Category: Top Stories

Why the Sahel’s inflation crisis refuses to fade Official figures from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) may show average inflation at 0.0% across the region, but this cold figure tells only half the story. In the heart of the Sahel—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—the reality is starkly different. While coastal nations benefit from lower global commodity prices and favorable weather, the AES bloc remains trapped in a cycle of relentless price hikes that refuse to ease. The true cost of insecurity and military-led policies Inflation in the…

Two Mauritanian ministers have visited Yaoundé in the span of a week. President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani dispatched a second special envoy to the Palais de l’Unité on 24 June: Bessouda Mohamed Laghdaf, environment minister, carrying a sealed letter for Paul Biya. The stated goal: securing Cameroon’s backing for Coumba Bâ’s bid to become Secretary General of the International Organisation of the Francophonie. A sealed letter, a 30-minute audience and a direct message Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Minister of State and Secretary General of the Presidency, received the Mauritanian emissary…

With no Champions League football on the horizon next season, Olympique de Marseille must come to terms with losing key players, including Mason Greenwood. While AS Roma have shown interest in the English striker, Fenerbahçe are determined to take the lead in this transfer saga. A new offer could land within days. Greenwood’s departure from OM now a matter of when, not if The question is no longer whether Mason Greenwood will leave OM during the summer transfer window, but when. The English attacker holds the highest market value in…

On Wednesday, 24 June 2026, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema formally received the credentials of five new ambassadors. This ceremonial act, which marks the start of their duties, reflects Libreville’s determination to strengthen its global standing. It aligns with the head of state’s vision: transforming Gabon into an appealing player actively engaged with today’s major economic, environmental and geostrategic challenges. Among the new faces in Gabon’s diplomatic corps are Monseigneur Relwende Kisito Ouedraogo, the apostolic nuncio, and Fadoul Kitir Zakaria, Chad’s ambassador. Their accreditation underscores the long-standing ties Gabon shares…

Amidst growing international awareness regarding the detrimental impact of corruption, a significant event recently took place, building upon the ongoing work of the Human Rights Council. This initiative follows the adoption of Resolution 59/6 in July 2025, which firmly established the widely accepted principle that combating corruption and safeguarding fundamental rights are inherently interconnected and mutually reinforcing. International commitments, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the 2011 Marrakech Declaration, and the political declaration from UNGASS 2021, consistently underscore the necessity of a preventive approach rooted in upholding the rule…

On April 20, 2026, General Évariste Ndayishimiye embarked on an official “friendship and working” visit to Ouagadougou. At the time, the Burundian head of state held the rotating chairmanship of the African Union (AU). This diplomatic overture aimed to re-establish dialogue between the continental organization and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This alliance, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, is currently led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The initiative unfolded against the backdrop of AES member states withdrawing from AU bodies. In this context, the Burundian president traveled to Burkina…

Le Maroc s’impose comme une porte d’entrée stratégique vers l’Afrique, attirant l’attention des entrepreneurs du Lot-et-Garonne. Sa vitalité économique, sa situation géographique proche de la France et les multiples débouchés qu’il propose aux entreprises françaises ont conduit le Club Export 47 à choisir ce pays pour sa prochaine mission, prévue du 30 novembre au 3 décembre. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema accepted the letters of credence from five newly accredited ambassadors yesterday at the Bord de mer palace. This ceremony officially launched their diplomatic assignments in the country and reflects the vitality of Gabon’s foreign relations and renewed trust from its international partners. The diplomatic representatives include Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Relwende Kisito Ouedraogo, as well as the ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary from the Republic of Chad (Fadoul Kitir Zakaria), the Islamic Republic of Iran (Seyed Gholamreza Mirmohammad Meigoni), the Republic of Djibouti (Mohamed Bourhan Ali), and…

The Democratic Republic of Congo has initiated a significant escalation in its public health strategy against the 17th Ebola virus disease outbreak. Over a month following the official declaration of the epidemic, the government announced on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, a mandatory 21-day isolation period for all individuals arriving from Ebola-affected regions. This measure applies before any further national or international travel, underscoring a critical push to fortify the nation’s response efforts. Officials clarified that this robust health protocol is designed to bolster existing public health safeguards, curb the virus’s…

Bénin-Niger border reopening: a step closer with new conditions After three years of closure, the Bénin–Niger border may soon reopen. On June 20, Niger’s Interior Minister, General Mohamed Toumba, traveled to Cotonou to engage with experts overseeing the border reopening process. He outlined three critical conditions for the reopening: the signing of a defense pact, a security agreement ensuring neither country uses the other’s territory for hostile purposes, and full transparency regarding foreign military deployments near their shared border. Diplomatic efforts to revive the Bénin-Niger border The visit by Niger’s…