EKO HOT BLOG reports that in response to the sudden withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional bloc has expressed its readiness for a “negotiated solution.” This development comes after the military regimes of the three Sahel nations announced their immediate departure from the group. … Read more
Eko Hot Blog reports that the military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced Sunday their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS). The leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement saying it was a “sovereign decision” to leave the Economic Community of West African States “without delay”. … Read more
The ongoing AFCON 2023 has undeniably been a spectacle of surprises, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament. The usual dominance of football powerhouses has given way to a more level playing field, where victory is earned by those most determined. In a departure from expectations, heavyweights like Algeria, Ghana, Tunisia, and Zambia faced … Read more
Eko Hot Blog reports that Algeria are the latest heavyweights to be knocked out of the 2023 African Cup of Nations as the so called minnows in the competition continue to spring surprises. Algeria were condemned to beat lowly-rated Mauritania today, January 23, to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round of the … Read more
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the transitional government of Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger have announced their withdrawal from the G5 Sahel. The two parties made their decision known in a joint statement dated Friday, December 1, 2023. Before the latest development, this online media understands that the G5 Sahel or G5S is … Read more
EKO HOT BLOG reports that an attempted coup in Burkina Faso was thwarted on Tuesday by security and intelligence services, the ruling junta announced on Wednesday. It did not provide specifics or the name of the coup plotters, but said arrests have been made, while manhunt has begun for other collaborators. EDITOR’S PICKS Victor Osimhen … Read more
EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a new twist to counter ECOWAS, three West African countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – all under military junta, have signed a security pact promising to come to the aid of each other in case of any rebellion or external aggression. The three countries are struggling to … Read more
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the coup leaders in Niger Republic have announced a military alliance with neighboring nations of Burkina Faso and Mali whose current leaders also seized power in separate military coups. The three countries announced the alliance in a joint statement by their foreign ministers in Niamey, Niger’s capital on Friday. EDITOR’S … Read more
The first thing public analysts and foreign governments want to talk about after coups is how they are bad and worse than the worst versions of democracy. But these talks are usually an escape from reality. They avoid talking about what gave life to these illegal actions because it’s convenient to do so. Pray tell, … Read more
Eko Hot Blog reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin stormed Burkina Faso on Tuesday for a private meeting with the country’s Interim military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore. It is yet unclear why the duo met, but speculations are that their meeting might not be unconnected with the ongoing crisis in the Niger Republic. Editors Pick … Read more
At least 44 civilians were killed in two separate attacks on villages in northern Burkina Faso, authorities there said. A local governor, Rodolphe Sorgho, blamed terrorists for the “despicable and barbaic” attacks, without naming a specific group. In a statement Sorgho gave his “sincere condolences to the grieving families and wishes a rapid recovery to … Read more
First-time solo feature film director has won one of cinema’s top awards The film sees a male-female police duo unravel a dark and puzzling case in the Gardens of Carthage The festival attracts thousands from across the continent with filmmakers Eko Hot Blog reports that a first-time solo feature film director has won one of … Read more
Sankara was laid to rest at the spot where he was assassinated in 1987 His immediate family wanted the reburial at a different site Sankara was regarded as a pan-Africanist with a modest lifestyle Eko Hot Blog reports that Burkina Faso’s most famous revolutionary Thomas Sankara has been reburied in the capital by the military … Read more
They were kidnapped by suspected militant jihadists in the north of the country last week They were found on a bus at a security checkpoint some 200km (125 miles) south of where they were taken The women and children were kidnapped in two groups on 12 and 13 January in the district of Arbinda. Eko … Read more
Some 50 women have been abducted by suspected jihadists in northern Burkina Faso, local officials say. Eko Hot Blog reports that Residents in Arbinda said two groups of women were taken as they were out gathering leaves and wild fruits because of a severe food shortage. A small number managed to escape and raise the … Read more
A minibus has hit a landmine in Burkina Faso in West Africa, killing at least 10 people, officials say. Eko Hot Blog reports that five others were wounded in the blast, which occurred in the east of the country near the border with Niger. EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: Flights Leaving US Grounded Over Technical Issue … Read more
Buhari says he wants to leave a legacy of free and fair elections for West Africa. Eko Hot Blog reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has said he wants to leave behind a legacy of free and fair elections that transcends Nigeria and cuts across West Africa. EDITOR’S PICKS Troops Rescue Nine Abducted Persons, Recover 90 … Read more
A powerful Nigerian Governor has been elected into a new position in Morocco. EKO HOT BLOG reports that the governor of Ekiti state and chairman of the Nigerian governors’ forum, Kayode Fayemi, has been elected as President of the Forum of Regions of Africa, FORAF. According to a text message by the Director, … Read more
The prosecution said Thomas Sankara was lured to his death at a meeting of the ruling National Revolutionary Council Sankara remains a hero for many across Africa because of his anti-imperialist stance and austere lifestyle EDITOR’S PICK Train Attack: Tinubu Visits Kaduna, Donates ₦50 Million To Victims Over 1500 Fake Workers Detected In Civil Service … Read more
Burkina Faso’s new military strongman, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, has been inaugurated as president on Wednesday. EKO HOT BLOG reports that Burkina Faso Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has been inaugurated as president within the space of three weeks after he led a coup to topple elected head of state Roch Marc Christian Kabore. In a televised … Read more