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.
On the eve of Romuald Wadagni’s much-anticipated swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon delivered a poignant address to the Nation. Having concluded his two constitutionally mandated terms, and following a politically dynamic period that included a thwarted coup attempt, the departing head of state reflected on a decade of […]
The Republic of Bénin has taken a significant stride forward in agricultural insurance, marked by the recent disbursement of 561.8 million FCFA to 94,905 rice and cotton farmers who experienced yield losses. This initiative reflects a broader transformation in how the nation addresses the vulnerabilities faced by agricultural producers. Protecting livelihoods in a climate-vulnerable sector […]
As the football world gears up for the upcoming transfer window, whispers of a potential swap deal involving Maghnes Akliouche are gaining traction. The French international, currently plying his trade at AS Monaco, has emerged as a prime target for Paris Saint-Germain, setting the stage for a high-stakes negotiation this summer. With Maghnes Akliouche set […]