Spectators praised Senegal's preparations, expressing hope that the event would encourage other African countries to host major international competitions.

“Through Senegal, Africa is showing that it has the capacity to organise any major sporting event in the world ,” a spectator from Guinea said.

A Polish visitor also expressed optimism, suggesting the Games could pave the way for larger sporting events across the continent.

Running until November 13, the Games feature approximately 2,650 young athletes representing 204 national Olympic committees, alongside the first-ever Youth Refugee Olympic Team.

Athletes aged 14 to 17 will compete in 153 medal events across 25 sports, with competitions taking place in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

The Games also mark a milestone for gender equality, becoming the first Youth Olympics to achieve full gender parity across athlete quota places, sports, disciplines and events, according to the International Olympic Committee.

“I've set a clear goal that by 2030, raw mineral ores should no longer leave our shores,” he declared.

Mahama said Ghana had already banned exports of iron scrap and non-ferrous metals, with further restrictions on unprocessed ores to be introduced gradually.

Liberia's Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung called for stronger African cooperation on mineral policies , stressing the need for reliable electricity, infrastructure and skilled workers.

African Union Commissioner Francisca Tatchouop Belobe also urged African countries to transform their mineral wealth into competitive industries rather than continue exporting raw materials.

The initiative forms part of Mahama's agenda to strengthen domestic industries and ensure Ghana benefits more from its mineral resources.

“We should never have agreed to become the first test case, to serve as a guinea pig for a new system,” he said.

Sonko accused the government of abandoning the economic vision of his PASTEF party and questioned whether debt negotiations had taken place without his knowledge while he was Prime Minister.

He also condemned cuts to social spending and public investment, warning that they would further burden struggling Senegalese households.

“When you cut the investment budget by 555 billion CFA francs, what is left? We are no longer truly pursuing an investment policy ,” he said.

Senegal's debt crisis worsened after an audit uncovered billions of dollars in previously undisclosed borrowing, prompting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to suspend disbursements under its previous lending programme.

“Some media outlets are already beginning to speculate about the three countries’ desire to return to ECOWAS; this is an opportunity to reassure everyone that there is no truth in this,” Traoré said.

He explained that negotiations would focus on establishing a new legal framework to preserve trade , freedom of movement and other benefits previously enjoyed by citizens of both blocs.

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop reinforced the position, insisting that future negotiations must recognise AES and ECOWAS as separate regional organisations.

“These discussions with ECOWAS must, more than ever, take place within the framework of an entity-to-entity dialogue,” Diop said.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024, with their departure formally taking effect in January 2025.

The three military-led countries established the AES as a mutual defence alliance in 2023 before transforming it into a confederation in July 2024.

The fire reportedly affected structures around the Duraplast Ghana enclave and nearby residential areas in Avenor. Firefighters deployed several engines but initially struggled to reach the blaze, forcing crews to demolish structures blocking access.

Resident Makafui told Viory that he had been told the fire started after a gas cylinder was left inside a room, although authorities have not established the cause. He said businesses, vehicles and other property were damaged. "It has really affected everyone, not just the individuals around here, but the most important thing is the company. It has spoilt most products and stuff over there, and some cars are also burnt and stuff," he added.

Authorities have launched an investigation as emergency services work to determine the full extent of the casualties and damage.

The project will include mango plantations, processing facilities, and training and research centres, with more than 1,000 jobs expected to be created. Tourist accommodation is also planned.

Mane said he wanted the project to benefit local farmers, women, young people and families by creating jobs, developing agriculture and making better use of the area's land.

“We are sowing hope. We are sowing ambition,” he said. “Bambali gave me my roots. Bambali gave me my identity. Bambali gave me the courage to dream.”

The Al-Nassr forward has previously funded a school, hospital and other infrastructure projects in Bambali.

“We love our country, today and always,” organiser Hassana Soumaila said. “For us as Muslims, this is a duty. We have no weapons other than our prayers.”

The gathering came amid renewed tensions with France after Niger accused Paris of involvement in an August mutiny in Niamey, during which soldiers targeted the airport and presidential palace. France rejected the allegation as “pure fantasy”.

Relations have deteriorated sharply since Niger's July 2023 military takeover, after which France withdrew its troops and closed its embassy.

Niger also continues to battle jihadist violence and has strengthened ties with Russia since ending longstanding security partnerships with France and the United States .

“Niger is taking an important step in modernising official documents and strengthening the tools that serve the sovereignty, security and mobility of our citizens,” said Abdoul Kader Garba Moussa, Secretary-General of Niger's Interior Ministry.

Moussa said the new passport combines biometric and biographical data to strengthen protection against document fraud , identity theft and transnational threats.

“The AES biometric passport that we are launching today, more than simply the issuance of a travel document, represents a new generation of travel documents,” he said.

The common passport was introduced in January 2025, when Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso formally withdrew from ECOWAS. The three military -led countries have since expanded cooperation under the AES, including establishing a unified military force, a confederal investment bank and a confederal parliament.

“Africa is a brilliant promise of vitality for an aging world . With 60% of its population under the age of 25. By 2030, 42% of the world's youth will be African,” Lo said.

He added that the Senegalese president had placed particular importance on the success of Dakar 2026, describing the Games as “a true national ambition in service of our youth and the prestige of our country.”

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said seeing the flame arrive on African soil for the first time was an emotional moment.

“The ceremony in Athens was beautiful and it was very emotional. But I think today was even more emotional seeing the flame on African soil for the very first time,” Coventry said.

The Zimbabwean former Olympic champion also expressed confidence in Senegal's preparations, saying the venues would be ready and athletes would receive a warm welcome.

Coventry said she hoped the Games would give visitors an opportunity to experience Africa while inspiring young Africans to believe in their potential. “I know that those youngsters are going to be able to change the world in the future. So I hope this gives them a platform to be inspired and to believe they can do anything,” she said. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will take place in Senegal from October 31st to November 13th, 2026

General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka will replace Kiaou as army chief of staff, while the decree also reshuffles other senior posts in the Army and Air Force.

The changes follow the August 28-29 mutiny, when soldiers attacked Air Base 101 and other strategic sites across Niamey. State media said dozens of mutineers were killed or arrested before loyalist forces regained control.

Niger's government described the unrest as an attempted destabilisation and accused France of helping orchestrate it. Paris denied the allegation, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot calling it "pure fantasy."

Tiani has ruled Niger since the July 2023 military takeover as the country continues to battle jihadist violence .

"Senegal has simply become too expensive. There is rent, electricity and even food - everything is expensive," march co-organiser Bathie Drizzy said.

Residents said rising food prices were making even everyday Senegalese meals increasingly difficult to afford, while others called for stronger government regulation of prices in shops and markets.

The protest was held near the national electricity company, Senelec and formed part of the citizen-led "30 Days for Fair Prices" campaign, which encourages consumers to report excessive prices and pressure authorities to act.

Senegal is grappling with rising living costs, high unemployment and concerns over public debt, increasing pressure on households already struggling to meet everyday expenses.

"This operation, with international ramifications, was instigated and sustained by a vast network of collusion headed by Macron's French regime," Boubacar said.

He described the mutiny as an attempt to destabilise Niger and said authorities had compiled a "substantial body of evidence" concerning the alleged aggression.

"Niger is not waging war against any country and harbours no such intention," he said. "Niger reserves the right to bring proceedings before international courts."

The government has not publicly presented evidence linking France to the attempted coup. Paris had not responded to the latest accusation at the time of publication, while the French military previously declined to comment on similar claims aired by Nigerien state television.

The unrest began overnight on August 28-29, when mutinous soldiers attacked Air Base 101 at Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport and other sensitive sites, including the presidential palace. Government forces later said they regained control after hours of fighting.

The dispute follows a legal battle between the community and British energy giant Shell over its exit from Nigeria's onshore oil sector and alleged environmental damage in the region.

"Sometimes, it comes like hell's fire itself," said Bubaraye Dakolo, monarch of the kingdom, describing how wind spreads pollution from the flare.

Dakolo criticised a July ruling by the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, which dismissed his lawsuit seeking environmental remediation and compensation for more than 40 years of alleged damage. He has since appealed.

Shell has rejected claims that its operations are chiefly responsible for pollution in the Niger Delta, pointing to oil theft, pipeline sabotage and illegal refining as major causes. The company says it cleans up spills from its facilities regardless of cause.

Commission President Carmen Isaura Lobo announced the results in Bissau on Tuesday, saying 70 per cent of valid ballots supported the constitutional changes, while 30 per cent voted against them.

"The total number of valid votes is 544,070. The 'yes' vote received 383,117 votes, corresponding to 70 per cent. The 'no' vote received 160,904 votes, corresponding to 30 per cent. With this result, the 'yes' vote obtained the majority," Lobo announced.

According to the commission, 572,714 of Guinea-Bissau's 914,428 registered voters participated in Sunday's referendum.

Under the new constitution, the president will have greater control over the government , including the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet.

The changes will also reduce the National People's Assembly from 102 seats to 65.

Opposition parties and civil society groups had called for voters to boycott the referendum. They accused the military-led authorities of seeking to concentrate power in the presidency and questioned the legitimacy of the vote.

The referendum comes after the military takeover on November 26, 2025, a day before provisional results from disputed presidential and legislative elections were expected to be announced.

General elections are scheduled for December 6 as part of the country's transition back to civilian rule.

Another resident, Chamsiya Idrissa, said explosions continued through the night and were powerful enough to shake homes. Others said they were still waiting for official clarification about what had happened.

Defence Minister General Salifou Mody said a group of soldiers attempted to detain fellow officers at Diori Hamani International Airport, home to the key military airbase known as Base 101, before opening fire on "strategic locations" across the city.

The incident briefly disrupted radio and television transmissions, which the Nigerien Press Agency said resumed at around 10:00 local time. Mody said security forces had contained the unrest and gradually regained control of the affected sites, although sporadic gunfire continued.

The incident poses a challenge to Niger's military-led government under General Abdourahamane Tiani, who took power after President Mohamed Bazoum was removed in July 2023.

"The public is urged to remain calm and go about their daily business freely," the statement said.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported overnight in several parts of Niamey, including around Diori Hamani International Airport, where Base 101 is located, and the Plateau district, home to the presidential palace and other key institutions. The ministry's account of the soldiers' actions has not been independently verified.

Niger has been under military rule since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The authorities, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, have strengthened defence cooperation with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso as the region continues to face attacks by armed groups.

Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101 were targeted twice earlier this year, making the complex one of Niamey's most sensitive military sites.

"Yesterday, around 9 - 10 a.m., children , women and elderly men boarded a canoe to go to their farms. Unfortunately, the canoe capsized," eyewitness Salisu Umar Goronyo said, adding that at least 80 people were on board.

Survivor Abdullahi Karani said passengers and local residents worked to rescue victims after the boat overturned.

"We made efforts to rescue some of the victims before other people arrived to support us in the rescue operation, during which many bodies were recovered," he said. Goronyo said his family lost 10 relatives, adding that many of the victims were young women expected to marry this year.

The vessel capsized near Gorau in Goronyo Local Government Area while passengers were travelling to rice farms.

Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency later confirmed 52 deaths as rescue and recovery operations continued.

Residents later rallied in the streets, calling for justice over repeated violence in the region. Plateau State Commissioner of Police Faniyan Ayodeji said officers had been deployed and efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible.

"Everything will be done to track and arrest these wicked and callous criminals," Ayodeji said. "We have already started work and we are already getting results."

Youth leader Joseph Sunday Manset accused Fulani individuals of carrying out the attack and called on the government to designate those responsible as terrorists.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings and ordered increased surveillance and patrols in Bin-Per and other vulnerable communities in Mangu. He also urged residents to avoid retaliation and cooperate with security agencies.

Plateau State has experienced years of deadly violence, with disputes involving farming and herding communities repeatedly escalating into attacks. In June, police said at least 20 people were killed in an attack on the Kawel community in Bokkos Local Government Area.

South Sudan leads the continent with a staggering 34.4% projected GDP growth, fueled by a rebound in oil production and renewed peace efforts. Years of political instability had suppressed output, but recent developments suggest stabilisation is unlocking long-dormant economic potential. This exceptional rate, however, also reflects a base effect—growth rebounding from a low starting point.

In Senegal, the economy is forecast to grow by 8.6%, driven by its offshore oil and gas sector, set to come online in 2025. The G rand Tortue Ahmeyim gas project is expected to be a game-changer, attracting foreign investment and boosting fiscal revenues. Senegal's diversified strategy—including agriculture, fintech, and infrastructure—is earning global investor confidence.

Uganda comes in third with 7.2% growth, benefitting from infrastructure expansion and anticipated oil production starting in 2025. The AfDB underscores Uganda's investment in energy and transport corridors as key to stimulating trade and productivity.

Rwanda, long considered a reformist beacon, is expected to grow 7.1%, supported by strong tourism recovery, digital innovation policies, and ongoing public investment. Its performance reflects the East African region's broader momentum, which the AfDB forecasts will average 6.1% growth by 2026, with half its economies growing above 5%.

Niger, Togo, and Djibouti all project 6.9% growth, each leveraging different economic strategies:

Ethiopia and Benin are tied at 6.6%, with Ethiopia recovering from internal conflict and doubling down on industrial parks and manufacturing exports. Benin, meanwhile, is reaping benefits from trade liberalisation and regional integration policies.

Côte d'Ivoire rounds out the top 10 at 6.3%, reflecting strong agricultural exports , ongoing infrastructure development, and a stable investment climate.