Culture

Despite a tense international environment, characterized by geopolitical crises and market instability, Bénin continues its trajectory of sustained economic growth. According to the African Development Bank's (AfDB) 2026 Country Report, the Beninese economy surged by 8.1% in 2025 and is projected to maintain growth above 7% until 2027. Propelled by the booming Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), modernized port infrastructure, and rigorous fiscal discipline, the nation demonstrates remarkable resilience, even as significant social and security challenges persist.An exceptional economic trajectory amidst global turbulenceWhile the global economy struggles to regain stable footing amid supply chain disruptions and financial uncertainties, Bénin has distinguished itself. Following a 7.5% incre...

Chadian weddings in N'Djamena adopt sudanese marriage customs Wedding ceremonies in N'Djamena are undergoing a cultural shift that is reshaping how marriages are celebrated in Chad. Influences from Sudanese traditions are becoming increasingly visible in local nuptial practices, prompting both admiration and concern about the preservation of Chadian heritage. Sudanese-inspired rituals gaining ground in N'Djamena weddings Modern Chadian weddings now frequently incorporate elements borrowed from Sudanese marriage customs. Among the most noticeable changes are the application of henna on both the groom’s and bride’s hands and feet, a practice traditionally reserved for women in Chadian culture. The groom is also often paraded through the streets to the bride’s home, where he lifts her in h...

A military outpost near N'Guigmi, in southeastern Niger, came under a sudden assault on Friday, resulting in the deaths of nearly a dozen soldiers. Local witnesses, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that the attack was carried out by militants from the extremist group Boko Haram. An escalating threat in Diffa’s volatile borderlands The town of N'Guigmi serves as a key military base in the Diffa region, bordering the vast Lake Chad basin—a sprawling wetland shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Once a quiet garrison town, it has become a hotspot for militant activity since 2009, now hosting both Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. Residents confirmed the attack’s devastating toll on Friday morning, with reports indicating that ten sol...

Arsenal have struck a deal with Newcastle United for the transfer of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, following a revised offer of €90 million plus performance-related bonuses. The 28-year-old international has agreed personal terms on a long-term contract lasting until 2031 and has requested a delay to his pre-season travel plans to finalise the much-anticipated move to North London. Arsenal’s revised bid secures breakthrough Initial proposals of €70 million and €80 million from Arsenal were both rejected before the Gunners significantly increased their offer to €90 million, inclusive of performance bonuses. Guimaraes, a key figure in Newcastle’s midfield, has been vocal about his desire to join Arsenal for over a month, eager to play under manager Mikel Arteta and compete in the...

When discussing the intricate ties between Morocco and Senegal, one name often gets overlooked: Mauritania. This oversight, while seemingly minor, carries significant implications for the region’s geopolitical landscape. Journalist Ahmed Ould Bettar highlights how this oversight distorts the understanding of North and West Africa’s interconnected realities. The vast stretch separating Rabat from Dakar isn’t just a stretch of land—it’s a corridor of shared histories, economic flows, and strategic interests. Yet, the Western Sahara dispute and the Mauritanian territory in between are frequently reduced to mere geographical footnotes in broader discussions about Maghreb and Sahel relations. Why Mauritania matters in the Morocco-Senegal equation Mauritania isn’t just a buffer state or a tra...

The Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, led a pivotal national workshop in Abidjan to validate the study for Côte d'Ivoire’s National Spatial Planning Framework (SNAT CI-2045). The session brought together representatives from state institutions, regional authorities, local governments, technical and financial partners, alongside public administrations, the private sector, civil society, academia, experts, and media representatives. This milestone paves the way for adopting the country’s first national territorial planning reference document. The SNAT CI-2045 will equip the government with a nationwide roadmap to steer public and private investments, enhance policy effectiveness, and foster balanced regional development. Under the leadership of Presiden...

A significant development has unfolded in Kinshasa, with the Constitutional Court declaring the law on referendum organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to be in conformity with the constitution. This decision, however, has ignited a fervent debate that deeply polarizes the Congolese political landscape, reflecting a critical moment in African politics. For the opposition, this legislative move could pave the way for a constitutional reform, potentially allowing President Félix Tshisekedi to extend his tenure. The presidential camp, conversely, vehemently rejects this interpretation, asserting that the reform aims solely at enhancing the efficiency of state institutions and improving governance in Africa. President Tshisekedi, 63, who assumed power in 2019, ...

The Palais de la Marina witnessed a pivotal moment on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as President Romuald Wadagni of Bénin held a high-level meeting with Nigeria’s foremost industrial magnate, Aliko Dangote. The encounter, steeped in strategic importance, underscores a growing momentum to deepen economic collaboration across West Africa. A landmark meeting in Cotonou In the stately surroundings of the Palais de la Marina, President Wadagni welcomed Dangote along with a prominent delegation from his industrial group. While official communiqués have yet to release a detailed account of their discussions, the very nature of the gathering has already sparked optimism among regional business leaders. It signals a shared commitment to strengthening trade and industrial partnerships between Bénin and N...

The transitional government in Burkina Faso asserts it now controls nearly 75% of the national territory, specifically citing 74.53% in its official assessment. This declaration aims to project a narrative of successful reconquest and stability in a nation grappling with persistent insecurity. However, when juxtaposed with independent analyses, humanitarian reports, and the daily experiences of its citizens, this official stance appears to be more a strategic political communication effort than a verifiable military achievement. Defining control: a strategic ambiguity To arrive at such a high figure, the Burkinabè state employs a remarkably broad definition of 'control.' The mere presence of military detachments, the passage of escorted convoys, or patrols conducted by mobile volunteer def...

The African continent holds a significant portion of the world's reserves of critical minerals, essential raw materials powering the global energy transition and digital revolution. A pivotal conference held on July 27, 2026, under the theme « Africa at the crossroads: navigating global geopolitical competition in the era of critical minerals » underscored the profound challenges ahead. Public policymakers, extractive sector analysts, and civil society representatives shared their perspectives on a strategic shift that is redefining the continent's economic and security dynamics.Geopolitical competition reshaping Africa's economic landscapeGlobal demand for cobalt, lithium, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements is soaring, driven by the electrification of transport and the expansion of...

UN: United States delegation exits Security Council meeting in protest of French criticism. On Monday, the American delegation walked out of the chamber as the French ambassador began speaking, condemning France's “hypocritical” remarks. France had previously equated Washington with North Korea and Russia following a crucial vote on human rights. Last Friday, the United States was among ten nations in the General Assembly to vote against renewing the four-year term of Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The French mission to the United Nations in Geneva had stated on X, “The United States was once a model for human rights. This is no longer the case. Today, they find themselves alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali, and Russia. Isolated. And the world no longer listens...

In a fresh twist to Senegal’s ongoing political saga, Minister Abdourahmane Diouf has dropped a bombshell revelation about former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s management of political funds during his time at the helm of government. Speaking on a popular RS1 talk show hosted by Migui Marième Ndiaye, the Minister of Petroleum and Energy disclosed that Sonko had requested additional funds after depleting the allocated political fund envelope of 1.77 billion CFA francs. Yet critical questions linger: was this supplementary request granted? And more importantly, where did this sensitive information originate? According to protocol, only the President and the Budget Minister would have been privy to such classified details. Political tensions escalate in Dakar The public spat between the ...