Wednesday, November 4
West africa’s security imperative: lessons for Ghana from Mali’s challenges
Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

West africa’s security imperative: lessons for Ghana from Mali’s challenges

The extensive, coordinated aggressions that rocked Mali on April 25, 2026, represent more than just an escalation of violence within the Sahelian nation. They signify a crucial juncture for the entire West African landscape, serving as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on a singular external military alliance. For Ghana, in particular, these events offer vital security lessons that demand immediate attention. Far from being isolated incidents, these attacks were a meticulously planned, synchronized offensive targeting multiple strategic sites across the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) member nation. The sophistication and breadth of these assaults underscore a significant advancement in insurgent capabilities, simultaneously exposing critical vulnerabilities ...
Jean-Jacques Ndala receives another major CAF final appointment
News

Jean-Jacques Ndala receives another major CAF final appointment

Jean-Jacques Ndala receives another major CAF final appointment Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala is once again making headlines, having been selected to officiate a significant continental final. Following his role in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final, Ndala has now been entrusted with overseeing the first leg of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League final. This high-profile match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns facing AS FAR Rabat in Pretoria.This latest appointment has sparked considerable discussion within football circles, particularly given Ndala's notable absence from the official list of African referees chosen for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite this omission, his continued selection for major CAF events underscores his standing as a pr...
Bénin’s u20 amazones snatch a vital draw in Abidjan
News

Bénin’s u20 amazones snatch a vital draw in Abidjan

Guess what happened this Saturday in Côte d'Ivoire? Bénin's under-20 women's national team pulled off something pretty special! They managed a strong 1-1 draw against the Côte d'Ivoire Elephants, giving our Amazones a real advantage heading into the second leg.An intense showdown right in Abidjan's heartThe highly anticipated clash between Côte d'Ivoire's and Bénin's rising female football stars totally lived up to the hype. This first leg of the qualifiers was packed with physical challenges and relentless effort from both sides, ending with neither team giving an inch.From the get-go, the Ivorian team, spurred on by their home crowd, tried to dictate the pace. But the Amazones U20 showed incredible tactical discipline and resilience. Even after the home side scored first, our young Bénin...
Bénin: a decade of transformation concludes with a democratic transition
News

Bénin: a decade of transformation concludes with a democratic transition

As President Patrice Talon prepares to transfer authority to Romuald Wadagni, he leaves behind a nation profoundly transformed. From modernizing essential infrastructure to fostering political stability, the past ten years of governance have revitalized Bénin’s sense of national pride and momentum. Unprecedented popular acclaim marks a presidential departure On May 1, 2026, the atmosphere across Cotonou, Parakou, and Porto-Novo transcended mere celebration. Thousands of Béninois citizens gathered not just to mark the head of state's 68th birthday, but primarily to convey their profound appreciation. Witnessing a president complete two constitutional terms without attempting to alter the rules, and having fulfilled his development pledges, has set a new benchmark for democracy, now frequent...
Senegal’s football federation united in appeal after african title reversal
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Senegal’s football federation united in appeal after african title reversal

Approximately two months ago, a strong sense of solidarity was evident within the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). This unity emerged following a pivotal ruling by the appeal jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The decision controversially stripped the national team, affectionately known as the Lions de la Teranga, of their coveted African champion title, subsequently reassigning it to Morocco. In response to this significant setback, the FSF galvanized its efforts, rallying firmly behind its president, Abdoulaye Fall. Their collective objective was to formally lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), seeking to challenge the CAF's contentious judgment and reclaim the prestigious continental championship. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter
Football academies Senegal: how training centers shape world-class players
News

Football academies Senegal: how training centers shape world-class players

Under the blazing Dakar sun one Wednesday afternoon, the synthetic pitch at CICES pulses with an unusual energy. Away from the hustle of the VDN highway, Be Sport Academy buzzes like a hive of activity. Souleymane, 15, meticulously tightens his laces. Around him, teammates pull on jerseys, adjust shin guards, and exchange focused glances. Not a word is wasted—today’s session started ten minutes late. But the moment the ball begins to circulate, the boys’ faces relax, almost lighting up. Passes flow, runs synchronize, and movements align under the watchful eyes of the coaches. Every training session here is a showcase. These young players know that each drill, each sprint, could be their ticket to being spotted by talent scouts. This relentless pursuit of excellence isn’t accidental—it’s ...
Press freedom under severe threat in the Sahel’s military-led states
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Press freedom under severe threat in the Sahel’s military-led states

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the current assessment in West Africa is profoundly concerning: the act of informing the public has become exceptionally perilous, even heroic. Following the ascension of military administrations, nations such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — collectively forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — are experiencing an unprecedented period of repression against media professionals.Increasing constraints on journalistic practiceThe methods of exerting pressure are multiplying. Prominent examples include the suspension of Mali's Joliba TV, the cessation of Burkina Faso's daily L'Observateur Paalga, and the recent abduction of journalist Serge Oulon in Ouagadougou. Authorities are employing a range of severe measures to silence dissenting voices:A...
Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s transformative four-year tenure at WHO Burkina Faso concludes with remarkable achievements
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Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s transformative four-year tenure at WHO Burkina Faso concludes with remarkable achievements

Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s transformative four-year tenure at WHO Burkina Faso concludes with remarkable achievements 02 mai 2026 Ouagadougou – After an impactful four-year term leading the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Burkina Faso, Dr Seydou Coulibaly is preparing to depart. His mission has been distinguished by an innovative methodology, unwavering commitment to public health, and a collaborative leadership style that significantly strengthened both local teams and national partnerships.Dr Coulibaly consistently emphasized that his primary objective was to enhance WHO's support for Burkina Faso's health priorities. To achieve this, he and his dedicated teams focused intensely on mobilizing financial resourc...
Northern Mali faces strategic upheaval as armed groups advance toward the capital
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Northern Mali faces strategic upheaval as armed groups advance toward the capital

The security landscape in northern Mali has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent days, sparking widespread concern. Following the symbolic loss of Kidal, insurgent factions have maintained a rapid momentum, while the Groupe de soutien à l'islam et aux musulmans (JNIM) has introduced a new political dimension by advocating for the removal of the current transition administration. A significant military retreat in the north The current situation draws parallels to the events of 2012. On May 1, 2026, combatants from the JNIM and the Front de libération de l'Azawad (FLA) successfully occupied the strategic military installations at Tessalit and Aguelhoc. This advance followed the withdrawal of the Forces armées maliennes (FAMa) and their Russian associates from Africa Corps, allowing...
Navigating Morocco-Senegal ties: a post-CAN perspective in Dakar
International

Navigating Morocco-Senegal ties: a post-CAN perspective in Dakar

A slight sense of apprehension accompanied my arrival in Dakar. The reason? The Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final. As many know, this particular match has reportedly soured the relationship between Morocco and Senegal, a sentiment that feels undeniably present.Amadou, a courteous and smiling taxi driver in his fifties, quickly discerned my Moroccan origin. Our conversation meandered through various topics until he concluded with: «Despite everything, Senegal and Morocco are brothers…».That phrase, «despite everything», carries significant weight. Intended to convey fraternal bonds, it paradoxically hints at underlying tensions. Can a single football match truly fracture deep-rooted connections, or did it merely serve as a catalyst, the final straw revealing pre-existing fragilities in Moro...
Fuel price disparity between Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin in 2026
Analysis, News, Top Stories

Fuel price disparity between Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin in 2026

In May 2026, the fragile balance of purchasing power in West Africa faces yet another challenge. As households strive to safeguard their savings amid persistent inflation, a stark contrast emerges at fuel pumps: a widening gap between fuel prices in Côte d'Ivoire and those in Bénin. Côte d'Ivoire: the burden of a producer nation The General Directorate of Hydrocarbons in Côte d'Ivoire has announced the first price adjustment of the year, marking a significant shift after a period of relative stability. For consumers, the impact is immediate and severe. The price of Super unleaded petrol rises from 820 to 875 West African CFA francs per liter—a 6.7% increase—while diesel surpasses the 700 FCFA mark. This decision has sparked widespread bewilderment. How can a nation with substantial oil r...
Fifa warns teams ahead of 2026 world cup: leaving pitch means instant defeat
News

Fifa warns teams ahead of 2026 world cup: leaving pitch means instant defeat

FIFA Issues Stern Warning to National Teams Ahead of 2026 World Cup Draws Following the thrilling African Nations Cup final where Senegal triumphed over Morocco (1-0), FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a decisive warning to all national teams preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is just around the corner. The CAN 2026 final was marred by controversy when Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty despite Senegal having a goal disallowed. In response, Senegalese players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, temporarily walked off the pitch in protest, delaying the match by over ten minutes before resuming play. The game ultimately ended with a Senegal victory, secured by a strike from Pape Guèye, marking the coun...