Vol 67 No 1 | WEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 The declining democratic dividends The wave of military coups is still challenging the regional bloc’s governance prescriptions The results from Benin’s parliamentary elections on 11 January will decide whether there is a strong opposition challenge ahead of April’s presidential elections likely to be won by... READ FOR FREEVol 67 No 1 | GHANAWEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 Back to reality President Mahama had the wind in his sails through 2025. This year will bring a mixed bag of golden opportunities and make-or-break need for reform The honeymoon period for President John Dramani Mahama will come to an abrupt end in 2026 as political and economic challenges mount. Top of the list will be...Vol 67 No 1 | WEST AFRICASAHELAFRICA IN 2026 More volatile, more unpredictable, more violent For Goïta, Tiani and Traoré, the year offers bleak prospects of any progress in the war on jihad Niger is the second Sahel state (Burkina Faso was the first in 2023) to announce a draconian national mobilisation. A resolution adopted by its cabinet of ministers on...Vol 67 No 1 | CÔTE D'IVOIREWEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 Shrinking political kingdoms After winning his fourth presidential election, Alassane Ouattara is under pressure to organise a succession plan With the presidential and legislative elections done and dusted amidst much indifference (the 28 December legislative elections attracted less than a third of eligible voters), political minds can...Vol 67 No 1 | GUINEAWEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 All eyes on Simandou Opening one of the biggest iron ore mines in the world helped General Doumbouya win the election – now people want to see the benefits General Mamady Doumbouya is a happy man at the start of the New Year. Since his election on 28 December as Guinea’s first nonpartisan candidate (he hardly bothered...Vol 67 No 1 | SENEGALWEST AFRICAAFRICA IN 2026 The tipping point Will President and Prime Minister agree to set aside differences and work together to meet great expectations and stop jihadists on the border?

Source: The North Africa Journal January 09, 2026 02:29 UTC