The African Tribune

Bénin Bénin senate convenes for landmark leadership election A pivotal moment in Benin’s democratic evolution arrives tomorrow as the 25 newly sworn senators gather at Porto-Novo’s historic Palais des Gouverneurs to chart the course of their first five-year mandate. Senators prepare for constitutional milestone Following the Constitutional Court’s validation of the Senate’s internal regulations—certified in full compliance with the national constitution—the stage is set for a defining vote. The chamber’s inaugural plenary session on August 6, 2026, will focus exclusively on electing the three-member executive bureau that will steer the upper house’s legislative agenda and institutional independence. Portraits of potential leaders The candidates under consideration represent the pinna...

Cameroon’s defence landscape has undergone significant changes following a high-level military reshuffle announced on August 3, 2026. Among the most notable developments was the elevation of Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo, long-serving commander of the presidential guard, to the rank of brigadier general. This promotion, confirmed by President Paul Biya, underscores the government’s emphasis on reinforcing command structures within the nation’s elite security forces. Key appointments reshaping Cameroon’s military hierarchy The restructuring effort reflects a broader strategy to consolidate leadership across critical defence institutions. While specific details about other changes remain undisclosed, the move signals a deliberate effort to modernise and streamline military operations ...

Senegal's economic allure fades as foreign investments plummet The economic landscape of Senegal has taken a sharp downturn, with foreign direct investments (FDI) collapsing to just $37 million in 2025—a dramatic drop from the robust $3 billion annual average seen over the past four years. This stark decline, highlighted in the latest United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, raises pressing questions about the country's future economic trajectory. Understanding the investment drought While the initial surge in foreign investments was driven by major oil and gas projects like Sangomar and Grand Tortue, most of these initiatives have now reached their operational phases. The lull reflects a natural transition rather than a long-ter...