News

DRC transfers 15 prisoners to AFC/M23 in landmark dealPatient LigodiThe transfer of fifteen detainees to the AFC/M23 custody was no spontaneous act. Months prior, in Montreux, a confidential agreement had been inked between the two parties and the ICRC. Though the protocol remained under wraps, it marked a critical step forward—one that followed a series of missed deadlines, including an April deadline that came and went without action. These fifteen individuals now stand as the first tangible test of a process long stalled by delays and uncertainty.By the time their presence in Beni was confirmed, the men had already spent weeks in detention, their exact circumstances shrouded in confusion. Their transfer from Kinshasa to Beni raised questions about coordination—or the lack thereof—within...

Morocco ready to help unaccompanied minors return from Ceuta amid migration crisis Ceuta — The Kingdom of Morocco has confirmed its willingness to cooperate with Spanish authorities in facilitating the return of unaccompanied minors stranded in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta following the recent surge in irregular migration at the end of July. However, Rabat has highlighted significant legal and administrative hurdles in Spain that currently impede the repatriation process. Collaboration with Madrid essential, says Rabat Morocco has expressed readiness to assist in identifying unaccompanied minors present in Ceuta to streamline their return to their home countries. Diplomatic sources in Rabat indicate that the Moroccan government is prepared to collaborate closely with Sp...

The President of Côte d'Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, highlighted the nation's sustained economic momentum during his annual address to the nation on the eve of the 66th Independence Day celebrations. He emphasized that the country has maintained its development trajectory, boasting one of the highest annual growth rates in the region and globally, a testament to the resilience of its economic foundations. Ouattara underscored that such growth must translate into tangible improvements for citizens, noting that the government will intensify efforts to enhance access to clean water, electricity, healthcare, quality education, housing, and efficient public services. He also reaffirmed a commitment to prioritizing job creation, household purchasing power, and safeguarding vulnerable populations....

Chad Chad's media landscape gets a boost with ISJCT-AMET training partnership Chad's leading journalism institute partners with the national online media association to launch a transformative initiative aimed at elevating media standards through professional training and student internships. N'Djamena, August 6, 2026 – Chad's media sector is set for a major transformation with the signing of a groundbreaking partnership between the Institut Supérieur du Journalisme et de la Communication du Tchad (ISJCT) and the Association des Médias en Ligne du Tchad (AMET). This collaboration bridges the gap between academic training and professional media practice, laying the foundation for sustainable improvements in journalism standards across the country. The ...

Gabon aims to boost economy through mining sector expansion Facing a decline in its oil output, Gabon is now banking on a strategic shift toward mining to revitalize its economy. In recent months, authorities have unveiled ambitious investment plans, while exploration activities continue across multiple provinces to unlock the country's mineral potential. With oil revenues dwindling, the Gabonese government has identified mining as a key pillar for economic diversification. The Ministry of Mines has outlined a roadmap that includes the launch of nearly eight new mines by 2030, focusing on iron ore, gold, and potash extraction. Investments set to create jobs and drive growth According to Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Minister of Mines, these projects are expected to generate thousands of jo...

Cholera outbreak in Chad claims 13 lives, over 230 infected Breaking News. The Republic of Chad is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has already claimed 13 lives and infected 239 individuals across two regions. Health authorities have launched an emergency vaccination campaign to contain the spread of this deadly disease. The cholera epidemic in Chad has escalated rapidly, with confirmed cases now exceeding 230, including 13 fatalities. The outbreak, which began in mid-June, has primarily affected the northern province of Hadjer Lamis and the capital city, N'Djamena. Authorities declared the epidemic on July 24 after identifying the first fatalities linked to the disease. In response, healt...

Togo’s constitutional tug-of-war: regional court delivers landmark ruling Lomé is now under the spotlight as a groundswell of African civil society voices demands decisive action from West African and continental bodies over the disputed constitutional amendments pushed through by President Faure Gnassingbé in 2024. In early August 2026, a coalition of forty-three civic organisations—spanning human rights defenders, legal scholars and grassroots movements—filed a joint appeal with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) calling for coercive measures to be imposed on Togo’s government. The petition follows a landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The tribunal ruled that the swift conversion of Togo’s political system from a presidential t...

A landmark agreement between Dakar and the World Bank has unlocked a fresh injection of 340 billion West African CFA francs—roughly 598.4 million US dollars—earmarked for Senegal’s most critical sectors. On August 5, Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Vice President for West and Central Africa, met with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to formalize the funding package, underscoring the international lender’s renewed confidence in the reform agenda championed by the new administration. Funding to fast-track national priorities The financial boost targets high-impact initiatives across agriculture, transport, and resilience programs tailored for youth and women—key pillars of inclusive growth. These investments are designed to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and empower vulnerable commun...

Historic vote in Porto-Novo ushers in new parliamentary era The Bénin Senate’s first-ever leadership team is now in place following a decisive vote held in Porto-Novo. On August 6, 2026, senators convened to elect the chamber’s top officials, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s establishment under the Constitution. Patrice Talon has been elected president of the Senate, taking charge of steering legislative proceedings, representing the chamber, and ensuring its smooth operation. His leadership sets the stage for the Senate’s full engagement in national governance. A four-member leadership team has been appointed to oversee key parliamentary functions. Louis Vlavonou steps into the role of vice-president, ready to support Talon and step in during any absence. Alassane Séidou h...

Chad faces deadly cholera outbreak (N’Djamena) A cholera outbreak in Chad has claimed the lives of 13 individuals and infected 239 others since July, according to health authorities. Regional impact and ongoing response The outbreak has primarily affected two regions: the northern province of Hadjer Lamis and Chad’s capital, N’Djamena. By August 3rd, health officials confirmed 239 cases in a country of nearly 21 million people. Health authorities declared the epidemic on July 24th after the first fatalities were reported on June 13th. A vaccination campaign has already immunized 50,799 people, providing a critical defense against further spread. Challenges in water and sanitation Cholera, an acute diarrheal infecti...

Champions League action referee named for Lyon versus Sparta Prague decider Poland's top official Szymon Marciniak will take charge of Tuesday evening's high-stakes Champions League return fixture between Olympique Lyonnais and Sparta Prague at Groupama Stadium (21:00 CET). After suffering a narrow first-leg defeat (2-1) in the Czech Republic last week, Paulo Fonseca's squad faces a must-win scenario. Lyon must secure at least a two-goal margin to progress without facing extra time—or risk an early exit from European competition. The UEFA's decision to appoint Marciniak underscores the significance of the tie. At 45, the Polish referee brings unmatched experience to Décines-Charpieu, having previ...

The Beninese Senate has just elected its first Bureau, marking a significant milestone in the establishment of the upper house of Parliament following constitutional provisions. Meeting in Porto-Novo on August 6, 2026, senators conducted a vote to determine the leadership responsible for guiding the institution’s activities. Patrice Talon takes the helm as Senate President Patrice Talon has been elected President of the Beninese Senate, a role that places him at the forefront of the upper house’s legislative and administrative operations. As President, he will oversee the chamber’s proceedings, ensure smooth governance, and uphold constitutional mandates. Louis Vlavonou named Vice-President In a complementary move, Louis Vlavonou has been appointed Vice-President of the Senate. He wi...