Category: Politics

Ecouter l’article In a significant move towards enhanced local governance, Paul Kessany, Gabon’s Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Radiance, and Arts, formalized a framework agreement for the transfer of competencies with the Libreville Commune on Thursday, July 30, 2026. This action marks a pivotal step in realizing the decentralization policy championed by the President of the Republic, Head of State, and Head of Government, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The ambitious reform aims to bring public policies closer to citizens by granting greater responsibilities to local authorities across Gabon. The decentralization…

The recent statements from the Head of State, who attributes the nation’s governance failures to Allah and invokes divine fear to control the population, ring hollow amid the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. In Chad, faith and spirituality serve as pillars of resilience for its people in the face of an unyielding political system. Yet when these sacred values are exploited to conceal systemic weaknesses in governance, economics, and institutions, it is the duty of every conscientious citizen to remind leaders that leadership is not ordained by Allah. This persistent…

Cameroon: president paul biya’s extended absence fuels public debate For two months, President Paul Biya of Cameroon has been absent from the nation, a situation that remains unprecedented, especially coming just eight months after his inauguration for an eighth consecutive term. This prolonged period away has sparked considerable discussion across the country, highlighting concerns within Cameroonian society and among observers of African politics. While unusual, this extended absence is not deemed illegal, according to Benoit Ndong Soumeth, a minister with a mission at the Presidency. He asserted, "A population may,…

Florence Richard Ivory Coast political affairs correspondent Laurent Gbagbo Henri Konan Bédié Félix Houphouët-Boigny Alassane Ouattara From grassroots movement to dominant force The Rally of the Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) stands today as a towering political institution in Côte d’Ivoire. Its journey—from a fledgling coalition to the country’s preeminent party—mirrors the nation’s own political evolution over four decades. This transformation reflects strategic alliances, shifting ideological currents, and the relentless pursuit of national unity under the banner of democratic governance. The vision behind its founding Conceived in the early…

Featured Politics Algeria’s opposition strategy: long-term containment of Morocco? Introduction Few bilateral relationships in today’s world have proven as persistently adversarial—or as consequential for regional stability—as the one binding Algeria and Morocco. Since emerging from French and Spanish colonial rule in the mid-20th century, their ties have seesawed between cautious cooperation and open hostility, marked by border clashes, diplomatic ruptures, closed frontiers, and a Cold War-style rivalry for regional dominance that has outlasted multiple generations of leaders on both sides of the Zouj Bghal border post. This analysis asks a…

The National Republican Coalition (CNR) has launched a sharp political offensive against Gabon’s transitional leadership, directly targeting President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The coalition accuses the administration of undermining the original spirit of institutional renewal that followed the departure of former leader Ali Bongo Ondimba, citing a pattern of inconsistent decision-making that has shaken public confidence. Growing discontent with governance under Oligui Nguema The CNR criticizes the transitional government for what it describes as a lack of strategic direction, pointing to repeated policy reversals and an inability to establish clear…

By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

Romain Chanson Democratic Republic of the Congo specialist Moïse Katumbi Félix Tshisekedi Meet Raphaël Katebe Katoto, Kinshasa’s envoy to Katanga In a strategic move to strengthen ties between Kinshasa and the resource-rich Katanga province, President Félix Tshisekedi has appointed his close associate, Raphaël Katebe Katoto, as a special envoy to the region. The announcement, made public late last month, underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering cohesion and accelerating development in the mineral-rich southeastern territory. Katebe Katoto, whose family maintains close political and business connections with Moïse Katumbi, a prominent figure…

Legal proceedings against Pastef affiliates in Senegal In a notable development within Senegalese African politics, three individuals closely connected to the Pastef party are currently facing legal prosecution. These proceedings have been initiated following accusations of an alleged offense directed against the nation’s head of state, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This situation underscores the ongoing dynamics in West Africa news and the broader African political landscape, particularly regarding public discourse concerning high-ranking officials. The charges highlight the legal provisions in Senegal designed to protect the integrity and dignity of the…

Concluding his significant series of courtesy calls in Touba, the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, engaged in pivotal discussions with several revered spiritual figures. His itinerary for the day commenced with a visit to Serigne Cheikh Say Mbacké, the esteemed Khalife of Serigne Souhaïbou Mbacké. Subsequently, President Sonko met with Serigne Cheikh Mbacké, who holds the distinguished position of Khalife of Serigne Abdoul Khadre Mbacké. The day’s official engagements concluded after meaningful exchanges with Serigne Fallou Mbacké Ibn Serigne Souhaïbou Mbacké. At each stop during this important tour,…

An economist offers a candid assessment of Cameroon’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 double elections. Economist Serge Alain Godong provides an unflinching examination of the political standoff in Cameroon. Employing concepts from “game theory” and the “prisoner’s dilemma,” Godong articulates his perspective on why Maurice Kamto could not secure victory in 2018 and why triumph in the upcoming elections would prove exceptionally challenging. In a comprehensive analysis, Godong characterizes the current administration as “openly twilight,” suggesting an electorate that consistently gravitates towards the familiarity of the known rather than…

Touba — As the countdown to the Grand Magal of Touba 2026 begins, the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, paid a courtesy visit to the holy city of Touba. There, he was warmly received by the General Khalif of the Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, in an atmosphere steeped in reverence and spiritual devotion. During the meeting, Sonko conveyed his deepest respects to the religious leader, underscoring his admiration for the spiritual and historical significance of the Grand Magal. This annual celebration honors the exile of Cheikh Ahmadou…