AFP Africa

Incumbent Alassane Ouattara is the overwhelming favourite to secure a fourth term as Ivory Coast holds presidential polls Saturday, a task facilitated by the absence of several key opposition figures.Ouattara, 83, has wielded power in the world’s top cocoa producer since 2011, when the country began reasserting itself as a west African economic powerhouse.”We want …

Ouattara favourite as fourth Ivory Coast term loomsWed, 22 Oct 2025 17:36:27 GMT Read More »

Four opposition candidates are in the running for Ivory Coast’s presidential election Saturday, vying to rattle incumbent President Alassane Ouattara and face him off in a second round. Here is the ballot lineup, notably missing two main opponents Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, who were barred from running.- Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, 76, former first lady -Simone …

The four challengers to Ouattara in I.Coast electionsWed, 22 Oct 2025 07:05:26 GMT Read More »

A US-trained economist who appears to be an almost immovable cornerstone of Ivory Coast’s political life, President Alassane Ouattara is the favourite to win a fourth term in Saturday’s presidential election.For his admirers, he spells stability and is their natural leader.His detractors accuse him of ruling the country with an iron fist and of choosing …

Alassane Ouattara, economist turned I. Coast political pillarWed, 22 Oct 2025 07:02:28 GMT Read More »

Growing up in southern Nigeria during the 1970s, Bubaraye Dakolo would easily catch 20 kilograms of fish within minutes. These days, a fisherman casts nets all night, only to bring back just about three kilograms.Now Dakolo, the monarch of Ekpetiama, a kingdom in the southern coastal state of Bayelsa, a custodian of peace and tradition and …

Nigerian monarch takes on oil giant in search of environmental justiceTue, 21 Oct 2025 06:11:28 GMT Read More »

Touting himself as the prime mover behind the transformation of Ivory Coast’s economy over 14 years in office, Alassane Ouattara hopes that revamp can help secure him a fourth presidential term Saturday.Ouattara, 83, came to power in the world’s biggest cocoa producer on the back of a political and military crisis but strong growth and investment since …

Ouattara sets stall on revamped Abidjan for Ivorian poll bidTue, 21 Oct 2025 06:07:17 GMT Read More »

Since 2020, when suspected jihadists attacked the Kafolo military camp in northeastern Ivory Coast, the army has maintained a powerful presence in the region — and now fresh threats are looming, residents warn.A detailed AFP tour of the region revealed that the military has succeeded in limiting incursions by militant fighters operating from Burkina Faso, …

Northeast I. Coast lives warily between army, jihadists and militiaMon, 20 Oct 2025 06:02:19 GMT Read More »

Islamist militants still severely impact large swathes of Burkina Faso and Mali, imposing roadblocks, launching attacks and cutting off supply lines as they expand their decade-long presence, according to residents’ testimonies.Several towns in central and northern Burkina Faso are currently under blockade by jihadists and army supply lines are regularly targeted.The town of Arbinda has …

In the Sahel, no reprieve under jihadist blockadeMon, 20 Oct 2025 05:38:38 GMT Read More »

Kenya’s long-time opposition leader Raila Odinga was buried in a state funeral in the west of the country on Sunday after days of commemorations attended by tens of thousands.Odinga died aged 80 on Wednesday in India, sparking an outpouring of grief for a politician who spent years fighting for democracy during the autocratic rule of …

Kenya buries long-time opposition leader Raila OdingaSun, 19 Oct 2025 18:46:18 GMT Read More »

In the Ivory Coast town of Daloa, tales like Marie Godo’s of dreams shattered overseas are common.The small town in the centre of the west African country is well known as a transit point for Ivorians looking to migrate. For Godo, her failed attempt in Tunisia brought shame, but ended with her back in Daloa with …

Ivory Coast ‘returnees’ rebuild lives at homeSun, 19 Oct 2025 06:26:20 GMT Read More »

Nigerian authorities on Saturday denied that more than a dozen officers had been arrested over a coup plot, pushing back on local media reports.The west African country has seen several military takeovers in its history and spent much of the 20th century under junta rule since its independence from Britain.A fresh coup would turn back …

Nigeria denies officers arrested over coup plotSat, 18 Oct 2025 20:08:26 GMT Read More »