The African Tribune

The Gabonese delegation takes center stage at the UN The Gabonese Republic arrives at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York with a historic new role. Elected as vice president of the General Assembly in June, Libreville officially joins the UN Bureau, the organization’s key deliberative body, marking a significant milestone in its diplomatic engagement. Led by Foreign Minister Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny, the Gabonese delegation carries the mandate of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. This position elevates Gabon’s profile on the global stage while allowing Libreville to assert its priorities on critical international issues. Prior to the high-level debate, the Gabonese delegation convened at the country’s UN mission in New York to align its pos...

African Security Benin steers African security strategy with cross-border cooperation in New York During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Benin chaired the 1,369th ministerial-level meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) on September 23, 2026. Led by Foreign Minister Corinne Amori Brunet, the session included key figures such as African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye. Focused on the theme "Good neighborliness and regional responses to security and terrorism challenges in Africa," the meeting brought together representatives from PSC member s...

Senegal president leaves assembly dissolution option open amid Sonko tensions Bassirou Diomaye Faye has not ruled out dissolving Senegal’s parliament, now led by his former ally Ousmane Sonko, as political tensions escalate. Speaking in New York, the president tied any potential move to the evolving relationship between Senegal’s institutions, with the government preparing to defend its budget measures before a legislature controlled by the Pastef party. Faye emphasized the constitutional prerogative at his disposal when asked whether he would dissolve the Assembly. "Why exclude an option granted by the constitution?" he responded. While no dissolution has been announced or an election date set, he suggested the decision would depend on "necessity and context," adding, "When the time com...

Society | Cameroon Cameroon’s youth dissect social media’s grip in unfiltered #PSE debate A candid discussion reveals how young Cameroonians navigate digital freedoms and pitfalls in 2026. In the latest episode of #PSE, a groundbreaking debate series, young Cameroonians took center stage to dissect the dual nature of social media in their lives. The conversation peeled back layers of opportunity, risk, and responsibility that define today’s digital landscape in the country. From entrepreneurs to influencers, participants shared firsthand accounts of how platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have reshaped their aspirations, careers, and social interactions. For many, social media is a launchpad for innovation, education, and activism. It has enabled grassroots mov...

EconomyGabon’s poultry import ban: testing food sovereignty amid global trade rulesBy Editorial TeamSeptember 24, 202676No commentLibreville, September 24, 2026 — Gabon’s decision to ban poultry imports by January 1, 2027, has escalated into a high-stakes confrontation with Washington, raising fundamental questions about economic sovereignty, market protection, and food security. While the dispute focuses on chicken, the implications stretch far beyond trade statistics. As world leaders gather in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Gabon gains a global stage to frame its stance not just as a defense of local producers, but as a strategic move to reduce vulnerabilities tied to foreign dependence. The United States has formally challenged Gabon’s ban at the World Trade O...

Côte d'Ivoire champions debt-to-education model at UNICEF's New York summit During a two-day UNICEF high-level forum in New York, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane Diarassouba, unveiled how the country is reimagining debt as a force for educational progress and technological innovation. The September 2026 sessions focused on sustainable financing for education and artificial intelligence in learning, where Ivory Coast shared its groundbreaking strategies to safeguard investments in human capital. AI-driven financing: Ivory Coast pioneers sustainable loan tied to learning outcomes On September 21, at the Learn AI Global Compact event under the theme “Responsible AI for every learner”, the Minister presented Ivory Coast’s pilot program linking debt to measur...