Etienne Fakaba Sissoko, an economist and former advisor to President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, was arrested by the Brigade d'intervention judiciaire due to his recent book criticizing the military junta's management of the transition in Mali. The book, published in December, accuses the transitional authorities of propaganda and lies. Sissoko, who had previously been imprisoned for commenting on economic sanctions by Cédéao, faces charges of undermining state credit and spreading false information. The article also highlights the repression of opposition under the junta, including the recent ban on the coalition 'Synergie d'action pour le Mali'.

Etienne Fakaba Sissoko was arrested at his home by the Brigade d'intervention judiciaire on March 25, 2024, due to a book he published criticizing the Malian transitional authorities' 'propaganda' and 'lies.' He had previously served six months in prison in 2022 for commenting on the impact of Cédéao's economic sanctions against Mali. The military junta has made opposition expressions difficult, with numerous repressive measures. A coalition of 30 opposition parties and groups, 'Synergie d'action pour le Mali,' was banned by authorities for allegedly posing public order threats.

Vladimir Putin's reelection with over 87% of the vote has been met with mixed reactions in Africa, where Russian influence is growing. While Western countries have denounced the election as a sham, African reactions have been muted. Chadian transitional president Mahamat Déby Itno praised Putin's electoral victory, which may signal a willingness to align with Russia amid Western pressure. Algeria, a strong Russian ally, congratulated Putin, while Niger's military regime leader also sent congratulations. No official reactions were reported from Mali or Burkina Faso, where Russian ties are strengthening, particularly with the presence of Wagner Group paramilitaries in Mali.

A proposed law to reintroduce female genital mutilation (FGM) in Gambia has sparked significant debate. Human rights organizations and women's rights activists argue that the legislation threatens years of progress. Activist Jaha Dukureh and NGO leader Fatou Baldeh express strong opposition, highlighting the ongoing practice despite its illegality. Amnesty International's Michele Eken warns of broader regional implications for women's rights. The law, initially banned by former President Yahya Jammeh in 2015, is supported by some for cultural and religious reasons. The proposal has been sent to a parliamentary committee for further debate.

Vladimir Putin has been reelected as Russia's president with over 87% of the vote. His reelection was quickly praised by allies like China and Cuba, while Western countries criticized it as a sham. In Africa, where Russian influence is growing, reactions have been sparse. African leaders, who often manipulate democracy in their own countries, are watching the international community's response. Chad's transitional president Mahamat Déby Itno, whose country is a Western ally in the Sahel, suggested he might align with Russia if pressured by the West. Algeria, Niger, and Mali, where Russian cooperation is active and Russian paramilitaries are present, have also reacted to Putin's reelection. In Burkina Faso, there has been little interest in the Russian election among the public.

The announcement of the presidential election date in Senegal has eased political tensions. The Constitutional Council's decision to hold the election on March 31, as opposed to President Macky Sall's proposed March 24, is seen as a move to uphold democracy. The election will occur before Sall's term ends on April 2, addressing opposition concerns about his intent to extend his power. Analyst Maurice Dione highlights the detrimental effects of hyper-presidentialism and credits the Constitutional Council for preserving Senegalese democracy, while noting that Sall's actions have tarnished his image.

The Senegalese presidential election is set for either March 24 or March 31, as proposed by President Macky Sall and announced by the Constitutional Council, respectively. This decision aims to ease political tensions following the postponement of the initial February 25 election. The Constitutional Council's ruling ensures that the election will occur before Sall's term ends on April 2, with a potential second round to follow. Analyst Maurice Soudieck Dione emphasizes the importance of the March 31 date and highlights the detrimental effects of hyper-presidentialism, noting that the Constitutional Council has preserved Senegalese democracy while Sall's actions have tarnished his image.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will each receive approximately two million dollars from ECOWAS to combat jihadist groups, with Burkina Faso receiving an additional one million dollars in humanitarian aid due to its high number of internally displaced persons. Analyst Daouda Emile Ouédraogo praises the aid but criticizes the continued sanctions on Niger. Six NGOs, including Oxfam and Action contre la faim, urge ECOWAS to reopen the Niger-Benin border for humanitarian reasons. ECOWAS aims to negotiate with Niger's military regime to restore civilian rule.

ECOWAS has announced a financial contribution of $1.9 million each to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger for the purchase of weapons to combat terrorism. Burkina Faso will also receive an additional $1 million in humanitarian aid due to its high number of internally displaced persons. Analyst Daouda Emile Ouédraogo commends the move, emphasizing the need for ECOWAS to support its people rather than reinstating deposed powers. Amidst a humanitarian crisis, NGOs including Oxfam have called for urgent humanitarian exemptions from ECOWAS, such as reopening the border with Benin. ECOWAS has provided access for medical and humanitarian goods, but the military authorities have refused to use it. The border remains closed from both sides. ECOWAS is also pushing for the Nigerien military junta to commit to returning power to civilians by organizing elections and has formed a committee with the presidents of Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone to negotiate with the Nigerien regime.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission, Minusma, has ended its ten-year presence in Mali amid mixed reviews. Initially deployed to stabilize Mali and support political processes, the mission faced challenges adapting to the evolving security and political landscape, including terrorism and military transitions. Experts and officials offer varied assessments, with some citing its contributions to human rights and logistics, while others point to its marginalization by other international forces. Despite the heavy toll, with over 180 members lost, the UN maintains that the mission achieved significant positive outcomes.