The African Tribune

Migrants expelled to Cameroon file lawsuit for protection

7Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Migrants expelled to Cameroon file lawsuit for protection

Migrants expelled to Cameroon file lawsuit for protectionEric ToponaThirty-six African migrants expelled from the United States to Cameroon in mid-2026 have initiated legal proceedings in Yaoundé. The plaintiffs, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Angola, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, had previously secured legal protections in the U.S. preventing their deportation to their countries of origin.Through their legal action, they seek temporary protection under Cameroonian law and the suspension of the bilateral migration agreement between Washington and Yaoundé. Their legal representative, Attorney Joseph Fru Awah, emphasizes that the lawsuit also aims to block any potential forced return to their home countries.Legal arguments against the U...

Benin’s senate gets new leader with patrice talon at the helm

7Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

News

Benin’s senate gets new leader with patrice talon at the helm

On August 6, 2026, Bénin reached a pivotal moment in its political journey. The inauguration of the first executive bureau of the newly formed upper house of parliament saw the election of Patrice Talon as its president. Surrounded by seasoned political figures, the former head of state embarks on a fresh mission to serve the nation’s democratic institutions. An unprecedented parliamentary milestone The establishment of the Senate’s inaugural executive bureau marks a defining chapter in Bénin’s political evolution. Born from institutional reforms and the constitutional overhaul of November 2025, this new legislative body aims to deepen democratic representation and refine the lawmaking process. The election held on Thursday reflected a clear mandate: senators entrusted Patrice Talon with...

Ouattara urges unity to build a stronger Côte d’Ivoire

7Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Politics

Ouattara urges unity to build a stronger Côte d’Ivoire

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has renewed his commitment to propelling Côte d'Ivoire toward accelerated development by urging all national stakeholders to unite behind his vision of a "Greater Côte d'Ivoire." This rallying cry, issued at the dawn of a new political cycle, reflects his determination to rally administrative, economic, religious and community leaders around a shared national project. It comes as Abidjan seeks to leverage a decade of robust growth to reach a new structural milestone. Uniting Ivorian stakeholders for collective progress The president’s call targets every segment of Ivorian society. Government institutions, political parties, the private sector, civil society, traditional leadership and the diaspora are all encouraged to participate in a unified effort. T...

Senegal’s energy dispute: political tensions over ASER-AEE Power contract

7Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Politics

Senegal’s energy dispute: political tensions over ASER-AEE Power contract

Tensions are rising in Dakar over the long-standing contract between Senegal’s Rural Electrification Agency (ASER) and the Spanish firm AEE Power. The dispute has evolved into a political flashpoint, with Thierno Alassane Sall, President of La République des valeurs and a National Assembly deputy, accusing the ruling Pastef party of double standards in handling the rural electrification project—a deal that has exposed deep rifts between the executive and opposition figures. Sall, a former Energy Minister known for his firm stance on governance issues, has publicly criticized what he describes as inconsistencies in Pastef’s approach. While in opposition, the party had framed the ASER-AEE Power contract as emblematic of mismanagement under the previous administration. Now in power, its lead...

Tchad opens airspace to three egyptian airlines for stronger ties

7Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

News

Tchad opens airspace to three egyptian airlines for stronger ties

The Tchad and Egypt have taken a significant step in aviation cooperation, signing a landmark agreement during the 4th Joint Cooperation Commission on July 6. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) clears the way for three Egyptian airlines to operate flights into N'Djamena, including two passenger carriers and one dedicated cargo operator. While the specific names of the airlines remain undisclosed, the move signals a strategic push to enhance air connectivity between the two nations. The MoU underscores a shared commitment to fostering dynamic air transport links that prioritize passenger mobility, trade facilitation, and deeper bilateral relations. With the local aviation market undergoing rapid transformation following the 2025 withdrawal of Air France, this agreement arrives at a crit...

Fortescue metals group seeks expanded iron ore deal with Gabon

7Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

News

Fortescue metals group seeks expanded iron ore deal with Gabon

The Belinga iron ore project: a strategic opportunity for Gabon The Belinga iron ore deposit in Gabon’s Ogooué-Ivindo province stands as one of the most significant untapped mineral resources in Central Africa. With vast reserves estimated at over two billion tonnes, the project has long been a focal point for international investors seeking to tap into Gabon’s rich geological potential. Now, Australian mining giant Fortescue Metals Group is negotiating with Libreville to secure more favorable terms for its involvement in this strategic venture. Negotiations at a critical juncture Discussions between Fortescue and Gabonese authorities have reached a pivotal stage, with both sides evaluating how to maximize the project’s economic benefits. The Australian firm, known for its expertise in ...

Togolese constitution: 43 african groups challenge faure gnassingbé at ECOWAS and au

7Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

Togolese constitution: 43 african groups challenge faure gnassingbé at ECOWAS and au

In a bold move, 43 civil society organisations across Africa have escalated their opposition to President Faure Gnassingbé by formally petitioning the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Their complaint centres on the latest amendments to Togo’s constitution, which they argue undermine democratic principles and concentrate power in the hands of a single leader. Why the complaint against Faure Gnassingbé’s constitutional changes? The coalition of 43 civil society groups has expressed deep concerns over the recent constitutional reforms in Togo, which they claim erode checks and balances. Among the most contentious changes is the removal of term limits, allowing President Faure Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely. Critics argue this m...

Japan boosts Cameroon’s economy with $646 million in development aid

7Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Japan boosts Cameroon’s economy with $646 million in development aid

Japan's long-term commitment to Cameroon's growth Japan has allocated over $646 million to Cameroon since the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) established its presence in the country in 2006. This significant financial commitment was highlighted during a meeting in Yaoundé between Cameroon’s Minister of Economy, Planning, and Territorial Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey, and JICA Vice-President Ando Naoki. The gathering marked the 20th anniversary of JICA’s operations in Cameroon, alongside the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program. Diverse funding mechanisms behind Japan's support The $646 million encompasses more than just loans. Japan’s development assistance to Cameroon operates through multiple channels, including grants, concessional loans, and technical...

DRC transfers 15 prisoners to AFC/M23 in landmark deal

7Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

News

DRC transfers 15 prisoners to AFC/M23 in landmark deal

DRC transfers 15 prisoners to AFC/M23 in landmark dealPatient LigodiThe transfer of fifteen detainees to the AFC/M23 custody was no spontaneous act. Months prior, in Montreux, a confidential agreement had been inked between the two parties and the ICRC. Though the protocol remained under wraps, it marked a critical step forward—one that followed a series of missed deadlines, including an April deadline that came and went without action. These fifteen individuals now stand as the first tangible test of a process long stalled by delays and uncertainty.By the time their presence in Beni was confirmed, the men had already spent weeks in detention, their exact circumstances shrouded in confusion. Their transfer from Kinshasa to Beni raised questions about coordination—or the lack thereof—within...

Morocco ready to assist unaccompanied minors in Ceuta amid migration surge

7Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Morocco ready to assist unaccompanied minors in Ceuta amid migration surge

Following a sudden surge of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Moroccan authorities have announced their readiness to facilitate the return of unaccompanied minors. Rabat has expressed its willingness to cooperate in bringing back unaccompanied minors currently in Ceuta after tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish territory from Morocco. However, the process faces legal hurdles on the Spanish side, according to a diplomatic source quoted by the official Moroccan news agency MAP. Morocco has pledged to identify unaccompanied minors with the goal of returning them to their home country and to collaborate closely with Spanish and European partners to achieve this. Yet, these partners must first address internal challenges, including bureauc...

Côte d’Ivoire unity call from pdci-rda leader tidjane thiam

7Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Politics

Côte d’Ivoire unity call from pdci-rda leader tidjane thiam

National Address Echoes Calls for Unity and Hope The leader of Côte d'Ivoire's Parti démocratique de Côte d'Ivoire – Rassemblement démocratique africain (PDCI-RDA), Tidjane Thiam, delivered a national address on August 6, 2026, highlighting the importance of unity and collective progress. In his speech, he commended the conciliatory steps taken by President Alassane Ouattara to ease political tensions, framing these actions as vital for fostering national cohesion. Recognizing Political Easing Initiatives Thiam emphasized the significance of the gestures made by the head of state, describing them as encouraging signals for strengthening stability in the country. He underscored that these measures reflect a shared commitment to reducing divisions and building a more harmonious society. Ce...

Morocco ready to help unaccompanied minors return from Ceuta amid migration crisis

7Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

News

Morocco ready to help unaccompanied minors return from Ceuta amid migration crisis

Morocco ready to help unaccompanied minors return from Ceuta amid migration crisis Ceuta — The Kingdom of Morocco has confirmed its willingness to cooperate with Spanish authorities in facilitating the return of unaccompanied minors stranded in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta following the recent surge in irregular migration at the end of July. However, Rabat has highlighted significant legal and administrative hurdles in Spain that currently impede the repatriation process. Collaboration with Madrid essential, says Rabat Morocco has expressed readiness to assist in identifying unaccompanied minors present in Ceuta to streamline their return to their home countries. Diplomatic sources in Rabat indicate that the Moroccan government is prepared to collaborate closely with Sp...