West Africa experiences political and institutional shifts

West Africa is experiencing significant political and institutional shifts. In Senegal, Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô presented his general policy statement to the National Assembly, focusing on infrastructure and the rising cost of living. Additionally, preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar are entering their final stages, with the Olympic flame scheduled to travel from Athens.

In the Sahel region, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali and Burkina Faso—continues to pursue sovereignist policies, prioritizing military capacity building and new strategic alliances. Meanwhile, political tensions remain under observation in Niger following recent military unrest in Niamey.

At the regional level, ECOWAS is undergoing an institutional transition in Abuja, marked by General Birame Diop officially assuming the presidency of the Commission. The organization is also focusing on joint training to combat arms trafficking and improving regional resource management, such as Ghana’s efforts to regulate local gold processing.