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The United States Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Gasabo Gold Refinery and its director, Jean Malic Kalima, accusing them of involvement in the extraction, transport, and resale of gold illegally smuggled from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.American authorities allege that the refinery worked closely with Rwandan government officials and M23 rebels. According to Washington, Rwandan soldiers and M23 fighters secured the transport of gold to Bukavu before it was sent to Kigali for refining.In early 2026, nearly 60 kilograms of gold worth millions of dollars were illicitly transferred to Rwanda, the Treasury stated.These measures come amid mounting allegations of looting of Congolese natural resources and persistent violence in the country's east.Financial penalties imposed...

The first stone of the Yaoundé drinking water supply network reconfiguration project was laid on Thursday, June 25, 2026 in Minkoameyos. This project aims to sustainably improve access to clean water for several localities in Cameroon's capital and its outskirts. The official ceremony took place at the esplanade of the Yaoundé VII town hall in Minkoameyos. It was chaired by the Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, in the presence of the Director General of Camwater, Dr. Blaise Moussa, government members, the diplomatic corps, local elected officials, and civil society representatives. Prescribed by the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, this key project seeks to strengthen drinking water supply for the populations of Yaoundé, Soa, Akak, Mfou, Bikok, and Mbankomo, espec...

Last Tuesday, Shell and the Ministry of Petroleum signed a memorandum of understanding. For many analysts, this signing is a strong signal of the country's attractiveness, especially for its offshore oil. The British company follows in the footsteps of two other giants. Less than a year ago, ExxonMobil and BP had also shown interest in deepwater oil zones. This suggests that Gabon is once again becoming a promising destination for major companies. However, a closer reading tempers the overall enthusiasm. This document is merely a statement of intent, not a firm commitment. There is still a long road ahead before oil can actually be extracted and sold. Shell could later change its mind: if research results are poor, if oil prices drop, or if it finds a more profitable country, it can withd...

On June 24, 2026, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema declared an uncompromising battle against Gabon's dependence on food imports. The head of state unveiled a detailed and highly ambitious plan with a clear goal: restore the country's agricultural autonomy by 2030.The starting point is stark, an acknowledgement of past failures. Today, Gabon imports 80% of what it consumes. The president calls this situation simply an "aberration." How could a country spanning 270,000 square kilometers, with exceptional arable land that remains largely underused, have reached such a point?To reverse the trend, Libreville now bets on a return of strong political will and massive investments. The aim is to definitively break with inertia.The 2027 shockwave: local meat, milk and poultryTo turn this visio...

Gabon is taking a firm stand against tech giants from Silicon Valley and Beijing. The senate in Libreville has been reviewing a government bill aimed at strictly regulating social media activity within the country. The legislation seeks to address a long-standing legal vacuum criticized by authorities and civil society. The government's key measure: requiring every major foreign platform to designate a legal representative who resides in Gabon. Previously, giants like TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) operated in Gabon without any official local contact. This hindered institutional dialogue for judicial requests, content moderation, and cybersecurity. By imposing a local representative, Libreville aims to rebalance power dynamics, drawing inspiration from rigorous regulations in B...

Libreville, Friday 26 June 2026 – While major industrial powers compete strategically to secure their supplies of critical minerals, an even more decisive battle is unfolding in producer countries: the creation of value.Long confined to the role of mere raw material suppliers, many resource-rich nations are now seeking to reclaim economic initiative. In Brussels, during a high-level conference jointly organised by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Investment Bank, Gabon championed this ambition with conviction.Through its ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, Eudes Régis Immongault Tatangani, the country defended a vision that goes far beyond its national borders. It calls for a new economic contract between producer countries...

In Cameroon, the traditional ruler of Baloum and eight other individuals implicated in the double homicide of two young men in this western region locality have been formally charged and remanded at Dschang Central Prison. A significant development has emerged in the case of two young men burned alive in Baloum. On Thursday, June 25, the Baloum chief and eight others facing prosecution in this matter were indicted and incarcerated at Dschang Central Prison. According to the legal representative for Steve Diffo's family, the chief and his co-accused face charges including murder, torture, complicity in murder and torture, and failure to possess a national identity card. "No human being, even one sentenced to death by formal justice, should endure such a fate," the lawyer stated. At the hear...

BéninTo make it easier for citizens to reach emergency, assistance and public-interest services, the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP Bénin) has published a comprehensive update of its short-numbering plan.This official directory centralises and provides quick access to the main state institutions, health services and national security forces.Below is the full, structured list of assigned short codes – keep them handy:Emergency, Health and Public Security112 – SAMU-BENIN (medical emergencies)116 / 117 – Police Républicaine118 – Sapeurs-Pompiers (fire brigade)160 – Brigade des mineurs (minors protection)Institutions and Ministries105 / 130 – Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation113 – Ministry of Industry and Trade115 / 155 – Presidency of the Republi...

Olympique de Marseille is preparing to sell Mason Greenwood to balance the books, with AS Roma, Atlético de Madrid, and Fenerbahçe among the suitors. The English striker's price tag is set at a minimum of €50 million. However, Italian media suggest the Serie A side believes they can secure the forward for less. Roma confident of striking a deal Despite OM's insistence on the €50 million fee, AS Roma is reportedly confident they can finalise Greenwood's transfer for €40 million plus bonuses. The French club is under pressure to raise funds quickly, as the DNCG has requested additional financial details before making a decision on the club's compliance. Will OM sell Greenwood below €50 million? Some observers already consider OM's asking price a bargain. 'I see other prices in Europe today...

United States sanctions rwandan firm for illegal gold trade linked to M23 in DRC The United States has imposed sanctions on a Rwandan company and its head, accusing them of handling gold illegally extracted from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and channeling proceeds to the M23 armed group. Washington stated that these operations helped finance the rebel movement amid rising tensions in the resource-rich region. The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Thursday, June 25, that it had sanctioned Gasabo Gold Refinery and its owner, Jean Malic Kalima, for allegedly selling gold smuggled from neighboring DRC to fund the anti-government M23 rebel group. Treasury officials said Gasabo Gold Refinery and Kalima served as key partners for Rwandan government figures and M23 insurge...

The security situation continues to deteriorate in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu, where at least ten people have been kidnapped, two others killed, and numerous properties looted between Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24, according to local humanitarian organisations.The incidents, recorded in at least six localities, include abductions, armed robberies on roads, armed incursions into homes, and clashes between armed groups. Humanitarian organisations are calling for a swift restoration of security in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.On Wednesday morning, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., at least seven people were abducted on the Kibirizi-Rwindi roads, near Butindiri, and on the Kibirizi-Kibingu road. Among the victims are three motorcycle-taxi drivers and their passengers. The a...

After a standout season earned him a call-up to the French national team for the 2026 World Cup, Maxence Lacroix may not return to Crystal Palace once the tournament ends. The 26-year-old defender has been linked with Chelsea in recent days and is expected to join the Blues in a deal worth around €55 million.Lacroix heading to Chelsea after World CupMaxence Lacroix is attracting strong interest, with Chelsea leading the chase. The Blues are looking to bolster their defence, and the France international – capped four times – fits the profile perfectly. He is now set to leave Crystal Palace after the World Cup and move to Stamford Bridge for an estimated €55 million.A starting spot against Norway?Although he has been an unused substitute so far in the competition, Lacroix could earn his firs...