Your go-to English source for news from Ouagadougou and Burkina Faso, updated daily.
President Romuald Wadagni of Bénin has made a landmark decision, naming Captain Elvire Toupé as the presidential aide-de-camp. This appointment marks an unprecedented moment in Bénin’s institutional history. With this historic designation, a woman now stands at the very core of the presidential close security detail. Born in Porto-Novo on July 21, 1990, Captain Elvire […]
Senegal’s political landscape has entered uncharted territory this week. The spotlight shines on a rare power dynamic unfolding between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Both leaders emerged from the same political movement, yet their paths have diverged sharply, creating a tense standoff at the highest levels of government. Ousmane […]
state of emergency deadly shooting near Mali’s national broadcaster in Bamako may 29, 2026 In Bamako this Thursday morning, two young men were fatally shot near the headquarters of Mali’s national broadcaster, ORTM. The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. in a highly secured area that also houses a prominent hotel in the capital. Military authorities […]
In the annals of Benin’s military history, few appointments have carried as much symbolic weight as the recent selection of Captain Elvire Toupe as Aide-de-Camp to the Head of State. This unprecedented decision by President Romuald Wadagni underscores a commitment to excellence that transcends conventional boundaries. Beyond the historical significance of placing a woman at […]
As Senegal marks a historic milestone, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, has paid a moving tribute to former President Abdoulaye Wade on his 100th birthday. In a heartfelt message shared on the X platform, Sonko reflected on Wade’s remarkable journey, describing it as “a century of meaningful life.” The timing of this centennial […]
On May 28, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) country office in N’Djamena hosted an evaluation workshop focused on the three-year project titled « Strengthening Civil Society Organizations Promoting Human Rights and Human Rights Defenders in Chad ». Funded by the European Union and initiated in May 2023, the initiative has empowered […]
Spain withdraws consul in Niamey amid Schengen visa trafficking scandal The Spanish government has quietly but decisively recalled its consul in Niamey, following the dismantling of a high-profile trafficking network selling Schengen visas for over 2.5 million CFA each. The scandal has exposed deep-rooted corruption within Niger‘s transitional authorities, implicating close associates of General Mohamed […]
The President of Benin, Romuald Wadagni, made a significant strategic appointment on May 28, 2026, naming General Bertin Bada, Air Force commander, as the new Advisor to the President on Defence and Security matters. This decision was formalized through Decree N° 2026-324. The announcement follows a series of executive orders issued the same day, aimed […]
UEFA moves Champions League final to 6 pm for practical and commercial benefits A shift from the traditional 9 pm start time aims to enhance logistics, fan experience, and global accessibility. May 29, 2026 1 min read The UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal scheduled for June 30 in Budapest will kick […]
Gold mining operations in Mali’s volatile northern regions have become a lucrative target for armed groups seeking to finance their insurgencies. Recent reports confirm that the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jnim) has intensified its extortion tactics against Chinese-owned mining sites, forcing companies to pay substantial ransoms to avoid disruptions or attacks. […]
The departure of Ousmane Sonko from Senegal’s political landscape has reignited discussions about the country’s escalating debt crisis and its potential implications for negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As Dakar grapples with mounting fiscal challenges, the evolving political dynamics could either hinder or accelerate the pathway to a structured financial agreement. Political shifts […]
Thaïs Brouck Economic Journalist and Macro-Economics Specialist Ousmane Sonko Kristalina Georgieva Bassirou Diomaye Faye IMF Senegal’s debt crisis: a shifting political landscape Senegal stands at a critical juncture as political developments reshape the nation’s economic trajectory. The unexpected departure of Ousmane Sonko from the political stage has triggered intense speculation about Dakar’s next steps in […]