News

BéninCotonou: police dismantle drug den in Vodjè, military officer « alòtrò » actively sought​This week, the Republican Police in Cotonou dealt a significant blow to urban criminal networks, conducting a large-scale operation in the Vodjè district. SOMMAIRE A network fueled by a military officer? This targeted intervention led to the complete dismantling of a notorious drug den, which had been secretly operating a significant Indian hemp trafficking network. Initial findings from the investigation indicate that the location served as both a strategic transit point and a consumption site for users. The raid resulted in the apprehension of several individuals at the scene and the seizure of substantial equipment directly associated with the illicit trade. Investigations are vigo...

Locally produced reinforcing steel is poised to become a defining element of Gabon's industrial strategy. On July 1st, in Nkok, the Minister of Industry and Local Transformation, Lubin Ntoutoume, officially initiated construction on the future Prometal Gabon plant. This significant endeavor is the result of a strategic partnership between the Gabonese State and the Pometal group. Representing a substantial investment of 38 billion FCFA, the project is slated for a twenty-four-month construction period within the Special Investment Zone (ZIS), an area specifically designed to attract processing industries. Upon completion, the facility aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons of rebar. This announcement aligns with a broader policy direction from Libreville, which is inc...

The Democratic Socialist Front (FDS) has voiced its concerns following the government's declaration of a national water emergency decree on July 1, 2026. While acknowledging the authorities' intent to combat illicit potable water trafficking, the party contends that an abrupt cessation of water distribution via tanker trucks could exacerbate supply challenges for the populace. Instead, the FDS advocates for stringent regulation of this vital service rather than a blanket prohibition. Just one day after the nationwide water emergency was instituted, the Democratic Socialist Front (FDS) made its position clear. In a communiqué released on July 2, the political party, led by Anges Kevin Nzigou, recognized the severity of Gabon's ongoing crisis. However, the FDS expressed reservations regardin...

Intense speculation surrounded Michael Olise's potential move to Paris Saint-Germain, particularly as the gifted midfielder currently showcases his skills with the French national team at the World Cup. However, the prolonged transfer narrative has now reached its definitive conclusion: Olise is set to remain with Bayern Munich for the upcoming season, definitively ending any prospects of a switch to PSG. For several weeks, the name of Michael Olise dominated discussions concerning the PSG mercato. The talented Bayern Munich playmaker, who has been a standout performer for the French national team during the World Cup, was reportedly a key target for Parisian management aiming to bolster their attacking options. I had learned personally that PSG was targetin...

In Rabat this past Thursday, Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director-General of Morocco’s National Security and Territorial Surveillance, welcomed a high-ranking delegation from Spain’s Civil Guard. The delegation, led by Lieutenant General Luis Peláez Piñeiro, Chief of Intelligence for the Spanish Civil Guard, was on an official visit to reinforce bilateral security cooperation. a milestone in counterterrorism and border security According to an official statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), the meeting underscored the robust partnership between Morocco and Spain in combating terrorism and transnational crime. The ceremony highlighted the depth of this collaboration, recognised as a benchmark in regional security initiatives. spanish honours for moroccan security le...

The ongoing Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has tragically claimed 438 lives out of 1,406 recorded cases, marking a significant fatality rate of 31.2%. This somber update reflects the latest figures I have gathered. Officially declared on May 15, this particular outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo virus, a strain for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. Health authorities confirm that clinical trials are, however, in the preparatory stages. Ituri province continues to be the epicenter of this devastating surge, accounting for a staggering 91.2% of confirmed cases and 83.6% of all fatalities. While the virus also circulates in the neighboring provinces of Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu, I note that Sud-Kivu has reported no new confirm...

Nadia Calviño underscores Morocco's pivotal role between Africa and Europe during landmark BEI visitThe President of the European Investment Bank engaged with Morocco's top diplomats and economic leadersNew financing agreements target critical transport infrastructure upgradesThe European Investment Bank's first official visit to Morocco under President Nadia Calviño has spotlighted the North African nation's strategic importance as a connector between Africa and Europe. During her three-day mission coinciding with the 21st anniversary of the BEI's permanent presence in the country, Calviño held high-level discussions with key Moroccan officials.Morocco emerges as a strategic partner for EuropeIn her concluding meetings with Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Co...

Forward Bradley Barcola, currently under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until June 30, 2028, could be on the move during the upcoming summer transfer window. English giants Liverpool have reportedly reignited their interest in securing the French international's signature. The Reds are believed to possess significant financial power, potentially enabling them to meet a substantial asking price for Bradley Barcola, whose market value might further escalate following his performance at the anticipated World Cup. Paris Saint-Germain successfully acquired Bradley Barcola in the summer of 2023, reportedly submitting an offer aroun...

The digital economy’s rapid expansion has long outpaced traditional fiscal frameworks, leaving governments worldwide grappling with lost revenue. In Morocco, this gap closed on June 11, 2026, when the General Tax Directorate (DGI) launched a dedicated digital services taxation portal integrated into the SIMPL system. The move targets global tech titans—including Meta, X, Instagram, TikTok, Netflix, and Spotify—that have historically operated outside Morocco’s tax net. Why Morocco’s digital taxation reform matters These platforms no longer serve mere social or entertainment functions; they’ve evolved into economic powerhouses, reshaping industries from advertising to streaming. Research by BDM highlights their dominance: social media alone commands 36.5% of internet usage time, with advert...

african union's ebola solidarity mission brings cyril ramaphosa to KinshasaCyril Ramaphosa, Président de la RSAPresident Ramaphosa's vital visit to combat Ebola in RDCSouth African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this Thursday, July 2nd, for an official solidarity visit. He undertakes this crucial mission in his capacity as the African Union's Champion for Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention, and Response (PPPR). This high-level engagement occurs as the RDC grapples with its 17th resurgence of the Ebola epidemic.The South African presidential office confirmed that President Ramaphosa, accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka, would meet with his Congolese counterpart, Félix-Antoine ...