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An attack on the airport and military airbase in Niamey, Niger, killed 11 soldiers and 2 civilians, according to the defence ministry. Authorities said 22 assailants were killed and about 20 suspects were arrested. The incident comes months after a similar assault claimed by the Islamic State group.
Russian Foreign Ministry officials have accused Ukraine of acting as a logistics hub for Western weapons that end up with terrorist groups in Africa, citing discoveries of Ukrainian-made drone components in Mali. The claims, reported by TASS, are part of Moscow's broader criticism of Western military support for Kyiv.
Benin's President Romuald Wadagni made his first regional visits to Niger and Burkina Faso, signaling a potential thaw in relations with the military-led Sahel states. The trip followed tensions over border closures and accusations of foreign interference, with both sides expressing a desire to boost security and economic cooperation.
As Africa faces a politically charged 2026 election year, military coups across West Africa and beyond have raised questions about the health of democracy. Burkina Faso's junta leader openly dismissed democratic ideals, while a UNDP report links poverty and governance failures to coup risk.
Romuald Wadagni was inaugurated as Benin’s president on May 24, 2026, after a landslide election victory, and immediately formed a 24-member government. His first foreign trip was to Nigeria, and he signaled a thaw in relations with Niger as he tackles security and economic challenges.
Ahead of Eid al-Adha, sheep prices have surged in Ivory Coast and Senegal as insecurity in Mali and export bans in Burkina Faso and Niger disrupt supply. Traders report significant shortages and higher transport costs, leaving families struggling to afford animals for the festival.
The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to endorse the International Court of Justice's landmark climate advisory opinion, with 141 nations in favor, 8 against, and 28 abstaining. Vanuatu-led resolution affirms legal duties to combat climate change, while opposition includes major emitters and Liberia's vote sparks domestic backlash.
The draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers was held in Cairo, placing defending champions Ivory Coast in Group C and hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in groups with automatic qualification. The tournament, set for June-July 2027, will be the first in East Africa in 51 years, with 48 teams competing for 24 spots.
The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has warned of mounting violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people worldwide, highlighting that over a third of countries still criminalize same-sex conduct. He noted regressions in Burkina Faso and Senegal, while citing progress in St. Lucia and Botswana. A study found anti-LGBTIQ+ messages in 85% of countries with elections in 2024.
In a historic shift for LGBTQ rights in Africa, Botswana has formally repealed sections of its penal code criminalising same-sex relations. The move, celebrated by activists, contrasts sharply with other African nations like Senegal, Ghana, and Uganda, which are implementing harsher penalties.
French President Emmanuel Macron co-hosted the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi, the first such event in an English-speaking country, as France seeks to rebuild ties with Africa amid declining influence in its former West African colonies. Macron announced $27 billion in investments, framing the summit as a renewed partnership while analysts note a strategic shift toward Anglophone nations and economic engagement.
Burkina Faso's military government has suspended 247 more associations, bringing the total to over 900 since last month. The move follows a July law restricting rights groups and syndicates, with international NGOs accused of spying or collusion with jihadists. Rights groups have expressed alarm.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced €23 billion in investments for Africa at the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi, co-hosted with Kenya. The summit aimed to reset France-Africa ties, with leaders emphasizing mutual respect and sovereign equality. Kenyan President William Ruto and other African figures voiced support for a partnership based on shared responsibility.
Madagascar's Independent Electoral Commission has set a constitutional referendum for June 2027 and presidential elections for October, following a military-led transition after 2025 protests. Opposition figures have petitioned courts to remove Colonel Michael Randrianirina over alleged constitutional breaches, while the administration points to a formal two-year roadmap. The country continues to grapple with instability, poverty, and renewed demonstrations.
French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, a two-day event aimed at renewing France's engagement with Africa. The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, focuses on economic development, innovation, and cross-border investment. It marks France's first such forum in an English-speaking African country.
The BRVM regional stock exchange in West Africa closed higher for the third consecutive week, with the composite index gaining 1.99% to 412.64 points. Trading volumes more than doubled compared to the prior week, driven by sharp gains in select stocks. Meanwhile, bond market capitalization edged lower, and analysts note the exchange's year-to-date performance ranks among the best in frontier markets.
Niger's military government has suspended nine major French media outlets, citing threats to public order and national security. Reporters Without Borders condemned the decision as 'abusive' and part of a coordinated strategy to repress press freedom in the Sahel. Some Nigeriens support the ban, viewing it as a stand against perceived imperialist influence.
Reporters Without Borders has accused Burkina Faso's military authorities of secretly detaining and mistreating prominent journalist Atiana Serge Oulon, contradicting official claims of conscription. The group's investigation details abuse in a makeshift prison and reflects a broader crackdown on dissent, with a recent suspension of TV5Monde highlighting media restrictions.
At least 24 Chadian soldiers were killed in a Boko Haram attack on a military base in the Lake Chad region, prompting a 20-day state of emergency. The attack has raised concerns about civilian casualties, with reports of missing fishermen following Chadian air strikes. Local officials and security analysts warn of the ongoing threat from militant groups in the region.
Mali's military leader Assimi Goïta has assumed the role of defence minister following the death of Sadio Camara in a car bomb attack during coordinated assaults by jihadist and separatist groups. The move, announced by decree, also appoints General Oumar Diarra as minister delegate for defence, as the country faces a deepening security crisis.