The Latest Breaking News from West Africa

Senegal cracks down on Europe refugee boats: Will others follow?

The West African nation’s navy is stopping refugee boats at record rates. But who does that help — other than Europe?

Al Jazeera · Oct 5, 2023

Cocoa prices are surging: west African countries should seize the moment to negotiate a better deal for farmers

The global price of cocoa is spiking, a direct response to dwindling cocoa output in west Africa. In September, cocoa futures reached a 44-year price peak due to mounting concerns over reduced supplies from the region.

The Conversation · Oct 4, 2023

Mali junta delays February presidential election for 'technical reasons'

Mali’s ruling junta on Monday announced a delay to a presidential election scheduled for February that was aimed at returning civilian leaders to power in the jihadist-hit West African nation.

France 24 · Sep 25, 2023

Niger coup sanctions drive Ghana’s onion prices up, deepen food crisis

Niger, a key exporter of dry onions in West Africa, is responsible for 70 percent of onion imports by Ghana.

Al Jazeera · Sep 8, 2023

Coup in Gabon: Ali Bongo the eighth west African leader to be ousted by military in two years

Gabon’s prime minister, Ali Bongo, has become the latest in a string of African leaders to be ousted by a military coup in recent years. Bongo, who had just won a third term in power, was ousted by a junta of senior officers who have named General Brice Oligui Nguema…

The Conversation · Sep 1, 2023

Norway will close its embassy in Mali, citing the security situation

Norway is closing its embassy in Mali by the end of the year, citing the security situation in the West African country

The Independent UK · Aug 31, 2023

Gabon and what’s driving the spate of coups in West Africa

A group of senior military officials in Gabon say they have seized power from the government just moments after results from its general election were declared.

The Week · Aug 31, 2023

Ayodele Drum and Dance puts fresh steps into traditional footprints

West African dance company wows audiences with innovation while keeping sacred culture alive.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 27, 2023

Friends at any price: China seeks allies, arms markets in West Africa as French influence wanes

China’s expansion into the West African arms market is a shift in strategy for a country that has typically focussed its weapons sales on other African regions. But Beijing is not just competing for a share of a new market: amid waning French influence in West Africa, China is looking…

France 24 · Aug 26, 2023

Cocoa Prices Rise on Concerns About West African Cocoa Crops

Sep ICE NY cocoa (CCU23 ) on Thursday closed +40 (+1.20%), and Sep ICE London cocoa #7 (CAU23 ) closed +29 (+1.07%). Cocoa prices Thursday posted moderate gains as the most recent crop surveys in West Africa showed heavy rain knocked down cherelles and young pods from trees, and the...

Barchart · Aug 24, 2023