Author: Ousmane Tandja

United Nations financial shortfall undermines DRC human rights commission in eastern provinces The sixty-second session of the Human Rights Council, featuring an Enhanced Interactive Dialogue, convened in Geneva on June 29, 2026, for the first time hearing from the Independent Commission of Inquiry on human rights violations in North Kivu and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, following its initial mission to Kinshasa. During its maiden visit to the DRC, the Commission conducted extensive consultations in the capital, engaging with representatives of victim support organizations, human rights defenders, civil…

Fifteen dedicated journalists recently participated in an intensive, full-day training session in Yaoundé, focusing on critical aspects of media safety. The curriculum covered essential themes such as proactive risk assessment before field assignments, adopting best practices during crisis situations, safeguarding sensitive data and sources, and effectively managing the psychological impact and trauma often associated with challenging reporting. Yanick Bezang, who coordinates the International Federation of Journalists’ (FIJ) Cameroon Media Plus project, underscored the growing significance of journalist security as an integral part of the profession today. He emphasized that media…

Unveiled on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Cotonou by Bénin Tourisme, EuroCham, and LuxDev, the groundbreaking « Les Nouveaux Chefs » project is set to propel Beninese gastronomy onto the global stage. This collaborative initiative skillfully merges elite culinary training, the celebration of local heritage, and professional integration, aiming to transform the nation’s culinary arts into a powerful engine for tourism development and economic empowerment for young people across all 12 departments of the country. A strategic alliance to showcase culinary heritage The official launch press conference for the «…

Bénin The Republican Police delivered a significant blow to urban criminal enterprises this week in Cotonou, executing a large-scale operation within the Vodjè district. This targeted intervention successfully dismantled a notorious hub that had discreetly housed an Indian hemp trafficking network. Our initial findings indicate this location served both as a critical transit point and a consumption site for users. The raid led to the apprehension of several individuals on the premises and the confiscation of substantial materials directly linked to the illicit trade. Investigations are vigorously continuing to identify…

Algeria’s recent legislative elections have concluded with a provisional voter turnout recorded at an unprecedented low of 20.79%. This figure represents a historic dip in participation for the nation’s parliamentary polls, reflecting a significant moment in Algerian politics. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent