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Libreville – Facing a state-owned utility that has become a symbol of the struggle for clean water and electricity in Gabon, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema chose a method rarely used in handling major public crises. Instead of addressing the issue from a distance or through official statements, the head of state went directly to meet employees of the Société d'Énergie et d'Eau du Gabon (SEEG).For nearly three hours, at the Jean Violas Training Centre in Owendo, he listened, questioned, refocused and set a clear direction. This approach marks a new phase in dealing with a matter that has become highly strategic for the country's economic and social future.The meeting, held Monday at the request of the workers themselves, takes place amid years of public frustration over SEEG's servi...

PoliticsDemocratic Republic of the CongoCongolese government plans special unit to secure mining sites30/06/202630 June 2026The Congolese government is in talks with a private firm to train 20,000 personnel for a mining guard force in extraction zones.https://p.dw.com/p/5GIcNThe reform is part of broader efforts to improve governance in the mining sector. The 20,000 recruits, once trained, will be tasked with protecting large-scale mining operations, supervising artisanal mines, and strengthening the traceability of mineral exports.  Congolese authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the private company that will train this paramilitary unit.  Training for the mining guards could begin in September, with the first battalion scheduled for deployment in the Katanga regi...

A significant constitutional revision in Sénégal has unveiled unprecedented tensions at the highest echelons of state power. Following the National Assembly's adoption of a proposed law, Ousmane Sonko, the esteemed President of the institution, publicly voiced strong criticism against President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko accused the head of state of intending to alter provisions he had vigorously championed during his time in opposition, signaling a deep rift within the nation's political landscape. Addressing members of parliament, Ousmane Sonko underscored that this constitutional reform is the culmination of over a decade of intensive political deliberation. This extensive work was informed by the outcomes of national dialogues and the dedicated efforts of various expert commissions. ...

The PSG transfer window is set to be lively, both in terms of arrivals and departures. While the capital club intends to strengthen this summer, other players could leave the ship. Bradley Barcola is reportedly considering packing his bags. And a rift with Luis Enrique makes his transfer entirely possible.The PSG transfer market has heated up in recent days. In search of reinforcements after their second consecutive Champions League title, the capital club has begun advancing its moves on the cases of Yan Diomandé and Maghnes Akliouche. But at the same time, some players could leave the ship this summer. This is particularly the case of Bradley Barcola, who could pack his bags. The 23-year-old winger is reportedly not indifferent to interest from Liverpool. And a rift with Luis Enrique mak...

Paris Saint-Germain is heading into a busy transfer window, with both arrivals and departures on the horizon. The French champions are set to part ways with Kang-In Lee, as the 25-year-old midfielder prepares to join Atlético Madrid. This move could gain momentum following South Korea's recent elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The transfer market at PSG is heating up. The Parisian club is actively pursuing deals for players like Yan Diomandé and Maghnes Akliouche. Meanwhile, several squad members are edging closer to exits, most notably Kang-In Lee. The South Korean international believes he is ready for a new challenge away from the Rouge-et-Bleu. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder is seeking more consistent playing time and appears headed to Atlético Madrid. 2026 World Cup exit t...

Special Prosecutor Mario Mètonou recently represented Bénin as an invited expert at the annual Council session of the World Customs Organization (WCO). His participation in a high-level panel dedicated to combating drug trafficking in Brussels on Friday, June 26, 2026, highlighted Bénin's significant judicial expertise. This notable engagement underscores Bénin's growing proficiency in judicial cooperation and the fight against organized crime. Addressing the 187 Directors General of Customs assembled for this global gathering, the Béninese magistrate provided a detailed analysis of contemporary strategies to counter transnational criminal networks.He emphasized the crucial need for robust collaboration between judicial authorities and customs administrations. Such close cooperation, he ar...

Real Madrid is still reeling from a trophyless season and is determined to strengthen its squad this summer to avoid a repeat. Among the many names linked to the Spanish giants is Michael Olise. However, Bayern Munich has just issued a statement that is likely to cool the hopes of the Merengue. Real Madrid has not yet recovered from its trophy-less campaign. The club plans to avoid a similar outcome next season and intends to reinforce Jos\u00e9 Mourinho's squad. Several names have emerged in recent weeks, including Michael Olise. The 24-year-old, currently participating in the 2026 World Cup with the French national team, has im...

The security sweep carried out on the night of June 28, 2026, in Owendo mainly targeted night-economy businesses including bars, maquis and small shops. For hundreds of low-income families in this populous district of Greater Libreville, these places are a crucial source of earnings.Behind the security imperative, a silent economic cost is emerging: temporary closures, lost revenue, and the arrest of informal workers.When will the night sector face proper regulation?With youth unemployment still high and the informal sector absorbing a large share of the workforce, an exclusively repressive approach risks further impoverishing operators who, for the most part, have no safety net.Securing without impoverishing: a challenge Gabon's leaders can no longer ignoreThe real issue is not choosing b...

In a strongly worded opinion piece published on 26 June 2026, political activist Joe la Conscience directly challenges President Paul Biya. He paints a picture of 43 years of chaotic governance, eroding civil liberties, and a plan to hand power down within the family. Accusing Biya of preparing a family succession is one thing, but the term 'dynastocracy' is a new twist.43 years in power and a shattered recordJoe la Conscience starts at the beginning. He argues that Biya's rise to power in 1982 was a historic mistake by his predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo. What was meant to be a transitional term turned into a personal reign spanning more than four decades, according to the activist.The opinion piece paints a grim economic picture, describes governance as tribal, and notes a steady decline in p...

Officials pose with UNODC experts on 29 June in Libreville The deputy head of government, Hermann Immongault, officially launched the country evaluation mission on Monday, 29 June 2026 in Libreville. This event marks the start of the direct dialogue for the second cycle of the review mechanism under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The four-day meeting brings together technical experts from various government departments, specialists from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and international partners. Their goal is to assess the progress Gabon has made in preventing and fighting corruption. Gabon has been a party to the UNCAC since 1 October 2007. The country aims to reinforce ongoing reforms to boost transparency, promote accountability in publ...

Libreville – Access to medicines has become a critical measure of health system performance worldwide. In Gabon, where social expectations run high, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has made this issue an immediate priority. On Monday, the head of state met with Health Minister Elza Nkana Ayo épouse Bivigou and officials from the National Pharmaceutical Office. His message was clear: the availability of health products can no longer depend on distribution chain failures or organisational shortcomings. This high-level meeting comes as several health facilities across the country face supply pressures. Clinics, health centres and hospitals remain the primary interface between the state and citizens. When essential medicines are missing, the entire health system’s credibility is undermi...