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Gabon aims to boost economy through mining sector expansion
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Gabon aims to boost economy through mining sector expansion

Gabon aims to boost economy through mining sector expansion Facing a decline in its oil output, Gabon is now banking on a strategic shift toward mining to revitalize its economy. In recent months, authorities have unveiled ambitious investment plans, while exploration activities continue across multiple provinces to unlock the country's mineral potential. With oil revenues dwindling, the Gabonese government has identified mining as a key pillar for economic diversification. The Ministry of Mines has outlined a roadmap that includes the launch of nearly eight new mines by 2030, focusing on iron ore, gold, and potash extraction. Investments set to create jobs and drive growth According to Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Minister of Mines, these projects are expected to generate thousands of jo...
Cholera outbreak in Chad claims 13 lives, over 230 infected
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Cholera outbreak in Chad claims 13 lives, over 230 infected

Cholera outbreak in Chad claims 13 lives, over 230 infected Breaking News. The Republic of Chad is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has already claimed 13 lives and infected 239 individuals across two regions. Health authorities have launched an emergency vaccination campaign to contain the spread of this deadly disease. The cholera epidemic in Chad has escalated rapidly, with confirmed cases now exceeding 230, including 13 fatalities. The outbreak, which began in mid-June, has primarily affected the northern province of Hadjer Lamis and the capital city, N'Djamena. Authorities declared the epidemic on July 24 after identifying the first fatalities linked to the disease. In response, healt...
Patrice Talon pledges unity at Bénin’s first senate leadership
Politics

Patrice Talon pledges unity at Bénin’s first senate leadership

Bénin Patrice Talon pledges unity at Bénin's first senate leadership As the inaugural president of Bénin’s Senate for 2026-2031, Patrice Talon delivered his inauguration address, emphasizing national unity and collective responsibility. Key figures in this article Patrice Talon In his inaugural speech, Patrice Talon expressed deep gratitude to his peers for entrusting him and the elected bureau with the leadership of the newly established Senate. He highlighted the harmonious atmosphere that characterized the institution’s formation, calling it a testament to Bénin’s democratic progress. Addressing the Senate’s eldest member and all senators, he urged the creation of a robust communal dynamic rooted in responsibility, dignity, and the nation’s hig...
Patrice talon elected head of Benin’s historic first senate
Politics

Patrice talon elected head of Benin’s historic first senate

Benin’s former president Patrice Talon elected leader of the nation’s first senateLess than four months after concluding his presidential mandate, Patrice Talon assumes a new leadership role as president of Benin’s inaugural Senate. This landmark institution emerged from the 2025 constitutional reform aimed at modernizing the country’s political framework.Former Beninese president Patrice Talon was sworn in this Thursday as president of Benin’s first-ever Senate. The 2016–2026 head of state secured 24 of 25 votes, with one blank ballot recorded. Established following the November 2025 constitutional revision, the upper chamber began operations in late July and comprises 25 members, including former presidents and appointees selected by the head of state.A turning point for Benin’s politica...
Togo faces constitutional crisis amid regional outrage over 2024 reforms
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Togo faces constitutional crisis amid regional outrage over 2024 reforms

Togo’s constitutional tug-of-war: regional court delivers landmark ruling Lomé is now under the spotlight as a groundswell of African civil society voices demands decisive action from West African and continental bodies over the disputed constitutional amendments pushed through by President Faure Gnassingbé in 2024. In early August 2026, a coalition of forty-three civic organisations—spanning human rights defenders, legal scholars and grassroots movements—filed a joint appeal with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) calling for coercive measures to be imposed on Togo’s government. The petition follows a landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The tribunal ruled that the swift conversion of Togo’s political system from a presidential t...
Senegal new world bank funding boosts key sectors under president diomaye faye
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Senegal new world bank funding boosts key sectors under president diomaye faye

A landmark agreement between Dakar and the World Bank has unlocked a fresh injection of 340 billion West African CFA francs—roughly 598.4 million US dollars—earmarked for Senegal’s most critical sectors. On August 5, Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Vice President for West and Central Africa, met with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to formalize the funding package, underscoring the international lender’s renewed confidence in the reform agenda championed by the new administration. Funding to fast-track national priorities The financial boost targets high-impact initiatives across agriculture, transport, and resilience programs tailored for youth and women—key pillars of inclusive growth. These investments are designed to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and empower vulnerable commun...
Bénin: Patrice Talon takes the helm of the Senate’s inaugural leadership
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Bénin: Patrice Talon takes the helm of the Senate’s inaugural leadership

Historic vote in Porto-Novo ushers in new parliamentary era The Bénin Senate’s first-ever leadership team is now in place following a decisive vote held in Porto-Novo. On August 6, 2026, senators convened to elect the chamber’s top officials, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s establishment under the Constitution. Patrice Talon has been elected president of the Senate, taking charge of steering legislative proceedings, representing the chamber, and ensuring its smooth operation. His leadership sets the stage for the Senate’s full engagement in national governance. A four-member leadership team has been appointed to oversee key parliamentary functions. Louis Vlavonou steps into the role of vice-president, ready to support Talon and step in during any absence. Alassane Séidou h...
Cholera outbreak in Chad claims 13 lives
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Cholera outbreak in Chad claims 13 lives

Chad faces deadly cholera outbreak (N’Djamena) A cholera outbreak in Chad has claimed the lives of 13 individuals and infected 239 others since July, according to health authorities. Regional impact and ongoing response The outbreak has primarily affected two regions: the northern province of Hadjer Lamis and Chad’s capital, N’Djamena. By August 3rd, health officials confirmed 239 cases in a country of nearly 21 million people. Health authorities declared the epidemic on July 24th after the first fatalities were reported on June 13th. A vaccination campaign has already immunized 50,799 people, providing a critical defense against further spread. Challenges in water and sanitation Cholera, an acute diarrheal infecti...
Champions league referee assigned for olympic lyonnais clash
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Champions league referee assigned for olympic lyonnais clash

Champions League action referee named for Lyon versus Sparta Prague decider Poland's top official Szymon Marciniak will take charge of Tuesday evening's high-stakes Champions League return fixture between Olympique Lyonnais and Sparta Prague at Groupama Stadium (21:00 CET). After suffering a narrow first-leg defeat (2-1) in the Czech Republic last week, Paulo Fonseca's squad faces a must-win scenario. Lyon must secure at least a two-goal margin to progress without facing extra time—or risk an early exit from European competition. The UEFA's decision to appoint Marciniak underscores the significance of the tie. At 45, the Polish referee brings unmatched experience to Décines-Charpieu, having previ...
Patrice Talon elected Senate President in Benin
Politics

Patrice Talon elected Senate President in Benin

Historic milestone for Benin’s political landscape In a landmark session held at the National Assembly in Porto-Novo, Patrice Talon was elected as the first President of Benin’s newly inaugurated Senate on July 30, 2026. This pivotal moment marks the return of a bicameral system after decades of unicameral governance in the country. Unanimous support reshapes Benin’s governance The election reflected broad consensus among lawmakers, with Talon securing votes from across the political spectrum. His leadership was endorsed by both ruling party members and opposition figures, underscoring the significance of this transition. The newly formed Senate, composed of 83 members, replaces the former 109-seat Assembly, aligning with constitutional reforms implemented in 2019. This restructuring a...
Patrice talon elected president of Benin’s senate after decade leading nation
Politics

Patrice talon elected president of Benin’s senate after decade leading nation

Following a smooth transition of power to his successor Romuald Wadagni, former Beninese President Patrice Talon is making a strategic comeback to national politics by assuming the leadership of the Senate. Patrice Talon has officially been named the first-ever President of the Senate of Benin. The former head of state secured this position on August 6, 2026, during the inaugural session of the newly established upper house of Parliament, where he was elected by his peers. This appointment aligns with expectations from political analysts who anticipated Talon’s rise to this pivotal role. Once the leader of the Nouveau Départ movement, he now occupies the Senate presidency, a position born from the most recent constitutional amendments. Having governed the country for a decade before han...