Saturday, November 7
Gabon’s mining sector drives economic transformation post-oil era
Politics

Gabon’s mining sector drives economic transformation post-oil era

As Gabon’s oil production continues to decline, the nation is pivoting toward a robust economic diversification strategy. The country is now prioritizing its mining potential to bolster growth and lessen its reliance on hydrocarbon revenues. Authorities have outlined plans to launch eight new mining operations by 2030. Key projects shaping Gabon’s mining future The Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, revealed that several high-potential projects are under review or in development. These initiatives focus on iron, gold, and potash extraction. Among the most promising ventures are the iron ore deposits in Milingui, Baniaka, Mébaga, and M’Bilan, alongside the gold deposit in Etéké and a dedicated potash project. Economic impact and employment growth The government aims to elevate the...
Senegal unveils transition plan in Bissau-Guinean talks
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Senegal unveils transition plan in Bissau-Guinean talks

Dakar has taken a decisive step in regional diplomacy. A high-level Senegalese delegation arrived in Bissau on Thursday, mandated by West African leaders to break the institutional deadlock in the neighboring country. The primary objective: to establish structured negotiations with military authorities and pave the way for the restoration of civilian governance. Diplomatic mission kicks off ahead of constitutional referendum The visit follows the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) designation of Senegal as the lead mediator during its July summit in Freetown. This marks the first official mission since the regional bloc’s commitment to facilitate Guinea-Bissau’s return to constitutional order. The delegation, led by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and Defense M...
Bénin 2060: education council prioritizes science and technical training
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Bénin 2060: education council prioritizes science and technical training

Bénin 2060: education council prioritizes science and technical training Cotonou — From August 5 to 7, 2026, the National Education Council (CNE) will convene its third consultative assembly at the Golden Tulip hotel in Cotonou. The gathering will focus on strengthening scientific, technological, and vocational education pathways as key drivers for Benin’s industrial and digital transformation. Uniting stakeholders for Benin’s educational future The three-day assembly will bring together government officials, university leaders, public and private institutions, technical and financial partners, and civil society representatives. The goal is to align education, research, and vocational training with Benin’s long-term development goals under the Bénin 2060 vision. Discussions will ce...
Kinshasa transfers first group of prisoners to m23 in peace initiative
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Kinshasa transfers first group of prisoners to m23 in peace initiative

Kinshasa transfers first group of prisoners to M23 in peace initiativeGovernment authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have handed over 15 detainees to the M23 rebel group, marking the first such exchange since the prisoner swap agreement signed in Doha in 2025. The operation, coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), represents a significant milestone in ongoing peace efforts in the eastern DRC.Doha agreement put into action for the first timeThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed the transfer of 15 detainees from Congolese authorities to the M23. While the identities of those released remain undisclosed, the operation aligns with the prisoner exchange mechanism agreed upon in September 2025 during talks in Doha. Previou...
Eastern DRC conflict escalates as prisoners transferred to M23 group
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Eastern DRC conflict escalates as prisoners transferred to M23 group

Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo faces escalating clashes as prisoners handed over to M23 In a significant move aimed at de-escalating tensions, Congolese authorities have transferred a group of detainees to the M23 rebel faction operating in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed the transfer of 15 individuals, marking the first concrete step in a long-awaited peace initiative. Years of conflict fuel ongoing instability in eastern DRC The eastern provinces of the DRC have been plagued by violence for over three decades. Since 2021, the M23 group has seized control of substantial territory in North Kivu and Ituri, with allegations of external support from Rwanda. The escalation prompted Kins...
Democracy under pressure in Africa today
Politics

Democracy under pressure in Africa today

politicsAfricademocracy under pressure in Africa todaypoliticsAfricaL'Arbre à PalabresThis week, Éric Topona’s guests examine the state of democracy across Africa. The debate was recorded in early July at one of DW’s studios in Bonn during an event organized by the German Institute for Development and Sustainability.Africa’s democratic landscape reveals a striking contrast: while some nations make steady progress toward pluralism and accountability, others face serious setbacks in political freedoms. The continent is currently navigating a period of intense pressure on democratic norms. On one side, military takeovers, rising authoritarianism and deliberate restrictions on political space have weakened hard-won democratic gains. On the other, persistent public demand for democratic govern...
Hearing of colonel otoulou sparks heated debate in Cameroon trial
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Hearing of colonel otoulou sparks heated debate in Cameroon trial

Franck Foute Journalist specializing in Cameroon affairs Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga Martinez Zogo Tense Moments in the Military Court The Martinez Zogo case took a dramatic turn as hearings at the Yaoundé military court escalated into a verbal confrontation. The testimony of Colonel Otoulou, a high-ranking military official, became the focal point of intense exchanges between legal teams and witnesses. Key Revelations and Confrontations The colonel’s statements, which were expected to clarify critical aspects of the investigation, instead fueled a heated debate. Legal representatives for the defense and prosecution clashed over the credibility of his assertions, with both sides challenging t...
Togo’s press crackdown targets street vendors amid shrinking freedoms
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Togo’s press crackdown targets street vendors amid shrinking freedoms

When selling news becomes a danger in the streets of Lomé In Togo, the erosion of press freedom is no longer confined to bureaucratic reports or regulatory warnings. It now plays out in plain sight, on the sidewalks of Lomé, where selling a newspaper has become a perilous act. By extending its crackdown to the most vulnerable link in the information chain—street vendors—President Faure Gnassingbé’s administration has crossed a dangerous threshold. The strategy is no longer about controlling content; it’s about severing the direct connection between independent journalism and its readers. Economic strangulation as a tool of repression For years, Togo’s media landscape has been shaped by institutional pressure: summoned editors, suspended publications, revoked press cards, and threats of ...
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Nigeria: how Boko Haram factions are weaponizing AI for military operations

Defectors from two major Boko Haram factions in Nigeria’s northeast have revealed how combatants are integrating generative artificial intelligence into their operational strategies. According to a landmark study by the University of Cambridge’s AI Science & Policy Programme, fighters are no longer confining AI use to propaganda but are applying these tools to tactical planning, logistics, and technical problem-solving. Beyond propaganda: AI’s expanding role in insurgent warfare Interviews with 27 former Boko Haram members—including mid-level commanders and technical specialists—conducted between 2025 and 2026, show that factions such as the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) began adopting publicly available AI systems like C...
Bénin debates: senator’s role under scrutiny as democracy evolves
Politics

Bénin debates: senator’s role under scrutiny as democracy evolves

During a high-level discussion on rule of law and political alternation in Africa, held in Cotonou on August 6, 2026, the establishment of the Senate became a focal point of constructive dialogue. Organized by the Institute of Justice and Peace Artisans (IAJP/Co), the event brought together key voices in national governance. Senator Sehouéto defends the bicameral system Among the speakers, former minister and parliamentarian Lazare Maurice Sehouéto emphasized the Senate’s role as a stabilizing force in Benin’s democratic architecture. He framed it not as a threat, but as a necessary institution to regulate political life and strengthen governance. Addressing concerns raised by former legislator Kamel Bio Sika Ouassagari about the scope of the Upper House’s powers, Sehouéto urged a readin...
Senegal and Mauritania’s GTA gas project gains momentum under new leadership
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Senegal and Mauritania’s GTA gas project gains momentum under new leadership

The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project, spearheaded by American firm Kosmos Energy and straddling Senegalese and Mauritanian waters, has re-emerged in the spotlight. The Texas-based company recently shared updates on the ramp-up of this cross-border field, which entered commercial production in early 2025. The developments are under intense scrutiny in Dakar, where Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has made resource governance a cornerstone of his administration. Transnational gas project reshaping energy dynamics in Dakar and Nouakchott Finalized after years of negotiations between the two capitals, GTA spans a deposit located along the shared maritime border. The revenue-sharing model is evenly split between Senegal and Mauritania—a rare structure in West African extractive industries. K...
Senegal and Gambia border dispute reignited by Bullock incident
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Senegal and Gambia border dispute reignited by Bullock incident

Senegal and Gambia border dispute reignited by Bullock incident The recent incident in Bullock has prompted Senegal and Gambia to take decisive action on their shared border, signing a final agreement to clarify and demarcate their territorial limits. Following this development, both nations are set to resume joint ground operations in mid-August, involving the installation of physical markers and community outreach programs to engage local populations. What triggered the recent tensions between the two neighboring countries? Will this new agreement fully resolve the long-standing border disputes, or does it leave room for further disagreements on the ground? From incident to agreement: the Bullock effect The latest border dispute between Senegal and Gambia traces back...