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02 Sept. 2026Download pricing gridThemeSwitch to dark modeSwitch to light modeSenegal's air Sénégal expands fleet with new boeing 737-800top news02 sept. 2026Senegal's national carrier, air Sénégal, has finalized the acquisition of a brand-new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the airline's fleet modernization efforts. Fully financed by the Senegalese government, this strategic investment underscores the country's commitment to enhancing its aviation sovereignty and expanding the airline's operational capabilities.The addition of the new Boeing 737-800 is expected to significantly boost air Sénégal's regional and international connectivity, providing travelers with enhanced service options. According to the airline's management, this aircraft will play a crucial r...

The events unfolding on August 29, 2026, at Niamey's Airbase 101 transcended the conventional scope of jihadist threats. A mutiny, primarily involving elements of the Special Forces—the very spearhead of anti-jihadist efforts in the tri-border region—exposed profound internal rifts within the central military authority. This upheaval laid bare the simmering tensions, including frustrations stemming from battlefield losses, grievances concerning the chain of command, and operational fatigue. It revealed a significant erosion within the junta's primary defense circle, suggesting a vulnerability from within. The role of Africa Corps: A praetorian guard, not a national shield The intervention of Africa Corps (formerly Wagner) to quell the mutineers at Base 101 marks a pivotal strategic shift. ...

The government of Senegal and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement for a 36-month programme under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). Valued at nearly $2.2 billion (approximately 1,229 billion FCFA), this financial backing aims to restore the country’s fiscal sustainability while fostering private sector growth.Senegal’s economic outlook is set for a significant boost as the IMF and Dakar authorities finalise a technical arrangement to support the nation’s economic trajectory from 2026 to 2029.Hydrocarbon sector fuels economic momentumDespite financial constraints, Senegal’s macroeconomic indicators reflect the country’s economic resilience:A 6.7% growth projection for 2025, driven by rising oil production.A rebound in non-hydrocarbon GDP at 4.7% in ea...

A year after its charter was formalized and its confederation established, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – consistently faces scrutiny regarding its capacity to fulfill its central promise: mutual defense. Amid recent security escalations and significant jihadist attacks impacting Nigerien territory, the noticeable absence of a joint armed intervention has prompted questions among local populations and regional observers. Several structural and strategic factors contribute to this operational inertia on the ground in Niger.National armies already stretched thinThe primary constraint remains the overburdened nature of the national armed forces. Each member of the alliance confronts intense security threats within its own borders:In Mali: The m...

Governor’s regional tour begins in Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen partnerships The newly appointed Governor of Lions Club International District 403-A2, Mr. Jean Pierre HILLAH, has kicked off his official regional tour with Côte d’Ivoire as the first stop. On Monday, August 31, 2026, he met with the Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abidjan. District 403-A2 spans four West African nations—Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Liberia, and Sierra Leone—and includes five operational regions within Côte d’Ivoire. The Lions Club International’s core mission includes empowering youth and safeguarding the environment, priorities that align closely with Côte d’Ivoire’s national agenda. Supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s 2026-2030 development vision The o...

Local entrepreneurs engaged in public works in Togo frequently voice a critical concern: "Banks are no longer supporting us." This sentiment highlights a significant hurdle for the nation's private sector. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other companies fulfilling government contracts report increasingly stringent criteria for obtaining bank credits and pre-financing. This tightening of financial access is notably impeding the progress of numerous infrastructure projects and public tenders across the country.The spiral of unpaid debtsThe core reason behind this reluctance from financial institutions stems from a systemic issue: the mounting backlog of unpaid invoices following the completion of public contracts. To undertake projects commissioned by state administrations, bus...

The Cameroonian market for domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is entering a new phase with the launch, on September 1, 2026, of a tender for 60,000 metric tonnes. The call for bids, signed by Okie Johnson Ndoh, Chair of the ad hoc Commission for Petroleum Product Imports (CIPP), divides the volume into two separate lots of 35,000 and 25,000 tonnes. Official sources state that the procurement aims to meet the consumption needs of the 2026 fiscal year. Candidate dossiers are available for collection at the headquarters of the Hydrocarbon Price Stabilization Fund (CSPH), located at the Warda crossroads in Yaoundé. The evaluation and awarding of bids will take place on September 8 at noon in the same venue. At present, neither the projected market value, the origin of the products, nor th...

The credit rating agency Moody’s has just delivered a fresh blow to Senegal’s economic standing, downgrading the country’s sovereign rating to Caa2 from Caa1 while maintaining a negative outlook. This decision applies to long-term foreign and local currency issuer ratings as well as unsecured foreign currency senior notes, while short-term ratings remain unchanged at « Not Prime ». The move comes as an IMF mission concluded talks in Dakar between August 19 and September 1 to revive a stalled lending program, suspended since November 2025 when the government declined to pursue a debt restructuring. Credit downgrade puts Senegal in the 'highly speculative' bracket Caa2 places Senegal firmly among countries with the highest credit risk, a category typically associated with elevated default p...

The international credit rating agency Moody’s has recently downgraded Sénégal’s sovereign credit rating from Caa1 to Caa2, effective August 28, 2026. This decision reflects mounting refinancing pressures and the prolonged absence of an agreed program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While financial analysts cite these factors as primary drivers of the downgrade, political observers point to a different, more divisive cause. Thierno Alassane Sall, a prominent opposition lawmaker and leader of the République des Valeurs (RV) party, has publicly attributed the nation’s economic woes to what he describes as a reckless internal feud between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former political mentor, Ousmane Sonko. In a scathing statement, Sall accused the two leaders—affection...

Where to watch Monaco vs Marseille live on TV and at what time Monaco and Marseille kick off their Ligue 1 campaign with a high-octane clash this Sunday, August 30, at 20:45 CET. The match, set to ignite the Louis-II stadium in Monaco, promises intense action as both teams look to build on strong opening-day victories. The reigning champions, Monaco, started their season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Le Havre, thanks to an early strike from Eric Dier in the 14th minute. They maintained control throughout the match, showcasing their tactical discipline. Meanwhile, Marseille made a thunderous statement with a commanding 4-0 triumph over Strasbourg at the Orange Vélodrome. Bruno Genesio’s side dominated after an opponent’s red card in the 59th minute, with Amine Gouiri netting twice (46’,...

PoliticsMakokou's public services get a major upgradeBy Editor-in-Chief August 29, 2026 61 No commentMakokou, Gabon — On Saturday, August 29, 2026, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema inaugurated the new National Social Security Fund (CNSS) branch and launched modernized postal services in Makokou, Ogooué-Ivindo province.These initiatives mark a turning point in the region’s development, addressing a long-standing challenge: the distance between citizens and essential public services. For retirees, workers, and beneficiaries, the new CNSS office means fewer trips to distant administrative centers, saving time and reducing logistical burdens, particularly for elderly residents and families in rural areas.Bringing social security closer to the people is m...

With European dreams dashed in dramatic Champions League qualifying, Olympique Lyonnais faces a critical moment in Ligue 1 this evening. The Groupama Stadium hosts a high-stakes encounter against Le Havre AC, where a convincing victory could restore momentum after a heartbreaking defeat to Fenerbahçe. Just days after bowing out of Europe’s premier club competition, Lyon must regroup quickly to avoid a prolonged crisis of confidence. A strong start against the Normandy-based side would send a clear message to both supporters and rivals: their ambitions remain firmly intact. Le Havre, though mid-table, will be no pushover. Under the guidance of their experienced coach, the team has shown resilience in defensive organization and the ability to capitalize on set-pieces. For Lyon, avoiding co...