Tag "West Africa"
Ivory Coast’s Election is Heading Off the Rails
Cote d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Dramane Ouattara increased the possibility of political instability when he announced in August that he was running for a controversial third term. The move comes at a time when the country’s economic forecast has been downgraded due to COVID-19, and the region is experiencing a rash of leaders trying to extend their time in office—a trend called third-termism, as well as increasing activity from violent extremist organizations.
Surge of Piracy amid Coronavirus Outbreak
The last quarterly report from the International Maritime Bureau shows the negative effects of the Covid-19 on maritime security. There tend to be significant upswings of piracy during times of economic downturn, and the economic devastation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic is largely to blame for the resurgence of this global menace.
The Shifting Threat Matrix in West Africa
In recent years, West Africa has been considered a relative oasis of stability in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the region faces a multitude of threats that could spell a new era of insecurity.
Burkina Faso: Front-line against Jihadism in West Africa
Burkina Faso’s strategic geographical position makes it crucial in the fight against extremism in West Africa, but the country is failing to contain the threat. Despite coordinated efforts, national and regional forces have been unable to counter the expansion of jihadist groups towards the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin and Togo.
Benin’s Democracy: What has happened to it?
The aftermath of April’s legislative elections in Benin laid bare the public’s displeasure with President Patrice Talon’s administration.
Nigeria: soon to be Africa’s largest democracy?
Previous elections in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, have been plagued by violence and election fraud. Amidst a backdrop of heightened insecurity fuelled by political tensions in the region, Saturday’s election will be decisive in defining Nigeria’s role on the global stage. They will also be fundamental in determining investor confidence and characterising Africa’s relationship with democracy.
Under the Radar: Sukuk bonds boom in West Africa
West Africa has long been under-serviced by Islamic finance, yet 2016 is seeing major growth in sukuk issuances, with domestic and foreign interest piqued.
Ivory Coast attack highlights AQIM expansion
The March 13 attack in Ivory Coast highlights the expanding regional operability of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Propelling fears of additional incidents across West Africa, this has reinforced
With Ebola held at bay, Ivorian cocoa harvest begins
Although Côte d’Ivoire’s proximity to countries affected by Ebola puts it at risk, the precautionary measures already taken will likely head off any significant outbreak and insulate the cocoa industry from disruption.
Can Burkina Faso’s interim leader salvage investor confidence?
Just a few months ago, KPMG listed Ouagadougou as one of West Africa’s three up-and-coming investment cities. Burkina Faso was seen as a hot new frontier market. But with the
