Wednesday, November 11
Benin’s president romuald wadagni embarks on Sahel diplomatic tour
Politics

Benin’s president romuald wadagni embarks on Sahel diplomatic tour

BéninPolitique Benin's president romuald wadagni embarks on Sahel diplomatic tour In a demanding week covering three key capitals and pressing regional issues, President Romuald Wadagni of Benin initiated his inaugural official journey beyond national borders. His itinerary included stops in Abuja, Niamey, and Ouagadougou, with the stated aim of revitalizing sub-regional cooperation, which has been severely impacted by security challenges and political rifts since 2023. Central to President W...
Cameroon’s troubled population count faces civil society scrutiny
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Cameroon’s troubled population count faces civil society scrutiny

The fourth national census in Cameroon is navigating a tumultuous period. Originally slated to conclude on May 29th, the comprehensive population and housing enumeration exercise received a two-month extension, mandated by a decree signed by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute. Far from easing tensions, this decision has intensified criticism from various civil society organizations, which highlight significant organizational shortcomings in what is a foundational statistical undertaking for national public policies. Philippe Nanga, coordinator for the non-governmental organization Un Monde Avenir, did not mince words when describing the situation. He characterized the process as a “general cacophony,” stressing its critical importance for effective national planning. Nanga pointed to a stark...
Niger and Algeria sign three strategic energy cooperation agreements
International

Niger and Algeria sign three strategic energy cooperation agreements

Niger and Algérie have solidified their energy relationship by signing three pivotal cooperation treaties. This move, part of a broader bilateral dialogue between the two nations, highlights a shared focus on oil and gas exploration, refining processes, and professional development for sector personnel. For Niamey, these pacts represent a critical diplomatic shift as the nation seeks reliable regional allies following a break with several Western partners. Three pacts to strengthen the Niamey-Alger axis The signed documents address various segments of the energy value chain, ranging from upstream exploration to the technical training required for large-scale industrial projects. Niger, a producer of both oil and uranium, aims to maximize its natural wealth by leveraging the proven experti...
Benin horizon 2035: transforming culture into economic power
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Benin horizon 2035: transforming culture into economic power

Benin horizon 2035: transforming culture into economic powerAs a heritage consultant and President of the NGO TOWARA-BENIN (the only Beninese NGO accredited by UNESCO), I hold a Specialized Higher Diploma in Finance and Management Control from the University of Abomey-Calavi, obtained in 2007.While the global economy redefines itself at the crossroads of the intangible and authenticity, Benin stands at a pivotal moment. A land of Vodoun, ancient monarchies, rare living arts, and a youth brimming with creativity, our nation possesses an extraordinary treasure. Yet a paradox endures: this exceptional heritage remains an economic giant asleep. For too long, culture has been relegated to the sidelines as a mere afterthought or decorative budget line.The ambition we carry for the 2035 horizon i...
Niger: Algeria powers up new electric plant near Niamey
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Niger: Algeria powers up new electric plant near Niamey

The first Algerian-Nigerien solidarity power plant has been inaugurated in Gorou Banda, on the outskirts of Niamey, with the presence of Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine and his Algerian counterpart Sifi Ghrieb. This infrastructure marks the first tangible delivery of energy commitments between Algiers and Niamey, against a backdrop of shifting Sahelian partnerships. Beyond its symbolic value, the project addresses Niger’s chronic electricity shortage, which affects both the national economy and the daily lives of capital residents. Energizing a new era of Algerian-Nigerien cooperation Gorou Banda, already home to critical electrical facilities south of Niamey, now anchors a fresh diplomatic chapter between the two neighboring nations. The inauguration brought together both prime ...
Shocking videos of martinez zogo’s murder shown in Cameroon court
News

Shocking videos of martinez zogo’s murder shown in Cameroon court

During hearings held on June 1 and 2, 2026, at the Yaoundé Military Tribunal, a pivotal moment unfolded in the legal proceedings surrounding the murder of investigative journalist Martinez Zogo. The breakthrough came from digital evidence presented by forensic expert Professor Georges Bell Bitjoka, whose testimony as the 32nd prosecution witness reshaped the trajectory of the trial. Professor Bitjoka’s mandate was clear: analyze the digital footprint of the accused. His meticulous work led to the discovery of harrowing footage stored in the Google Cloud account of one defendant. On June 1, the courtroom witnessed an unprecedented and emotionally charged moment as three videos—depicting the torture and execution of Martinez Zogo—were publicly screened for the first time. The session was ab...
Burundi urges stronger global action as RDC violence persists
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Burundi urges stronger global action as RDC violence persists

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Burundi, Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, has called for an enhanced international response to address the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) and the persistent disregard for the Washington Peace Agreement. Speaking during a high-level meeting with his RDC counterpart, Floribert Anzuluni, in Bujumbura on June 1, 2026, Minister Bizimana expressed deep concern over the failure of the agreement, brokered by the Trump administration, to bring lasting peace despite some progress in refugee repatriation. Unfulfilled promises and escalating insecurity While acknowledging that some Congolese refugees have returned home, the Burundian official highlighted that several regions remain trapped in violence, with new displacements forcing ci...
Sahel crisis deepens with 24 million people in urgent need
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Sahel crisis deepens with 24 million people in urgent need

While the world's gaze remains fixed on conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, a silent humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding across the Sahel. In 2026, over 24 million people in the region will require immediate assistance, according to United Nations assessments, marking one of the most severe and critically underfunded crises globally. The Sahel's humanitarian emergency spans from Mauritania to Chad, encompassing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Communities here face a perfect storm of challenges that are eroding their ability to cope: armed conflicts, mass displacement, spiraling inflation, climate shocks, and severe food insecurity. These overlapping crises have pushed millions of families to the brink of survival. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanita...
Gabon’s tax authority sets performance targets for new leadership
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Gabon’s tax authority sets performance targets for new leadership

On June 3, 2026, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema met with the newly appointed Director-General of Taxes, Edith Laure Mbiguidi Oyaya, alongside her leadership team and Thierry Minko, Minister of Economy, Finance, Debt Management, and Price Control. The meeting served as the Director-General's first official engagement with the Head of State. During the encounter, Edith Laure Mbiguidi Oyaya expressed her appreciation for the appointment and outlined the key priorities of her strategic plan for the tax administration. The roadmap she presented centers on three core pillars: modernizing institutional structures, broadening the tax base, and enhancing tax collection efficiency. Additionally, the administration aims to strengthen monitoring systems and taxpayer oversight while upholding...
Decoding the silent message behind the partial political shutdown in RDC
Politics

Decoding the silent message behind the partial political shutdown in RDC

The "ghost town" operation observed this Wednesday, June 3rd, in Kinshasa did not lead to a total standstill. Across the provinces and in the heart of the RDC, the opposition's call for a complete shutdown failed to fully mobilize the population. Markets remained open, public transport continued to operate, and the machinery of the state stayed in motion. However, the Tshisekedi administration should not misinterpret this lack of total paralysis. The hesitation seen in the streets, the half-closed storefronts, and the hushed conversations represent a silent but powerful message from the citizens. In the history of the RDC, these quiet signals have often preceded significant shifts in African politics. A cry for social justice and economic inclusion This is the same population that r...
Gabon banks on private sector to fund 18 trillion FCFA growth plan
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Gabon banks on private sector to fund 18 trillion FCFA growth plan

Gabon is setting ambitious economic goals for its next five-year term. To implement the National Growth and Development Plan (PNCD) 2026-2030, the government is banking on a total budget of 27 trillion FCFA, with a staggering 18 trillion FCFA expected to come from the private sector. The remaining 9 trillion FCFA will be covered by public funds, a figure that falls short of fully financing the structural transformation envisioned by the transitional authorities, now the constitutional government since the April 2025 presidential election. Private capital takes center stage in financing strategy The announced allocation reflects a deliberate policy choice. By entrusting two-thirds of the investment effort to the private sector, Libreville aligns itself with the mixed financing strategies a...
Us targets rebel leaders in Congo with new sanctions
News

Us targets rebel leaders in Congo with new sanctions

The United States is tightening its grip on key players fueling the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Treasury Department has unveiled fresh sanctions targeting two influential figures: a senior intelligence officer within the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Movement of March 23 (AFC/M23) and a commander from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). This move follows the March 2 initiative, which saw Washington impose restrictions on Rwanda’s military and four of its high-ranking officers, accused of providing direct support to the M23 rebellion. Targeted measures against armed group command structures The shift in strategy lies in the precision of these sanctions. Previously, U.S. measures focused on entire organizations or state-backed e...