Category: Politics

Listen to the article Jean-Pierre Antchoue Ayenoue, Vice President overseeing International Affairs and the Diaspora, brings extensive expertise in corruption and money laundering prevention to his role. Assessing Gabon’s progress in combating corruption From June 29 to July 1, 2026, Libreville will host an international team of experts mandated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Their task is to evaluate Gabon’s systems for preventing corruption and recovering illicit assets as part of the second review cycle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). While this…

The Gabonese political scene has long thrived on spirited exchanges, a hallmark of its democratic vitality since the multiparty system emerged from the March-April 1990 National Conference. Political parties have consistently made their voices heard through bold stances, targeted criticisms, and measured support for government actions when circumstances demanded it. Yet, recent months have seen a worrying decline in public discourse. A suffocating silence has descended over the political arena, leaving only sporadic interventions from the Rassemblement pour la patrie et la modernité (RPM) led by Barro Chambrier, the Parti…

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko’s alliance lasted barely two years. The President of Senegal has now removed his former Prime Minister from office, marking a decisive break in their partnership. Sonko, who now presides over the National Assembly, remains the influential leader of the Pastef party—dominant in Parliament but excluded from the government. How did this political fracture occur, and what does it mean for the future of governance in Dakar? Could this escalating tension overshadow the pressing needs of the Senegalese people? Key voices in the debate Abdoulaye…

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko’s alliance lasted barely two years. After dismissing his former Prime Minister from office, the President of Senegal now finds himself in uncharted political territory. Sonko, now Speaker of the National Assembly, has been re-elected with overwhelming support to lead the Pastef party— Senegal’s dominant force in Parliament yet absent from the government. How did this fracture occur? Will the cohabitation between the Head of State and the Assembly President remain viable? More importantly, could these tensions overshadow the pressing needs of the Senegalese people?…

Boubacar Sidiki Haidara West Africa correspondent Russie – Afrique Mohamed Bazoum Khalifa Haftar Romuald Wadagni Assimi Goïta Ibrahim Traoré Abdourahamane Tiani Alliance des États du Sahel Under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger is embracing a new chapter marked by pragmatic decision-making. Since assuming power, the transitional authorities have demonstrated a clear shift in governance, prioritizing stability and regional collaboration over past uncertainties. This approach reflects a broader strategy to reposition Niger on the continental stage while addressing pressing domestic challenges. Strategic partnerships take center stage Niger’s foreign policy…

Cameroon’s shifting political landscape fuels speculation over vice-presidential succession In Cameroon’s corridors of power, whispers are growing louder about Louis-Paul Motaze, the nation’s Finance Minister, and his potential ambitions beyond his current role. Observers note a deliberate yet discreet campaign unfolding behind the scenes, positioning him as a leading contender for the vice-presidency—a position that has remained vacant since President Paul Biya took office decades ago. From economic steward to potential successor Motaze, a seasoned technocrat with decades of service in government, has long been a key figure in Cameroon’s…

Morocco’s 2024 census exposes gap between population growth and electoral representation The rapid urban expansion revealed by Morocco’s 2024 census is reshaping the country’s demographic landscape. As sprawling suburbs swell and historic city centers shrink, the ratio of eligible voters per parliamentary seat has reached unprecedented disparities. Here’s how these shifts are straining the foundation of the 2026 legislative elections. The 2024 General Population and Housing Census (RGPH 2024) has uncovered dramatic demographic shifts across Morocco. Over the past decade, Morocco’s urban periphery has expanded at an unprecedented pace, while…

Politics Gabon boosts military capabilities to strengthen national sovereignty 138 Libreville, Monday, June 22, 2026 — Confronted with escalating security threats in the Gulf of Guinea and rapidly evolving modern conflicts, Gabon has taken a decisive step in upgrading its military capabilities. The announcement, made by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his State of the Nation address on June 15, 2026, reveals one of the most significant military equipment programs in the country’s recent history. A contract worth approximately €200 million, equivalent to over 131 billion CFA francs, has…

politics Cameroun: Louis Marie Kakdeu appointed head of SDF’s national electoral preparation commission A leading Cameroonian opposition party has named an economist and academic to spearhead its readiness drive for the 2027 municipal and legislative elections. The move signals a strategic shift as the Social Democratic Front (SDF) seeks to rebuild its grassroots presence after recent setbacks. Strategic appointment ahead of 2027 polls The Cameroonian Social Democratic Front (SDF) has appointed Louis Marie Kakdeu, party vice-president and former presidential campaign manager, as director of its newly created National Electoral Preparation…

Politics Gabon faces scrutiny over 1 trillion CFA investment in SEEG services 139 No comment Libreville, June 22, 2026 — The water and electricity crisis in Gabon has reached a critical political juncture. For the first time since the transition began, the ruling party, Union Démocratique des Bâtisseurs (UDB), founded by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has publicly and firmly challenged the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG). The question at the heart of this move is stark: how can nearly one trillion CFA francs have been allocated by…

Gabon is taking a decisive step toward strengthening its defense capabilities by establishing a local production facility for military uniforms. The initiative, championed by the Ministry of National Defense, aims to reduce the country’s reliance on imported military attire while boosting national industrial self-sufficiency. Boosting defense autonomy through local manufacturing During a parliamentary session, the Minister of National Defense, Brigitte Onkanowa, presented a draft law establishing an Atelier de confection des uniformes des Forces de défense et de sécurité—a workshop dedicated to producing uniforms for the nation’s defense and security…

Politique Gabon : La fin des privilèges cachés Libreville, Monday, June 22, 2026 – For many years, certain vehicles bearing the distinctive “142” license plates, traditionally linked with the Interior Ministry, navigated Gabon’s streets largely without public scrutiny. These administrative symbols often represented an opaque system of usage, escaping the clear view of citizens. This Monday, the Gabonese government initiated a comprehensive operation to identify and register the individuals using these vehicles. This undertaking extends far beyond a mere automotive census, signaling a deeper commitment to restoring order in the…