Politics

The Gabonese Republic charts a new economic course through mining expansion With declining oil revenues weighing heavily on its economy, Gabon is pivoting decisively toward mineral extraction. Over recent months, the government has unveiled ambitious investment commitments exceeding several hundred million dollars to revitalize its mining sector. Exploration activities are currently underway across multiple provinces, positioning the country to potentially emerge as a major global mineral producer by 2030. Strategic vision driving mineral sector transformation Since assuming leadership of the Gabonese Ministry of Mines seven months ago, Minister Sosthène Nguema Nguema has championed this strategic transition. He outlines a comprehensive development plan for the sector: «We have i...

The promise of a new dawn and the reality of stagnation When President Bassirou Diomaye Faye took office, expectations were high. After years of political turmoil that peaked during the 2024 presidential election, citizens anticipated a swift economic rebound. The launch of the Sénégal 2050 Agenda in October 2024 and the Plan de Redressement Économique et Social (PRES) in August 2025 were meant to signal a new era of socio-economic progress. Yet, nearly two and a half years later, those hopes are fading. The nation remains mired in political infighting, with partisan squabbles overshadowing economic priorities. As the 2029 elections loom, the political polarization deepens, leaving little room for constructive dialogue. The once-promising partnership between the Head of State and the form...

The whereabouts of President Paul Biya have become a growing source of speculation across Cameroon, with civil society groups and opposition parties questioning whether the 93-year-old leader is still alive. The veteran statesman, re-elected in 2025 in a disputed election, holds the unenviable title of the world's oldest serving head of state. Since departing from Yaoundé on June 7, he has been overseeing the country from Geneva, Switzerland, reportedly on what was described as a brief private visit. It marks the first time in his 44-year presidency that he has spent more than 50 consecutive days abroad for personal reasons. “It’s no secret that Cameroon operates in a state of perpetual absurdity. The nation with the planet’s oldest leader now spends more time abroad than in its own presi...

The Governments of Benin and Canada have announced the creation of a permanent framework for political and diplomatic dialogue, designed to institutionalize regular consultations and ensure consistent follow-up on shared commitments. The announcement was made by the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs via X on August 5, 2026. Strengthening bilateral governance through structured cooperation The agreement was formalized during a meeting between Benin’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amori Brunet, and Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand. According to the Beninese diplomatic corps, the protocol aims to « facilitate the monitoring of joint commitments, plan future bilateral initiatives, and enhance coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest. »...

President Biya's military shake-up as absence fuels speculationPresident Paul Biya of Cameroon, a long-standing national figure, has initiated an army reshuffle. This move comes as public apprehension grows over his nearly two-month absence from the country, fueling questions about governance Africa.The 93-year-old head of state appointed new officials to critical military positions and elevated five colonels to the rank of brigadier general.Such military adjustments are not uncommon during Biya's lengthy tenure, often occurring amidst significant public pressure or periods of perceived vulnerability.Three years prior, an unexpected coup in neighboring Gabon, which ousted the Bongo dynasty and sent shockwaves across the African continent, prompted an immediate restructuring of Cameroon's m...

Cameroon has undergone a sweeping military reshuffle as President Paul Biya remains abroad, sparking fresh debates over his prolonged absence and the country’s political stability.

The Collectif des élus français originaires du Congo-Kinshasa (CEFOCK) has unveiled plans for a major diplomatic offensive in France to secure formal recognition of the GENOCOST—a campaign dedicated to acknowledging the Congolese genocide—beginning with the next parliamentary session in Paris. This strategic move follows a high-level meeting between CEFOCK representatives and President Félix Tshisekedi at the Cité de l’Union Africaine in Kinshasa. The initiative aims to elevate the GENOCOST from a marginalized topic to a central debate in French and international policy circles. To achieve this, CEFOCK will deploy a multi-pronged approach: awareness campaigns, public conferences, and targeted advocacy efforts directed at French local governments, national institutions, and the Cong...

Major military shakeup in Cameroon as President Biya oversees changes from abroad In a significant move signaling strong oversight, President Paul Biya of Cameroon has authorized sweeping changes within the country's military structure while abroad. Multiple decrees bearing his signature were officially released, formalizing an extensive reshuffle across the Armed Forces. The adjustments include the appointment of five new brigade generals, a new Major General for the army headquarters, and the reassignment of several territorial and strategic unit commands, notably within the Presidential Guard. A standout decision was the promotion of Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo to the rank of brigade general, while retaining his command of the Presidential Guard—a position he has held for o...

The 66th anniversary of Côte d'Ivoire's independence is more than a historical milestone — it is a call to action for every Ivorian. On August 7, 1960, our nation rose under the visionary leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny to claim its place among sovereign states. Six decades and six years later, we gather not just to celebrate a past achievement, but to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a thriving, united future for all. Honoring the founders and defenders of the nation The Movement of Future Forces, through its spokesperson Yaya Fofana, pays tribute to the visionaries who secured our independence and to the generations who have defended it. Among them stand President Félix Houphouët-Boigny and President Henri Konan Bédié, whose legacies continue to shape our nation...

Senegal’s political landscape has been stirred by a bold statement from Lansana Gagny Sakho, a technocrat who once stood firmly within the circle led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. His recent remarks reveal deep regrets about his past alignment with the government’s economic direction, suggesting he would never have joined had he foreseen the current challenges. Direct criticism of economic mismanagement The technocrat’s words are not mere political posturing—they carry weight. Sakho explicitly blames the Prime Minister’s economic policies for Senegal’s current struggles, including slowing economic indicators, strained public finances, and growing concerns from international partners about budgetary transparency. His critique arrives at a pivotal moment, as Dakar grapples with debt sust...

A surge of activity is anticipated within the National Assembly. The parliamentary institution's bureau is set to gather this Wednesday, commencing at 4 PM. This pivotal meeting, convened by Ousmane Sonko, marks what many observers are calling the commencement of significant political engagement and potential contention within the legislative body, highlighting dynamic aspects of governance Africa. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

Crise de Ceuta : l’Espagne appelle ses alliés à ne pas blâmer le Maroc L'UE intensifie la lutte contre la désinformation au lieu de s'opposer à Rabat Politique Eddy Wax / Elisa Braun / Björn Stritzel EURACTIV.com Selon trois sources, l’Espagne a demandé aux autres gouvernements européens d’éviter de critiquer publiquement le Maroc pour son rôle dans la crise migratoire de Ceuta. Madrid a formulé cette demande visant à faire taire tout message négatif à l’égard de Rabat lors de la réunion en ligne des ministres de l’Intérieur mardi, a...