Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

N’Djamena: provincial council president arrested over defamation complaint

Aïcha Abdou

Ahmat Bedei Toullomi, the head of the Borkou Provincial Council, was taken into custody late Thursday afternoon in N’Djamena and transferred to the General Coordination of the Judicial Police. The arrest occurred inside the premises of the La Résidence hotel, just before 5:00 PM. This action follows a legal complaint filed for defamation and public insults. According to official documents, the complaint was lodged by Goudje Gueillet Hemchi and Kodou Omari, who allege that Ahmat Bedei Toullomi made serious accusations on social media, claiming they were involved in a cocaine…

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Ebola and conflict deepen hunger in eastern DRC’s crisis zones

Aïcha Abdou

Politics    Democratic Republic of the Congo Ebola and conflict deepen hunger in eastern DRC’s crisis zones Eastern DRC faces a catastrophic convergence of Ebola outbreaks and persistent armed violence, pushing communities to the brink of famine. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s eastern provinces, families face an impossible choice: flee violence or face Ebola’s deadly reach. Chronic insecurity has already devastated livelihoods, but the resurgence of Ebola has pushed millions to the edge of starvation. The International Committee of the Red Cross has resumed critical food and seed…

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How Cameroon’s Sosucam sugar giant shifted ownership

Aïcha Abdou

Read in app Summarize Share Omer Mbadi Cameroun correspondent Jean-Claude Mimran Castel Compagnie sucrière sénégalaise Somdia Behind the Sosucam takeover The landscape of Cameroon’s sugar industry has shifted dramatically with the change in ownership of Sosucam, the nation’s leading sugar producer. The transaction marks a significant milestone in the country’s economic narrative, reflecting broader trends in foreign investment and sector reforms. Who now controls Sosucam? The new ownership structure involves a consortium led by Jean-Claude Mimran, a prominent figure in the sugar industry, alongside Castel, a global beverage and wine…

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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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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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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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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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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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Tobacco tax reforms set to transform Cameroon’s public health

Aïcha Abdou

Mbankomo workshop explores taxation as a lifesaver For three consecutive days in Mbankomo, a town on the outskirts of Yaoundé, policymakers, health officials, and economists gathered not to discuss hospital construction or drug procurement—but to focus on tax policy. Behind closed doors, they examined figures, percentages, and fiscal simulations, all with a single, overarching goal: how to save more lives and secure long-term funding for Cameroon’s health system. The workshop, held from July 22 to 24, 2026, brought together officials from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Finance,…

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Diplomatic thaw between Mali and Algeria after tensions

Aïcha Abdou

Diplomatic thaw between Mali and Algeria after tensions Fleur Prisca Konkobo Relations between Mali and Algeria reached a low point in April 2025 following a serious incident involving an Algerian drone. Algiers accused Bamako of violating its airspace, a claim vehemently denied by Malian authorities. In response, Mali imposed a complete closure of its airspace, severing a critical link between two nations sharing over 1,300 kilometers of border. Efforts to mend the breach began on July 10, when both governments announced a series of reconciliation measures. These included the reinstatement…

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