Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

Togo strengthens ties with Russia and Africa Corps amid rising jihadist threats

Aïcha Abdou

Togo strengthens ties with Russia and Africa Corps amid rising jihadist threats Lomé has quietly expanded its security partnerships in recent years, forging discreet but strategic alliances to counter the growing influence of jihadist factions across the Sahel. With the support of external actors, Togo is reshaping its defense strategy to protect its northern borders and vital national interests. Turkey’s rising role in Togo’s counterterrorism efforts The search for aerial support and military assistance has led Lomé to deepen its cooperation with Ankara. Over the past decade, Togo has relied…

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Togo strengthens ties with Russia and Africa Corps amid security tensions

Aïcha Abdou

Lomé has quietly expanded its security partnerships, welcoming Russian forces and Africa Corps units alongside longstanding collaborations with Turkey. This strategic shift reflects growing concerns over cross-border threats from Sahel jihadist factions. New defense alliances take shape Since 2025, the Togolese government has intensified its defense cooperation with Moscow, culminating in the arrival of Africa Corps personnel. Simultaneously, long-secret agreements with Ankara have provided critical aerial surveillance capabilities and logistical support. Russia’s expanding footprint in West Africa The Africa Corps deployment marks a significant escalation in Russian involvement across the…

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Abidjan hosts african push to unlock 29 500 billion dollar mineral wealth

Aïcha Abdou

Ministers, investors and development partners from across Africa gathered in Abidjan this month to chart a new course for the continent’s critical minerals. The high-level talks focused on turning Africa’s vast underground wealth into engines for industrial growth, job creation and inclusive development. Key priorities included deepening local processing, securing fair financing and building regional supply chains to meet surging global demand. Delegates from mineral-rich African nations joined representatives of the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area secretariat, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, regional development banks,…

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African nations unite in Abidjan to harness critical minerals worth $29.5 trillion

Aïcha Abdou

The African countries blessed with abundant critical minerals and their development partners convened in Abidjan with a shared ambition: turning the continent’s strategic resources into an engine for economic, industrial, and social transformation. At the heart of discussions were local value creation, development financing, and the emergence of regional value chains to meet the surging global demand. On Friday, July 10, ministers in charge of Mines, Energy, Industry, Green Economy, and Natural Resources from across Africa gathered alongside representatives from the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area…

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2026 world cup: record goals, dramatic comebacks and surprises

Aïcha Abdou

Stunning goals, breathtaking comebacks, nail-biting suspense until the final whistle, and shocking upsets — this World Cup has already delivered more than expected. With the quarter-finals just days away, the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States is proving to be one for the history books. The first 48-team edition of football’s greatest showpiece has been nothing short of spectacular. But could it be the greatest of all time? Unprecedented excitement on the pitch The numbers speak for themselves. Across 104 matches, 280 goals have been scored — an…

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Bénin’s diplomatic landscape expands with new envoys

Aïcha Abdou

Thirteen newly appointed ambassadors officially presented their letters of credence to President Romuald Wadagni at the Palais de la Marina in Cotonou on Friday, July 10, 2026. This significant ceremony formally marks their accreditation and the commencement of their diplomatic missions within Bénin. Diplomacy took center stage on the presidential agenda in Cotonou as the Head of State welcomed these thirteen new diplomatic representatives, each entrusted with fostering relations with the Republic of Bénin. During these individual audiences, each ambassador formally submitted their letters of credence, the official document from…

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Bénin: François Silibi fait son entrée au parlement en remplacement remplace de Louis Vlavonou

Aïcha Abdou

Bénin Bénin: François Silibi fait son entrée au parlement en remplacement remplace de Louis Vlavonou François Silibi a officiellement fait son entrée à l’Assemblée nationale ce vendredi 10 juillet 2026. Il succède à Louis Vlavonou, qui a quitté son siège de député après son entrée au Sénat en qualité de membre de droit, en raison de ses anciennes fonctions de président de l’Assemblée nationale. Edouard Djogbénou Voir tous ses articles Le 10 jul 2026 à 16:19 • MàJ le 10 jul 2026 POLITIQUE ↓ Lire hors-ligne 44 vues 🎧 Écouter…

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Gabon | Audit des finances publiques : une double menaça pour Libreville

Aïcha Abdou

La menace de deux audits concurrents sur les finances publiques de Gabon arrive à mi-juillet et fait frémir la ville de Libreville. D’une part, le Comité d’audit et de consolidation des passifs exigibles de l’État doit livrer ses conclusions la semaine prochaine sur un stock de dette publique estimée entre 70 et 74% du PIB. D’autre part, la Task force sur la dette publique a documenté depuis six ans un système de surfacturations et de travaux fictifs qui explique en partie l’explosion de la dette intérieure, multipliée par sept entre…

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Major ambush strikes malian military convoy near tabankort in northern Mali

Aïcha Abdou

A wave of intense fighting erupted yesterday near Tin Araban, just outside Tabankort, as a large military convoy from the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and their Russian-backed allies, Africa Corps, clashed with a coalition of armed rebel and terrorist groups. With tensions escalating in the region, the deafening silence from Bamako’s transitional government underscores a deliberate effort to obscure the worsening security crisis. The Gao-Anéfis corridor has become the epicenter of an exceptionally fierce confrontation. Reports indicate that a substantial military convoy, comprising around sixty logistical vehicles, armored units, and…

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Political leader mourns passing of revered religious figure in Senegal

Aïcha Abdou

The Senegalese political landscape was deeply affected this July 9th, 2026, when the nation lost a prominent spiritual leader. Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, announced the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the revered Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo. The announcement came as a profound shock to many across the country. Tributes pour in for Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké In a heartfelt statement, Mr. Sonko expressed his profound sadness at the loss of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, describing the moment as deeply emotional. The President…

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Senegal mouride community mourns passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacké

Aïcha Abdou

The Senegalese nation is in mourning following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the esteemed Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, who was called to the divine on July 9, 2026. News of his death has sent ripples of sorrow through the Mouride community and beyond. Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, expressed his deep grief over the loss of a religious leader whose warmth and humanity left a lasting impression. Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké had welcomed him on multiple occasions during visits to Guinguinéo, where…

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Senegal mourns loss of revered religious leader Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké

Aïcha Abdou

Senegal is in mourning following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the esteemed khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo. The revered religious figure was called to the divine on July 9, 2026, a loss that has deeply shaken the nation. National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko conveyed his profound grief over the loss, reflecting on the warmth and humanity of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké during their encounters in Guinguinéo. Tributes pour in for Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké « With deep sorrow and profound emotion, I learned of the…

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