Beverly Ochieng
@beverlyochieng.bsky.social
Books | Sahel coup watcher | Wagner Group stalker | Senior Analyst, Francophone Africa, Control Risks | occasional typos, usual disclaimers
Dakar/Nairobi/Bookshelf
Dakar/Nairobi/Bookshelf
Reposted by Beverly Ochieng
🎧 Ascolta il nuovo episodio di World in 30 Minutes!
Mark Leonard, @willbrownecfr.bsky.social e @beverlyochieng.bsky.social discutono cosa significhi per l’Europa la crescente influenza della Russia nel Sahel.👇
Mark Leonard, @willbrownecfr.bsky.social e @beverlyochieng.bsky.social discutono cosa significhi per l’Europa la crescente influenza della Russia nel Sahel.👇
Russia’s hybrid war in Africa | ECFR
Mark Leonard welcomes Will Brown and Beverly Ochieng to discuss what Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel means for Europe
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 1:01 PM
🎧 Ascolta il nuovo episodio di World in 30 Minutes!
Mark Leonard, @willbrownecfr.bsky.social e @beverlyochieng.bsky.social discutono cosa significhi per l’Europa la crescente influenza della Russia nel Sahel.👇
Mark Leonard, @willbrownecfr.bsky.social e @beverlyochieng.bsky.social discutono cosa significhi per l’Europa la crescente influenza della Russia nel Sahel.👇
Reposted by Beverly Ochieng
🎧 In this week's podcast, Mark Leonard welcomes @willbrownecfr.bsky.social and @beverlyochieng.bsky.social to discuss what Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel means for Europe @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/4qQw0Ye
https://bit.ly/4qQw0Ye
bit.ly
November 8, 2025 at 8:03 AM
🎧 In this week's podcast, Mark Leonard welcomes @willbrownecfr.bsky.social and @beverlyochieng.bsky.social to discuss what Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel means for Europe @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/4qQw0Ye
https://bit.ly/4qQw0Ye
Côte d'Ivoire's 25 Oct presidential poll will test the legitimacy of its institutions and its credentials as an oasis of commercial stability. A few thoughts in @economist.com on how diminished competition tilts the outcome in favour of Ouattara's fourth term bid www.economist.com/middle-east-...
Two flawed elections show the dangers of one-party rule
Rulers in Tanzania and Ivory Coast may be overestimating their countries’ stability
www.economist.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Côte d'Ivoire's 25 Oct presidential poll will test the legitimacy of its institutions and its credentials as an oasis of commercial stability. A few thoughts in @economist.com on how diminished competition tilts the outcome in favour of Ouattara's fourth term bid www.economist.com/middle-east-...
Reposted by Beverly Ochieng
Reposted by Beverly Ochieng
On Lawfare Daily, @katiebelarus.bsky.social spoke to @beverlyochieng.bsky.social about how external powers compete for influence in Africa, the shifting priorities of the second Trump administration, the rising influence of Turkey, the UAE, and the EU, and how African states are responding.
October 23, 2025 at 1:36 PM
On Lawfare Daily, @katiebelarus.bsky.social spoke to @beverlyochieng.bsky.social about how external powers compete for influence in Africa, the shifting priorities of the second Trump administration, the rising influence of Turkey, the UAE, and the EU, and how African states are responding.
Mali has (finally) confirmed arrests in the army linked to a coup plot. Spoke to BBC 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 www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...
BBC World Service - Focus on Africa, Mali: Another alleged attempted coup
Soldiers and generals have been arrested in Mali accused of an alleged attempted coup
www.bbc.co.uk
August 15, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Mali has (finally) confirmed arrests in the army linked to a coup plot. Spoke to BBC 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 www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...
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.bsky.social youtu.be/Zy29_ZyjFmk?...
Niger Junta Takes Control of Gold Mine, Accuses Australian Firm of Breach | Firstpost Africa | N18G
YouTube video by Firstpost
youtu.be
August 11, 2025 at 7:34 PM
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.bsky.social youtu.be/Zy29_ZyjFmk?...
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 political tensions www.cnbcafrica.com/media/775465...
Spoke to @cnbc.com Africa about election scenarios, Biya's health and political tensions www.cnbcafrica.com/media/775465...
Maurice Kamto rejects exclusion from Cameroon’s presidential race - CNBC Africa
Cameroon’s main opposition figure Maurice Kamto has rejected his exclusion from the forthcoming presidential election by the country's constitutional court , describing the move as arbitrary. Beverly ...
www.cnbcafrica.com
August 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
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 political tensions www.cnbcafrica.com/media/775465...
Spoke to @cnbc.com Africa about election scenarios, Biya's health and political tensions www.cnbcafrica.com/media/775465...
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 @theafricareport.bsky.social on this www.theafricareport.com/389141/cote-...
Côte d’Ivoire: Inside Ouattara’s tactical fourth-term bid - The Africa Report.com
With key opponents disqualified and the ruling RHDP in disarray, President Alassane Ouattara is running for a fourth term. His supporters call it duty. His critics say it’s déjà vu, and dangerous.
www.theafricareport.com
August 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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 @theafricareport.bsky.social on this www.theafricareport.com/389141/cote-...
To no one's surprise, Alassane Ouattara will seek a fourth consecutive presidential term in Côte d'Ivoire with a diminished pool of opponents. In Cameroon, Central African Republic and Tanzania, weak oppositions are benefiting incumbents to retain power. Some thoughts here apnews.com/article/afri...
Ivory Coast leader's bid for a 4th term after rivals sidelined is seen as a risk for democracy
Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has announced that he will be running for a fourth term. He is the latest leader in West and Central Africa to attempt to stay in power after weakening the op...
apnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 4:54 PM
To no one's surprise, Alassane Ouattara will seek a fourth consecutive presidential term in Côte d'Ivoire with a diminished pool of opponents. In Cameroon, Central African Republic and Tanzania, weak oppositions are benefiting incumbents to retain power. Some thoughts here apnews.com/article/afri...
French forces have left Senegal. But in select countries - and newer partners like Kenya, Nigeria - bilateral ventures will continue. Meanwhile, West African gov'ts will maintain strategic defence ties to build the resilience of their militaries in the face of militancy youtu.be/ZlYMzMUILUM?...
July 18, 2025 at 7:24 PM
French forces have left Senegal. But in select countries - and newer partners like Kenya, Nigeria - bilateral ventures will continue. Meanwhile, West African gov'ts will maintain strategic defence ties to build the resilience of their militaries in the face of militancy youtu.be/ZlYMzMUILUM?...
Reposted by Beverly Ochieng
Thanks @beverlyochieng.bsky.social and Alex Vines from @africaprog.bsky.social (Chatham House Africa Programme) for their time and sharing their expertise for this piece 🙏
July 2, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Thanks @beverlyochieng.bsky.social and Alex Vines from @africaprog.bsky.social (Chatham House Africa Programme) for their time and sharing their expertise for this piece 🙏
Reposted by Beverly Ochieng
My first feature article for BBC online is about how "blood gold" is fuelling conflict in West Africa's #Sahel region
A short 🧵on some key takeaways:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A short 🧵on some key takeaways:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Blood Gold': How it fuels conflict in West Africa's Sahel region
Gold appears to be a lifeline for military juntas and jihadist groups in the Sahel region, analysts say.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 2, 2025 at 11:02 AM
My first feature article for BBC online is about how "blood gold" is fuelling conflict in West Africa's #Sahel region
A short 🧵on some key takeaways:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A short 🧵on some key takeaways:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Beverly Ochieng
Pleased to have deputy edited this weeks Maghrebi newsletter which features my interview with @beverlyochieng.bsky.social on the Pan-African ambitions of Ibrahim Traore - maghrebi.org/wp-content/u... #ibrahimtraore #BurkinaFaso #Sahel #MiddleEast #news
maghrebi.org
May 19, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Pleased to have deputy edited this weeks Maghrebi newsletter which features my interview with @beverlyochieng.bsky.social on the Pan-African ambitions of Ibrahim Traore - maghrebi.org/wp-content/u... #ibrahimtraore #BurkinaFaso #Sahel #MiddleEast #news
Reposted by Beverly Ochieng
Why Burkina Faso's junta leader Traoré has captured hearts and minds
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"His messages reflect.. when many Africans are questioning the relationship with the West, and why there is still so much poverty in such a resource-rich continent" says @beverlyochieng.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"His messages reflect.. when many Africans are questioning the relationship with the West, and why there is still so much poverty in such a resource-rich continent" says @beverlyochieng.bsky.social
Capt Ibrahim Traoré: Why Burkina Faso's junta leader has captured hearts and minds around the world
Capt Ibrahim Traoré, 37, is portraying himself as a champion of pan-Africanism.
www.bbc.com
May 12, 2025 at 6:12 AM
Why Burkina Faso's junta leader Traoré has captured hearts and minds
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"His messages reflect.. when many Africans are questioning the relationship with the West, and why there is still so much poverty in such a resource-rich continent" says @beverlyochieng.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"His messages reflect.. when many Africans are questioning the relationship with the West, and why there is still so much poverty in such a resource-rich continent" says @beverlyochieng.bsky.social
As Burkina Faso's Traoré visited Russia and told RT that the army has gained control against militants, JNIM fighters reportedly briefly seized control of several security posts, killed an unknown number of forces in a campaign aimed at intensifying territorial reach to undermine the military gov't.
May 12, 2025 at 6:06 AM
As Burkina Faso's Traoré visited Russia and told RT that the army has gained control against militants, JNIM fighters reportedly briefly seized control of several security posts, killed an unknown number of forces in a campaign aimed at intensifying territorial reach to undermine the military gov't.
Press in Senegal as Jeune Afrique is accused of manipulating a Tumbuktu Institute report on Sahel's militant threat to the east, Gabon as Oligui ends Bongo's dynasty (while Togo's Gnassingbe extends 58 years of family rule), Mali after anti-junta demos, and Benin after its deadliest militant raid
May 5, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Press in Senegal as Jeune Afrique is accused of manipulating a Tumbuktu Institute report on Sahel's militant threat to the east, Gabon as Oligui ends Bongo's dynasty (while Togo's Gnassingbe extends 58 years of family rule), Mali after anti-junta demos, and Benin after its deadliest militant raid
Mali's opposition parties plan to mobilise against a cabinet resolution to dissolve political parties and elevate Gen Goïta - in power since 2020 - to president for a five-year renewable term. I analyse risks for political stability, decision-making, regional alignments
www.bbc.com/swahili/bbc_...
www.bbc.com/swahili/bbc_...
Dira Ya Dunia - Dira Ya Dunia - Swahili - BBC News Swahili
Kipindi cha habari, makala na mahojiano cha kila siku kuanzia saa kumi na mbili unusu jioni Afrika Mashariki
www.bbc.com
May 2, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Mali's opposition parties plan to mobilise against a cabinet resolution to dissolve political parties and elevate Gen Goïta - in power since 2020 - to president for a five-year renewable term. I analyse risks for political stability, decision-making, regional alignments
www.bbc.com/swahili/bbc_...
www.bbc.com/swahili/bbc_...
Mali looking to dissolve political parties, ban elections calls and keep Gen Goïta for 5 more years; Niger petrol stations under surveillance as militants threaten Niamey and Russia to mediate the Algeria-AES spat; and Chad finalises a peace deal with the Miski self-defence group to access minerals.
April 30, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Mali looking to dissolve political parties, ban elections calls and keep Gen Goïta for 5 more years; Niger petrol stations under surveillance as militants threaten Niamey and Russia to mediate the Algeria-AES spat; and Chad finalises a peace deal with the Miski self-defence group to access minerals.
Benin's deadliest militant attack underscores the growing instability in the Sahel, confirms JNIM's intent to exert influence in the north and puts pressure on the gov't to be forthcoming and transparent about the insurgency.
Some thoughts on @afpfr.bsky.social www.barrons.com/news/benin-t...
Some thoughts on @afpfr.bsky.social www.barrons.com/news/benin-t...
Benin Tensions With Burkina, Niger Open Door For Jihadists
Diplomatic tensions between Benin and its junta-led Sahel neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso have led to a security vacuum which jihadists are exploiting with ever-deadlier attacks, analysts told AFP.
www.barrons.com
April 25, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Benin's deadliest militant attack underscores the growing instability in the Sahel, confirms JNIM's intent to exert influence in the north and puts pressure on the gov't to be forthcoming and transparent about the insurgency.
Some thoughts on @afpfr.bsky.social www.barrons.com/news/benin-t...
Some thoughts on @afpfr.bsky.social www.barrons.com/news/benin-t...
Burkina Faso claims Côte d'Ivoire is behind the latest attempt to remove Traoré from power. Spoke to BBC Swahili about strained relations between the two countries and Traoré's popularity cast against military setbacks and a fragile political environment:
www.bbc.com/swahili/bbc_...
www.bbc.com/swahili/bbc_...
Amka Na BBC - Amka Na BBC - Swahili - BBC News Swahili
Kipindi cha habari, mahojiano na makala kila siku saa kumi na mbili na saa moja asubuhi Afrika Mashariki
www.bbc.com
April 23, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Burkina Faso claims Côte d'Ivoire is behind the latest attempt to remove Traoré from power. Spoke to BBC Swahili about strained relations between the two countries and Traoré's popularity cast against military setbacks and a fragile political environment:
www.bbc.com/swahili/bbc_...
www.bbc.com/swahili/bbc_...
This would be the deadliest attack on Benin where JNIM says it plans to increase influence and presence. In Jan, it claimed to have killed more than 30 soldiers in Point Triple that borders Burkina Faso and Niger whose mistrust in Benin has limited joint counterinsurgency cooperation.
Al Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin, SITE reports reut.rs/3YH1H9E
April 20, 2025 at 9:05 AM
This would be the deadliest attack on Benin where JNIM says it plans to increase influence and presence. In Jan, it claimed to have killed more than 30 soldiers in Point Triple that borders Burkina Faso and Niger whose mistrust in Benin has limited joint counterinsurgency cooperation.
The press in Gabon as Oligui moves from junta head to president, Mali where nationwide anti-Algeria demos morph into calls for Goïta to remain in power for 5 more years, while Russia "chooses silence" on the drone incident, and Burkina Faso on geopolitics at the Anatalya forum.
April 14, 2025 at 7:18 AM
The press in Gabon as Oligui moves from junta head to president, Mali where nationwide anti-Algeria demos morph into calls for Goïta to remain in power for 5 more years, while Russia "chooses silence" on the drone incident, and Burkina Faso on geopolitics at the Anatalya forum.
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema wins 90% of votes in Gabon's presidential election, according to provisional results from the interior ministry, a decisive victory that (symbolically) ends the Bongo family reign and military rule.
April 13, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema wins 90% of votes in Gabon's presidential election, according to provisional results from the interior ministry, a decisive victory that (symbolically) ends the Bongo family reign and military rule.
For the first time in over five decades, the name "Bongo" will not be on the ballot in Gabon where elections to end military rule will be taking place on Saturday.
Some thoughts from me on why Oligui is projected to have a decisive victory:
www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ga...
Some thoughts from me on why Oligui is projected to have a decisive victory:
www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ga...
Gabon election: What’s at stake in first presidential poll since 2023 coup?
Saturday's election is expected to take place 'calmly and peacefully' after a relatively calm transition from the downfall of the Bongo family, in rule for over 50 years, says analyst Beverly Ochieng ...
www.aa.com.tr
April 11, 2025 at 9:58 PM
For the first time in over five decades, the name "Bongo" will not be on the ballot in Gabon where elections to end military rule will be taking place on Saturday.
Some thoughts from me on why Oligui is projected to have a decisive victory:
www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ga...
Some thoughts from me on why Oligui is projected to have a decisive victory:
www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ga...