Panafrica News

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…

Senegal and Gambia have reached a landmark agreement to definitively settle their long-standing border dispute through a consensual delimitation process. This resolution, confirmed by the Permanent Senegalese-Gambian Secretariat, follows weeks of heightened tensions triggered by a military incident near the Bulock area. The presidents of both nations instructed their joint border commissions to prioritize dialogue and mutual agreement, culminating in this breakthrough. Ahead of resumed joint operations to reinforce and densify the southern border, scheduled to restart on August 15 across key sections, this deal marks the resumption of a…

At the Space Forum Africa 2026 in Lomé, the conversation shifted from distant ambitions to tangible impact. From July 28 to 30, policymakers, researchers, investors, and innovators gathered to explore a groundbreaking idea: space technologies are no longer just about observing Earth from above. They now hold the power to boost productivity, predict disasters, enhance communications, and unlock new economic frontiers across Africa. For decades, Africa’s space narrative focused on distant goals—launching satellites, funding scientific programs, and training talent. Yet in Lomé, the dialogue took a decisive turn. The question…

Morocco had cautioned Spain in advance about the potential migration surge triggered by a recent Spanish court decision, a senior Moroccan official asserted, refuting any lapses in the country’s border security measures. In the past few days, nearly 60,000 individuals—primarily Moroccans—have either entered or attempted to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, either on foot or by swimming from the nearby city of Fnideq. This unprecedented influx quickly overwhelmed Ceuta’s resources before prompting thousands of returnees to Morocco. According to the high-ranking official, who spoke anonymously late Monday, Moroccan authorities…