Beverly Ochieng

Islamic State claimed an attack on the main airport in Niger, marking its first complex incursion on a Sahelian capital since establishing presence there a decade ago. Niger accused its neighbours and France, further straining political and security ties.

Spoke to BBC News about counterinsurgency challenges and the dynamics around the growing proximity of militant activity in urban areas in the Sahel: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w172zsq2kvcpn1v

Central African Republic held its first general election in three decades amid elevated political stability and civil unrest risks.

I spoke to Deutsche Welle news about the presidential frontrunners, how the incumbent Touadéra has overseen constitutional changes and peace deals with rebels to legitimise his third term and why tackling insecurity will remain critical to CAR's economic development https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TBC84m6wwU

Côte d'Ivoire goes to the polls on 25 Oct and the legitimacy of its institutions and its credentials as an oasis of commercial stability - which Control Risks highlights in this year's Africa Risk Reward Index - are under scrutiny.

A few thoughts in The Economist on how the election is tilted in the favour of Ouattara who is seeking a fourth term that has precipitated protests in opposition strongholds in the south: https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/10/23/two-flawed-elections-show-the-dangers-of-one-party-rule

Several African leaders used their speeches at the UN General Assembly to reiterate the continent's recognition of Palestine at a time when Western nations are making similar declarations. But crucially missed the opportunity to maintain focus on political and humanitarian crises on the continent, including Sudan, eastern DR Congo and the Sahel, which I speak to Ope Adetayo about for The Associated Press https://apnews.com/article/africa-un-unga-general-assembly-e20a3b9a092f53a051b429a0dfb2fb64

Mali's interim prime minister has said efforts are underway to ensure fuel supplies do not run out amid a blockade by JNIM on two key towns in the western mining regions and attacks on dozens of trucks importing fuel from neighbouring Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.

Spoke about prevailing security threats against commercial operators, and how the militant group intends to pressure residents and (primarily local) businesses against having links with the military-led gov't: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0m3c3dj

Mali's justice minister - on behalf of the AES - condemns criticism towards pan-African activists, marking the first time Sahel military rulers have acknowledged ideological & political links with groups behind growing sovereigntist sentiment in the region https://fb.watch/BJ595Hausf/

Mali's authorities have (finally) confirmed arresting several military officers and two generals in connection with a coup plot.

Spoke to BBC News about pronounced tensions in the military leadership that threaten Gen Goïta's hold on power as he embarks on an indefinite term and the restrictive political and security environment as a subsequent coup, which remains a likely scenario, could prompt further instability and disrupt Mali's strategic economic interests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0lwjdsw

Niger has nationalised its only industrial gold mine, a measure likely to take precedent when the military rulers perceive that commercial operators are not meeting contractual obligations or project timelines. More from me on Firstpost https://youtu.be/Zy29_ZyjFmk?si=qRZblX5e8PSJ5Can

Cameroon opposition leader Kamto has rejected his exclusion from the 12 October presidential election, leaving incumbent Biya the clear frontrunner for an eighth term.

Spoke to @cnbc.com Africa about election scenarios, Biya's health and heightened political tensions https://www.cnbcafrica.com/media/7754653696712/

Ouattara's fourth term bid maintains broad political stability in Côte d'Ivoire while highlighting the RHDP's fragile succession plan, likely to be a priority as the October presidential election is his to lose. Spoke to Africa Report on the implications https://www.theafricareport.com/389141/cote-divoire-inside-ouattaras-tactical-fourth-term-bid/

To no one's surprise, Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth consecutive presidential term in Côte d'Ivoire with a diminished pool of opponents that will likely attempt to protest in the coming weeks. Similar moves can be seen in Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Tanzania where weak oppositions are benefiting incumbents to likely retain power in this year's Africa election cycles.

Some thoughts from me for The Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/africa-ivory-coast-ouattara-election-c0d55dae684702b195274fdf39f2858e

French forces have completed their departure from Senegal, marking the end of six decades of military presence. However, in select countries - and with newer partners such as Kenya and Nigeria - bilateral economic ventures will continue. Meanwhile, West African gov'ts will maintain strategic defence cooperation to build the resilience of their respective militaries in the face of the prevailing militant threat. https://youtu.be/ZlYMzMUILUM?si=CyOEkVssmCsh7m_F

Mali's army said it repelled seven simultaneous attacks on military posts in Ségou and the mining region of Kayes where JNIM's increasing presence is aimed at undermining the military-led government's security and economic interests.

Spoke to BBC's FoA pod about militant pressure on the borders with Senegal and Mauritania that are maintaining joint security cooperation with Mali to try limit the threat terrorism poses for commercial operators and local communities: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0lmy71q

Mali's Goïta laid the foundation stone for a Russian-built gold refinery projected to produce 200 tonnes/year. This comes as a provisional admin takes over Barrick Gold's Loulo complex for 6 months amid a dispute on regulations aimed at increasing Mali's mining sector revenues.

US visa restrictions affecting 10 African countries have come into effect, eliciting a sharp reaction from Chad, which has stopped issuing visas to American nationals to uphold - as its president said - its dignity.

Spoke to Firstpost Africa on continued strain relations between N'Djamena and Washington and increased transactionalism by African countries in response to unpredictable US policies: https://www.firstpost.com/web-show/firstpost-africa/chad-retaliates-with-us-visas-ban-after-donald-trumps-travel-curbs-firstpost-africa-n18g-vd1187979/

As Burkina Faso's Traoré visited Russia and told RT the army has gained control against militants, JNIM fighters reportedly briefly seized controm of several security posts in various parts of the country and killed an unknown number of forces in a campaign aimed at intensifying territorial reach, in order to undermine the military-led government.