As the world condemns the coup in Niger, analysts say the West still needs a presence there for an eye on the Sahel.

Sall’s decision to not run for office in 2024 has calmed Senegal but raised questions about his successor and democracy.

Dicko, a salesman constantly on the move, is seeking greener pastures not in Europe but much closer to his native Mali.

Agadez, previously a major migration route before smuggling was criminalised in Niger, is home to many footballers.

Effects of the war are still being felt in one of the world’s poorest countries as inflated prices eat into budgets.

The 40-year war between Senegal and rebels in its Casamance region has left legacies of landmines with diverse impacts.

One-fifth of the country’s schools are closed and experts warn of dire consequences ahead for Burkinabé children.

The opposition, which saw elections as a chance to check Macky Sall’s third-term aspirations, is without a majority too.