Saturday, November 7
Leadership void in Cameroon: how Paul Biya’s absence disrupts economy and daily life
News

Leadership void in Cameroon: how Paul Biya’s absence disrupts economy and daily life

The prolonged absence of Paul Biya from Cameroon has left the nation in uncharted waters. Since June 7, 2026, when the President left Yaoundé for what was described as a "brief private stay in Europe," the country has operated under a leadership vacuum that shows no signs of ending. More than two months later, with no public appearances or confirmed return date, the silence at the heart of power has transcended political discourse. In a system where every significant decision hinges on the President’s signature, this absence is creating tangible, measurable consequences for both the economy and the daily lives of Cameroonians. Economic slowdown: markets waver and governance stalls amid leadership gap The Cameroonian economy operates under a highly centralized system where the President’s ...
Boko haram raids leave eight dead in far north Cameroon
News

Boko haram raids leave eight dead in far north Cameroon

Eight lives lost as Boko Haram strikes in Cameroon’s Far North region In the early hours of Friday night, a brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram militants struck the village of Kangaleri, located in the Mayo-Sava department of Cameroon’s Far North region. The assault, which unfolded shortly after 11 p.m., cast a shadow of terror over the community, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The raid was swift and merciless. Six individuals were killed instantly, while three others sustained severe injuries, requiring urgent medical attention. Tragically, two of the wounded later succumbed to their injuries, pushing the death toll to eight. As of Saturday, one survivor remained hospitalized, fighting for recovery. The attackers exploited the cover of darkness, a ta...
Angélique Kidjo makes history with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
News

Angélique Kidjo makes history with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On August 18, the global spotlight will shine on Los Angeles as a landmark event unfolds for African music. Angélique Kidjo, a trailblazing artist from Benin and a towering figure in the continent’s cultural landscape, will be honored with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. This accolade positions her as the first African artist to receive this prestigious recognition. The significance of this milestone extends far beyond mere acknowledgment. The Hollywood Walk of Fame stands as a symbol of global recognition for contributions to entertainment, and Kidjo’s inclusion underscores the profound impact she has made in elevating African music on the world stage. Her career, spanning decades, has been defined by an unwavering commitment to bridging cultural divides through her artistry...
Gabon’s president ends west african tour as flag day celebrations kick off
International

Gabon’s president ends west african tour as flag day celebrations kick off

President Oligui Nguema concludes diplomatic tour across West Africa President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has returned from a high-profile diplomatic tour that took him through four West African nations: Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d'Ivoire. During his visit to Côte d'Ivoire, he was the guest of honor at the 66th anniversary celebrations of the country’s independence. The Gabonese leader was accompanied by First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema throughout the trip. Among the highlights of his stay in Côte d'Ivoire was his attendance at the military parade, where he observed the precision of the Republican Guard unit led by Brigadier General Antoine Balekidra. The Gabonese delegation also held bilateral talks with Ivorian President Alassane Dramane Ouattara, reaffirming the strong ties...
Senegal parliament probes launched by ousmane sonko during extraordinary session
Politics

Senegal parliament probes launched by ousmane sonko during extraordinary session

Senegal parliament probes launched by Ousmane Sonko during extraordinary session Ousmane Sonko, a prominent Senegalese political leader, took center stage to unveil multiple parliamentary investigations during a specially convened extraordinary session, signaling heightened scrutiny on critical national matters. During the session, Sonko emphasized the necessity of deeper examinations into several sensitive files, which he argued had been overlooked or insufficiently addressed in previous deliberations. Key investigations initiated The newly launched probes target multiple areas of concern, including financial transparency in public contracts, allegations of corruption within government agencies, and compliance with legislative oversight procedures. These inquiries aim to resto...
Oustmane sonko and pastef strengthen presence in Linguère with new headquarters
Politics

Oustmane sonko and pastef strengthen presence in Linguère with new headquarters

For two consecutive days, the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party conducted an extensive political tour across the Jolof region, covering all 19 communes of the Linguère department. From Dahra to Barkédji, passing through Sagatta and Yang-Yang, the delegation led by party leader Ousmane Sonko, along with State Minister Habib Sy and key national figures, engaged directly with local communities. This ground campaign was not just about visibility—it was a deliberate effort to deepen ties with the heart of the region. The team met with religious and traditional leaders, while also organizing strategic meetings with grassroots structures, including youth, women, and party cadres. The goal was clear: to reinforce the party’s presence through meaningful dialogue and on-the-ground mobilization. Building ...
Burkina Faso’s military faces challenges in northern security
News, Top Stories

Burkina Faso’s military faces challenges in northern security

Military operations fail to secure lasting control in Burkina Faso's north The Burkina Faso army, despite deploying significant resources and launching frequent offensive operations, continues to struggle with maintaining security in the northern regions. Armed groups have not been eradicated but have instead adapted their tactics, avoiding direct confrontations and instead waging a protracted campaign based on mobility, harassment, and pressure on local communities. Conflict evolves into a shifting battle rather than a static fight The nature of the adversary complicates counterterrorism efforts. Armed factions avoid holding fixed positions, making them difficult to track and target. Following military operations, some fighters disperse into rural areas, only to re-emerge elsewhere, expl...
Jihadist surge in Mali as Jnim targets military base in central region
News

Jihadist surge in Mali as Jnim targets military base in central region

The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jnim), the dominant jihadist coalition in the Sahel tied to Al-Qaïda, carried out a fresh assault on Sunday, August 9, against a Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) base in the country’s central belt. This strike marks yet another offensive claimed by the jihadist network against government positions, underscoring the ongoing struggle of Mali’s transitional leadership to secure rural expanses. Another strike against Malian army strongholds The raid targeted a military outpost in a region that has become a prime battleground for Jnim. Central Mali, especially the vicinities of Mopti and Ségou, has for years been the epicenter of deadly clashes between state forces and jihadist fighters. The coalition led by Iyad Ag Ghali has deepened its foothold her...
Benin’s sovereign credit rating upgraded by moody’s to ba3 with stable outlook
Top Stories

Benin’s sovereign credit rating upgraded by moody’s to ba3 with stable outlook

Benin's creditworthiness boosted: Moody's upgrades sovereign rating to Ba3 The international financial rating agency Moody's has officially upgraded the long-term sovereign credit rating of the Republic of Benin from 'B1' to 'Ba3', accompanied by a 'stable' outlook. This decision underscores the robustness of the country's economic and financial policies pursued by the government. Strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals Moody's decision reflects the country's steady progress in key areas of economic governance. The agency highlights the government's consistent efforts in fiscal consolidation and structural reforms, which have bolstered investor confidence. The proactive debt management strategy and diversification of financing sources further enhance Benin's ability to meet its fin...
Senegal’s imports surge in june amid trade balance shifts
Top Stories

Senegal’s imports surge in june amid trade balance shifts

The Senegalese import sector witnessed a remarkable 26.7% month-on-month surge in June, marking a stark contrast to the first half of the year. Over the period from January to June, the country’s import value actually declined by 8%, reflecting structural slowdowns in external trade. These contrasting trends, highlighted in the latest foreign trade statistics, underscore the fragile state of an economy still heavily reliant on foreign supplies. June’s spike raises questions about Senegal’s trade dynamics The June increase represents the largest monthly jump observed in several quarters. This rebound spans essential consumer goods, industrial inputs, and energy products—categories that dominate Senegal’s import structure. After months of decline, this sudden uptick suggests deferred orders...
Senegal’s governance crisis: a warning for emerging markets
Top Stories

Senegal’s governance crisis: a warning for emerging markets

Between 2024 and 2026, Senegal experienced one of the most instructive periods in its modern economic history, exposing critical flaws in governance, risk management, and international perception. The arrival of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister revealed how erratic leadership, aggressive public discourse, and institutional unpredictability can destabilize a nation with otherwise strong economic fundamentals within months. For global analysts, this episode now serves as a textbook case, illustrating the severe consequences for confidence, stability, job creation, financial credibility, and Senegal’s global appeal. Foreign investment collapse: governance, not economics, was the culprit In 2025, Senegal’s foreign direct investment (FDI) plummeted by a staggering 98.9%, dropping from $3.319 bi...