Panafrica News

Seven years after the fire that ravaged Sonara, its general manager steps up to the microphone and solemnly declares to the world’s media that the company is reborn this Monday, June 29, 2026. One would have expected at least a memorandum of understanding with a financial partner. But no — it was a statement made after a meeting organised by a quartet of ministers to assess the cost of reconstruction and its financing model, even before approaching the market to find partners. Here is the analysis: The chosen financing model…

The Youth Center in Natitingou hosted the official celebrations for World Refugee Day 2026 on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Djibril MAMA CISSE, Minister of Interior and Public Security, alongside Mrs. Aminatou SAR, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bénin, and Mr. Thomas WYLLIE, Deputy Regional Director of the UN Refugee Agency for West Africa. Activities included speeches, visits to exhibition stands showcasing income-generating projects led by refugees, and tree planting. The international theme this year was “Until everyone is safe,” intended to prompt reflection…

Cotonou and Brussels forge a new chapter in their bilateral relations, with a renewed focus on economic growth, security, and environmental sustainability. During a high-level meeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Bénin’s President Romuald Wadagni reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation under the Global Gateway initiative. a partnership built on trust and shared ambition The leaders emphasized the strong foundation of their alliance, rooted in mutual trust and long-term economic investments. Their discussions centered on aligning their efforts to tackle poverty, promote sustainable development, and ensure peace…

An independent UN investigative commission stated on Monday 29 June in Geneva that it had received reports of violence of “exceptional gravity” in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The commission detailed incidents including sexual violence, unlawful executions, and the forced recruitment of children. A worrying trend for local communities Presenting before the Human Rights Council, the commission noted that it had gathered testimonies pointing to a severe deterioration in both North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, where residents are described as “vulnerable and without protection”…

Supporters will have to wait. On Monday evening, the National Assembly rejected an amendment that would have required one Ligue 1 match per matchday to be broadcast on free-to-air television. The measure, initially approved in committee several weeks ago, was intended to be part of the proposed law on reforming professional sports. Its goal was to allow a channel to air a Ligue 1 game each weekend. Lawmakers backing the amendment aimed to make French football more accessible. In the explanatory statement, they argued that the growing number of broadcasters…

Gabon is hosting the second-cycle evaluation mission of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Libreville since June 29. Over three days, international experts, Gabonese authorities and national institutions are examining anti-corruption prevention measures and asset recovery mechanisms. For Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault, CNLCEI President Nestor Mbou and UNODC National Focal Point Séraphin Ondoumba, this assessment marks a major step in consolidating governance under the Fifth Republic. Gabon is undertaking a new international exercise to measure progress in the fight against corruption. Launched on June 29 in…