Month: August 2026

Motorcycle safety campaign by Burkina Faso riders concludes 3000 km tour

Aïcha Abdou

The Motards du Faso wrapped up their ambitious Grand Tour Régional 2026 on August 11 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, after an epic 10-day journey covering nearly 3,000 kilometers across five West African countries. Departing from the capital on August 2, the team of around 20 riders traversed Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, blending adventure with meaningful road safety advocacy. Upon their triumphant return, the group was greeted by a festive crowd in Ouagadougou. The journey’s maiden leg left a lasting impression on participants. Leaving Ouagadougou at 4:30 a.m.,…

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Gabon upgrades prison security with new command center building

Ousmane Tandja

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic, officially commissioned the new annex building of the Command in Chief of Penitentiary Security in Libreville. The inauguration took place on August 13, 2026. The facility, named Bâtiment Général de Brigade Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, stands as a key milestone in the ongoing modernization of Gabon’s judicial administration. The three-story building, featuring 38 offices alongside operation, supervision, and conference rooms, is designed to enhance operational efficiency for security personnel overseeing the country’s penitentiary system. The project underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening…

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How Russia uses Africa corps airline to ship troops and weapons to the Sahel

Aïcha Abdou

Russia has quietly established a direct air bridge to the Sahel, leveraging commercial aviation to transport troops and military equipment to nations aligned with Moscow. At the heart of this operation is the Africa Corps airline, a shadowy entity that coordinates closely with private Russian carriers like Zitotrans, specializing in heavy cargo flights. Military analysts tracking these movements confirm that the Africa Corps fleet operates flights with striking regularity between Russian airfields and Sahelian capitals. The aircraft, primarily IL-76 models, depart from bases in southern Russia, often stopping in North…

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Benin unveils PAG 2026-2033 development roadmap for september launch

Aïcha Abdou

Benin Benin’s PAG 2026-2033 development roadmap set for september unveiling The final draft of Benin’s Government Action Programme (PAG) spanning 2026 to 2033 is nearing completion, with authorities confirming its official presentation will coincide with the political resumption in September. Key figures featured Léandre Wilfried Houngbédji The strategic roadmap, as outlined by government spokesperson Léandre Wilfried Houngbédji, seeks to consolidate ongoing reforms while introducing fresh priorities across social, economic, and security sectors to propel the nation toward sustainable progress. Three pillars to drive national transformation The upcoming PAG 2026-2033 is…

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DRC’s Ebola outbreak spreads to new province as cases surge

Ousmane Tandja

DRC’s Ebola outbreak expands to sixth province amid rising concerns The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with its most devastating Ebola outbreak yet, now affecting a sixth province in the northern region and threatening neighboring South Sudan. Health authorities declared the 17th Ebola epidemic on May 15, weeks behind schedule, marking the largest outbreak in the country’s history. The previous deadliest outbreak in the DRC claimed nearly 2,300 lives out of 3,500 reported cases between 2018 and 2020. In stark contrast, the current epidemic has already resulted in…

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Benin leads west african eco adoption race for 2027

Aïcha Abdou

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remains committed to launching the Eco as a single currency by 2027, yet economic disparities across the region suggest an uneven pace of adoption. Among the 15 member states, Benin stands out as one of the most prepared to participate in an initial phase of monetary integration. Eco’s long journey toward reality While the concept of a unified West African currency has been discussed for decades, translating ambition into practice requires overcoming significant economic hurdles. Persistent inflation, public debt burdens, fluctuating foreign…

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Cameroon’s president biya’s prolonged absence sparks ceMAC instability

Ousmane Tandja

Cameroon’s head of state, President Paul Biya, departed Yaoundé on June 7, 2026, under the pretext of what officials described as a brief private retreat. Instead, his absence has stretched into an unprecedented 66-day hiatus, leaving a void in regional stability. For over two months, an unusual silence has surrounded his whereabouts, fueling speculation across Central Africa. The prolonged disappearance of a sitting president in a key regional bloc is raising concerns about governance and economic continuity within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). By Ousmane Tandja —…

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Benin’s tourism boom: how Cotonou is becoming a hotspot for west african travelers

Aïcha Abdou

The Bénin is reaping the rewards of a bold, decade-long tourism strategy that has transformed its cultural, heritage, and hospitality landscape. With nearly €2 billion injected into the sector, the country is emerging from the shadows of Africa’s top tourist destinations, drawing an increasing number of visitors from neighboring countries—particularly from the economic powerhouse of Nigeria. From overlooked destination to West African tourism hub Once a hidden gem compared to the continent’s most frequented spots, Bénin has undergone a remarkable transformation. Over the past ten years, the government has poured…

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Benin’s passport ranks second in Africa for regional mobility

Aïcha Abdou

The Beninese passport has climbed to the top ranks of African travel freedom, reflecting a bold diplomatic vision combining openness and technological innovation. Over recent years, this travel document has risen steadily in continental mobility rankings, earning recognition as one of Africa’s most influential passports for intra-African travel. This achievement stems from a clear political commitment: transforming Benin into a dynamic hub for trade and unhindered movement across West Africa. The passport’s success is not accidental—it embodies deliberate policy choices aimed at fostering regional integration and economic cooperation. Understanding the…

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Niger prime minister leads kaffa sud-east 1 drilling launch at Algeria’s request

Ousmane Tandja

The Prime Minister of Algeria, Mr. Sifi Ghrieb, arrived in Niger on Thursday to lead a high-level delegation tasked with overseeing the official commencement of drilling operations for the Kafra Sud-Est 1 exploratory well. The visit, authorized by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, underscores Algeria’s commitment to strengthening energy partnerships with its southern neighbor. High-level delegation arrives in Niamey Mr. Ghrieb, accompanied by senior government officials, landed in Agadez where the ceremonial event was held. This mission reflects Algeria’s strategic interest in deepening cooperation with Niger, particularly in the energy sector. Ceremony…

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Algeria and Niger launch oil exploration in Kafra South field

Aïcha Abdou

Algeria and Niger launch oil exploration in Kafra South field A landmark moment in energy cooperation between Algeria and Niger has been reached with the official launch of drilling operations at the Kafra South-East 1 exploration well. The ceremony, held on August 13, 2026, marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral ties and unlocking the hydrocarbon potential of the Kafra basin, located in northern Niger. Strategic energy project kicks off in Niger’s Kafra basin The historic event was co-chaired by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, representing Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune,…

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Celta Vigo’s season opener in jeopardy as LaLiga probes fungal outbreak on pitch

Ousmane Tandja

The highly anticipated opening match of the 2026-27 LaLiga season for Celta Vigo against Osasuna is now hanging in the balance after a sudden fungal outbreak on the turf at Estadio Balaídos. Officials from Spain’s top football division are conducting an urgent inspection of the pitch to assess the extent of the damage, with a decision expected within 24 hours. The Galician club has formally requested a postponement of the fixture, citing concerns over player safety and pitch conditions. Meanwhile, Osasuna has expressed readiness to play as scheduled, adding further…

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