We turn now to West Africa, where political uncertainty, shifting alliances and policy changes continue to shape the region. In Burkina Faso, supporters have rallied in Ouagadougou following reports of a thwarted coup attempt, highlighting ongoing instability in the Sahel. At the same time, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are asserting a more defiant stance internationally, including retaliatory travel restrictions against U.S. nationals. Meanwhile, Guinea's Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory, even as ECOWAS warns against prolonged military-led transitions elsewhere in the region. To unpack these developments, is Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga.


POSSIBLE QUESTIONS
* Let's start in Burkina Faso - supporters have taken to the streets in Ouagadougou following reports of an attempted coup; what does this tell us about the current balance of power and public sentiment in the country?

* More broadly in the Sahel, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger appear increasingly aligned, both politically and militarily; how significant is this bloc, and how might it reshape regional security dynamics?

* These same countries have also imposed retaliatory travel bans on U.S. nationals - what message are they sending to Western powers, and how could this affect diplomatic and economic relations?

* Turning to Guinea, the Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory; does this ruling settle questions of legitimacy, or are deeper political challenges still unresolved?

* ECOWAS has rejected the transition process in Guinea-Bissau and warned of possible sanctions; is the regional body losing influence, or is it recalibrating its approach to military-led governments?

* How do these repeated tensions between ECOWAS and transitional authorities affect regional integration and collective security in West Africa?

* Beyond politics, Cape Verde has ended visa-on-arrival access for travellers from 96 countries - what are the possible economic and diplomatic implications of this decision for a tourism-dependent economy?

* Ghana is being positioned as a leader in modernising short-sea shipping in West Africa; why is this development important for regional trade and economic integration?

* Finally, Togo has expanded its nuclear safety framework through new international accords - how significant is this step, and what does it signal about the region's engagement with global governance standards?

We turn now to West Africa, where political uncertainty, shifting alliances and policy changes continue to shape the region. In Burkina Faso, supporters have rallied in Ouagadougou following reports of a thwarted coup attempt, highlighting ongoing instability in the Sahel. At the same time, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are asserting a more defiant stance internationally, including retaliatory travel restrictions against U.S. nationals. Meanwhile, Guinea's Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory, even as ECOWAS warns against prolonged military-led transitions elsewhere in the region. To unpack these developments, is Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga.
 POSSIBLE QUESTIONS * Let's start in Burkina Faso - supporters have taken to the streets in Ouagadougou following reports of an attempted coup; what does this tell us about the current balance of power and public sentiment in the country?
* More broadly in the Sahel, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger appear increasingly aligned, both politically and militarily; how significant is this bloc, and how might it reshape regional security dynamics?
* These same countries have also imposed retaliatory travel bans on U.S. nationals - what message are they sending to Western powers, and how could this affect diplomatic and economic relations?
* Turning to Guinea, the Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory; does this ruling settle questions of legitimacy, or are deeper political challenges still unresolved?
* ECOWAS has rejected the transition process in Guinea-Bissau and warned of possible sanctions; is the regional body losing influence, or is it recalibrating its approach to military-led governments?
* How do these repeated tensions between ECOWAS and transitional authorities affect regional integration and collective security in West Africa?
* Beyond politics, Cape Verde has ended visa-on-arrival access for travellers from 96 countries - what are the possible economic and diplomatic implications of this decision for a tourism-dependent economy?
* Ghana is being positioned as a leader in modernising short-sea shipping in West Africa; why is this development important for regional trade and economic integration?
* Finally, Togo has expanded its nuclear safety framework through new international accords - how significant is this step, and what does it signal about the region's engagement with global governance standards?

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