Your go-to English source for news from Ouagadougou and Burkina Faso, updated daily.
The spread of diphtheria in Mali is accelerating at an alarming rate. Since the middle of September, the nation has been battling a surge of this vaccine-preventable infection. The outbreak is fueled by a crumbling healthcare infrastructure, persistent medical shortages, and significant barriers to humanitarian aid. By early December, official figures recorded more than 530 […]
For countless Burkinabè, seeking medical care was once a daunting financial challenge. The divide between illness and treatment stretched far wider than geography—it was measured in overwhelming costs. Since March 13, 2024, Burkina Faso’s government has taken decisive action to bridge that gap. By slashing fees for critical diagnostic exams and eliminating advance payment requirements […]
diphtheria surge in Mali amid ongoing humanitarian crisis Since mid-September, Mali has faced a rapid surge in diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, fueled by a weakened healthcare system, chronic shortages, and increasingly restricted humanitarian access. The situation is worsening in regions already grappling with insecurity and public service collapses. As of early December, over 530 cases […]
On December 7, 2025, a dramatic turn of events unfolded in Cotonou, Benin. Early that morning, mutinous soldiers stormed national television to announce they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. Yet by day’s end, the attempted coup had collapsed, thwarted by loyalist forces backed by the national army. Just days later, on December 13, hundreds of […]
Sahel alliance: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger unveil joint military force amid jihadist threats The Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—are governed by military juntas that seized power through coups between 2020 and 2023. These governments advocate for sovereignty and have distanced themselves from Western influence, prioritizing regional security […]
what is the unified force AES and why does it matter? The unified force AES (FU-AES) represents a historic milestone in military cooperation between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Established to address escalating security challenges, this multinational force brings together 5,000 troops under the command of General Daouda Traoré from Burkina Faso. The creation of […]
Morocco ready to shine at CAN 2025: a fan’s perspective As the CAN 2025 approaches, football fever grips Morocco. The country hasn’t hosted the Africa Cup of Nations since 1988, but this time, everything points to a spectacular tournament. Among the most passionate supporters is Ibrahim, a 20-year-old sports management student, who refuses to accept […]
The 2025 National Anti-Corruption Week in Mali officially commenced on December 9, 2025, in Bamako. Mamoudou Kassogué, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, inaugurated this significant event, designed to inform the public about ongoing anti-corruption initiatives. The central theme, carried over from the previous year, is: « Uniting with youth against corruption: shaping tomorrow’s integrity ». […]
Fada N’Gourma – While poliomyelitis remains a formidable threat, it is entirely preventable through immunization. Across Burkina Faso, dedicated mothers are taking a stand, ensuring their children receive life-saving protection against diseases that can be stopped with a simple vaccine. In the Sector 9 Health and Social Promotion Center (CSPS) area of Fada N’Gourma, Nadège […]
In 2025, the Sahel region of West Africa faced an alarming escalation in militant activity, with armed groups expanding their operations beyond traditional strongholds. This shift has intensified economic warfare tactics, disrupting regional stability and challenging the authority of military-led governments in countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria. militant groups expand operations […]
Military instability continues to plague West Africa, with the latest crisis unfolding in Benin. Since early 2020, the region has witnessed multiple coups d’état across Sahel nations, Guinea, and most recently Guinea-Bissau. These political upheavals have reshaped power dynamics and raised concerns about regional security. Several military juntas in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have […]
West and Central Africa in urgent need: UN appeals for 5.1 billion dollars The United Nations and its partners have launched a critical appeal for 5.1 billion dollars as part of the 2026 global humanitarian funding drive totaling 33 billion dollars. This funding aims to support 24 million of the most vulnerable individuals across West […]