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West Africa

How we reported these stories

Washington Post journalists faced numerous challenges in reporting from the Sahel region of Africa, including hostility from locals and restrictions on access. 

The defiant broadcaster

Military strongmen have silenced their critics and muzzled the media, threatening, arresting and exiling those who speak out for democracy. A few still dare.

Crossroads of conflict

Russia is expanding its influence in Africa as democracy wanes, with military strongmen carrying out coups and the United States seeing its influence decline.

The militia commander

The advancing tide of Islamist extremism has prompted the rise of pro-government militias. The result has been a vicious cycle of escalating violence.

The Russian mercenary

Soldiers from the Wagner Group have helped Vladimir Putin advance his aim of restoring Russian power in Africa. But on the ground, they’ve learned...

The coup leader

As many Africans sour on the West, a new generation of military officers are seizing power, vowing to build strong and sovereign nations. But...

The Islamist militant

As Africa’s Sahel region has replaced the Middle East as the epicenter of jihadism, young men are flocking to the cause. They don’t always...

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