Your go-to English source for news from Ouagadougou and Burkina Faso, updated daily.
The President of the French Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, at the Élysée Palace this Wednesday for an official state visit. With the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just weeks away on May 11 and 12, this meeting underscores the renewed commitment to strengthening political, cultural, and economic ties between […]
Beyond the mere figures and the duos vying for office, the announcement of provisional results this Sunday evening marks a significant historical juncture. With institutional calm prevailing and a palpable popular enthusiasm, Benin has once again demonstrated that its democracy now rests on an unshakeable foundation. An election defined by transparency The night of Sunday, […]
As dawn breaks over the Bénin Republic, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENA) unveils the provisional results, marking the end of an era and the dawn of a new one. With an overwhelming 94.05% of the vote, Romuald Wadagni transcends his reputation as a brilliant economist to become the nation’s elected president—a leader whose victory […]
“Predictable contests”, “one-sided races”, “first-round sweeps by incumbents”. African presidential elections in 2025 revealed a disturbing pattern: opposition candidates were systematically sidelined even before campaigning began. Recent votes in Djibouti and Benin—held on April 10 and 12 respectively—epitomized this trend. In Djibouti, incumbent President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh clinched a sixth term with 97.8% of the […]
Partager Écouter “Élections jouées d’avance”, “scrutins sans suspens”, “victoires du président sortant dès le premier tour”. Les élections présidentielles en Afrique au cours de l’année 2025 ont été marquées par une tendance au verrouillage de l’opposition avant même le début de la campagne présidentielle. Dernières élections en date, celles qui ont eu lieu à Djibouti, le […]
“Predetermined outcomes,” “sham elections,” “first-round sweeps by incumbents.” These phrases increasingly describe African presidential elections in 2025, where opposition candidates often face systemic barriers long before campaign season begins. Recent examples from early April—Djibouti’s April 10 vote and Benin’s April 12 election—illustrate this troubling trend. In Djibouti, incumbent Ismaïl Omar Guelleh clinched a sixth term […]
Election results in Africa this year have followed a predictable script: the opposition was systematically sidelined long before campaigning even began. In Djibouti, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term with a staggering 97.8% of the vote on April 10, while in Bénin, Romuald Wadagni—handpicked successor to Patrice Talon—claimed victory with 94% on April […]
Aisha, Juliana, and Hauwa — three names representing countless untold stories. While mass abductions by the jihadist group Boko Haram often dominate international headlines, the individual experiences of these Nigerian women frequently remain unheard. This in-depth report sheds light on their harrowing journeys, giving voice to those who have endured unimaginable suffering. One Saturday evening […]
Bamako – To celebrate World Health Day 2026, centered on the theme “Unite for Health. Support Science,” the World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting the work of experts who leverage scientific research to improve lives across the African Region. Dr. Bintou Dembélé, a physician and public health specialist, has dedicated her career to combating infectious […]
The highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final has left a trail of controversy and legal disputes in its wake. The latest twist involves a contentious decision by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeals Committee, which awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory by default on March 17—despite Senegal’s 1-0 triumph on the pitch. […]
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall’s aspirations for a prominent role in global diplomacy have encountered an unexpected and formidable obstacle. While initial continental support from 55 African nations seemed to pave his way as a potential successor to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a recent alignment involving Togo, Senegal, and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) […]
With polling stations in Benin now closed for the presidential election held on April 12, 2026, the outcome reveals a striking contrast to regional instability. While neighboring West African nations grapple with political turbulence, Cotonou has delivered a remarkably calm electoral process, validating the outgoing administration’s proactive security strategy. Facing a daunting challenge, Benin navigated […]