Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

Karpowership powers 25% of Gabon’s grid with floating power plants

Aïcha Abdou

The Turkish energy giant Karpowership has become a cornerstone of Gabon’s power landscape, with its floating power plants now supplying 150 megawatts to the national grid. This contribution represents roughly a quarter of the country’s total available generation capacity, underscoring both the urgency of Gabon’s energy challenges and the critical role played by foreign operators in plugging immediate gaps. Evans Damada, the company’s country director, highlights how these offshore power stations—anchored near Libreville and Port-Gentil—have swiftly become indispensable amid persistent blackouts affecting homes and industries alike. Rapid scaling of power…

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Chad and Madagascar deepen pan-African cooperation

Aïcha Abdou

Colonel Randrianirina after his return from Chad, following an invitation from his Chadian counterpart. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, Madagascar’s Head of State, recently concluded a significant visit to N’Djamena, Chad, aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and mobilizing the Malagasy diaspora. During his stay, Colonel Randrianirina held a productive meeting with approximately twenty Malagasy nationals residing in the country. He underscored the crucial role of the diaspora, stating, “The diaspora represents a vital asset for Madagascar. Their expertise and contributions must be further recognized and leveraged.” Beyond engaging with the Malagasy community,…

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Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles silenced critics with crucial champions league goal

Aïcha Abdou

Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles silences critics with crucial Champions League strike against Sparta Prague Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrates his decisive goal against Sparta Prague in the Champions League. Booed during team presentations and under pressure from fans questioning his place at Lyon, English full-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles delivered when it mattered most. His 66th-minute strike sealed a commanding Champions League victory over Sparta Prague (3-0 aggregate), transforming a difficult start to the tie into a statement performance. The right-back had been harshly criticised following a shaky first leg in Prague, where his defensive…

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Chad’s presidential pardon reveals political manipulation behind reconciliation

Aïcha Abdou

Chad Chad’s presidential pardon reveals political manipulation behind reconciliation President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s recent address during Chad’s national sovereignty celebrations on August 11 marked a symbolic milestone following years in power. The speech exemplifies a classic political communication strategy: blending republican firmness with calculated leniency to shape public perception. By spotlighting undeniable scourges like corruption and nepotism while announcing an imminent presidential pardon, the central government deploys a rhetoric of change that conceals deeper political calculations. Semantic firewalls: condemning flaws to evade accountability The first manipulation tactic hinges on…

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Gabon advances workers’ representation with landmark elections report

Aïcha Abdou

The culmination of a historic electoral process was marked this Monday when President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema received Vice-President of the Government Herman Immongault and Minister of Labour Jacqueline Ilogue, spouse Bignoumba. The high-level meeting formalised the handover of the final report on the nation’s first-ever professional elections, conducted under direct presidential oversight. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

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How Benin’s senate makes decisions: five key legal acts

Aïcha Abdou

Bénin How Benin’s Senate structures its decision-making process The recently adopted internal regulations of the Senate of Bénin, finalized in Porto-Novo on July 30, 2026, outline five distinct legal instruments through which the upper chamber will exercise its authority. These measures—ranging from advisory opinions to decrees—define the framework for legislative oversight, political oversight, and potential sanctions against public officials. Benin Senate Press All articles August 11, 2026 at 6:35 PM POLITICS↓Read offline 0 views Key Decision-Making Tools Resolutions: shaping national policy Orders: enforcing constitutional penalties Advisory opinions: parliamentary recommendations Bureau…

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Côte d’Ivoire: shifting power dynamics in the ppa-ci ahead of gbagbo era

Aïcha Abdou

The Ivorian political landscape is witnessing a significant reshuffle within the ranks of the Parti populaire africain de Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI). Five prominent figures have been entrusted with key responsibilities previously held by former President Laurent Gbagbo, signaling a deliberate move to restructure party leadership. This strategic reallocation of authority is seen by analysts as a calculated step to stabilize the party’s future, especially in the context of the evolving post-Gbagbo era. While the reasons behind these changes remain subject to interpretation, observers suggest they may lay the groundwork for…

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Transparency in Senegal parliament leaders declare assets

Aïcha Abdou

Senator Ousmane Sonko leads declaration of assets for Senegal parliament leaders The President of Senegal’s National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, has fulfilled the mandatory asset declaration requirement applicable to senior public officials. According to the official roster issued by the National Office for the Fight Against Corruption (OFNAC), the Speaker of Parliament is among those who have formally submitted their declarations. The move underscores the ongoing commitment to financial transparency and oversight of high-level public officeholders. Multiple parliamentary leaders comply with disclosure rules Several key figures within the National Assembly have…

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Will mahamat idriss déby’s pardon ease Tchad’s political tensions?

Aïcha Abdou

Tchad: can presidential clemency pave the way for political calm? As Chad celebrates its 66th Independence Day, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has declared his intention to exercise his constitutional pardon power. While the identities of those set to benefit remain undisclosed, the announcement has sparked intense speculation about the fate of prominent opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Succès Masra. In a national address marking the occasion, the head of state framed his decision within a broader narrative of national unity and reconciliation. The practical impact of this gesture…

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Senegal’s new constitutional council president sworn in after historic vacancy

Aïcha Abdou

Ousmane Diagne takes the helm of Senegal’s Constitutional Council In a solemn ceremony, Ousmane Diagne has been officially installed as the new president of Senegal’s Constitutional Council, following a decree by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. His appointment comes after a prolonged period of institutional vacancy triggered by the untimely demise of his predecessor, Mamadou Badio Camara, in April 2025. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, a high-profile swearing-in ceremony marked the formal induction of Ousmane Diagne as the Constitutional Council’s president. His elevation to this pivotal role was formalized through presidential…

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DIRECT. L’OL obligé de battre le Sparta Prague pour rêver de Ligue des champions, suivez le match en live

Aïcha Abdou

12h30 : À lire avant ce match, cet article pour comprendre tous les enjeux : Sans filet, l’OL doit renverser le Sparta pour déjà éviter l’échec et la tension 12h : Bonjour et bienvenue pour suivre ce match retour décisif entre l’OL et le Sparta Prague ! À l’aller, l’Olympique lyonnais s’était incliné 2-1 à Prague et doit donc tout faire pour renverser la situation au Groupama Stadium, sous peine de dire adieu à la compétition européenne. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

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Senegal’s special funds controversy under Sonko’s premiership

Aïcha Abdou

During a recent television appearance, former Senegalese minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye made striking revelations about the allocation of special funds during Ousmane Sonko‘s tenure as Prime Minister. According to Ndiaye, Sonko was the first head of government to receive these controversial funds, which sparked intense public debate. “He was the first Prime Minister to benefit from these special funds. I was never Prime Minister, but some former colleagues are listening, and among them, only Boun Abdallah Dionne—may he rest in peace—did not have access to these funds,” Ndiaye stated. He…

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