Author: Aïcha Abdou

The appointment of Captain Elvire Toupé as aide-de-camp to Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni has sparked widespread approval. This groundbreaking decision, announced following the first cabinet meeting on May 28, marks the first time a Beninese woman has held this position since the country’s independence on August 1, 1960. Toupé, previously serving in the Republican Guard, now stands as a symbol of progress in a nation where women’s political representation remains limited. Honoring a legacy of female warriors Political analyst Régis Hounkpè views Toupé’s appointment as a powerful symbol for Beninese…

Facing a significant financial upheaval, Senegal is poised to take a crucial step in public finance management. Dakar is reportedly set to name the American investment bank Lazard as its financial advisor to address its sovereign debt. This appointment is under close scrutiny by international investors, particularly following the discovery of substantial budgetary irregularities under the previous administration. Over $13 billion in undisclosed debt The true scale of the crisis came to light with the new government’s revelations: over $13 billion in public debt had remained undisclosed, representing more than…

The National Refining Company of Cameroon (Sonara) is pivoting away from its previous Parras 24 initiative, opting instead for a new public-private partnership model to enhance operational efficiency and long-term viability. This strategic shift reflects a broader effort to modernize the refinery’s infrastructure while ensuring sustainable fuel supply for the domestic market. Why Sonara is ending its Parras 24 approach Since its inception, the Parras 24 project aimed to bolster local refining capacity, but mounting operational challenges and financial constraints have prompted a reevaluation. Key concerns included rising maintenance costs,…

controversial return of former Senegalese president Macky Sall stirs debate breaking news The anticipated return of former Senegalese President Macky Sall to Dakar on Friday, July 17, for a meeting with his successor Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has ignited fierce public debate across the nation. The visit, marking his first return since leaving office in April 2024, coincides with mounting demands for accountability over the alleged repression of protests between 2021 and 2024. The timing of Macky Sall’s visit has intensified scrutiny, with critics accusing his administration of excessive force during…

Gabon’s decade-long journey to UN compliance culminates in success After eleven years of meticulous preparation, Gabon has finally met the stringent requirements set by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The milestone was officially recognized during a high-level consultation held in Libreville from June 29 to July 1, 2026, where Séraphin Ondoumba, the UNODC’s focal point for Gabon, confirmed the country’s compliance with the second review cycle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. This achievement follows a structured evaluation process established under the 2011 resolution 3/1…