Sahel

The Republic of Niger has taken a significant step forward in its political journey by officially unveiling the Consultative Council for Refoundation (CCR). This event marks yet another milestone in the nation’s ongoing transition towards a more stable and participatory governance. As reported by Sputnik Africa, the launch ceremony took place in the vibrant atmosphere of the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center located in the heart of Niamey, Niger's capital. Imagine the room filled with a diverse group of…

The Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has enacted a bold vision for regional justice. They recently unveiled plans to establish a Sahelian Criminal and Human Rights Court aimed at prosecuting offenses that transcend their borders. This initiative not only seeks to unify the legal frameworks of these three nations but also aspires to foster "an area of peace, security, and sustainable development." It’s a remarkable ambition, don’t you think? In articulating this goal, these nations are…

AFRICOM and the Sahel Crisis: A Global Concern On May 30, 2025, during a pivotal digital press briefing at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, who heads U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), painted a stark picture of the current security landscape. He labeled the Sahel as the “epicenter of terrorism on the globe,” a declaration that resonates deeply given the escalating crises in this region. The Sahel, a vast belt of land stretching across Africa from the…

The Growing Humanitarian Landscape: Russia's Expanding Role in Africa In a significant gesture of support, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced the dispatch of 709.5 tons of humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso, alongside an impressive commitment to supply up to 20,000 tons of wheat to Niger. This initiative forms a crucial part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing ties with the region’s military-led governments. The question arises: what are the implications of such actions in a complex geopolitical landscape? As…

The European Union finds itself at a significant crossroads in its relationship with the Sahel region. An urgent call for a transformative political strategy has been articulated in an open letter to the EU Vice President by Human Rights Watch. They assert that the "Integrated Strategy in the Sahel," which was introduced in April 2021, has unfortunately grown antiquated, especially in the wake of recent military coups in the central Sahel. Why, one might ask, does this matter? The Sahel, a vast stretch of land encompassing…

The recent developments within ECOWAS mark a significant turning point, particularly after the formal withdrawal of the Sahel states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—from the regional bloc earlier this year. This departure not only deepens the existing political rift but also signifies a substantial shift in the regional dynamics and strategic operations of ECOWAS. An extraordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Ghana addressed these pressing concerns, as future relations with the three now-excluded…

In Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened for a pivotal meeting. This gathering comes in response to a significant development: three member nations have announced their intent to withdraw from the bloc in January. As the discussions unfold, the leaders aim to explore the complexities surrounding the countries' exit and its broader ramifications for ECOWAS agencies. ECOWAS, a cornerstone of regional cooperation, has consistently upheld…

Foreign ministers from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso convened on Saturday, plunging into the region's formidable dilemmas like terrorism, unstable political landscapes, and rocky relations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This earnest discourse unfurled against the backdrop of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in its namesake Turkish city. The gathering unfurled as "Sahel: The Future of Regional Integration," graced by the notable presence of Mali's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation…

In a world where economic tides can shift with the whisper of a policy change, recent developments in West Africa are a textbook example of how regional dynamics can flex and reshape our shared narratives. Joel Ahofodji, a voice many have come to recognize in diplomatic corridors, confirmed on Wednesday that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will assemble an Extraordinary Council on April 22. The agenda? To grapple with the multifaceted challenge posed by the new import duty, among other…

The new import duty imposed on ECOWAS states is set to take effect immediately. Its intention is, ostensibly, to finance activities within the Sahel countries, leaving many curious minds questioning: What are these activities? Why now? This levy arrives at a significant crossroads for West African trade. For decades, the region has thrived on the principle of open exchanges as a bedrock of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Now, this pillar seems to be wavering. Consider…