Category: News

Benin’s universities drive international ocean prediction program As climate challenges reshape West Africa’s coastal ecosystems, Benin has emerged as a key player in oceanographic innovation. Through the OPERA project—Ocean Prediction Enhancement in Regions of Africa—a groundbreaking online training program has just concluded, drawing nearly 1,200 participants from 111 countries. At its core, this seven-week initiative spotlights Benin’s academic institutions, particularly the UNESCO Chair at the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), as frontrunners in maritime research and capacity building. Among the global cohort, Benin ranked first in participation, with its educators, students,…

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has arrived in Kinshasa to engage with President Félix Tshisekedi as the country confronts its 17th Ebola outbreak. This latest epidemic has escalated rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation of over 100 million people. Authorities declared the outbreak on May 15, following weeks of delays, after confirming cases of the deadly virus. The WHO had previously warned of a rapidly worsening situation, emphasizing the urgent need for an accelerated health response to curb the spread.…

A historic decree signed on August 3rd reshaped Cameroon’s military leadership, elevating four generals to critical security roles, including the nation’s presidential guard—a first in the country’s history. Cameroon’s defense hierarchy witnessed sweeping changes as President Paul Biya authorized a major military reshuffle, coinciding with his extended absence from the country—a gap now exceeding two months. The August 3rd decree formalized the appointment of four generals to top-tier security positions, reinforcing the president’s protection network. Among them, General Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo assumes command of the elite presidential guard,…

The head of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Higher Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), Christian Bosembe, has declared that TikTok will be blocked immediately to halt the spread of propaganda linked to the armed group AFC-M23. Negotiations with the platform’s leadership are already underway to enforce this decision. Bosembe condemned the presence of Cornelius Nangaa, an alleged terrorist, on a major social network, arguing that such platforms should not provide a voice to individuals accused of destabilizing the nation. He stressed that TikTok’s failure to act enables content…

Major shifts in Cameroon’s military leadership as president signs decrees from abroad Cameroon’s military landscape has undergone significant changes following a series of presidential decrees signed by President Paul Biya, currently abroad for nearly two months. The new appointments include promotions, command reshuffles, and strategic realignments within the armed forces, reflecting both operational and political priorities. Five senior officers have been elevated to the rank of brigadier general, while a new Major General has been named to oversee the army’s general staff. Multiple territorial and strategic command positions have also…

Enhanced military cooperation as terrorism spreads across West Africa In response to the escalating threat posed by armed groups across West Africa, Benin and Nigeria are deepening their collaborative security framework. A high-level military delegation led by Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, met with his Beninese counterpart, Gildas Agonkan, in Cotonou on August 4, 2026. This high-stakes gathering signals a pivotal shift toward a more robust and coordinated regional defence strategy. A symbolic visit underscoring shared urgency The visit was not merely ceremonial—it underscored the gravity of the…

Atlanta Assurance Côte d’Ivoire, filiale de Holmarcom Finance Company, déploie une nouvelle plateforme digitale dédiée à la gestion des sinistres. Cette solution vise à réduire les délais de traitement et à optimiser l’expérience client, dans une logique d’amélioration continue de la qualité de service. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

Ivorian youth urged to embrace work, training and discipline at 66th independence anniversary As Côte d’Ivoire marks its 66th year of independence, Yaya Fofana, leader of the Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir, has delivered a powerful message to the nation’s youth. Speaking during the official celebrations in Yopougon, he called on young Ivorians to prioritize work, professional training, discipline, and rigor as the cornerstones of personal and national progress. The commemoration, held under the theme “Defense and Security Forces at the service of peace, unity, and development,” served as a reminder…

Amid shifting geopolitical currents in West Africa, the Republic of Bénin is pursuing a bold, pragmatic foreign policy aimed at diversifying partnerships without compromising long-standing alliances. A recent high-level meeting in Saint-Petersburg between Bénin’s ambassador to Russia and senior Russian officials underscored this balanced approach, focusing on concrete cooperation in energy, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure. Strategic discussions lay groundwork for expanded collaboration In a cordial exchange, Evgueni Grigoriev, Chair of Saint-Petersburg’s Committee on External Relations, welcomed Bénin’s Ambassador Akambi André Okounlola Biaou during a visit timed to coincide with Bénin’s…

Unveiling the Côte d’Ivoire energy pact governance structure The steering committee of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Energy Pact convened its inaugural session on August 4, 2026, at the SCIAM building in Abidjan. Chaired by Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, Minister of Planning and Development, the meeting brought together key figures including the Ministers of Mines, Oil and Energy, Economy, and the Prime Minister’s office, alongside presidential advisors. The gathering aimed to reinforce the committee’s operational framework and align its strategic priorities. The committee approved progress reports on ongoing initiatives and greenlit a roundtable…

As Senegal accelerates its economic transformation agenda, the World Bank’s Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, arrives in Dakar for an official visit running from August 4 to 8, 2026. This high-level mission underscores the institution’s commitment to deepening its strategic collaboration with Senegal, aligning with the country’s bold development priorities.

An historic moment awaits the Bénin legislative landscape as the newly established Senate convenes for its first-ever leadership election. On Thursday, August 6, 2026, all 25 senators will gather at the Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo for a pivotal session that marks a significant step in the country’s transition to a bicameral system. The outcome of this gathering will shape the institution’s direction for the next five years, as lawmakers prepare to vote on the three-member executive bureau that will oversee the Senate’s operations. With the constitutional validity of the…