Selling security, trading sovereignty: how gold became the new currency of Russian influence in the Sahel In the aftermath of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s 2023 demise, his son Pavel is alleged to…
Author: Kadi Alhassane
Journalist
Sahel juntas face harsh realities of Russian military partnership amid growing public backlash
After severing ties with Western powers, the military regimes of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger staked their legitimacy on a promise of restored sovereignty. Yet the arrival of the Africa…
Burkina Faso’s debt dilemma: regional bond issuance sparks public concern over long-term solvency
The latest 100 billion FCFA bond raises alarms over mounting debt crisis The Burkina Faso government has once again turned to the West African regional financial market, this time launching…
North Korea faces turmoil as unconfirmed reports suggest Kim Jong-un’s severe health crisis
Unverified claims spark global speculation over North Korea’s future Unconfirmed reports emerging from social media and international tabloids have thrust North Korea into another period of uncertainty, with claims that…
France’s security overhaul after Macron’s bold Nuñez decision amid civil unrest
As France grapples with another wave of urban turmoil—marked by rampant destruction, violent confrontations, and hastily erected blockades—the government faces mounting pressure to address both public anger and deep-rooted institutional…
Senegal’s 2027 budget faces scrutiny over debt, education, and Casamance divide
The 2027 budget proposal tabled by Senegal’s government marks a bold pivot toward human capital and unlocking critical infrastructure, while navigating tight external constraints. Three flagship initiatives—doubling the number of…
Niamey’s fuel crisis triggers national outrage as shortages expose systemic chaos
The spark that ignited Niamey’s fuel crisis: chaos at gas stations and public fury Niamey has become a city paralyzed by desperation, as spiraling fuel shortages transform simple errands into…
Senegal’s 2027 local elections spark heated public debate on early candidates
The announcement of early candidacies for Senegal’s 2027 municipal elections has ignited a wave of reactions across political circles and among citizens. As aspirants from major parties and independent movements…
Burkina Faso’s history curriculum reform sparks debate over partial truths versus balanced education
Rethinking historical narratives: when reform risks limiting future understanding As Burkina Faso undertakes a sweeping reform of its history and geography curricula to address colonial legacies, the initiative has ignited…
Gabon’s revived press card stirs debate on media freedom and bureaucratic hurdles
After a five-year hiatus, Gabon has reinstated its press card system, a move announced this week in Libreville that ends a prolonged administrative void. Journalists across the country now face…
Lille’s Ligue 1 upset against Brest ignites heated post-match debate over title race
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through French football, Lille suffered a surprise 0-1 defeat to Brest in the seventh round of the 2026-27 Ligue 1…
Mali’s embattled rebels seek foreign allies after strategic losses in Kidal
The fallout from the sudden withdrawal of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) from Kidal in October 2026 continues to reshape the Sahel’s shifting security landscape. With their last major stronghold…