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Niamey, July 31, 2026 — The distinguished halls of the Ministry of Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration in Niamey served as the backdrop for a high-level diplomatic exchange this Friday morning. Adhering to established republican traditions, Major General Mohamed Toumba, the Minister of State, extended a formal welcome to His Excellency Özgür Arslan, recently accredited as the extraordinary and plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to our nation. While initially a customary introductory meeting, this encounter swiftly evolved into an in-depth working session. Highlighting the pragmatic nature of his diplomatic mission, the Turkish envoy was not alone; he was accompanied by the chief coordinator of TIKA, Ankara's state institution dedicated to technical ...

The government of Niger has reached a pivotal stage in orchestrating the « Invest in Niger » Forum, slated for November 24-26, 2026. Authorities have formally appointed the committee tasked with overseeing its preparations, entrusting it with the critical mission of showcasing the nation's substantial economic promise to both domestic and international investors. The official countdown has now commenced. In Niamey, the government inaugurated the ad hoc committee responsible for the forthcoming international « Invest in Niger » Forum, scheduled for November 24 to 26, 2026. Addressing the newly formed committee members, Mr. Abdoulaye Seydou, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, underscored the profound significance of this gathering for Niger's economic trajectory. ...

environment newsUNESCO Mali joins 32nd national reforestation campaign launchThe 32nd edition, themed "Youth at the heart of environmental citizenship for a greener and more resilient Mali", reinforces national efforts in ecosystem restoration, desertification combat, and natural resource preservation.UNESCO / Morifing SyllaJuly 31, 2026A delegation from the UNESCO Mali Office, led by its Acting Head and Representative, Mr. Ali-Mohamed Sinane, attended the official launch ceremony of the 32nd national reforestation campaign in Bamako on Saturday, July 26, 2026. Held at the Palais des Pionniers, the event was presided over by General of Division Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister and Head of Government, representing the Transition President and Head of State.Key stakeholders joined the ceremon...

Cameroon extends census period for second time amid challengesAfrica news EnglishSaturday, August 1, 2026The government has announced a supplementary phase of enumeration operations, as outlined in the Prime Minister's decree signed by Joseph Dion Ngute. This initiative aims to reach more households, individuals, and agricultural operations across the country. Residents in major urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala have raised concerns about census agents failing to visit certain areas, particularly newly developed neighborhoods excluded from updated mapping. According to the census commission, only 60.4% of the population has been counted since the first phase began in April. The fourth general census of population, housing, and agriculture faces significant hurdles, including delayed ...

A milestone in bilateral cooperation was reached as Adrien Haye, outgoing director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Côte d'Ivoire, was honored with a national distinction for his contributions to the country’s growth. The recognition ceremony took place on July 31, 2026, at the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Budget, officiated by Minister Adama Coulibaly in the presence of French Ambassador Jean-Christophe Belliard and AFD staff. Representing President Alassane Ouattara and Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Minister Coulibaly commended Adrien Haye’s unwavering dedication during his four-year tenure. He highlighted Haye’s hands-on role in identifying and structuring funding opportunities across multiple sectors, emphasizing his pivotal involvement in shaping financial agreeme...

Successful return to international bond markets The Gabonese government has triumphantly re-entered the global bond markets, securing a $920 million sovereign bond issuance with the strategic support of AFG Capital Ltd, its exclusive financial advisor. This landmark transaction, oversubscribed by institutional investors, demonstrates the country's renewed financial credibility and the effectiveness of its ongoing economic reforms. Key players and transaction structure The operation was meticulously structured with the collaboration of Cygnum Capital and Citigroup Global Markets as lead arrangers. White & Case provided critical legal guidance throughout the process. The bond issuance, with a 9.375% coupon, features a seven-year maturity and a three-year amortization deferral, pushing the...

Ukrainian winger Mudryk cleared of doping ban ahead of Premier League return31 july 2026In 2024, a trace amount of meldonium—a banned substance—was detected in a routine doping test involving Mudryk. The Ukrainian forward was subsequently handed a four-year ban. However, Mudryk contested the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).Regulations have since evolved. Per updated World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, a similar finding today would not trigger disciplinary action. This critical change in policy paved the way for the resolution.A statement from the Football Association (FA) clarified the situation: "While the result cannot be reassessed retroactively, Mudryk’s positive test would no longer constitute a doping violation under current rules. The detected meldon...

Chelsea avoids points deduction, receives suspended transfer banIn a significant development for Premier League club Chelsea, the initial six-point deduction, alongside a fine, that had been imposed on the Blues, home to players like Roméo Lavia, has been successfully overturned on appeal. The revised sanction now stands as a suspended transfer prohibition, a less severe penalty that spares the club from immediate points loss in the league standings.The Football Association (FA) revealed that the infringements in question took place between 2009 and 2022, a period when the London-based club was under the ownership of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. It appears the majority of these compliance failures occurred from 2010 to 2016. These financial irregularities only came to light when Chel...

Togo's academic landscape transformed as 107 lecturers achieve full professorships The resolution to a months-long standstill has finally arrived. Following weeks of unrest at Lomé's campus, the government has formally approved the elevation of 107 university lecturers to the esteemed rank of Full Professors during a recent cabinet meeting. From protest to promotion: recognizing academic dedication These landmark promotions come in direct response to demonstrations held by university lecturers on July 2nd at the University of Lomé. By endorsing these appointments within the highest academic tier, authorities aim to acknowledge scholarly excellence and pedagogical contributions across Togo's premier institutions: the University of Lomé and the University of Kara. « This initiative wil...

The University of Datcha embarks on a transformative journey as the Togolese government formally appoints Professor Essohanam Batchana as its inaugural president. This landmark decision, ratified during a recent cabinet meeting, marks a pivotal step in reshaping higher education within the Plateaux Region. Strategic leadership to build an academic powerhouse Professor Batchana, a distinguished historian and specialist in political science and international relations, brings unparalleled expertise to the role. Previously serving as Director of Academic Affairs and Student Services at the University of Lomé, his deep understanding of academic governance will be instrumental in shaping the university’s foundation. Joining him is Professor Kperkouma Walla, a renowned botanist and plant ecol...

Human Rights Watch Reports Civilian Deaths in Mali Airstrikes An investigation by an international human rights organization has uncovered evidence of what appears to be unlawful aerial attacks in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The alleged strikes, carried out on June 15 by a Russian-operated aircraft, targeted the village of Kyrnia in the Mopti region. According to detailed findings, a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-24 jet bombed civilian structures, specifically the village leader’s residence and a livestock market. No armed Islamist fighters were reported among the casualties. The attack left three additional civilians injured. Violations of International Law Alleged A senior Sahel researcher at the organizatio...

In a move reflecting diplomatic reciprocity, Taiwan has temporarily suspended visa processing for Moroccan passport holders. The decision follows reports that Morocco has ceased accepting visa applications from Taiwanese travelers globally, a development confirmed by the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Taiwanese travel agencies have been notified by the Moroccan embassy in Japan that the issuance of visa confirmation letters for Taiwanese citizens has been halted. Further, it has been indicated that the Moroccan government directed its diplomatic missions worldwide to halt visa processing for Taiwanese nationals, disrupting bilateral travel and exchange programs. In retaliation, Taiwan has implemented a visa suspension for Moroccan applicants, effective immediately, with exception...