Benin and Morocco strengthen bilateral ties with 14 new cooperation deals

Benin and Morocco elevate partnership with landmark agreements The seventh session of the Benin-Morocco Joint Cooperation Commission concluded in Cotonou on July 21, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between the two nations. Hosted at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this high-level meeting brought together top officials to chart the future of bilateral collaboration across multiple priority sectors. Strategic vision drives deeper collaboration The commission session was co-chaired by Corinne Amori Brunet, Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Afrodescendant Integration, and Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s…

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Russian oil bypasses sanctions through Morocco’s trade routes

Two in-depth investigations have uncovered a covert trade route funneling Russian petroleum products into markets closed by Western sanctions following the Ukraine conflict. Morocco has emerged as a pivotal transit hub, facilitating the discreet movement of these commodities to destinations where they would otherwise face strict import restrictions. A Geneva-based trader at the heart of the operation The investigations reveal that a little-known Geneva-based trading firm, Alvari SA, has played a central role in this network. In 2025, Morocco became the largest importer of Russian fuel in North Africa, largely…

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Tchad’s economic outlook: CNEF forecasts 5.3 % growth by 2026

The National Economic and Financial Committee (CNEF) of Chad convened its second ordinary session of 2026 in N’Djamena on July 21, under the leadership of Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of State for Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, who also chairs the Committee.   Attendees included Guibolo Fanga Mathieu, Minister of Trade and Industry, Saleh Bourma Ali, Deputy Minister in charge of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Yvon Sana Bangui, Governor of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC), and other standing members of the Committee. During the session,…

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Chelsea signs Morgan Rogers in £138m Premier League record deal

Chelsea FC has finalised the acquisition of young English sensation Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal set to make waves across the Premier League. The Blues secured the 23-year-old attacker’s services before Arsenal could finalise their pursuit, marking a strategic coup for manager Xabi Alonso ahead of the upcoming season. Rogers joins Chelsea on a six-year contract The transfer sees Rogers sign a long-term agreement tying him to Stamford Bridge until 2033. The England international arrives with an impressive track record in domestic and European competitions, having contributed…

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Chelsea breaks Premier League transfer record with £117m Morgan Rogers deal

Support independent journalism. Contribute Football Chelsea smashes Premier League transfer record with Morgan Rogers signing 21 July 2026, 22:52 Get the latest football updates on our official Viber channel Chelsea Football Club has stunned the football world by securing the signing of winger Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal that shatters the Premier League transfer record. The 23-year-old English international has joined the Blues in a deal worth an eye-watering £117 million, eclipsing the previous record set by Elliot Anderson when he moved to Manchester City for £135…

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Mjällby makes history with first-ever champions league win

football UCL Mjällby scripts historic first-ever UEFA Champions League victory Swedish football’s surprise package, Mjällby AIF, kicked off their maiden UEFA Champions League campaign in style. The newly-crowned 2026 Allsvenskan champions dismantled Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps 3-0 in Tuesday’s second qualifying round opener, delivering a statement performance at the Strandvallen. The dream debut could hardly have gone better for the Swedish side. In front of their home faithful at the 7,000-capacity Strandvallen, Mjällby dominated proceedings from the outset, racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening 31 minutes. Aki Samuelsen,…

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Côte d’Ivoire: opposition PDCI sees six leaders freed after nine months

Six leading figures from the Ivorian Democratic Party (PDCI-RDA) walked free on Monday, July 20, 2026, after nine months behind bars. Their release was ordered by the Abidjan anti-terrorism court, as confirmed by their legal representative, Me Ange Rodrigue Dadjé, via a social media statement. The six activists—Allo Pacôme Didier, Kouleon Manhenin, N’Cho Gnangoran, Mabo Koffi Jean-Marc, Ouattara Kinjinlman and Niangoran N’Guessan Édouard—were taken into custody between late September and early October 2025, amid the heated presidential campaign. Arrests during a heated election period The detentions occurred as Côte d’Ivoire…

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Central african republic security forces detain activist ab a oumar over alleged rebel ties

The activist Aba Oumar, who was recently abducted by suspected Russian mercenaries in the KM5 district of Bangui, has been transferred into custody at the Sécurité des Renseignements Intérieurs (SRI) headquarters. Authorities now accuse him of collaborating with rebel factions in the Central African Republic. From abduction to detention: the chain of events On the afternoon of July 20, witnesses reported seeing armed individuals in unmarked vehicles intercepting Aba Oumar near the KM5 roundabout—a known hotspot for security incidents. Local residents described the scene as a targeted operation, with no…

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Benin and Morocco strengthen economic and cultural ties with renewed partnership

Top officials from Bénin and Morocco have concluded high-level talks in Cotonou, expressing full satisfaction with the progress of their bilateral cooperation while underscoring a shared commitment to deepen and diversify this partnership moving forward. The discussions, held ahead of the joint presidency of the seventh session of the Morocco-Bénin Joint Cooperation Commission, highlighted significant achievements since the historic visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Cotonou in June 2004. The meeting, led by Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, and Corinne…

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New french envoy to Senegal takes charge amid shifting ties

Since assuming leadership of the Africa desk at France’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in January 2024, Emmanuelle Blatmann, a seasoned 46-year-old diplomat, has been slated to take over the French embassy in Dakar. Her appointment arrives at a pivotal moment, as ties between Paris and Dakar undergo significant transformation. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

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Côte d’Ivoire kicks off 2026 education innovation days with digital focus

Digital revolution at the heart of Côte d’Ivoire’s education future Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — The nationwide Open Days for Educational Research and Innovation (JOURIE 2026) kicked off Tuesday at the École nationale supérieure de statistique et d’économie appliquée (ENSEA), marking a decisive step toward integrating digital solutions in the nation’s education system. Organized by the Ministry of National Education, Literacy and Technical Training, this two-day event (July 21-22, 2026) centers on the theme: “Transforming education through digital innovation: sustainable solutions for quality schools”. The initiative aims to foster research culture…

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Unusual courtroom drama in Bamako as fetishist’s trial sparks chaos

An atmosphere thick with tension gripped the courtroom in Bamako on a sweltering Monday morning. The trial of military personnel and civilians accused of plotting to overthrow the ruling junta had already drawn intense scrutiny, but when a fetishist took the stand, the proceedings took a turn that left onlookers stunned. Political stakes and supernatural intrigue collide The case, which carries serious charges including conspiracy to destabilize Mali’s transitional government, had always promised high drama. Yet few anticipated the surreal events that unfolded as the fetishist—accused of lending occult support…

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