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The shadow of Evgueni Prigojine still looms over Africa, three years after his death. Reports indicate that remnants of the Wagner Group, led by his son Pavel Prigojine, have found a lucrative alternative revenue stream in the Republic of Central Africa to sustain their operations. How tramadol trafficking became a financial lifeline The once-feared mercenary network has pivoted to the illicit trade of tramadol, a potent opioid painkiller, which has earned the grim moniker "cocaine for the poor" due to its affordability and high dependency risk. This shift in strategy is reportedly providing the necessary funds to keep Wagner’s African operations afloat, despite the group’s diminished formal structure. A shrinking but resilient presence Following Prigojine’s demise in August 2023, approx...

For many Togolese workers who have shifted between public and private sectors, a long-awaited reform is now in place. The Togolese Retirement Fund (CRT) and the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) have introduced a unified pension liquidation system, streamlining a process that was once cumbersome and fragmented. This change ensures that all years of contributions are recognized, regardless of where they were made. Careers spanning public and private sectors now unified Previously, switching professional status—from public service to private employment or vice versa—often led to complications during retirement. Workers who contributed to both the CRT and the CNSS frequently faced lengthy and frustrating administrative hurdles to consolidate their contribution records. This reform eli...

The anticipated transfer of Israeli midfielder Anan Khalaili to Inter Milan has hit an unexpected roadblock after he failed to clear additional cardiac examinations in Milan. The player, who had already undergone standard medical checks over the weekend, was required to complete further tests at Humanitas Hospital in Rozzano, just outside the city. Sources close to the situation confirm the exams were not passed, though specific details remain undisclosed. However, one thing is clear: Italy's Serie A enforces stricter cardiac screening protocols than most other European leagues, which may now allow Khalaili to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Why does Serie A impose such stringent medical standards? The answer lies in a decades-long commitment to athlete safety, rooted in both law and eth...

Lucas Digne, the French international left-back, appears poised to make a sensational return to Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The 32-year-old defender, who previously wore the PSG shirt between 2013 and 2016, has reportedly reached an agreement with the club over a potential transfer from Aston Villa. Negotiations are now underway to finalize the deal before the summer transfer window closes. Digne’s journey to PSG began during the 2013 summer transfer window when he left Lille for the capital club. Over three seasons in Paris, he established himself as a key figure in the team’s defense. After departing PSG in 2016, he went on to play for FC Barcelona and Everton before settling at Aston Villa, where he currently plays under a contract set to expire on June 30, 2...

Morocco and Benin lead pivotal Atlantic African states forum in Cotonou The 7th ministerial meeting of the Processus des États Africains Atlantiques (PEAA) kicked off this Monday in Cotonou, Benin, under the joint chairmanship of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Benin. The gathering, centered on fostering deeper ties among Atlantic-facing African nations, aligns with His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision of a shared Atlantic African space marked by peace, stability, and inclusive prosperity. Delegations outline strategic priorities for regional integration The Moroccan delegation, led by Mohamed Methqal, Ambassador and Director-General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), included key figures such as Tarik Iziraren, Permanent Secretary of the PEAA, Rachi...

The seventh ministerial session of the African Atlantic States Process (AASP) kicked off in Cotonou on Monday, co-chaired by Morocco and Benin. The gathering aims to reinforce the political momentum behind this African partnership, driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Atlantic African region. A Moroccan delegation, led by Ambassador Mohamed Methqal, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), joined the talks. The team includes Tarik Iziraren, Permanent Secretary of the AASP, Moroccan Ambassador to Benin Rachid Rguibi, and officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad. Strengthening cooperation across the Atlantic African space The AASP aligns with King...

In N'Djamena, households and businesses are grappling with a steep rise in construction material prices, putting additional strain on property development projects across the capital. The surge in costs has been particularly sharp, with several key materials now priced significantly higher than just weeks ago. What once cost 3,000 FCFA for a bundle of lambour wood now sells between 4,500 and 5,000 FCFA. Similarly, chevron beams have jumped from 6,000 to 9,000 FCFA, while white planks have climbed from 9,000 to 14,000 FCFA. A bag of Dangote cement, a staple in local construction, now retails at 11,000 FCFA. Local hardware store owners cite rising import duties as the primary driver behind these price hikes. They report that recent customs tariff adjustments have nearly doubled their suppl...

Lomé’s diplomatic landscape has gained fresh momentum with the formal presentation of credentials by three newly accredited ambassadors at the Presidential Palace. This significant event, held on November 12, 2025, underscored Togo’s commitment to deepening partnerships with both traditional allies and emerging economic players. The ceremony welcomed Ms. Myriam Montrat (Canada), Mr. Najeeb Durrani (Pakistan), and Mr. George Kofi Nfojoh (Ghana), each representing a distinct strategic vision for collaboration with the Togolese government. Canada prioritizes trade, gender equality and regional stability As the first diplomat to be received, Canada’s Ambassador Myriam Montrat emphasized the enduring strength of the Ottawa-Lomé relationship. With a background in inclusive economic growth at ...

Algeria and Mali restore diplomatic ties amid shifting Sahel dynamicsAli AttarIn February 2026, Bamako dismissed as "fabricated news" reports suggesting its ambassador would return to Algiers. Five months later, that return became official. The shift, formalized on July 10, reflects the rapidly deteriorating security landscape in northern Mali, where the transitional government’s position has grown increasingly precarious. Meanwhile, Algeria maintained an open diplomatic channel, deepening ties with Niamey and Ouagadougou.On February 19, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a firm denial. Social media had been abuzz with claims that Bamako’s envoy would soon resume his post in Algiers, allegedly following mediation efforts attributed to Niger. Mali’s government swiftly dismissed these...

Military authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have issued a strict directive prohibiting soldiers from using smartphones during operations, citing severe security risks. The measure comes after repeated instances where unauthorized mobile device use compromised mission success and endangered troop safety in the eastern regions of the country. In recent months, a surge of videos circulating on social platforms has exposed numerous incidents involving Congolese troops and allied Wazalendo fighters. Some clips depict soldiers celebrating battlefield victories, while others reveal desperate pleas for reinforcements or complaints about logistical and financial shortages. Disturbingly, several recordings show personnel abandoning combat zones mid-battle. One undercover lie...

The Sino-Congolese cooperation programme, a flagship initiative to modernize the Democratic Republic of the Congo's infrastructure, is facing severe setbacks due to prolonged customs clearance delays. These obstacles are directly impeding the progress of critical construction projects across the country. critical materials stranded at matadi port Despite the government's commitment and financial mobilization, the Agence Congolaise des Grands Travaux (ACGT) reports that over 1,477 tons of bitumen, essential for multiple road rehabilitation projects, have been held up at the Port of Matadi since January 2026. An additional 1,650 tons of bitumen destined for the RN1 segment between Mbujimayi and Nguba remain immobilized in the Grand Katanga region. Heavy machinery, including concrete plant c...