Gabon’s week: presidential diplomacy, national celebrations, and public service reform debates

Aïcha Abdou

President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema recently concluded an important diplomatic tour across West Africa, making stops in Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire. A highlight of this tour was his esteemed presence as a guest of honor alongside President Alassane Dramane Ouattara for Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th independence anniversary celebrations, underscoring strong regional ties and African politics. During his visit, the Gabonese leader, accompanied by First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema, engaged in bilateral discussions with his host, met with Gabonese expatriates residing in the country, and attended the ceremonial parade.…

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Ousmane Sonko kicks off parliamentary inquiries during special session

Ousmane Tandja

Ousmane Sonko, a pivotal figure in Sénégal’s political landscape, has formally announced the commencement of a series of comprehensive investigations. Addressing an extraordinary session of the National Assembly, his declaration underscores a profound commitment to delving into complex and sensitive dossiers, signaling a new era of scrutiny in West Africa news and African politics. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

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Ousmane Sonko strengthens PASTEF’s roots with 48-hour tour in Jolof

Ousmane Tandja

For two full days, the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party embarked on an intensive political tour across the Jolof region, covering all 19 communes of the Linguère department. From Dahra to Barkédji, with stops in Sagatta and Yang-Yang, the delegation was led by party leader Ousmane Sonko, accompanied by State Minister Habib Sy and key national figures alongside coalition allies. This deep dive into the heart of Jolof was more than just a show of strength—it was a deliberate effort to strengthen local ties. The agenda included courtesy visits and meaningful exchanges…

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Security void in Burkina Faso as terror groups exploit shifting tactics

Ousmane Tandja

The Burkinabè military, despite deploying substantial resources and launching repeated offensive operations, continues to face an alarming security crisis in the northern regions. Rather than disappearing, armed groups are evolving their tactics, avoiding direct confrontations and instead waging a protracted campaign based on mobility, harassment, and pressure on civilian populations. This shift complicates efforts to gauge the conflict’s true scope. While military operations may temporarily reclaim territory or neutralize fighters, they rarely ensure lasting control over the area. An adversary that adapts rather than faces defeat The resilience of armed…

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Jihadist assault on a Malian army camp highlights persistent security challenges in central Mali

Ousmane Tandja

The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a prominent jihadist coalition with ties to Al-Qaeda operating across the Sahel, mounted an assault on a Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) military outpost in central Mali on Sunday, August 9. This incident marks another in a persistent string of attacks claimed by the militant network against regular army positions, underscoring the formidable hurdles faced by the transitional government in establishing security across the nation’s vast rural territories. Another offensive targets FAMa positions The recent aggression targeted a garrison situated within…

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Benin’s economic trajectory: moody’s elevates sovereign rating to ba3

Aïcha Abdou

International credit rating agency Moody’s has officially revised the Republic of Benin’s long-term sovereign credit rating, elevating it from « B1 » to « Ba3 » and assigning a « stable » outlook. This pivotal decision, announced on Friday, August 7, 2026, significantly bolsters the credibility and resilience of the economic and financial policies championed by the government. It’s a testament to the nation’s progress in African economy today. A recognition of robust macroeconomic fundamentals Through this upgrade, the agency underscored several pivotal factors that attest to the strength of…

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Senegal’s june import surge: economic implications and market dynamics

Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s import figures unveiled a significant 26.7% month-on-month increase in June, a notable rebound that contrasts sharply with the broader trend observed during the first half of the year. Over the cumulative period from January to June, the total value of goods entering the nation actually decreased by 8%, signaling an underlying slowdown in external trade flows. This dual movement, illuminated by the latest foreign trade statistics, highlights the short-term fragility of an economy still heavily reliant on international supplies, a key aspect of the current African economy today. A…

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Sénégal : un précédent institutionnel, une leçon pour les marchés émergents

Aïcha Abdou

  Opinions Par Lansana Gagny Sakho Sénégal : un précédent institutionnel, une leçon pour les marchés émergents EXCLUSIF SENEPLUS – Entre volatilité financière, chute des investissements et tension sur l’emploi, le pays a appris entre 2024-2026 à ses dépens qu’en économie, l’imprévisibilité politique se paie comptant   Byline Lansana Gagny Sakho 09/08/2026 23h22 ID 1007366 Lansana Gagny Sakho |Publication 09/08/2026 Entre 2024 et 2026, le Sénégal a traversé l’une des séquences les plus instructives de son histoire contemporaine en matière de gouvernance, de risque pays, de communication stratégique et de perception internationale. Ce moment,…

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Ousmane sonko and pastef launch departmental headquarters in jolof

Aïcha Abdou

The PASTEF-Les Patriotes party successfully wrapped up a two-day political initiative across the Jolof region. This extensive tour, which covered all 19 communes within the Linguère department—spanning from Dahra to Barkédji, and including key areas like Sagatta and Yang-Yang—saw the active participation of party leader Ousmane Sonko. He was joined by Minister of State Habib Sy, alongside numerous national executives and allied figures from the coalition.   A central feature of this engagement was a series of meetings with local religious and customary leaders. These discussions took place concurrently with…

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Newcastle United targets João Palhinha amidst Bayern Munich exit rumors

Ousmane Tandja

Tottenham Aston Villa J. Palhinha Bayern Munich Joao Palhinha’s future at FC Bayern Munich appears to be drawing to a close, with the defensive midfielder reportedly removed from the club’s official squad roster. Despite this, a robust market for Palhinha seemingly persists within the competitive Premier League. Following Aston Villa’s confirmed interest, Newcastle United has now reportedly added the 31-year-old Portuguese international to their transfer shortlist. My information indicates that Palhinha is considered by the Magpies as the primary alternative should their pursuit of Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg from Olympique de Marseille…

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Panafrica news Senegal union leaders launch dakhar appeal for independent action

Aïcha Abdou

Uniting Senegal’s workforce: the Dakar Appeal emerges as a bold new syndical movement The heartbeat of Senegal’s labor landscape is shifting. On a pivotal day in July 2026, representatives from trade unions and grassroots social movements convened at the headquarters of the National Council of Senegalese Trade Unions (CNTLS) in Médina, Dakar. Together, they unveiled the Dakar Appeal—a historic initiative designed to revitalize the country’s labor movement from the ground up. This groundbreaking declaration comes at a time when job insecurity is on the rise and social dialogue has grown…

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Deadly jihadist attack on malian military base in san

Aïcha Abdou

SECURITY ALERT Deadly jihadist attack on Malian military base in San claims at least 10 lives At least ten Malian soldiers lost their lives in a brazen dawn assault on an army outpost in San, central Mali, on Sunday, according to military and local sources. While initial reports pointed to casualties among the nation’s armed forces, exact numbers remain under verification. «We sustained losses, but assessments are ongoing. Our troops have retaken control of the facility,» a defense spokesperson confirmed under condition of anonymity. Terrorism Sunday, August 9, 2026 Local…

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