Category: Top Stories

DRC’s Ebola outbreak expands to sixth province amid rising concerns The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with its most devastating Ebola outbreak yet, now affecting a sixth province in the northern region and threatening neighboring South Sudan. Health authorities declared the 17th Ebola epidemic on May 15, weeks behind schedule, marking the largest outbreak in the country’s history. The previous deadliest outbreak in the DRC claimed nearly 2,300 lives out of 3,500 reported cases between 2018 and 2020. In stark contrast, the current epidemic has already resulted in…

Cameroon’s head of state, President Paul Biya, departed Yaoundé on June 7, 2026, under the pretext of what officials described as a brief private retreat. Instead, his absence has stretched into an unprecedented 66-day hiatus, leaving a void in regional stability. For over two months, an unusual silence has surrounded his whereabouts, fueling speculation across Central Africa. The prolonged disappearance of a sitting president in a key regional bloc is raising concerns about governance and economic continuity within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). By Ousmane Tandja —…

The Beninese passport has climbed to the top ranks of African travel freedom, reflecting a bold diplomatic vision combining openness and technological innovation. Over recent years, this travel document has risen steadily in continental mobility rankings, earning recognition as one of Africa’s most influential passports for intra-African travel. This achievement stems from a clear political commitment: transforming Benin into a dynamic hub for trade and unhindered movement across West Africa. The passport’s success is not accidental—it embodies deliberate policy choices aimed at fostering regional integration and economic cooperation. Understanding the…

The Ivory Coast’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, officially inaugurated the newly handed-over GIABA Information Centre in Cocody this past Wednesday, marking a pivotal step in regional efforts to curb financial crime. The facility, provided by the Ivorian government under the Headquarters Agreement, strengthens collaboration across West Africa in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. From decision to reality: a decade of regional commitment The initiative traces back to a 2010 decision by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which approved the creation of two information centres: one…

North Africa’s strategic gateway takes center stage in migration governance The Kingdom of Morocco has emerged as a linchpin in Africa’s approach to irregular migration flows, according to Moroccan-American scholar Dr. Mohamed Daadaoui. In a candid assessment from Washington, the political science professor highlighted Rabat’s pivotal role in preventing human trafficking networks and coordinating complex rescue operations at sea. Regional leadership recognized by international observers Dr. Daadaoui emphasized that Morocco’s proactive migration strategy has earned it recognition as a responsible regional actor and a trustworthy international partner. The Kingdom’s coordinated…

Olympique Lyonnais tightens ticketing system for critical Champions League playoff against Fenerbahçe As part of heightened security measures ahead of the crucial Champions League playoff return leg against Turkish side Fenerbahçe, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) has announced strict controls on its ticketing system for the Groupama Stadium showdown scheduled on August 26. In a significant move, the club has decided to cloister its ticketing process to prevent unauthorized resale and limit unsupervised Turkish supporter attendance. Authorities have classified this upcoming encounter as high-risk, citing several factors including the substantial Turkish diaspora…

Morocco’s Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has urged the repatriation of Moroccan minors currently in Spain, including those who arrived in Ceuta during the recent migration surge. This directive follows royal instructions aimed at streamlining the identification and return process for these minors. The exact number of affected minors remains unclear. Spanish authorities reported 1,527 unaccompanied minors in Ceuta following the crisis, as of the latest data shared on August 12. However, this figure may include some who were already present in the enclave before the late July influx. Existing…

Politics Libreville hosts African leaders ahead of Gabon’s independence day By Editor-in-Chief August 12, 2026 135 No comment Libreville, August 12, 2026 — As Gabon prepares to celebrate its 66th Independence Day, the capital is set to welcome two African heads of state, elevating the August 17 festivities into a significant diplomatic milestone. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Horta Inta-A Na Man, President of Guinea-Bissau, will both visit Libreville, reinforcing Gabon’s commitment to fostering African solidarity and high-level political dialogue. The announcement was…

Morocco cracks down on border crossing plot targeting ceuta The Moroccan Ministry of Interior confirmed the arrest of key figures behind a planned mass border crossing attempt toward Ceuta on August 15. A robust surveillance system has been deployed near the border, while social media campaigns inciting the crossing were condemned. Spain was urged to expedite the repatriation of unaccompanied minors. Continuing border monitoring efforts Call for Spain to accelerate minor repatriation Moroccan authorities have implemented comprehensive measures to thwart any illegal attempts to cross into Ceuta and Melilla, targeting…

Workers at Togo’s Port of Lomé launch 72-hour strike Operations at the Port of Lomé, Togo’s economic lifeline, ground to a near halt on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 5:00 AM. The stoppage, called by the Syndicate of Port of Lomé Autonomous Workers (SYAPAL), is set to last until Thursday, August 13, at 11:59 PM, casting uncertainty over the country’s trade flows. Deep-rooted grievances fuel the walkout The strike stems from long-standing demands over salaries, career stability, and strict enforcement of port labor regulations. Workers argue that despite repeated negotiations,…

New cooperation opportunities between Madagascar and Chad An official visit by Madagascar’s President of Refoundation, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, to N’Djamena has marked a turning point in bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit, coinciding with Chad’s 66th Independence Day celebrations on August 11, 2026, underscored shared commitments to strengthening African partnerships. Economic and infrastructure partnerships at the forefront The visit began with high-level discussions between President Randrianirina and Chad’s leader, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. Key focus areas included trade expansion and joint infrastructure projects. The Malagasy leader emphasized…