Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

Niger’s governance under Tiani: three years of deepening crises

Ousmane Tandja

Three years after the coup: promises unfulfilled, challenges mounting On July 26, 2023, General Abdourahamane Tiani led a military takeover in Niger, citing an unmanageable security crisis as justification for deposing President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, the situation has only deteriorated further. Security remains elusive, the economy is faltering, diplomatic relations have weakened significantly, and the state’s financial leeway has shrunk. An examination of key indicators reveals a nation trapped in a spiral of interlinked crises. Security promises remain unmet The coup was framed as a necessary intervention to restore…

Read More

How rhdp shaped ivory coast’s political landscape

Ousmane Tandja

Florence Richard Ivory Coast political affairs correspondent Laurent Gbagbo Henri Konan Bédié Félix Houphouët-Boigny Alassane Ouattara From grassroots movement to dominant force The Rally of the Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) stands today as a towering political institution in Côte d’Ivoire. Its journey—from a fledgling coalition to the country’s preeminent party—mirrors the nation’s own political evolution over four decades. This transformation reflects strategic alliances, shifting ideological currents, and the relentless pursuit of national unity under the banner of democratic governance. The vision behind its founding Conceived in the early…

Read More

Us affirms Morocco’s sovereignty over western Sahara in message to king mohammed vi

Ousmane Tandja

King Mohammed VI Receives Diplomatic Message from U.S. Leadership A historic message from the President of the United States, Donald Trump, reached King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the Throne Day celebrations. In this communication, the U.S. head of state reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s full sovereignty over its Western Sahara territory, along with unwavering support for Rabat’s autonomy initiative as the cornerstone of a lasting resolution to the longstanding territorial dispute. U.S. Stands Firm on Western Sahara Sovereignty and Autonomy Plan The American president’s…

Read More

Mali’s president acquires new official aircraft amid scrutiny

Ousmane Tandja

In a move that has sparked debate across Bamako, Mali’s transitional leadership has recently taken delivery of a new presidential aircraft. The sleek, modern jet, now stationed at the nation’s primary air hub, represents a significant upgrade to the country’s official fleet. Its acquisition arrives as the interim government navigates complex domestic challenges while pursuing ambitious reforms. The decision to invest in the new plane comes at a time when public attention remains sharply focused on fiscal responsibility. Critics have been quick to question the timing and necessity of such…

Read More

Algeria’s opposition strategy: long-term containment of Morocco?

Ousmane Tandja

Featured Politics Algeria’s opposition strategy: long-term containment of Morocco? Introduction Few bilateral relationships in today’s world have proven as persistently adversarial—or as consequential for regional stability—as the one binding Algeria and Morocco. Since emerging from French and Spanish colonial rule in the mid-20th century, their ties have seesawed between cautious cooperation and open hostility, marked by border clashes, diplomatic ruptures, closed frontiers, and a Cold War-style rivalry for regional dominance that has outlasted multiple generations of leaders on both sides of the Zouj Bghal border post. This analysis asks a…

Read More

Bénin: unveiling Romuald Wadagni’s inaugural vision for national unity

Ousmane Tandja

Bénin Bénin: unveiling Romuald Wadagni’s inaugural vision for national unity As the Republic of Bénin celebrated its 66th independence anniversary, newly sworn-in President Romuald Wadagni delivered his first official address to the nation on August 1st, outlining a roadmap rooted in collective memory and shared values. Key figure Romuald Wadagni 2-minute read Read later Share Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Copy link Table of contents A unifying posture and cultural anchoring In a deliberately restrained address, President Romuald Wadagni centered his remarks on the duty of remembrance, paying tribute to…

Read More

Deadly boko haram attack leaves soldiers dead near n’guigmi

Ousmane Tandja

A military outpost near N’Guigmi in southeastern Niger came under a brutal assault by jihadist fighters from Boko Haram on Friday morning, resulting in the deaths of nearly a dozen soldiers. N’Guigmi: a hotspot of violence on the shores of Lake Chad N’Guigmi, a garrison town in the Diffa region, lies at the edge of Lake Chad, a vast wetland shared by Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. Since 2009, this area has become a stronghold for armed groups, hosting both Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).…

Read More

Bénin’s independence day: romuald wadagni hails defense and security forces

Ousmane Tandja

On August 1, 2026, during the national celebration of Bénin’s Independence Day, President Romuald Wadagni addressed the nation. His official declaration centered on expressing the country’s profound gratitude to the Forces of Defense and Security (FDS), recognizing their pivotal role as guardians of peace and national sovereignty. A call for national solidarity with forces In his solemn address, the head of state urged all Béninese citizens to extend fraternal and benevolent thoughts to the brave men and women serving in uniform. President Wadagni emphasized that the nation’s sustained stability, allowing…

Read More

How Morocco and China built a lasting diplomatic legacy

Ousmane Tandja

In the annals of Morocco-China relations, few moments have left as indelible a mark as a historic address delivered decades ago. That speech, delivered by a Moroccan monarch to an international audience, continues to resonate in diplomatic circles, particularly in Beijing, where its echoes have shaped long-term partnerships between the two nations. The words, spoken with deliberate precision, underscored a vision of cooperation that transcended borders and eras. They laid the foundation for a relationship built not just on trade or politics, but on mutual respect and shared ambition. Today,…

Read More

Bamako talent Mamadou Sangaré joins Brentford in record-breaking deal

Ousmane Tandja

After a standout season with RC Lens, Malian midfielder Mamadou Sangaré has completed a high-profile move to Brentford FC, marking one of the most significant transfers in Premier League history. The London club announced the signing of the 24-year-old, though they did not disclose the financial details of the agreement, which local media sources estimate at over €45 million. Sangaré arrived in France last summer from Rapid Vienna, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the Ligue 1 side. His impact was immediate, as he helped secure the Coupe…

Read More

Gabon rethinks costly power deal with Turkish energy giant

Ousmane Tandja

Gabon is reassessing its long-term power purchase agreement with Karpowership, a subsidiary of Turkey’s Karadeniz Holding, amid growing concerns over budget transparency and operational efficiency. Officials in Libreville currently pay 1.8 billion Central African francs monthly for a theoretical capacity of 150 megawatts, yet actual power delivered hovers between 80 and 90 megawatts. This discrepancy has intensified scrutiny as the transitional government pushes for stricter fiscal oversight. From temporary fix to long-term liability The emergency contract with the Turkish operator was intended as a stopgap solution. Years of underinvestment in…

Read More