Ras Sankara, a Togolese performance artist, uses the street as his stage to address social injustices and human rights issues. Known for his impactful performances, he draws inspiration from Rastafarianism and pays homage to Thomas Sankara. Despite facing challenges from authorities, he continues to perform and organize the annual L’Émomé Art festival in Lomé, promoting art as a means of social change.

Nathalie Manzinèwè Bitho, appointed on January 5, 2021, as the president of the special consular delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Togo (CCI-Togo), is tasked with reforming the institution. Known for her dedication and passion for entrepreneurship, Bitho, who also manages the International Investment Corporation, emphasizes the importance of hard work and leadership, disregarding gender biases in her professional journey.

The book 'Les protéines' provides essential knowledge for students on proteins, covering their properties, structure, composition, roles, and cellular destiny. It includes detailed sections on amino acids, protein structures, and the biological roles and degradation of proteins. Published by Dunod, it is part of the 'Les Petits Experts Sciences' collection and is aimed at students from high school to undergraduate level.

At the midpoint of Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé's fourth term, Lomé appears to withstand regional and international crises. The article examines the reasons for this resilience and the challenges Togo must address in the short and medium term. The long-delayed regional elections are expected to take place in 2023, followed by senatorial and legislative elections. A new census with full biometric data collection is planned before the elections. The regional elections represent the final step in Togo's decentralization process, following the municipal elections held in June 2019.

The École africaine des métiers de l’architecture et de l’urbanisme (EAMAU) in Lomé, Togo, stands out for its significant contributions to architecture and urban development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 1976 and currently directed by Malian architect Moussa Dembélé, the institution hosts around 800 students from various African countries. It offers a range of programs including bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture, urban planning, and urban management, as well as specialized master's degrees in sustainable transport and urban mobility.

Baguida and Agoè, two communes in Lomé, Togo, are gaining attractiveness as the capital expands. Baguida, located on the coast and on the road to Benin, is known for its beaches, cafes, hotels, and secondary residences. Agoè, in the north of Lomé, features shops, restaurants, and parks. Both areas have benefited from the decentralization efforts initiated in 2019, which aim to involve local populations in the development of their living environment. The growth of these communes is also attributed to the improvement of the road network, including the bypass road planned since 2010.

The Lopé-Okanda National Park in Gabon, covering 5,000 km², is highlighted for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, including verdant hills, forests, savannas, and the prominent Mount Brazza. Located 400 km west of Libreville, the park is accessible by train or a rugged road, soon to be replaced by the Transgabonaise corridor, which has been rerouted to protect this natural treasure.

Several inspiring entrepreneurs have emerged in Togo, overcoming challenges such as limited access to financing and international competition. Jeune Afrique highlights Aimée Abra Tenu-Lawani, who founded SetP Cosmétiques naturels in Kpalimé, producing ethical and organic products under the brand Kari Kari. Her company has achieved a turnover of 18 million CFA francs.

Gabon has undertaken significant measures to reduce its public sector workforce and address inefficiencies, including biometric registration to eliminate ghost workers. Despite efforts such as salary reductions, early retirements, and a hiring freeze, the financial savings have not met expectations. The government faces criticism for ongoing inefficiencies and corruption, with calls for greater transparency and better management of public funds. The economic strain is exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, impacting the state's budget and delaying further reforms.

Gabon faces economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant drop in budget and financing resources for 2021. The country is attempting to diversify its economy away from oil, focusing on sectors like wood and agriculture. Despite high public debt, efforts are being made to stimulate economic recovery through projects like the Transgabonaise and the Nkok special economic zone. Politically, speculation surrounds the 2023 presidential election, with attention on President Ali Bongo Ondimba's health and the rising profile of his son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin.

Gabon maintains long-term relationships with private groups like Olam, Comilog, and Perenco to support its economic projects amid frequent ministerial changes. Olam has significantly invested in Gabon's infrastructure, while Comilog remains a dominant player in the mining sector. Perenco has become a key operator in the oil industry, though concerns about transparency and environmental impact persist. The alignment of private interests with political will is crucial for Gabon's development, despite challenges such as political instability and corruption.

Since November 2018, ride-hailing services similar to Uber have been operating in Lomé, Togo, with Gozem being a prominent player founded by entrepreneurs Raphaël Dana, Emeka Ajene, and Gregory Costamagna. Gozem offers various transportation options through its app and has expanded into e-commerce and meal delivery services, recently acquiring DeliVroum. The company plans to expand into other Francophone Sub-Saharan African countries. Local competitors like Vacom and Olé, the latter launched by Chinese group Dayang Leopard, offer alternative services with different pricing models. Gozem's market-aligned pricing strategy has not significantly disrupted the market, but it is recognized for providing quality and safe services, particularly with its GPS tracking system.

In 2019, Togo was among the top-performing countries in Africa for improving the business climate. However, the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected sectors like hospitality and commerce, while agriculture has shown resilience. Laurent Tamegnon, founder of Sanecom International and president of CNP-Togo, highlights the challenges faced by SMEs, which constitute 80% of the country's economic development. He emphasizes the need for direct, immediate, and temporary state aid to support these businesses and their employees. Despite government measures to provide fiscal, economic, and social relief, SMEs struggle with access to credit and support compared to larger enterprises. The CNP-Togo continues to advocate for a comprehensive recovery plan for SMEs and female entrepreneurship, aiming to prevent business closures and maintain employment levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food price inflation in Gabon, a country heavily reliant on food imports due to its oil-focused economy. In response, the government launched the Graine program in 2014 to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2030, partnering with Singapore's Olam to develop the palm oil sector. Despite initial setbacks and misunderstandings about the program's financial support, recent efforts have improved distribution and market access. The African Development Bank provided a significant loan to support the initiative, although some funds were redirected to combat COVID-19. The agricultural sector still faces challenges, including infrastructure issues and the need to attract younger farmers.

In Gabon, Christian leaders are challenging the government's COVID-19 restrictions on religious gatherings, with Catholic and Protestant leaders planning to reopen churches on October 25, despite the government's directive to wait until October 30. Archbishop Jean-Patrick Iba-Bâ and other religious figures argue that the restrictions are overly controlling and unfair compared to those on markets and schools. The government insists on strict measures, including limited attendance and electronic tithing. Meanwhile, the Muslim community has welcomed the reopening of mosques, praising the government's decision.

President Denis Sassou-Nguesso's new term in the Republic of Congo has been marred by violence, with opposition strongholds in Brazzaville and Pool experiencing military attacks. The re-election, which extended his decades-long rule, has been widely criticized as illegitimate by opposition candidates and international bodies, including the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union. Human rights groups have reported significant military actions against opposition areas, and the international community has expressed dismay over the election's lack of transparency.

French rapper Médine uses his music to address social issues and give voice to marginalized youth in France's low-income housing projects. His work, which includes satirical elements, often faces criticism and accusations of fundamentalism, contrasting with the respect given to other forms of satire like that of Charlie Hebdo. Médine and other hip-hop artists of Arab or African descent are increasingly clashing with France's far-right, which is hostile towards migrants and Muslims.

Leila Alaoui, a French-Moroccan photographer known for her evocative work on migration and cultural identity, died from injuries sustained in a terrorist attack in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. She was 33. French culture minister Fleur Pellerin confirmed her death. Jean-Luc Monterosso, director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, praised her as one of the most promising photographers of her generation. Alaoui was shot while parked outside a cafe and later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital.

A series of terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists in Burkina Faso, Indonesia, Iraq, and Turkey resulted in numerous civilian deaths, leaving families and communities in shock. The attacks targeted soft locations such as shopping malls and tourist areas, underscoring the militants' aim to spread terror globally. The United Nations reported a staggering number of Iraqi deaths over a 22-month period, highlighting the widespread impact of such violence.

Citizens of the Central African Republic participated in long-delayed elections, marking a significant step towards reuniting the country after years of sectarian violence. Heavy voter turnout was observed, with United Nations peacekeepers and African Union election monitors ensuring security. The elections, which include both presidential and parliamentary votes, follow a recently approved new Constitution. Pope Francis's recent visit to Bangui highlighted the importance of these elections for the country's future.

France, despite facing numerous internal struggles including terrorist attacks and a weak economy, successfully hosted a landmark climate change agreement involving 195 nations. President François Hollande and Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius were key figures in the negotiations, which were seen as a significant step in addressing global warming. The event showcased France's resilience and earned international goodwill, though its impact on domestic politics remains uncertain. The climate deal may help the Socialist government mend ties with the Green Party but is unlikely to significantly boost Hollande's standing amid high unemployment and economic challenges. The extreme right-wing National Front continues to pose a political threat, capitalizing on recent crises.

In Hambach, France, workers at the Smart car factory face a critical decision on whether to accept a pay cut and longer workweek in exchange for job security for five years. The proposal, aimed at boosting competitiveness, has caused a divide among employees and strong resistance from unions. The outcome of the vote, expected to be accepted by a majority, will determine the future of the factory and its impact on the local community.

Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Front party face a challenging second round in the French regional elections. Despite their strong performance in the first round, the withdrawal of Socialist Party candidates to support the Republicans has complicated their path to victory. The strategy aims to consolidate the anti-National Front vote, particularly in the northern region around Lille and the southern region around Nice, where Le Pen and her niece Marion Marechal Le Pen are running.

The article discusses the initiative 'Ugly Mugs,' which allows farmers to sell produce that does not meet the aesthetic standards of the food industry. Nicolas Benz, a cherry producer, has benefited from the program by selling cherries that were previously unsellable due to their size. The initiative has gained significant traction, with an agreement with Carrefour to sell Camembert cheeses under the Ugly Mug label and an investment from Global Emerging Markets to expand the program. Similar initiatives like Imperfect Produce in San Francisco and Fruta Feia in Portugal are also mentioned, highlighting a growing trend in marketing 'cosmetically challenged' produce.

The Paris attacks on November 13, which resulted in 130 deaths, left many survivors with severe physical and mental injuries. Djamel Cheboub, one of the survivors, recounts his experience and the challenges he faces in recovery. The article highlights the long-term mental health impact on survivors, with nearly 100 people still hospitalized, some in critical condition.

The recent attacks by militants tied to the Islamic State in Paris have sparked a significant surge in patriotic fervor across France, leading to a dramatic increase in military enlistments and applications to local and national police. The French Army's recruiting service has seen a fivefold increase in daily enlistments, and sales of the French flag have soared. This surge mirrors the response in the United States following the Sept. 11 attacks. Individuals from various backgrounds, including young people, former military personnel, and retirees, are eager to join the fight against terrorism.

African comic book artists Al’Mata from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Adjim Danngar from Chad are exhibiting their original comic strips at the Librairie-Galerie Congo in Paris until March 13. In an interview with Jeune Afrique, they discuss their journey from comic book enthusiasts to political cartoonists, a path fraught with danger due to their satirical depictions of political figures. Both artists have become political refugees due to their work, with Al’Mata having to flee the DRC after a caricature of Mobutu, and Danngar escaping Chad after being physically attacked by paramilitaries. Their work continues to reflect their political experiences, with Mobutu becoming a recurring character in Al’Mata's work, akin to Hergé's Tintin.