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Abidjan hosted a pivotal regional gathering this week as the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO) convened a landmark workshop on gender and green economy. The two-day event, launched in the Ivorian capital, brought together policymakers, gender experts, and climate specialists to address the intersection of women’s empowerment and sustainable transition in West Africa. The initiative, spearheaded by the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) with support from UN Women, centered on the theme: ‘Climate action and gender-responsive green transitions in West Africa.’ Its primary goal is to establish a unified regional framework that amplifies women’s roles in environmental governance and unlocks economic opportunities tied to the green economy. inclusive climate strategies fo...

Lyon vs Lens: the decisive clash for Europe's eliteLens defeated Lyon on penalties in their last Cup meetingFinal stretch for Olympique Lyonnais. This Sunday evening, the home side faces Racing Club de Lens with one mission: secure third place and Champions League qualification. With the Lens players already focused on Friday's Coupe de France final, Lyon cannot afford any slip-ups.The Groupama Stadium is set to host the season's pivotal clash on May 17, 2026, where every point will shape Europe's football landscape.WATCH LIVELyon's all-or-nothing gamble, Lens' preparation for gloryFor Lyon (4th), the stakes couldn't be higher. After relinquishing third place to Lille following a frustrating defeat in Toulouse (1-2), Paulo Fonseca's men must win. A victory, combined with a slip-up by Lille...

Ligue 1 final day: european qualification and relegation playoff battles intensify Facebook Whatsapp X, anciennement Twitter Mail Copier le lien The 34th and final matchday of Ligue 1 football is set for this Sunday, May 17, 2026. From securing a coveted Champions League spot to avoiding the dreaded relegation playoff, the stakes are incredibly high across the league. With Paris Saint-Germain already crowned French champions for an impressive fourteenth time this past Wednesday, the spotlight shifts dramatically to the remaining battles. As PSG faces Paris FC in a derby clash at Jean-Bouin, the final Ligue 1 matchday promises intense drama and numerous uncertainties, impacting both European qualification and the critical relegation playoff position. Let's delve into the cruc...

A French citizen faces harsh penalties under Senegal's tightened anti-LGBT+ laws A French national has been held in a Senegalese detention center since February 14, facing charges that include unnatural acts and aggravated crimes. Diplomatic sources reported the individual was arrested during a broader crackdown on presumed homosexual activity in the country. The detention follows Senegal's recent legislative shift, which now imposes five to ten years in prison for same-sex relations—a significant escalation from prior penalties. In April, a local man received a six-year sentence after being caught in an intimate situation with another man in Dakar’s outskirts, highlighting the law’s immediate enforcement. Global condemnation amid rising homophobia The United Nations has sharply critic...

UN Security Council issues strong condemnation of recent terror strikes in Mali The United Nations Security Council has condemned in the strongest terms a series of brutal terror attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists in Mali since late April, demanding swift justice for those responsible. In an official statement released on Friday, Council members emphasized the urgent need to bring perpetrators, planners, financiers and supporters of these heinous acts to justice without delay. Escalating violence targets strategic locations The attacks, which unfolded over two consecutive days—April 25 and 26—struck at key government positions across the country. These assaults marked a significant escalation in violence targeting state institutions, including military outposts and ci...

With a Premier League title tantalizingly close for the first time since 2004, Arsenal must approach their final home fixture with maximum focus. The narrow 1-0 victory over West Ham last weekend removed one of the biggest obstacles in their path, though the London side remains in the hunt for domestic glory ahead of the Champions League final later this month. On Monday evening at 21:00, the Gunners host Burnley in a critical Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium. While Burnley's sole motivation is pride, Arsenal will look to extend their advantage over Manchester City—who travel to Bournemouth the following day—by keeping all three points. The outcome could shape the title race before the final day drama unfolds. key details for arsenal vs burnley date: monday 18 may kickof...

Algeria and Chad advance energy and infrastructure projects with landmark agreements Algeria and Chad have taken a decisive step forward in strengthening their strategic partnership this week by signing two pivotal agreements in N’Djamena and Algiers. The deals, focused on public works and energy, aim to accelerate the implementation of commitments made during high-level talks in April, while deepening South-South cooperation. Infrastructure cooperation gains momentum In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Desenclavement and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, formalized an accord to streamline joint infrastructure projects. The signing took place during the second day of a working visit b...

Matar Ndiaga Seck, a 51-year-old political figure known for his close ties to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has been taken into custody by the Division of Criminal Investigations (DIC). His arrest is part of a broader investigation into suspected "acts against nature." The apprehension follows a warrant issued by the police in Linguère, situated in the Louga region of northern Sénégal. Law enforcement officials have pointed to a series of consistent findings linking this case to a wider crackdown in the Djoloff area, where approximately twenty people have been arrested recently. While the authorities have not yet released a detailed account of the specific evidence or the current status of the legal proceedings, the charge of "acts against nature" refers to Article 319 of the Sénégal Penal...

The recent truck fires along the Sahelian border zone are more than isolated security incidents. They expose a deepening crisis along the once-stable trade arteries connecting Mauritania, Morocco, and northern Mali. These corridors, which once ensured relatively smooth flows of goods, now face persistent insecurity, worsening supply shortages in northern communities where food and essential products are desperately needed. Trade routes that once supplied markets in Tombouctou and Gao via Mauritania have dwindled significantly. The historic trans-Saharan trade highways, vital for the movement of goods, now suffer frequent disruptions, further destabilizing an already fragile northern Mali. For years, Mauritania played a pivotal role in trade networks linking southern Morocco to norther...

UN Security Council condemns recent terrorist attacks in Mali The United Nations Security Council has issued a strong condemnation of the latest wave of terrorist attacks that struck several regions in Mali during late April and early May. In a formal statement, the Council described these assaults as "heinous and cowardly", emphasizing that terrorism in any form represents one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. On April 25 and May 6, coordinated attacks left multiple casualties in their wake, prompting urgent international response. The Council demanded that all perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and masterminds behind these acts be brought to justice without delay. International consensus on fighting terrorism Reaffirmin...

Human rights groups urge end to Bamako blockade by Mali jihadists International human rights organization Amnesty International has urgently called on Mali's jihadist coalition, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), to immediately lift the two-week blockade of the capital Bamako that has crippled civilian movement and access to essential goods. The blockade, which began on April 30, has severely restricted the flow of commercial goods into Bamako, a landlocked nation heavily dependent on road imports. Amnesty International warns the restrictions are creating "unacceptable consequences on civilians' freedom of movement" and risk causing "serious violations of their rights to food security, health, and life". In a strongly worded statement, the organization condemne...

The Tchad Prime Minister, Mr Allamaye Halina, welcomed Mr Abdelkader Djellaoui, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, in N'Djamena on Thursday. During the meeting, the Tchadien head of government praised President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s dedication to fostering bilateral cooperation and his influential role across Africa. The communiqué issued by the Tchadien ministry highlighted the Prime Minister’s remarks, emphasizing « the wisdom demonstrated by President Tebboune, his leadership on the continental stage, and his relentless efforts to deepen cooperation and integration between our two brotherly nations. » The statement also underscored Tchad’s appreciation for Algeria’s commitment to African development and solidarity. Mr Halina conveyed cordial greetings from T...