Category: Analyses
Niger’s unexpected trade shift: a month-long livestock lifeline to Algeria amidst southern market restrictions
Amidst a West African landscape already fraught with geopolitical tensions, recent commercial decisions by Niger’s transitional authorities are sparking considerable debate among economic operators and regional analysts. While trade routes
Read MoreSenegal: was the faye-sonko political split unavoidable?
The Senegalese executive branch has seen escalating tensions over recent months, culminating in President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s decision to dismiss his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. This political separation marks a
Read MoreKaliningrad: a russian outpost trapped in europe’s tightening grip
Europe’s shifting borders isolate Russia’s military stronghold Once a symbol of Moscow’s military might in the heart of Europe, the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad now faces an unprecedented tightening of
Read MoreTogo’s visa exemption: a political charm offensive with strict digital controls
The announcement of a visa exemption for all African nationals entering Togo has sparked global attention, positioning Lomé as a champion of regional integration. While the initiative appears to herald
Read MoreIslamic state in the Sahel: enduring influence in northern Mali despite JNIM focus
The Islamic State’s Sahel Province keeps a firm grip on Mali’s northeast, despite increasing attention on the JNIM. The Gao and Ménaka regions, particularly the Ansongo district and the so-called
Read MoreNiger’s record deflation: economic relief with hidden risks
Nigeria’s National Institute of Statistics has just released the Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HCPI) for April 2026, revealing a striking macroeconomic trend: Niger is experiencing a historic deflation of -8.5%.
Read MoreLomé at the heart of a quiet influence war between Paris and Moscow
Togo has emerged as a new theater for an intense geopolitical rivalry unfolding between France and Russia. Through a blend of crisis diplomacy, security agreements, and soft power initiatives, both
Read MoreSenegal’s UEMOA performance decline in 2025: key factors revealed
Senegal’s UEMOA performance decline in 2025: key factors revealed While the common market witnesses a slight improvement, this article delves into the specific reasons behind Senegal’s regression in 2025 and
Read MoreMali’s overreliance on mercenaries fuels rebellion and insecurity
The Malian junta’s decision to invite Russian mercenaries in 2021 has backfired spectacularly, analysts warn. By shifting focus to crushing Tuareg rebels in the North, the government inadvertently paved the
Read MoreHow Boko Haram funds its insurgency through kidnappings
Kidnapping has evolved into a lucrative industry for Boko Haram, fueling its operations across multiple nations in West Africa. This trend has intensified in recent years, particularly in Nigeria, Chad,
Read MoreHow Algeria has shaped Mali’s jihadist landscape since 2001
From the vantage point of Algiers, the vast Saharan expanse stretching across Mali is not merely a neighboring territory—it is a strategic buffer zone that must never slip beyond control.
Read MoreIs Faso Mêbo a patriotic move or another tax burden in Niger
Faso Mêbo sparks debate: patriotism at work or disguised double taxation? The Ministry of Economy and Finance recently announced that over 261 million FCFA had been collected under the Faso
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