Category: News

Niger adopts digital payments for vaccination campaigns The Niger Ministry of Public Health and Hygiene has revolutionized how health workers and community actors are compensated during vaccination campaigns. In April 2026, during the National Polio Vaccination Days in the Niamey region, over 1,200 frontline responders received their payments via mobile money—replacing the traditional cash-based system. 99% of payments completed within 48 hours, with funds deposited directly into beneficiaries’ mobile accounts. This digital leap has transformed payment processes by enhancing transaction transparency, cutting delays, and eliminating logistical hurdles tied to cash…

On Monday, May 4, 2026, the village of Doungouro, located in the Tillabéri region, became the site of a horrifying double tragedy. Following a lethal incursion by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) that claimed the lives of four civilians, an intervention by the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) from the Kokorou commune escalated into a massacre. Under the guise of hunting terrorists, these military auxiliaries targeted individuals indiscriminately based on their attire. The final toll reached 32 fatalities, with 28 of those deaths attributed…

In the bustling city of Cotonou, SSaFE, a pioneering start-up, is rewriting the rules of innovation. Spearheaded by chemical engineer Marielle Agbahoungbata, an AI-equipped “filtering robot” is poised to turn every drop of contaminated water into a valuable resource, all while communicating in local dialects. An AI-driven solution to Benin’s water crisis During an international conference in Paris, Marielle Agbahoungbata delivered a presentation that resonated deeply with attendees. Dispensing with abstract technological jargon, she unveiled a tangible solution to her nation’s pressing water challenges: a robot capable of not only…

AS FAR challenges CAF over referee choice for champions league final The Moroccan club AS FAR has strongly objected to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to appoint Jean-Jacques Ndala as the referee for the upcoming Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns. With tensions rising two weeks before the first leg in Pretoria, South Africa on May 17, the club has formally requested an immediate change of officiating. AS FAR’s objections stem from concerns about Ndala’s past performance, particularly his controversial handling of the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of…

When the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) announced the officiating team for the first leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League final between AS FAR Rabat and Mamelodi Sundowns, controversy erupted. Jean-Jacques Ndala, the Congolese referee who oversaw the contentious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, was selected to lead the match scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria. The decision has sparked backlash from both sides, with the Moroccan club taking a particularly strong stance. The Congolese referee’s appointment has reignited debates about officiating standards in African football. Critics argue…

The Ivorian government has implemented a decisive measure to stimulate the aviation sector. A substantial 25% reduction in passenger service charges has been officially approved, aiming to strengthen Air Côte d’Ivoire and enhance air travel accessibility. This strategic reform marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to aviation policy. By significantly lowering airport fees, the government is not merely addressing a symbolic issue but initiating a long-term transformation of the air transport landscape in Côte d’Ivoire. Understanding the impact of reduced airport taxes While travelers often wonder about the…

renowned referee jean-jacques ndala lands second major caf final assignment Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala is once again making headlines in African football circles. The esteemed referee, who garnered significant attention for his role in the CAN 2025 final, has now been entrusted with the crucial task of officiating the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. This highly anticipated match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns squaring off against AS FAR Rabat in Pretoria. However, this new appointment has sparked considerable discussion within the football community. Many observers are drawing particular…

The Bénin U20 women’s national team really showed up this Saturday, playing away on Ivorian soil. They managed to snag a 1-1 draw against the Côte d’Ivoire Elephants, which puts the Amazones in a pretty sweet spot heading into the second leg. An intense showdown in Côte d’Ivoire’s capital Talk about an intense showdown right in the heart of Côte d’Ivoire’s capital! This highly anticipated clash between the rising stars of women’s football from Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin totally delivered. It was a game full of physical intensity and non-stop…

As President Patrice Talon prepares to transfer authority to Romuald Wadagni, he leaves behind a nation significantly transformed. From the modernization of its infrastructure to fostering political stability, the past ten years of governance have revitalized Bénin, restoring its pride and momentum. unprecedented public appreciation for a departing leader On May 1, 2026, the atmosphere in the streets of Cotonou, Parakou, and Porto-Novo transcended a mere holiday celebration. Thousands of Béninois gathered not just to mark the head of state’s 68th birthday, but primarily to convey their profound gratitude. Witnessing…

Just under two months ago, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) exhibited remarkable solidarity. This collective spirit emerged after the appeal jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made a pivotal decision: to revoke the African champion title from the Lions de la Teranga and reassign it to Morocco. In response, the FSF, under the steadfast leadership of its president, Abdoulaye Fall, swiftly organized to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s impactful legacy at WHO Burkina Faso Ouagadougou – After a distinguished four-year tenure leading the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Burkina Faso, Dr. Seydou Coulibaly is preparing to depart the nation. His mission was notably characterized by an innovative approach, unwavering dedication to public health, and a collaborative management style that significantly strengthened both local teams and national partnerships. Dr. Coulibaly consistently emphasized that his primary objective was to bolster WHO’s support for Burkina Faso’s key health priorities. To achieve this, he and his teams diligently…