news

On May 8th, the vibrant city of Dakar witnessed a significant stride towards economic empowerment with the official launch of the second phase of the Project for Support and Promotion of Women's and Youth's Entrepreneurial Initiatives, known as PAVIE II. This initiative, strategically rooted in the ambitious “Sénégal 2050” national development framework, boasts a substantial budget of €163.449 million. But what does this really mean for the people of Senegal? The essence of PAVIE II lies not just in numbers but in the…

Human Rights Watch has urged the Malian government to initiate a thorough and impartial inquiry into the tragic deaths of 22 men detained on May 12. The organization maintains these individuals fell victim to what they describe as "apparent extrajudicial executions." Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene: the bodies were discovered with their throats cut, buried in two shallow graves. The men were apprehended during a military operation in a town situated along the Niger River, an area often characterized by its…

In a significant development for international relations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently delivered a ruling concerning the islands of Mbanie, Conga, and Cocoteros. These tiny, sparsely populated landmasses now officially rest under the sovereignty of Equatorial Guinea, a resolution that puts a close to a territorial disagreement that has lasted for decades with Gabon. While these islands may seem inconsequential at first glance, they lie in waters believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, a detail that…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it initially opted not to proceed with a prosecution in the deeply troubling case of a seven-year-old girl, widely referred to as Cwecwe, who is alleged to have been raped. This decision was reportedly based on a lack of compelling evidence. Prosecutors highlighted that medical examinations, combined with interviews conducted, failed to establish irrefutable proof of rape or sexual assault. In April, Cwecwe's mother voiced her concerns, revealing that the police…

It’s an intriguing twist in the world of real estate when a mansion owned by a well-known figure stands empty, shrouded in controversy. The sprawling estate of Sean "Diddy" Combs, nestled in the luxurious Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, has been officially on the market since September 2024. Priced at a staggering $61.5 million, it carries not only its opulence but also an unfortunate association with serious allegations surrounding its owner. Spanning 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, this mansion…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week. Their agenda? A wide-ranging discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues that matter deeply to both nations. Yet, as the anticipation builds, so does the strain between their administrations. It's crucial to ask: what are the underlying currents driving this tension? The backdrop of this high-stakes meeting is a complex tapestry woven with threads of geopolitical dynamics and domestic policies. In…

In a significant turn of events, former President Ali Bongo and his family have arrived in Luanda, the vibrant capital of Angola, following their recent release from Gabonese authorities. This marks a pivotal moment for the Bongo family, who have endured tumultuous times since a coup deposed Ali Bongo and reshaping the political landscape of Gabon. The aftermath of the coup, which took place in August 2023, saw tragic repercussions for many. Among those affected were Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo, Ali's wife and son, who…

In a poignant moment of cultural restoration, Finland has returned a ceremonial stool known as the kataklè to Benin. This act of restitution follows over 130 years since the piece was taken by French troops and subsequently transferred to the National Museum of Finland. The three-legged royal chair, emblematic of the former Kingdom of Dahomey, resurfaced after a diligent investigation into its whereabouts. The stool, an integral part of Dahomey’s royal heritage, had been in storage in Finland since 1939, following an…

Tidjane Thiam, a prominent figure in Ivorian politics, has unexpectedly resumed his role as the leader of the country’s foremost opposition party. This surprising turn of events occurred just days after he had stepped down from the position. Following legal complications that emerged with his presidential aspirations for the upcoming October elections, Thiam initially announced his resignation from the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire - African Democratic Rally. At 62, his political journey has taken a tumultuous path,…

The commitment of the Trump administration to bolster U.S. exports to Africa is not merely a political statement; it is a clarion call for transformation. “We aim to elevate U.S. exports and investments in Africa, eliminate trade deficits, and foster mutual prosperity,” shared Ambassador Troy Fitrell, currently leading the Africa Bureau at the State Department. His remarks were made during an American Chambers of Commerce gathering in the vibrant city of Abidjan, a place rich with opportunity yet often overlooked. This…