The Ivorian government has implemented a decisive measure to stimulate the aviation sector. A substantial 25% reduction in passenger service charges has been officially approved, aiming to strengthen Air Côte d’Ivoire and enhance air travel accessibility. This strategic reform marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to aviation policy. By significantly lowering airport fees, the government is not merely addressing a symbolic issue but initiating a long-term transformation of the air transport landscape in Côte d’Ivoire. Understanding the impact of reduced airport taxes While travelers often wonder about the…
Read MoreAuthor: Aïcha Abdou
Senegal president seeks royal pardon for fans imprisoned in Morocco
Nearly four months after the Africa Cup of Nations final—a match won by Senegal on the pitch but later awarded to Morocco by the CAF appeal jury—the legal status of Senegalese fans detained in Rabat remains unchanged. Although three individuals have been granted release, those identified as the main instigators of the pitch invasion and subsequent altercations with security and police forces continue to serve their sentences. During a televised broadcast, the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, spoke about the Lions of Teranga supporters currently facing prison terms of…
Read MoreBénin’s amazones U20 grab a crucial away draw in Abidjan
The Bénin U20 women’s national team really showed up this Saturday, playing away on Ivorian soil. They managed to snag a 1-1 draw against the Côte d’Ivoire Elephants, which puts the Amazones in a pretty sweet spot heading into the second leg. An intense showdown in Côte d’Ivoire’s capital Talk about an intense showdown right in the heart of Côte d’Ivoire’s capital! This highly anticipated clash between the rising stars of women’s football from Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin totally delivered. It was a game full of physical intensity and non-stop…
Read MoreBenin’s decade of transformation: president Patrice Talon’s legacy and peaceful handover
As President Patrice Talon prepares to transfer authority to Romuald Wadagni, he leaves behind a nation significantly transformed. From the modernization of its infrastructure to fostering political stability, the past ten years of governance have revitalized Bénin, restoring its pride and momentum. unprecedented public appreciation for a departing leader On May 1, 2026, the atmosphere in the streets of Cotonou, Parakou, and Porto-Novo transcended a mere holiday celebration. Thousands of Béninois gathered not just to mark the head of state’s 68th birthday, but primarily to convey their profound gratitude. Witnessing…
Read MoreSenegalese football federation united in appeal against caf ruling
Just under two months ago, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) exhibited remarkable solidarity. This collective spirit emerged after the appeal jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made a pivotal decision: to revoke the African champion title from the Lions de la Teranga and reassign it to Morocco. In response, the FSF, under the steadfast leadership of its president, Abdoulaye Fall, swiftly organized to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent
Read MoreThe escalating suppression of information freedom in the Sahel
On what marks World Press Freedom Day, the current assessment reveals a deeply concerning reality: in West Africa, the act of reporting has transformed into a perilous, even heroic, endeavor. Following the ascendance of military administrations, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—collectively forming the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES)—are experiencing an unprecedented crackdown on information. A tightening grip on journalistic integrity Whether through the abrupt cessation of transmissions by the Malian channel Joliba TV, the closure of the Burkinabè daily L’Observateur Paalga, or the recent abduction of journalist Serge Oulon…
Read MoreDr Seydou Coulibaly’s impactful legacy at WHO Burkina Faso
Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s impactful legacy at WHO Burkina Faso Ouagadougou – After a distinguished four-year tenure leading the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Burkina Faso, Dr. Seydou Coulibaly is preparing to depart the nation. His mission was notably characterized by an innovative approach, unwavering dedication to public health, and a collaborative management style that significantly strengthened both local teams and national partnerships. Dr. Coulibaly consistently emphasized that his primary objective was to bolster WHO’s support for Burkina Faso’s key health priorities. To achieve this, he and his teams diligently…
Read MoreMali under siege: jihadist advance threatens Bamako’s stability
In the Mali, a wave of anxiety has gripped the northern regions as the security landscape undergoes a dramatic shift within a matter of days. Following the symbolic fall of Kidal, armed factions have accelerated their advance, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) escalates its campaign with an unprecedented political maneuver—calling for the overthrow of the transitional government. Military setbacks evoke memories of past crises The unfolding crisis mirrors the bleak scenario of 2012. On May 1, 2026, militants from JNIM and separatists from the…
Read MoreSenegal Morocco football tensions and unexpected impacts
Setting foot in Dakar for the first time came with a lingering sense of unease—thanks, in large part, to the shadow cast by the Africa Cup of Nations final. A narrative of rivalry had taken root, painting the relationship between Morocco and Senegal in sharp, adversarial strokes. And while there’s truth to that perception, the reality feels far more nuanced, even painful. Amadou, a taxi driver in his fifties, greeted me with the warmth and politeness that define Senegalese hospitality. As our conversation unfolded, he learned I was Moroccan. With…
Read MoreWest african fuel prices: a divergence between Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin
As May 2026 unfolds, the delicate balance of purchasing power across West Africa faces renewed pressure. While households diligently strive to safeguard their savings against persistent inflation, a stark reality is emerging at the fuel pumps: a significant disparity is now evident between the prices in Côte d’Ivoire and those in Bénin. Côte d’Ivoire: the paradox of a producing nation Following a quarter of relative stability, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons in Côte d’Ivoire has officially announced the year’s inaugural price increase. For consumers, the impact is substantial: Super unleaded…
Read MoreAlliance of Sahel states conducts joint airstrikes in Mali after attacks
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, executed intense aerial operations within Malian borders in response to coordinated jihadist and Tuareg separatist offensives, as announced by Niger’s government late Thursday. Over the weekend, armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Tuareg rebels launched the most significant assault on Mali in over a decade. The offensive resulted in the capture of the strategic northern city of Kidal and the tragic killing of Defence Minister Sadio Camara. The AES, a coalition formed by the three nations, operates a…
Read MoreRegional instability deepens as Mali crumbles and Algeria faces security risks
The coordinated military strikes across Mali on April 25 represented far more than a routine flare-up in a long-standing conflict. This was a pivotal moment in the region’s history. A tactical alliance of Islamist insurgents and Tuareg rebels launched simultaneous attacks on military hubs, successfully reclaiming the vital northern stronghold of Kidal from Russian-supported state forces. Their increased operational capacity now poses a direct threat to Bamako, leaving the Sahel—and specifically Algeria—to wonder who, if anyone, can restore order. The failure of the junta’s security pivot To grasp the gravity…
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