Gabon to re-evaluate overseas scholarships, prioritising african institutions

President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon has unveiled plans to overhaul the criteria for allocating public scholarships to students intending to pursue their academic journeys in specific European nations. This strategic decision stems largely from the escalating tuition fees and a noticeable reduction in financial aid provisions for students. The new measures were brought to light on August 17, 2026, during a national address delivered by the head of state on the eve of Gabon’s 66th independence anniversary celebrations. While President Nguema did not explicitly name the European countries affected,…

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Burkina Faso’s ECOWAS paradox: financial reliance amid official criticism

While official communications from Captain Ibrahim Traoré consistently denounce ECOWAS, frequently characterizing it as an instrument manipulated by Western powers, the financial realities present a starkly different narrative. Beyond the realm of political rhetoric, the facts underscore that the Burkinabè government actively seeks and receives substantial financial support from this very regional institution. This inherent paradox warrants careful examination, as it illuminates a significant divergence between political discourse and the persistent economic challenges that any nation inevitably confronts. An organization may be subject to political condemnation, yet pragmatically remain a…

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Mali’s justice system tightens grip on freedom of expression

Mali’s justice system has delivered another harsh verdict, signaling a concerning clampdown on public discourse. Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, widely recognized as Ras Bath, and influential activist Rokia Doumbia, known to her followers as Rose « la vie chère », have been handed ten-year prison sentences by a Bamako tribunal. This includes three years suspended, translating to seven years of firm imprisonment. The prominent radio commentator and the vocal advocate against the high cost of living faced charges of « association de malfaiteurs » (criminal conspiracy) and « atteinte au crédit…

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Togo’s constitutional maneuvering: Faure Gnassingbé centralizes power under a reshaped system

The recent detention of two French nationals in northern Togo has cast a glaring spotlight on the deep-seated governance failures plaguing the country. Incarcerated for days before being formally charged on Monday, their fate appears to have been sealed by a direct directive from Faure Gnassingbé himself. Reports indicate the Togolese leader personally instructed his Justice Minister, Pacôme Adjourouvi, to ‘resist any external interference,’ setting the stage for a contentious diplomatic confrontation. Beyond the immediate diplomatic fallout, this episode underscores a far graver concern: the erosion of Togo’s institutional foundations.…

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Washington intensifies pressure on Sahel juntas amid escalating human rights abuses

A mounting humanitarian crisis in West Africa As human rights violations escalate dramatically across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the United States faces increasing calls to take decisive action. On Capitol Hill, Representative James P. McGovern is strongly urging the Trump administration to implement targeted sanctions against high-ranking officials within the Sahel’s military juntas. With a horrifying toll of over 2,600 lives lost already in 2026, including the massacre of 500 civilians in Mali, extrajudicial killings in Burkina Faso, and deadly airstrikes in Niger, the region has reached a critical…

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Political tensions surge in drc as dialogue deadline passes

A period of relative calm across the Democratic Republic of Congo has abruptly concluded, giving way to heightened political uncertainty. The crucial deadline for President Tshisekedi to initiate a national dialogue, set for August 15, has now expired. This development has reignited concerns about the nation’s political trajectory, drawing significant attention across Africa news English platforms. Following the passing of the ultimatum, President Tshisekedi subsequently announced his intention to address the nation. He is expected to outline the specifics and framework of this much-anticipated dialogue in an upcoming speech. This…

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Fenerbahçe and lyon prepare for champions league qualifier

Fenerbahçe18 août 21h00Lyon Canal+ Fenerbahçe vs Lyon: live champions league coverage tuesday 18 august 2026, 9:00 PM champions league 2026-2027, qualifying play-offs, first leg Champions league showdown: fenerbahçe hosts lyon Football enthusiasts are set for a thrilling live encounter as Fenerbahçe takes on Lyon in the initial leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying play-off. This pivotal match is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 9:00 PM, with the historic Sükrü Saraçoglu stadium in Istanbul serving as the battleground. Both clubs, vying for a coveted spot in…

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Côte d’Ivoire announces fixed farm-gate price for shea kernels

Côte d’Ivoire has officially established the farm-gate price for shea kernels at 250 F/Kg, a significant economic decision aimed at bolstering the nation’s vital agricultural sector. This strategic move provides a crucial benchmark for producers, ensuring a stable and equitable income for those engaged in the cultivation and harvesting of shea nuts across the country. The setting of this fixed price is anticipated to introduce greater predictability into the market, safeguarding farmers against price volatility and encouraging sustained production. Supporting the shea sector in Côte d’Ivoire The shea industry plays…

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Senegal’s sunday snapshot: political travels, local unrest, and sports triumphs on august 16, 2026

Actualité du Sénégal : l’essentiel de ce dimanche 16 août 2026 Sunday, August 16, 2026, brought a series of significant developments across Senegal. From local political tensions escalating into disorder in Mbacké to the notable private travels of both the Senegalese and Ivorian presidents to France, the day was marked by diverse events. Additionally, the nation braced for severe weather, while its sporting landscape celebrated a major football appointment and a crucial basketball victory. Unrest erupts in Mbacké during Kiiraay movement assembly A gathering of the MONADD-Kiiraay movement in Mbacké…

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Gabon: a journalist’s release sparks press freedom debate during transition

In Gabon, the recent liberation of a journalist, held for nearly four months over publications deemed critical of the authorities, has reignited vital discussions surrounding press protection during the nation’s ongoing transition period. This incident, which garnered significant attention locally, underscores the fragile legal framework governing journalistic practice since the change in regime in August 2023. It unfolds as Libreville articulates ambitious goals for democratic renewal. The colleague in question had been incarcerated following articles that challenged public administration and implicated certain state figures. His release, for the time being,…

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Dakar’s surprising price tags: why Senegal’s daily essentials often cost more than in Paris

In a nation grappling with persistent inflationary pressures, a striking observation has reignited the critical debate surrounding the high cost of living in Sénégal. A viral video, originally published in December 2025 by French content creator Simon Labas, has recently resurfaced across social media platforms. The footage meticulously compares a range of consumer prices recorded in Dakar with those for identical products found in Paris, revealing significant disparities. The detailed comparison begins with whole chicken, priced at 2,610 F CFA per kilogram in the Senegalese capital, a figure notably surpassing…

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Boosting trade efficiency on the Dakar-Bamako corridor

Boosting trade efficiency on the Dakar-Bamako corridor Ajoutez Yahoo comme source préférée pour voir nos articles sur Google. At Moussala, a crucial transit point in Senegal, a significant queue of trucks, stretching for nearly 15 kilometers, currently awaits clearance to enter Mali. The sheer volume of commercial vehicles has overwhelmed existing infrastructure, forcing trucks to line the roadsides and causing considerable delays for drivers navigating this vital West Africa trade route. Daouda Singui Sarr, Director of Promotion and Assistance at the Senegalese Council of Shippers (Cosec), highlighted the multifaceted challenges.…

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