Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

How Cotonou’s port authority boosted food safety and vendor livelihoods

Ousmane Tandja

Key challenges How can Cotonou’s bustling port area support street vendors while ensuring food safety and dignified working conditions for both sellers and customers? Initiative highlights Following observations of hazardous working conditions and food hygiene risks among itinerant food vendors along the port’s perimeter, the Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) launched an extensive consultation process. The outcome was the establishment of modern, weatherproof stalls featuring running water and electricity—an initiative that underscores the port authority’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility within the local community. Case study: transforming port-side commerce…

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Niger’s Tiani faces reality after coup promises

Ousmane Tandja

From coup promises to hard reality When General Abdourahamane Tiani deposed President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023, he framed his takeover around three core commitments: restoring national sovereignty, eradicating terrorism, and ending foreign influence over Niger’s decision-making. This narrative, amplified by regime-aligned media and pro-sovereignty movements, resonated with many citizens exhausted by chronic insecurity and economic hardship. Sovereign rhetoric masks persistent challenges Three years after the coup, the gap between promises and outcomes has fueled growing discontent. While official discourse continues to rail against neocolonialism, Nigeriens’ daily struggles remain…

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Sénégal: frustration among civil servants after Magal festivities

Ousmane Tandja

Mawunyo Hermann Boko Senegal correspondent Bassirou Diomaye Faye The aftermath of Senegal’s Grand Magal pilgrimage in Touba has left civil servants grappling with disappointment rather than celebration. As the holy city hosted thousands of faithful, government employees faced renewed frustrations over unmet promises and delayed salary adjustments. Civil servants voice dissatisfaction amid festive backdrop While the nation celebrated the spiritual gathering at Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba’s sanctuary, public sector workers expressed growing discontent. Many had pinned their hopes on recent announcements regarding salary revisions, only to find their expectations unfulfilled as…

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WHO chief visits Congo amid worsening Ebola outbreak

Ousmane Tandja

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alarm over the rapid escalation of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), describing its spread as «exceptionally alarming». Since the epidemic began, health authorities have recorded 3,874 confirmed cases, including 1,751 fatalities. This marks one of the deadliest outbreaks in recent history, with nearly 2,300 deaths and 3,500 infections reported between 2018 and 2020. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, on Tuesday, where he was scheduled to meet with…

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What’s happening in Cameroon without president paul biya

Ousmane Tandja

Share Listen article Add to favorites Where has President Paul Biya vanished to? The question echoes across Cameroon as civil society groups and opposition parties raise concerns over his prolonged absence. At 93 years old, the veteran leader—reelected in 2025 amid disputed elections—remains the world’s oldest serving head of state. Since departing Yaoundé on June 7, Biya has been conducting state affairs from Geneva, Switzerland, under the guise of a “brief private visit.” This marks the first time in his 44-year rule that he has spent over 50 consecutive days…

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Benin leads global ocean prediction training initiative to protect coastal waters

Ousmane Tandja

Benin’s universities drive international ocean prediction program As climate challenges reshape West Africa’s coastal ecosystems, Benin has emerged as a key player in oceanographic innovation. Through the OPERA project—Ocean Prediction Enhancement in Regions of Africa—a groundbreaking online training program has just concluded, drawing nearly 1,200 participants from 111 countries. At its core, this seven-week initiative spotlights Benin’s academic institutions, particularly the UNESCO Chair at the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), as frontrunners in maritime research and capacity building. Among the global cohort, Benin ranked first in participation, with its educators, students,…

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Benin canada establish permanent political dialogue framework

Ousmane Tandja

The Bénin and Canada have unveiled a new permanent framework for political and diplomatic dialogue, designed to formalize ongoing consultations between Cotonou and Ottawa while ensuring consistent monitoring of shared commitments. The announcement was made by the Bénin Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the X social media platform on August 5, 2026. Strengthening bilateral cooperation through structured governance This initiative was marked by the signing of a memorandum between Bénin’s Deputy Foreign Minister Amori Brunet and Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand. According to an official statement from the Bénin chancellery,…

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Yan diomande transfer fee nears 140 million euros as real madrid finalises deal

Ousmane Tandja

05 august 2026 14:25+02:00 yan diomande’s transfer fee set to soar as real madrid closes in on record-breaking deal bundesliga transfer window premier league yan diomande rb leipzig”> real madrid”> progress on negotiations between real madrid and rb leipzig over yan diomande’s transfer has accelerated. a deal now appears imminent, with figures suggesting a potential record-breaking fee. negotiations between real madrid and rb leipzig have reached a pivotal stage. the spanish giants are reportedly prepared to pay between €130 million and €140 million to secure the ivorian forward’s services. if…

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Cameroon: president Biya signs multiple decrees amid prolonged absence

Ousmane Tandja

The prolonged absence of Cameroon’s 93-year-old President Paul Biya has fueled speculation over his health and the stability of the nation’s leadership. After departing for what was described as a “brief private stay in Europe” on June 7, Biya has yet to return, deepening concerns about his ability to govern. In response to growing uncertainty, the president has intensified his use of presidential decrees to signal ongoing authority. This strategy aims to counter accusations of an institutional void and reassure both domestic and international observers of Cameroon’s continued governance. Decrees…

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Senegal and gambia finalize historic border agreement after Bullock standoff

Ousmane Tandja

The long-standing border dispute between Senegal and Gambia has reached a decisive milestone with the signing of a definitive agreement on their shared frontier. This milestone, confirmed by the Senegal-Gambia Permanent Secretariat, follows weeks of heightened tensions triggered by the Bullock incident. From confrontation to cooperation: the Bullock incident On July 16, tensions flared when Senegalese military personnel dismantled part of a Gambian military outpost near Bullock. Banjul condemned the move as a “provocative” violation of its sovereignty, while Dakar maintained the structure encroached upon its territory. The clash underscored…

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Atlanta e-sinistre la nouvelle plateforme digitale d’Atlanta Assurance Côte d’Ivoire

Ousmane Tandja

Atlanta Assurance Côte d’Ivoire, filiale de Holmarcom Finance Company, déploie une nouvelle plateforme digitale dédiée à la gestion des sinistres. Cette solution vise à réduire les délais de traitement et à optimiser l’expérience client, dans une logique d’amélioration continue de la qualité de service. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

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Ivorian youth urged to embrace work, training and discipline at 66th independence anniversary

Ousmane Tandja

Ivorian youth urged to embrace work, training and discipline at 66th independence anniversary As Côte d’Ivoire marks its 66th year of independence, Yaya Fofana, leader of the Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir, has delivered a powerful message to the nation’s youth. Speaking during the official celebrations in Yopougon, he called on young Ivorians to prioritize work, professional training, discipline, and rigor as the cornerstones of personal and national progress. The commemoration, held under the theme “Defense and Security Forces at the service of peace, unity, and development,” served as a reminder…

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