Eco Africa – The environment magazine

Three West African countries ruled by military juntas have signed a mutual defense pact. Mali and Burkina Faso had previously promised to come to Niger's aid in the event of an attack.

The West African country's military government — which seized power from a different junta a year ago — said it has detained four people for attempting a coup.

Security forces and armed groups are committing war crimes against civilians in Africa's Sahel region. The amnesty report: Death was slowly creeping on us: Living under siege in Burkina Faso focuses on crimes against civilians in many localities of Burkina Faso. The country underwent two military coups.The latest in september when Captain Ibrahim Traoré took over.

Junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have ditched the G5 anti-jihadist force. Experts say their intended confederation to tackle Islamist insurgents in the Sahel is bound to fail unless they mend ties with ECOWAS.

Videos claiming to show proof of a “crude oil reserve” discovered in Burkina Faso have been going viral, racking up millions of views on social media. Generally used alongside pro-junta photos and videos of the Burkinabe military leader, Ibrahim Traore, the claim has been raising some eyebrows as the West African nation isn’t known for its natural oil reserves.

Coups, sanctions, and withdrawal of member states; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must either reform or decline, observers warn.