Category: Top Stories

From 29 June to 1 July 2026, Gabon will host a high-level international assessment team as part of the second review cycle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The visiting experts—drawn from UNODC, Chad and Libya—will scrutinise the country’s progress in preventing graft and recovering illicit assets. The upcoming country visit phase marks a decisive milestone in Gabon’s long-standing anti-corruption drive. After years of institutional reforms and tighter public-sector oversight, the National Commission to Fight Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI) has confirmed that Libreville will serve as the host…

Chad N’Djamena’s youth grapple with hardship: sand trade as a lifeline In the capital of Chad, young citizens are turning to sand trade as a means of survival amid rising unemployment and deepening poverty. For many young people in Chad’s capital, survival means hauling sand through the streets of N’Djamena. The seventh arrondissement’s Emtoukoui market has become a hub of informal labor, where unemployed youth stake their claim on a grueling trade. Nationally, poverty is tightening its grip. Recent World Bank estimates place Chad’s poverty rate at 45.4%, affecting roughly…

The Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita, welcomed Sering Modou Njie, Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of President Adama Barrow, in Rabat on Thursday. The Gambian diplomat carried a written message intended for King Mohammed VI. Following the meeting, Njie praised the outstanding bond between Morocco and Gambia, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship, solidarity, and collaborative spirit shared by Rabat and Banjul. Shared interests drive enhanced partnership The Gambian Foreign Minister emphasized the strong foundation of the bilateral relationship, grounded in…

In a sudden and unexpected move, armed groups believed to be Russian mercenaries conducted a surprise raid in the town of Markounda, Central African Republic. The operation targeted Didot Ali, a prominent local official, along with several of his deputies, forcibly taking them to Bossangoa under unclear circumstances. The incident unfolded with no prior warning, catching residents and local authorities off guard. Eyewitnesses reported seeing heavily armed individuals, associated with the mercenary group, escorting the detained officials into vehicles before speeding away. The exact motives behind the operation remain unconfirmed,…

The Jëf-Jël political alliance of Talla Sylla has responded to the Senegalese Constitutional Council’s recent ruling on the Ousmane Sonko case, underscoring both its significance and the legal avenues still open for opposition deputies. In an official statement, the party acknowledged the Constitutional Council’s decision dated June 17, 2026, which followed a petition filed on June 1 by eighteen opposition lawmakers. The petition sought to overturn the National Assembly Bureau’s May 24, 2026, decision to seat Ousmane Sonko as a deputy. While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law,…

The capital city of Italy hosted a pivotal economic forum this week, where Togo’s leadership championed a revitalized economic partnership between Africa and Europe. From June 17 to 19, 2026, the FII PRIORITY Europe summit brought together global leaders to explore strategies for Europe’s economic reinvention, with Togo’s President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, taking center stage as the event’s distinguished guest. Under the banner of the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri, the Togolese head of government engaged in high-level discussions on June 17, following his arrival in Rome the…

A coordinated assault on Niamey’s international airport on Thursday morning resulted in the deaths of 11 soldiers and two civilians, as armed assailants attempted to breach the terminal. The attack, which unfolded shortly after 6:00 AM local time, lasted nearly two hours before security forces regained full control of the area. security forces repel armed incursion According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, the attackers—some wearing explosive belts—launched their assault near a perimeter checkpoint just a few hundred meters from the terminal. Despite breaching initial defenses, their advance…

Half a century of diplomatic engagement: strengthening Morocco-Philippines bonds Fifty years of diplomatic relations between Morocco and the Philippines stand as a testament to enduring cooperation and shared aspirations, according to Leslie Baja, the Philippines’ Ambassador to Rabat. The milestone was commemorated last year, highlighting a partnership built on mutual respect and strategic alignment. Diplomatic milestones and human connections Over the decades, high-level exchanges have woven a robust fabric of collaboration between the two nations. Baja emphasized that these interactions—coupled with bilateral agreements—have not only fortified institutional ties but also…

Behind Cameroon’s political landscape stands a figure whose influence often operates in the shadows. Oswald Baboke, the Deputy Chief of Staff to President Paul Biya, has shaped key decisions behind the scenes for decades. While his name rarely makes headlines, his role remains pivotal in maintaining the stability of one of Central Africa’s most enduring regimes. Who is Oswald Baboke? Born in a modest household in Cameroon, Oswald Baboke’s ascent in politics reflects both strategic acumen and unwavering loyalty. Over the years, he has become a trusted advisor to President…