The Latest Breaking News from RFI

France says it's "very concerned" about the disappearance of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who has not been heard from since he was reportedly taken into police custody upon his arrival in Algeria on Saturday. Sansal is a well-known critic of Algeria’s government and a vocal opponent of Islamic fundamentalism.

Journalist Ephrem Yalike was once an instrument of propaganda for the Wagner mercenary group in Bangui. Having secretly fled the Central African Republic a few months ago, he exposes the workings of Russia's disinformation campaign to RFI.

Negotiators at the UN climate talks in Azerbaijan are working to overcome a deadlock in negotiations. African representatives are emphasizing that, despite being the least polluting continent, Africa disproportionately suffers from the climate crisis. Some have expressed cautious optimism to RFI about the possibility of a last-minute resolution.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's party has claimed a comfortable victory in Sunday's legislative elections, paving the way for it to deliver an ambitious reform agenda eight months after sweeping to power.

The lychee harvest season is under way in Madagascar – the world’s top producer of the prized pink fruit – but growers and exporters are facing a major crisis, as forecasts indicate a staggering drop in yields this year.

Senegalese voters head to the polls Sunday to elect a new National Assembly – a crucial test for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s government as it seeks a parliamentary majority to push through its reform agenda.

France’s push to cut down on single-use plastics is reshaping the packaging industry, with companies having to adapt to meet rising demand for eco-friendly materials, as new regulations take effect. While items such as plastic straws and takeaway containers are less prevalent now, non-food packaging remains heavily plastic-based – forcing…

This week on The Sound Kitchen you’ll hear the answer to the question about the Chicago Marathon. There’s “The Listener’s Corner” with Paul Myers, Erwan Rome’s “Music from Erwan”, and of course, the new quiz and bonus questions too, so click on the “Play” button above and enjoy!

Gabon is holding a constitutional referendum on Saturday that could reshape its political system – introducing a seven-year presidential term, renewable once, while abolishing the post of prime minister. It marks the first vote under the military-led transitional government since a coup ousted longtime leader Ali Bongo in August 2023.

Africa continues to grapple with plastic pollution, a waste crisis, and limited investment, activists report, as discussions unfold at the UN climate meetings in Azerbaijan. To shed light on these overlapping challenges, RFI interviewed campaigners and negotiators from across the continent.

In the upcoming parliamentary elections in Senegal scheduled for this weekend, former presidential rivals Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and former President Macky Sall will face off once more - this time aiming to secure a majority in Parliament. This follows their competition in the March 2024 presidential election.