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Three years after the coup, tiani’s promises face Niger’s harsh realities
Analysis, News

Three years after the coup, tiani’s promises face Niger’s harsh realities

From revolutionary discourse to everyday strugglesOn July 26, 2023, General Abdourahamane Tiani seized power in Niger, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. His stated mission rested on three pillars: reclaiming national sovereignty, eradicating terrorism, and ending foreign interference in Niger’s internal affairs. Backed by state-aligned media and nationalist movements, his narrative resonated with citizens exhausted by years of insecurity, economic hardship, and what many perceived as foreign dominance over their country’s affairs.Yet as the third anniversary of the coup approaches, the gap between rhetoric and reality has grown impossible to ignore. While the government continues to emphasize anti-colonial defiance, Nigeriens are increasingly focused on pressing daily concerns: escalating ...
Who chief visits drc as ebola outbreak intensifies
News

Who chief visits drc as ebola outbreak intensifies

The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously warned on Saturday about this particular outbreak, noting its “exceptional intensification,” and urged a significant escalation of the health response. Congolese authorities have reported a total of 3,874 confirmed cases and 1,751 deaths since the epidemic began. For context, the country's deadliest previous outbreak, between 2018 and 2020, claimed nearly 2,300 lives from 3,500 recorded cases.The Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, arrived in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Tuesday. He was scheduled to hold discussions on Wednesday with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, as confirmed by a WHO representative in Kinshasa.This visit follows his trip in late May to Ituri (northeast), ...
Benin leads global ocean forecasting training with opera project
News

Benin leads global ocean forecasting training with opera project

The Republic of Benin has taken a decisive step forward in addressing coastal and maritime challenges through a groundbreaking international training initiative. The Ocean Prediction Enhancement in Regions of Africa (OPERA) project, a seven-week online program focused on ocean forecasting fundamentals, has successfully engaged nearly 1,200 participants from 111 countries, with Benin emerging as the most represented nation—a clear testament to its growing influence in global maritime research. Benin’s academic leadership in a world-scale program Spearheaded at the national level by the UNESCO Chair / CIPMA at the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), the OPERA program is delivered as a massive open online course (MOOC). This initiative not only highlights Benin’s academic excellence but also ...
Who chief arrives in democratic republic of Congo as ebola spreads rapidly
News

Who chief arrives in democratic republic of Congo as ebola spreads rapidly

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, touched down in Kinshasa this week to engage with President Félix Tshisekedi amid a rapidly worsening Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ebola resurgence grips the Congo The DRC declared its 17th Ebola epidemic on May 15, though the announcement came weeks after initial cases were identified. Spanning a vast territory of over 100 million people, the outbreak has escalated with alarming speed, prompting urgent calls for enhanced public health interventions. WHO warns of accelerating spread Health authorities have sounded the alarm over the outbreak's exceptionally rapid escalation. The WHO emphasized the need for an immediate and robust response to curb further transmission and mitigate t...
Yan diomande transfer fee skyrockets as real madrid closes in on deal
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Yan diomande transfer fee skyrockets as real madrid closes in on deal

05 August 2026 14:25+02:00 yan diomande transfer fee set to shatter records as real madrid edges closer Bundesligatransfer marketPremier Leagueyan diomandeRB leipzigreal madrid Negotiations between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig over Yan Diomande have reached a critical phase. All signs now point to an imminent deal, with transfer figures escalating sharply. Discussions between the two clubs have entered their decisive stage. Insiders confirm the Merengues are prepared to invest between €130 million and €140 million to secure the Ivorian forward’s services. This would make Diomande the second most expensive Bundesliga transfer in history, trailing only Ousmane Dembélé’s €148 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona. Just days ago, the proposed transfer fee stood at €120 million....
Benin unveils $14.5 billion climate resilience plan to secure sustainable growth
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Benin unveils $14.5 billion climate resilience plan to secure sustainable growth

Benin’s bold climate strategy targets economic transformation Benin is set to mobilize 14.5 billion USD—equivalent to approximately 8,004.38 billion FCFA—to bolster its economy against climate risks and accelerate its shift toward sustainable development. This landmark commitment, unveiled in the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for 2026–2035, was officially presented on August 4 in Cotonou during a high-level gathering of government officials, technical and financial partners, United Nations representatives, and advocates for green and inclusive growth. The NDC 3.0 is more than a climate pledge—it’s a strategic framework designed to embed climate resilience into every layer of public policy, investment decisions, and national development priorities. By doing so, Benin...
Congo bans tiktok to curb rebel propaganda amid security crisis
News

Congo bans tiktok to curb rebel propaganda amid security crisis

The head of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s media regulator has moved decisively to block TikTok accounts spreading propaganda for the rebel group AFC-M23, warning that the platform is enabling threats to national security.Christian Bosembe, Chair of the Superior Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), confirmed talks with TikTok’s management to enforce the shutdown immediately. He condemned the presence of Corneille Nangaa—a figure accused of terrorism—on the platform, arguing that such digital spaces should not serve as forums for those undermining state stability.The regulator’s stance reflects growing frustration over foreign-owned platforms hosting content that fuels conflict. Bosembe questioned why extremist groups like Al-Qaeda or Hezbollah are restricted elsewhere but ...
West african nations unite to counter rising terrorism threats
News

West african nations unite to counter rising terrorism threats

In a bold move to address the escalating threat of armed groups in West Africa, Bénin and Nigeria have intensified their collaborative defense efforts. On a pivotal Tuesday in August 2026, a high-ranking Nigerian military delegation, led by Defense Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa, met with Bénin’s Defense Minister, Gildas Agonkan, in Cotonou. This strategic gathering marks a decisive step toward a stronger, results-driven sub-regional alliance. Strategic Solidarity in the Face of Unprecedented Threats The visit of Nigeria’s top security official to Bénin’s economic capital was not merely a diplomatic formality—it underscored the shared urgency to confront the spreading chaos. Before formal discussions at the Ministry of Defense, General Musa visited Togbin Military Barracks, wher...
How Benin balances ties with Russia and western partners
News

How Benin balances ties with Russia and western partners

The Republic of Benin is navigating a shifting geopolitical landscape with strategic finesse, forging stronger economic and diplomatic bonds with Saint-Petersburg while maintaining its long-standing alliances with Western nations. Recent high-level talks in Russia’s northern capital underscored Porto-Novo’s commitment to diversifying partnerships without compromising core relationships. Building bridges between Saint-Petersburg and Cotonou A recent meeting between Evgeny Grigoriev, member of the Saint-Petersburg government and head of the city’s External Relations Committee, and Benin’s ambassador to Russia, Akambi André Okounlola Biaou, laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration across multiple sectors. The dialogue, marked by mutual respect and pragmatic focus, highlighted energy, agr...
Ivory coast launches energy pact steering committee to boost electrification
News

Ivory coast launches energy pact steering committee to boost electrification

The Steering Committee of Côte d'Ivoire’s National Energy Pact convened its inaugural meeting on August 4, 2026, at the SCIAM building in Abidjan. Chaired by Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, Minister of Planning and Development, the session brought together key figures including Mamadou SANGAFOWA-COULIBALY, Minister of Mines, Oil, and Energy, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Budget, the Prime Minister’s office, and the Presidential Cabinet. The gathering aimed to reinforce the committee’s operational framework and align its priorities with the Pact’s strategic objectives. During the meeting, members reviewed progress on ongoing initiatives and agreed to host a roundtable discussion to secure funding for high-priori...
World bank delegation heads to Dakar to boost Senegal ties
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World bank delegation heads to Dakar to boost Senegal ties

Dakar is set to host a high-profile delegation from the World Bank this week, as Ousmane Diagana, Vice-President for West and Central Africa, undertakes an official visit to Senegal. Running from August 4 to 8, 2026, the mission underscores a renewed commitment to deepen strategic cooperation between the international financial institution and the West African nation.
Benin senate to elect leadership for historic first term
News

Benin senate to elect leadership for historic first term

Bénin Bénin senate convenes for landmark leadership election A pivotal moment in Benin’s democratic evolution arrives tomorrow as the 25 newly sworn senators gather at Porto-Novo’s historic Palais des Gouverneurs to chart the course of their first five-year mandate. Senators prepare for constitutional milestone Following the Constitutional Court’s validation of the Senate’s internal regulations—certified in full compliance with the national constitution—the stage is set for a defining vote. The chamber’s inaugural plenary session on August 6, 2026, will focus exclusively on electing the three-member executive bureau that will steer the upper house’s legislative agenda and institutional independence. Portraits of potential leaders The candidates under consideration represent the pinna...