Category: News

On Monday, June 22, 2026, at the African Union City in Kinshasa, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, welcomed Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and current Chair of the African Union, for a state visit. The two leaders engaged in a private discussion followed by an expanded bilateral meeting, focusing on deepening cooperation across shared priorities. During these discussions, the Presidents addressed pressing regional security concerns, particularly the ongoing instability in eastern DR Congo, where Burundi has been actively supporting FARDC forces in countering Rwandan…

The Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Messouda Bahama Mohamed Laghdaf, carrying an official message from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, was received by Gabon’s transitional leader, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, on June 22 to formally present Mauritania’s bid for the Secretary-General position at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). During the meeting, Dr. Koumba Ba, leading Mauritania’s candidacy, outlined a strategic vision built on three core pillars: coherence, balance, and tangible utility for member states. The discussions underscored the strong diplomatic…

Tensions are escalating between FC Barcelone and Atlético de Madrid over the future of Argentine striker Julian Alvarez. The 26-year-old, who netted twice in Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup 2026 victory over Austria, has publicly expressed his desire for a move to La Liga’s Barça. His remarks have reignited a bitter transfer dispute, prompting the Rojiblancos to take decisive legal action. Julian Alvarez made headlines after his post-match comments, stating, “I’ve spoken with the Atlético de Madrid staff, and I believe a transfer is best for everyone. I want to fulfill…

What began as a promising exit strategy for Olympique de Marseille has spiraled into financial disappointment as the club’s plans to sell Leonardo Balerdi collapse under unforeseen circumstances. With the Argentine defender’s departure now confirmed behind closed doors, a stunning revelation about a rejected multi-million offer exposes the deep financial shortfall facing the southern French side. World Cup setback cripples Marseille’s transfer strategy The club had meticulously crafted a plan to maximize Balerdi’s market value ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, betting on his potential star exposure with the…

The Togolese Regulatory Authority for Public Contracts (ARCOP Togo) delivered its verdict on June 19, 2026, closing the case on allegations of irregularities surrounding the international tender for the Lomé Electricity Grid Expansion Project (PEREL PLUS), identified as tender reference 003/DPI/PRMP/DG/CEET/2026. After reviewing the investigation report and conducting hearings with the Public Procurement Responsible Officer of the Togo Electricity Company (CEET), the Dispute Resolution Committee (CRD) concluded that the complaints lacked substance. Tender process faces scrutiny but meets all regulatory standards Two anonymous complaints, filed on March 28 and April…

Gabon’s intra-African trade gap: only 8.9% of exports The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promised a vast market of 1.4 billion consumers, yet Gabon’s exports to neighboring African nations remain disappointingly low at just 8.9% of its total trade volume. Recent economic reports highlight a stark reality: Libreville is yet to fully capitalize on the continent’s growing demand for diversified goods. This imbalance is even more pronounced in reverse—28.3% of Gabon’s imports originate from Africa, making the continent its second-largest supplier after Europe. The data underscores a critical challenge:…

Senegal’s leader, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is making a strategic pitch in Berlin this week to attract foreign investors and strengthen ties with Germany. His agenda includes high-level meetings with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, following his participation in the German-Senegalese Economic Forum. The visit underscores Dakar’s efforts to position Senegal as a prime destination for international business, with a focus on private sector collaboration. Faye’s diplomatic tour comes as his administration actively promotes the country’s economic potential and stability. Senegal’s economic appeal: stability, resources and opportunities Faye’s Berlin…

storm warning in philadelphia delays France Iraq world cup kickoff The second Group-stage match of the French national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to face Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, faced an unexpected interruption on Monday evening. Weather alerts forced officials to consider a delayed kickoff as thunderstorms swept across the stadium just hours before the highly anticipated clash. thunderstorm alert forces world cup schedule adjustments The National Weather Service issued severe weather warnings for the greater Philadelphia area, including the stadium vicinity. Moments after…

The National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INStaD) has completed the rebasing of Benin’s national accounts, adopting 2023 as the new reference year to replace the 2015 base. This statistical adjustment has led to a significant upward revision of the country’s GDP for 2023, now estimated at 14,020.2 billion CFA francs—a 25.2% increase. The revision reflects a more accurate capture of recent economic transformations in Benin. Why the change in the base year? This rebasing aligns with the 2008 United Nations System of National Accounts, which recommends periodic updates to…

Church leaders voice strong opposition to upcoming referendum The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco) has publicly criticized the proposed constitutional referendum, describing it as untimely and ill-advised given the current security crisis gripping the nation. In a candid interview, Msgr. Fulgence Muteba, President of Cenco, emphasized that national priorities should focus on restoring peace rather than constitutional changes. “At a time when our country is grappling with armed conflicts and humanitarian challenges, holding a referendum is not just inappropriate—it is irresponsible,” Muteba stated. The church leader argued that the…