UN human rights chief calls on Burkina Faso to reinstate political freedoms

Volker Türk, the United Nations human rights chief, has issued a formal appeal to the government of Burkina Faso, urging an end to all restrictions on civic space and a…

Us strategy shifts to trade and security in Sahel region

US reorients Sahel policy toward trade and security partnerships The recent visit by Nick Checker, head of the US State Department’s African Affairs Bureau, to Mali signals Washington’s renewed engagement…

Military juntas in west africa and Sahel intensify repression in 2025

growing authoritarianism and shrinking democratic space in west africa In 2025, the political landscape across West Africa and the Sahel witnessed a troubling surge in authoritarian measures as military juntas…

Pioneering cervical cancer elimination in Burkina Faso: a grassroots movement

pioneering cervical cancer elimination in Burkina Faso: a grassroots movement Ouagadougou – Awa, a 48-year-old mother of six from Ipendo, located in the Centre-Ouest region of Burkina Faso, recounted her…

Human rights crisis in Niger after 2023 coup amid islamist threats

Niger’s descent into authoritarian rule and escalating violence Since the military takeover in July 2023, Niger has witnessed a dramatic deterioration in its human rights landscape. The ruling junta has…

Tchad human rights crisis deepens under new leadership in 2025

The Tchad human rights landscape in 2025 reflects a troubling consolidation of power under President Mahamat Idriss Déby, whose 2024 election victory—criticized for irregularities by opposition groups—set the stage for…

Niger under siege: how airport attack exposes islamist threat and Russian military role

The capital of Niger, Niamey, faced an unprecedented security challenge in the early hours of January 29, when coordinated gunfire and explosions erupted near the Diori Hamani International Airport. For…

Us reinforces security ties with Sahel juntas amid russian influence

The United States has initiated a strategic shift in its foreign policy toward three West African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—where military-led governments have pivoted away from traditional allies like…

Niger’s junta points finger at France after Niamey airport assault

Niger’s junta leader accuses France following strategic Niamey airport attack The ruling military junta in Niger has directly blamed France for a recent assault on Niamey’s airport, an incident that…

Nigeria’s escalating violence and overlooked humanitarian crisis

Nigeria’s escalating violence and overlooked humanitarian crisis The abduction of schoolchildren, targeted attacks on entire villages, and the violent removal of worshippers from both churches and mosques have thrust Nigeria…

Heavy gunfire and explosions reported in Niamey

Residents of the capital of Niger were woken by the sounds of intense blasts and sustained shooting early Thursday morning. The disturbances were concentrated near the international airport in Niamey,…

AES nations grapple with free movement challenges post-CEDEAO exit

The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO)—intended as a sovereignty move—has inadvertently restricted the movement of people and goods across…