Afrique

In today's edition: The week ahead, CMA, dangerous vapes

Afin d’augmenter le nombre de départs volontaires des personnes en situation irrégulière, la France a porté le montant de l’Aide au Retour Volontaire (ARV) à […]

L’article La France augmente l’aide au retour volontaire : jusqu’à 3 500 € pour quitter le pays est apparu en premier sur .

Après quelques jours de répit, le calme météo cède déjà du terrain. La stabilité observée sur une grande partie du pays laisse place à un […]

L’article Météo Algérie : retour de la pluie ce lundi 8 décembre, voici les wilayas en alerte ! est apparu en premier sur .

In today's edition: Telecom Council wrap-up, omnibus hawks, cloud sovereignty push & pull

In today's edition: omnibus deregulation, grid expansion, 2035 car-ban, corporate sustainability clash

Après la tentative de déstabilisation du regime démocratique au Bénin, hier dimanche 7 décembre 2026, le Président de l'Assemblée nationale, Louis Vlavonou n'a pas hésité à condamner fermement la tentative de remise en cause de l'ordre républicain. Par la même occasion il rassure que les institutions fonctionnent normalement.

Lire l'intégralité de sa déclaration :

Chères Béninoises, chers Béninois,

En ma qualité de Président de l'Assemblée nationale, je condamne avec la plus grande fermeté la tentative de déstabilisation intervenue ce dimanche 07 décembre 2026.

Notre pays a résolument choisi la paix, la démocratie et la stabilité. Rien ne saurait justifier des agissements qui visent à compromettre la quiétude nationale et à fragiliser nos institutions.

Je lance un appel solennel au calme et à l'apaisement. Le Bénin reste debout, fidèle à son idéal républicain. Sous la clairvoyance et la constance du Président de la République, garant de nos institutions, notre démocratie a su montrer une fois de plus sa solidité face à l'épreuve.

Je voudrais exprimer mes félicitations les plus chaleureuses et ma profonde gratitude aux éléments des Forces de Défense et de Sécurité. Leur sang-froid, leur loyauté et leur professionnalisme ont permis de préserver l'intégrité de la République et d'assurer la continuité de l'État. Ils ont été, encore une fois, à la hauteur de leur serment et de l'attente du peuple béninois.

Je rassure enfin nos concitoyens que les institutions fonctionnent normalement et que toutes les dispositions utiles sont prises pour garantir la sécurité et la libre circulation de chacun.

Restons unis, vigilants et profondément attachés à notre patrie.

Vive la République !

Vive le Bénin !

Depuis l'effondrement mortel de l'auvent de la gare de Novi Sad, le 1er novembre 2024, la Serbie se soulève contre la corruption meurtrière du régime du président Vučić et pour le respect de l'État de droit. Cette exigence de justice menée par les étudiants a gagné tout le pays. Suivez les dernières informations en temps réel et en accès libre.

- Le fil de l'Info / Courrier des Balkans, Vucic, Serbie, Politique, Société, Gratuit

Les détracteurs estiment qu'Infantino et Trump entretiennent des relations trop étroites, ce qui donne l'impression que l'instance dirigeante du football mondial s'aligne sur le mouvement Make America Great Again (MAGA) et soutient ce que beaucoup considèrent comme une administration qui encourage la division.

Plus Saab's surveillance planes, the future of FCAS, and the week ahead

In today's edition: This week's agenda

L'édition 2025 du programme Top Sécurité organisée par la Centrale des Syndicats des Conducteurs de Taxi-Moto du Bénin (CESYCOTAM), avec l'appui de la Société de Gestion des Déchets et de la Salubrité (SGDS SA) a été clôturée, ce vendredi 5 décembre à Porto-Novo.

Faire des conducteurs de taxi-moto des acteurs pleinement responsables de la sécurité routière. C'est l'objectif de l'édition 2025 du programme Top Sécurité initié par la Centrale des Syndicats des Conducteurs de Taxi-Moto du Bénin (CESYCOTAM) du 21 novembre au 5 décembre. « Nous constatons des comportements déviants sur nos routes. Certains conducteurs de taxi-moto consomment des produits pour conduire et provoquent beaucoup d'accidents », a souligné le secrétaire général de la CESYCOTAM, Damas Djehounkpété. Il a insisté sur l'urgence de corriger les comportements déviants qui compromettent la sécurité sur les routes tels que les vitesses excessives, consommation de produits dopants, incivisme envers les agents de salubrité et insouciance face aux règles du Code de la route.

De bonnes pratiques pour protéger les agents de la SGDS

Antoine Avossè a axé sa communication sur les comportements indispensables pour garantir la sécurité des agents de la SGDS (balayeurs, éboueurs, chauffeurs de camions) particulièrement exposés aux risques dans la circulation. Selon le représentant de la SGDS, les conducteurs de taxi-moto roulent trop près des camions de collecte des déchets. « Lorsque vous apercevez nos camions, gardez la distance de sécurité qu'il faut », a déclaré Antoine Avossè. Il a également mis en garde contre les dépassements risqués et a invité au respect des balisages des balayeurs. « Lorsque vous voyez le balisage de loin, ralentissez immédiatement », a-t-il conseillé.

La seconde communication, assurée par la représentante du directeur départemental de la Santé, Judith Anagonou a expliqué les effets destructeurs des produits psychotropes. Elle a relevé le lien direct entre dopage et accidents graves.

Le directeur adjoint départemental de la police Républicaine de l'Ouémé, Gérard Houngninou, a rappelé le rôle central des zémidjans dans la sécurité publique. Il a invité au respect du Code de la route, du port du casque et la vigilance face aux suspects.

Le représentant de la mairie de Porto-Novo a félicité les participants et réaffirmé l'engagement de la commune à soutenir toutes les initiatives visant à promouvoir la sécurité et la citoyenneté. « Je voudrais former le vœu que les enseignements reçus se traduisent en attitude exemplaire sur nos routes et dans notre vie quotidienne », a-t-il ajouté.

Selon la préfète de l'Ouémé, Marie Akpotrossou, les thèmes développés dans le cadre de l'exécution de l'édition 2025 Top sécurité sont en phase avec le Programme d'Action du gouvernement du président Patrice Talon qui fait de la sécurité, de la santé et de l'assainissement de notre environnement ses grandes préoccupations. Elle a souligné la nécessité d'instaurer une coopération solide entre les conducteurs de taxi-moto et la police républicaine.

Dr Akintola Mouhamed, représentant la marraine Claudine Prudencio, a rappelé le rôle essentiel des zémidjans dans la cohésion sociale. « Vous êtes les premiers garants des déplacements sécurisés. Votre discipline peut sauver des vies », a-t-il déclaré. Il a salué l'initiative et invité les conducteurs de taxi-moto à adopter des comportements responsables.

Akpédjé Ayosso

Les deux officiers des Forces Armées béninoises pris en otage par les mutins après l'échec de la tentative de putsch dimanche dernier ont été libérés.
Le Chef d'État Major de l'armée de terre, Abou Issa et le Chef d'État Major de la Garde nationale, Faïzou Gomina, pris en otages par les mutins, sont libérés, selon les dernières informations.
La traque se poursuit pour arrêter les auteurs et complices de cette tentative de coup d'Etat contre le régime du président Patrice Talon.

La Commission de la CEDEAO a annoncé le déploiement de forces en attente au Bénin en soutien à l'Armée béninoise pour préserver l'ordre constitutionnel dans le pays. L'annonce a été faite à travers un 2e communiqué publié dans la journée du dimanche 07 décembre 2025.

Des forces en attente de la CEDEAO au Bénin. L'organisation sous régionale a fait l'annonce ce dimanche 07 décembre 2025, suite à la tentative de cpoup d'Etat déjoué par l'Armée béninoise. La force régionale selon le communiqué de la CEDEAO, sera composée de troupes provenant de la République fédérale du Nigéria, de la République de Sierra Leone, de la République de Côte d'ivoire, et de la République du Ghana.
« Le force soutiendra le gouvernement et l'Armée républicaine du Bénin afin de préserver l'ordre constitutionnel et l'intégrité territoriale de la République du Bénin », précise le communiqué.
L'organisation sous régionale avait condamné à travers un premier communiqué, la tentative de coup de force visant à renverser l'ordre constitutionnel au Bénin.

F. A. A.

La Conférence épiscopale au Bénin (CEB), a condamné la tentative de coup d'Etat survenue ce dimanche 07 décembre 2025. A travers un communiqué, les évêques du Bénin ont exprimé leur « proximité spirituelle et morale » au Chef de l'Etat Patrice Talon et à son entourage, aux personnes affectées ainsi qu'aux familles éprouvées. « Ils confient à la miséricorde de Dieu les victimes de cette tragédie ».

Lire l'intégralité du communiqué de la CEB

La Syrie a reconnu le Kosovo et d'autres pays musulmans pourraient suivre, comme le Liban ou l'Azerbaïdjan. Pristina, qui a reconnu Israël et ouvert une ambassade à Jérusalem, pourrait profiter d'une redéfinition des rapports de forces au Proche Orient, dictée par Washington.

- Articles / Balkans Syrie, indépendance Kosovo, Israël-Palestine , Courrier des Balkans, Kosovo, Relations internationales, USA Balkans, Une - Diaporama, Une - Diaporama - En premier

Credit: Roman023_photography / shutterstock.com

By Jordan Ryan
Dec 8 2025 (IPS)

&nbsp
Established democracies are exhibiting governance stresses that were once associated primarily with fragile and conflict-affected states. Polarisation is weakening institutional trust, fragmenting civic norms, and reducing societies’ ability to solve problems collectively. This is the new fragility. At the same time, governments and civil society organisations are adopting digital tools to support public participation. These deliberative technologies hold real promise, but in polarised environments they also carry risks. Their success depends on the same principles that have guided peacebuilding efforts for decades.

Across regions, the political landscape has shifted in ways that mirror dynamics familiar from post-conflict settings. Deepening identity rifts, distrust of institutions, and competing factual narratives are reshaping public life in countries long regarded as stable. Polarisation is no longer a peripheral concern; it has become a structural condition of governance. When institutions lose legitimacy and fear becomes a central organising force, formal capacity alone is insufficient to maintain stability.

In this environment, deliberative technologies are being introduced with the expectation that they can expand participation and strengthen decision-making. These systems are designed for structured listening and collaborative problem-solving. Yet many are deployed in contexts marked by distrust, grievance, and political contestation. Digital participation cannot succeed if it is layered onto institutions already viewed as partisan or unresponsive. Without the operating disciplines of peacebuilding, these tools risk amplifying the very divisions they aim to mitigate.

The dynamics of polarisation shape this new fragility in three interconnected ways. First, political allegiance is increasingly tied to perceived identity threat. Affective polarisation has become a defining feature of public life, narrowing the space for compromise. Second, fragmented information ecosystems reward outrage and accelerate the spread of misinformation, leaving citizens with incompatible understandings of basic facts. Third, institutions responsible for moderating conflict—courts, election bodies, public administrators, and independent media—are being reframed as partisan actors. When these bodies lose legitimacy, societies fall into conflict-habituated patterns in which escalation becomes predictable and attempts at compromise appear suspect.

Recent developments in the United States illustrate how these pressures unfold in a consolidated democracy. Executive actions that centralised administrative power, weakened professional civil service structures, and transformed technical governance issues into cultural battlegrounds created conditions more familiar from fragile states than from established democracies. Large-scale civil service layoffs reduced institutional memory and policy capacity. Oversight mechanisms were politicised. Rules governing public sector technology, including artificial intelligence, became instruments of ideological conflict rather than public stewardship. Similar patterns are emerging elsewhere, revealing how fragile the foundations of democratic governance can become when institutions are systematically undermined.

To address this new fragility, deliberative technology must be regarded as a governance challenge, not a technical solution. A peacebuilding-informed framework offers practical guidance built on three essential foundations. First, governance must take precedence over gadgets. Deliberative platforms are never neutral; their design, oversight, and data management all structure power and influence. Democratic systems require transparent decision rules and independent oversight. Mechanisms such as multi-stakeholder oversight bodies or community data trusts can institutionalise accountability and ensure that deliberation remains a civic rather than commercial function.

Second, impact measurement must replace engagement metrics. Participation numbers do not reflect democratic value. What matters is whether public input shapes institutional decisions in clear and traceable ways. Demonstrating this link is essential for rebuilding trust. Without it, digital participation becomes symbolic and can deepen cynicism.

Third, the peacebuilding lens must serve as an essential safeguard. Peacebuilding offers practical disciplines vital in polarised environments. Conflict sensitivity demands careful assessment of power dynamics before platform deployment. Trauma awareness helps ensure emotional safety. Inclusion requires active, not passive, measures to bring marginalised voices into decision-making. Sequencing recognises that facilitated dialogue may be needed before deliberation in highly polarised contexts.

Translating these principles into practice requires several concrete priorities. Public agencies should adopt procurement standards that require open-source platforms, transparent algorithms, and independent oversight of deliberation data. Funders should assess deliberative initiatives based on democratic impact rather than uptake or engagement metrics, using accountability scorecards to track the link between public input and institutional action. Professionalising the role of digital facilitators—through training in conflict sensitivity, power analysis, and trauma-aware engagement—would strengthen the quality and safety of online deliberation.

The boundary between “fragile” and “stable” democracies is no longer clear. Polarisation acts as a form of systemic fragility that erodes institutions from within. If this is the defining governance challenge of the current moment, then peacebuilding must become a central democratic skillset. The question isn’t whether to embrace digital participation tools, but how to ground them in governance practices that enable societies to manage conflict constructively.

Looking ahead, the test cases are already emerging. From citizen assemblies addressing climate policy to AI-powered platforms promising to revolutionise public consultation, each new deployment offers an opportunity to apply these lessons. The Toda Peace Institute’s forthcoming Barcelona workshop on deliberative technology and democratic governance exemplifies how practitioners are beginning to integrate these approaches. By focusing on governance rather than gadgets, on impact rather than engagement, and on peacebuilding principles as essential safeguards, digital participation can contribute to a more resilient democratic future. The alternative—continued techno-solutionism without the wisdom of conflict management—risks accelerating the very fragmentation these tools promise to heal.

Other articles by this author:
The Empire Has No Clothes: America’s Democratic Sermons and the Authoritarian Boomerang
Weaponisation of Law: Assault on Democracy
A Vicious Spiral: Political Violence in Fragile Democracies
Reluctant Truth-Tellers and Institutional Fragility

Jordan Ryan is a member of the Toda International Research Advisory Council (TIRAC) at the Toda Peace Institute, a Senior Consultant at the Folke Bernadotte Academy and former UN Assistant Secretary-General with extensive experience in international peacebuilding, human rights, and development policy. His work focuses on strengthening democratic institutions and international cooperation for peace and security. Ryan has led numerous initiatives to support civil society organisations and promote sustainable development across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. He regularly advises international organisations and governments on crisis prevention and democratic governance.

This article was issued by the Toda Peace Institute and is being republished from the original with their permission.

IPS UN Bureau

 

Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');  

With collective commitment, Africa can shift from potential to powerhouse—and reshape global industrial landscapes. Two former students of the Zambian Industrial Training Academy, established with the support of UNIDO and other partners, work at an engineering company. Credit: UNIDO
 
When the world marked Africa Industrialization Day in November, UNIDO Director General, Gerd Müller reflected on the continent’s progress and the urgent investments needed to drive sustainable, competitive industrial growth. In this op-ed, he outlines why Africa stands at a defining moment—and what must happen next to unlock its full industrial potential.

By Gerd Müller
VIENNA, Austria, Dec 8 2025 (IPS)

Africa enters 2025 at a pivotal moment in its development. The ambition to transform the continent’s economies through sustainable industrialization, regional integration, and innovation is clearer than ever, and is picking up pace. The foundations are being laid. Industrial strategies are expanding, regional integration is progressing, infrastructure projects are advancing, and a young, dynamic private sector powers local economies.

Africa’s GDP growth remains among the highest globally, with more than 20 countries expected to have exceeded 5% growth in 2025. Manufacturing value added has increased in several sub-regions, and new investments in green energy, digital connectivity, and agro-industrial value chains are taking root.

Gerd Müller

We need to capture this moment.

What is slowing us is that this progress is fragmented and uneven. Manufacturing accounts for just over 10% of GDP across the continent. More than 60% of industrial output comes from low-value sectors. Trade costs remain roughly 50% higher than global averages and reliable electricity access still reaches only 48% of Africa’s population.

Although Africa is responsible for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is among the hardest hit by the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, commitments to climate finance and fairer credit conditions have not been fully met.

Borrowing costs remain high for African economies, which limits their capacity to invest in the infrastructure, energy systems, and industrial ecosystems needed to compete fairly in global markets.

The truth is that Africa has all the ingredients for industrial transformation. The continent holds abundant mineral reserves, including more than 30% of global cobalt, yet captures less than 1% of global battery production.

Africa added 2.4 gigawatts of new solar capacity in 2024 and renewable energy now accounts for nearly 15% of total installed capacity. The digital economy is expanding rapidly, with internet penetration reaching 44% and with 12% of manufacturing firms adopting digital tools.

Africa’s population, with a median age under 20 years in many countries, is one of the strongest assets for future industrial development. Fertile land, expanding urban centers, and growing innovation ecosystems point to a future in which Africa could become one of the world’s most competitive industrial regions.

What remains missing is not ambition or potential but investment on time and at scale to unlock this transformation. Infrastructure gaps continue to impede value chain development. Industrial parks, logistics systems, ports, and energy corridors need sustained and coordinated financing.

Regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area offers a historic opportunity to expand intra-African trade and strengthen continental value chains, yet this requires harmonized standards, lower logistics costs, and the full operationalization of continental instruments.

Development assistance can help build regulatory capacity and institutional capabilities, but it cannot substitute for the long-term investment needed to build industries that create jobs and drive structural transformation.

This is where the upcoming Fourth Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA IV, 2026-2035) provides a renewed strategic framework to accelerate and transform the continent’s industrialization efforts, in line with Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda.

Championed by the African Union Commission, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, UNIDO and other partners, IDDA IV aims to leverage innovation, investment and integration to transform Africa into a global production base, one that is competitive, green, and digitally enabled.

At a national level, UNIDO’s Programmes for Country Partnership (PCPs) offer a compelling vehicle for industrial rise. PCPs support governments and the private sector in identifying priority value chains, mobilizing domestic and international investors, strengthening policy and institutional frameworks, and developing the skills needed to build strong and sustainable institutions.

They bring together government, development partners, the private sector, and financial institutions around a shared industrial vision. They help create the enabling conditions that lower investment risks and accelerate the expansion of competitive industries.

Under the strength of this approach, governments and partners mobilized both public and private investment, to develop agro-industrial parks and agro-poles. PCPs have also helped deepen support for agro-processing clusters, creating jobs for youth and women, and have raised the competitiveness of the private sector.

The PCP approach shows that when industrial priorities, investment promotion, skills development, and infrastructure are advanced together, the results can be transformative and durable.

Africa’s industrial future is within reach. The frameworks are in place. The continental vision is clear. What is needed now is intentional investment that matches Africa’s potential. Fairer credit conditions, stronger climate finance delivery, and deeper regional cooperation will be essential to move from plans to large-scale implementation.

The private sector, responsible for the vast majority of jobs and investment, will continue to be a critical driver of job creation and innovation if it is supported with the right infrastructure, policies, and market opportunities.

Africa will not be transformed by speeches. It will be transformed by coherent action and long-term investment. The continent has the resources, talent, and vision required to stand among the world’s leading industrial regions. What is needed now is a collective commitment to scale what works and support Africa’s ambition to industrialize sustainably and competitively.

Source: Africa Renewal, United Nations

IPS UN Bureau

 

Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');  

In Monday's edition: Mogherini’s ‘weird’ grant, E3 meets, Hamas questions, migration, budget brawl

Donald Trump says white South Africans are being persecuted and so qualify for asylum but black farmers are also being killed.

Posts running the European Parliament's work on the most controversial part of the 2028-2034 budget draft are up for grabs