Vol 66 No 12 | MALI Jihadists hit harder as junta loses focus 13th June 2025 A surge in attacks on army bases leaves security forces overstretched and civilians more vulnerable Grim casualty figures from recent insurgent attacks on army garrisons across central and northern Mali have exposed the cost of junta leader, General Assimi Goïta’s decision to reject...
Vol 66 No 11 | NIGERIA Tinubu wants to borrow $24 billion ahead of 2027 elections 30th May 2025 After two years of harsh reforms, the government aims to win back support with the country’s biggest ever public spending programme As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was preparing to mark two years in power on 29 May, his allies in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the 73-year-old...
Vol 66 No 10 | GHANA Economic green shoots lift Mahama’s first 100 days 16th May 2025 Tax cuts, an easing of the debt burden and promises of anti-corruption probes fire up the president’s base It was the depth of Ghana’s economic crisis that swept John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress to such a decisive victory in the presidential and parliamentary... READ FOR FREE
Vol 66 No 10 | NIGERIA Tinubu’s tax revolution tightens his grip 16th May 2025 These radical reforms will generate more revenue and help the president’s business allies but may weaken several state governors With the passing of four tax bills this month – described as the most radical revenue reforms in Nigeria’s history – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has won some...
Vol 66 No 10 | SIERRA LEONE First Lady under fire 16th May 2025 President Julius Maada Bio’s wife, Fatima Maada Bio, has bought a string of luxury properties in the Gambia worth over US$2 million since 2020, according to an investigation...
Vol 66 No 9 | NIGERIA Tinubu exudes confidence as opposition starts to fold 2nd May 2025 After failing to capitalise on deepening hardships and insecurity, opposition governors and lawmakers are defecting to the ruling party As a political boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has run rings around his rivals. They lack his skills and tactical acuity but most of all they are just...
Vol 66 No 9 | BURKINA FASO Cracks appear in Traoré’s YouTube persona 2nd May 2025 Burkinabés see the reality of military defeats, a cratering economy and growing authoritarianism despite millions spent on propaganda Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s regime in Ouagadougou has uncovered yet another ‘plot’ showing that Burkina Faso’s security crisis is deepening in many different ways. READ FOR FREE
Vol 66 No 9 | CÔTE D'IVOIRE Contest heats up as court blocks Thiam 2nd May 2025 The opposition prepares mass protests after the PDCI’s presidential candidate is taken off the voters’ roll The main opposition Parti démocratique de Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) is in crisis after an Ivorian court removed its presidential candidate Tidjane Thiam from the electoral register. The court...
Vol 66 No 9 | BURKINA FASOMALINIGER The juntas join the gold rush 2nd May 2025 On 23 April, Niger advanced its mineral development by partnering with Emirati firm Suvarna Royal Gold Trading LLC. The deal, formalised in Niamey, establishes Royal Gold Niger SA,...
Vol 66 No 9 | SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPERUSSIA Military alliance and port deal with Russia goes live 28th April 2025 The pact has been ratified, expanding Moscow’s reach in the Gulf of Guinea and upsetting the US although it is retreating from the region On 3 April Prime Minister Américo Ramos of the Acção Democrática Independente (ADI), approved a military cooperation agreement with Russia, first signed in St. Petersburg a year ago...