Month: July 2026

Conrad Gbaguidi tipped for Republic Mediator role in Benin The establishment of the new term’s board for the Benin Economic and Social Council (CES) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, could mark a pivotal moment for Conrad Gbaguidi’s institutional career. The outgoing CES president is widely expected to secure the position of first vice-president, a role that would grant him the additional responsibility of Republic Mediator. Conrad Gbaguidi’s potential new role reflects Benin’s evolving institutional framework. New responsibilities for the first vice-president of the CES The upcoming appointment gains significance following…

Arsenal have opened direct talks with Newcastle United regarding a potential transfer for Brazilian midfield sensation Bruno Guimaraes, who has made his desire to join the Premier League champions clear to his current club. The Gunners’ interest follows Guimaraes’ expressed wish to leave Newcastle before the new season kicks off. At 28 years old, the international midfielder has become a top target for several top-flight English clubs, with Arsenal now leading the chase after initial negotiations via agents stalled earlier this year. Newcastle sets firm asking price as Arsenal ups…

Mayo-Tsanaga crisis: how Boko Haram’s terror is emptying villages The Mayo-Tsanaga region in Cameroon is under siege. Over 50 villages deserted, thousands displaced, and a government that turns a blind eye. Boko Haram’s terrorism is no longer a distant threat—it has taken root in the Mayo-Tsanaga department. Originating in Nigeria’s Borno State in the early 2000s, the insurgency crossed borders in 2014, with the first Cameroonian attack striking the village of Tourou, near Mokolo, on the slopes of Mount Gossi. Since then, the jihadist group has entrenched itself in the…

The night of July 18th marked a dark chapter in Mali’s ongoing conflict, when a military convoy carrying Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) troops and Russian paramilitary personnel from the Africa Corps fell victim to a devastating ambush near the village of Tabrichat in northern Mali. The attack, one of the deadliest in fifteen years, left over 50 soldiers dead and dozens more missing or captured, sending shockwaves through the nation and raising urgent questions about battlefield coordination and adherence to warfare norms. Tabrichat ambush: a meticulously executed trap Following weeks…

Gabon’s president Brice Oligui Nguema embarks on three-day state visit to France Original reporting Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema begins a three-day state visit to France today, marking his second official trip since assuming office. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Libreville and Paris across key sectors such as investments, infrastructure development, energy transition, industrialization, cultural exchanges, and economic collaboration. Accompanied by a high-level delegation including business leaders, government officials, and media representatives, the Gabonese head of state is scheduled to meet with his French counterpart, President…

Senegal has activated its full diplomatic machinery to endorse Macky Sall’s candidacy for the upcoming United Nations Secretary-General election. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this strategic move on July 20, 2026, just three days after a pivotal meeting between the former and current presidents at the Republic Palace in Dakar. Diplomatic reversal reshapes regional alliances The announcement marks a significant departure from Senegal’s earlier stance. As recently as late March 2026, Dakar had aligned with approximately twenty African Union member states in opposing Sall’s bid—then championed by Burundi under…