Author: Aïcha Abdou

The Nigerien uranium sector is once again under scrutiny following the opaque disposal of 300 tonnes of yellowcake, the country’s SOPAMIN asset, in a deal shrouded in financial irregularities and geopolitical maneuvering. Rather than adhering to transparent procurement practices, the transaction bypassed standard banking channels and raised serious concerns about the eroding value of Niger’s natural resources. An off-the-books transaction raises red flags Investigations reveal that the uranium stock, owned by the Société du Patrimoine des Mines du Niger (SOPAMIN), was allegedly sold to Romania’s Nuclearelectrica, a state-owned nuclear energy…

The unfulfilled promise of security General Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power two years ago by ousting democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum under the pretext of restoring national security, now confronts a stark reality that undermines the very foundation of his regime. The coup d’état on July 26, 2023, was presented as a decisive response to the civilian government’s perceived failure to contain the burgeoning threat of armed groups. Yet, recent developments indicate that the promised break with the past has collided with a menace far exceeding regime changes or diplomatic…

Facing a sharp decline in its oil revenues, Gabon is charting a bold new course toward mining dominance. The government has unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives in recent months, backed by investments exceeding several hundred million dollars. Exploration and research activities are underway across multiple provinces, with projections indicating the country could emerge as a global leader in mineral production by 2030. Industry transformation under new leadership Seven months into his tenure as Gabon’s Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema speaks of palpable progress. The country’s mining sector is…

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has arrived in Kinshasa to engage with President Félix Tshisekedi as the country confronts its 17th Ebola outbreak. This latest epidemic has escalated rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation of over 100 million people. Authorities declared the outbreak on May 15, following weeks of delays, after confirming cases of the deadly virus. The WHO had previously warned of a rapidly worsening situation, emphasizing the urgent need for an accelerated health response to curb the spread.…

A historic decree signed on August 3rd reshaped Cameroon’s military leadership, elevating four generals to critical security roles, including the nation’s presidential guard—a first in the country’s history. Cameroon’s defense hierarchy witnessed sweeping changes as President Paul Biya authorized a major military reshuffle, coinciding with his extended absence from the country—a gap now exceeding two months. The August 3rd decree formalized the appointment of four generals to top-tier security positions, reinforcing the president’s protection network. Among them, General Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo assumes command of the elite presidential guard,…