Month: June 2026

Niger sets terms for Benin border reopening amid thawing tensions

Aïcha Abdou

Niger sets terms for Benin border reopening amid thawing tensions Niamey has established strict conditions for the reopening of its border with Benin, which has remained closed for nearly three years. In a meeting held in Cotonou on June 20, Niger‘s Interior Minister, General Mohamed Toumba, outlined two key prerequisites: the formalization of a defense pact and a security agreement. These would explicitly prohibit either nation from using the other’s territory for hostile actions, alongside enhanced intelligence-sharing protocols. General Toumba also insisted on “full transparency regarding foreign military deployments near…

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Tchad 2026: music festival to unite the nation through cultural diversity

Aïcha Abdou

The Tchad Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Crafts recently launched the 2026 Music Festival at N’Djamena’s Hilton roundabout, marking the beginning of a nationwide celebration of unity through rhythm and melody. The event drew officials, cultural stakeholders, artists, promoters and citizens eager to honor the country’s vibrant musical heritage. a festival rooted in social cohesion Under the banner « Music as a Driver of Social Cohesion », the 2026 edition aims to foster dialogue, mutual respect and national unity by making artistic expression accessible to every community. The theme reflects…

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Congolese bishops oppose Tshisekedi’s constitutional reform plans

Ousmane Tandja

The national body of Catholic bishops in the Democratic Republic of Congo has come out strongly against President Félix Tshisekedi’s initiative to amend the constitution. The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) warns that such a move risks undermining the nation’s democratic foundations and triggering deep institutional unrest. Their recent public statement adds significant weight to a political conversation that has been intensifying in Kinshasa for several months. The Catholic Church stands firm against constitutional changes In a powerful statement, the Congolese bishops characterized any modification of the fundamental law…

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Côte d’Ivoire strengthens maritime ties with Mauritius and Seychelles to boost blue economy

Ousmane Tandja

In a strategic move to accelerate its maritime ambitions, the Ivorian Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Sidi Tiémoko Touré, recently concluded a high-level diplomatic tour of Mauritius and Seychelles from June 10 to 12, 2026. This mission represents a significant step forward in South-South cooperation, focusing on the sustainable development of marine resources. This initiative is central to the implementation of the national blue economy strategy in Côte d’Ivoire. By prioritizing this sector, the government aims to establish a robust engine for sustainable growth, create new employment opportunities, and…

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Tchad boosts horse racing with 50 million cfa grant and new hippodrome

Ousmane Tandja

At the Grand Prix de la République 2026, held at the Afrouk Hippodrome on the outskirts of N’Djamena, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno made a bold commitment to revitalize the nation’s equestrian sector. The event drew thousands of spectators, breeders, and riders, all gathered to celebrate an enduring cultural tradition. Standing before the vibrant crowd, the Head of State underscored the historical significance of horse racing in Chad, calling it a pillar of national identity. His presence was not merely symbolic—it signaled a new era of investment in the country’s…

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Catholic bishops challenge Tshisekedi over constitutional reform plans in DRC

Ousmane Tandja

The movement against constitutional modification in the République démocratique du Congo (RDC) has gained a powerful ally. The Conférence épiscopale nationale de la République démocratique du Congo (CENCO) has explicitly denounced the proposal, which many view as a maneuver to allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term. This move would directly contradict the current legal framework that limits presidential mandates to two. Religious leaders warn that such political ambitions place the entire nation at a crossroads of danger. A warning against national instability The risks associated with forcing…

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Burundian president Évariste Ndayishimiye arrives in Kinshasa for strategic state visit

Ousmane Tandja

The President of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, Évariste Ndayishimiye, is set to arrive in Kinshasa this Monday for a significant 48-hour state visit. This official trip to the capital of the République démocratique du Congo comes at the invitation of his counterpart, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. This high-level meeting serves as a testament to the enduring historical and diplomatic ties between the people of Burundi and the République démocratique du Congo. To mark the importance of the occasion, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi will travel to N’djili International Airport to…

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Chad: legal proceedings against general Abdoulaye Miskine remain in limbo

Ousmane Tandja

Chad Chad: legal proceedings against general Abdoulaye Miskine remain in limbo Journalist June 21, 2026 — 2 min read The judicial process surrounding General Abdoulaye Miskine, whose birth name is Martin Koumtamadji, has reached a new stalemate. Although his case was listed for a hearing at the N’Djamena Court of Appeal on Monday, May 25, 2026, it was unexpectedly removed from the schedule. This delay follows years of incarceration without a formal trial. Court documents identifying the case as number 093/2022 show that Abdoulaye Miskine was set to appear alongside…

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Fierce fighting in minembwe: m23/twirwaneho claims victory amid fardc coalition retreat

Aïcha Abdou

Minembwe: M23/Twirwaneho declares triumph, accuses FARDC–FDNB–Wazalendo coalition of withdrawal after week-long battles Minembwe, June 19, 2026—A week of intense combat recently engulfed the high plateaus of Fizi and Mwenga territories in South Kivu, pitting Twirwaneho fighters, allied with the AFC-M23 politico-military coalition, against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by Burundi’s National Defense Force (FDNB) and Kinshasa-backed Wazalendo militias. Following these fierce engagements, Twirwaneho/M23 combatants assert they have pushed back the government coalition from several strategic positions surrounding Minembwe. Concurrently, both local residents and military…

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