West Africa’s news cycle on Friday, 11 April 2025, paints a portrait of a region grappling with political upheaval, environmental strain, and heated debates on migration and justice.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Jeune Afrique features an emotional reflection from Sébastien Dano Djédjé, executive president of the African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), recalling the 2011 arrest of former president Laurent Gbagbo.
“We had become orphans,” Djédjé said, describing the impact of Gbagbo’s removal from office.
As Côte d’Ivoire edges closer to the October 2025 presidential election, uncertainty looms over whether the ex-leader will be eligible to contest.
Meanwhile, Abidjan’s legal system has made headlines after denying a nationality certificate to Tidjane Thiam, president of the PDCI-RDA.
According to Abidjan.net, the tribunal suspended the issuance following a legal challenge, casting a shadow over Thiam’s political ambitions.
Across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), Le Challenger debunked rumors that a 25,000 CFA franc note had entered circulation.
The false claim, originally spread by Actu Lomé, was later admitted to be an April Fool’s joke—clarified by the Togolese outlet in a video on its Facebook page.
In Mali, concern is rising over the deteriorating state of the Niger River. Maliweb reports significant pollution and silt buildup, threatening the river’s crucial role in Bamako’s ecosystem.
Despite heavy rainfall last year, the water level has plummeted, revealing dry islands where locals now walk and work.
In Senegal, Spanish Minister Elma Saiz, during a visit to Dakar, urged for a “more open and human rights-based migration policy.”
Le Monde Afrique notes that she defended Spain’s circular migration model, which brings in seasonal agricultural workers but has provoked mixed reactions in Senegal.
Compounding frustrations, the French visa application process remains opaque and arduous.
Le Monde Afrique reveals that appointments through VFS Global, the French embassy’s Indian service provider in Dakar, are being resold at high prices by unofficial brokers, amid a shortage of official slots.
Meanwhile, Senegal mourns the passing of Mamadou Badio Camara, president of the Constitutional Council, at the age of 73.
As Le Soleil recounts, his final major act was the invalidation of the controversial postponement of the 2024 presidential election.
Vox Populi and L’AS hailed him as the magistrate who “saved” the vote, while EnQuête dubbed him “the judge of history.”
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