Month: June 2026

Togo’s energy sector shake-up: ceet chief dismissed amid power challenges

Aïcha Abdou

The Togo electricity landscape has witnessed a significant shake-up as the head of the state-owned power utility, the Compagnie Énergie Électrique du Togo (CEET), has been relieved of duties. Débo-K’mba Barandao, who held the position of director-general, is no longer at the helm of the institution.   The circumstances surrounding his departure remain shrouded in secrecy, with no official statement released to the public. This development comes at a time when the CEET is grappling with persistent hurdles in electricity distribution and service quality across the national grid.   Appointed…

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Tragic collision on Togo’s national road n°1 leaves many victims

Ousmane Tandja

A severe traffic incident unfolded this Wednesday on National Road N°1 in Togo, involving a passenger bus and a heavy goods vehicle. The impact, described as exceptionally violent, caused extensive material destruction and deeply affected those traveling on this vital national artery.   Initial reports indicate the accident occurred around midday on an unspecified segment of the RN1. The collision, appearing to be either frontal or semi-frontal between the two substantial vehicles, reportedly led to a significant number of casualties. An official victim count from the relevant authorities is yet…

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Protesters push back as Congo-Kinshasa’s tshisekédi eyes third term

Ousmane Tandja

protesters push back as Congo-Kinshasa’s tshisekédi eyes third term The constitutional amendment proposal keeps gaining ground, but the chorus of dissent is growing louder. On June 3, opposition leaders and civil society activists, under the banner of the C 64 coalition, called for a nationwide “dead city” protest to reject President Félix Tshisékédi’s bid for a third term. The turnout exceeded expectations: Kinshasa, usually bustling with activity, ground to a halt as shops shuttered and streets emptied. The constitutional revision in Congo-Kinshasa hinges on raw political power The opposition, emboldened…

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Yan Diomandé ne ferme pas la porte au PSG after winning Champions League

Aïcha Abdou

Yan Diomandé’s potential move to PSG: a dream turned into a 100 million euro saga With a second consecutive Champions League title secured, Paris Saint-Germain is now turning its attention to summer transfers. The capital club is reportedly eyeing Yan Diomandé, the rising Ivorian star who has dazzled at RB Leipzig this season. The 19-year-old winger’s recent remarks have sent shockwaves through the transfer market, fueling speculation about his future. From childhood dreams to potential Parisian reality The young Ivorian international has always harbored a deep admiration for Paris Saint-Germain.…

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Senegal politics: opposition coalition pushes for Ousmane Sonko’s removal from parliament

Ousmane Tandja

The Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic has formally demanded the removal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from the National Assembly, labeling his current parliamentary status as both illegal and illegitimate. Political reactions and legal arguments In a June 3 statement, the coalition accused Sonko of violating electoral and constitutional provisions by maintaining dual roles as both head of government and elected deputy. The FDR highlighted Article LO172 of the Electoral Code, which requires ministers elected to parliament to resign from their ministerial positions within eight days…

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Benin and Togo leaders strengthen ties in regional diplomacy push

Aïcha Abdou

Lomé, June 3, 2026 — Following official visits to Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso, Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni touched down in Lomé this afternoon for a high-level working visit. The Beninese leader was greeted at the Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport tarmac by Togo’s President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, signaling the start of a day packed with strategic discussions between the neighboring nations. This stop in Lomé is part of a broader regional tour aimed at reinforcing alliances and easing lingering diplomatic tensions. “I extend my gratitude to my…

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Senegal’s christian community urged to boost political engagement

Aïcha Abdou

A prominent civil society organization in Senegal, the Mouvement autonome chrétien pour le développement durable (MAC 20), observed on June 10, 2017, that the political involvement of the nation’s Christian population remained notably limited and cautious. Formed just months earlier in February with the specific goal of empowering Christians in the political sphere, the movement convened a significant forum. Held in Mbour, south of Dakar, the event focused on the theme: “Christian Political Engagement and Leadership.” Augustin Tine, the Minister of Armed Forces, presided over this gathering, which was strategically…

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Security breach at Gabon’s media regulator raises democratic concerns

Aïcha Abdou

Society security breach at Gabon’s media regulator raises democratic concerns By Editor-in-chief June 3, 2026 81 No comment Libreville, Wednesday, June 3, 2026 — The vandalism of several offices at the Haute Autorité de la Communication (HAC) has triggered serious concerns about the security of public institutions in Gabon. The incident, which saw four advisory offices forcibly entered and vandalized, extends far beyond mere property damage. It strikes at the heart of a critical question: how secure are Gabon’s institutions tasked with regulating public life and upholding democratic standards? In…

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Ecobank’s 2026 governance reshuffle in Lomé after record 2025 results

Ousmane Tandja

In Lomé, the 2026 General Meetings of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) did more than just greenlight the return of dividends. They also ushered in a fresh governance cycle for the pan-African banking group, backed by unprecedented financial performance, renewed shareholder confidence, and a reshuffled board of directors. Shareholders endorsed every resolution, including the approval of the 2025 financial statements, a $40 million dividend distribution—the first since 2022—and the renewal of several board mandates, alongside the appointment of new members to the ETI board. Governance as the bedrock of sustainable growth…

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Gabon rejects US migrant deportation deal under Oligui Nguema

Ousmane Tandja

Central Africa is emerging as an unexpected diplomatic obstacle to Washington’s tightening immigration policies. Despite escalating efforts by the Trump administration to expedite the removal of undocumented migrants, Gabon has firmly declined a proposed bilateral agreement aimed at hosting deportees from the United States. Libreville’s stance underscores a bold foreign policy approach, prioritizing national interests over personal affinities with foreign leaders. In a candid interview with a leading international news outlet, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema addressed the sensitive issue head-on, clarifying Gabon’s position without ambiguity. « While President Trump…

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Kinshasa paralyzed as opposition protests constitutional reform

Ousmane Tandja

The heart of Kinshasa pulsed at a fraction of its usual rhythm on Wednesday afternoon, as the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) emerged from a tense “dead city” protest orchestrated by opposition forces. The mobilization, spearheaded by the Coalition Article 64, aimed to derail President Félix Tshisekedi’s ambitious constitutional reform agenda. Yet, despite the opposition’s claims of widespread participation, the government stands firm, insisting the reform process will proceed unabated. The opposition’s call to action saw many residents heed the warning, with schools shuttered, markets closed,…

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