Gabon reforms public sector recruitment age to 40 amid retirement debate

Ousmane Tandja

Gabon raises public sector recruitment age to 40 in strategic reform A new policy introduced by Gabon’s Minister of Public Service, Laurence Ndong, raises the maximum recruitment age for civil servants to 40 years. The initiative aims to broaden the talent pool while ensuring merit-based entry through competitive examinations conducted by national schools. The reform, developed with input from 29 government departments and 110 experts, targets critical sectors such as national sovereignty and security. Its goal is to inject fresh expertise into areas vital for the country’s stability and development.…

Read More

Gabon turns away from France with 78% negative sentiment

Ousmane Tandja

Surveys reveal an unprecedented shift in Gabonese public opinion toward France. According to the latest Afrobarometer findings, a striking 78% of respondents now view France’s influence in their country as negative, while only 20% hold favorable views. This sharp decline positions France at the bottom of the list among foreign actors operating in Libreville, despite Gabon’s historical role as a key Francophone stronghold in the Gulf of Guinea. The disparity becomes even more evident when compared to other global partners. China leads with 61% positive opinions, followed closely by the…

Read More

Benin’s credit rating upgraded by moody’s to ba3 with stable outlook

Aïcha Abdou

Cotonou has reached a significant milestone in its economic trajectory. Moody’s has upgraded Benin’s long-term sovereign debt rating from B1 to Ba3, placing the country in the ‘BB/Ba’ category—a step closer to investment-grade status. The stable outlook attached to this decision indicates no anticipated downgrade over the next 18 months. For a nation actively engaging in both regional and international markets, the implications extend beyond mere financial symbolism. Economic growth hits 8.1% in 2025, highest in 35 years The driving force behind Moody’s decision is the country’s robust economic performance.…

Read More

Nigeria’s president criticised over Sahel security comments

Ousmane Tandja

AFRICA 3 min read Nigerian president’s remarks on Sahel security spark strong reaction from regional bloc “Some of these terrorists are not Nigerian. You see, the insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is worsening our challenges,” President Tinubu stated on July 30. Share Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, met Thursday with Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Ouagadougou following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial remarks on security in the Sahel, diplomatic sources confirmed Friday. Attended by Mali and Niger’s Chargés d’Affaires, the meeting underscored the three…

Read More

Slovan Bratislava faces Mjallby AIF in crucial Champions League rematch

Ousmane Tandja

by our staff Slovan Bratislava faces Mjallby AIF in crucial Champions League rematch The second leg of the Champions League’s third qualifying round between Slovan Bratislava and Mjallby AIF promises to be a high-stakes showdown. After the Slovak side’s 2-1 victory in Sweden, the return fixture at home could either cement their progression to the next round or give the Swedish side a lifeline if they can overturn the aggregate score. Tactical breakdown of head-to-head history The two clubs have clashed only once before this rematch—on August 4, 2026, at…

Read More

Senegal political pressure mounts against delaying local elections

Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s political landscape is heating up as local election debates intensify, with key figures rejecting any possibility of postponement. The latest voice joining the chorus is that of El Malick Ndiaye, a prominent figure in the country’s political arena, who has taken a firm stance on the matter. During a campaign event in Linguère, where he hosted opposition leader Ousmane Sonko as part of Pastef’s membership drive, Ndiaye made it clear that local elections cannot be delayed under any circumstances. His remarks underscore growing public engagement ahead of the vote,…

Read More

Kauno Žalgiris and Dinamo Zagreb face off in crucial UEFA Champions League return

Ousmane Tandja

The stage is set in Kaunas for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League return match as Kauno Žalgiris prepares to face Dinamo Zagreb in the third qualifying round. After suffering a crushing 5-0 defeat in the first leg, the Lithuanian side faces an uphill battle—not just to turn the tide, but to salvage their European campaign and restore confidence in their squad. Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb arrives with a commanding advantage, eyeing a seamless progression to the next round while showcasing their tactical prowess and consistency in one of Europe’s most prestigious…

Read More

NEC Nijmegen faces Olympiakos Piraeus in decisive Champions League clash

Aïcha Abdou

NEC Nijmegen faces Olympiakos Piraeus in decisive Champions League clash The Goffertstadion is poised to host a high-stakes UEFA Champions League showdown as NEC Nijmegen welcomes Olympiakos Piraeus for a must-win second leg in the 3rd Qualifying Round. With the first leg ending in a 0-0 stalemate at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, every move on the pitch will carry heightened significance for both clubs as they vie for a spot in the next phase of European competition. In a tournament where goals are scarce and defensive solidity has been the…

Read More

Morocco edges South Africa to reach caf women’s africa cup semifinals

Aïcha Abdou

CAN (F) Quarter-finals Morocco-South Africa (2-1) Morocco overcomes South Africa to advance to CAF Women’s Africa Cup semifinals Match summary: Morocco 2-1 South Africa Goals: Ouzraoui (31st), Ait El Haj (52nd, penalty) for Morocco // Kgatlana (67th) for South Africa In a thrilling quarter-final clash, the Moroccan women’s national team secured their spot in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup semifinals by defeating South Africa 2-1. This victory not only marks Morocco’s third consecutive semi-final appearance but also ensures their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For South Africa,…

Read More

Unity call ahead of Chad’s independence anniversary

Ousmane Tandja

As Chad prepares to mark its 66th Independence Day on 11 August 2026, Pahimi Padacké Albert, opposition leader and President of the Rassemblement national des démocrates tchadiens (RNDT-Le Réveil), has urged citizens to embrace unity, calm, and reconciliation. In a solemn address to the nation, the former Prime Minister framed his message with humility, seriousness, and a sense of responsibility, acknowledging the deep-seated frustrations and simmering political tensions shaping this year’s celebrations. « This year, we celebrate our hard-won freedom amid a quiet yet heavy political tension, and frustrations rooted…

Read More