Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

Cameroun, ces « déchus de la République » qui hantent le palais d’Etoudi

Ousmane Tandja

Publié aujourd’hui à 17h57 Lecture : 2 minutes. Fichier généré le Lire dans l’app Résumer Issu de la série Cameroun : « Les déchus de la République » Depuis 1982, Paul Biya a fait et défait la carrière d’un nombre impressionnant d’hommes politiques au Cameroun. Des puissants, qui ont payé de leur liberté leur désir de s’emparer du pouvoir, ou tout simplement de le partager avec le président. Sommaire Jeune Afrique Marafa Hamidou Yaya Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh Paul Biya By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

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Ousmane Sonko launches Pastef membership drive in Senegal’s coastal towns

Ousmane Tandja

Ousmane Sonko, leader of Senegal’s opposition party Pastef, was greeted by jubilant crowds as he launched a nationwide membership campaign in Bargny, marking the first stop on his itinerary. The initiative aims to recruit one million new members, with subsequent visits planned in Sébikotane, Khombole, and Bambey. The event in Bargny took on a deeply symbolic tone as Sonko paid tribute to fallen activists who lost their lives during the turbulent years of political struggle that preceded Pastef’s rise to power. He also praised the unwavering dedication of local supporters…

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Sahel juntes under pressure as Burkina Faso and Niger face internal and external threats

Ousmane Tandja

Military regimes in Burkina Faso and Niger grapple with compounded crises Escalating security and political tensions across the Sahel-Saharan region are intensifying pressure on the military juntas of Burkina Faso and Niger. While each faces distinct challenges, a common thread emerges: these regimes must now contend with both external threats and growing internal vulnerabilities. The situation underscores the fragility of governance structures established through recent coups d’état, which are increasingly strained by multifaceted crises. Burkina Faso tightens control over state apparatus In Ouagadougou, a climate of pervasive mistrust has prompted…

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Benin conference highlights human-centric reforms and governance challenges

Ousmane Tandja

Bénin governance reforms: balancing progress and human development On July 23, 2026, Cotonou became the epicenter of a pivotal social conference organized by the Institut des artisans de justice et de paix (IAJP). The event brought together religious leaders, political figures, and key stakeholders to deliberate on a pressing theme: “Rule of law and political alternation in Africa: a critical challenge for stability and development.” Archbishop Houngbédji’s vision for sustainable growth Addressing the assembly, Archbishop Roger Houngbédji, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cotonou and President of the Bénin Episcopal Conference, emphasized that…

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Diplomatic thaw between Niger and ECOWAS: what next?

Ousmane Tandja

Three years after the coup in Niamey, relations remain strained Since the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, the military leadership in Niger has maintained a tense relationship with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The regional bloc condemned the coup and imposed sanctions, threatening military intervention if the deposed leader was not reinstated. This ultimatum was interpreted as a declaration of war by neighboring military-led governments in Mali and Burkina Faso, further isolating Niger within ECOWAS. The three nations later formed the Alliance of Sahel…

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Nigeria reaffirms support for Western Sahara amid Morocco’s gas pipeline ambitions

Ousmane Tandja

In a bold diplomatic move, Nigeria has once again publicly endorsed the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, reinforcing its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). This decision goes beyond mere diplomatic courtesy, signaling a clear stance against Morocco’s attempts to close the Western Sahara dossier permanently. The recent visit of Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, special envoy of Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali, to Nigeria’s capital Abuja underscored the depth of relations between the two nations. High-level discussions with Nigerian authorities not only reaffirmed their shared commitment to cooperation…

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Cameroun: how the departure of the Hilli Episeyo threatens economic growth

Ousmane Tandja

The clock is ticking for Cameroon’s economy. The Hilli Episeyo, a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel anchored off the coast of Kribi since 2018, is set to leave national waters in July 2026, marking the end of its contract with the national oil company, Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH). This departure has been flagged by the National Economic and Financial Committee (CNEF) as a pivotal factor in the expected economic slowdown, alongside geopolitical tensions and declining export sectors. In its first-quarter 2026 economic outlook, the CNEF projects Cameroon’s GDP…

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Gabon detains ex-PM Bilie By Nze over 2008 financial dispute

Ousmane Tandja

POLITIQUE Gabon detains ex-PM Bilie By Nze over 2008 financial dispute Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, Gabon’s former Prime Minister and leading opposition figure, has spent over 100 days in detention since his April 15 arrest. His legal team asserts that the charges stem from a 17-year-old financial dispute, calling the proceedings irregular. Justice Friday, July 24, 2026 Lawyers for Alain Claude Bilie By Nze claim their client remains incarcerated after more than three months due to a long-standing private dispute. In an official statement, they argue that a 2008…

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Sahel countries challenge global justice with ICC exit

Ousmane Tandja

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the International Criminal Court marks more than a diplomatic shift—it signals a fundamental questioning of global justice in the 21st century. On September 22, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) crossed a threshold no one thought possible, not merely by realigning foreign policy but by delivering a symbolic blow to international criminal justice that has not been felt since the Rome Statute’s adoption in 1998. The departure of the three Sahel nations is framed as a bold assertion of sovereignty, yet…

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Gabon and France forge a fresh partnership era

Ousmane Tandja

Gabon’s recent state visit by President Oligui Nguema has set a definitive course for reinventing the nation’s relationship with France. After four decades without a high-level diplomatic visit, the two nations have committed to a new chapter—one built on mutual respect and balanced cooperation, moving away from the unequal dynamics of the past. This shift is particularly evident in Gabon’s economic strategy, as President Nguema pushes for greater control over the country’s resources, emphasizing local processing to maximize benefits for Gabonese citizens. Central to this vision is the transformation of…

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Bénin steps up enforcement against smig violations

Ousmane Tandja

Despite the official establishment of the Interprofessional Guaranteed Minimum Wage (SMIG) at 52,000 FCFA, numerous enterprises in Bénin persist in compensating their workforce below this legally mandated threshold. In response, the government has adopted a firm stance, urging employees to report violations to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) while emphasizing that non-compliant employers will face severe penalties. a widespread issue despite legal provisions The problem remains far from isolated. Although the SMIG was recently increased to 52,000 FCFA to enhance the purchasing power of low-income workers, many employees—particularly in…

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