An “empire of drugs” flourishes in the heart of Central Africa, and the Russian paramilitary group Wagner is at its core. In the Republic of Central Africa, the illicit trade of tramadol has breathed new life into the group’s operations, transforming it into a dominant force in the region’s shadow economy.
The antalgic medication, typically prescribed for mild to moderate pain, is being repackaged and concentrated into a potent opioid. Often referred to as the “poor man’s cocaine”, this highly stimulating drug is flooding the country’s markets, with Wagner playing a central role in its distribution.
Paris Saint-Germain nears first summer signing with Aleksey Batrakov deal With the glow of their recent Champions League triumph still fresh, Paris Saint-Germain is already plotting their next moves in the transfer market. Their sights are set on a promising Russian talent, as the club races to bolster a squad that must remain competitive without […]
West Africa’s democratic crossroads: the term limits standoff The Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO) is facing its most serious internal rift in years, driven by a fundamental disagreement over presidential term limits. At the heart of the dispute, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Senegal have dug in their heels against Benin’s push for strict […]
The prominent commodity trader, Gunvor, finds itself once again under criminal investigation in Switzerland, this time concerning a substantial oil contract with Gabon, estimated at approximately one billion dollars. The proceedings, spearheaded by the Swiss Public Prosecutor’s Office, are meticulously examining the conditions under which the agreement for Gabonese crude oil lifting was awarded, alongside […]
