Author: Aïcha Abdou

African economy Perenco under judicial scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities in Gabon 86 No comment Libreville — June 19, 2026 — A prominent Franco-British energy firm now faces intense legal pressure as French authorities conduct sweeping investigations into alleged financial misconduct tied to its African operations. Authorities executed search warrants at the company’s Paris headquarters and multiple residences of executives and stakeholders, including the home of its chairman, François Perrodo, on June 11 and 12. Seized materials include electronic devices and internal documents, all part of an ongoing inquiry initiated…

The Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR) has called for a united opposition front following the Constitutional Council’s ruling on Ousmane Sonko’s parliamentary reinstatement. The Constitutional Council’s decision to reinstate Ousmane Sonko as a member of parliament has sparked fresh political tensions in Senegal. The Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR) responded swiftly, issuing a statement that challenges the legitimacy of the ruling and the broader political climate it reflects. A political storm brewing in Dakar In its official communiqué, the FDR…

In the heart of Ouagadougou, the African Development Bank Group is charting a new course for Burkina Faso’s future. From May 4 to 8, 2026, a high-level delegation led by Lamin Barrow, the Bank’s West Africa Director-General, initiated a series of consultations to shape the Country Strategy Paper 2027-2031. This framework will guide the Bank’s support to align with the nation’s evolving development priorities. The visit served a dual purpose: assessing the outcomes of the interim cooperation framework for 2022-2026—recently extended through year-end—and identifying key focus areas for the upcoming…

Massive drug incineration in Ouidah sends a strong message against organized crime in Benin Benin’s unwavering commitment to dismantling organized crime networks took a public and decisive turn in Ouidah on June 18, 2026. The National Agency for the Recovery of Confiscated and Seized Assets (Anracs) carried out a high-profile incineration of significant quantities of illicit substances, including 95 kilograms of cocaine, in Ahozon commune. This public demonstration underscored the country’s zero-tolerance stance against drug trafficking and related criminal activities. The operation, conducted at the waste management site operated by…

Bénin parliament to review urgent budget and governance laws Lawmakers in the Bénin’s 10th legislature are set to convene at the Palais des Gouverneurs this Friday for a critical legislative session. Two priority bills will take center stage during the plenary meeting, both submitted under urgent procedures. Key bills on the agenda The first is a revised national budget for 2026, which will be presented to deputies for swift approval. The second focuses on amending the law governing the office of the Médiateur de la République, a key institution for…