Top Stories

A significant chapter in contemporary Béninese political history draws to a close. Days before the inauguration of his elected successor, Romuald Wadagni, outgoing President Patrice Talon delivered a solemn address to the nation. This farewell message, imbued with profound gravitas, marks the twilight of a decade of governance under the banner of "Rupture," a period that has profoundly and lastingly reshaped the country's economic, social, and institutional landscape. reflection and the builder's pride In a speech broadcast across official channels, the departing head of state comprehensively defended his administration's substantial record, initiated upon his ascent to power in 2016. This decade was defined by rigorous structural reforms, a drastic cleanup of public finances, and acceler...

During a meeting in Rabat on Thursday, Côte d’Ivoire’s Foreign Minister Kacou Adom renewed his country’s commitment to backing Morocco’s royal initiatives aimed at advancing Africa’s development. «Côte d’Ivoire fully endorses these initiatives and stands alongside Morocco to ensure their successful implementation in alignment with His Majesty’s vision», Adom stated after concluding discussions with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. Adom also highlighted the dynamic nature of Moroccan-Ivorian cooperation, emphasizing the role of «the robust private sector in Morocco, which actively contributes to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth and nation-building efforts». The Ivorian diplomat added that both nations agreed to reconvene soon to «review the progress of the economic steering gro...

On November 25, 1998, Lens etched their name into football history by becoming the first French club to triumph at Wembley. Guillaume Warmuz, the former goalkeeper of the Sang et Or, reflects on that unforgettable evening when his team defied the odds against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. a moment of pure grace As the Lens squad stepped off their team bus near Wembley, Warmuz recalls the palpable sense of destiny. « We knew we were part of something special that night, » he shares. « The atmosphere was electric. Playing at Wembley, in front of thousands of our supporters, against a team like Arsenal—it didn’t feel like a regular match. It was a reward for our French league title, and we were determined to savor every second. » tactical daring and defensive innovation The Lens coa...

Paris Saint-Germain’s tactical refinement ahead of Champions League showdown With the Champions League final just around the corner, Paris Saint-Germain is fine-tuning its preparations. Between tactical drills and strategic rest, the team is gearing up for the high-stakes clash in Budapest. Luis Enrique’s blueprint for success in the build-up Navigating this rare two-week hiatus between league fixtures and the Champions League final, Luis Enrique’s staff is seizing the opportunity to sharpen the team’s collective approach. The Spanish tactician emphasized the importance of refining tactical nuances during this unusual break: “We’ll focus on tactical training because we have the time—it’s an odd situation. We’ll work on small details to further enhance our attacking play.” Balancing int...

ReligionsMalimalian army secures vital sheep supply for tabaski in BamakoMahamadou Kane21/05/202621 mai 2026With the significant Tabaski festival approaching, the Malian armed forces have taken decisive action to ensure the safe delivery of sheep to the capital city. This crucial operation directly addresses the persistent threats posed by Jnim terrorists.https://p.dw.com/p/5E57NIn Mali, the capital city of Bamako is now well-supplied with sheep in preparation for the upcoming Tabaski celebration. A noticeable abundance of animals can be seen along the city's boulevards and even on football fields. This marks a significant improvement, as prior to these efforts, deliveries were frequently obstructed by the blockade imposed by Jnim, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims. The major...

In Côte d'Ivoire, a new wave of professional opportunities is surfacing, fueled by a generation of young people committed to innovative sustainability. This shift toward a greener future is reshaping society Africa and creating fresh pathways for economic growth through eco-friendly initiatives. Innovative ventures in the green sector From modern urban agriculture to the specialized field of insect farming, Ivorian entrepreneurs are exploring diverse avenues to protect the environment while building viable businesses. These initiatives, which also include carbon-offset projects, demonstrate a significant evolution in governance Africa regarding environmental responsibility and sustainable development. This report highlights the journeys of three pioneering business owners who have dedica...

Nice set for behind-closed-doors showdown following Allianz Riviera chaos The Ligue de Football Professionnel's disciplinary committee has imposed a double punishment on Nice's Allianz Riviera: two full stadium bans and one suspended closure, triggered by pyrotechnic incidents, pitch invasion, and post-match damage during the final Ligue 1 fixture against Metz. The OGC Nice will be forced to play their upcoming relegation playoff second leg against AS Saint-Étienne in an empty stadium on May 29th. The club has already filed an appeal to contest these sanctions, hoping to secure approval to welcome spectators for the crucial match. Meanwhile, their trip to Geoffroy-Guichard on May 26th for the first leg will proceed without suspended striker Elye Wahi in the lineup. The disciplinary body...

Two civilians from Zemio, Antoine Zogonimbou and Mboliloungoule, endured a harrowing ordeal after being abducted and subjected to severe torture in Berengo before being transferred to gendarmerie cells in Bangui. The individuals responsible for their suffering are believed to be Russian mercenaries operating in the Central African Republic. The victims, who were initially kidnapped in Zemio, were later found in a state of distress in Berengo, where they had reportedly been tortured. Following this brutal treatment, they were handed over to the Central African gendarmerie in the capital, Bangui, raising serious concerns about the involvement of foreign mercenaries in local security operations. The incident has drawn attention to the escalating presence of foreign fighters in the region an...

Nuno Mendes fires up PSG ahead of Champions League showdown with Arsenal The French capital’s football faithful are buzzing as the clock ticks down to the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. At the UEFA Media Day held ten days before the clash in London, Nuno Mendes, the dynamic left-back, didn’t mince his words about the contrasting styles that could define the encounter. Two football philosophies collide Speaking to assembled journalists, Mendes highlighted the tactical divide that sets the two finalists apart. “If we play the way they do, it’ll be a dull affair,” he declared with his characteristic candor. The Portuguese international underlined that PSG’s preferred high-tempo, attacking brand of football would clash sharply with Arsenal’s more measured ap...

Barcelona has officially declined the opportunity to secure both Bernardo Silva and Dusan Vlahovic on free transfers during the upcoming summer window. Despite the club's well-documented financial constraints, the leadership is choosing to focus on specific high-priority targets to fill the void left by the departing Robert Lewandowski, rather than simply pursuing available free agents. Strategic rejection of Silva and Vlahovic The club has made a definitive choice regarding the futures of Bernardo Silva and Dusan Vlahovic. Bernardo Silva, the versatile playmaker who has been a cornerstone of Manchester City since 2017, is seeing his contract expire after a highly successful tenure featuring 459 appearances and 76 goals. Despite his decorated career in England, the technical staff believe...

The latest surge in violence by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM)-Front de Libération du Azawad (FLA) has reignited scrutiny over Algeria’s role in Mali’s deepening crisis. Far from the neutral mediator it claims to be, Algiers is actively shaping the conflict’s trajectory, sustaining a precarious balance of power in its southern neighbor. Algeria’s calculated influence in Mali’s instability Observers note that Algeria maintains a deliberate strategy of “controlled tension” in Mali, leveraging local armed factions to advance its geopolitical interests. This approach contrasts sharply with Morocco’s more visible diplomatic engagements, particularly in fostering economic and security partnerships with Bamako. The divergence has turned Mali into a proxy battleground for N...