Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo reaches critical levels

Ousmane Tandja

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reported a total of 1,003 confirmed cases of Ebola, including 254 deaths—a mortality rate of 25.3%. The figures, released by the National Institute of Public Health (Institut National de Santé Publique, INSP), reflect a sharp increase in detected cases since the outbreak’s early stages. The vast majority of infections and fatalities have been concentrated in Ituri province, where 91.3% of cases and 80.7% of deaths have occurred. This remote region in northeastern DRC has long struggled with armed group violence,…

Read More

Togo advances sustainable aviation fuel with new energy partnerships

Ousmane Tandja

Lomé is taking bold steps toward a greener aviation sector with two landmark agreements designed to accelerate the country’s energy transition in air travel. The deals, inked between the Lomé-Tokoin Airport Authority (SALT) and T-OIL, a state-owned energy enterprise, aim to introduce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and expand critical fuel storage capacity at the Lomé International Airport. The partnerships include the phased adoption of SAF—a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel—and the construction of a new 1,500-cubic-meter Jet A1 storage tank on the airport grounds. These moves align with global…

Read More

Mauritania seeks Gabon’s backing for OIF leadership bid

Ousmane Tandja

High-level diplomatic exchanges between Gabon and Mauritania have reached a new milestone, underscoring the strength of their bilateral ties. During a recent audience in Libreville, Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema welcomed Messouda Bahama Mohamed Laghdaf, a special envoy dispatched by Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. The Mauritanian Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development carried a formal message from her head of state, reaffirming Nouakchott’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Gabon. This partnership, built on mutual respect and shared values, has long fostered constructive dialogue on regional priorities.…

Read More

Gabon’s political landscape needs urgent revival of public debate

Ousmane Tandja

The Gabonese political scene has long thrived on spirited exchanges, a hallmark of its democratic vitality since the multiparty system emerged from the March-April 1990 National Conference. Political parties have consistently made their voices heard through bold stances, targeted criticisms, and measured support for government actions when circumstances demanded it. Yet, recent months have seen a worrying decline in public discourse. A suffocating silence has descended over the political arena, leaving only sporadic interventions from the Rassemblement pour la patrie et la modernité (RPM) led by Barro Chambrier, the Parti…

Read More

Tshisekedi and Burundi’s Ndayishimiye tackle regional security and health threats

Ousmane Tandja

On Monday, June 22, 2026, at the African Union City in Kinshasa, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, welcomed Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and current Chair of the African Union, for a state visit. The two leaders engaged in a private discussion followed by an expanded bilateral meeting, focusing on deepening cooperation across shared priorities. During these discussions, the Presidents addressed pressing regional security concerns, particularly the ongoing instability in eastern DR Congo, where Burundi has been actively supporting FARDC forces in countering Rwandan…

Read More

Mauritania seeks Gabon’s backing for OIF leadership role

Ousmane Tandja

The Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Messouda Bahama Mohamed Laghdaf, carrying an official message from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, was received by Gabon’s transitional leader, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, on June 22 to formally present Mauritania’s bid for the Secretary-General position at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). During the meeting, Dr. Koumba Ba, leading Mauritania’s candidacy, outlined a strategic vision built on three core pillars: coherence, balance, and tangible utility for member states. The discussions underscored the strong diplomatic…

Read More

Tension in Senegal’s leadership after key political shift

Ousmane Tandja

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko’s alliance lasted barely two years. The President of Senegal has now removed his former Prime Minister from office, marking a decisive break in their partnership. Sonko, who now presides over the National Assembly, remains the influential leader of the Pastef party—dominant in Parliament but excluded from the government. How did this political fracture occur, and what does it mean for the future of governance in Dakar? Could this escalating tension overshadow the pressing needs of the Senegalese people? Key voices in the debate Abdoulaye…

Read More

Senegal’s political shift: Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko face new tensions

Ousmane Tandja

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko’s alliance lasted barely two years. After dismissing his former Prime Minister from office, the President of Senegal now finds himself in uncharted political territory. Sonko, now Speaker of the National Assembly, has been re-elected with overwhelming support to lead the Pastef party— Senegal’s dominant force in Parliament yet absent from the government. How did this fracture occur? Will the cohabitation between the Head of State and the Assembly President remain viable? More importantly, could these tensions overshadow the pressing needs of the Senegalese people?…

Read More

Azerbaijan and Morocco strengthen parliamentary ties in Baku meeting

Ousmane Tandja

Diplomatic dialogue boosts Azerbaijan-Morocco parliamentary relations Baku, June 23 — High-level discussions in Azerbaijan’s capital have underscored the growing strength of parliamentary relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco. The meeting, held during the 20th session of the Parliamentary Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), brought together key legislative figures from both nations. Sahibé Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Mejlis, welcomed Mohamed Ghayate, Vice-President of Morocco’s Chamber of Representatives, highlighting the robust and mutually respectful nature of bilateral ties. Both sides noted the steady progress in political cooperation, particularly within…

Read More

Niger’s pragmatic shift under Abdourahamane Tiani

Ousmane Tandja

Boubacar Sidiki Haidara West Africa correspondent Russie – Afrique Mohamed Bazoum Khalifa Haftar Romuald Wadagni Assimi Goïta Ibrahim Traoré Abdourahamane Tiani Alliance des États du Sahel Under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger is embracing a new chapter marked by pragmatic decision-making. Since assuming power, the transitional authorities have demonstrated a clear shift in governance, prioritizing stability and regional collaboration over past uncertainties. This approach reflects a broader strategy to reposition Niger on the continental stage while addressing pressing domestic challenges. Strategic partnerships take center stage Niger’s foreign policy…

Read More