The Ligue 1 playoff first leg kicks off this Tuesday as AS Saint-Étienne hosts OGC Nice at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. At the heart of the action will be two rising Senegalese talents, Yehvann Diouf and Antoine Mendy, who are set to start for the visitors. With high stakes on the line, the OGC Nice side—a 16th-place finisher in Ligue 2—will aim to secure a positive result against the third-placed AS Saint-Étienne. This match follows their recent Coupe de France final defeat to RC Lens, adding extra pressure to their playoff…
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Central African Republic: chaos erupts in M’béngou village after Russian mercenary attack
Central African Republic: chaos erupts in M’béngou village after Russian mercenary attack Residents of M’béngou, a rural community near Bamingui in the Central African Republic, fled in terror following an unprovoked assault by armed mercenaries believed to be of Russian origin. The violent incursion left multiple civilians dead and others severely wounded, triggering widespread panic across the area. Unchecked violence sparks mass exodus The sudden arrival of the armed group in M’béngou on the morning of 26 May 2026 shattered the community’s fragile sense of security. Eyewitnesses described how the…
Read MoreTabaski celebrations marred by hardship for displaced families in Bamako
As the Tabaski celebrations approach, displaced families in Bamako face harsh realities in makeshift shelters following the eviction of the Faladiè informal camp. Once a bustling marketplace, the site now hosts vulnerable households who fled conflict in central Mali, struggling to prepare for the holiday under dire conditions. Relocation delays leave families in limbo The eviction of the Faladiè camp in April left hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) without a designated relocation site. Among them is Aminata, a mother of four who fled violence in Bankass (Bandiagara region) in…
Read MoreCentral african republic: family home in obo ravaged by russian mercenaries
The tranquil town of Obo in the Central African Republic has been shaken by reports of a violent home invasion. Thierry, a local father and community member, found his residence ransacked by armed individuals reportedly linked to Russian mercenary groups operating in the region. The incident has left residents in Obo deeply concerned about their safety and raised questions about the presence and behavior of foreign fighters in the area. Neighbors described hearing gunshots and commotion before the group stormed the modest home, making off with valuables and leaving destruction…
Read MoreSénégal: ousmane sonko’s ascent to parliamentary power raises concerns
The swift ascension of Ousmane Sonko to the presidency of Senegal’s National Assembly has unfolded with such calculated precision that its chronological sequence appears meticulously designed rather than coincidental. Following his abrupt removal from a prior governmental role, Sonko’s political exile proved fleeting. Within days, he was reinstated—not merely as a backbencher, but as the presiding officer of the legislative chamber, a position traditionally reserved for figures of considerable influence. The timing of this transition has left many political observers in a state of bewilderment. Just 24 hours after Sonko’s…
Read MoreBilal El Khannouss secures long-term deal with Stuttgart
Bilal El Khannouss has made his move to VfB Stuttgart permanent after an impressive debut season in Bundesliga. The 22-year-old Moroccan attacking midfielder, who joined on loan from Leicester City last year, has now inked a multi-year contract with the German club. During his maiden campaign in Europe’s top flight, El Khannouss featured in 41 matches across all competitions, delivering nine goals and seven assists. His standout performances earned him a spot in Morocco’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, where the Atlas Lions will kick off their…
Read MoreWagner’s targeting of a humanitarian expert in Central African Republic’s Haut-Mbomou
As twilight descended on Zemio this Sunday, May 26, 2024, an atmosphere of camaraderie filled the courtyard of a local bar-restaurant in the Haut-Mbomou sub-prefecture. This region of the Central African Republic is known for its persistent community conflicts. A gathering of approximately fifty individuals had assembled to bid farewell to two visiting experts. Among them was Joseph Figueira, a Belgian-Portuguese researcher, and his Ivorian colleague, who resides in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. They were offering refreshments to their local counterparts, having been dispatched by the American NGO…
Read MoreBenin’s president wadagni hosts malian foreign minister diop in Cotonou
During the official inauguration ceremonies, Romuald Wadagni, the newly installed President of the Republic of Benin, held a significant meeting with Abdoulaye Diop, Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Malian foreign minister conveyed a heartfelt message of congratulations and solidarity from the President of the Transition of Mali, Army General Assimi Goïta. A strong signal for enhanced bilateral cooperation This cordial meeting offered both dignitaries an opportunity to assess the current state of relations between Porto-Novo and Bamako. Beyond the customary felicitations, the discussions laid the groundwork…
Read MoreBurkina Faso’s livestock blockade: a risky political gamble ahead of Tabaski
The Burkinabè government’s decision to halt livestock exports ahead of the Tabaski festival marks a bold political move, prioritizing local consumer interests over regional market dynamics. While the intention may be socially driven, the measure carries significant economic contradictions and potential pitfalls. The paradox of purchasing power: favoring cities over rural areas At the heart of this policy lies a stark contradiction. By ensuring affordable mutton prices for urban consumers in Ouagadougou and other cities, the government inadvertently punishes rural producers. These farmers and herders, already grappling with insecurity, cattle…
Read MoreNiger opens one-month livestock export window to Algeria amid regional tensions
The fragile economic landscape of West Africa has recently witnessed a sharp shift in Niger’s trade policies, prompting deep concern among regional economists and business leaders. While commercial borders remain tightly controlled for exports to Southern neighbors such as Côte d’Ivoire, Bénin, Ghana, and Togo, Niamey has taken a bold, unilateral step toward the North. An unexpected lifeline to Algiers In a surprising move, Niger’s transitional authorities have granted Algeria a single-month exemption for livestock exports. Official statements frame the decision as part of an effort to “stabilize domestic markets”…
Read MoreBenin and Niger move toward diplomatic thaw after political transition
The diplomatic landscape between Benin and Niger is undergoing a notable shift. A high-level delegation from Niamey, led by the Prime Minister, attended the inauguration ceremony of Benin’s newly elected president in Cotonou, signaling a clear intent to move past a prolonged diplomatic chill. This gesture follows months of closed borders, escalating rhetoric, and a disruptive oil dispute that has weighed heavily on the economies of both nations. Diplomatic thaw gains momentum in Cotonou Niamey’s decision to send its Prime Minister—rather than a mere ambassador—reflects the significance placed on Benin’s…
Read MoreSt-Étienne vs nice: when and where to watch the first leg of the l1/l2 playoff
Key details to follow the Saint-Étienne vs Nice playoff first leg Football fans are in for a treat this Tuesday, May 26, as two of France’s most historic clubs lock horns in the first leg of the critical Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoff. Saint-Étienne hosts Nice at the iconic Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, also known as Le Chaudron, with kickoff set for 20h45. The clash will determine which team secures a place in France’s top flight for the 2026-27 season. This match comes at a pivotal moment for both sides. Nice, fresh off…
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