Category: News

The President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara Côte d’Ivoire at 66: Ouattara faces pressing economic and social demands As Côte d’Ivoire marks its 66th year of independence on August 7, 2026, the nation turns its gaze toward the nation’s capital, Abidjan, where President Alassane Ouattara is set to deliver a pivotal address. This speech comes at a time when the country grapples with a mix of economic progress, social challenges, and security concerns, all while the Ivorian people demand tangible improvements in their daily lives. Economic pressures…

The transitional government of Burkina Faso has taken a decisive step toward economic sovereignty by suspending the import of wheat flour, semolina, and couscous. Marketed as a bold move to strengthen the « Agropastoral Offensive » and shield local producers, this protectionist policy has sparked intense debate over its practicality and potential socio-economic repercussions. Industrial realities collide with policy ambitions While the push for self-sufficiency enjoys strong political backing, Burkina Faso’s industrial base remains ill-prepared to meet national demand: Local milling and processing units, often small-scale or artisanal, struggle to…

The Nigerien uranium sector is once again under scrutiny following the opaque disposal of 300 tonnes of yellowcake, the country’s SOPAMIN asset, in a deal shrouded in financial irregularities and geopolitical maneuvering. Rather than adhering to transparent procurement practices, the transaction bypassed standard banking channels and raised serious concerns about the eroding value of Niger’s natural resources. An off-the-books transaction raises red flags Investigations reveal that the uranium stock, owned by the Société du Patrimoine des Mines du Niger (SOPAMIN), was allegedly sold to Romania’s Nuclearelectrica, a state-owned nuclear energy…

In a bid to equip young people with practical skills, the RADEC (Réseau des Acteurs de Développement Chrétiens) launched a month-long professional training program on August 5, 2026, at the Episcopal Center of N’Djamena. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Moov Money Tchad and other local partners, is designed to enhance employability, foster entrepreneurship, and empower young participants across the country. The kickoff ceremony brought together representatives from Moov Money Tchad, partner organizations, trainers, learners, and key stakeholders, all gathered to celebrate the launch of this impactful program. Speaking at…

Dakar 2026 is setting ambitious environmental goals ahead of the Youth Olympic Games, with a bold pledge to eliminate single-use plastics in partnership with Senegal’s Ministry of Environment and Transition and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative will prioritize three core objectives: drastically reducing disposable plastics, enhancing waste sorting and collection at all venues, and fostering environmental awareness among athletes, spectators, and local communities. The project also aims to unite government agencies, private enterprises, and civil society in building a lasting green legacy. « This initiative will position…

The unfulfilled promise of security General Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power two years ago by ousting democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum under the pretext of restoring national security, now confronts a stark reality that undermines the very foundation of his regime. The coup d’état on July 26, 2023, was presented as a decisive response to the civilian government’s perceived failure to contain the burgeoning threat of armed groups. Yet, recent developments indicate that the promised break with the past has collided with a menace far exceeding regime changes or diplomatic…

The World Bank has approved a substantial financial package of 340 billion West African CFA francs for Senegal, as confirmed by the Presidential Office in Dakar. This initiative aligns with ongoing negotiations between the Senegalese government and its traditional financial partners to strengthen fiscal stability and secure long-term concessional resources. With this injection, policymakers are now focused on the specific projects to be funded and the associated conditions attached to the funding. Multilateral support with structure outlined by presidential office Senegal’s Presidential Office has taken the lead in clarifying the…

Togo has taken a significant stride toward judicial modernization. A cabinet meeting held in Lomé on August 4, 2026, approved two decree drafts formalizing the appointment of 28 new magistrates trained at the Center for Judicial Professions Training (CFPJ). The expansion targets two critical segments of the judiciary: civil and military justice systems. Among the newly appointed officials: 23 civil magistrates who will serve in the civil judiciary system 5 military magistrates who will strengthen the military justice system These appointments follow a favorable recommendation from the Superior Council of…

Facing a sharp decline in its oil revenues, Gabon is charting a bold new course toward mining dominance. The government has unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives in recent months, backed by investments exceeding several hundred million dollars. Exploration and research activities are underway across multiple provinces, with projections indicating the country could emerge as a global leader in mineral production by 2030. Industry transformation under new leadership Seven months into his tenure as Gabon’s Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema speaks of palpable progress. The country’s mining sector is…

Mawunyo Hermann Boko Senegal correspondent Bassirou Diomaye Faye The aftermath of Senegal’s Grand Magal pilgrimage in Touba has left civil servants grappling with disappointment rather than celebration. As the holy city hosted thousands of faithful, government employees faced renewed frustrations over unmet promises and delayed salary adjustments. Civil servants voice dissatisfaction amid festive backdrop While the nation celebrated the spiritual gathering at Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba’s sanctuary, public sector workers expressed growing discontent. Many had pinned their hopes on recent announcements regarding salary revisions, only to find their expectations unfulfilled as…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alarm over the rapid escalation of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), describing its spread as «exceptionally alarming». Since the epidemic began, health authorities have recorded 3,874 confirmed cases, including 1,751 fatalities. This marks one of the deadliest outbreaks in recent history, with nearly 2,300 deaths and 3,500 infections reported between 2018 and 2020. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, on Tuesday, where he was scheduled to meet with…