Author: Aïcha Abdou

Benin is writing a new chapter in its cultural sovereignty by transforming the return of its stolen heritage into a catalyst for economic and social revival. With the establishment of a National Scientific Committee on July 14, 2026, Cotonou is accelerating the repatriation of 35 cultural treasures and colonial archives from France—moving beyond symbolism to build a sustainable cultural economy that resonates deeply with local communities. A renewed chapter in Beninese cultural diplomacy Having led Africa’s restitution movement, Benin is now advancing to the next phase of its heritage diplomacy.…

The provisional findings of Gabon’s latest national population and housing census have been formally submitted to the Constitutional Court, marking a critical step in validating the country’s official demographic statistics. On July 14, 2026, Vice-President Hermann Immongault presented the General Population and Housing Census (RGPL) report to Constitutional Court President Dieudonné Aba’a Owono in Libreville, initiating the regulatory phase of national data homologation. This handover is more than a procedural formality—it represents a foundational moment for Gabon’s development agenda. The verified census data will directly inform key national initiatives, including…

In a decisive move against persistent terrorist threats along their shared borders, Bénin and Burkina Faso have activated long-anticipated bilateral military cooperation. Joint patrols are now actively deployed in the strategically vital Koualou region, marking a significant escalation in the fight against armed groups. This operational alliance, driven by an assertive defense diplomacy under the new Béninese President Romuald Wadagni, aims to permanently neutralize terrorist factions and bring peace to an area crucial for regional stability. A new diplomatic impetus: The Romuald Wadagni era Securing Bénin’s northwestern border, which abuts…

In the heart of Dakar, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco served as the backdrop for a significant cultural event on July 14. The occasion: the unveiling of the photographic exhibition “Morocco–Senegal: A Shared History, A United Future”, a visual journey through the decades of ties binding the two nations. The gathering brought together prominent figures from politics, diplomacy, and media, all united by a shared mission: to celebrate the depth of the relationship between Morocco and Senegal. Among the attendees were the Senegalese Minister of Communication and Government…

Gabon’s government has initiated budgetary conferences in Libreville to lay the groundwork for the 2027 Finance Bill, marking a pivotal phase in fiscal planning for next year, as confirmed in an official statement. Two-phase approach for budget preparation The conferences, structured around revenue and expenditure analysis, follow the guidelines outlined in Circular No. 000245/PR/SG dated March 31, 2026, which sets the fiscal calendar. The first phase, running from July 14 to 17, focuses on ministerial-level discussions. The second phase, slated for July 20–24, will convene within sectoral administrations to conduct…