West African republic at a glance
Cameroon's 93-year-old leader has not returned from a prolonged overseas trip, triggering questions about governance, legitimacy and the country’s future leadership amid ongoing security and economic challenges.
Tanzania has 222,057 tonnes of seed cotton in 2025/26 and is pushing to keep more value at home by expanding spinning, weaving and garment manufacturing. The Nyamatara Industrial Zone is under development, with land compensation already paid and infrastructure underway. Government and private sector leaders say investment is needed to unlock domestic processing and create high-value jobs.
A total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 has passed across Greenland, Iceland and parts of northern Spain while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from Britain since 1999. Scientists have collected coronagraph and in‑flight data to study the Sun’s corona and short‑term atmospheric effects; safety warnings about direct viewing were widely issued.
The solar eclipse has triggered a surge in travel demand across Europe as destinations within the path of totality experience record room rates and bookings. Reykjavik, A Coruño, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela report sharp price increases, while authorities warn of heat and fire risks and a spike in road traffic. NASA and local observatories will live-stream the event to millions.
Manchester United has completed the €35 million signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after triggering his release clause, marking a key transfer in the club’s summer business. In his first extended media session, Tielemans notes a developing partnership with Bruno Fernandes and stresses his aim to contribute goals.
Malaga has equalised late to force a 2-2 draw with Fulham in a pre-season friendly. A stoppage-time spot-kick by Eneko Jauregi appeared to seal penalties, but disputes over a shootout led to both teams leaving the pitch under unclear terms. Fulham later contested the decision as a shootout was reportedly not in the contract.
Two AP News reports show striker Moreira has signed a five-year contract with Milan after moving from Strasbourg. The move forms part of Strasbourg’s broader financial shake-up following UEFA sanctions; Milan is reshaping its attack ahead of a Europa League campaign.
The International Criminal Court has faced intensified pressure as the United States expands sanctions against ICC officials and staff. Tomoko Akane, ICC President from Japan, says she will not bow to pressure, urging Japan to rally ICC partners while Washington signals possible further measures. The EU and allies defend ICC independence as Japan seeks to balance alliance dynamics.
Paris Saint‑Germain has moved its Ligue 1 opener against Rennes to Roazhon Park after declaring the Parc des Princes pitch unsafe following an extreme heatwave. The club has said it will replace the pitch before its next home game on Sept. 4. PSG has also completed several summer signings while selling high-value players to generate transfer revenue.
The UN Security Council has conducted a straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Rodrigues-Birkett leading the field, followed by Grynspan and Grossi. Several other contenders remain, and a formal vote in the General Assembly will determine the outcome. The process involves nine votes in the Council and potential vetoes by the five permanent members.
A live review from The Scotsman captures a fiery performance by a jazz artist, highlighting rhythmic energy, strong solos and a flamboyant closing. The piece reflects the critic’s impression of a dynamic quartet and a memorable finish.
Cameroon's sovereign credit profile faces renewed pressure as regional liquidity tightens and financing needs rise. Moody's has downgraded institutional strength and governance, while liquidity risk and higher debt burden constrain policy options. Growth is modest, but deficits and subsidy costs complicate financing.
Guinea‑Bissau has organised a constitutional referendum for 30 August 2026 that would replace its semi‑presidential system with a stronger presidency, cut parliament seats and raise candidacy fees ahead of planned December elections. Kazakhstan has held a vote to elect a new single‑chamber Kurultai under a constitution that allows President Tokayev to run for a seven‑year term; four other pro‑government parties have entered the 145‑seat legislature.
Across borders, six million Afghans have returned home since the Taliban takeover, as Pakistan and Iran tighten controls on undocumented migrants. New deportation flights and legal challenges intensify the crisis, with UNHCR warning of a scale unseen in recent history.
The Seoul Central District Court has found Han Hak-ja, 83, guilty of illegal political donations and bribery related to efforts to influence South Korea's political scene. The court has handed two-year sentences across involved parties, and related cases of Kim Keon Hee are noted with earlier and subsequent penalties.
Mutineers at Base 101 in Niamey have been neutralized with Russian Africa Corps ground and air support. The junta maintains control as investigations begin. Analysts warn of ongoing security risks and greater Moscow influence in the Sahel.
Liverpool has paid a record transfer fee for Barcola, a France international who has helped PSG win back-to-back Champions League titles. The move signals a shift in the market as Liverpool builds a high-priced attack around Isak and Wirtz, while PSG posts a hefty profit from Barcola’s sale.
City have secured Iliman Ndiaye on a five-year deal for £60m plus £5m in add-ons. The transfer caps City’s spending on the day after Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez move, while Everton and Tottenham see potential exits and other big deals stall.
The Ukraine international has resolved his doping case with the FA and is free to resume competition. Tottenham are the frontrunners to sign him, with Chelsea’s interest cooling, and Spurs are eyeing a Chelsea defender as part of the ongoing transfer chatter.
Gambia has faced prolonged power cuts since June, triggering street protests in Banjul and major towns. President Barrow has promised new generation capacity and solar power to restore the grid by end-October, while urging calm amid outages that have intensified during the hot season.
The International Criminal Court is confronting intensified pushback from the United States as multiple states weigh or enact withdrawals from the Rome Statute. Interim prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang says sanctions complicate operations, while some observers warn the court may be forced to alter procedures to preserve independence.
The flame for the Youth Olympic Games has left Athens and begun a 3,600-kilometre tour of Senegal. Dignitaries and a crowd in Dakar welcomed the flame, carried by women known as lingeer, as the IOC leader calls the ceremony a proud moment for Africa.
World Athletics has awarded Nairobi the 2029 World Championships, marking Africa’s first hosting of the event. Munich will stage 2031, while London and Rome miss out. Kenya touts upgrades to Kasarani Stadium and infrastructure as a historic milestone for African sport.
The United States has continued third‑country deportations, sending dozens of asylum seekers to Equatorial Guinea under opaque deals. Rights groups accuse authorities of retaliation and abuse, while lawyers say the transfers are part of a broader immigration crackdown.
Aminata Seck, a 26-year-old Senegalese student-athlete, has been detained by ICE after arriving at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport for an HBCU tournament. Her attorney says she may have missed a visa deadline due to back surgery and an ACL injury, while Seck remains in medical care and under detention, with a hospital transfer noted.
Projections show 451,000 additional heat-related deaths globally between June and February 2027, with Nigeria, Sudan, Niger and Chad bearing the heaviest impact. The Climate Impact Lab says emergency actions now can save tens of thousands of lives as El Niño intensifies.
France's captain Kylian Mbappé has sustained a knee issue after overextending in a shot, prompting his substitution. France has been forced to replace him with Désiré Doué, with Zidane stating the forward will return to Real Madrid for treatment. Belgium also beats Italy; Northern Ireland claim a dramatic win in Tbilisi.
A judge has granted Aminata Seck a $2,500 bond after she was detained at Louisville’s airport. ICE has not appealed the decision, and Seck is allowed to pursue her degree and athletic commitments while awaiting removal proceedings.
Senegal has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport after CAF ruled Morocco the champions following Senegal’s walk-off in Rabat. A CAS hearing in Lausanne is underway to determine the rightful winner of the title, with the next AFCON tournament looming.
Motsepe has defended Africa’s stance on AFCON, saying Africa’s interests are protected as CAF weighs returning to a two-year cycle. The plan has broad African support but faces leadership tensions while Infantino’s influence looms. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are set to host the next edition.
Madrid secures a 3-1 victory over Leipzig in the Champions League, with Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler scoring to extend their perfect European record. Mbappe adds a third before Leipzig replies; Diomande seals late third for Madrid. The result strengthens Madrid’s position ahead of La Liga Clasico with Barcelona.
Human Rights Watch reports a March 2026 amendment to Senegal’s penal code has intensified arrests and stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals. At least 212 people were arrested February–July 2026, with 82 charged for voluntary HIV transmission; activists warn the crackdown deters testing and treatment, threatening HIV responses amid broader penalties.
Formula One has signed a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix on a new, purpose-built FIA Grade 1 circuit in Bugesera, about 40km south of Kigali. The deal, announced in Kigali, has set the first race for the early 2030s and forms part of a wider development to drive tourism, jobs and motorsport training while prompting sportswashing concerns.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has begun deliberations after hearing Senegal’s challenge to CAF’s decision that Morocco was crowned 2025 AFCON champions. A full CAS ruling is expected by the end of November 2026, including legal grounds.
The Congo Ebola response has seen $962 million in donor funds disbursed since the outbreak began, but only about $200 million is accounted for on the ground. Authorities say operations have been restricted, with accreditation limited to 25 of nearly 100 organizations, and an investigation into missing funds is underway.
The Gambia Reparations Commission has received $2,573,414.10 from the sale of Yahya Jammeh’s Maryland mansion. The funds are deposited into the Reparations Fund at the Central Bank and will be used exclusively to compensate victims of abuses under Jammeh’s rule, which ended in 2017.
Organisers have moved the Dakar Rally from Saudi Arabia for 2027 to a different territory, with a location to be announced in coming days. A return to Saudi Arabia is planned for 2028 to mark the 50th edition, while security concerns and regional tensions weigh on the event.
The Youth Olympic Games have opened in Dakar with about 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 competing across 25 sports through Nov. 13. The ceremony celebrated Senegalese and African culture, while athletes, officials and dignitaries gather, highlighting Africa’s role in sport and diplomacy during a period of rising living costs.
CAF has reversed its December plan to run AFCON on a four-year cycle, reinstating a biennial schedule after an executive decision. Motsepe says the move advances African football and players, while concerns linger about the Africa Nations League timeline and funding. Next editions are set for 2027, 2028, 2031 and 2033 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with no AFCON in 2030.
The 49th Dakar Rally has been relocated from Saudi Arabia to Africa, with Algarve hosting the prologue and first stage and Morocco hosting 11 stages including a rest day in Agadir. The event runs January 9–23, 2027, covering 7,824 km, and will return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.
Poland has entered a constitutional crisis after judges backed by the parliamentary majority have suspended the Constitutional Tribunal’s president, Bogdan Świeczkowski, prompting street protests, police deployments and the return of President Karol Nawrocki from a foreign trip. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has defended the move as necessary to restore judicial independence; opponents call it a coup.
The government has said the Constitutional Tribunal is not independent in its current form, with authorities reporting police intervention and suspensions for top judges. President Nawrocki is returning to Warsaw to consult parties as tensions rise, while the zloty faces renewed pressure.