West Africa begins the week of August 25, 2025, under the shadow of health threats, political upheaval, and social tensions, with countries across the region confronting multifaceted challenges.
From Senegal to Nigeria, via Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, and Gambia, governments and citizens alike are navigating crises that reflect ongoing transitions and fragilities.
In Senegal, health authorities reported the country’s first case of Mpox, also known as monkeypox.
Mamadou Ndiaye, Director of Prevention, confirmed that 25 identified contacts are being monitored. “These contacts are not showing symptoms but will be observed for 21 days,” he said. The Ministry of Health is urging vigilance to ensure swift response should any signs of the disease appear.
Côte d’Ivoire has lifted restrictions on the pork industry following the African swine fever outbreak, according to the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries. While epidemiological investigations support the reopening, authorities stressed that strict health controls remain in place. “The disease remains without treatment or vaccine,” officials cautioned.
In Mali, the political climate remains tense. The imprisonment of former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga has narrowed the space for dissent, contributing to what observers describe as “single-track thinking” in the transition.
Meanwhile, floods have claimed 23 lives, injured 33, and left over 11,000 people homeless since the start of the rainy season. The government has reinforced preventive measures ahead of further heavy rains.
Burkina Faso continues to grapple with social and diplomatic tensions following the death of influencer Alino Faso in detention in Ivory coast.
His body was repatriated to Ouagadougou for a public funeral that drew large crowds. Burkinabe living in the United States also donated a ton of cement to the citizen initiative Faso Mêbo, symbolizing diaspora support for national reconstruction efforts.
In Togo, banking and insurance unions suspended a planned sit-in after meeting with Minister Gilbert Bawara, with further dialogue scheduled to address social demands.
Benin faces controversy over the “Departure Boat,” a replica of a slave ship in Ouidah.
While presented as a memorial project, reactions are divided between honoring victims and criticisms of glorifying colonial oppression.
Nigeria saw the resignation of Benue State House of Assembly Speaker Aondona Dajoh, who intends to continue serving as a parliamentarian.
In Gambia, the main opposition UDP accused President Adama Barrow of concealing the true extent of public debt, warning of the dangers of mismanagement and corruption.
Across the region, these developments underline the delicate balance between governance, public health, and social stability in West Africa, highlighting the pressing need for coordinated responses and transparent leadership.
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