Author: Aïcha Abdou

The final results of the presidential election held on April 12 are now official. The Constitutional Court has confirmed a significant participation rate of 63.55%, a figure that marks a historic turning point for civic engagement in Benin. A strong mandate from the people Contrary to previous elections where voter enthusiasm seemed to wane, last Sunday’s vote saw a remarkable surge. According to the High Court, over six out of ten voters cast their ballots, representing a major increase compared to recent electoral cycles. “This 63.55% is more than just…

Northern Burkina Faso faced fresh turmoil on Wednesday as violent clashes broke out in the Yatenga province. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), a militant faction linked to Al-Qaeda, asserted control over a strategic military position near Gorbla, close to the town of Ouahigouya, according to their propaganda channels. early morning assault leads to capture of critical defense post The GSIM reported launching a surprise attack at dawn, overwhelming a fortified outpost manned by the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP)—local militia groups allied…

A significant debate has emerged in Gabon following the introduction of a new ordinance designed to regulate social media platforms. Although the document is dated February 26, its contents only became widely known after leaking online last week. The most contentious aspect of the legislation is found in Article 4, which effectively outlaws the use of pseudonyms. Mandatory identification for all users Under the new rules, every individual using social media must be clearly identifiable. This requirement mandates the disclosure of their full name and National Identification Number (NIP). For…

Just over two weeks after the investiture of Faustin Archange Touadéra, marking the dawn of the Seventh Republic, Martin Ziguélé, a former head of government and leader of the MLPC party, has once again voiced his concerns. His intervention comes amidst a noticeably strained political atmosphere, where persistent friction between the ruling power and the opposition continues to be a defining characteristic. deep-seated challenges plague the central african republic Speaking from Bangui, Ziguélé presented a sobering assessment of the nation’s state. He contends that despite a decade under the current…

The FC Barcelona dream of Champions League glory was shattered despite a 2-1 away win in the second leg against Atlético Madrid. The Catalans were eliminated in the quarter-finals after losing the first leg 2-0 at home, leaving them unable to overturn the deficit. Brazilian winger Raphinha was particularly vocal in criticizing the officiating, calling the elimination a heist. For a brief moment, it seemed like a dramatic comeback was on the horizon. Trailing 2-0 on aggregate after the first leg at Camp Nou, Barcelona started the second leg with…

On a significant Wednesday in Paris, the President of the Republic welcomed Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the President of Mauritania, to the Élysée Palace for a high-level state visit. This landmark meeting, the first of its kind in over three decades, underscores the deepening political, cultural, and economic cooperation between France and Mauritania. With the upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi just weeks away, the timing highlights a renewed partnership aimed at addressing shared challenges and opportunities. key discussions and commitments Upon his arrival, both leaders addressed the media,…