In the heart of the Gulf of Guinea, Benin is fast becoming the backbone of regional commerce—solidifying its position as a logistics powerhouse between Cotonou’s bustling port and landlocked Niger. With a…
Author: Martin Ngu
Journalist
Houthi drone aimed at Mecca exposes growing threat to Saudi security and economy
The interception of a Houthi drone targeting the Mecca region has sent shockwaves through Saudi Arabia, underscoring both the immediate dangers to the kingdom’s sacred sites and the long-term economic repercussions. On…
Nigeria’s military campaign exposes jihadist fragility amid economic and humanitarian fallout
The Nigerian military’s relentless crackdown on jihadist factions in the Lake Chad region has delivered a staggering blow to Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), but the consequences…
Wadagni’s kigali visit: how gisozi memorial shapes Benin-Rwanda economic ties
KIGALI — Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni began a pivotal two-day official visit to Rwanda on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, marking his first diplomatic trip abroad since assuming office in May. The journey…
Burkina Faso: the Sankara family and the weight of Ibrahim Traoré’s memorial narrative
The legacy of Thomas Sankara has evolved into something far more consequential than a chapter of national history in Burkina Faso. It now occupies a central place in the political storytelling of…
Gao massacre: 167 civilians killed and over 127 motorbikes burned by Africa Corps near the Niger River
On the morning of Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the banks of the Niger River on the outskirts of Gao became the scene of a bloody attack attributed to Russian mercenaries from Africa…
Gabon’s public debt falls below 70% of GDP after audit
Gabon now has a clearer picture of its public debt. Following an audit launched by the state and closed on 31 December 2025, the consolidated stock has been set at 9,524.643 billion…
Gabon land digitisation: economy minister joins SNEDAI GROUPE protocol
Gabon’s land registry goes digital as economy ministry signs on Gabon has taken a decisive step toward modernising its land administration. The Minister of Economy has now joined the protocol agreement with…
Why Niger’s soldiers are abandoning the army: defections, shortages and Africa Corps killings
The military government of General Abdourahamane Tiani is losing its grip on the very institution that brought it to power. Across Niger’s barracks, mass desertions, chronic shortages and deadly clashes with Russian…
Back to school in Benin: classes resume nationwide on 14 September
Monday 14 September 2026 marks the official start of the new school year in Benin. Across the country, classrooms are coming back to life as pupils and teachers return. This reopening takes…
Burkina Faso’s TEXFORCES-BF: a high-stakes gamble with pensioners’ money
A flagship project built on retirement savings TEXFORCES-BF has been presented as a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s economic sovereignty and industrial ambitions, and official enthusiasm for the textile venture is unmistakable. Yet…
School meals in Benin reach 1.9 million children as government bets on social and economic returns
A daily hot meal for 1.9 million pupils Benin’s school canteen programme has entered a new phase. For the 2026-2027 academic year, around 1.9 million children now receive a hot meal on…