Photographers in Dakar

Riding Waves, Rewriting Futures: The Surfer Changing Girls’ Lives in Senegal

Reporting style, Informative: Predominantly factual and reported, with a human-interest narrative and limited persuasive framing.

Professional surfer Khadjou Sambe, widely described as Senegal’s first professional female surfer, founded the Black Girls Surf Academy in Ngor, Dakar, to give girls access to surfing, mentorship and education. The programme challenges social expectations that discourage girls from participating in sport and helps address school dropout, particularly among girls facing poverty, household responsibilities and early-marriage pressures. With support from the wider Black Girls Surf initiative founded by Rhonda Harper, the academy serves girls aged seven to seventeen and promotes confidence, physical wellbeing and ambition through surfing and related activities. Although resistance remains, increasing participation and parental acceptance are gradually expanding girls’ visibility and opportunities in Senegal’s coastal communities.

“I beg you, Donald Trump. People will die!”: USAID funding cuts threaten two decades of progress against malaria in Guinea

Reporting style, Balanced: Blends factual reporting with interpretive concerns about consequences of US aid cuts.

Political context, Right: Critical of right-wing US administration’s foreign aid cuts and their consequences

US funding cuts under President Trump have disrupted malaria control programs in Guinea, leading to halted community health services, job losses for health workers, and reduced access to diagnostics, mosquito nets, and medications. Officials and experts warn that malaria cases and deaths will rise, especially among children and pregnant women, reversing major gains achieved over two decades through the Presidential Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund. While some assistance has been reinstated, the dismantling of USAID, termination of contracts, and uncertainty over future funding have left the country’s health system strained and vulnerable, prompting calls for Guinea to increase domestic investment to sustain malaria efforts.

Composting for Dakar's city dwellers

Reporting style, Factual: The text presents factual information about composting initiatives.

An inventor in Senegal collaborated with a local metalworker to create simple and efficient composters for urban residents in Dakar. These composters address the issue of organic waste and produce nutrient-rich soil suitable for gardening.

E-lection Bridge Conference 2019

Reporting style, Factual: Primarily factual description of a conference and its themes.

Political context, Centre: Discusses election strategies and democratic transitions without endorsing a political position.

The Gambia hosted the ninth annual E-lection Bridge conference organized by KAS Media Africa for campaigning experts from partner parties. Participants discussed election strategies and campaigning in rural areas, and considered how civic action can support democratic transitions.

Bosses never provided contracts before: A Calabrian cooperative fights seasonal worker exploitation

Reporting style, Balanced: Mix of factual reporting with subjective assessments about exploitation and economic injustice

Political context, Centre-left: Focuses on labor rights, migrant protections, and critiques of exploitative economic structures

A cooperative in Calabria, SOS Rosarno, works to combat the exploitation of migrant seasonal farmworkers by offering legal contracts, fair wages, and organic production through its managed cooperative, Mani e Terra. Migrants from West Africa, North Africa, and Eastern Europe benefit from more stable work conditions, though some still find wages insufficient compared to northern Italy. Despite these efforts, widespread exploitation persists across Italy through undeclared labor, the 'caporalato' system, and organized criminal networks like the Ndrangheta. SOS Rosarno also supports housing initiatives such as the Dambe So project, though the scale of need far exceeds available support, leaving many migrants living in degrading conditions in tent camps.

Spain strengthens “voluntary” return aid for migrants arriving from Morocco

Reporting style, Factual: Neutral reporting of government funding decisions and migration statistics

Political context, Centre: The article addresses migration policy from an informational perspective without clear ideological framing

Spain approved more than 646,000 euros to reinforce voluntary return and reintegration programs for migrants, mainly those stranded in Morocco, and to strengthen its border-management capacity. Nearly 350,000 euros will support vulnerable migrants through medical care, temporary housing, financial aid, and return assistance, while additional funds will back an IOM program designed to enhance Spain’s management of migration flows. Morocco is described as a major transit bottleneck where many migrants face precarious conditions. Spain continues to pursue a security‑focused migration strategy and maintains cooperation with transit countries such as Mauritania, Senegal, and Morocco. Irregular arrivals remain high, with most migrants reaching Spain via Atlantic and Western Mediterranean routes, primarily from Mali, Senegal, Algeria, and Morocco.

Touba, Senegal's holy city with big economic clout

Reporting style, Factual: Factual report presenting economic and demographic details without apparent opinion.

Millions of Senegalese Muslims are expected to gather in Touba for the annual Grand Magal pilgrimage. Touba, in Senegal’s most populous administrative region, has grown rapidly and draws a surge of visitors for the event, which is estimated to generate about €380 million annually, attracting investors’ attention.

Linguistic shift underway in Senegal, where Wolof is overtaking French

Reporting style, Factual: Factual report describing language use and demand for Wolof-language classes and publications.

Wolof is spoken by about 80% of Senegal’s population and has increasingly overtaken French as the dominant language of communication, despite French remaining the official language. The shift has spurred growth in private Wolof classes and prompted publishers to expand books and other content in local languages for local readers.

“I Can’t Go Back to Senegal Like This”: Souleymane Sylla’s Very Long Struggle

Reporting style, Informative: Predominantly factual and reported, with a human-interest narrative built around interviews and personal testimony.

Former Senegalese professional footballer Souleymane Sylla suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a 2021 vehicle accident, leaving him unable to use his legs and dependent on others for basic care. After struggling with inadequate housing, medical complications and limited resources in Senegal, he raised funds with help from relatives, fellow Senegalese, the diaspora, the City of Dakar and football officials to travel to France for treatment. At the Fondation Mallet, he has made major progress through intensive rehabilitation, regaining arm movement, strength and greater independence while supporting other patients. He now faces the threat of removal from France because he lacks a residence permit and fears that deportation would interrupt his medical progress. Despite this uncertainty, he hopes to work in sports development and continue helping young footballers.

Ahmed Touba will finally discover Ligue 1

Reporting style, Factual: Straightforward factual sports reporting with minimal subjective language

Algerian international central defender Ahmed Touba, 28, has joined Le Havre on loan from Panathinaikos. The move will be his first experience in Ligue 1 after playing in Belgium, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Turkey, Italy and Greece. Born in Roubaix, Touba began his professional career at Club Brugge and switched from Belgium’s youth teams to represent Algeria in 2021.

Putin strengthens influence in Africa: Russia's power in the Sahel

Reporting style, Balanced: Contains analysis and subjective descriptions but largely reports geopolitical developments.

Political context, Centre: Focuses on geopolitical analysis without advocating a partisan political stance.

Russia expands its strategic presence in the Sahel as military governments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger turn away from Western partners. Russian influence grows through weapons deliveries, military trainers, propaganda and cultural outreach, filling the vacuum left by departing European forces. Despite increased Russian involvement, security continues to deteriorate, with the Sahel now the global epicenter of terrorism. Local populations face displacement, violence and repression, including attacks attributed to Russian mercenaries. Journalist Sira Thierij recounts the dangers of reporting in the region, where foreign media are unwelcome. The region’s instability, shaped by migration pressures, climate impacts and geopolitical competition, carries direct consequences for Europe.

Putin and Africa: Russia’s Conquest of the Sahel

Reporting style, Informative: A largely factual documentary description that raises critical questions about Russia’s interests and the consequences of its influence.

Political context, Centre: Geopolitical and critical in subject matter, but the visible description does not endorse a partisan political position.

The documentary examines Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel, where military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have turned to Vladimir Putin for weapons and personnel. It describes how propaganda invoking the Soviet Union’s support for regional independence movements has accompanied this expansion. The program considers Russia’s interests and the consequences for civilians facing jihadist violence and government military operations, as well as possible implications for Europe.

Kevin Rideout, American Missionary Kidnapped in Niger, Is Released

Reporting style, Factual: Predominantly factual news reporting based on official statements and attributed accounts.

American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout was released after being kidnapped from his home in Niamey, Niger, in October of the previous year. Serving in Mission said he was in good health and would soon reunite with his wife and children; a U.S. official said he had arrived at Ramstein Air Base for medical evaluation. Officials said the release was not the result of a military rescue operation, but may have been influenced by U.S. military pressure on Islamic State forces, including a raid that killed senior commander Abu Bilal al-Minuki. The circumstances of the release and the identity of his captors remain unclear.

Trump Administration News: President Takes Credit for Steep Crime Rate Declines With False Claims

Reporting style, Informative: Predominantly fact-based reporting and data comparison, with critical scrutiny of official claims and administration policies.

Political context, Centre-left: Straight-news reporting with substantial fact-checking and scrutiny of President Trump, his administration and conservative-backed initiatives; it presents competing positions but emphasizes evidence contradicting administration claims.

President Trump claimed credit for historically sharp declines in U.S. crime in 2025 and 2026, but available data contradicts his assertions that every crime measure reached a record low and that federal intervention produced dramatic reductions in Washington, Memphis and New Orleans. The administration asked the Supreme Court to allow construction of a privately financed $400 million White House ballroom, arguing that stopping the project would threaten security, while an appeals court found that Trump likely exceeded his authority by proceeding without congressional approval. Trump also dismissed reports of severe supply, hygiene and mental-health problems aboard the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for nearly nine months during the war with Iran. Other updates report a Justice Department investigation into a Democratic fundraising firm linked to the judge in Trump’s hush-money trial, new mining claims after Trump reduced two Utah national monuments, legal efforts to prevent renewed charges against an Olympian accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Jared Kushner’s planned talks in Israel over Gaza, and the release of American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout after nearly a year in captivity in Niger.

“I’m still under attack:” Karla Toledo, relief and fear after case dismissed

Reporting style, Interpretive: Contains advocacy and subjective statements alongside factual reporting

Political context, Centre-left: Critical of current immigration enforcement and supportive of DACA protections

A federal immigration judge dismissed DACA recipient Karla Toledo’s removal case, prompting relief but ongoing fear as her DACA renewal remains delayed. Supporters and her attorney argue that ICE acted improperly during her arrest and that broader federal policies are placing DACA recipients at risk through detentions, deportations, and slowed processing by USCIS. Lawmakers raised concerns about the high number of DACA holders arrested and deported, demanding accountability from DHS. Advocates warn that dismissing the case without prejudice may allow authorities to target Toledo again if her status lapses. Community members and legal experts call for systemic reform, faster renewals, Congressional action, and increased support for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients facing growing uncertainty.

The USMNT’s World Cup Win Is a Reminder of the America We Still Can Be

Reporting style, Interpretive: Opinionated commentary on unity, diversity, and politics through the lens of sports

Political context, Centre-left: Critiques of Trump-era immigration policies and emphasis on diversity and inclusion

A 4–1 U.S. victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup is presented as a symbol of American unity and multicultural identity amid deep political polarization. The team’s diverse backgrounds and scenes of cross‑cultural celebration, such as Catrinas at Seattle festivities, are highlighted as reminders of the unifying power of sports. The piece critiques restrictive Trump administration immigration policies affecting World Cup visitors and argues for initiatives like One Nación to bridge divides. It urges extending the fleeting unity of sports into broader civic life.

Holiday lights are getting brighter—and messing with our sleep

Reporting style, Informative: Predominantly evidence-based health and environmental reporting, with some advocacy for more responsible lighting practices.

Holiday lighting displays are becoming brighter and more widespread, contributing to light pollution and exposing people and wildlife to disruptive nighttime illumination. Researchers say blue-rich LED light can suppress melatonin, elevate cortisol and heart rate, disrupt circadian rhythms, and is associated with increased risks of depression, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Wildlife may also experience altered behavior, sleep, metabolism, and predator-prey interactions. The article recommends using warmer bulbs, shielding lights to prevent upward and neighboring spillover, limiting displays to specific times and seasons, and turning them off at night.

Are there really freshwater manatees thriving deep within West Africa?

Reporting style, Informative: Predominantly factual reporting based on field observations and scientific research, with some subjective expedition narrative and speculation about a distinct manatee subspecies.

A field expedition in Guinea is investigating reports of African manatees living far upstream in the Niandan, Milo, Sankarani and Tinkisso tributaries of the Niger River. Interviews with fishers and hunters produced multiple sightings and clues such as feeding sites, but the researchers are collecting environmental DNA to confirm the population’s presence and determine whether it may represent a distinct subspecies. Confirmation would be a major scientific discovery, yet the animals face serious risks from the planned Fomi dam, deforestation, poaching and fishing practices. Researchers argue that government-backed public education and stronger conservation measures are urgently needed.

Retailers Warn Europe’s Fishing Industry to Stop Overfishing

Reporting style, Informative: Mostly factual reporting, with some forceful language and attributed criticism of overfishing and weak fisheries management.

European seafood retailers, represented by the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group, are pressing fishing nations to adopt a binding, long-term quota-sharing agreement for mackerel. Although scientists have raised their recommended catch following signs of population growth, past catches have repeatedly exceeded scientific advice, and stocks have fallen sharply since 2014. Waitrose has removed mackerel from its British shelves and Lidl has shifted to an alternative, while industry groups warn that retailers may abandon the supply if mismanagement continues. Concerns also extend to herring and blue whiting, amid climate-driven changes to fish distributions and calls for adaptive management. Upcoming negotiations could determine whether European supermarkets continue to stock mackerel.

‘If Ethiopia slides into a full-scale war, no country in the region will remain untouched’

Reporting style, Informative: Mostly analytical and factual, relying on an expert interview while presenting assessments about the risks and causes of conflict.

Political context, Centre: Geopolitical analysis presents competing actors' interests and allegations without advocating a partisan position.

Fighting between Ethiopia's federal forces and Tigray's TPLF has resumed and spread beyond Tigray, threatening to undo the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement. Analyst Ngala Chome says that agreement halted combat without resolving disputes over territory, accountability, displaced people, or political power. Sudan's war, tensions with Eritrea and Egypt, and foreign backing for regional actors risk linking conflicts through arms, displacement, smuggling, and shifting alliances. Chome warns that the United Nations, African Union, and IGAD are too weakened to mediate effectively, leaving influential states with responsibility to help prevent escalation; a full-scale Ethiopian war would affect the wider region.