goal, Assane Sarr from Ndangane FC will serve as a crucial last line of defense, returning to Morocco after participating in the previous edition of the tournament. He is joined by Daouda Alassane Ba of Génération Foot and Mamadou D. Gueye from Diambars FC, completing a stro...
As far challenges referee jean-jacques ndala in caf champions league final
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As far challenges referee jean-jacques ndala in caf champions league final

With the first leg of the CAF Champions League final just two weeks away, Morocco's AS FAR has raised serious concerns over the appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the highly anticipated clash against Mamelodi Sundowns. The Moroccan club has strongly opposed the decision and is demanding his immediate replacement. As the countdown to the May 17 match in Pretoria, South Africa, begins, tensions are escalating in the football community. AS FAR, making its first final appearance in 41 years, has formally notified the CAF of its reservations regarding the Congolese official's selection. The club's objections stem from Ndala's controversial officiating during the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, where critical decisions were widely disputed. Report...
Omar Daf eyes Mali national team coaching role amid fresh opportunities
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Omar Daf eyes Mali national team coaching role amid fresh opportunities

Football enthusiasts across West Africa are buzzing with news that Omar Daf, the seasoned Senegalese coach, has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant Mali national team manager position. The announcement comes just weeks after the former international defender parted ways with French club Amiens, leaving him free to pursue new challenges. According to reports from GalaxySN.com and corroborated by local Malian media outlets, Omar Daf has officially submitted his candidacy. The Malian Football Federation (FMF) initiated its search for a successor to Tom Saintfiet, whose tenure ended following the team’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. Omar Daf’s profile stands out due to his extensive experience in European football. Having managed clubs like Sochaux, Dijon,...
Controversy surrounds jean-jacques ndala’s role in caf champions league final
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Controversy surrounds jean-jacques ndala’s role in caf champions league final

The African Football Confederation’s decision to appoint Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco’s AS FAR has sparked significant debate. Ndala, who also officiated the contentious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, finds himself at the center of a fresh storm, with both clubs now questioning his suitability for the high-stakes match. The highly anticipated showdown between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, is set to be a clash of titans. Yet, the spotlight has shifted from the teams to the man in the middle. Ndala’s recent track record, particularly his handling of the controversial AFCON final in January, has drawn sharp criticism. The Moroccan side, already embroiled in a...
Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate caf champions league final despite past controversies
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Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate caf champions league final despite past controversies

The Congolese football official, Jean-Jacques Ndala, has been selected by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) to take charge of the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. This significant match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns against AS FAR and is scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa.At 38 years old, the Congolese referee is well-known for his role in the controversial final of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, which saw Senegal face Morocco. Despite the significant criticism that followed his performance in that game, the continental governing body has continued to show confidence in his abilities, as evidenced by his recent appointments in various interclub competitions.Confirmation for the Pretoria fixtureCAF has officially confirmed Jean-Jacques Ndala's as...
Théodore Holo shares insights on Romuald Wadagni’s upcoming presidency
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Théodore Holo shares insights on Romuald Wadagni’s upcoming presidency

The former president of the Constitutional Court, Théodore Holo, has shared his perspective on the generational transition following the election of Romuald Wadagni as the nation's leader. The professor of public law indicated that the initial trajectory of the president-elect appears highly promising for the future of the country. A dual focus on infrastructure and civil liberties One of the key aspects praised by Théodore Holo is the commitment to balancing physical development with the preservation of fundamental rights. He believes that a nation cannot truly progress unless infrastructure growth is paired with a deep respect for human rights. According to his analysis, the strategic priorities of the new administration—specifically regarding governance, security, and political dialogu...
Côte d’Ivoire’s government initiatives: reducing aviation levies to invigorate air transport
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Côte d’Ivoire’s government initiatives: reducing aviation levies to invigorate air transport

The Ivorian government has embarked on a proactive strategy to bolster its national airline, Air Côte d'Ivoire, and enhance the accessibility of air travel. A substantial 25% decrease in passenger charges has been officially implemented.This measure represents a profound declaration to the aviation industry. By enacting a one-quarter reduction in airport taxes, the Ivorian administration is not merely performing a symbolic act; it is initiating a fundamental strategic reform designed to sustainably transform the nation's air transportation landscape.The critical importance of this reductionThe total cost of an airline ticket often appears opaque to travelers. In reality, a significant portion of the final price comprises various taxes and fees, which are disbursed not to the airline, but t...
Burkina Faso faces un scrutiny over alleged abuses against Fulani community
Politics

Burkina Faso faces un scrutiny over alleged abuses against Fulani community

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has raised serious concerns about widespread human rights violations targeting the Fulani ethnic group in Burkina Faso. Reports indicate a surge in extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, abductions, and enforced disappearances during military and security operations against jihadist groups in the Sahel region, painting a grim picture of repression and targeted violence. Systemic abuses and ethnic profiling According to independent UN investigators, these abuses are frequently carried out by national armed forces, internal security units, and their auxiliaries—including the Volontaires pour la défense de la Patrie—as well as by non-state armed groups. The Committee highlighted allegations of systemic e...
Senegal fans face long prison terms after can final controversy
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Senegal fans face long prison terms after can final controversy

Almost four months after the African Cup of Nations final—where Senegal initially won in extra time (1-0) before being awarded a 3-0 forfeit by the CAF Appeals Committee—Moroccan authorities continue to hold imprisoned Senegalese supporters in Rabat. While three individuals have been released, those accused of storming the pitch, confronting stewards, and clashing with police remain in detention, facing sentences ranging from six months to a year. During a televised address, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed the plight of the Lions of Teranga fans, many of whom received harsh penalties. « It would be wrong to believe we haven’t done enough for our detained supporters in Morocco. They have my full backing, » he emphasized, as reported by Afrik-Foot. Diplomatic efforts...