The article discusses the ongoing political and ethnic tensions in Ivory Coast, particularly in the context of the presidential election. It highlights the concerns of parents in Yopougon, a neighborhood affected by past violence, who are hesitant to send their children back to school. The article touches on the history of ethnic divisions, exacerbated by the concept of 'Ivoirite' and the 2010-11 conflict. It also addresses accusations of 'ethnic readjustment' under President Ouattara's administration and the challenges of social cohesion and reconciliation. The role of various organizations, including the National Programme for Social Cohesion and international rights groups, is discussed in the context of improving the situation and addressing past injustices.

In Burkina Faso, citizens like graffiti artist Deri Issaka are actively participating in the democratic process as the country approaches a historic election. The transitional government, led by Michel Kafando and Lieutenant-Colonel Yacouba Isaac Zida, has been in place since the ousting of Blaise Compaore's 27-year rule. A coup attempt by General Gilbert Diendere was thwarted by mass uprisings and the national army. The Movement of People for Progress (MPP), led by Roch Marc Kabore, is a favorite in the elections, despite concerns about its ties to the previous regime. The Union for Progress and Change (UPC), led by Zephirin Diabre, and the Union for the Renaissance-Sankarist Party (UNIR-PS), led by Benewende Sankara, are also significant contenders. The election is closely watched, with over 17,000 observers and preliminary results expected soon after the polls.

The article discusses the cultural and economic significance of akpeteshie, a local Ghanaian spirit, in Accra. It highlights the drink's history, from its role in the anti-colonial struggle to its current rebranding by entrepreneurs Raja and Kofi Owusu-Ansah, who have opened a bar called The Republic that exclusively serves akpeteshie. The drink, once stigmatized, is now gaining popularity across different social classes and is seen as a potential economic boon for Ghana amidst financial challenges. The Owusu-Ansah brothers are planning to scale up production with a $3m investment to produce 500,000 liters of akpeteshie, aiming to replicate the success of cachaça in Brazil. The article also touches on the IMF's $918m aid program to Ghana and the historical context of akpeteshie during the Great Depression and post-independence era.

The article discusses the sale of Ivorian state-owned oil company Petroci's petrol distribution network to Puma Energy, a Swiss-based private company. It highlights the controversy surrounding Puma Energy in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly its association with the country's worst-ever environmental disaster in 2006, when the Probo Koala oil tanker, chartered by Trafigura, offloaded toxic waste in Abidjan. The article details the inadequate legal repercussions for Trafigura and Puma Energy, the insufficient compensation for victims, and the ongoing struggle for justice and decontamination of the affected sites. It also presents differing views on the ethics of allowing Puma Energy to continue operations in Côte d’Ivoire, with some arguing that their presence could facilitate victim compensation and site cleanup.

Côte d’Ivoire has experienced severe deforestation, dropping from 16 million hectares of forest in the 1960s to just two million today. Illegal logging, driven by domestic and export demands, and the expansion of cocoa farming are major contributors to this environmental crisis. Corruption facilitates the illegal timber and charcoal trade, despite the detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Charcoal is a primary cooking fuel, used by nearly half of the urban population, due to the high cost and inaccessibility of gas. The informal sector dominates the domestic market, with legal production failing to meet demand. Efforts to combat deforestation include Malebi's sustainable charcoal production model, which incorporates reforestation, and the Ivorian government's negotiations with the EU on a Voluntary Partnership Agreement to ensure timber legality. The future of Côte d’Ivoire's forests, climate change impact, and the informal economy are at stake.