The African Tribune

The Cameroonian customs authority has collected 1.8 billion FCFA (approximately $2.7 million) in duties and taxes from imported phones, tablets, and digital devices between April and early September 2026. This follows the implementation of a new digital collection mechanism, which has dramatically increased state revenue from this sector. Before the reform, customs revenue from phone imports barely reached 100 million FCFA per month. The new system, designed to combat fraud and enhance transparency, has transformed this into a significant revenue stream for the state. Market reactions: import prices surge and consumer concerns rise Local traders in Yaoundé’s Kennedy Avenue market, a hub for imported phones, report significant price increases. Seydou, a second-hand phone i...

The Women's Champions League 2026/27 curtain-raiser saw Barcelona deliver a masterclass, crushing Paris FC 5-2 in a display that underlined the gulf between Europe’s elite and the French domestic contenders. Despite taking an early lead through new recruits Mariam Toloba and Evelyne Viens, Paris FC’s hopes of a shock result evaporated within 40 minutes as Barcelona’s relentless attacking prowess exposed defensive frailties. A second-half goal from Clara Mateo provided a consolation, but the damage was done long before the whistle. Icon Sport Paris FC stun Barcelona with early opener Contrary to expectations, Paris FC started brightly, capitalizing on a rare defensive error by Barcelona. Mariam Toloba’s incisive pass found Evelyne Viens, who shrugged off two challenges before ...

EconomyGabon-EU fisheries deal: Libreville pushes for tangible economic gains in new talksBy Editor-in-Chief September 23, 2026Libreville, September 23, 2026 — Gabon and the European Union are set to restart negotiations that go far beyond mere access terms for European vessels to Gabonese waters. After the collapse of the previous partnership, Gabon is determined to reshape the economic, industrial, and operational framework governing its fisheries resources. On September 18, the Gabonese government officially greenlit negotiations for a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) and its accompanying protocol. These talks follow Gabon’s denunciation of the prior deal on June 4, 2025, and the expiration of its protocol on June 28, 2026. Without a valid framework, European vess...

Chad authorities investigate adult orchestration behind minor soldiers video The judicial authorities in N'Djamena have launched an investigation following the circulation of a video showing five minors in military uniforms making hostile remarks about state institutions. The case centers on whether adults manipulated these minors to act against national interests. Judicial proceedings initiated for five minors in military uniforms The five minors, apprehended by judicial police in the presence of their families, were questioned under juvenile justice procedures. Authorities reiterated that the investigation remains active while ensuring full legal protections for the minors. Court officials emphasized that while minors require special protection, legal responsibility may still ...

Cameroon: Boko Haram gunshot wounds 20-year-old Christian in Far North attack A 20-year-old Christian from Cameroon's Far North region remains hospitalized after being shot by Boko Haram militants who targeted him for his refusal to renounce his faith. The January attack in a remote village left Oumar with a bullet wound to his leg that doctors could not fully remove, leaving him in chronic pain. His testimony highlights the escalating persecution of Christians in Cameroon's northern border regions where extremist groups operate with impunity. During the assault, militants stormed the village and executed over a dozen people, including the neighbor of Oumar who was a father of seven children. When asked to abandon his Christian beliefs, Oumar refused and was im...

Senegal has achieved a landmark financial milestone by successfully launching its inaugural bond issuance on the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), listing four sovereign bonds totaling 305 billion FCFA. Orchestrated by the Senegalese Treasury, this strategic move integrates a portion of the country’s sovereign debt into the West African bourse’s bond segment, headquartered in Abidjan. Bond debut reshapes Senegal's debt management strategy The simultaneous introduction of four bond lines is no coincidence. It enhances visibility for the Senegalese Treasury among institutional investors in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), while offering bondholders an exit route through the secondary market. Historically, Dakar’s sovereign funding relied heavily on public bond auctions vi...

Benin unleashes strict traffic crackdown: over 100 riders fined in two days Since Sunday, September 20, 2026, Benin's law enforcement has launched a sweeping campaign targeting motorists and motorcyclists violating traffic regulations. Within the first 48 hours alone, authorities reported sanctioning more than 100 two-wheeler riders and a dozen car drivers across key locations nationwide. Routine compliance checks intensify across major urban hubs The enforcement surge gained momentum on Tuesday, September 22, particularly in Cotonou's economic heart. In just one hour around Fidjrossè, authorities intercepted over 40 motorcyclists, while multiple drivers were pulled over along the Marina Boulevard. Traffic patrols are maintaining heightened scrutiny on red-light violations and helme...

Groundbreaking announcement at Abidjan open days The World Bank Group’s active portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire now includes 25 projects, totaling $5.3 billion, as announced by Minister Amadou COULIBALY during the opening of the first-ever World Bank Group Open Days in Abidjan on September 21, 2026. Government and World Bank unite for inclusive growth The two-day event, held September 21–22 under the theme “Jobs and opportunities: building together for inclusive growth”, brought together government officials, including representatives from the Ministries of Planning and Development, alongside Marie-Chantal UWANYILIGIRA, World Bank Country Director for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo. The open days provided a platform for students, recent graduates, and entrepreneurs to engage directly wi...

Officially, Lomé presents its role as a regional mediation effort in the name of peace. In practice, the presence of foreign armed movement cadres on Togolese soil lays bare a far more cynical political mechanism. The loud arrest of Luc Beyam, a senior official of the Movement for Justice and Rectification in Chad (MJRT), over nothing more than unpaid hotel bills, is just the visible tip of a tacit bargain. Behind the asylum offered to these fighters lies a clear strategic trade: by giving Chadian insurgents a safe haven, President Faure Gnassingbé secures in return their know-how, their surveillance networks and their strike capacity — enough to lock down the domestic political arena and smother any national challenge. Protection in exchange for a security lock-down The installation of C...