Benin to lead African Union peace and security council in september 2026

In September 2026, Benin will take center stage on the continental diplomatic scene as it assumes the rotating presidency of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC). This leadership role marks a pivotal moment for the country, particularly as it aligns with Benin’s two-year mandate (2026-2028) secured in February of the same year. The transition reflects not only Benin’s growing influence in African diplomacy but also its commitment to addressing urgent security challenges across the continent. Preparations Underway in Addis Ababa Final preparations for this high-stakes presidency were deliberated…

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Côte d’Ivoire advances blue economy with FAO-backed strategy

Grand-Bassam — A pivotal workshop to validate four thematic group reports on the blue economy opened Thursday in Grand-Bassam, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The two-day gathering aims to align these findings with Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable development goals while pinpointing partnership opportunities to propel the sector forward. Dedi Séraphin, Programme Officer for FAO Côte d’Ivoire, emphasized the agency’s long-standing collaboration with Ivorian authorities to shape policies that bolster food security, sustainable natural resource management, and—through a dedicated blue economy project—the sustainable enhancement of…

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Mali’s new presidential jet sparks debate amid security and economic challenges

The unveiling of Mali’s newly acquired Boeing 737 presidential aircraft on state television has ignited a fierce debate about the government’s priorities, particularly as the nation grapples with deepening security crises and economic strain. Authorities justified the purchase by highlighting financial prudence, claiming that after insurance compensations and the resale of components from the previous aircraft, the net cost would amount to approximately six billion West African francs rather than the gross expenditure of 15.6 billion. Timing draws sharp criticism The timing of the announcement has drawn widespread criticism. While…

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Côte d’ivoire unveils long-term territorial planning framework for 2045

The Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane DiarraSSouba, led a pivotal national workshop in Abidjan to validate the study of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Territorial Development Framework (SNAT CI-2045). The session convened representatives from state institutions, prefectural bodies, local governments, technical and financial partners, alongside public administrations, private enterprises, civil society, academia, experts, and media representatives. This milestone paves the way for the adoption of Côte d’Ivoire’s inaugural national territorial planning reference. The SNAT CI-2045 will equip the government with a national framework to guide sustainable public and private investments,…

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Sahel alliance struggles as rhetoric overshadows tangible progress

The Alliance of Sahel States: A sovereignty narrative in search of results The military authorities in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have built their political narrative on a decisive break with regional norms and a rejection of former partners. The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) symbolizes this shift toward redefining alliances and asserting full sovereignty. Three years after the first coups, however, a harsh reality persists: security threats remain unchecked, economies continue to strain under pressure, and public expectations remain largely unmet. In response, the political discourse…

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Cameroon secures $23.5 million to boost epidemic preparedness

Strengthening national health security The government of Cameroon has activated the Pandemic Fund, an international initiative designed to enhance epidemic prevention and control nationwide. This program, backed by a $23.5 million grant, will reinforce critical health infrastructure, including laboratories, epidemiological surveillance, and workforce training, with a special focus on 42 high-priority health districts. Comprehensive strategy for epidemic resilience During the official launch ceremony, chaired by Public Health Minister Manaouda Malachie, the initiative was presented as a major step toward strengthening Cameroon’s ability to detect, respond to, and manage public health…

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Burkina Faso tightens media grip with heavy fine on Canal+

Under the guise of protecting national audiovisual sovereignty and defending consumer rights, Burkina Faso’s authorities have escalated their control over public discourse. The 200 million FCFA fine imposed on Canal+ International by the Higher Council for Communication (CSC) is far more than a bureaucratic or commercial dispute. It marks a deliberate step in a broader campaign to stifle dissent and monopolize information flow. A regulatory system weaponized for political ends The CSC claims the fine targets Canal+ for failing to ensure unconditional access to the Burkina Faso Radio and Television…

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Claude Mythos breakthrough exposes AES encryption vulnerabilities

Researchers at Anthropic have achieved a significant milestone in artificial intelligence, demonstrating how advanced AI models can uncover critical weaknesses in encryption systems. Their latest experiment involved testing Claude Mythos, an AI developed by the company, against a simplified version of the AES encryption algorithm. It is crucial to clarify that the version of AES used in this test is not the same one deployed in real-world applications. This means the security of everyday digital transactions remains unaffected by these findings. The reduced AES variant was specifically designed for research…

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Niger faces governance challenges despite 105 million dollar BOAD funding

The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has made a bold move by approving two loans totaling 60.6 billion West African CFA francs—approximately 105 million dollars—to support critical infrastructure projects in Niger. This financial commitment, formalized in Niamey with the participation of Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine and BOAD President Serge Ekue, aims to address pressing national needs in agriculture and energy. However, the timing and context of these investments raise serious questions about their long-term impact. Two strategic loans to boost food security and energy supply The funding package…

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Benin customs dismantle explosive trafficking network

In a bold move to tighten security along its borders, Beninese customs officials have intercepted nearly half a ton of explosives smuggled from Togo. This high-stakes operation is part of a sweeping national crackdown aimed at dismantling organized crime networks and securing the country’s frontiers against rising security threats. Precision operation in Sonahoulou intercepts dangerous cargo The dramatic seizure unfolded along the Sonahoulou-Djougou corridor, a critical transit route where customs agents had set up a targeted inspection point in Anoum. Under the command of First-Class Inspector Parfait Laurent Mekoun, the…

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Côte d’Ivoire advances 4% in global digital economy ranking

Digital transformation drives Côte d’Ivoire’s 4% leap in global ICT ranking The Ivorian economy is undergoing a digital renaissance, with the country securing a 4% advance in the latest ITU’s ICT Development Index (IDI) 2026. This progress reflects a determined push toward digital infrastructure and market adoption, elevating the nation’s score from 69.5 in 2025 to 72 points in 2026. The gains align with the country’s broader development agenda, particularly the National Development Plan (PND) and the National Digital Strategy, both prioritizing digitalization and telecom modernization as key drivers of…

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Gabon : chute de 20 % de la production d’électricité au 1er trimestre 2026

Ecouter l’article Au premier trimestre 2026, la production d’électricité s’est effondrée de 13,2 % par rapport au trimestre précédent, et de 20,1 % sur un an. Ce constat alarmant, dressé noir sur blanc dans la dernière Note de Conjoncture Sectorielle de la Direction générale de l’économie et de la politique fiscale (DGEPF), met en lumière une fragilité systémique que les usagers ne connaissent que trop bien. Derrière les statistiques, le document pointe du doigt de « nombreuses avaries » venues paralyser l’outil de production. La cause principale ? Une «…

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