Author: Aïcha Abdou

Economy Gabon cracks down on illegal gold mining with sweeping suspension By Editor-in-Chief June 24, 2026 132 No comment Libreville, June 24, 2026 – Gabon’s government has taken an unprecedented step to tighten control over its gold sector. Effective June 22, 2026, all permits for gold prospecting and small-scale mining have been suspended nationwide. This decisive move sends a strong signal to industry players while addressing critical vulnerabilities in the sector. The decision follows a major crackdown on illegal mining networks in the Ngounié province, conducted in collaboration with the…

Economy Gabon’s bold shift: from raw exports to industrial powerhouse 124 No comment Libreville, June 24, 2026 – Gabon is redefining its economic identity, moving beyond its traditional role as a supplier of raw materials like oil, manganese, and timber. The nation is now doubling down on a transformative strategy: local processing of natural resources to fuel its next phase of growth. The Gabon Industrial Forum, launched in Libreville this week under the leadership of Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault, signals a pivotal moment. By convening over two dozen…

Ten years after exiting Gabon’s oil sector and transferring all its assets to Assala Energy, Shell has made a triumphant return to the country’s energy landscape. On June 22, 2026, the Anglo-Dutch oil giant signed a preliminary agreement with Gabonese authorities in Libreville to explore new ultra-deep offshore blocks. This landmark deal underscores Gabon’s growing appeal as a premier destination for high-stakes oil investments. Gabon’s bold strategy yields results Shell’s comeback aligns with Libreville’s ambitious push to revitalize its hydrocarbon sector after years of declining foreign investment. The government has…

DRC president to visit Ebola-hit Ituri amid rising outbreak The Congolese president, Felix Tshisekedi, has announced his upcoming visit to Ituri, a northeastern province grappling with the latest Ebola outbreak declared on May 15. With over 1,000 confirmed cases and 267 fatalities, the crisis continues to escalate despite international aid efforts. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is confronting its 17th Ebola outbreak, with Ituri as the current epicenter. This remote province, plagued by armed conflict, now faces a deadly health emergency. Official figures confirm 1,048 infections and 267 deaths,…

The Nigerian military has successfully executed a daring rescue operation, liberating 47 civilians—predominantly women and children—from the clutches of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). This critical breakthrough unfolded in the volatile Kangarwa locality, part of Borno State and situated near the strategic Lake Chad basin, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign. Coordinated military offensive secures Kangarwa The operation was not a stroke of luck but the culmination of meticulously planned military maneuvers. Nigerian armed forces, leveraging both ground and aerial superiority, launched an intensive assault…