Month: June 2026

Drc eastern region security crisis: sade urges adherence to doha and Washington accords

Aïcha Abdou

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for strict compliance with the Doha and Washington peace accords, which are backed by the African Union (AU), as the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to deteriorate. The urgent appeal came during an extraordinary virtual summit of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation, held on June 22. The meeting, led by Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, Malawi’s Vice President representing President Arthur Peter Mutharika, focused on addressing the escalating instability in the region, particularly in…

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OM transfer failure: Leonardo Balerdi exit turns costly for Marseille

Aïcha Abdou

What began as a promising exit strategy for Olympique de Marseille has spiraled into financial disappointment as the club’s plans to sell Leonardo Balerdi collapse under unforeseen circumstances. With the Argentine defender’s departure now confirmed behind closed doors, a stunning revelation about a rejected multi-million offer exposes the deep financial shortfall facing the southern French side. World Cup setback cripples Marseille’s transfer strategy The club had meticulously crafted a plan to maximize Balerdi’s market value ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, betting on his potential star exposure with the…

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Niger’s pragmatic shift under Abdourahamane Tiani

Ousmane Tandja

Boubacar Sidiki Haidara West Africa correspondent Russie – Afrique Mohamed Bazoum Khalifa Haftar Romuald Wadagni Assimi Goïta Ibrahim Traoré Abdourahamane Tiani Alliance des États du Sahel Under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger is embracing a new chapter marked by pragmatic decision-making. Since assuming power, the transitional authorities have demonstrated a clear shift in governance, prioritizing stability and regional collaboration over past uncertainties. This approach reflects a broader strategy to reposition Niger on the continental stage while addressing pressing domestic challenges. Strategic partnerships take center stage Niger’s foreign policy…

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Julian Alvarez signals desire to leave Atletico Madrid amid World Cup spotlight

Aïcha Abdou

Julian Alvarez signals desire to leave Atletico Madrid amid World Cup spotlight Argentina’s striker Julian Alvarez, fresh off his nation’s 2-0 World Cup victory over Austria, has publicly expressed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid, stating a transfer would be in everyone’s best interest. Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone shortly after Argentina’s triumph, the 26-year-old forward made no attempt to conceal his ambitions. «It’s not the right moment to discuss this openly, but I can’t hide the truth either. I’ve been honest with Atletico Madrid’s management. After careful…

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Lomé’s power grid expansion tender clears regulatory hurdle in Togo

Ousmane Tandja

The Togolese Regulatory Authority for Public Contracts (ARCOP Togo) delivered its verdict on June 19, 2026, closing the case on allegations of irregularities surrounding the international tender for the Lomé Electricity Grid Expansion Project (PEREL PLUS), identified as tender reference 003/DPI/PRMP/DG/CEET/2026. After reviewing the investigation report and conducting hearings with the Public Procurement Responsible Officer of the Togo Electricity Company (CEET), the Dispute Resolution Committee (CRD) concluded that the complaints lacked substance. Tender process faces scrutiny but meets all regulatory standards Two anonymous complaints, filed on March 28 and April…

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Gabon struggles to boost intra-African exports despite ZLECAf potential

Ousmane Tandja

Gabon’s intra-African trade gap: only 8.9% of exports The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promised a vast market of 1.4 billion consumers, yet Gabon’s exports to neighboring African nations remain disappointingly low at just 8.9% of its total trade volume. Recent economic reports highlight a stark reality: Libreville is yet to fully capitalize on the continent’s growing demand for diversified goods. This imbalance is even more pronounced in reverse—28.3% of Gabon’s imports originate from Africa, making the continent its second-largest supplier after Europe. The data underscores a critical challenge:…

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Benin Niger border thaw could ease economic strain

Aïcha Abdou

A joint expert committee has breathed new life into the stalled negotiations between Benin and Niger by proposing a framework for reopening their shared border. While progress has been made on security protocols, transit regulations, and key legal and economic frameworks, Niamey has set three non-negotiable conditions that must be met before a political agreement can be ratified. The implications of this diplomatic thaw could reshape trade flows, regional stability, and economic recovery for both nations. Three critical, non-negotiable demands Niger’s leadership has outlined three stringent prerequisites that must be…

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Benin Niger border thaw raises hopes for economic revival

Ousmane Tandja

A joint expert committee has breathed new life into stalled negotiations between Benin and Niger, sparking cautious optimism over the potential reopening of their shared border. After three years of closure, the committee’s report outlines progress on security protocols, transit regulations, and trade frameworks—though unresolved demands from Niamey could still delay final approval. Three non-negotiable demands from Niamey The Nigerien government has set strict prerequisites for any border reopening, emphasizing sovereignty and mutual security. These include: A formal defense pact with Benin, explicitly banning aggression and prohibiting either nation from…

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Senegal’s president highlights country’s strengths at Berlin forum

Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s leader, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is making a strategic pitch in Berlin this week to attract foreign investors and strengthen ties with Germany. His agenda includes high-level meetings with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, following his participation in the German-Senegalese Economic Forum. The visit underscores Dakar’s efforts to position Senegal as a prime destination for international business, with a focus on private sector collaboration. Faye’s diplomatic tour comes as his administration actively promotes the country’s economic potential and stability. Senegal’s economic appeal: stability, resources and opportunities Faye’s Berlin…

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IMA president’s Morocco visit strengthens cultural ties and heritage projects

Aïcha Abdou

Anne-Claire Legendre made her priorities clear from the start: this was her first official visit to Morocco as President of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA). Speaking at a press conference held at the French Institute in Casablanca on June 22, she underscored the historic and strategic partnership between the IMA and Morocco, a founding member since 1982 and described as a ‘trusted partner’ in preserving and promoting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. Her agenda aligned with a busy Franco-Moroccan diplomatic calendar. During a meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, discussions…

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