Whistleblower exposing Wagner’s operations in Central African Republic denied asylum in France key points Central African journalist Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, who exposed Russian Wagner group operations, has been denied asylum in France despite receiving a travel permit at Emmanuel Macron’s request. A harsh setback for those fighting Kremlin propaganda: France has refused asylum to Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, the Central African journalist who exposed the inner workings of Russian disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the Wagner paramilitary group. After fleeing death threats linked to his revelations, Yalike-Ngonzo arrived in France in 2024 under a…
Read MoreAuthor: Ousmane Tandja
Centrafrican whistleblower denied asylum in France despite Wagner revelations
centrafrican whistleblower denied asylum in France despite Wagner revelations key points Centrafrican journalist Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo has been denied asylum in France, despite prior safe passage granted at the highest levels. His lawyer calls the decision a “dangerous precedent” for those exposing Russian propaganda networks. Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a Centrafrican journalist, has been denied asylum in France after exposing the inner workings of the Russian disinformation network linked to the Wagner Group. The decision came as a shock to his legal team, especially since he had been granted entry to France in…
Read MoreBénin parliament welcomes new deputy François Silibi
Bénin parliament welcomes new deputy François Silibi François Silibi has officially taken his seat in the Bénin parliament, marking a significant transition in the country’s legislative landscape. The swearing-in ceremony occurred immediately following a plenary session at the Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo. From constituent to legislator Born in 1982, François Silibi brings a fresh perspective to the National Assembly. A former high school English teacher, he hails from Ifangni—a region he will now represent in parliament. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Louis Vlavonou, who recently transitioned to…
Read MoreAnthony Da Silva unveils vision for Mali’s national football team
The new coach’s first press appearance in Bamako Exactly one month after signing his contract, Anthony Da Silva held his inaugural press conference in Bamako on July 6, 2026, outlining his vision for Mali’s national football team, known as the Aigles. The Portuguese coach presented a structured project built on three core pillars: excellence, identity, and playing style. A disciplined yet inclusive approach Da Silva’s strategy centers on establishing clear rules while maintaining an open-door policy. His first priority is to instill a culture of discipline, performance, and professionalism within…
Read MoreOusmane sonko mourns the passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacké
ousmane sonko mourns the passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacké Ousmane Sonko conveyed his profound sorrow following the demise of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, who passed away on July 9, 2026. The President of the National Assembly paid heartfelt homage to the respected religious leader, emphasizing the warmth of his welcome and the exceptional human qualities that characterized their many interactions. The President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, expressed his deep condolences after the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the esteemed Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in…
Read MoreSenegal political leader mourns death of influential religious figure
The passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, has left a profound void in the hearts of many across Senegal. Announced by National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko on July 9, 2026, the news has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from political, religious, and community leaders alike. In a heartfelt message, Ousmane Sonko conveyed his deep sorrow and emphasized the exceptional humanity of the late religious leader. Known for his warm hospitality and unwavering kindness, Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké left a…
Read MoreSenegal mourning the passing of respected religious figure serigne abdou bakhi mbacke
Senegal mourns the departure of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, a revered spiritual leader The political landscape of Senegal is draped in sorrow following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, a highly esteemed religious leader who was called to the divine on July 9, 2026. National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko conveyed his heartfelt condolences, reflecting on the warmth and humanity that defined their interactions during visits to Guinguinéo. Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, expressed profound grief upon hearing the news of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké’s passing. The respected…
Read MoreSenegal mouride leader passes away, sonko leads tributes
Senegal’s Mouride community mourns loss of respected religious leader National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko conveyed his deepest condolences following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, who passed away on July 9, 2026. The political leader reflected on the warmth and humanity of the esteemed religious figure during their many encounters. Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, shared his profound sorrow after learning of the death of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, who passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Tributes…
Read MoreSenegal’s constitutional council blocks controversial reform law
The Constitutional Council of Senegal delivered a landmark ruling on Thursday, July 9, 2026, striking down a sweeping constitutional amendment bill that had cleared the National Assembly just days earlier. In an unprecedented move, the seven-member bench—commonly referred to as the “Wise Ones”—found that the legislative process leading to the adoption of Law No. 18/2026 violated the nation’s foundational legal framework. The decision has laid bare deep procedural fissures at the heart of the Senegalese state while underscoring the court’s pivotal role as a guardian of constitutional integrity. Presidential intervention…
Read MoreSahel’s human toll under russian-backed security pacts
Sovereignty versus security: the Sahel’s precarious balancing act Moscow has doubled down on its military backing for Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, a move hailed by the leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as a milestone in regaining sovereignty and breaking free from former Western partnerships. Yet beneath the rhetoric of emancipation lies a stark reality: violence has intensified, and civilians are bearing the heaviest burden. A promised security shift that has yet to materialize The core argument put forward by AES authorities was straightforward: severing ties with…
Read MoreBenin military strikes terror cells in kouandé, seizes weapons
The Armed Forces of Benin (FAB) executed a high-stakes operation in early July near the town of Kouandé, delivering a decisive blow to terror cells operating in the region. The mission resulted in the neutralization of six jihadists and the confiscation of a substantial cache of military-grade weapons, underscoring Cotonou’s unwavering commitment to defending its northern borders amid escalating threats. Chasing a deadly trail: the operation unfolds Intelligence reports of suspicious movements prompted a meticulous reconnaissance mission. Tracking a heavily armed convoy of approximately ten militants, Beninese commandos pursued the…
Read MoreCôte d’Ivoire’s PM rallies investors for 2026-2030 development plan
Côte d’Ivoire’s economic future hinges on private sector engagement The second day of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030 Consultative Group, dedicated exclusively to investors, kicked off on July 9, 2026, at the Abidjan Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire. Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé led the session, emphasizing the critical role of private investment in turning the country’s ambitious development vision into reality. « Today marks another milestone in our collective effort to harness investment, entrepreneurship, and value creation as key drivers of sustainable growth, » declared the Prime Minister. «…
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