Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

La Côte d’Ivoire active son Infrastructure à clés publiques nationale

Aïcha Abdou

La cybersécurité en Côte d’Ivoire franchit une étape structurante. Les autorités ivoiriennes ont officialisé la mise en service de l’Infrastructure à clés publiques (ICP), dispositif national chargé d’émettre et de gérer les certificats électroniques qui authentifient identités, transactions et échanges dématérialisés. Dans le même mouvement, Abidjan a lancé les travaux de sa nouvelle stratégie nationale de cybersécurité, qui couvrira la période 2026-2030 et succédera au cadre en vigueur depuis plusieurs années. Le déploiement d’une ICP souveraine répond à un impératif technique et politique. Techniquement, cette architecture délivre les certificats numériques…

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Senegal’s president issues stern warning to opposition leader

Aïcha Abdou

In a bold political move, Senegal’s newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has delivered a sharp warning to opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, signaling a new era in the nation’s governance. Speaking during the launch of his political party, KIIRAAY – Les Patriotes républicains, Faye emphasized that tolerance for past behaviors has officially ended. The President’s statement, conveyed in a clear and unambiguous manner, translates to: « Here, what was once tolerated will no longer be accepted. » This declaration comes at a critical juncture, as political tensions between the two…

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Sonko rallies Pastef activists in Bargny for membership drive

Aïcha Abdou

In a show of grassroots strength, Ousmane Sonko launched his political tour in Bargny, where he was greeted by a sea of supporters and local leaders eager to boost the party’s membership campaign. The Pastef leader kicked off a four-city tour this Saturday, beginning in Bargny before moving on to Sébikotane, Khombole, and Bambey. His mission: to energize activists and drive forward the critical campaign to sell party membership cards ahead of upcoming elections. Standing before a packed crowd in Bargny, Sonko made it clear his visit was all about…

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Ivorian electoral reforms: 2PFJ pushes for inclusive political dialogue

Aïcha Abdou

The Plateforme panafricaine des femmes et des jeunes pour la paix, la démocratie et la gouvernance (2PFJ) is urging authorities in Côte d’Ivoire to initiate a comprehensive, participatory, and inclusive political dialogue as part of the ongoing electoral reform process. In an official statement released on July 21, 2026, the platform emphasized the urgent need to address the lingering socio-political challenges that continue to divide communities across the country. Why a holistic approach to electoral reform matters According to the 2PFJ, the current electoral governance system in Côte d’Ivoire has…

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Gabon and IMF forge path for 2026 financial cooperation plan

Aïcha Abdou

Libreville is at the heart of a pivotal economic moment as Gabon and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) advance toward a landmark financial cooperation agreement. On July 23, Vice President of the Government Hermann Immongault met with IMF representative Régis Olivier N’Sondé to lay the groundwork for a new program set to be finalized by December 2026. Central to this initiative is Gabon’s National Development Plan for the Transition (PNCD), which will serve as the blueprint for reforms aimed at securing budgetary and technical support. PNCD: The backbone of Gabon’s…

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EU-Togo partnership thrives under outgoing ambassador’s watch

Aïcha Abdou

As his diplomatic mission in Togo draws to a close, European Union Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones received a farewell audience with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a partnership that has flourished in scope and impact. The outgoing diplomat highlighted how the collaboration between Brussels and Lomé has expanded significantly during his tenure, now encompassing sustainable development, infrastructure, energy, governance, education, and security initiatives. His visit served as both a review of achievements and a forward-looking discussion with the Togolese head of state. Investment…

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Cameroon president’s prolonged absence fuels power vacuum debate

Aïcha Abdou

Cameroon’s Head of State, President Paul Biya, has led the country since 1982 and remains the world’s oldest serving leader at 93 years old. As of this past Saturday, he had been away from Cameroonian soil for 48 consecutive days, departing on June 7 for what official statements described as a brief private stay in Europe, accompanied by his wife, Chantal Biya. Rumors surrounding the President’s health have persisted for years, particularly due to his frequent visits to Geneva, though government officials have repeatedly dismissed these claims. On June 18,…

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Niamey hosts 2026 nigerien diaspora forum

Aïcha Abdou

On July 28 and 29, 2026, Niamey will become the focal point for Nigeriens abroad during the second edition of the Nigerien Diaspora Forum. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, this event aims to position the diaspora as a key player in the nation’s economic and social progress. Under the patronage of the President of the Republic, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the forum aligns with the government’s broader Refoundation agenda, which seeks to reshape Niger’s development trajectory through inclusive and sustainable strategies. empowering the diaspora for…

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Adama Bictogo’s inclusive political tour ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s independence day in Yopougon

Aïcha Abdou

Yopougon is gearing up to host a historic celebration this year. On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Adama Bictogo, Deputy Mayor of Yopougon, will embark on an extensive political tour across the commune. This initiative is part of the preparations for the 66th anniversary of Côte d’Ivoire’s independence, set to take place on August 7 in this bustling district of Abidjan. The tour aims to engage militants from four major political parties represented in Yopougon. According to a press release from the Deputy Mayor’s office, Bictogo will meet with members of…

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Government reshuffle at the Primature after Ousmane Sonko’s departure

Aïcha Abdou

The new administration under Prime Minister Al Aminou Lô has initiated a comprehensive restructuring of state services, with key transfers of authority and cabinet enhancements outlined in decree n° 2025-1431. Administrative overhaul following leadership transition Since Ousmane Sonko’s departure from the Primature on May 22, 2026, the organization of services under the head of government has undergone a significant transformation. His successor, Al Aminou Lô, inherited an administration reshaped by decree n° 2025-1431, which reallocates state services, public establishments, national companies, and state-owned enterprises among the Presidency, the Primature, and…

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Senegal’s prime ministership shifts under Al Aminou Lô’s leadership

Aïcha Abdou

Senegal’s governmental landscape has undergone a fresh transformation following a reshuffle at the helm of the Prime Minister’s office in mid-2026. The transition marked the end of Ousmane Sonko’s tenure as Prime Minister, which began in late 2025, and the ascension of Al Aminou Lô to the position. This shift has triggered a strategic realignment of key state institutions and services. The restructuring aligns with decree n°2025-1431, which outlines the distribution of state services and oversight of public establishments, national companies, and government-invested firms among the Presidency, Prime Minister’s office,…

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Mali jihadist takeover forces villagers to flee Kouakourou

Aïcha Abdou

Mali jihadist takeover forces villagers to flee Kouakourou Field Report On July 18, 2026, jihadist forces from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jnim) launched a devastating assault on the military camp in Kouakourou, Mali. The attack marked a significant escalation in the conflict, culminating in the destruction of a military helicopter the following day. Civilians attempting to blend in with fleeing soldiers were reportedly captured, while residents were given a stark ultimatum: abandon their homes or face the consequences. Retreating forces face repeated ambushes In the…

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