Author: Aïcha Abdou

The Ministry of Economy and Finance in Cotonou hosted the 2026 edition of the annual political review of UEMOA community reforms, policies, programs, and projects. After a rigorous evaluation of 145 regulatory texts, Benin achieved a 73% implementation rate—exceeding the 70% satisfactory threshold. This milestone underscores the country’s steadfast commitment to regional economic integration in West Africa. Institutional engagement at the heart of UEMOA integration The alignment of national laws with regional frameworks remains central to integration within the West African Economic and Monetary Union. Each year, the annual political…

In a landmark diplomatic move, Bénin and Morocco have taken a decisive step toward deeper collaboration after the conclusion of the 7th joint cooperation commission in Cotonou. Beyond the formalization of fourteen strategic agreements, a major breakthrough emerged: Morocco has expressed readiness to consider lifting visa requirements for ordinary Bénin passport holders. This development could reshape economic, trade, and academic exchanges between the two nations. Diplomatic momentum in Cotonou On July 21, 2026, the bustling economic capital of Bénin became the stage for high-level diplomatic engagement. The 7th session of…

The agro-industrial group Swami Agri, a subsidiary of the Indian conglomerate Senegindia, is breaking new ground in West Africa with the launch of the region’s maiden Agri Green Bond. Valued at 30 billion West African CFA francs, this financial instrument marks the first issuance of its kind on the regional UEMOA financial market—a domain traditionally dominated by sovereign debt. financing climate-smart agriculture and reducing post-harvest losses The proceeds from this green bond will be directed toward the acquisition of five solar-powered cold storage units and a photovoltaic power plant. These…

African News 🇨🇲 Cameroun: arrest of a man claiming to be Paul Biya’s eldest son 🇨🇲 In Cameroun, Georges-Gilbert Baongla, who has publicly claimed for years to be the eldest son of President Paul Biya, has been taken into custody. Authorities had been seeking him for months on allegations of identity fraud, defamation and cybercrime. Georges-Gilbert Baongla had built a public persona over several years, frequently appearing in media interviews and social platforms under the claim of being Paul Biya’s firstborn. His statements often drew attention, sometimes stirring controversy with…

Three years of military rule: a country trapped in crisis Since the Niger coup led by General Abdourahamane Tiani on 26 July 2023, the nation has witnessed a steady erosion of democratic foundations. A recent assessment by a leading human rights body paints a stark picture of institutional collapse, arbitrary detentions, and a deliberate crackdown on dissent. Erosion of democratic safeguards and shrinking civic space The coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, marked the beginning of a systematic dismantling of state institutions. Under the banner of national security and sovereignty,…