Category: Top Stories

Bénin and Togo forge energy alliance to break dependence on foreign suppliers In the face of chronic vulnerabilities in their external energy supply chains, Bénin and Togo are deepening political and economic ties to secure a sustainable power future. Recent disruptions—including a devastating fire at Ghana’s Akosombo substation in April, which slashed regional power exports by 1,000 megawatts and left both nations scrambling—have exposed the fragility of relying solely on imports. This isn’t the first time the two countries have faced energy blackouts due to external failures. In 2024, disruptions…

The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently witnessing a landmark judicial event that is sending ripples through the nation’s security and political structures. This unprecedented legal proceeding focuses on high-ranking figures within the FARDC, marking a significant moment in the country’s contemporary history. A high-stakes legal battle for the FARDC At the heart of this judicial storm is General Christian Tshiwewe Songesa. Having served as the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC during the presidency of Félix Tshisekedi, his involvement in this case highlights the shifting dynamics within the…

Strengthening continental governance through parliamentary reform On the sidelines of the 85th session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union (UPA), the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, held a high-level meeting this Thursday, June 4, with Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, the head of the institution’s executive body. The discussions centered on the fundamental missions, organizational framework, and future strategies for the UPA. This dialogue comes at a pivotal moment as the African continent grapples with increasingly complex institutional and political hurdles. Improving institutional impact During the…

The Eagles of Mali are meticulously preparing in Antalya, Turkey, for an anticipated international friendly encounter against Iran, scheduled for this Thursday at 16:30 GMT. For this high-stakes fixture, the Malian coaching staff has strategically assembled a formidable and well-rounded starting eleven, emphasizing a robust defensive core combined with dynamic wide play, with the clear intention of seizing control from the opening whistle. Our exclusive insights into the official team sheet reveal that D. Diarra (16) will command the goal. Bolstering the backline, a formidable defensive quartet features N. Gassama…

Ousmane Sonko advocates for stronger, more unified continental parliamentary body The 85th session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) provided the backdrop for a high-level meeting between Senegal’s National Assembly President, Ousmane Sonko, and Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, Chair of the continental body’s Executive Committee. The June 4 gathering centered on evaluating the APU’s role amid Africa’s mounting political, economic, and security challenges. Sonko underscored the urgent need to overhaul the APU’s operational framework to enhance its effectiveness and amplify its influence in shaping continental policy.…

The leaders of Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin convened in Abidjan on June 4, 2026, for a landmark meeting aimed at deepening bilateral ties and advancing regional cooperation. This high-level gathering between President Alassane Ouattara and his Béninois counterpart Romuald Wadagni underscored their shared vision for a more integrated and resilient West Africa. Strengthening economic and political cooperation During the discussions, both presidents emphasized the need to bolster economic exchanges and infrastructure projects that could serve as catalysts for inclusive growth. Key areas of focus included trade facilitation, energy connectivity, and…

In a vibrant display of merit and discipline, the Prytanée Militaire de Niamey (PMN) held its annual excellence award ceremony on Thursday, June 4, marking the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic session. Under the high patronage of Major General Salaou Barmou, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, the event served to spotlight the exceptional academic achievements of students who have distinguished themselves through hard work and dedication. The ceremony was dedicated to honoring the top-ranking students from every level, spanning from the first year of secondary school to the…

Algiers, June 4, 2026 — After years of delays, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project has reached a critical milestone. Representatives from Niger, Algeria, and Nigeria gathered in Algiers this week to endorse the updated feasibility study and reaffirmed their commitment to fast-track the next phases of this ambitious energy infrastructure. The proposed pipeline, stretching nearly 4,128 kilometers, aims to transport Nigerian natural gas through Niger and into Algeria, before exporting it to European and global markets. For the three partner nations, this initiative stands as one of Africa’s most…

The completion of the Gorou Banda power plant in Niamey, Niger, has set the stage for a new phase in Sonelgaz’s expansion across the continent. Orchestrated by its subsidiary, Sonelgaz-International, this 40-megawatt facility represents the Algerian company’s inaugural energy project on foreign soil. Building on this momentum, a similar infrastructure project is slated to begin shortly in N’Djamena, Chad. New energy horizons in Chad During the recent inauguration ceremonies in Niamey, the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, confirmed that the symbolic first stone for a 40-megawatt power…

The Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Colombia have reaffirmed their dedication to deepening collaboration between the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council, placing peace at the top of global priorities. During a courtesy visit in New York on Wednesday, June 3, the Moroccan Permanent Representative to the United Nations and current Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, Omar Hilale, welcomed Leonor Zalabata Torres, Colombia’s Ambassador to the UN and incoming President of the UN Security Council for June 2026. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

The Burkina Faso and Serbia are stepping up their bilateral relations, with a focus on defense, security, and training. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, a delegation of Serbian lawmakers led by Slavenko Ristic, head of the Defense and Security Commission of the Serbian Parliament and CEO of the defense technology firm Tehnicki Remont Bratunac, held discussions with Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinabè Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, and Deputy Minister Bêbgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabré/Kaboré in Ouagadougou. During the meeting, the Serbian delegation explored avenues for…