DRC’s Ebola outbreak spreads to new province as cases surge

Ousmane Tandja

DRC’s Ebola outbreak expands to sixth province amid rising concerns The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with its most devastating Ebola outbreak yet, now affecting a sixth province in the northern region and threatening neighboring South Sudan. Health authorities declared the 17th Ebola epidemic on May 15, weeks behind schedule, marking the largest outbreak in the country’s history. The previous deadliest outbreak in the DRC claimed nearly 2,300 lives out of 3,500 reported cases between 2018 and 2020. In stark contrast, the current epidemic has already resulted in…

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Benin leads west african eco adoption race for 2027

Aïcha Abdou

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remains committed to launching the Eco as a single currency by 2027, yet economic disparities across the region suggest an uneven pace of adoption. Among the 15 member states, Benin stands out as one of the most prepared to participate in an initial phase of monetary integration. Eco’s long journey toward reality While the concept of a unified West African currency has been discussed for decades, translating ambition into practice requires overcoming significant economic hurdles. Persistent inflation, public debt burdens, fluctuating foreign…

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Cameroon’s president biya’s prolonged absence sparks ceMAC instability

Ousmane Tandja

Cameroon’s head of state, President Paul Biya, departed Yaoundé on June 7, 2026, under the pretext of what officials described as a brief private retreat. Instead, his absence has stretched into an unprecedented 66-day hiatus, leaving a void in regional stability. For over two months, an unusual silence has surrounded his whereabouts, fueling speculation across Central Africa. The prolonged disappearance of a sitting president in a key regional bloc is raising concerns about governance and economic continuity within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). By Ousmane Tandja —…

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Benin’s tourism boom: how Cotonou is becoming a hotspot for west african travelers

Aïcha Abdou

The Bénin is reaping the rewards of a bold, decade-long tourism strategy that has transformed its cultural, heritage, and hospitality landscape. With nearly €2 billion injected into the sector, the country is emerging from the shadows of Africa’s top tourist destinations, drawing an increasing number of visitors from neighboring countries—particularly from the economic powerhouse of Nigeria. From overlooked destination to West African tourism hub Once a hidden gem compared to the continent’s most frequented spots, Bénin has undergone a remarkable transformation. Over the past ten years, the government has poured…

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Benin’s passport ranks second in Africa for regional mobility

Aïcha Abdou

The Beninese passport has climbed to the top ranks of African travel freedom, reflecting a bold diplomatic vision combining openness and technological innovation. Over recent years, this travel document has risen steadily in continental mobility rankings, earning recognition as one of Africa’s most influential passports for intra-African travel. This achievement stems from a clear political commitment: transforming Benin into a dynamic hub for trade and unhindered movement across West Africa. The passport’s success is not accidental—it embodies deliberate policy choices aimed at fostering regional integration and economic cooperation. Understanding the…

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Niger prime minister leads kaffa sud-east 1 drilling launch at Algeria’s request

Ousmane Tandja

The Prime Minister of Algeria, Mr. Sifi Ghrieb, arrived in Niger on Thursday to lead a high-level delegation tasked with overseeing the official commencement of drilling operations for the Kafra Sud-Est 1 exploratory well. The visit, authorized by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, underscores Algeria’s commitment to strengthening energy partnerships with its southern neighbor. High-level delegation arrives in Niamey Mr. Ghrieb, accompanied by senior government officials, landed in Agadez where the ceremonial event was held. This mission reflects Algeria’s strategic interest in deepening cooperation with Niger, particularly in the energy sector. Ceremony…

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Algeria and Niger launch oil exploration in Kafra South field

Aïcha Abdou

Algeria and Niger launch oil exploration in Kafra South field A landmark moment in energy cooperation between Algeria and Niger has been reached with the official launch of drilling operations at the Kafra South-East 1 exploration well. The ceremony, held on August 13, 2026, marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral ties and unlocking the hydrocarbon potential of the Kafra basin, located in northern Niger. Strategic energy project kicks off in Niger’s Kafra basin The historic event was co-chaired by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, representing Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune,…

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Celta Vigo’s season opener in jeopardy as LaLiga probes fungal outbreak on pitch

Ousmane Tandja

The highly anticipated opening match of the 2026-27 LaLiga season for Celta Vigo against Osasuna is now hanging in the balance after a sudden fungal outbreak on the turf at Estadio Balaídos. Officials from Spain’s top football division are conducting an urgent inspection of the pitch to assess the extent of the damage, with a decision expected within 24 hours. The Galician club has formally requested a postponement of the fixture, citing concerns over player safety and pitch conditions. Meanwhile, Osasuna has expressed readiness to play as scheduled, adding further…

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LaLiga match postponed due to pitch contamination

Ousmane Tandja

Spanish football’s top tier, LaLiga, has confirmed the postponement of the highly anticipated fixture between Celta Vigo and Osasuna, originally scheduled for this Sunday at 21:30 CET during the opening weekend of the league campaign. The decision follows an urgent inspection of the pitch at Balaídos, home ground of Celta Vigo, which revealed severe fungal contamination rendering the playing surface unsafe for professional competition. League officials conducted the assessment throughout Tuesday, with the findings prompting immediate action to safeguard both player welfare and match integrity. According to an official statement…

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Tobacco tax reforms set to transform Cameroon’s public health

Aïcha Abdou

Mbankomo workshop explores taxation as a lifesaver For three consecutive days in Mbankomo, a town on the outskirts of Yaoundé, policymakers, health officials, and economists gathered not to discuss hospital construction or drug procurement—but to focus on tax policy. Behind closed doors, they examined figures, percentages, and fiscal simulations, all with a single, overarching goal: how to save more lives and secure long-term funding for Cameroon’s health system. The workshop, held from July 22 to 24, 2026, brought together officials from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Finance,…

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Diplomatic thaw between Mali and Algeria after tensions

Aïcha Abdou

Diplomatic thaw between Mali and Algeria after tensions Fleur Prisca Konkobo Relations between Mali and Algeria reached a low point in April 2025 following a serious incident involving an Algerian drone. Algiers accused Bamako of violating its airspace, a claim vehemently denied by Malian authorities. In response, Mali imposed a complete closure of its airspace, severing a critical link between two nations sharing over 1,300 kilometers of border. Efforts to mend the breach began on July 10, when both governments announced a series of reconciliation measures. These included the reinstatement…

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Morocco pledges full support to manage Ceuta migration surge

Ousmane Tandja

The Moroccan government has reaffirmed its commitment to stabilize the migration situation in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Morocco. Authorities have vowed to implement all necessary measures to address the growing influx of migrants seeking entry into Europe. Intensified border controls and humanitarian response Morocco’s response strategy combines strict border surveillance with immediate humanitarian assistance. Security forces have been deployed along the border to prevent unauthorized crossings, while local aid organizations continue distributing essential supplies to those stranded in Ceuta. Coordinated efforts with European partners Close…

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