Faso

Coups and crises shake African democracy

Coups and crises shake African democracy June 1, 2026Burkina Faso's junta leader Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a 2022 coup, recently told Burkinabe people to "forget" about democracy. "If an African wants to tell you about democracy, you should run away," he said on the state broadcaster RTB in April. Traore's statement shocked many, yet it also resonated with parts of the population.

A mother risked everything to bring her twins into the world. Her story should shock us all

A mother risked everything to bring her twins into the world. Her story should shock us all Basile Ouedraogo salutes the strength of a mother – Dorcas – who undertook a terrifying journey to try and get the help she needed to safely give birth, and how her story is far too familar - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments As a man from across the Ghanaian border in Burkina Faso, I wasn’t prepared for how deeply 29-year-old Dorcas Azongo’s birth story would affect me. Dorcas undertook a traumatic...

Democracy in Africa: Coups, crises and foregone conclusions

Democracy in Africa: Coups, crises and foregone conclusions June 3, 2026Many of the 2026 elections across Africa across Africa are marked by fraud, repression and a growing disconnect between young people and political elites. Though results have yet to be announced, Monday's election in Ethiopia, for example, is widely expected to result in a win for incumbent Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, despite deep divisions in the nation. Officials cited security concerns in suspending voting in parts of...

These are all the countries currently on the Foreign Office ‘do not travel’ list

These are all the countries currently on the Foreign Office ‘do not travel’ list Warnings against travel abroad from the UK have been issued for countries including Iran, Syria and Russia - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments When planning a holiday, it’s wise to check these three things before you leave for the airport: your passport is in date, travel insurance is still valid and you’re travelling to somewhere safe according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)....

Côte d’Ivoire wary of jihadist threat in north 10 years on from major attack

Sudan and DR Congo top list of world's most neglected crises, Norway aid group says

The Norwegian Refugee Council report says that the ist of neglected crises also includes Yemen, Afghanistan, Honduras, Ecuador and Cameroon. Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Colombia top the list of the world's most neglected displacement crises, a prominent Norwegian aid group said on Thursday, noting that nationalism and rearmament campaigns grabbed attention in wealthy countries. Sudan, which since 2023 has been ravaged by a bloody conflict between two rival generals...

Tanzania's president visits Russia amid frayed Western ties

Tanzania's president visits Russia amid frayed Western ties June 3, 2026Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has begun a three-day state visit to Russia, which included a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. This is the first time since 1969 that a Tanzanian leader has visited Moscow. Back then it was Julius Nyerere, whose socialist policies shaped Tanzania in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Mali jails French diplomat for 20 years for 'undermining state security,' sources say

Under junta chief Assimi Goita, the country has turned its back on the West, especially France, in favour of closer ties with Russia. A court in Mali has handed a 20-year jail term to an official at the French embassy accused of being a spy and "undermining state security," judicial sources told the AFP news agency on Friday. The sentence is a new blow to relations between the west African nation, ruled by a military junta since a 2021 coup, and former colonial ruler France.

Africa's climate crisis is a legal crisis too: What are states' duties under human rights law?

Africa's climate crisis is a legal crisis too: What are states' duties under human rights law? Lisa Lock Scientific Editor Andrew Zinin Lead Editor A landmark climate case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

In Senegal, a 2,000‑year‑old iron workshop sheds new light on the past

In Senegal, a 2,000‑year‑old iron workshop sheds new light on the past Lisa Lock Scientific Editor Andrew Zinin Lead Editor How was iron produced 2,000 years ago in Senegal? A recent study at the Didé West 1 archaeological site, in the Falémé Valley in eastern Senegal, sheds light on an ancient iron production technique. Passed down from generation to generation for nearly eight centuries, this technology appears to have been developed to meet local needs.