Alexandra Heldt
Contributions
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Westafrica and the EU elections
As the fog lifts after the European Union elections, the echo of uncertainty is quietly echoing beyond Europe's borders to the coasts of West Africa. From Dakar to Abidjan, the EU elections and their results have had little to no impact on the general population. What would have been the talk of the town 10 years ago - the huge gains made by right-wing forces and the resulting government crises in France, for example - seems secondary. At most, in informed circles, one senses a sense of uncertainty, mixed with admiration for the ideals that the European Union has long embodied.
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Just released from prison, now president
Senegal is facing a political upheaval: Bassirou Diomaye Faye, released from prison just ten days ago, unexpectedly wins in the first round of the election. His running mate, the popular Ousmane Sonko, was excluded from the candidacy. This surprising turn of events serves as a clear sign against the establishment and signals a strong desire for change among the Senegalese people. What does this significant shift mean for the future direction and stability of the country?
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Russian advance in Africa?
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso want to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The West African economic community has "deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism," according to a joint statement from the three states governed by military juntas. Alexandra Heldt, Project Director for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in West Africa, explains what the withdrawal means for the region and for Europe.
