West Africa

Why Senegal's election is delayed and what it means

Senegal, which won its freedom from France in 1960, has for the first time delayed its presidential election. Experts say the West African nation is in unchartered waters and its reputation as a beacon of democracy for the region is at risk

What is ECOWAS? Why have three West African nations withdrawn from it?

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formed in 1975 to promote economic integration across West Africa. Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, which witnessed coups last July, in 2022 and in 2020 respectively, said they were leaving due to 'inhumane' sanctions

Vantage | What record-breaking cocoa prices mean for your chocolate craving

Better satisfy your choco-delight this holiday season, because who knows how much a chocolate bar will cost you next year?

Vantage | Why West Africa is going soft on Niger's coup leaders

ECOWAS seems to have finally given up on returning the ousted Mohamed Bazoum to power

Vantage | Why Europe is arming Ghana in its fight against terror

The EU's commitment to supporting West African nations, including Ghana, in their fight against terrorism and instability is a significant step in the right direction

More than 60 people feared dead after boat capsizes off Cape Verde

The Cape Verde archipelago lies about 600 kms off the coast on the maritime migration route to the Spanish Canary Islands, which is a gateway to the European Union

US eyes aid to curb rampant violence in coastal West Africa

In a new global strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability, President Joe Biden's administration identified coastal West Africa as a priority for the coming decade. 

Ten killed in makeshift gold mine collapse in Burkina Faso

Gold has overtaken cotton to become the poor West African country's main export, with 17 industrial mines producing around 70 tonnes per year

West African leaders agree to create regional force to intervene against jihadism, coups

National armies, largely powerless against the jihadist forces operating across borders, have been cooperating with external actors such as the UN, France and Russia

West Africa, European partners bolster ties against jihadist threat

Coastal states Ghana, Benin, Togo and Ivory Coast face increasing threats and attacks from Islamist militants across their northern borders with Burkina Faso and Niger