France officially ended its decades-long military presence in Chad, its last stronghold in the West African region. The shift is part of a larger movement to push France out of the area.

The Sahel Can Revolutionize Renewable Energy Access and Affordability Up to the Last Mile (By Reshmi Theckethil)

Olivier Dubois, a French journalist, was kidnapped by JNIM, a branch of al-Qaida in Africa's Sahel region, while on his way to interview one of the group's leaders in northern Mali.

The Sahel region is a geographical belt in Africa that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, between the Sahara Desert in the north and the Savannah in the south. It is characterised by challenging environmental crises and conflicts.

A source who asked for anonymity said Emptech is not involved in the production of the new passport for the three Sahel states.

Former diplomats on Thursday warned that the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States could undermine regional stability, potentially escalating insurgency and extremism in the Sahel.

"The rise of junta rule in the Sahel represents a complex interplay between decolonization and destabilization."

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the nominee for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has reaffirmed Ghana 39;s commitment to maintaining neutrality and fostering diplomatic relations with all nations .

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) withdraws from ECOWAS and continues initiatives for independence, regional integration, and defensive cooperation.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger accused a regional bloc known as ECOWAS of having double standards in punishing their military juntas. Negotiations failed to change their minds.

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso were to officially quit the West African bloc Ecowas Wednesday, severing ties after years of strained relations that have reshaped trade routes in the Sahel.

The two organizations helped journalists in Africa's Sahel region learn mobile journalism and safety while reporting on conflicts. They also gave out the annual Pax Sahel prize in recognition of journalism excellence.