Guinea-Bissau junta releases opposition leader, vows inclusive government
The junta that seized power in Guinea-Bissau in a coup in November has vowed to bring the revolutionary PAIGC party into government and has released its leader, former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, though he remains under house arrest. The moves are an apparent attempt to appease the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, which has […]
The Real Coup in Benin? Succession Without Political Change
Patrice Talon has now completed two terms in office, in line with Benin’s constitutional limit. As a result, he is expected to step down at the next election. But many suspect that he will seek to remain a political “backseat driver”, shaping the presidency from behind the scenes through allies and institutions he has carefully […]
Forget Democracy, Burkina Faso Military Leader Traore Says
Burkina Faso’s military leader, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, told journalists that “people need to forget about democracy” and that “democracy kills”, the latest sign he aims to rule for the long term. Ibrahim Traore’s military government had originally committed to organising an election in 2024. But a year after the […]
Benin’s main opposition party won’t back any candidate in April presidential vote
Benin’s opposition The Democrats says it won’t endorse any candidate in the race to replace President Patrice Talon. With Benin’s presidential election just weeks away, the country’s main opposition party says it won’t be backing any candidate. The Democrats’ own nominee has been barred from standing after failing to gather enough parliamentary support. The only […]
Judgment compliance: ECOWAS court urges Nigeria to lead by example
The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, has called on the Nigerian government to lead by example in enforcing the court’s judgments to strengthen the regional rule of law and restore confidence in community justice. He disclosed that since the establishment of the Court, 128 cases have been instituted against Nigeria, […]
Ivory Coast’s President Says He Will Seek Fourth Term in Office
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has announced he will seek a fourth term leading the West African nation, as tensions rise over the exclusion of many heavyweight opposition candidates. Earlier, he had been officially nominated by his ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party as its candidate, but had not yet said […]
Guinea-Bissau Sets Election Date Following Last Year’s Coup
The West African country is set to hold legislative and presidential elections on December 6. Guinea-Bissau’s military government has set a date for new elections following the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo in a coup late last year, according to a statement by the army leader. “All the conditions for organising free, fair and transparent elections […]
US Deploys 100 Soldiers to Nigeria as Attacks by Armed Groups Surge
The United States has sent 100 military personnel to northern Nigeria to train and advise local forces, as deadly threats rise from armed groups such as Boko Haram and ISIL (ISIS)-linked factions. Samaila Uba, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters spokesman, confirmed the US troops’ arrival in the northeastern area of Bauchi on Monday. He said they will […]
WADEMOS, NDI Kickoff Next Gen Initiative Focused on Reforms
We are excited to announce that the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) has partnered with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to create a regional Community of Practice for the Youth Engagement in Reform Project (YERP). This regional community aims to support young leaders and activists across Anglophone and Francophone West Africa to engage in […]
Burkina Faso Junta Announces Ban on all Political Parties
Burkina Faso’s junta has announced a ban on all political parties, whose activities have been suspended since the military seized power in 2022. Junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré has been criticised for suppressing dissent, and the move will be seen as the latest move to tighten control. According to Burkina Faso’s Interior Minister Emile Zerbo, […]