The Latest Breaking News from West Africa

Finding fufu: Australia’s growing appetite for West African food

Diners are embracing the joys of jollof, but chefs cooking West African food in Australia still have to make some creative substitutions

The Guardian - AU · Nov 29, 2022

Sao Tome and Principe government thwarts overnight coup attempt

Authorities in the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe thwarted a coup attempt overnight, the prime minister and West Africa's regional bloc said on Friday.

Reuters · Nov 25, 2022

Musician Sona Jobarteh on becoming the world's first female kora player

British Gambian artist Sona Jobarteh plays the kora, a string instrument that has been the preserve of men since the 13th century, passed down from father to son in a special set of families in West Africa for hundreds of years. That was until she decided to change things. After…

France 24 · Nov 24, 2022

Did France's Operation Barkhane win the fight against terror in the Sahel?

This week, President Emmanuel Macron announced the official end of France's anti-jihadist mission in West Africa – Operation Barkhane. The move was accelerated by a collapse of relations with Mali's military junta, leading to the withdrawal of French troops as the jihadist insurgency across the Sahel continues.

Radio France Internationale · Nov 12, 2022

COP27: Will more climate loans supersize Africa's debt?

In tonight's edition: South Africa approves a funding plan for phasing out coal-based power. However, the hundreds of millions in loans have some citizens worried about supersizing the nation's debt. African leaders at the COP27 summit look to hold wealthier nations accountable for their emissions, but some are courting fossil…

France 24 · Nov 11, 2022

Climate change: West Africa's oceans at risk because of a lack of monitoring

The West African Canary Current extends along the north-west African coast, from the northern Atlantic coast of Morocco to Guinea-Bissau. It’s a hotspot for changes in the oceans driven by climate change. These include rising temperatures, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation. All affect marine life on multiple levels.

The Conversation · Nov 9, 2022

Macron announces end of anti-jihadist West Africa military operation

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday a strategic shift for its military forces deployed in the Sahel region of Western Africa which are helping several countries contain jihadist insurgencies.

France 24 · Nov 9, 2022

Torrential floods in West Africa hurt food security

Souloukna Mourga plodded through his flooded millet and cotton field in northern Cameroon and uprooted soggy stems that had a few bolls on them. All six hectares of mostly dead crops were under water.

Reuters · Nov 9, 2022

Google Doodle celebrates jollof rice: What is the dish and what are its origins?

West African rice dish jollof rice is a unifying meal, with roots in Senegal, but also popular across the Nigerian and Ghanaian diaspora

Evening Standard · Nov 4, 2022

‘It’s been nearly a month and it’s still sold out’: The Woman King takes over Benin’s only cinema

The blockbuster retelling of Benin’s history of elite women warriors has transfixed audiences in the West African country. Our reporter joins the crowds

The Guardian - UK · Nov 1, 2022