Author: Aïcha Abdou

Investigations by Human Rights Watch have revealed disturbing discrepancies in the official account of airstrikes conducted by Africa Corps in Kyrnia, a village in Mali’s Mopti region. On June 15, these strikes claimed the lives of eight civilians, with no evidence found of any armed combatants from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) among the fatalities. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior Sahel researcher for Human Rights Watch, highlighted the findings during a regional news segment. The organisation’s report directly challenges the narrative presented by Mali’s military allies, particularly Russian partners,…

African Politics Gabon’s president oligui nguema strengthens ties with Côte d’Ivoire 52 Libreville, August 4, 2026 — Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has arrived in Côte d’Ivoire for a high-profile diplomatic engagement, reinforcing the strong ties between Libreville and Abidjan. The visit follows stops in Accra, Banjul, and Freetown as part of a regional tour aimed at deepening West African partnerships. The Gabonese leader, accompanied by First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema, was invited by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara to attend the country’s 66th Independence Day celebrations on August 7.…

The recent state visit to Freetown by Gabon’s head of state underscores Libreville’s strategic push to deepen diplomatic and economic ties across West Africa. While cooperation with Sierra Leone has lagged behind other regional partners, this high-profile engagement signals a renewed commitment to revitalizing bilateral relations. Sierra Leone emerges as a key partner in this regional strategy, given its robust economic foundations. The country’s growth trajectory—with a GDP expanding between 4.2% and 5.5% and inflation steadily declining—positions it as an attractive destination for investment. Its mining sector, a cornerstone of…

For 57 consecutive days, President Paul Biya has remained out of the public eye, sparking deep unease across Cameroon. Amid this prolonged absence, a series of controversial military appointments has intensified concerns over a potential ethnic power grab and institutional vacuum. Since departing Yaoundé on June 7, 2026, ostensibly for a “private stay in Europe,” the 93-year-old head of state has not been seen in public. His extended absence has coincided with sweeping changes in the Cameroonian armed forces, including the appointment of five new brigadier generals, a new commander…

Libreville recently hosted a special gathering at the Chinese embassy, marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The event also carried deep significance as it coincided with the 52nd year since Gabon and China established diplomatic relations. Addressing the audience, China’s ambassador to Gabon, Zhou Ping, highlighted the robust and evolving partnership between Libreville and Beijing. He noted that November will see Gabon’s President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, undertake an official visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi…