In the heart of Kpalimé’s Château market, flames consumed goods and livelihoods in a night of terror

Aïcha Abdou

Kpalimé’s bustling Château market, in Kloto 1 commune, turned into a scene of chaos and loss on the night of September 6, 2026. A fire, which broke out shortly after midnight, ripped through the trading hub, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the material toll on traders has been severe. The night the flames took over The fire started in the market’s recasement zone, a section known for its tightly packed wooden stalls and highly flammable goods. Within minutes, the fire had…

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In northern Togo, a quiet security rivalry unfolds as external military forces expand their footprint

Aïcha Abdou

In the northern regions of Togo, a quiet but intense strategic rivalry is taking root. Security circles indicate that more than 300 personnel from the Russian Africa Corps the successor entity to the Wagner Group are currently operating within the nation. Simultaneously, Turkey is expanding its influence in the security sector, primarily through entities linked to the private military contractor SADAT. If these reports are fully validated, they signal a major shift in Togolese defense policy. The state appears to be transitioning from seeking occasional military aid to serving as…

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Dakar, July 2026: Al Aminou Lô vows continuity with Sénégal 2050 in policy address

Aïcha Abdou

Dakar, July 2026 – In his General Policy Statement delivered to the National Assembly this Tuesday, Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô set the tone from the outset: continuity. The head of government anchored his entire roadmap within the national framework ‘Sénégal 2050’, underscoring his commitment to follow the path already charted by the executive, rather than steering a new course for state action. Before the deputies, Al Aminou Lô sought to quell any speculation about a possible shift in public policy following his appointment as Prime Minister. His message…

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At the un, Togo’s prestige diplomacy cost $2 million while families struggle

Ousmane Tandja

While Togolese families endure a stifling economic crisis and relentless rises in living costs, the government’s diplomatic spending has sparked deep outrage. Analyses of sovereignty budgets and international influence contracts indicate that the process behind the vote and promotion of the “new map of Africa” at the United Nations cost Togolese taxpayers a staggering US$2 million. For months, Togo’s foreign ministry waged an intense campaign to push this cartographic initiative forward. Yet behind the triumphant talk of Togo’s “diplomatic radiance,” the ledger for this endeavor reveals how much public money…

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At the Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli host Arsenal in a Champions League opener that promises fireworks

Aïcha Abdou

Everything you need to know about the UEFA Champions League clash between SSC Napoli and Arsenal, set for Wednesday evening at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. We break down the weekend league results, the current form of both sides, and the key storylines ahead of this blockbuster fixture. Napoli vs Arsenal: match details The action gets underway on 9 September 2026 at 19:00 GMT (15:00 EST / 20:00 BST / 21:00 SAST) in Naples. European showdown under the Neapolitan lights SSC Napoli return to their home ground to welcome English…

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In Dakar, Air Sénégal welcomes a new Boeing 737-800 to its growing national fleet

Aïcha Abdou

The national carrier Air Sénégal has officially taken delivery of a brand-new Boeing 737-800, named “Gorée.” Announced on September 7, 2026, in Dakar, this strategic acquisition represents a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernization and the country’s ongoing pursuit of complete aviation sovereignty. This major investment was made possible through the financial backing of the Senegalese state, channeled through the Ministry of Land and Air Transport under the leadership of Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye. Driven by the vision of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, this initiative reflects Senegal’s determination to establish…

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In Cameroon, questions arise over the potential disappearance of billions from the Special Criminal Court

Ousmane Tandja

In Cameroon, serious concerns have surfaced regarding the potential disappearance of billions from the vaults of the Special Criminal Court. Unexplained financial questions in Yaoundé The situation raises significant questions about the security of funds held by the judicial institution, specifically within the Special Criminal Court. Investigations and official clarifications are highly anticipated as the public seeks answers regarding these massive sums of money. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

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In Bamako, the prosecution of Abdrahamane Keïta signals a tightening grip on press freedom

Ousmane Tandja

In Bamako, the military authorities have reached a worrying milestone in their crackdown on independent journalism by prosecuting reporter Abdrahamane Keïta before the Special Judicial Unit for Combatting Cybercrime. The journalist’s only offense was providing a candid assessment of the declining security conditions in Kidal and detailing the challenges encountered by the national armed forces. Instead of addressing the public’s legitimate worries regarding the growing instability across northern Mali, the ruling junta has chosen to direct its judicial apparatus toward independent observers. By leveraging cybercrime legislation, the administration aims to…

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In Niger, a quiet mutiny exposes the internal fractures of a politicised military

Ousmane Tandja

The influence of Tiani extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the recent uprising. Since taking control, he has systematically converted the national army into a mechanism for political governance rather than an entity dedicated solely to territorial protection. By favoring loyalists in key appointments, sidelining independent-minded officers, and substituting personal allegiance for professional hierarchy, he has disrupted the delicate internal equilibrium that once maintained cohesion within the armed forces. As personal devotion replaced expertise, capability, and institutional neutrality, deep-seated distrust began to permeate the ranks. The consequences of a…

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Niamey after the mutiny: anger simmers in the barracks as Tiani leans on Russian and Algerian support

Ousmane Tandja

The quiet that has returned to Niamey’s streets should not deceive anyone. The battle is over, but the political war has only just begun. In the night of 28 to 29 August, Nigerian soldiers attempted to overthrow the regime of General Abdourahamane Tiani. The attack, launched notably by troops from units engaged on various fronts across the country, targeted strategic installations in the capital, including Air Base 101 and areas near the presidential palace. For several hours, the government tottered. To save it, Tiani had to call on his Russian…

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Ouagadougou gears up for 2026 Sahel Games as 540 athletes and officials prepare to converge

Ousmane Tandja

Burkina Faso is set to pulsate with the rhythm of sport and camaraderie as the second edition of the Sahel Alliance Games (JAES) takes place from 7 to 16 September 2026 in Ouagadougou. Approximately 540 athletes, coaches, and officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are expected to converge on the Burkinabè capital. According to the organisers, the delegation will include 376 athletes and 164 coaches and officials. The figures were announced on Saturday, 5 September, during a press conference held at the Stade du 4-Août. Eleven sports on the…

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Ouagadougou, 6 septembre 2026 : le jour où le Bénin a conquis l’Afrique de l’Ouest au handball féminin

Ousmane Tandja

Au Palais des Sports de Ouaga 2000, l’aftermoon du dimanche 6 septembre 2026 restera gravé dans les annales du sport béninois. Dans une finale à couper le souffle, l’équipe nationale féminine du Bénin a dominé la Côte d’Ivoire sur le score étriqué de 29 à 28, s’adjugeant ainsi le tout premier titre de l’IHF Nations Trophy Seniors Dames de la Zone 3 et validant son billet pour la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations 2026. Ce triomphe marque un tournant historique pour le handball béninois. Tout au long d’un parcours semé d’embûches…

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