Month: July 2026

Burkina Faso under Ibrahim Traoré: from promises to a starker reality

Aïcha Abdou

The narrative propagated by state-controlled media, portraying Burkina Faso as a flourishing “eldorado” under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, appears more as a political construct than a grounded assessment. While official discourse extols a supposed “popular progressive revolution,” the daily lives of many Burkinabè are still plagued by insecurity, economic hardship, and unmet expectations for tangible progress. Promises of transformation and the delay in tangible outcomes Since assuming leadership, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has repeatedly pledged a national revival, accelerated industrialization, and the complete reclamation of national territory. However, these commitments have yet…

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Niger Engage le Déploiement du Passeport Biométrique Régional

Aïcha Abdou

Le Niger a franchi une nouvelle étape dans le déploiement du passeport biométrique de la Confédération des États du Sahel (AES). Mercredi 16 Juillet 2026, au Palais de la Présidence à Niamey, le président Abdourahamane Tiani s’est fait enrôler pour l’obtention de ce nouveau document de voyage, selon les autorités nigériennes. Cette opération intervient quelques mois après son enrôlement pour la carte biométrique, réalisé le 27 mars dernier. D’après les autorités, ce passeport répond à des normes techniques communes adoptées par les États membres de l’AES afin de proposer un…

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African union urges Burkina Faso to fast-track political transition

Ousmane Tandja

The African Union (AU) has called on Burkina Faso’s leadership to expedite the restoration of constitutional order by holding elections and reopening the political space, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining dialogue with Ouagadougou and supporting the country in its fight against terrorism. During an official visit to the Burkinabè capital, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, held discussions with Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo and Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré. Notably, no meeting took place with the transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Following these discussions, Mahmoud…

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Sahel leaders bolster police ties to fight growing threats

Aïcha Abdou

Top police officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger convened in Ouagadougou on Thursday to deepen security collaboration within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), focusing on a unified strategy to tackle pressing regional threats. This gathering, which included security experts from all three nations, centered on aligning policing methods, enhancing information-sharing systems, and boosting operational capacities. Participants also explored ways to strengthen cross-border judicial investigations, public order enforcement, and the adoption of advanced technological and forensic tools. At the start of the session, Burkina Faso’s National Police Director, Inspector…

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Cameroon’s debt rating downgrade raises borrowing costs

Ousmane Tandja

Economic outlook Cameroon’s credit rating downgrade signals higher borrowing costs ahead The country’s latest sovereign credit assessment reflects mounting fiscal and structural challenges that are reshaping investor perceptions. July 17, 20262 min read AAA Summarize Listen Comment Cameroon’s credit rating downgrade: what it means Cameroon has just received a fresh warning from global financial markets. On July 9, 2026, the credit rating agency Fitch Ratings assigned a ‘B’ rating with a negative outlook to a recent short-term sovereign bond issued by the Cameroonian government. The ‘B’ rating with negative outlook…

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Russia’s Wagner group thrives in central africa through tramadol trafficking

Ousmane Tandja

In the heart of Central Africa, a shadowy empire has taken root. The Russian paramilitary group Wagner, once weakened by the death of its founder Evgeny Prigojine, has found a lucrative lifeline in the Central African Republic—one that stretches far beyond traditional military operations. At the core of this resurgence is tramadol, an opioid painkiller repurposed into a dangerous stimulant, earning it the grim nickname “the poor man’s cocaine.” Originally prescribed for mild to moderate pain, tramadol in the Central African Republic is being rebranded and concentrated to alarming levels.…

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Gabon and France conclude military cooperation reshuffle at Camp de Gaulle

Ousmane Tandja

« The Camp de Gaulle is no longer a French base. » These words from Fabrice Mauriès, France’s Ambassador to Gabon, during a 14 July address in Libreville, marked a definitive turning point in the evolving military partnership between Libreville and Paris. In his speech, the Ambassador outlined a co-constructed process of military cooperation, now in its final phase, aimed at modernizing defense relations between France and Gabon. This restructuring reflects a shared commitment to adapt to shifting security priorities in the region, while preserving a strategic alliance rooted in…

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Cameroon tightens controls on gold mining to boost tax revenue

Ousmane Tandja

Cameroon takes action to curb fraud in its gold sector The government of Cameroon has announced enhanced controls in the gold mining sector to increase tax revenues. The first phase will be launched in August and aims to allow the state to collect around $680 million in taxes and customs from approximately 17 tonnes of gold production between 2025 and 2026. These measures follow a finding that official gold production figures are often higher than actual levels, with authorities seeking to close this gap to benefit public finances. By relying…

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Morocco France strengthen ties with 14 new cooperation agreements

Aïcha Abdou

Morocco and France ink 14 new cooperation agreements Staff report Friday, July 17, 2026 at 9:45 AM UTC Set Yahoo as your preferred source to view our articles on Google. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu concluded a two-day visit to Rabat with the signing of 14 new cooperation agreements between Morocco and France. The new accords span critical sectors including economy, security, migration, and defense, reinforcing the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the agreements was a framework deal focused on scientific cooperation, highlighting…

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Morocco-France talks push for deeper economic and security ties

Aïcha Abdou

Morocco and France chart new path toward stronger strategic partnership In a landmark meeting in Rabat, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Morocco’s Aziz Akhannouch laid the groundwork for an expanded bilateral partnership, signaling a major step forward in economic and security cooperation between the two nations. The discussions, held behind closed doors, focused on deepening collaboration across critical sectors, including energy, trade, and regional security. Both leaders emphasized the need to build on existing frameworks while exploring innovative avenues to strengthen ties. Energy and trade take center stage in…

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Macky Sall Meets Ousmane Sonko at the Palace, A Complex Encounter for the Opposition Leader

Ousmane Tandja

Macky Sall meets Ousmane Sonko at the Palace Macky Sall, the President of Senegal, met with Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition leader and former Prime Minister, at the Palace of the Republic yesterday. The encounter has sparked controversy and raised questions about the future of Senegalese politics. Ousmane Sonko, who is also running for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations, met with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a high-ranking official in the government, to discuss his candidacy. The meeting has been seen as a strategic move by Sonko to…

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Ebola outbreak in DRC: rebuilding trust with communities amid crisis

Ousmane Tandja

The Ebola virus continues to spread in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu. Beyond medical care and the opening of a new Ebola Treatment Center in Butembo, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is working closely with local communities and leaders in Butembo and Beni. The goal? Restore trust, adapt healthcare to local constraints, and strengthen public awareness. Combating misinformation and the shadow of ‘Ebola business’ The 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC unfolds against a backdrop of instability, fueling distrust and misinformation. In Butembo and Beni, residents…

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