West Africa

Senegalese Families Seek Justice for Protest Victims: Call for U.N. Investigation In Senegal, families grappling with loss and wrongful incarceration from opposition protests spanning the last three years are demanding accountability. United under the banner of the "collective of victims of President Macky Sall's regime," these grieving individuals have made a collective decision to reach out to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. "Seeking truth and justice is our only recourse," said one member of the…

Clément Dembélé's Release Blocked by Bamako Court of Appeal Amidst growing tension, the Bamako Court of Appeal has denied Clément Dembélé's release. The decision, handed down on Tuesday, was confirmed to RFI by Dembélé's close associates on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Dembélé, a prominent figure in civil society known for his fervent battle against corruption, remains behind bars. He was imprisoned back in November 2023 after a social media video surfaced, allegedly featuring him making threats against the interim leader,…

First Terrorist Attack in Burkina Faso: Trial Underway First Terrorist Attack in Burkina Faso: Trial Underway Since Monday, the trial concerning what is thought to be the inaugural terrorist strike in Burkina Faso has been ongoing in Ouagadougou. On October 9, 2015, roughly fifty armed assailants launched an attack on the Samorogouan Gendarmerie Brigade, approximately thirty kilometers from Mali's frontier. After nearly ten years, around a dozen individuals stand before the…

U.S. Africa Command's Strategic Vision for West Africa During his visit to Abidjan this week, Major General Kenneth P. Ekman, the Director of Strategy, Partnerships, and Programs at the U.S. Africa Command (Africom), led a press briefing on July 24, 2024. Addressing the ongoing geopolitical shifts in West Africa, Major General Ekman highlighted a significant announcement—the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger is set to wrap up 'in early August,' complying with demands made by Niger's current ruling military junta.…

Mali Draws with Israel in Olympic Football Despite Technical Edge In a captivating clash within Group D of the Olympic football tournament, Mali demonstrated technical flair yet had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Israel. The Aiglons, who showcased immense skill on the field, might harbor some regrets over missed chances. Nonetheless, they expressed pride in their fervent fanbase and the positive image they continue to project for Malian football. "Even though we didn't clinch the win," one supporter mentioned, "our…

Senegal Gears Up for 2026 Youth Olympic Games with Private Investments While attending the Sport for Sustainable Development summit in Paris, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal made a significant appearance. As Senegal gears up to host the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2026, this event marked a historic milestone as Africa welcomes the Olympics for the first time. The stakes are incredibly high and both Dakar and Paris are counting on private investments to meet the challenges ahead. Dakar 2026 organizers are…

Oumar Diémé: An Ode to Valor and Heritage At 92, Oumar Diémé will bear the Olympic flame in Seine-Saint-Denis. This department is not just any random place but one where he spent a considerable chunk of his life before returning to Casamance, Senegal, his homeland. A veteran who once fought with the colonial troops in Indochina and Algeria, Oumar, a pentathlon pro, is gearing up for this significant occasion with an air of readiness. Donning a new blue boubou adorned with medals and a neatly placed chéchia, Oumar Diémé’s…

Senegal Fights for Food Sovereignty Amid Challenging Conditions Securing food sovereignty remains a formidable aspiration for Senegal. In Podor, located in northern Senegal, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's fertile land lies, the Agricultural and Rural Prospective Initiative (IPAR)—a think tank focused on agricultural strategy in West Africa—conducted an insightful report. The findings shed light on the massive fiscal setbacks endured by the agricultural sector annually due to insufficient equipment for proper crop…

Mali's Charter of Peace and Reconciliation: An Overview In Mali, the freshly minted commission tasked with drafting a "Charter of Peace and Reconciliation" kicked off its mission this week. This commission, formed last month, has already met with the nation's traditional and religious leaders on Monday, July 22. The subsequent day, political parties were brought in for consultations. However, all these efforts have been somewhat overshadowed. The political landscape remains marred by ongoing calls for the release of…

Nigerian Delegation Seeks to Mend Benin-Niger Tensions A Nigerian delegation journeyed to Cotonou on Wednesday, July 24, aiming to reduce friction and restore peaceful relations with Benin. This initiative, spearheaded by former Beninese leaders Nicéphore Soglo and Boni Yayi, marks a significant diplomatic effort. They had a critical meeting at the end of June with General Tiani in Niamey, seeking resolution. The relationship between Benin and Niger has been bleak since the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was…