Wednesday, November 11
Moscow’s clandestine cargo flights: the Sahel as a gateway to Africa
Analysis, News, Top Stories

Moscow’s clandestine cargo flights: the Sahel as a gateway to Africa

Behind the highly publicised deployment of Africa Corps paramilitaries in the Sahel, a far more obscure logistical machinery operates in the shadows. While global attention focuses on soldiers in combat gear, Moscow is building a strategic air infrastructure that goes beyond mere security assistance. At the core of this system lies a discreet fleet of Russian cargo aircraft, quickly dubbed 'Air Wagner' by intelligence analysts.Under the guise of defence agreements with nations of the Alliance of Sahel States (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), this logistical network is poised to become one of Moscow's most sophisticated espionage and interference tools on the continent.167 flights under the radar: the hidden dimension of Russian logisticsTo circumvent the suffocating effect of international sanc...
Senegal’s ruling duo splits: Sonko retakes Pastef, Diomaye governs solo
Politics

Senegal’s ruling duo splits: Sonko retakes Pastef, Diomaye governs solo

Less than two years after taking office, the alliance between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has fractured. Following months of behind-the-scenes tensions, the Senegalese leader dismissed his prime minister. Over the past weekend, Sonko was reaffirmed as the head of the Pastef party during its first-ever congress since the movement was established. This political rupture prompts key questions: Who now steers the electorate that championed change? What are the consequences for Senegal's stability and the road to the 2029 elections? These matters are dissected by Daouda Ngom, a former higher education minister, and Mehdi Ba, a Dakar-based journalist covering West African affairs. By Fati Seyni — Analyst
Senegal’s political landscape shifts as Sonko addresses tensions
Politics

Senegal’s political landscape shifts as Sonko addresses tensions

Senegal's political landscape shifts as Sonko addresses tensionsAs Senegal navigates its evolving political terrain, Ousmane Sonko has sought to reassure the nation about the stability of its institutions. Speaking from Dakar, the leader emphasized that the current transition, though unprecedented, does not signal a crisis for the state or its governance structures.«There is no institutional crisis in Senegal. The new configuration we are witnessing has occurred elsewhere without fanfare. The Senegalese people have entrusted the executive branch to one leader—though we all understand the circumstances—while the legislative branch rests with another or a different group. While misunderstandings between individuals or political factions may exist, neither the integrity of Senegal’s instituti...
Benin’s infrastructure renaissance: president Wadagni’s strategic partnership with China
Analysis, News, Top Stories

Benin’s infrastructure renaissance: president Wadagni’s strategic partnership with China

With the inauguration of Romuald Wadagni into the highest office, Bénin has initiated a pivotal shift in its national development strategy. Central to this new epoch is the revitalization of the Sino-Beninese collaboration, manifesting through the renewed impetus given to significant infrastructure undertakings across Cotonou and the northern regions of the nation.A strong signal was unequivocally broadcast within the initial months of his tenure. The newly elected President, Romuald Wadagni, a former national financial steward renowned for his rigorous macroeconomic principles, is determined to leave an indelible mark on the country's landscape. To achieve this, Cotonou is relying more profoundly than ever on its long-standing ally, Beijing. This re-energized strategic partnership is visi...
Togo bac i 2026: 55,707 candidates pass with 73.05% success rate
Top Stories

Togo bac i 2026: 55,707 candidates pass with 73.05% success rate

The Ministry of National Education in Togo has published the results for the Baccalaureate First Part (BAC I) for the 2026 session.A total of 76,259 candidates sat for this national examination. Of these, 55,707 students achieved admission, translating to a pass rate of 73.05%.This outcome marks a solid performance for the 2026 BAC I edition, a critical milestone on the path toward the second part of the baccalaureate.Successful candidates will now proceed to the Terminale class to prepare for BAC II.Key figures for BAC I 2026:Total candidates: 76,259Admitted candidates: 55,707National pass rate: 73.05%Since Sunday, results have been accessible through the platforms established by the educational authorities. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter
Nigerian army frees 360 hostages from Boko Haram stronghold in Borno
News

Nigerian army frees 360 hostages from Boko Haram stronghold in Borno

The Nigerian army reported on Sunday that it had rescued 360 individuals who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in the southern part of Borno state, located in the northeast of the country.The operation took place in the Mandara mountains, which form part of the stronghold of the extremist group, according to a military statement. Abuja has been intensifying pressure on jihadists; last month, Nigerian authorities announced that a joint operation with the United States had resulted in the elimination of 175 fighters from ISWAP.Nigeria is grappling with a serious security crisis, particularly in its northern regions. More than a decade of jihadist insurgency, along with rising incidents of kidnappings for ransom and illegal mining activities, continues to undermine stability in the area.According ...
Morocco faces highest risk in north africa from oil shock amid Hormuz tensions
Politics

Morocco faces highest risk in north africa from oil shock amid Hormuz tensions

PoliticsMorocco faces highest risk in north africa from oil shock amid Hormuz tensionsJune 7, 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailCopy URL A groundbreaking analysis reveals Morocco’s heightened vulnerability to global energy disruptions A newly published collective work examines the far-reaching consequences of escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, with a particular focus on the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The study, titled "Hormuz and the Invisible Fractures: The Price of a Distant War", brings together contributions from leading international experts including Abdelhak Bassou, Ferid Belhaj, Ian Lesser, Hafez Ghanem, Hinh T. Dinh, and Rida Lyammouri. The research highlights how the Hormuz crisis extends beyond regional conflict, exposing weaknesses in a globalized econ...
Nigeria: Boko Haram frees 416 women and children in Borno after months in captivity
News

Nigeria: Boko Haram frees 416 women and children in Borno after months in captivity

LIBÉRATIONNigeria: Boko Haram frees 416 women and children in Borno after months in captivityMore than 400 people kidnapped earlier this year in a village in northeastern Nigeria's Borno state have been released by the jihadist group Boko Haram, a senator and a local youth leader confirmed on Sunday.SécuritéPublished Sunday, June 7, 2026Since 2009, a jihadist insurgency led by Boko Haram and later by its rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions in the northeast of Africa's most populous country. Mass kidnappings, often followed by ransom-driven releases, are a common tactic used by the Islamist groups. Samaila Kaigama, president of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), said he secured the freedom of 416 women and children ...
Hundreds freed after Boko Haram mass kidnapping in Nigeria
News

Hundreds freed after Boko Haram mass kidnapping in Nigeria

Nigeria: hundreds freed after Boko Haram mass kidnappingThe Nigerian army announced the release of 360 people held by Boko Haram in the northeast on Saturday. Two infants died from exhaustion during captivity.Several hundred people abducted earlier this year by the jihadist group Boko Haram in Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, have been freed, the military and local sources confirmed.Since 2009, a jihadist insurgency led by Boko Haram and later by its rival, the Islamic State in West Africa (Iswap), has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions in the country's northeast.Mass kidnappings, with releases often involving ransom payments, are regularly carried out by Islamists. Samaila Kaigama, president of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), said he secured the release of 416 women...
Royal air Maroc launches first direct flight between Casablanca and los angeles
News

Royal air Maroc launches first direct flight between Casablanca and los angeles

Top Stories Society Royal air Maroc launches first direct flight between Casablanca and los angeles FacebookXWhatsAppEmailCopy URL Milestone moment. Morocco’s flagship carrier, Royal air Maroc (RAM), has inaugurated a groundbreaking direct route connecting Casablanca to los angeles. This new service represents a historic achievement as the first ever non-stop flight linking Africa with the Pacific coast of the United States. The inaugural flight departed from Mohammed V International Airport at 04:00, embarking on a seamless 12-hour journey to its destination. This landmark launch coincides with the 250th anniversary of diplomatic ties bet...
Hundreds freed by Boko Haram in Nigeria
Top Stories

Hundreds freed by Boko Haram in Nigeria

Hundreds of people who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria have been set free. The release was confirmed by local authorities, though exact numbers and circumstances remain unclear. The development marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against the militant group in the northeastern region. The freed individuals are now receiving medical and psychological support as they reunite with their families. Security forces have been deployed to ensure the area remains stable. This operation is part of broader efforts to curb the influence of Boko Haram and restore peace in affected communities. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter
Over 400 women and children freed from Boko Haram captivity in northeast Nigeria
Top Stories

Over 400 women and children freed from Boko Haram captivity in northeast Nigeria

Over 400 women and children freed from Boko Haram captivity in northeast Nigeria A wave of relief has swept through northeastern Nigeria after more than 400 women and children kidnapped by the jihadist group Boko Haram were set free following months in captivity in Borno state, local authorities confirmed. According to officials, a total of 416 individuals from the village of Ngoshe regained their liberty on Saturday, June 6. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume and local youth representatives confirmed the release. Village under repeated attack Ngoshe, situated less than ten kilometres from the Cameroon border, lies in the Gwoza area—a longtime stronghold of Boko Haram. Since the armed insurgency began in 2009, this region has been repeatedly targeted by jihadist assaults, leaving communities in c...