Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Louis Metcalfe

Creator

Louis Metcalfe

Louis Metcalfe is based in Washington DC where he works in democracy, governance and countering violent extremism, with a focus on West Africa. Metcalfe is a member of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Africa policy accelerator

Armed members of the FAMA (Malian Armed Forces) are celebrated by the population as they parade at Independence Square in Bamako on August 18, 2020, after rebel troops seized Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse in a dramatic escalation of a months-long crisis. Neighbouring states in West Africa, along with France, the European Union and the African Union, condemned the sudden mutiny and warned against any unconstitutional change of power in the fragile country. (Photo: AFP)
ALASSANE OUATTARA

Mali’s constitutional flames could mean smoke in Côte d’Ivoire

The fire of constitutional crisis burns in Mali, but observers shouldn’t ignore the smoke in Cote d’Ivoire.

  • Louis Metcalfe
4 min read
Speculation is rife that President Alassane Ouattara may end up seeking the third term he had earlier said he would not pursue.
ALASSANE OUATTARA

Côte D’Ivoire’s president has imperilled West African democracy

Alassane Ouattara has finally committed to stepping down after his second term, but leaves behind a dangerous legacy for the region

  • Louis Metcalfe
6 min read