Politics

BéninOn Saturday, August 1, 2026, Bénin proudly marked the 66th anniversary of its international sovereignty. The official celebration, held along Cotonou's Boulevard de la Marina, featured several significant moments, both institutionally and symbolically.Personnalités dans cet article Romuald Wadagni Patrice Talon Edouard DjogbénouVoir tous ses articles Le 1 aou 2026 à 15:00 • MàJ le 1 aou 2026 POLITIQUE ↓ Lire hors-ligne 396 vues🎧 Écouter l'article66 ans d’indépendance du Bénin: les temps forts de la première fête nationale de Romuald WadagniPréparation de l'audio...0:00/0:00🔊1x 3 min de lecture Lire plus tard Google News Commenter Partager Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram...

Algeria’s strategic rivalry with Morocco: a defining feature of north african geopolitics The relationship between Algeria and Morocco stands out as one of the most enduringly conflictual bilateral ties in the contemporary world, with consequences that ripple across regional stability. Since gaining independence from French and Spanish colonial rule in the mid-20th century, the two nations have navigated a complex interplay of cautious cooperation and open hostility. This dynamic has been punctuated by border disputes, diplomatic ruptures, closed borders, and a cold-war-style rivalry for regional dominance that has persisted across generations of leaders on both sides of the Zouj Bghal border crossing. The central question this analysis explores is whether opposing Morocco has become, in ...

The National Republican Coalition (CNR) has launched a bold political offensive against Gabon’s transitional leadership. In a rare public statement, the coalition directly targets President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, accusing him of inconsistent decision-making and betraying the foundational principles of the post-coup institutional shift that followed Ali Bongo Ondimba’s fall from power. This unusually sharp critique signals a significant shift in Gabon’s political landscape. Direct criticism of transitional governance The CNR condemns what it describes as a pattern of missteps in the management of public affairs under Oligui Nguema’s leadership. The coalition argues that the transitional government has demonstrated an inability to maintain a consistent policy direction, frequently re...

Journalist Report Moïse Katumbi Félix Tshisekedi Raphaël Katebe Katoto dispatched to Katanga as Kinshasa envoy The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s head of state has appointed a key figure to strengthen ties in the resource-rich Katanga region. Raphaël Katebe Katoto, known for his close ties to influential political figures, has been entrusted with this delicate mission. Strategic appointment strengthens national cohesion Katebe Katoto’s deployment comes at a time when fostering unity across provinces remains a national priority. His appointment underscores the government’s commitment to bridging divides and ensuring balanced development across regions. The envoy’s deep understanding of local dynamics positions him well to navigate the complexities of the area. Tie...

Damien Glez Political cartoonist and editorialist Pastef Ousmane Sonko Bassirou Diomaye Faye Legal proceedings initiated against supporters of the Pastef movement In a recent development, legal action has been taken against three individuals closely associated with the Pastef political movement in Senegal. The charges stem from allegations of publicly insulting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a figure at the heart of the nation’s political discourse. The case underscores the growing tensions between political factions in Senegal, where public criticism of state leadership has increasingly come under scrutiny. The accused, identified as prominent figures within the Pastef movement, now face legal consequences for their remarks, which prosecutors argue c...

Un incident diplomatique survenu fin juillet 2026 à Dakar a remis en lumière la position singulière de la Mauritanie sur la question du Sahara occidental. Entre « neutralité positive », impératifs économiques et préservation de sa souveraineté, Nouakchott cultive une ambiguïté stratégique devenue sa marque de fabrique pour ne pas froisser le Maroc. C’est un coup de sang diplomatique qui en dit long sur la nervosité ambiante dans la région. Lors d’une réception organisée par l’ambassade du Maroc à Dakar pour la présentation d’un ouvrage, l’ancien ministre sénégalais des Affaires étrangères, Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, a déclenché une vive polémique. En affirmant que dans l’imaginaire sénégalais, le Maroc se situait à « quelques kilomètres » du Sénégal – une référence implicite aux frontières h...

Jean-Noël Ba-Mweze July 31, 2026 31 July 2026 Political scientist Josaphat Musamba argues that the persistent insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is not merely a military challenge but part of a broader regional influence strategy. While authorities in Kinshasa claim to have reached a demobilization agreement with Rwanda’s FDLR rebels operating in eastern DRC, Kigali dismisses the initiative as a "delaying tactic." The decades-long dispute over the FDLR—accused of involvement in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide—remains unresolved. Kigali still views these groups as an existential threat, justifying its military presence alongside Congo’s M23 rebels in eastern DRC. Last year’s Wa...

Unprecedented claims send Shockwaves through Cameroon's political landscape Tensions have escalated in Cameroon after Captain Romuald Effoudou leveled serious allegations against senior government official Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh. The accusations, which emerged in a public statement, have ignited a firestorm of controversy and drawn sharp criticism from political observers across the nation. What did the captain reveal? The officer’s remarks, delivered during a press briefing, pointed to alleged irregularities in administrative procedures and financial mismanagement within Cameroon’s governance structure. Effoudou’s statements specifically targeted Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, a prominent figure in the country’s leadership, accusing him of systematic abuse of power and questionable financial dealin...

Bénin's newly established Senate has officially commenced its operations, marking a significant development in the nation's political landscape. This institution is composed of 25 parliamentarians who are not elected through popular vote but are instead designated either by the Head of State or hold their positions as members by right, a category that includes former presidents.The creation of this pivotal body was a direct outcome of a constitutional revision adopted in November 2025. Its primary objective, as outlined during its inception, is to "regulate political life," aiming to foster greater stability and structure within Bénin's governance framework.A historic inauguration ceremonyThe inaugural ceremony was presided over by the venerable Élisabeth Pognon, 89 years old, the eldest m...

When Ousmane Sonko stood before Senegal’s National Assembly recently, he lifted the veil on a long-hidden financial mechanism that has quietly shaped governance in the country for decades. The Prime Minister disclosed the existence of a 1.77 billion CFA franc political fund under his control—an admission that sparked immediate debate but also revealed a practice far older than his tenure. The revelation did not come out of nowhere. For weeks, Senegalese public discourse had been dominated by questions about these so-called political funds, which operate with minimal oversight and have long been a source of controversy. Sonko’s disclosure confirmed what many had suspected: the Prime Minister’s office has long had access to a discretionary financial envelope, traditionally managed with litt...

The recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice on Togo’s constitutional changes has sparked intense debate in Lomé. While the government rejects the decision outright, civil society groups are escalating their criticism, accusing authorities of state-sanctioned gangsterism. Lomé’s legal strategy: dismissing ECOWAS authority Togo’s administration has swiftly defended itself against the regional court’s verdict. Officials argue that the ECOWAS Court lacks the jurisdiction to rule on national constitutional matters or interfere with sovereign legislative processes, effectively undermining the ruling’s domestic validity. Civil society fires back: a constitutional coup under scrutiny The Association of Victims of Torture in Togo (ASVITTO) has launched a scathing public response, dismissing ...

With the Grand Magal just around the corner, the President of the National Assembly made a customary courtesy visit to Touba to meet with the General Khalife of the Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké. Leading a prominent delegation of deputies and Pastef officials, he underscored the enduring ties between the State and the Mouride community amid a backdrop of recent controversies. The visit carried special significance this year, as Ousmane Sonko took the opportunity to pay tribute to the legacy of Serigne Touba, the revered founder of the Mouride order. Standing before the spiritual leader, he expressed deep admiration for the guiding principles and lifelong dedication that defined Serigne Touba's journey. « Our joy and respect for Serigne Touba know no bounds, » Sonko remarke...