Ideas

The International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002 under the promise of impartial justice, was meant to embody the hope of a world where war criminals—no matter who they were—would finally be brought to justice. But more than two decades later, its track record remains mixed. Kevin Ferdinand Ngjimba, President of the International Union Commission […]

Over 80 years old, Adrien Houngbédji seems to refuse to bow out and reignites the national debate with surprising positions, while blurring the lines between power and opposition in a Benin seeking democratic respite. The former President of Parliament challenges the choices of the power he long supported. Strategy or rupture? Founded in 1990 following […]

On May 3, 2025, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové was sworn in as president of the Republic of Togo, marking a historic moment in the country’s political landscape. Following a constitutional reform adopted in May 2024, Togo transitioned to a parliamentary system that split executive power between two figures: a prime minister, who holds actual authority, […]

A new momentum is emerging in West Africa, driven by a desire for regional cooperation free from external pressures. At the heart of this movement is the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), made up of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—three countries united by a common ambition to restore sovereignty and collective stability. After decades of […]

On April 17, Benin suffered the deadliest jihadist attack in its history—a grim milestone in the escalating violence gripping the country’s northern region. The incident once again exposes the weakness of the regional security architecture and the worrying inertia of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African . According to Guinean media outlet Le Djely, it […]

As May 9 approaches—a date marking the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Nazism—tensions remain high between Moscow and Kyiv. While Russia plans to hold major celebrations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has flatly rejected the Kremlin’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire. He went further, stating he could not guarantee the safety of those traveling to […]

Since the announcement of his removal from the electoral roll, PDCI-RDA president Tidjane Thiam has been at the center of heated debate in Côte d’Ivoire. Yet despite the controversy, displays of public support have remained relatively modest. What explains this lack of mobilization? Rinaldo Depagne, Deputy Director for Africa at the International Crisis Group, shared […]

As Benin officially enters the electoral year leading up to the April 2026 presidential election, the political landscape remains surprisingly quiet. The National Autonomous Electoral Commission (Céna) released the electoral calendar weeks ago, yet candidacies have been slow to emerge. This unusual calm raises questions about the state of Benin’s democratic health and the consequences […]

The recent decision to remove Tidjane Thiam from Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral roll has sparked widespread outrage. At the heart of the controversy lies Article 48 of the Ivorian Nationality Code, which stipulates that any Ivorian who acquires another nationality after the age of 18 automatically loses Ivorian citizenship. This little-known provision is now at the […]

At a time when warfare is no longer confined to the battlefield but extends into the realm of information, the Beninese armed forces are facing a dual challenge: ensuring national security while mastering their narrative. It’s a slow but inevitable shift, shaped by new forms of conflict where firearms coexist with narrative weapons. Long perceived […]

In Senegal, the first major judicial repercussions linked to the management of Covid-19 funds are starting to bring down prominent figures. Five former ministers from the government of ex-president Macky Sall are now under judicial scrutiny, accused of serious mismanagement of resources mobilized for the health crisis response. It all began with a report published […]

As the war in Ukraine drags on and peace talks struggle to gain traction, a report from Bloomberg has reignited debate. According to the agency, Vladimir Putin is reportedly exploring the possibility of using frozen Russian assets in the United States to purchase Boeing aircraft. The idea, though unofficial, is raising questions about a possible […]

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance recently gave an interview to a British media outlet in which he questioned the security relationship between the United States and Europe. According to him, it is unhealthy for Europeans to remain dependent on Washington for their defense. This stance, unusual for a high-ranking American official, marks a significant shift […]