Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

Ligue 1 star elye wahi embroiled in betting probe after suspect yellow card

Ousmane Tandja

Ivorian international Elye Wahi, currently participating in the World Cup, faces allegations of deliberately receiving a yellow card in a recent Ligue 1 fixture. These suspicions arose following unusual betting patterns observed prior to the incident. The Ligue de football professionnel (LFP) confirmed on Wednesday that it filed a complaint against an unknown party on May 29, citing suspicions of manipulated bets related to a yellow card received by OGC Nice forward Elye Wahi during a match against Metz. This incident occurred on the final day of the Ligue 1…

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Burkina Faso’s cement crisis: unmasking the ‘Faso Mêbo’ narrative and underlying state failures

Ousmane Tandja

In Burkina Faso, the escalating cost of cement has become a pressing concern, with authorities frequently attributing the surge to the expansion of community construction projects under the ‘Faso Mêbo’ initiative. However, beyond the highly debatable economic merits of this program, invoking it as the primary cause for the current cement crisis appears profoundly incongruous. Ordinary citizens in Burkina Faso now face exorbitant prices for a tonne of cement, a situation that is significantly hindering the construction sector and stifling the national economy. Amidst widespread discontent, the government has consistently…

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Nigeria and Cameroon forge stronger defense ties for regional security

Ousmane Tandja

Nigeria and Cameroon forge stronger defense ties for regional security Nigeria and Cameroon have formalized a significant military cooperation pact in Yaoundé, aimed at bolstering the security along their shared southern border. This comprehensive agreement outlines plans for enhanced operational coordination, more robust intelligence sharing, and closer collaboration in military training and the defense industry. A pivotal memorandum of understanding was recently signed between Nigeria and Cameroon, designed to deepen their military partnership and strengthen the safeguarding of their common southern frontier. The agreement was officially sealed in Yaoundé by…

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Ligue 1: sports corruption probe targets wahi after nice-metz match

Ousmane Tandja

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) made a striking announcement this Wednesday evening, revealing suspicious activities following the OGC Nice – FC Metz encounter on May 17. The match, part of Ligue 1’s 34th round, has come under scrutiny due to atypical betting movements specifically involving Nice player Elye Wahi. The goalless draw between Nice and Metz, a forgettable 0-0 affair, had significant implications for OGC Nice, forcing them into a playoff battle against AS Saint-Étienne to secure their Ligue 1 status. However, the LFP’s recent communication highlights unusual international…

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Unveiling the complexities of Burkina Faso’s Faso Mêbo agency: visible projects and accountability concerns

Ousmane Tandja

Established by the transitional authorities as a cornerstone of national rejuvenation and reclaimed sovereignty, the « Faso Mêbo » agency, initiated under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, is now facing intense public inquiry. While the official narrative extols patriotism, collective endeavor, and tangible developments across numerous urban centers, a growing number of observers are highlighting concerns regarding opaque resource management and the allocation of public and citizen contributions. Despite governmental pronouncements emphasizing transparency and stringent oversight in project execution, various economic analysts and informed sources indicate significant financial irregularities,…

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ECOWAS strengthens competition framework for west african digital markets

Ousmane Tandja

Abidjan, June 17, 2026 – The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ARCC) and the Programme to Support Competition and Consumer Product Safety in Sub-Saharan Africa (PACoSPro) have launched a significant awareness campaign targeting both public and private stakeholders in Gambia. This proactive initiative aims to bolster West Africa’s readiness for the competitive pressures emerging from digital transformation and the expansion of regional trade. Convening in Banjul from June 15 to 17 for a national seminar on competition law and policy, leaders from both institutions underscored the critical need for unified action.…

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High-level talks advance France-Côte d’Ivoire strategic partnership

Ousmane Tandja

Téné Birahima Ouattara et Sébastien Lecornu Politique Téné Birahima Ouattara et Sébastien Lecornu France–Côte d’Ivoire : Téné Birahima Ouattara et Sébastien Lecornu ouvrent une nouvelle page du partenariat stratégique On the fringes of the Eurosatory 2026 international defense exhibition held in France, Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Téné Birahima Ouattara, engaged in a high-level audience this Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He was hosted by his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, identified as the Prime Minister of the French Republic. This significant interaction signals a fresh chapter in strengthening…

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High-level ECOWAS talks in Cotonou address judicial enforcement challenges

Ousmane Tandja

The Béninese economic hub, Cotonou, is the venue for the second gathering of the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s National Competent Authorities (NCAs) from June 17 to 19, 2026. This pivotal event seeks to overcome the persistent hurdle of unimplemented community court rulings, a significant issue in African politics. How can we ensure that the pronouncements from the ECOWAS Court of Justice transcend mere declarations on paper? This formidable challenge is at the forefront for legal experts, parliamentarians, and representatives from member states who have converged in Cotonou since Wednesday. Over…

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Global affirmation of Morocco’s Sahara sovereignty at un human rights council

Ousmane Tandja

A significant declaration, delivered by Omar Zniber, Morocco’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, underscored the enduring political nature of the Sahara issue. Speaking on behalf of the supporting nations, Ambassador Zniber reiterated that this matter remains firmly within the political framework established by the United Nations and overseen by the Security Council. The statement emphasized that the autonomy initiative put forth by Morocco represents a credible and pragmatic foundation for achieving a lasting political resolution to the ongoing conflict. It also reaffirmed strong backing for the implementation of…

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Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana forge a sustainable future for west africa’s cocoa industry

Ousmane Tandja

Afrique Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana forge a sustainable future for West Africa’s cocoa industry The presidents of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana reiterate their commitment to building a sustainable cocoa economy, confronting global and climatic challenges. — 2 min de lecture Partager On June 16, 2026, during the high-level summit for the “Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative,” Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and his Ghanaian counterpart, John Dramani Mahama, unequivocally reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering a sustainable cocoa economy. This crucial meeting underscores the importance of a resilient African economy today. President…

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Benin’s decisive action against skin lightening products for public health

Ousmane Tandja

The government of Bénin has initiated a direct offensive against the market for skin-lightening products. Effective May 5th, numerous creams, lotions, and other substances designed to lighten skin tone are officially prohibited from sale across the entire national territory. This robust measure targets a pervasive practice whose health consequences are increasingly alarming authorities. Halting the ‘tchatcho’ phenomenon In Bénin, the use of skin-lightening products, locally known as ‘tchatcho’, affects a significant portion of the population, irrespective of social standing. These items were previously readily available, from the bustling stalls of…

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Benin border security: 24 migrants intercepted in Kassouala amidst trafficking probe

Ousmane Tandja

Vigilance at the borders has yielded significant results in northeastern Benin. On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, police officers stationed at the Okpara bridge, within the Kassouala district, successfully halted a group of 24 individuals, including a young Beninese national now under suspicion of orchestrating their passage. The operation unfolded early in the morning, around 8:30 a.m., during a routine checkpoint inspection. Law enforcement personnel identified the 23 travelers as Nigerian nationals, all belonging to the Hausa ethnic group. The group was observed heading towards Burkina Faso, a common route in…

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