Terms like “Bonya” (respect), “woro songo” (the price of cola), and “buru songo” (the price of bread) are common in local languages across Mali. They serve as euphemisms for the illicit “small…
Mali faces persistent challenges in the 2024 corruption perception index
The 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from Transparency International, released on February 12, 2025, places Mali in 136th position out of 180 nations. With a stagnant score of 28 out of 100,…
Breakthroughs in Burkina Faso’s healthcare system in 2025
2025 has emerged as a landmark year for healthcare in Burkina Faso, demonstrating remarkable progress despite significant national challenges. The healthcare sector has witnessed groundbreaking developments in infrastructure, specialized care, and financial…
Mali faces rising diphtheria cases amid humanitarian crisis
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…
Healthcare cost reduction in Burkina Faso transforms patient access
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,…
Diphtheria surge in Mali amid ongoing humanitarian crisis
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…
Patrice Talon: how Benin’s president defies political norms in Africa
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…
Sahel: launch of a joint military force by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger
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…
Unified force AES goals and strategies explained
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…
Morocco can 2025: fans demand nothing less than victory in home tournament
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…
Mali’s 2025 anti-corruption week: empowering youth and strengthening justice
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…
A lifelong shield: How vaccination is securing children’s health in Burkina Faso
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…