The latest security challenges in Niger have once again thrust the country into the spotlight. On the night of January 28 to 29, 2026, a coordinated assault by fighters from…
Category: Politics
Chad 2026 human rights overview: political consolidation and rising tensions
Significant developments President Mahamat Idriss Déby solidified his grip on power throughout 2025, following a 2024 presidential election that faced heavy criticism from the opposition for various irregularities. Constitutional amendments…
Mali corruption: the hidden cost of small gifts in public services
In Mali, terms like « bonya » (respect), « woro songo » (cola price), or « buru songo » (bread price) mask a harsh reality: the normalization of small, illicit…
Unified force AES: strategies for regional security in west africa
how the unified force of the AES can achieve its security goals The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger gathered in Bamako this week to assess progress in…
Burkina Faso: unlawful detention and conviction of human rights lawyer Ini Benjamine Esther Doli
Unjust conviction and continued detention of a prominent human rights advocate in Burkina Faso In a deeply troubling development, human rights lawyer Ini Benjamine Esther Doli has been convicted and…
Burkina Faso criminalizes same-sex relations: a major setback for lgbtq+ rights
Click to expand Image On September 1st, the Transitional Legislative Assembly of Burkina Faso enacted a new law, criminalizing consensual same-sex relations. This legislative move represents a significant regression for…
Burkina Faso : fin de l’enrôlement forcé pour plusieurs journalistes
Click to expand Image Au début du mois de juillet 2025, les autorités du Burkina Faso ont procédé à la libération de cinq journalistes ainsi qu’un militant des droits humains.…
Enforced disappearances of human rights defenders in Burkina Faso
Enforced disappearances of human rights defenders in Burkina Faso ©Balai citoyen Share URGENT APPEAL – OBSERVATORY BFA 002 / 0525 / OBS 022Enforced disappearanceBurkina FasoMay 2, 2025 The Observatory for…
Future of democracy in the alliance of Sahel states
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—has become a focal point of debate surrounding the future of democracy in West Africa. Since military takeovers between 2020…
Mali: l’inquiétante menace de dissolution des partis politiques
En réponse aux récentes discussions sur la réforme de la Charte des partis politiques au Mali, Ousmane Diallo, expert du Sahel pour Amnesty International en Afrique de l’Ouest et centrale,…
Crackdown on dissent in Burkina Faso escalates
Burkina Faso’s escalating crackdown on dissent and free speech The government of Burkina Faso has intensified its efforts to silence critics by adding the names of several prominent journalists and…
Political turmoil in Benin after thwarted coup attempt
The recent arrests of three prominent figures in Benin, suspected of plotting a coup d’état, have thrust the country into a heated debate about the post-Talon era. President Patrice Talon,…