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The State visit by President Oligui Nguema has heralded a new chapter in Gabon-France relations. After a 42-year hiatus in high-level diplomatic exchanges, both nations have committed to fostering a partnership rooted in equality, moving beyond past imbalances. This renewed momentum is evident in economic reforms, particularly President Nguema’s resolve to shift away from extractive practices where Gabon’s resources were exploited with minimal local benefit. Instead, the focus is on domestic processing—starting with oil and now manganese, as agreed during the visit. In Paris, the Gabonese leader positioned himself not as a subordinate partner but as an equal, emphasizing transparency and mutual benefit. The negotiations yielded tangible outcomes for Gabon, including a landmark agreement w...

Maroc-Mali : un complexe de formation remis à BamakoEl Mehdi El AzharyPublié le 24/07/2026 à 16:23 Temps de lecture : favorisDrapeaux du Maroc et du Mali © DR A A A A A × Le roi Mohammed VI a donné ses instructions aux fins de la remise aux autorités de la République du Mali du Complexe Mohammed VI de Formation professionnelle dans les métiers du Bâtiment et des Travaux publics (BTP), ainsi que de l’Hôtellerie, du Tourisme et de la Restauration. Ce complexe, édifié sur une superficie couverte de 5.200 m2 à Bamako, est réalisé par la Fondation Mohammed VI pour le Développement durable. Il propose une offre de formation professionnalisante, répondant aux besoins du marché de l’emploi. Le centre met l’accent, en particulier, sur l’acquisition de compétences pratiques, l’alternance entre...

Defense / Security • terrorism US considers strikes against JNIM in Mali amid Africa Corps struggles The Trump administration is weighing potential airstrikes against the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al Qaeda-affiliated faction operating in Mali. This deliberation follows escalating instability in the Sahel region and persistent challenges faced by Malian forces, backed by Russia’s Africa Corps, in regaining control against armed groups. Exploring military intervention against JNIM Washington is considering a renewed military commitment in Mali. Reports indicate the Trump administration is evaluating approval for targeted strikes against JNIM, a key Al Qaeda-linked militant organization that has become a dominant force in the Sahel conflict. However, this pr...

Football fans across Europe are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown as Strasbourg prepares to face Galatasaray in a pivotal 2026-2027 Champions League encounter. The Group B clash, set for the fifth matchday, promises fireworks when the two sides lock horns on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM local time. What to expect from this champions league fixture The upcoming match between Strasbourg and Galatasaray is more than just a routine group stage battle—it could shape the trajectory of both teams in this season’s elite club competition. Both squads are entering the clash with ambitions of securing a top-two finish in Group B, making every point a potential game-changer. The Alsace-based side, known for their disciplined defensive structure, will face a Galat...

The recent sentencing of leaders from the Groupe de Concertation des Acteurs Politiques (GCAP), a leading coalition in the Chadian opposition, is far more than a judicial ruling. It exposes a harsh truth: a regime systematically silencing dissent and tightening its grip on democratic freedoms. Since the Conseil militaire de transition (CMT) seized power in April 2021, Chad has witnessed a steady erosion of political liberties. This trend has been widely documented by national and international human rights organizations, which highlight a shrinking civic space and intensifying restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Their reports underscore a pattern of state repression, with authorities systematically targeting opposition figures, activists, and independent...

Gabon has taken a decisive step toward safeguarding its natural heritage. Following intensive consultations, the national workshop for validating the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SPANB) 2022-2030 concluded this week in Libreville. The new framework sets ambitious conservation targets, aiming to protect at least 30% of the country’s land, coastal, and marine territories. Designed as a guiding compass for public policies, this strategy seeks to strengthen ecosystem protection while ensuring the sustainable management of Gabon’s remarkable biological wealth. At its core, the SPANB 2022-2030 aligns with the global commitments adopted under the Kunming-Montréal Agreement. Four key priorities have been identified to drive action by 2030: Conservation: Safeguarding 30% of...

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the persistent erosion of international humanitarian law continues to escalate, leaving civilians increasingly vulnerable. Despite repeated pledges from authorities and international partners, violations remain widespread in conflict zones, prompting urgent calls for stricter enforcement. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has intensified efforts to promote better understanding and adherence to these critical legal frameworks. On July 23, the organization convened a high-level conference in Kinshasa to address the crisis and rally support for stricter compliance with humanitarian norms. Civilian suffering and the collapse of protective norms The eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and parts of Tanganyika remain tr...

Olympic Marseille gears up for high-stakes friendly against Atlético MadridFootballFrench footballpre-season fixtureOlympic Marseille will face Atlético Madrid in their final pre-season friendly at Stade Vélodrome on August 14.On Friday, August 14, Olympic Marseille will conclude their pre-season preparations with a prestigious friendly against Atlético Madrid at Stade Vélodrome. The match, scheduled for 5:30 PM, marks the final test before the Ligue 1 kickoff a week later.Olympic Marseille has built a tradition around their August fixtures, offering supporters a top-tier pre-season clash at home. Following previous high-profile encounters against Napoli in 2019, Villarreal in 2021, AC Milan in 2022, Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, and Aston Villa last year, the Phocéens will welcome Diego Simeo...

could US strikes target JNIM in Mali?Saleh MwanamilongoDiscussions within the Trump administration are exploring the possibility of US military strikes against the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate operating in Mali. While no final decision has been made, the proposal has already sparked sharp divisions among American officials. Meanwhile, on the ground in Mali, opinions remain deeply divided over the potential consequences of such an intervention.The JNIM is currently considered the most formidable jihadist force in the Sahel region. Washington now views the group’s threat as extending far beyond Mali’s borders, reaching into several coastal nations of West Africa.Voices from the streets of BamakoWhile US authorities argue that Bamako’s security part...

Frequently described as a ‘special relationship’, the enduring partnership between the United States and Morocco stands as one of the oldest and most distinctive in American diplomacy. This bilateral bond, forged through historical foundations and pragmatic adjustments during the Cold War, reflects a complex trajectory shaped by a relentless pursuit of equilibrium. On June 23, 1786, Morocco etched its name in history by becoming the first nation to formally recognize the independence of the United States, formalizing this recognition through a Treaty of Peace and Friendship. This landmark agreement, driven by Washington’s need to safeguard its merchant fleet from Mediterranean piracy, remains in effect today and serves as the cornerstone of a relationship both capitals proudly label as ‘s...

Often hailed as a « special relationship, » the decades-long bond between Washington and Rabat stands as one of America’s most enduring and distinctive diplomatic partnerships. Rooted in deep historical ties yet continuously reshaped by pragmatic Cold War adjustments, this bilateral alliance reflects a delicate balance of mutual interests and shifting geopolitical realities. The foundations of this relationship were laid long before modern diplomacy took shape. On June 23, 1786, Morocco made history by becoming the first nation to formally recognize the independence of the United States, signing a landmark Treaty of Peace and Friendship that remains in force today. While Washington initially sought Rabat’s support to safeguard its merchant fleets from Mediterranean piracy, this agreemen...