Category: Top Stories

The vibrant diplomatic scene continues in Lomé, underscoring Togo’s pivotal role in addressing continental crises. Constant-Serge Bounda, the Republic of Congo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie, and Congolese Abroad, conducted an official mission to the Togolese capital. During his visit, he was granted an audience with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on Thursday, July 9, 2026. This high-level engagement represents a continuation of the regular consultations held between Lomé and Brazzaville. Discussions primarily centered on strategies for preventing and resolving conflicts, alongside fostering stability across various African sub-regions. A pan-African alliance…

The President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, conveyed his deepest condolences following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the spiritual leader of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, on Thursday, July 9, 2026. In a heartfelt message shared on his official Facebook page, Sonko honoured the memory of the revered religious figure, extending his sympathies to the deceased’s family, the General Khalife of the Mouride Brotherhood, and the entire Senegalese people. « I was deeply moved and saddened to learn of the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké,»…

Togo’s evolving security strategy: partnerships with Russia and Africa Corps gain momentum Lomé is quietly reshaping its defense and security alliances to counter the persistent threat posed by jihadist groups operating across the Sahel. Behind the scenes, the Togolese government has quietly forged strategic partnerships with international actors, including Russia and its Africa Corps, as well as Turkey. These collaborations mark a significant shift in Togo’s approach to regional stability, blending military cooperation with covert operations. From clandestine operations to public defense agreements The Togolese capital has long been a…

Togo strengthens ties with Russia and Africa Corps amid rising jihadist threats Lomé has quietly expanded its security partnerships in recent years, forging discreet but strategic alliances to counter the growing influence of jihadist factions across the Sahel. With the support of external actors, Togo is reshaping its defense strategy to protect its northern borders and vital national interests. Turkey’s rising role in Togo’s counterterrorism efforts The search for aerial support and military assistance has led Lomé to deepen its cooperation with Ankara. Over the past decade, Togo has relied…

Lomé has quietly expanded its security partnerships, welcoming Russian forces and Africa Corps units alongside longstanding collaborations with Turkey. This strategic shift reflects growing concerns over cross-border threats from Sahel jihadist factions. New defense alliances take shape Since 2025, the Togolese government has intensified its defense cooperation with Moscow, culminating in the arrival of Africa Corps personnel. Simultaneously, long-secret agreements with Ankara have provided critical aerial surveillance capabilities and logistical support. Russia’s expanding footprint in West Africa The Africa Corps deployment marks a significant escalation in Russian involvement across the…

Réunis à Abidjan, les pays africains producteurs de minéraux critiques et leurs partenaires au développement ont affiché une ambition commune : faire des ressources stratégiques du continent un véritable moteur de transformation économique, industrielle et sociale. Au cœur des débats, la création de valeur locale, le financement du développement et l’émergence de chaînes de valeur régionales capables de répondre à la demande mondiale en pleine explosion. Les pays africains riches en minéraux critiques et plusieurs partenaires au développement se sont retrouvés vendredi 10 juillet à Abidjan lors d’une conférence ministérielle…

Ministers from African nations abundant in critical minerals convened in Abidjan to forge a unified strategy, aiming to harness their vast underground wealth—valued at $29.5 trillion—to fuel economic, industrial, and social transformation. The focus? Local value addition, sustainable financing, and building robust regional supply chains to meet surging global demand. On July 10, policymakers specializing in Mines, Energy, Industry, Green Economy, and Natural Resources gathered alongside representatives from the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, regional development banks, financial…

Abidjan summit champions Africa’s critical minerals as engine for economic transformation Ministers and development partners from across Africa convened in Abidjan to chart a bold new path for the continent’s critical minerals—valued at a staggering $29.5 trillion—aiming to turn these resources into engines of industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable development. The high-level gathering brought together ministers of Mines, Energy, Industry, Green Economy, and Natural Resources, alongside representatives from the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, regional development…

In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Burkina Faso’s poultry industry, the government recently imposed a price ceiling of 100 F CFA per egg for consumers, setting the wholesale price at 2,600 F CFA per tray and 2,750 F CFA for retailers. While framed as a move to safeguard household purchasing power, the measure risks crippling small and medium-sized poultry farmers already struggling to stay afloat. Why capping egg prices ignores economic reality The government’s price freeze fails to account for the soaring costs of feed, the lifeblood of…

Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a Centrafrican journalist known for exposing the operations of the Russian Wagner Group, has been denied asylum in France despite previously receiving a special travel permit at the request of French authorities. His case has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and anti-disinformation campaigners. From collaboration to revelation The 34-year-old journalist was once part of the Russian-backed propaganda machine in the Central African Republic, receiving payments ranging from 15 to 30 euros per article—nearly a quarter of his monthly salary. His role involved promoting narratives favorable to…

Whistleblower exposing Wagner’s operations in Central African Republic denied asylum in France key points Central African journalist Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, who exposed Russian Wagner group operations, has been denied asylum in France despite receiving a travel permit at Emmanuel Macron’s request. A harsh setback for those fighting Kremlin propaganda: France has refused asylum to Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, the Central African journalist who exposed the inner workings of Russian disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the Wagner paramilitary group. After fleeing death threats linked to his revelations, Yalike-Ngonzo arrived in France in 2024 under a…

centrafrican whistleblower denied asylum in France despite Wagner revelations key points Centrafrican journalist Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo has been denied asylum in France, despite prior safe passage granted at the highest levels. His lawyer calls the decision a “dangerous precedent” for those exposing Russian propaganda networks. Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, a Centrafrican journalist, has been denied asylum in France after exposing the inner workings of the Russian disinformation network linked to the Wagner Group. The decision came as a shock to his legal team, especially since he had been granted entry to France in…