Month: July 2026

Bénin steps up enforcement against smig violations

Ousmane Tandja

Despite the official establishment of the Interprofessional Guaranteed Minimum Wage (SMIG) at 52,000 FCFA, numerous enterprises in Bénin persist in compensating their workforce below this legally mandated threshold. In response, the government has adopted a firm stance, urging employees to report violations to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) while emphasizing that non-compliant employers will face severe penalties. a widespread issue despite legal provisions The problem remains far from isolated. Although the SMIG was recently increased to 52,000 FCFA to enhance the purchasing power of low-income workers, many employees—particularly in…

Read More

Morocco Mali vocational training center inaugurated in Bamako

Ousmane Tandja

Morocco and Mali inaugurate flagship vocational training center in Bamako Morocco and Mali flags © DR The Kingdom of Morocco has officially handed over the Mohammed VI Vocational Training Complex in Bamako to Malian authorities, marking a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The state-of-the-art facility, developed by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sustainable Development, spans 5,200 square meters and is designed to address critical skill gaps in key economic sectors. Training for tomorrow: addressing Africa’s skills shortage The newly inaugurated complex will welcome up to 1,000…

Read More

US considers strikes against JNIM in Mali amid Africa corps struggles

Aïcha Abdou

US weighs military action against Mali’s JNIM as security crisis deepens The administration of President Donald Trump is actively exploring the possibility of authorizing targeted strikes against the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al Qaeda-affiliated militant organization operating in Mali. This potential shift in strategy reflects growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and the persistent inability of Malian forces—backed by Russia’s Africa Corps—to regain control against armed factions. Washington debates direct intervention against JNIM Senior officials within the US government have…

Read More

Strasbourg vs galatasaray live stream champions league dec 2026

Aïcha Abdou

Catch all the action as Strasbourg and Galatasaray face off in the 2026-2027 UEFA Champions League, Group B, for the fifth matchday. The highly anticipated showdown is set to kick off on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time. Match preview and key details This clash between Strasbourg and Galatasaray promises intense competition as both teams vie for a top spot in their group. With high stakes in the Champions League, every point counts, making this encounter crucial for their European campaign. Where to follow the live coverage…

Read More

Niger’s border closure cost: IMF reveals staggering 117 billion FCFA loss

Aïcha Abdou

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delivered a stark warning: Niger’s prolonged closure of its borders has drained 117 billion West African CFA francs from state coffers. This financial hemorrhage exposes the devastating economic fallout gripping the Sahel region, where political posturing has collided with harsh economic realities. Trade disruptions have crippled customs revenues, the lifeblood of regional economies, while plunging communities into deeper financial distress. The staggering financial toll of border closures The IMF’s findings leave no room for doubt—the suspension of cross-border trade with Niger has created a…

Read More

Boni Yayi’s strategic move to senate amid political shift in Bénin

Ousmane Tandja

A major political shift is unfolding in Cotonou as former President Thomas Boni Yayi reverses his stance on joining the newly established Senate. Once a vocal opponent of the upper chamber’s creation, he now asserts his constitutional right to serve, emphasizing the need to break through the country’s political impasse. This unexpected pivot comes as Boni Yayi cites a “locked-down political landscape”, where opposition voices struggle to find traction. In a nationwide address, he framed his decision as a necessary step to foster dialogue in a system where debate has…

Read More

Chad’s crackdown on dissent: resisting state repression amid growing concerns

Aïcha Abdou

The recent sentencing of leaders from the Chadian Political Actors’ Consultation Group (GCAP), one of the country’s largest opposition coalitions, is far more than a judicial decision. It exposes a harsh truth: a regime that systematically criminalizes critics and tightens its grip on democratic freedoms. From transition to tightening: how Chad’s democratic space is shrinking Since the Chadian Transitional Military Council (CMT) seized power in April 2021, the nation has experienced a steady erosion of political freedoms. This trend has been widely documented by both national and international human rights…

Read More

Gabon unveils bold biodiversity plan to safeguard 30% of its territory

Ousmane Tandja

Gabon has taken a decisive step toward securing the future of its forests, coastlines, and wildlife. After days of intensive deliberations in Libreville, the national workshop validating the 2022-2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SPANB) reached its conclusion this week. Protecting 30% of Gabon’s land and sea by 2030 At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is a commitment to safeguard at least 30% of Gabon’s terrestrial, coastal, and marine territories. This bold target aligns the country with the global ambitions set under the Kunming-Montréal Agreement, positioning Gabon as…

Read More

Community resilience and peace initiatives in Niger through inclusive dialogue

Aïcha Abdou

Building Peace Together: How Niger Leverages Community Dialogue to Counter Extremism In the face of escalating insecurity and terrorist threats sweeping across multiple regions in Niger, a collective movement is gaining momentum. Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds are converging on inclusive dialogue as a cornerstone for sustainable peace. This grassroots approach transcends mere rhetoric, positioning itself as a national priority that demands the active involvement of every segment of society—from government institutions to local communities. The first national forum of the Sahel Peace Initiative (SPI), held in Niamey on June 23–24,…

Read More

Togo’s growing strategic alignment with Russia: a west african pivot

Ousmane Tandja

**As Russian military operations face significant setbacks across the Alliance of Sahel States, Moscow is strategically reorienting its focus towards the Gulf of Guinea. By welcoming vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet and fostering the Kremlin’s cultural and religious influence, Faure Gnassingbé’s autocratic regime is transforming Togo into a crucial logistical and political platform for West Africa.** Lomé: a new home port for sanctioned vessels The Autonomous Port of Lomé, the sub-region’s sole deep-water port, is no longer merely a commercial crossroads. It is rapidly becoming a vital link in Moscow’s…

Read More

Mali’s strategic shift amid russian partnership failure against jihadists

Ousmane Tandja

The promise of a quick-fix solution through alignment with Moscow has collapsed in Mali. Despite the transitional government’s insistence on self-reliance and its rejection of Western partners, the security landscape tells a starkly different story: the jihadist threat is escalating, and the Russian-backed paramilitary strategy has hit a critical dead end. The faltering security strategy of Africa Corps Three years after Moscow deployed its mercenaries—initially under the Wagner Group banner, now rebranded as Africa Corps—the results are undeniable: a heavy toll with no strategic gains. Tactical failures mount: Rather than…

Read More

Ongoing violations of international humanitarian law in eastern DRC

Ousmane Tandja

The eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to witness persistent violations of international humanitarian law despite repeated commitments from authorities and international partners. In a bid to address this crisis, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently organized a high-level conference in Kinshasa, urging stricter adherence to these critical legal frameworks. The proliferation of armed factions and relentless attacks on civilian populations have escalated the humanitarian emergency. These brutal acts not only breach the Geneva Conventions but also inflict profound suffering on communities caught…

Read More