Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

Space forum africa 2026: how space technologies are driving african development

Aïcha Abdou

At the Space Forum Africa 2026 in Lomé, the conversation shifted from distant ambitions to tangible impact. From July 28 to 30, policymakers, researchers, investors, and innovators gathered to explore a groundbreaking idea: space technologies are no longer just about observing Earth from above. They now hold the power to boost productivity, predict disasters, enhance communications, and unlock new economic frontiers across Africa. For decades, Africa’s space narrative focused on distant goals—launching satellites, funding scientific programs, and training talent. Yet in Lomé, the dialogue took a decisive turn. The question…

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Morocco warns spain of migration surge after spanish court ruling

Aïcha Abdou

Morocco had cautioned Spain in advance about the potential migration surge triggered by a recent Spanish court decision, a senior Moroccan official asserted, refuting any lapses in the country’s border security measures. In the past few days, nearly 60,000 individuals—primarily Moroccans—have either entered or attempted to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, either on foot or by swimming from the nearby city of Fnideq. This unprecedented influx quickly overwhelmed Ceuta’s resources before prompting thousands of returnees to Morocco. According to the high-ranking official, who spoke anonymously late Monday, Moroccan authorities…

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Gabon and Sierra Leone leaders strengthen ties in historic Freetown summit

Aïcha Abdou

Diplomatic breakthrough in Freetown as Gabonese and Sierra Leonean leaders unite The historic meeting between Gabonese Head of State Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio at Freetown’s State House yesterday marked the pinnacle of a state visit that began on August 2. The four-day diplomatic mission aimed to deepen the Libreville-Freetown axis and reinforce Gabon’s strategic presence in West Africa—a region often touted as a model for Central African integration despite lingering bureaucratic hurdles. During their discussions, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying…

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African development bank speeds up Gabon project rollout amid delays

Aïcha Abdou

The African Development Bank’s portfolio in Gabon, valued at $658.6 million, remains bogged down by persistent execution delays that neither Libreville’s authorities nor the panafrican lender have managed to resolve sustainably. While some performance indicators have shown recent improvement, the gap between financial commitments and actual disbursement rates on the ground continues to widen. This challenge, though not unique to Gabon, is particularly acute in the country, prompting the AfDB to rethink its support strategies. Substantial funding, sluggish implementation With its financial commitments in Gabon, the AfDB ranks among the…

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One in five people in the Sahel faced hunger in 2025

Aïcha Abdou

ConflictMali One in five people in the Sahel faced hunger in 2025 The latest global report on food security and nutrition paints a dire picture for Africa, particularly the Sahel. In this region, one in five people suffered from hunger in 2025, with alarming trends worsening over the past 15 years. Why is food insecurity deepening in the Sahel? Fanta Touré Diop, Regional Representative for West and Central Africa at the NGO Action Against Hunger, highlights multiple factors driving this crisis. The Sahel’s humanitarian landscape has deteriorated significantly due to…

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Bodo/glimt coach targets control against union in champions league clash

Aïcha Abdou

Home Latest news Bodo/Glimt coach strives to dictate tempo against Union Saint-Gilloise in Champions League duel Union Saint-Gilloise faces a stern test on Tuesday at 20:00 against Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Last season, the Norwegian side notably eliminated both Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the group stage. Belga Agence Published on 03-08-2026 at 19:44 in Ostend, Belgium Norwegian head coach Kjetil Knutsen acknowledged on Monday in the nearly empty press room of the KVDO Arena in Ostend that his side faces “a very…

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Senegal political alliances face electoral migration challenges

Aïcha Abdou

In Senegal, a rare political convergence is unfolding as the Pastef movement and the Alliance for the Republic (APR) find common ground in addressing the contentious issue of electoral migration. This unexpected alliance highlights shifting dynamics within Senegal‘s political sphere, where traditional divisions are being challenged by pragmatic cooperation. The roots of electoral migration in Senegal Electoral migration—commonly referred to as transhumance politique—has long been a divisive issue in Senegal’s political landscape. This practice involves politicians and supporters switching allegiances between parties, often driven by strategic or financial incentives rather…

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Benin’s Valentin Djenontin welcomes release of Julien Kansou, urges national unity

Aïcha Abdou

Benin’s Valentin Djenontin welcomes release of Julien Kansou, urges national unity Cotonou — The August 1st release of Julien Kandé Kansou, granted presidential clemency by Benin‘s Head of State Romuald Wadagni, has sparked a wave of approval across the country’s political landscape. An act of reconciliation with far-reaching implications In a statement published on August 2nd, former minister Valentin Djenontin-Agossou expressed his satisfaction with the release, describing it as a vital gesture of appeasement for the nation’s democratic life. While reiterating his long-standing position regarding the circumstances surrounding Kansou’s detention,…

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Hundreds displaced after terror attacks in southwest Niger

Aïcha Abdou

In the southwestern region of Niger, a series of coordinated terror attacks struck villages in mid-July, leaving hundreds of residents displaced and seeking safety in neighboring areas. The assaults, unprecedented in the Dosso region, unfold near the borders with Nigeria and Benin—a zone that has become increasingly volatile since 2025. Authorities and local observers attribute the violence to extremist factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as documented by conflict monitoring organizations. Survivors fleeing the violence have primarily relocated to the Tahoua region, close to the Nigerian border, while…

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Como faces uefa rule hurdle in champions league squad limits

Aïcha Abdou

Como’s Champions League hopes tested by UEFA’s local player rule Como, making its debut in the UEFA Champions League, faces an unexpected challenge that could limit its squad size this season. According to UEFA’s regulations, clubs must adhere to strict rules on player eligibility, which may restrict Como’s ability to field its full roster. The club could be permitted to register only 16 to 17 players on its match sheet, thanks to Article 31 of the UEFA statutes. The issue stems from a quota system that allows clubs to include…

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Religious leader urges senegalese leaders to set aside differences

Aïcha Abdou

In a bid to foster national unity amid pressing economic and social challenges, Serigne Modou Kara Mbacké has called for an end to personal feuds among Senegal’s top leadership. During the Grand Magal of Touba—a major religious observance commemorating Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba’s exile—Serigne Modou Kara Mbacké addressed his followers from his residence in Mermoz, urging President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to move beyond their differences for the greater good of the nation. The influential religious figure emphasized that reconciliation between the two leaders is not only…

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