Benin ‘greenlights’ exports of Niger’s oil following China’s mediation

Benin and Niger finally appear to have resolved their trade dispute following the mediation by the Chinese government, which has led Benin to lift the blockade preventing Niger’s oil export through its territory to China. Tensions between the two West African neighbors began last year after Niger’s ruling junta ousted the country’s democratically elected president […]

Chadian journalists face serious charges over alleged ties to Russia’s Wagner Group

Three Chadian journalists remain in pre-trial custody after being arrested earlier this month on charges of colluding with Russia’s Wagner paramilitary group, prompting warning about the government’s “broader crackdown” on critical voices in the landlocked Sahel country. The journalists, including Radio France Internationale’s Chad correspondent Olivier Monodji, are accused of espionage, conspiracy, and undermining Chad’s […]

China expands tariff-free access to African goods

China has announced plans to eliminate tariffs on nearly all imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, extending a previous policy that offered zero-tariff treatment to only 33 least-developed African nations. The announcement was made during a ministerial meeting in China’s city of Changsha, as African leaders gathered to review the […]