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Niger’s military seeks Algeria’s aid amid rising terror threats in Sahel
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Niger’s military seeks Algeria’s aid amid rising terror threats in Sahel

With terror threats escalating across the volatile Niger–Burkina Faso–Mali border triangle, Niamey is urgently expanding its military alliances to bolster its defense capabilities. The surge in attacks by jihadist factions—particularly the Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS)—has stretched the national armed forces to their limits, prompting a high-stakes pivot toward regional security partners. Algeria delivers critical air support to Niger's embattled forces In a decisive move to counter the insurgent onslaught, Algeria has supplied Niger's military with a substantial military aid package. The shipment includes four helicopters, two Mi-24V attack helicopters, and two Mi-171 tactical transport aircraft, along...
Cholera surge in Chad: N’Djamena faces highest fatality rates
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Cholera surge in Chad: N’Djamena faces highest fatality rates

HEALTH CRISIS Cholera surge in Chad: N'Djamena faces highest fatality rates Chad is grappling with a worsening cholera outbreak, with 320 confirmed cases and 15 deaths reported by August 8th. In just three days, 52 new infections were documented, escalating concerns about the disease’s rapid spread. The capital, N’Djamena, bears the brunt of the fatalities, accounting for eight deaths out of 92 reported cases. Meanwhile, over 143,000 individuals in high-risk zones have received life-saving vaccinations. Health Updated August 11, 2026 The cholera epidemic in Chad has intensified, with 320 confirmed cases and a death toll of 15 as of August 8th. Within a 72-hour window, 52 additional infections emerged, pushing the national case fatality rate to 4.7%—far exceeding the 1% threshold ...
Laurent Gbagbo reshapes PPA-CI leadership with shared governance model
Politics

Laurent Gbagbo reshapes PPA-CI leadership with shared governance model

Côte d’Ivoire’s PPA-CI adopts a collective leadership model under Laurent Gbagbo The Party of African Peoples-Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), led by former President Laurent Gbagbo, has reshaped its leadership structure by appointing five key figures to strategic roles. This move, unveiled in early August, aims to distribute decision-making responsibilities while keeping Gbagbo at the core of the party’s strategic direction. The reorganization follows Gbagbo’s re-election as party president in May 2026, during which he expressed his intent to decentralize some of his executive powers. Initially, plans suggested a single deputy appointment, but the new structure now includes five vice-presidents, each assigned distinct operational duties. Meet the new leadership team Assoa Adou takes on th...
Paul Biya’s two-month absence fuels succession debate in Cameroon
Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

Paul Biya’s two-month absence fuels succession debate in Cameroon

Paul Biya's two-month absence fuels succession debate in CameroonSince June 7, President Paul Biya has been absent from Cameroon, and his prolonged absence continues to raise concerns. Recent military appointments have intensified speculation about his health and the future of leadership in the country.Journalist and political commentator Jean-Bruno Tagne, co-director of the Naja web-TV, suggests these changes may signal a strategic move to secure the government apparatus ahead of a potential transition. « The timing of these appointments is striking. No official explanation has been provided, but many interpret them as preparations for Paul Biya’s eventual replacement,» he explains.Military reshuffles spark security concernsOn August 3, several high-ranking officers were appointed to key ...
Doctoral thesis defense in Lomé on contract freedom in OHADA cooperative law
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Doctoral thesis defense in Lomé on contract freedom in OHADA cooperative law

Doctoral Thesis Defense Examines Contractual Freedom in OHADA Cooperative Law On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Mr. Sahalim Akan successfully defended his doctoral thesis in private law, titled “Contractual Freedom in the OHADA Uniform Act on Cooperative Societies Law”, at the University of Lomé in Togo. The defense took place in Lecture Hall N°1 of the LTAG building, marking a significant contribution to legal scholarship in West Africa. Jury Composition and Academic Expertise The examining board featured distinguished legal scholars from across the region: Prof. Koffi Mawunyo Agbenoto, Full Professor at the University of Lomé (Togo) and Jury President; Dr. Ampah Johnson-Ansah, Senior Lecturer at the University of Lomé (Togo), Internal Reviewer; Dr. Gnidouba Roger Lanou, Associate ...
Gabon: stopping verbal abuse in public discourse is everyone’s duty
Politics

Gabon: stopping verbal abuse in public discourse is everyone’s duty

Gabon is witnessing a troubling escalation in public discourse, where personal insults targeting President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, his mother, and his wife have reached alarming levels. This alarming trend has prompted a powerful response from civil society leader Hugues Ongoundou, who is calling for an immediate halt to what he describes as the ‘verbal filth’ poisoning the nation’s public debate. In a bold and uncompromising statement, Ongoundou emphasizes that this issue transcends mere political alignment. He underscores that the dignity of individuals—particularly mothers, grandmothers, and women—must never be sacrificed in the heat of political exchanges. The act of targeting family members of public figures, he argues, crosses a red line that undermines the very fabric of Gabo...
Le déballage d’Aly Ngouille Ndiaye sur les fonds secrets d’Ousmane Sonko
Politics

Le déballage d’Aly Ngouille Ndiaye sur les fonds secrets d’Ousmane Sonko

Le déballage d’Aly Ngouille Ndiaye sur les fonds secrets d’Ousmane Sonko Aly Ngouille Ndiaye a précisé que l'enveloppe de fonds politiques propres à Ousmane Sonko, chiffrée à 1,7 milliard de FCFA, aurait été complètement utilisée avant que Sonko ne demande un complément budgétaire, soulevant ainsi des questions sur la transparence de ces dépenses. L’ancien ministre de l’Intérieur Aly Ngouille Ndiaye a relancé le débat sur les fonds spéciaux alloués aux plus hautes autorités de l’État. Avant de s’attarder sur la question des fonds présidentiels, il estime qu’Ousmane Sonko doit d’abord rendre des comptes sur l’utilisation qu’il a faite des ressources mises à sa disposition durant son passage à la tête d...
Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye faces scrutiny over 2027 vote postponement
Politics

Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye faces scrutiny over 2027 vote postponement

Is Senegal's president preparing to delay the January 2027 elections? The political landscape in Senegal is heating up as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's administration faces growing questions about potential adjustments to the electoral calendar. With the January 2027 presidential vote approaching, speculation is swirling around whether the government could propose postponing the polls—sparking intense debate among citizens and analysts alike. Context: Electoral promises and new political realities Since taking office, President Faye has championed a platform centered on governance reforms and democratic renewal. His party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes républicains, emerged from the Patriotic Senegalese Movement, positioning itself as a progressive force in the nation's political arena. H...
Lyon faces must-win clash against sparta prague for champions league hopes
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Lyon faces must-win clash against sparta prague for champions league hopes

NewsVideosSchedule/ResultsStandingsTop ScorersAssistsChampions Leaguelyon faces must-win clash against sparta prague for champions league hopesAugust 11, 2026ShareShareWhatsAppLinkedInEmailMessengerWith their Champions League dreams hanging by a thread, Olympique Lyonnais must deliver a winning performance against Sparta Prague tonight. Following a 2-1 defeat in Prague during the first leg of the third qualifying round, Paulo Fonseca's side faces a do-or-die scenario at Groupama Stadium to secure a playoff berth and a potential showdown with Fenerbahçe. Here’s everything you need to know to catch the action live.Disappointment still lingers after last week’s dismal European outing in Prague, where a 2-1 loss—coupled with a missed Tolisso penalty—left Lyon in a precarious position after the...
Cameroon’s rising military figure could shape presidential guard dynamics
Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

Cameroon’s rising military figure could shape presidential guard dynamics

General Beko’o Abondo’s promotion reshapes Cameroon’s presidential guard leadership The recent elevation of General Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo to the rank of four-star general marks a pivotal moment in Cameroon’s military hierarchy. Promoted on August 3, 2026, his new role as commander of the Presidential Guard places him at the heart of the country’s security apparatus, raising questions about his potential influence over internal power dynamics. From presidential guard commander to military powerbroker General Beko’o Abondo has spent decades climbing the ranks within Cameroon’s armed forces. His trajectory reflects a strategic ascent, culminating in his leadership of the elite unit tasked with protecting the nation’s highest leadership. This promotion not only solidifies his p...
Cameroun steps up negotiations to acquire Globeleq’s stake in Kribi power plants
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Cameroun steps up negotiations to acquire Globeleq’s stake in Kribi power plants

The Cameroonian government has entered an advanced phase of negotiations to repurchase the 56% stake held by British energy group Globeleq in two key power generation companies. Discussions with the London-based investor focus on acquiring its shares in Kribi Power Development Company (KPDC) and Dibamba Power Development Company (DPDC), with an indicative valuation of around 80 billion CFA francs (approximately $138 million). While no formal offers have been submitted yet, the talks have progressed enough to suggest a potential conclusion by the end of 2026. Kribi and Dibamba plants: pillars of Cameroon's electricity supply The assets at the center of this deal are far from insignificant. The Kribi gas plant, commissioned in 2013 in the South region, boasts a 216-megawatt capacity and pow...
Senegal’s parliament addresses legal concerns over inquiry commissions
Politics

Senegal’s parliament addresses legal concerns over inquiry commissions

The opening of the first extraordinary session of the 2026-2027 legislative year in the National Assembly saw President Ousmane Sonko address pressing questions regarding the legality of six planned parliamentary inquiry commissions, including highly sensitive cases. Addressing lawmakers, the National Assembly President clarified the legal framework governing such initiatives: "The law explicitly states that parliament cannot establish a commission of inquiry into cases already under judicial review," he stated. He further confirmed having personally verified this compliance with the Minister of Justice, adding: "The Minister responded last week that, of the five cases in question, only one—the land management case around Dakar’s former airport—is currently under judicial examination." ...