west african

Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum smiles before a working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron, Feb. 16, 2023 at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

World News

Niger's coup leaders say they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazou

2:29am August 14, 2023

by The Associated Press

Niger's mutinous soldiers say they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for "high treason" and undermining state security, hours after they said they were open to resolving the crisis.

Beninese chef and cookbook author Valerie Vinakpon, center, is coming up with novel ways to present her country's fare, hoping to get people excited about Beninese cooking. Above, she talks to High On The Hog co-hosts Jessica B. Harris, left, and Stephen

'High On The Hog' Chefs Bring Bold New Flavors To Benin's Cuisine

7:40am August 08, 2021

We talk to two of the chefs featured on the hit Netflix show. They're reimagining traditional dishes — a boon for local diners and local farmers as well.

A New Orleans Saints fan holds a voodoo doll at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans in 2016.

On Halloween, Remember: Voodoo Isn't Black Magic

3:47pm October 13, 2017

by Leah Donnella

Halloween is nigh. Does your costume pass the racial sensitivity test? That's our topic this week on Ask Code Switch.

A billboard calling for the inauguration of Adama Barrow as president on the side of a road last month in Serrukunda, Gambia.

World News

Under New Leader, Gambia Cancels Withdrawal From International Criminal Court

5:22pm February 14, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

As Gambia's new president Adama Barrow settles into his new role, he is also taking steps to resuscitate international ties cut off by his predecessor Yahya Jammeh.

Children watch Senegalese soldiers on Friday in the town of Karang, Senegal, near the border with Gambia.

World News

Troops Poised To Remove Gambia's Leader Amid Last-Ditch Negotiations

10:53am January 20, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

West African troops have already crossed the border into Gambia and say they are prepared to remove Yahya Jammeh, who has refused to step down, by force to make way for the new leader.

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh sits during his final pre-election rally in November in Banjul, Gambia. He lost that vote to rival Adama Barrow but has refused to step down.

World News

Gambia Declares State Of Emergency As Leader Refuses To Cede Power

3:54pm January 17, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The president-elect is scheduled to take office on Thursday. But longtime President Yahya Jammeh has defiantly said he won't allow that to happen, citing supposed voting "irregularities."

An election billboard promoting Gambian President Yahya Jammeh as part of his election campaign is removed by supporters of president-elect Adama Barrow on Saturday in Banjul, Gambia.

World News

Gambian Troops Seize Election Headquarters Amid Vote Result Standoff

5:15pm December 13, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Security forces descended on the country's election commission headquarters, ratcheting up tension in the country as regional leaders arrive to try and persuade the current president to quit power.

Jollof rice likely originated in Senegal. But Senegal's as-good-as-national dish is thiebou dieun, a mix of rice, fish and vegetables that — except for red rice — bears little resemblance to what the rest of West Africa calls jollof. This tempting-loo

Jollof Rice: West Africans Dish It Up With A Hefty Serving Of Smack Talk

5:54pm August 30, 2016

by Ofeibea Quist-Arcton

Jollof rice is a celebration dish in West Africa. Each country in the region has its own take — and the rivalry over which version reigns supreme is constant fodder for a delicious war of words.

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A soldier stands near a hotel that was attacked by militants on Friday in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou.

World News

Suspected Al-Qaida Militants Strike Hotel In Burkina Faso

10:52pm January 15, 2016

by Laura Wagner

The gunmen attacked a hotel and a cafe in Ouagadougou, the capital of the West African nation. The foreign minister says people have died. Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb has claimed responsibility.