Bénin customs strike record haul of smuggled phones at Hillacondji The Beninese customs authorities have achieved a major breakthrough in their ongoing campaign against cross-border fraud and illicit trade. On the morning of July 12, 2026, a coordinated operation at the Hillacondji border crossing led to the interception of a substantial shipment of mobile devices being smuggled into the country. The customs team, led by Captain Fortuné Allagbé, acted swiftly to prevent the contraband from entering domestic distribution networks. In total, 5,574 Android smartphones were confiscated during the raid, marking…
Read MoreSenegal: high-stakes political meeting ignites public outcry
PolitiqueSénégal In Senegal, the anticipated meeting between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall is sparking considerable anger among families of victims from political repression during Sall’s tenure. This analysis delves into the unfolding controversy. The planned encounter between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall in Senegal has ignited a wave of indignation, particularly among the families of those who suffered political repression during Sall’s time in power. These families are vocal in their condemnation, viewing the visit as a profound affront while they continue…
Read MoreDiomaye faye and macky sall meeting sparks controversy in Senegal
The upcoming meeting between Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall has ignited fierce criticism from families of victims of political repression during Sall’s tenure. Protesters accuse the government of prioritizing diplomatic gestures over justice, as many victims continue to await accountability and reparations. What makes this encounter controversial, and how might it reshape Senegal’s political landscape? Political analyst Assane Samb shares insights on the significance of this meeting in today’s Senegalese context. analyst weighs in on the high-stakes meeting Assane Samb: While some voices are vocalizing…
Read MoreGabon launches sweeping audit of gold mining permits to curb speculation
As of July 16, 2026, Gabon’s Ministry of Mines is rolling out a nationwide crackdown on gold exploration and mining permits. The sweeping audit aims to dismantle years of opacity in the sector and reassert state control over a resource-rich industry long plagued by irregularities. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent
Read MoreLuanda summit: Tshisekedi warns of DRC crisis as a test for global peace efforts
During a high-level international forum in Luanda, Angolan President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) delivered a powerful address, framing the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC as a pivotal moment for Africa and the global community. Addressing delegates at the third edition of the Call for Peace, End of Wars, and Respect for International Law initiative, Tshisekedi emphasized that the conflict’s resolution would serve as a litmus test for the international community’s commitment to upholding justice and human dignity. DRC’s suffering: a stark reminder of war’s…
Read MoreLOSC eyes record-breaking transfer of rising star Ayyoub Bouaddi
Three years ago, Paris Saint-Germain etched its name in Ligue 1 history by selling Neymar to Al-Hilal for €90 million—a record that could soon be shattered. Lille OSC president Olivier Létang is now pursuing an even more ambitious deal: securing the transfer of Moroccan sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose stock has soared following his standout performance at the World Cup. The 18-year-old midfielder has become one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, with top Premier League clubs circling. Lille, however, remains his preferred destination—a sentiment reinforced by Létang himself. “Few clubs today…
Read MoreRabat and Paris affirm revitalized cooperation, navigating the shadow of pegasus
During a significant visit to Rabat on Thursday, July 16, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan authorities openly showcased a newly reinforced relationship between their nations. Discussions primarily centered on security cooperation, strategic investments, and the prospect of an exceptional bilateral treaty. Notably, recent revelations concerning the Pegasus affair were deliberately kept off the official agenda. A renewed partnership takes shape France and Morocco marked a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations this Thursday, coinciding with the visit of French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to Rabat. Standing alongside his…
Read MoreMacky sall’s unannounced stopover in Dakar sparks curiosity
Dakar — President Macky Sall made a surprise appearance in Dakar this week, catching many by surprise with his low-key approach to the unplanned stopover. The visit, though brief, sparked immediate speculation about its purpose and timing. an unexpected detour in a packed agenda The Senegalese Head of State was en route to another destination when he made the impromptu stop in the capital. Sources close to the presidency confirmed that the visit was not on any official schedule, adding to the intrigue surrounding the brief stay. While the exact…
Read MoreBritish firm helios towers commits $150 million to Senegal’s digital future
British telecom infrastructure giant Helios Towers is set to inject a substantial $150 million into Senegal’s telecommunications sector. This significant commitment follows a high-level meeting between the company’s CEO and President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye at the Presidential Palace in Dakar. The capital infusion is strategically aimed at solidifying Helios Towers’ footprint within Senegal’s rapidly evolving market, where robust mobile network densification is now crucial for the expansion of the digital economy, a key aspect of the African economy today. Strategic bet on mobile network densification As a specialist in…
Read MoreGabon and Côte d’Ivoire deepen strategic defense partnership
Afrique Politique Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire deepen strategic defense partnership Libreville, Friday, July 17, 2026 – As the security landscape across Africa undergoes significant shifts and nations on the continent increasingly seek to bolster their cooperative frameworks against transnational challenges, certain diplomatic gestures carry profound political weight. The announced participation of Gabon in the military parade marking Côte d’Ivoire’s sixty-sixth independence anniversary transcends mere protocol for a national celebration. This engagement signals the emergence of a more assertive defense diplomacy between Libreville and Abidjan, underscoring both capitals’ determination to solidify…
Read MoreGabonese court of accounts fortifies financial transparency
Economie Cour des comptes : le Gabon arme sa révolution de la transparence Libreville, Friday, July 17, 2026 – The fight against corruption extends far beyond mere rhetoric, declarations of intent, or public relations stunts. Its true measure lies in an institution’s capacity to establish enduring rules, methodologies, legal precedents, and a culture of accountability robust enough to withstand political transitions. By officially unveiling four strategic instruments designed to guide its operations until 2030, Gabon’s Court of Accounts is sending a powerful message to its international partners, investors, and citizens:…
Read MoreCameroon’s illicit gold: a deadly epidemic and vanishing billions
An alarming wave of suspicious fatalities casts a shadow over Cameroon, directly linked to the burgeoning gold rush that has gripped its eastern and Adamaoua regions. This escalating “gold fever” is not only claiming lives but also facilitating the illicit flight of billions, leaving a trail of unchecked criminal activity. Across these mineral-rich territories, mining operations have proliferated at an astonishing rate. Despite the widespread presence of these sites, the Cameroonian state struggles significantly to assert its authority and enforce regulations. This lack of oversight has created a fertile ground…
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