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France reaffirms support for peace initiatives in DRC during national day celebrations UN Security Council Politics Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 12:48 The French ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rémi Maréchaux, used the occasion of France's national day celebrations on July 14 to underscore his country's unwavering commitment to peace initiatives in eastern DRC and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Paris and Kinshasa. In a carefully prepared address delivered at his residence to a distinguished audience, Maréchaux began by emphasizing that July 14 commemorates not France's independence or a political leader, but rather the 1789 Revolution and its foundational values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. He then pivoted ...

Abidjan, 15 July 2026 – The Minister of Planning and Development, Souleymane Diarrassouba, will take center stage on Monday, 20 July 2026, at 10 AM, during a high-profile session of the Government Sessions, a flagship event organized by the Government Information and Communication Center (GICC). The press briefing, set to unfold at the Prime Minister’s auditorium in Abidjan-Plateau, will welcome both national and international media representatives. The event will also be live-streamed across the Ivorian government’s digital platforms, including Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube. During this session, Minister Diarrassouba will unveil the critical aspects, challenges, and future outlook of the National Development Policy (NDP). He will delve into the NDP’s core strategies, emphasizing the ...

Africa Environment & PolicyGabon and Chad spearhead Africa's water governance revolutionEditorial Team 211 No comment

Strengthening Ties: Senegal and France Forge a New Chapter in Bilateral Relations On the occasion of France’s National Day, Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Me Moussa Sarr, delivered a keynote address underscoring the evolving dynamics of Dakar-Paris relations. He described the partnership as "deep, historic, and multidimensional," rooted in shared values and strengthened by decades of collaboration in human, cultural, economic, and academic spheres. Yet, Sarr emphasized that this relationship is now entering a transformative phase, marked by a renewed dialogue aimed at aligning cooperation with the aspirations of both nations and the shifting realities of the African continent and global landscape. The dialogue, he noted, is built on principles of mutual respect, transparency, and...

The sacred iboga shrub, long revered in Gabonese traditions, is on the cusp of a transformative industrial leap. As the opioid crisis continues to ravage healthcare systems in the United States, this native plant has captured unprecedented global attention for its potential in addiction therapy. Recognizing this surge in demand, Libreville is stepping up efforts to reclaim control of its natural resource. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Ousmane Sonko, the Senegalese opposition leader and head of the Pastef party, marks his 52nd birthday. Born on July 15, 1974, the former Prime Minister and current President of the National Assembly received an outpouring of tributes from party officials, allies, and public figures who praised his political dedication and leadership. Among the most notable messages was that from Waly Diouf Bodian, Director General of the Dakar Port Authority, who expressed unwavering loyalty. His tribute read: « Happy birthday to my steadfast leader, Ousmane Sonko. I wish you another fifty years of July 15ths filled with health, happiness, and divine protection. You know I will always stand by you, for our nation and the great people who deserve every sacrifice. It is the lega...

With the historic success of its initial restitution efforts firmly behind, Bénin advances toward a new milestone. On July 14, 2026, the government in Cotonou formally established a National Scientific Committee to oversee the return of 35 culturally significant artifacts and colonial-era archives currently held in France. Far from being a symbolic gesture, this initiative is rooted in a deliberate strategy: transforming restored heritage into the driving force of a thriving local tourism and cultural economy, fueled by widespread public engagement. Strengthening cultural sovereignty through strategic restitution Bénin is not resting on past achievements. As a leader in cultural restitution across Sub-Saharan Africa, the nation is now launching the second phase of its cultural diplomacy. ...

The relentless shadow of terrorism along West Africa’s fragile frontiers has pushed two neighboring nations into a bold new alliance. In Koualou, a region long plagued by cross-border incursions, Benin and Burkina Faso have taken a decisive step forward by launching coordinated joint patrols to reclaim control and restore peace to local communities. Diplomacy in action: President Wadagni’s strategic pivot For years, Benin’s northern border with Burkina Faso has been a flashpoint, demanding urgent and coordinated action. While previous administrations laid the groundwork for cooperation, it is under President Romuald Wadagni that this vision has transitioned from strategy to reality. His swift diplomatic engagement with Burkina Faso’s leadership signaled a new era—one where shared threats ...

Le 14 juillet 2026, l’OMS a révélé que l’épidémie d’Ebola en RDC pourrait être deux à quatre fois plus importante que les 1 926 cas officiels annoncés par Kinshasa. Une remise en cause publique qui expose les failles de surveillance du gouvernement congolais et soulève des tensions diplomatiques entre souveraineté nationale et coordination internationale. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

The Gabonese government has initiated in Libreville a series of budgetary conferences centered on revenue and expenditure analysis, marking a significant milestone in crafting the 2027 Finance Bill (PLF), as confirmed by an official statement. Structured phases for comprehensive fiscal planning These conferences, structured in alignment with official guidelines outlined in Circular No. 000245/PR/SG dated March 31, 2026, unfold in two distinct stages. The first phase, labeled the ministerial session, spans from July 14 to 17, while the second, a technical review, takes place from July 20 to 24 within sector-specific ministries. Deep-dive evaluations and fiscal sustainability checks The technical phase will convene key stakeholders including ministry program managers, state operators, and ...

Joint military operation against terrorism at the Koualou border The armies of Benin and Burkina Faso have escalated their efforts against terrorism with a large-scale joint operation launched on July 14, 2026, in Koualou—a critical border town in northern Benin. This coordinated offensive aims to dismantle armed terrorist groups, tighten border control, and protect local communities caught in the crossfire of rising insecurity. The operation reflects a deepened military partnership between the two nations, reinforcing their joint commitment to stability in the region. Strong response after May’s deadly attacks The timing of this operation is no coincidence. On the night of May 25–26, 2026, Kourou Koualou—a neighboring area—witnessed a brutal attack on two Beninese military positio...