Niamey hosts 2026 nigerien diaspora forum

On July 28 and 29, 2026, Niamey will become the focal point for Nigeriens abroad during the second edition of the Nigerien Diaspora Forum. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, this event aims to position the diaspora as a key player in the nation’s economic and social progress. Under the patronage of the President of the Republic, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the forum aligns with the government’s broader Refoundation agenda, which seeks to reshape Niger’s development trajectory through inclusive and sustainable strategies. empowering the diaspora for…

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Government reshuffle at the Primature after Ousmane Sonko’s departure

The new administration under Prime Minister Al Aminou Lô has initiated a comprehensive restructuring of state services, with key transfers of authority and cabinet enhancements outlined in decree n° 2025-1431. Administrative overhaul following leadership transition Since Ousmane Sonko’s departure from the Primature on May 22, 2026, the organization of services under the head of government has undergone a significant transformation. His successor, Al Aminou Lô, inherited an administration reshaped by decree n° 2025-1431, which reallocates state services, public establishments, national companies, and state-owned enterprises among the Presidency, the Primature, and…

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Mali jihadist takeover forces villagers to flee Kouakourou

Mali jihadist takeover forces villagers to flee Kouakourou Field Report On July 18, 2026, jihadist forces from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jnim) launched a devastating assault on the military camp in Kouakourou, Mali. The attack marked a significant escalation in the conflict, culminating in the destruction of a military helicopter the following day. Civilians attempting to blend in with fleeing soldiers were reportedly captured, while residents were given a stark ultimatum: abandon their homes or face the consequences. Retreating forces face repeated ambushes In the…

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New leadership takes charge at Côte d’Ivoire’s energy sector

Côte d’Ivoire energy sector gets fresh leadership as Traoré Amidou assumes new role This Friday, July 24, 2026, marked a pivotal moment for Côte d’Ivoire Énergies (CI-ENERGIES) as Traoré Amidou officially stepped into his new role as director general. The handover ceremony, led by Yves Konan, chair of the board of directors, solidified the transition of leadership in the country’s public energy sector. Traoré Amidou takes over from Noumory Sidibé, who steered CI-ENERGIES for nearly five years. During the event, the board expressed deep appreciation for Sidibé’s contributions, acknowledging his…

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Bénin steps up enforcement against smig violations

Despite the official establishment of the Interprofessional Guaranteed Minimum Wage (SMIG) at 52,000 FCFA, numerous enterprises in Bénin persist in compensating their workforce below this legally mandated threshold. In response, the government has adopted a firm stance, urging employees to report violations to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) while emphasizing that non-compliant employers will face severe penalties. a widespread issue despite legal provisions The problem remains far from isolated. Although the SMIG was recently increased to 52,000 FCFA to enhance the purchasing power of low-income workers, many employees—particularly in…

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Niger’s border closure cost: IMF reveals staggering 117 billion FCFA loss

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delivered a stark warning: Niger’s prolonged closure of its borders has drained 117 billion West African CFA francs from state coffers. This financial hemorrhage exposes the devastating economic fallout gripping the Sahel region, where political posturing has collided with harsh economic realities. Trade disruptions have crippled customs revenues, the lifeblood of regional economies, while plunging communities into deeper financial distress. The staggering financial toll of border closures The IMF’s findings leave no room for doubt—the suspension of cross-border trade with Niger has created a…

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Gabon unveils bold biodiversity plan to safeguard 30% of its territory

Gabon has taken a decisive step toward securing the future of its forests, coastlines, and wildlife. After days of intensive deliberations in Libreville, the national workshop validating the 2022-2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SPANB) reached its conclusion this week. Protecting 30% of Gabon’s land and sea by 2030 At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is a commitment to safeguard at least 30% of Gabon’s terrestrial, coastal, and marine territories. This bold target aligns the country with the global ambitions set under the Kunming-Montréal Agreement, positioning Gabon as…

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Togo’s growing strategic alignment with Russia: a west african pivot

**As Russian military operations face significant setbacks across the Alliance of Sahel States, Moscow is strategically reorienting its focus towards the Gulf of Guinea. By welcoming vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet and fostering the Kremlin’s cultural and religious influence, Faure Gnassingbé’s autocratic regime is transforming Togo into a crucial logistical and political platform for West Africa.** Lomé: a new home port for sanctioned vessels The Autonomous Port of Lomé, the sub-region’s sole deep-water port, is no longer merely a commercial crossroads. It is rapidly becoming a vital link in Moscow’s…

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Mali’s strategic shift amid russian partnership failure against jihadists

The promise of a quick-fix solution through alignment with Moscow has collapsed in Mali. Despite the transitional government’s insistence on self-reliance and its rejection of Western partners, the security landscape tells a starkly different story: the jihadist threat is escalating, and the Russian-backed paramilitary strategy has hit a critical dead end. The faltering security strategy of Africa Corps Three years after Moscow deployed its mercenaries—initially under the Wagner Group banner, now rebranded as Africa Corps—the results are undeniable: a heavy toll with no strategic gains. Tactical failures mount: Rather than…

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OM to face atletico madrid in final pre-season friendly

Olympique de Marseille prepares for showdown with Atlético Madrid Football, Ligue 1, Olympique de Marseille Ahead of the highly anticipated Ligue 1 kickoff, Olympique de Marseille (OM) will host Spanish giants Atlético Madrid in a final pre-season friendly on Friday, August 14, at the iconic Vélodrome stadium. Under the guidance of head coach Bruno Génésio, the Phocéens will face the Colchoneros, managed by Diego Simeone, in what promises to be a high-intensity clash. This annual tradition has become a staple of Marseille’s summer preparation, following previous editions against Napoli (2019),…

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Burkina Faso’s digital suppression of dissent under Traoré

In Burkina Faso, the struggle for press freedom has shifted from newsrooms and streets to the digital realm, where repression now unfolds through orchestrated online campaigns and targeted harassment. An in-depth investigation reveals the role of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the military junta leader, in fostering a coordinated network of cyberactivists tasked with silencing critical voices. This operation, disguised under the name Bataillons d’Intervention Rapide de la Communication (BIR-C), mirrors the tactics of military units but operates within the digital sphere. The BIR-C: A shadow network silencing dissent The BIR-C functions…

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Vers des frappes américaines contre le JNIM au Mali ?

Vers des frappes américaines contre le JNIM au Mali ? Saleh Mwanamilongo ven. 24 juillet 2026 à 9:12 AM UTC Ajoutez Yahoo comme source préférée pour voir nos articles sur Google. L’administration du président Donald Trump envisagerait des frappes militaires au Mali contre le Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans, le JNIM, affilié à Al-Qaïda. Aucune décision n’a encore été prise, mais cette option divise déjà les responsables américains. Et sur le terrain, au Mali, les réactions sont aussi partagées. Cet groupe armé est considéré aujourd’hui comme le…

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