Five judges sworn in at ECOWAS court amid calls for stronger regional justice

The ECOWAS Court of Justice welcomed five new judges on October 6, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria, taking a decisive step toward reinforcing judicial independence across West Africa. The fresh faces…

Niger locks in $203 million IMF lifeline amid sovereignty push: what the deal means for Niamey’s economy

The Government of Niger’s latest economic blueprint, framed as the ‘Refoundation of the Republic,’ faces a stark reality check as it secures a 38-month financing lifeline from the International Monetary…

Benin launches 14 health centers and Ouidah maternity upgrade to bridge rural care gap

Benin has taken a decisive step in its public health modernization drive, greenlighting the construction of 14 new health centers nationwide alongside a complete overhaul of the Ouidah zone hospital’s…

Benin’s 2027 budget hits 4.76 trillion FCFA amid growth and social push

Benin has submitted its 2027 draft finance law to parliament, setting a record budget of 4,757.029 billion FCFA. This marks a 14.7% increase from the 2026 revised budget of 4,148.357…

Niger junta’s detention of Moussa Kaka: silence fuels growing suspicions

Confirmed: Moussa Kaka is alive and held by authorities The prolonged disappearance of Nigerien journalist Moussa Kaka has reached a critical juncture. After more than a month without public updates,…

Benin’s economic growth forecast: 7.7% GDP expansion by 2027 amid regional stability

The West African nation of Benin is poised to defy regional economic headwinds with a projected 7.7% GDP growth rate for 2027, according to the latest multilateral assessments. This forward-looking…

Gabon’s poultry import ban under WTO scrutiny as 2027 deadline looms

Gabon’s impending ban on imported poultry — set for January 1, 2027 — has escalated into a trade dispute with the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The…

Niger’s water scandal: how contaminated taps and stalled contracts are hitting households, businesses and the economy

When bacteria levels in drinking water soar far beyond international safety limits, the consequences ripple far beyond a simple utility failure. In Niger, a preliminary audit report from the Court…