Politics

Benin has taken a significant stride toward gender parity in leadership with the appointment of Captain Elvire Toupé as adjutant to the president. This historic decision, announced following the first cabinet meeting under President Romuald Wadagni on May 28, marks the first time a woman has held this position since Benin’s independence on August 1, 1960. Captain Toupé, previously serving in the Republican Guard, now stands as a symbol of progress in a nation where women’s political representation remains disproportionately low despite recent strides in gender inclusion. Inspiration from history: the legacy of the Dahomey Amazons Analysts and observers see Elvire Toupé’s appointment as a powerful echo of Benin’s legendary Amazons of Dahomey—the elite female warriors who fought alongside...

PoliticsGabon and France forge a new era of partnershipBy Chief EditorJuly 16, 2026137No commentLibreville, July 16, 2026 — The French National Day in Gabon on July 14 was not merely a celebration of France’s national heritage. Through the address delivered by French Ambassador to Gabon Fabrice Mauriès, a clear snapshot of the evolving dynamics between Paris and Libreville was unveiled.Three landmark decisions emerged from this diplomatic engagement: an imminent state visit by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to France, the definitive transformation of Camp De Gaulle, and the establishment of a Gabonese national financial prosecution office. Though distinct in scope, these initiatives collectively signal a recalibrated Franco-Gabonese partnership.Amid a global landscape marked by gre...

The announcement of Macky Sall’s candidacy for United Nations Secretary-General has sparked fierce debate in Senegal. Just days after Burundi officially nominated him as Africa’s contender for the role, the former president returned to Dakar for a meeting with current President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye—a move that has drawn sharp criticism from collectives representing families of victims of political violence during his administration. Macky Sall, who led the African Union from February 2022 to February 2023, frames his bid as an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage. Yet, his aspiration faces fierce resistance from Senegalese civil society and the current government, which accuses his former administration of violently suppressing opposition protests between 202...

A wave of public frustration is sweeping across Senegal as political tensions reach a boiling point. The actions of President Macky Sall and his administration, alongside rising criticism of opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, have ignited widespread debate and dissent. Citizens and analysts alike are questioning the direction of the nation’s governance, sparking calls for accountability. The simmering discontent underscores deeper societal divides. Protesters have taken to the streets in growing numbers, demanding transparency and change. Meanwhile, international observers, including the United Nations, have weighed in, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. The situation reflects the delicate balance between political power and public sentiment in Senegal. ...

On Friday, July 17, at precisely 3:00 PM, a specially chartered flight carrying former President Macky Sall will land at the Dakar military airbase, signaling a highly calculated return to the nation he led for twelve years. A brief yet purposeful visit Macky Sall’s visit is anything but casual. Immediately upon disembarking, he will be granted an audience with the country’s current leadership before departing for New York later that evening. This is no ordinary stopover—Sall arrives as a candidate vying for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, seeking backing that Senegal has yet to formally endorse. Controversy and accountability Not everyone in Senegal or within its government views his return with approval. His tenure, spanning from 2012 to 2024, remains a subject of int...

The announcement of a meeting between Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall has ignited fierce debate across the country. Scheduled ahead of Sall’s anticipated visit to Dakar to seek Senegal’s backing for his candidacy for United Nations Secretary-General, the encounter has drawn sharp criticism from multiple quarters. wounds of repression resurface Families of victims from the 2021–2024 protest crackdowns are among the most vocal critics. Seydi Gassama, who represents 67 families in their legal quests for justice, views the planned meeting as a betrayal of their suffering. “Macky Sall’s return to Senegal as a private citizen isn’t the issue,” he states. “What offends us is that President Diomaye Faye, despite his promises, has yet to deliver justice t...

As a leading oil producer in Central Africa, Gabon faces an unexpected economic challenge: its heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products. To address this vulnerability, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) is urging Libreville to expedite the modernization of the Gabonese Refining Company (SOGARA), a move seen as vital for easing public finances and protecting the region's foreign reserves. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

Diplomatic relations between France and Morocco are reaching new heights, as underscored by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's official visit to Rabat. This visit signals a strategic shift toward deeper collaboration, with prospects of a landmark friendship treaty and an imminent state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris. The timing of this rapprochement is significant. Earlier this year, France officially endorsed Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a move that drew sharp criticism from Algiers. This decision marked a turning point after years of diplomatic strain, particularly following allegations of espionage and visa restrictions that had strained bilateral ties. a partnership forged amid past controversies In October 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron received...

Economy Gabon's 2027 budget reform targets measurable outcomes By Editor-in-Chief July 16, 2026 103 No comment Libreville, July 16, 2026 – Gabon is embarking on a groundbreaking fiscal reform that could redefine public administration in Central Africa. As the country begins preparatory discussions for the 2027 budget, officials are not merely finalizing an annua...

A fresh legal battle has emerged surrounding Ousmane Sonko's comments about the holy city of Touba, with a formal complaint filed to compel judicial investigation. The move signals escalating tensions over statements that critics argue tarnish Touba’s reputation and the values of its residents. Serigne Modou Maroun Niang, identifying himself as a Senegalese citizen, economic operator, and grandson of the city’s founder, filed the complaint with the Prosecutor at the Dakar High Court on July 14, 2026. In the filing, he asserts that Sonko’s alleged declaration—suggesting that "dirty money" entered Touba—constitutes a severe affront to the city’s sacred image and the dignity of its inhabitants. Touba, founded on principles of faith, integrity, justice, and diligence as taught by Cheikh Ahma...

Ouagadougou pushes for African Union to implement decisive reforms The Burkinabè Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, on July 15 during the latter’s regional tour of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) member countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The high-level discussions centered on strengthening ties between the African Union and Burkina Faso, as well as broader collaboration with the AES bloc. A statement from Burkina Faso’s foreign ministry highlighted key areas of focus, including the country’s political and security landscape, regional dynamics among neighboring nations, and ongoing neg...