Category: Top Stories

New Zealand’s last chance to make 2026 World Cup history against Belgium 22 June 2026 The All Whites’ head coach, Darren Bazeley, insists his team remains just By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

Since its historic reintegration into the African Union in 2017, the Kingdom of Morocco has relentlessly pursued a strategy to deepen its strategic footprint within the continental body. Following extensive regional consultations across North Africa, the Kingdom secured multiple high-level positions across key AU organs and committees. This evolving dynamic underscores Morocco’s growing influence in African governance, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to institutional reforms, good governance, financial sustainability, economic integration, and tackling major development challenges. Nine high-profile roles secured in key AU structures Through strategic diplomacy and consensus-building efforts, Morocco…

Dakar hosts regional initiative to refine polio surveillance and data accuracy In Dakar, more than 80 specialists representing 19 African nations are collaborating this week to elevate the precision, uniformity, and application of polio surveillance data. This collective effort is vital for improving disease detection, guiding immunization initiatives, and ensuring children across the continent are shielded from poliomyélite. The intensive sessions, focused on data quality assessment and workstream coordination, aim to bolster the digital infrastructure that underpins polio monitoring and outbreak management. By fostering evidence-based strategies, the initiative seeks to…

The wheels of justice are in motion in Burkina Faso as the long-awaited trial for the Norbert Zongo case inches closer to reality. Decades after the investigative journalist’s tragic death, advocates for press freedom and accountability are celebrating this critical step forward. The case of Norbert Zongo, a fearless reporter whose investigations exposed high-level corruption, remains one of the most emblematic in Africa’s fight for press freedom. His 1998 murder sent shockwaves across the continent, sparking outrage and demands for justice that have echoed for years. Now, following persistent pressure…

PolitiqueRépublique démocratique du Congo DRC church leaders challenge proposed constitutional amendments 22/06/202622 juin 2026 The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) on Saturday, June 20, issued a declaration strongly opposing any attempt to alter the Constitution enacted on February 18, 2006. https://p.dw.com/p/5FowQ The rejection of constitutional amendments, previously a stance predominantly held by the political opposition, now garners significant backing from CENCO. This influential institution holds substantial sway over public opinion across the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to Abbé Donatien Nshole, CENCO’s Secretary General, the constitutional reform envisioned by…

The eternal question resurfaces for the Argentina national team: Julian or Lautaro? Just as he did during the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, Lionel Scaloni finds himself weighing the merits of Alvarez against Martinez to lead the line. While Lionel Messi’s position in the starting eleven remains undisputed—especially after his clinical hat-trick in the opening match—the identity of his strike partner is once again the subject of intense debate. It is a luxury dilemma for any manager. In the Inter Milan captain and the Atletico Madrid forward,…

The diplomatic landscape between Benin and Niger is shifting as both nations lay the groundwork for renewed cooperation. A high-level technical meeting convened by experts from Cotonou and Niamey has yielded three strategic initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust and revitalizing bilateral relations. This development follows months of strained ties triggered by political upheaval in Niger during mid-2023 and the subsequent closure of their shared border. Tensions had escalated when Benin aligned with West African economic sanctions against Niger’s military leadership, while Niamey accused its southern neighbor of hosting military outposts…

Politique Gabon assumes key role in advancing african higher education and research Libreville, Monday, June 22, 2026 – Francophone Africa’s economic future is significantly shaped within its universities. Gabon’s recent ascension to the presidency of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) signifies more than a ceremonial duty. This new leadership position grants Gabon a crucial strategic instrument, capable of influencing the educational trajectory of millions of students, guiding the direction of scientific inquiry, and bolstering the continent’s competitive edge in a global landscape increasingly defined by innovation,…

A severe security breach has occurred at the heart of Niger, where the militant group Jnim has officially taken credit for a violent strike on the international airport in Niamey. This operation represents a daring move by the insurgents, targeting one of the most protected sites in the capital city. Casualties confirmed in the Niamey airport strike The consequences of the assault are devastating for the local defense forces and the community. During the confrontation at the airport, at least 11 soldiers were killed in the line of duty. The…

The global football stage in North America is vibrating with intensity as the 2026 World Cup moves through its second round of group matches. Hosted across the États-Unis, Canada, and Mexique, the tournament is beginning to separate the contenders from the pretenders. With 16 European nations among the 48 teams vying for glory, the stakes are rising. Espagne recently put on a clinic against Arabie Saoudite, securing a 4-0 win to erase the memory of their earlier draw with Cap-Vert. Meanwhile, France, the 2022 finalists, are preparing for a crucial…

Niger sets terms for Benin border reopening amid thawing tensions Niamey has established strict conditions for the reopening of its border with Benin, which has remained closed for nearly three years. In a meeting held in Cotonou on June 20, Niger‘s Interior Minister, General Mohamed Toumba, outlined two key prerequisites: the formalization of a defense pact and a security agreement. These would explicitly prohibit either nation from using the other’s territory for hostile actions, alongside enhanced intelligence-sharing protocols. General Toumba also insisted on “full transparency regarding foreign military deployments near…

The national body of Catholic bishops in the Democratic Republic of Congo has come out strongly against President Félix Tshisekedi’s initiative to amend the constitution. The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) warns that such a move risks undermining the nation’s democratic foundations and triggering deep institutional unrest. Their recent public statement adds significant weight to a political conversation that has been intensifying in Kinshasa for several months. The Catholic Church stands firm against constitutional changes In a powerful statement, the Congolese bishops characterized any modification of the fundamental law…