Month: July 2026

The Archbishop of Douala, Mgr Samuel Kleda, has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions inside Cameroon’s detention facilities. In a recent pastoral letter published in late June, he highlighted forced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and inhumane treatment of prisoners, with particular emphasis on the plight of women and minors. Mgr Kleda’s message echoes the Pope Leo XIV’s appeal during his recent apostolic visit to Cameroon, where he stressed the urgent need to uphold human dignity within the penal system. The Archbishop’s letter serves as a stark reminder of the systemic…

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo faces escalating violence amid persistent conflict The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains gripped by a worsening security crisis, with renewed clashes between armed factions and military operations intensifying the risk of widespread instability across the Great Lakes region. The surge in violence not only threatens fragile peace efforts but also complicates regional stabilization initiatives led by international actors. In a series of coordinated attacks that unfolded between July 12 and 15 in the Beni area of North Kivu province, at least 20 civilians lost…

Strengthening Morocco-France defence cooperation with new agreements in Rabat On the high instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), Abdeltif Loudyi, Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defence Administration, welcomed France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin, in Rabat this Thursday. The meeting was also attended by a high-ranking military official, the Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone. Minister Catherine Vautrin is part…

The Olympique de Marseille wrapped up a three-day preparatory stint in Abidjan on Saturday, July 18, following their arrival in Côte d’Ivoire on July 15. Led by coach Bruno Genesio, the French football giants brought a delegation of 80 people, including 24 players, to engage with local fans and communities. The highlight of the visit came on Friday, July 17, when OM faced Yamoussoukro FC at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium. The clash against the newly promoted Ligue 1 Ivoirienne side marked a rare opportunity for the inland club to test…

The 2026 Finance Law Revision (LFR) adopted by the Senate goes beyond mere revenue enhancement for the state. It transforms taxation into a strategic economic policy lever to promote Gabon’s local manufacturing industry. Through targeted VAT exemptions, reduced tax rates, and carefully designed incentives, the government aims to enhance the competitiveness of domestic enterprises, stimulate industrial processing, and decrease the country’s reliance on foreign goods. This reform places national production at the core of fiscal policy. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent