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Ministers and heads of delegation from the Process of Atlantic African States (PEAA) convened in Bénin on Monday, July 13, 2026, to forge the foundations of enhanced regional integration. The historic Cotonou Declaration, signed during this strategic summit, marks a significant geopolitical shift, cementing the emergence of a unified African maritime bloc. This alliance is resolute in transforming shared challenges into powerful drivers of economic prosperity, with a keen focus on energy transition, securing vital maritime routes, and establishing innovative green logistics corridors.A new geopolitical momentum is undeniably taking shape along the extensive coasts of Atlantic Africa. Cotonou, Bénin, served as the pivotal hub for this ambitious vision on July 13, 2026, hosting the 7th Minis...

The Gabonese government continues to engage in constructive and responsible discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of ongoing technical preparations for a new economic cooperation framework. These exchanges reflect a shared commitment to advancing key reforms and aligning national policies with global economic standards. Since the conclusion of the spring meetings in April, Gabonese officials and IMF representatives have maintained a structured schedule of virtual meetings, focusing primarily on technical assessments. A notable milestone occurred on July 2, 2026, when Gabon’s Minister of Economy, Finance, Debt Management, and Price Control, Thierry Minko, held a cordial meeting in Washington, D.C., with the IMF’s Africa Director and senior staff—including the missi...

The Lions of Teranga’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup ended in disappointment. After a single victory in four matches, Senegal was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Belgium, despite leading 2-0 with just four minutes remaining in regulation time. The aftermath was swift: the Senegalese Football Federation dismissed coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff. But was he the sole architect of this setback? Who will now take the reins to restore the team’s pride? a dramatic collapse in the round of 16 The match against Belgium will be remembered for its stunning turnaround. Senegal dominated early, taking a commanding 2-0 lead, only to see Belgium score three goals in the final minutes to secure a 3-2 victory. This collapse exposed deeper issues within the team’s performance and tactical...

France backs DRC's push for fair natural resource governance at UN The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is leveraging its current presidency of the United Nations Security Council to elevate a critical issue it believes underpins many contemporary conflicts: the governance of natural resources. On Monday, July 13, Kinshasa hosted a high-level diplomatic meeting in New York under the « Arria formula », focusing on the intersection between resource exploitation and peacebuilding. This initiative will culminate in a landmark high-level debate on July 22, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, centered on the theme: « Natural resource governance as the foundation for peace, security, and prosperity. » The Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by...

The United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances has formally urged Malian authorities to locate and ensure the protection of Maître Mountaga Tall, a distinguished lawyer and prominent political figure. His family has reported no contact since his apprehension by State Security services. This UN intervention comes over two and a half months after the opposition leader's disappearance, amidst a backdrop of increasing authoritarianism from the military transitional government in Bamako, impacting African politics. The engagement of this UN body signifies the internationalization of Mountaga Tall's situation. Operating under the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Committee has pressed Bamako to disclose precise information regarding the former minister's detention lo...

In a stunning turn of events in the European football transfer market, Fenerbahçe has clinched a deal with Olympique de Marseille to bring in Mason Greenwood, the former Manchester United attacker, for a staggering €42 million. The agreement not only marks a significant milestone for the Turkish club but also sets a new precedent for outgoing transfers from Marseille. The 24-year-old English forward has chosen to join the Super Lig side over lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League clubs, signaling his preference for European football. While financial details remain closely guarded, sources close to the negotiations confirm that Greenwood will earn approximately €10 million per season in Istanbul, making it one of the most substantial contracts in the league. The transfer, which includes a...

Following his departure from office in March 2024, former Senegalese President Macky Sall is set to return to Dakar on July 17 for a high-profile meeting with current Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sall announced his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General in a statement, emphasizing the purpose of his visit as part of ongoing consultations. In his message, he expressed gratitude to President Faye for the scheduled audience and extended appreciation to the Senegalese people for their continued support since his candidacy was announced. Political tensions mount ahead of meeting The upcoming encounter has already sparked debate and criticism within Senegal’s political landscape, particularly among members of the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. Some activi...

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu embarks on state visit to Rabat France’s new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, will lead a high-level delegation to Morocco on July 15, marking his first official foreign trip since assuming office. The two-day state visit aims to revitalize political and economic cooperation between Paris and Rabat. Accompanied by twelve ministers and senior officials, Lecornu will engage in intensive discussions with Morocco’s leadership to address shared priorities, including trade, security, and regional stability. This visit follows a period of strained relations, with both nations seeking to restore confidence and deepen strategic partnerships. Key objectives of the visi...

After a decade away, Lucas Digne is set to make a surprise return to Paris Saint-Germain. The French international, who left the club in 2014, will reunite with his former teammates as his transfer from Aston Villa to PSG nears completion. The 30-year-old defender, whose release clause is valued at €10 million, will officially join the capital club following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup. His arrival strengthens PSG’s defensive depth, with Digne slated to serve as a reliable backup to Nuno Mendes. The timing of this move is notable, as it reflects the club’s strategic shift after initially eyeing a younger prospect. A reunion for the French stars Digne’s decision to join PSG was not kept under wraps for long. While attending the World Cup in the United States...

eastern DRC conflict: military failures undermine diplomatic progress, says analyst Les rebelles du M23 à Kibumba SécuritéTuesday, July 14, 2026 - 07:28 During a recent live Space event, political analyst Christian Moleka offered a candid assessment of the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) military and diplomatic strategies in confronting the protracted conflict in the nation's East. Despite a substantial allocation of 4.5 billion dollars earmarked for military programming between 2022 and 2025, Moleka asserted that the operational outcomes on the ground have fallen short of expectations. He noted that the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) have consistently struggled to gain a decisive advantage over the AFC/M23 rebels since the capture of Bunagana in 2022, hig...

Key highlightsDates: The African Economic Conference (AEC) 2026 took place from July 10 to 12 in AbidjanOrganizers: Jointly hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB), UNDP, and OECDLaunch: Establishment of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network) on July 12Attendance: Over 4,000 virtual participants across three days Abidjan’s African Development Bank headquarters became the epicenter of African economic dialogue from July 10 to 12, 2026, during the African Economic Conference (AEC). The event, co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), centered on the theme ‘Strengthening Africa’s geopolitical influence and trade resilience in a multipolar world.’ Ivorian Minister of Planning and ...

Key figures59 fatalities: Death toll from Côte d’Ivoire’s floods since mid-May 2026, including over 20 in AttécoubéFive targeted zones: Nématoulaye, Djéné écaré, Santé 3, Cité Fairmont and Attécoubé 3Timeline: Demolition campaign launched July 13, 2026, with heavy machinery deployed through July 24Evacuation notice: Written orders issued to residents on July 10, 2026 Municipal cleanup follows tragedyThe Attécoubé city council initiated systematic demolition of flood-prone homes on July 13, 2026, as part of a broader sanitation effort. The operation aims to curb unregulated urban expansion and reduce risks during the rainy season, which has repeatedly devastated vulnerable neighborhoods. Residents received formal written evacuation notices on July 10. Within days, demolition teams began w...