Your go-to English source for news from Ouagadougou and Burkina Faso, updated daily.
Bénin has taken a significant step in its food sovereignty strategy. The Islamic Development Bank (BID) has released 12.57 billion FCFA to modernise the country’s agricultural sector. This substantial funding prioritises restoring soil fertility, a critical challenge as Bénin faces severe climate disruptions. Beyond the amount, the choice of partner reflects a deliberate geopolitical and […]
The security landscape in Burkina Faso continues to deteriorate as militant factions escalate their offensive operations. On June 17, 2026, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Sahel, launched a coordinated assault on a Volunteer Forces for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) outpost in Ouahigouya, the […]
Sovereignty vs. economic constraints in Burkina Faso’s media landscape The Conseil supérieur de la Communication (CSC) has imposed a 50 million FCFA fine on Canal+ for suspending access to Burkina Faso’s public television channels once certain subscribers’ subscriptions expired. While framed as a defense of the nation’s information sovereignty, the decision has reignited discussions about […]
The Faso Mêbo agency: a symbol of national reconstruction or a veil for financial opacity? Established by Burkina Faso’s transitional authorities as a cornerstone of national rebuilding and the restoration of sovereignty, the Faso Mêbo agency, driven forward under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has become the subject of intense scrutiny. While official narratives […]
Collective urgency in the Sahel As armed groups escalate their activities across the Sahel, regional leaders face an unprecedented security challenge. The escalating violence has not only destabilized inland nations but now threatens coastal states, compelling Côte d’Ivoire to take decisive action. The Ivorian government has issued an unequivocal call to Mali and Burkina Faso, […]
The Government of Bénin has taken decisive action against the widespread use of skin-lightening products. Effective from May 5th, a comprehensive ban prohibits the sale of creams, lotions, and other substances intended to lighten skin across the entire nation. This bold initiative targets a deeply entrenched practice with mounting public health concerns. Ending the ‘tchatcho’ […]
Ousmane Sonko’s shifting political communication strategy Since departing from his Prime Ministerial role, Ousmane Sonko has undergone a noticeable transformation in his public discourse. Where he once commanded a fiery, confrontational tone, the Pastef leader now adopts a more measured, nuanced approach—one that emphasizes reconciliation over confrontation. This shift in rhetoric has sparked debates about […]
The political landscape in Togo has grown increasingly tense, with recent remarks from groups described as paramilitary loyalists or militia members drawing sharp criticism from civil society and opposition figures. Audio recordings and social media posts feature individuals pledging unwavering allegiance, declaring their readiness to “defend the Gnassingbé family’s hold on power at all costs,” […]
In a sweeping overhaul of its legal framework, Niger has enacted a landmark reform to intensify its fight against corruption. The newly promulgated Penal Code introduces sweeping changes, particularly in its approach to economic crimes and embezzlement of public funds, with penalties that set a new standard for severity in the region. Historic sanctions for […]
a bold strategy to transform the cotton industry The upcoming 2026-2027 cotton farming season in Benin will mark a significant turning point for the West African agricultural landscape. The government has unveiled an unprecedented initiative: a performance-based incentive of 10 FCFA per kilogram for cotton producers, provided that national production reaches or exceeds the critical […]
The Tillabéri region has once again witnessed armed violence. On Friday, 12 June 2026, around 7 a.m., the village of Goungo Koré in the Ayorou commune was targeted by an assault carried out by an armed terrorist group. The attack claimed the lives of two civilians. Double homicide and a targeted abduction Local accounts indicate […]
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that it has reached a staff-level agreement with the Nigerien authorities. This paves the way for an imminent disbursement of $26.3 million (approximately 17.8 billion FCFA) aimed at supporting macroeconomic stability and accompanying the country’s structural reforms. A new breath of fresh air for Niger’s public finances. Following […]