Category: Top Stories

Investigations by Human Rights Watch have revealed disturbing discrepancies in the official account of airstrikes conducted by Africa Corps in Kyrnia, a village in Mali’s Mopti region. On June 15, these strikes claimed the lives of eight civilians, with no evidence found of any armed combatants from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) among the fatalities. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior Sahel researcher for Human Rights Watch, highlighted the findings during a regional news segment. The organisation’s report directly challenges the narrative presented by Mali’s military allies, particularly Russian partners,…

The online gambling industry in Senegal is facing unprecedented scrutiny following a sweeping investigation that has exposed a sophisticated web of financial irregularities linked to the controversial platform Melbet. A high-stakes legal probe, launched in early 2026 by the Special Cybercrime Unit (DSC), has uncovered a pattern of alleged financial misconduct involving millions of dollars flowing through unregulated channels. Court documents reveal that between September and December 2025 alone, payment operator Wave processed transactions totaling over 29.5 billion West African CFA francs—with only 23.5 billion ultimately credited to user accounts,…

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Olympique Lyonnais as they kick off their Champions League campaign in the third qualifying round. After finishing fourth in Ligue 1 last May, the Gones face a must-win scenario: either advance to the next stage or settle for Europa League participation. Their first hurdle is Sparta Prague, with the opening leg set for Tuesday evening at 20:00 CET in the Czech capital. Paulo Fonseca’s squad arrives with notable absences. Moussa Niakhaté and Nicolas Tagliafico serve suspensions, while Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc are unavailable…

An explosive TikTok live session featuring gospel artist Noélie Elykem tearing up her passport has catapulted a personal act of defiance into a national controversy. Beyond the dramatic visual, her symbolic gesture has ignited intense discussions about modern protest methods among the Togolese diaspora and beyond. The video, broadcast from the United States, captured Elykem shredding her official document while denouncing President Faure Gnassingbé’s administration. This unprecedented public rejection of her Togolese identity has sent shockwaves through Togo, sparking fierce divisions across the country and the wider West African region.…

Economy Gabon’s economic diplomacy: from Paris meetings to tangible results for citizens By Editor-in-Chief Libreville, August 4, 2026 — The state visit by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to Paris from July 19 to 22 was more than just ceremonial pomp and diplomatic pageantry. Beyond the military honors at Les Invalides, the stroll through the gardens of Versailles, and the state dinner at the Élysée Palace, Libreville had a clear agenda: securing concrete economic commitments that could translate into tangible benefits for Gabonese citizens. The delegation accompanying the President numbered…

African Politics Gabon’s president oligui nguema strengthens ties with Côte d’Ivoire 52 Libreville, August 4, 2026 — Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has arrived in Côte d’Ivoire for a high-profile diplomatic engagement, reinforcing the strong ties between Libreville and Abidjan. The visit follows stops in Accra, Banjul, and Freetown as part of a regional tour aimed at deepening West African partnerships. The Gabonese leader, accompanied by First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema, was invited by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara to attend the country’s 66th Independence Day celebrations on August 7.…

The recent state visit to Freetown by Gabon’s head of state underscores Libreville’s strategic push to deepen diplomatic and economic ties across West Africa. While cooperation with Sierra Leone has lagged behind other regional partners, this high-profile engagement signals a renewed commitment to revitalizing bilateral relations. Sierra Leone emerges as a key partner in this regional strategy, given its robust economic foundations. The country’s growth trajectory—with a GDP expanding between 4.2% and 5.5% and inflation steadily declining—positions it as an attractive destination for investment. Its mining sector, a cornerstone of…

For 57 consecutive days, President Paul Biya has remained out of the public eye, sparking deep unease across Cameroon. Amid this prolonged absence, a series of controversial military appointments has intensified concerns over a potential ethnic power grab and institutional vacuum. Since departing Yaoundé on June 7, 2026, ostensibly for a “private stay in Europe,” the 93-year-old head of state has not been seen in public. His extended absence has coincided with sweeping changes in the Cameroonian armed forces, including the appointment of five new brigadier generals, a new commander…

Libreville recently hosted a special gathering at the Chinese embassy, marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The event also carried deep significance as it coincided with the 52nd year since Gabon and China established diplomatic relations. Addressing the audience, China’s ambassador to Gabon, Zhou Ping, highlighted the robust and evolving partnership between Libreville and Beijing. He noted that November will see Gabon’s President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, undertake an official visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi…

Cameroon — Following nearly two months of public absence, Cameroonian authorities have broken their silence. The government has confirmed that President Paul Biya remains alive and is set to return soon, amid growing speculation about his health. The government issued its first official response to the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya, who has not been seen in public since June 7. Addressing the nation’s concerns and widespread rumors, Communications Minister and Government Spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi delivered a statement on August 2, providing reassurance to Cameroonians. The government official…