Attacks by Fulani herdsmen on communities in West Africa are increasing in number and in sophistication. Regional and national authorities must respond promptly to arrest the threat.
A man navigates a dry riverbed in Bamako, Mali. Climate change is contributing to community upheavals.
REUTERS/Joe Penney
Despite being led by different presidents over the past six decades, the French government’s policy on Africa has been faithful to its neo-colonial roots. Will Macron’s government be any different?
The Internet of Things offers great opportunities for Africa.
Shutterstock
West African health systems were weak before the IMF got involved. Sadly, the policy reforms demanded by the IMF in exchange for loans have undermined governments’ ability to repair these problems.
Members of the Ecowas force at the Denton Bridge check point in Banjul, The Gambia, following Yahya Jammeh’s departure.
Reuters/Thierry Gouegnon
Regional power Ecowas, which has just seen off yet another dictator in Yahya Jammeh, started off with a tame agenda 42 years ago. But it was soon shaped by civil wars, military coups and despots
An army soldier in Douentza in the Mopti region of central Mali in March 2013, before the government lost control.
Farafi net.com/flickr
With northern Mali mired in conflict, increasing instability in the centre of the country is worrying observers. The attitude of the Malian authorities holds the key to defusing these tensions.
Côte d'Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara addresses a rally ahead of the referendum on a new constitution. The placard reads “yes to new Ivory Coast”.
Luc Gnago/Reuters
The proposed new constitution would allow Alassane Ouattara to remain as president. Opposition parties see this move as a constitutional “coup” that will also protect his allies.
A French soldier involved in Operation Barkhane to keep Al Qaeda at bay in the desert of northern Mali patrols a street in Timbuktu.
Joe Penney/Reuters
The US and France have bolstered military strength across vast areas of Africa in response to Islamist threat. But the interest is also driven by Western strategic calculations
Participants in the Finote Hiwot project to end child, early and forced marriage in Ethiopia.
Department for International Development/Jessica Lea
A number of African states are taking positive steps to combat violence against girls and child marriage. But social and cultural barriers can nullify national laws and strategies.
A burnt ancient manuscript at the Ahmed Baba Centre for Documentation and Research, in Timbuktu.
Benoit Tessier/Reuters
The ICC sentence against Al-Mahdi for destroying ancient artifacts at Timbuktu sends the right message that the international community will not tolerate the destruction of heritage sites.
Côte d’Ivoire’s response to the Bassam attacks shows that it is not lacking in political and security resources, and that its citizens remain vigilant in the face of terrorist acts.
The Monday market in front of the Grand Mosque of Djenné, Mali.
qiv/Flickr
The international conference for the economic recovery of Mali resulted in promises of substantial aid, but the areas targeted fail to address the country’s real needs.
#BrusselsLockdown: a time for armed guards … and cat pictures.
Yves Herman/Reuters
Head of Data & Analytics and Senior Researcher for the Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)
Senior Researcher and Coordinator of the Security Assessment in North Africa project at the Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)