Author: Ousmane Tandja

Cameroonian authorities have moved to suspend the divestment of shares held by the Somdiaa group in Société Sucrière du Cameroun (Sosucam), the nation’s foremost sugar industry operator. This temporary halt, enacted by the Yaoundé executive, effectively freezes a transaction that business circles across the sub-region had closely monitored for several months. The decision impacts a sector deemed strategic for Cameroon’s rural economy, where Sosucam stands as a major employer and a critical pillar of domestic sugar supply. A strategic industrial asset in Cameroon’s sugar industry Sosucam has historically been anchored…

A prominent figure within the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS), Abou Zeid Al-Burkinabi, met his demise on August 17, 2026, in Séno province. Contrary to initial assertions circulating from certain official channels and commentators, the militant leader was not neutralized by the Burkinabè army. Instead, he fell during deadly clashes with the rival group Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an event that starkly illuminates the brutal internecine struggles tearing apart the regional jihadist network. This represents a significant setback for the Islamic State in the Sahel and offers fresh…

The Patriotic Movement for Liberty and Justice (MPLJ) has released a video recording depicting Nigerien military personnel taken hostage during the devastating assault on August 15, 2026, in Séguédine. While the captives assert they are being treated humanely, this latest security escalation has plunged the populations of northern Niger into profound anxiety and significantly hampered the regional economy. A critical new threshold has been crossed in the ongoing destabilization of northern Niger. Just days following the brutal attack that occurred on August 15, 2026, targeting an army outpost in Séguédine—an…

President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon has unveiled plans to overhaul the criteria for allocating public scholarships to students intending to pursue their academic journeys in specific European nations. This strategic decision stems largely from the escalating tuition fees and a noticeable reduction in financial aid provisions for students. The new measures were brought to light on August 17, 2026, during a national address delivered by the head of state on the eve of Gabon’s 66th independence anniversary celebrations. While President Nguema did not explicitly name the European countries affected,…

Mali’s justice system has delivered another harsh verdict, signaling a concerning clampdown on public discourse. Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, widely recognized as Ras Bath, and influential activist Rokia Doumbia, known to her followers as Rose « la vie chère », have been handed ten-year prison sentences by a Bamako tribunal. This includes three years suspended, translating to seven years of firm imprisonment. The prominent radio commentator and the vocal advocate against the high cost of living faced charges of « association de malfaiteurs » (criminal conspiracy) and « atteinte au crédit…