Bénin: minister discusses smes and job creation in Alibori and Borgou

Aïcha Abdou

The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, Awaou Baco, concluded a two-day working visit to the departments of Alibori and Borgou on July 29, 2026. Her mission focused on engaging with local entrepreneurs, artisans, livestock farmers, training centers, and beneficiaries of the AZOLI program, assessing the effectiveness of support systems designed for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Meetings with local entrepreneurs and artisans The first leg of the tour took place in Alibori, where Minister Baco met with the Prefect Ahmed Bello Ky-Sama before visiting Malanville.…

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Benin launches first national open government action plan

Ousmane Tandja

Nearly a year and a half after joining the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Benin has hosted a five-day national workshop in Cotonou to deepen understanding of open governance principles. The gathering brought together public officials, representatives of state institutions, civil society, the private sector, technical and financial partners, and media professionals to lay the groundwork for the country’s inaugural National Action Plan. Strengthening governance through collective engagement The intensive session, held from July 27 to 31, emphasized the importance of transforming existing reforms into measurable commitments under the OGP framework.…

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Gabon’s economic diplomacy: translating African tours into tangible results

Aïcha Abdou

Gabon’s economic diplomacy: translating African tours into tangible results Libreville, August 8, 2026 – The 12-day diplomatic journey across Africa undertaken by Gabonese transitional leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema concluded Friday with his return to Libreville. This carefully orchestrated tour wasn’t merely a diplomatic ritual but a strategic move to reposition Gabon on the continental stage. The true test now begins: moving from handshakes and signed declarations to concrete economic dividends. The success of this African outreach will ultimately be measured not by the number of meetings held, but by…

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Guinean special forces dazzle crowds in Abidjan military parade

Aïcha Abdou

Abidjan – A disciplined column of 150 soldiers marched through the heart of Abidjan, their boots striking the pavement in unison. Clad in full combat gear, armed to the teeth, and wearing distinctive red-yellow-green berets, the elite Guinean special forces unit commanded attention. At the forefront, their coordinator held high the national flag, while sharpshooters maintained strategic positions in the rear. The rhythmic cadence of ‘Pas de Caméléon’ echoed through the boulevard as the formation advanced. The Guinean special forces unit concluded the international segment of Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th independence…

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Burkina Faso challenges Tinubu’s Sahel security claims at diplomatic meeting

Ousmane Tandja

international relations Burkina Faso challenges Tinubu’s Sahel security claims at diplomatic meeting Following Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s remarks linking insecurity in Nigeria to developments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the Burkinabè government has formally responded. Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré summoned the Nigerian chargé d’affaires in Ouagadougou to address concerns shared by the three Sahel States of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The trio rejected Tinubu’s analysis as incomplete, reaffirming their commitment to regional cooperation against armed groups. Politics August 8, 2026 On Thursday, Foreign Minister…

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Sonko resumes card sales campaign after Magal break

Aïcha Abdou

Following weeks of suspension to observe the Grand Magal of Touba, Pastef party leader Ousmane Sonko has returned to the campaign trail with renewed energy. The pause, necessitated by religious observances, has ended as the party resumes its push toward a critical membership milestone. The renewal of activities comes after a highly successful initial phase that began in Touba during the 48H Pastef event, where the campaign was officially launched. Since then, the tour has moved through key locations including Bargny, Sébikotane, Khombole, Bambey, Keur Madiabel, and Mbacké. Each stop…

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Chad adré launches solar plant to boost renewable energy access

Aïcha Abdou

Chad Adré solar plant inaugurated: a landmark step toward renewable energy in Chad Chad has officially opened a new solar power plant in Adré, marking a pivotal moment in its energy transition and reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Adré, a key town in the Ouaddaï region, has officially welcomed a groundbreaking solar power plant, signaling a major leap forward in Chad’s energy sector transformation. The inauguration ceremony, held on August 7, 2026, was led by the Prefect of Assoungha Department, accompanied by the Chairman of the Rural…

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Senegal’s presidential term debate: tracing the origins of the controversy

Ousmane Tandja

The debate surrounding the length of presidential mandates in Senegal has resurfaced, sparking discussions across the nation. The controversy centers on whether the current administration is considering adjustments to the constitutional framework governing presidential terms. As political observers dissect the situation, the origins of these rumors demand closer examination. Understanding the constitutional context The Senegalese Constitution has long served as the cornerstone of the country’s democratic stability. Historically, presidential terms have been a subject of intense scrutiny, particularly during transitions of power. The existing legal framework outlines a five-year mandate,…

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Mali’s mohammed vi vocational training center fuels youth employment

Ousmane Tandja

Nestled on a 5,200 m² plot in Bamako, the Mohammed VI Vocational Training Center stands as a beacon of hope for Mali’s economic and social progress. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry demands, equipping young Malians with in-demand skills tailored to the nation’s labor market. Bridging nations, building futures At the heart of this initiative lies a robust partnership between Mali and Morocco. His Majesty Mohammed VI’s visionary donation underscores the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries, with Mamary Diarra, Mali’s National Tourism…

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Benin unveils climate roadmap 2026 for resilient economy

Ousmane Tandja

Benin unveils climate roadmap 2026 for resilient economy The Government of Benin has officially launched its Climate Action Plan 2026-2035, a comprehensive strategy designed to bolster the country’s economic resilience in the face of climate change. Unveiled in a high-level event held in Cotonou, this third National Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) outlines a bold vision for sustainable development, with a projected financing requirement of $14.5 billion over the next decade. Cotonou, the bustling capital city of Benin, served as the backdrop for the unveiling of the country’s climate roadmap. Strategic…

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Bénin reviews mid-term progress of 2026 interior ministry plan

Aïcha Abdou

Bénin reviews mid-term progress of 2026 interior ministry plan The Ministry of the Interior and Public Security in Bénin has launched a mid-term evaluation of its 2026 Annual Work Plan (PTA) at a three-day workshop in Cotonou. The review, held from August 4 to 6, 2026, brings together key stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges, and implement corrective measures for the second half of the year. Minister Djibril Mama Cissé Moussa opened the session, presenting a financial performance report as of June 30, 2026, alongside an assessment of public procurement…

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Migrants expelled from the US challenge Cameroon deportation pact

Aïcha Abdou

JUSTICE Migrants expelled from the United States challenge Cameroon deportation deal in court Thirty-six African nationals, forcibly returned from the United States to Cameroon, have filed a lawsuit with the Yaoundé administrative court. They are seeking to block the agreement that enabled their transfer and are requesting legal protection to prevent another deportation to their home countries, where they claim to face persecution risks. Immigration Published Friday, August 7, 2026 A group of 36 African migrants expelled from the United States has taken legal action in Cameroon to challenge a…

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