Category: News

Senegal: Three influencers handed prison sentences for insulting the president Three Senegalese social media personalities, known for their proximity to the former ruling party Pastef, have been sentenced to jail time after posting a controversial video on TikTok. The ruling comes amid escalating political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko. The court convicted Mandoumbe Diop, known as Lamignou Darou, to three months in prison, while Magueye Diaw (Oustaz Thiep) and Moustapha Ndiaye (Ndiaye Touba) received two-month sentences each. All three were also fined 500,000…

An Ebola outbreak erupted on May 15 in Ituri Province, located in the northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since then, the Bundibugyo virus—a rare strain of Ebola for which no approved vaccine or targeted treatment currently exists—has continued its relentless spread. Neighboring eastern provinces, including North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo, as well as neighboring Uganda, are also grappling with the outbreak. Despite the deployment of emergency response teams from humanitarian organizations, the situation remains dire. As of July 30, the latest data indicates…

With Gabon’s oil production steadily declining, authorities are pivoting toward a robust mining strategy to anchor economic diversification and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. The country plans to launch eight new mining operations by 2030, positioning the sector as a key driver of growth and stability. The Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, confirmed that several high-priority projects are currently under evaluation or in advanced stages of preparation. These initiatives focus on iron ore, gold, and potash, with key deposits including Milingui, Baniaka, Mébaga, and M’Bilan for iron; Etéké for gold;…

Benin vision 2060: national education council prioritises stem and vocational training From August 5 to 7, 2026, the National Education Council (CNE) of Benin will convene its third consultative assembly in Cotonou, focusing on strengthening scientific, technological, and vocational education pathways. The three-day gathering brings together government officials, academic leaders, public and private institutions, technical and financial partners, and civil society stakeholders to address priorities for the country’s education system. Driving innovation through education and training The assembly, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Cotonou, serves as a platform…

The Martinez Zogo case took a dramatic turn as Colonel Otoulou’s testimonies at the Yaoundé military court escalated into a heated confrontation. Behind closed doors, the proceedings revealed sharp disagreements and intense verbal exchanges, keeping observers on edge. Tensions rise during critical testimonies The courtroom atmosphere grew increasingly charged when Colonel Otoulou took the stand, his statements sparking immediate controversy. Legal representatives and court officials found themselves locked in a verbal duel, with each side challenging the other’s credibility and intentions. Key moments included: Direct accusations: One of the lawyers…

In Togo, the erosion of press freedom extends beyond NGO reports and regulatory statements. It is now a lived reality on street corners and pavements, where distributing a newspaper has become a perilous act. By extending pressure to street vendors, President Faure Gnassingbé has crossed a disturbing threshold: the systematic and operational suppression of independent voices. The crackdown on vendors For years, control over the Togolese press relied on conventional institutional tactics: summonses, temporary publication suspensions, press card revocations, and defamation threats. While these methods gradually pushed many newsrooms towards…

This Thursday, August 6, 2026, marks a significant institutional shift for Bénin. Following the election of the very first executive bureau of the nation’s newly formed upper parliamentary chamber, former President of the Republic Patrice Talon was chosen to preside over the Senate. Surrounded by a bureau comprising seasoned figures from national politics, the former head of state embarks on a fresh chapter dedicated to serving Béninois institutions. An historic election for the new upper chamber The establishment of the Senate’s inaugural executive bureau brings to fruition a crucial phase…

Japan strengthens Cameroon’s economy with $646 million over 20 years Japan has mobilized over 646 million US dollars in support of Cameroon’s development since the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) established its presence in the country in 2006. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Yaoundé between Cameroon’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Territorial Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey, and JICA Vice President Ando Naoki. The gathering marked the 20th anniversary of JICA and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program in Cameroon. Diverse financial instruments fueling development The…

Fifteen detainees have been moved from detention in Beni to the custody of the African Corps of the M23 rebel group, marking the first concrete step in a months-long negotiation process. The handover, long anticipated by local communities and observers, followed the activation of a confidential agreement inked in Montreux—a document that had remained largely out of public view until now. This transfer was not the result of a spontaneous decision. Four months before the prisoners’ departure, representatives of both sides had finalized a protocol under the auspices of the…

The board of directors of Gabon’s Caisse des pensions et des prestations familiales des agents de l’État (CPPF) convened in Libreville on July 31 for its inaugural ordinary meeting of 2026. Under the leadership of Jean Blaise Nguema Mba, council president, the session focused on critical agenda items including the endorsement of financial statements for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, alongside the evaluation of strategic initiatives to implement the new vision outlined by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. During his address to the parliament in joint session on June 15,…

Côte d’Ivoire maintains strong economic growth trajectory In a national address marking the eve of Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th Independence Day, President Alassane Ouattara highlighted the nation’s sustained economic momentum, noting that the country boasts one of the highest annual growth rates in West Africa and globally. This robust performance, he emphasized, stems from solid macroeconomic fundamentals that have withstood regional and global challenges. The Head of State underscored that economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives. To this end, he announced continued government initiatives to expand…

Tchad Revolutionary media training alliance launches in Tchad A groundbreaking partnership between ISJCT and AMET is transforming media education in Tchad through internships, continuous training, and professional development programs for journalists. — 2 min read Share N’Djamena, August 6, 2026 – The Superior Institute of Journalism and Communication of Tchad (ISJCT) and the Association of Online Media of Tchad (AMET) have formalized a strategic alliance in N’Djamena. This collaboration bridges the gap between academic training and professional media practice, setting the stage for sustainable improvements in Tchadian journalism quality. The…