Gabon: MGG urges immediate release of detained opposition leader Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nzé

The Movement for the Greatness of Gabon (MGG) and its leader, Christian Mermance N’nang Nsome, have publicly demanded the unconditional release of Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nzé, President of the opposition coalition Ensemble Pour le Gabon (EPG), who has been held in Libreville Central Prison since April 2026 on charges of alleged embezzlement involving five million CFA francs. In a statement released this week, the MGG framed its appeal around two core principles: safeguarding justice and protecting Gabon’s hard-won democratic gains, which the party argues are now under threat due to the new…

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Controversy over political funds in Senegal: who really started the system?

The controversy surrounding political funds in Senegal has ignited fierce debates across television studios, social media, and political circles. At the heart of the dispute lies a critical question: who, before Ousmane Sonko, truly benefited from these discretionary funds allocated to the Prime Minister’s office, and for what purposes were they used? This debate has gained momentum amid an extraordinary parliamentary session, convened since August 10 under Sonko’s leadership, where legislators are reviewing bills on asset declarations, labor laws, and the establishment of six parliamentary inquiry commissions—including one focused on…

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Gabon: civil society leader condemns verbal abuses and calls for judicial action

In the face of escalating hateful and offensive remarks attributed to certain Gabonese activists abroad, Geoffroy Foumboula Libeka Makosso has drawn a clear line between freedom of expression and verbal abuse. During a press conference held in Libreville, the civil society leader condemned recent attacks targeting the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, his wife, and his mother. He also challenges authorities to address their ties with activists known for their excessive rhetoric and insists that legal action be taken when offenses occur, rather than mere symbolic outrage.…

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Ofnac flags nine key figures in Senegal for asset declaration delays

The National Anti-Corruption Office (OFNAC) has recently published its provisional directory, updated as of July 31, 2026, revealing a precise overview of non-compliance with asset declaration obligations at the highest levels of the Senegalese state. The report identifies nine key positions, spanning both the Presidency and the National Assembly, that are currently in default of their mandatory asset disclosures. Notably, the Executive branch accounts for the bulk of these delays, with seven roles situated either within the Presidential Palace itself or across various agencies and commissions under its direct oversight.…

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A look beyond sanctions: Maradi’s fatal road crash reveals deeper systemic flaws in Niger

The catastrophic collision involving two prominent public transport operators, STM and SONITRAV, in Niger’s Maradi region on August 7, 2026, claimed 22 lives and injured 37, leaving behind a scene of twisted metal wreckage. In response to widespread public outrage, the Ministry of Transport quickly announced «severe penalties,» potentially including the revocation of operating licenses. However, this display of governmental resolve appears to be a piecemeal reaction, diverting attention from critical underlying issues: the glaring failures in public oversight, the problematic economic models adopted by transport companies, and the dilapidated…

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New eight-lane boulevard in Kinshasa awarded to Chinese firm

Launch Kinshasa to gain new eight-lane Étienne Tshisekedi boulevard with Chinese backing Kinshasa is set to welcome a major new road artery designed to ease chronic traffic congestion in the Congolese capital. President Félix Tshisekedi inaugurated construction on the 2.02-kilometre Étienne Tshisekedi boulevard, which will feature eight traffic lanes—four in each direction—and has been entrusted to China Railway 20th Bureau Group. The 12-month project will also include a 750-metre access ramp, drainage systems, bridges, culverts, and modern street lighting. Society Wednesday, 12 August 2026 During Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony in Kinshasa,…

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Chad’s independence day: official parades, quiet markets, and a search for popular enthusiasm

Tchad Tchad : entre cérémonies officielles et routine des marchés, l’impossible ferveur du 11 août À N’Djamena, le 66ᵉ anniversaire de l’indépendance s’est résumé au traditionnel défilé militaire. Entre impératifs économiques et manque d’initiatives culturelles, la ferveur populaire peine toujours à s’imposer. Alwihda Info 12 août 2026 — 3 min de lecture Partager On August 11, 2026, Chad marked the 66th anniversary of its independence. In N’Djamena, the traditional military parade once again served as the primary highlight of a day that struggled to transform into a genuine popular celebration.…

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Ousmane sonko clarifies legislative agenda amidst Senegal’s extraordinary parliamentary session

  Amidst mounting criticism and challenges concerning the convocation of the Parliament’s extraordinary session, National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko stepped forward this Monday. He sought to clarify the legal framework governing the proceedings, detail the extensive agenda, and dispel what he termed “amalgams.” With five legislative texts slated for review and the establishment of six investigative commissions, debates are poised to be highly charged, fueled by sharp denunciations from opposition figures like Thierno Alassane Sall and pointed remarks from presidential advisor Aldiouma Sow.   Five significant bills on the parliamentary…

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Senegal’s political landscape: local election postponement concerns emerge

A significant political rift has developed in Senegal, marking a clear separation between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his erstwhile political associate, Ousmane Sonko. This evolving dynamic has fueled considerable speculation, particularly from Sonko’s political faction, which now voices strong suspicions regarding the integrity of the upcoming electoral calendar. The core of these growing concerns centers on the local elections, which are firmly slated for January 2027. Following President Faye’s recent strategic move to establish his own distinct political party, observers within Sonko’s camp are increasingly questioning the President’s intentions.…

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Senegal’s national assembly tackles key legislative reforms

National assembly: Ousmane Sonko convenes technical commissions Senegal’s National Assembly deputies commenced critical technical commission reviews this Wednesday, August 12, 2026, focusing on pivotal legislative proposals, including a new Labor Code and a bill concerning asset declarations for elected officials. The National Assembly is navigating a demanding week of technical commission examinations, with several significant texts on the agenda covering reforms in labor law, patrimonial transparency, and digital security, highlighting the dynamic nature of West Africa news and African politics. At 9 AM this Wednesday, August 12, 2026, members of…

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Ratcliffe blocks rashford’s exit to six premier league clubs

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has taken a firm stance to prevent a potentially awkward transfer of Marcus Rashford to six Premier League rivals. Despite the 28-year-old forward’s desire to leave Old Trafford, the club’s leadership is determined to avoid the embarrassment of seeing a homegrown talent shine at a direct competitor. Reshaping Rashford’s future at Old Trafford Ratcliffe’s intervention follows Rashford’s return from a loan spell at Barcelona, where he rediscovered his form with 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances. However, the Catalan club opted…

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Karpowership powers 25% of Gabon’s grid with floating power plants

The Turkish energy giant Karpowership has become a cornerstone of Gabon’s power landscape, with its floating power plants now supplying 150 megawatts to the national grid. This contribution represents roughly a quarter of the country’s total available generation capacity, underscoring both the urgency of Gabon’s energy challenges and the critical role played by foreign operators in plugging immediate gaps. Evans Damada, the company’s country director, highlights how these offshore power stations—anchored near Libreville and Port-Gentil—have swiftly become indispensable amid persistent blackouts affecting homes and industries alike. Rapid scaling of power…

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