The united front on display around Mali’s recent employers’ consultations — and around the draft body intended to pave the way for media self-regulation — does little to hide what is really…
Author: Martin Ngu
Journalist
Niger’s defense money: who really controls the CFPD’s 1.8 billion FCFA a month?
A decree, billions in play, and a question that won’t go away One signature on a decree. Billions of FCFA theoretically within reach. A new defense architecture. A reshuffling of responsibilities. Then,…
Mali’s strategic tightrope: can Bamako truly hedge between Moscow and Washington?
For years, Mali’s geopolitical story seemed set in stone. After severing ties with France and European forces, Bamako under General Assimi Goïta turned decisively toward Moscow, welcoming Wagner operatives and later Africa…
Can Nigeria’s police really guarantee a neutral and secure presidential election?
With Nigeria’s next presidential election drawing closer, the safety of the electoral process has become the central question on everyone’s mind. Citizens and international observers alike are asking whether the Nigeria Police…
Can northern Mali survive the systematic destruction of its water wells?
Between 15 and 16 September 2026, a series of airstrikes and ground operations carried out by the Malian Armed Forces and their Russian allies struck vital water infrastructure across the Kidal region….
Benin’s AA- rating: real economic impact for households and businesses
On September 15, Bloomfield Investment Corporation upgraded Benin’s long-term sovereign rating from A+ to AA- on its local currency scale. This move, which lifts the country into the symbolic and strategic ‘investment’…
Benin senate’s 2027 budget: the knock-on effects on citizens, businesses and public finances
The upper house of Benin’s parliament has formally approved its own operating and investment budget for the 2027 financial year, a decision whose consequences stretch well beyond the chamber itself: it settles…
Baleine’s new partner: the real-world effects of SOCAR’s 10% stake on Côte d’Ivoire
Eni closed the sale of a 10% interest in the Baleine oil and gas project in Côte d’Ivoire to Azerbaijan’s SOCAR on Wednesday 16 September. The consequences reach far beyond the shareholder…
Togo’s media crackdown: how recent sanctions reshape press freedom for citizens and businesses
Journalistic accountability under scrutiny as Togo tightens media regulations The recent sanction against a prominent journalist in Togo has exposed deep vulnerabilities in the country’s media landscape—raising urgent questions about how press…
How Romuald Wadagni’s Kigali trip could reshape Benin’s economic and security future
The Beninese Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni’s recent two-day visit to Kigali wasn’t just symbolic—it set in motion concrete steps that could redefine regional cooperation and economic growth for both nations. During the…
Lomé agreements set stage for Burkina Faso refugees’ cautious return home
The three-way agreements signed in Lomé this month mark a critical turning point in the Sahel’s refugee crisis, but their true impact will hinge on whether returning to Burkina Faso becomes a…
Niger’s collapsing junta: how four ministerial firings expose a regime in freefall
From coup leader to coup victim: Tiani’s paranoia drives latest purge The Nigerien junta’s spiral into self-destruction has reached a new low. Just days after reshuffling the military high command following a…