
rfi-english6h ago
Mozambique journalists face killings and silence as repression deepens
Mozambique's journalists are facing growing pressure after years of killings, disappearances and attacks that have gone unpunished. Violence against reporters intensified after disputed 2024 elections, while a long-running system of intimidation has reached a new peak. This sixth instalment of Mozambique Exposed – an investigation coordinated by Forbidden Stories to which RFI contributed – examines how that climate of fear is reshaping the country's media.
rfi-english11h ago
Paris opens canal to swimmers and SNCF cuts trains, as France faces 40C heatwave
A heatwave extending is expected this week, with temperatures expected to approach 40C. Rail services will be cut to avoid air-conditioning failures and Paris has authorised swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin.
rfi-english16h ago
Air France closes its Mali operation as flights remain halted since 2023
Air France has fully stopped all operations in Mali, underlining how air links in the Sahel have been reshaped by strained ties between France and military-led governments, airspace closures, suspended services and recent security concerns around Bamako.
rfi-english1d ago
Ghana supporters travel for the banter and World Cup vibe in Toronto
On entering Church Street Espresso cafe in downtown Toronto, Desmond Safo greeted the four Panama supporters sitting out on the terrace with a straightforward taunt.
rfi-english1d ago
France ramps up fight against tiger mosquitoes after record outbreaks
France is bracing for another summer of dengue and chikungunya risk, as climate change helps the disease-carrying tiger mosquito spread north and authorities test new ways to curb its advance.
rfi-english1d ago
Messi equals World Cup scoring record as Argentina beat Algeria
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria on Wednesday, moving level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
rfi-english2d ago
Mbappe breaks records as France see off spirited Senegal
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday.
rfi-english2d ago
France shuts down dozen Israeli stands at defence trade show
A dozen Israeli company stands were shut down Monday at a major international defence and security exhibition held outside Paris, sparking outrage from authorities in Israel.
rfi-english2d ago
France powers ahead in AI development, with more funding, public service tools
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on Tuesday a further investment of €655 million to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence as well as an AI programme for public service employees. France is keen to build strategic autonomy in the face of competition from China and the United States.
rfi-english2d ago
Child sexual abuse commission urges France to speed up reforms
Only a third of the recommendations made more than two years ago by France's Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence Against Children (Ciivise) have been fully implemented, the body said in an assessment submitted to the government.
rfi-english3d ago
‘No blank cheque' for president or government says Senegal’s Sonko
In his first major international interview since becoming Speaker of Senegal's National Assembly, former prime minister Ousmane Sonko talks to RFI and sister channel France 24 about his split with his long-time ally President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. In the wide-reaching discussion, he also touches on the debt crisis, homosexuality legislation, regional security, his political aspirations and the World Cup.
rfi-english3d ago
Cameroon opposition figure files complaint in France against President Biya
Former Cameroonian presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary says he's filed two complaints with the Paris Judicial Court against President Paul Biya, citing the principle of universal jurisdiction.
rfi-english4d ago
Clashes as thousands protest in Geneva ahead of G7 summit in France
Protesters in Geneva threw stones and firecrackers at the police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons during a demonstration Sunday against the G7 summit in nearby Evian.
rfi-english4d ago
UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet vessel in Channel: ministry
British forces on Sunday intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet in the English Channel, the defence ministry said, in a six-hour operation hailed by Kyiv.
rfi-english4d ago
The project nurturing West Africa's new generation of women filmmakers
Some of the West African film industry's biggest names are backing a new mentorship programme to support emerging women filmmakers. Showcased at this year's Cannes Film Festival, the Mariama Lab project aims to help women bring their stories to a wider audience in the region and beyond.
rfi-english5d ago
Lebanon reports strikes on south as Israel issues broad evacuation warnings
Lebanon reported Israeli strikes on the country's south on Saturday as the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for more than 20 locations including the city of Nabatieh ahead of raids there.
rfi-english5d ago
South Africa accused of failing to crack down on anti-immigrant violence
Several African countries are repatriating their citizens from South Africa following weeks of xenophobic attacks on black migrants. The vigilante violence has drawn international condemnation, with some accusing the South African authorities of failing to take a tough approach.
rfi-english5d ago
US says downed multiple Iran drones as both insist deal closer
The United States said it downed multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday, hours after both sides said a deal to end the Middle East war was closer than ever.
rfi-english6d ago
Paris no longer carries the load as audit backs asylum redistribution plan
France's system for moving asylum seekers from the Paris region to other parts of the country has helped ease pressure on accommodation, but is not being used to its full potential and remains unevenly applied, according to the country's public spending watchdog.
rfi-english6d ago
British art 'giant' David Hockney dies aged 88
British artist David Hockney, one of the most influential and defining figures in contemporary art, whose paintings captured the world in brilliant colour, has died aged 88, his publicist announced Friday.
rfi-english7h ago
EU leaders weigh new trade defences to counter China's export dominance
European Union leaders will debate on Thursday whether the bloc needs stronger trade defences to curb a surge of Chinese exports that Brussels sees as a threat to European industry and jobs.
rfi-english15h ago
G7 leaders back tougher stance on Russia as Trump shifts line on Moscow
G7 leaders have backed increased pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine on Wednesday, hailing a newfound unity as they sensed a shift by US President Donald Trump towards a tougher line against Moscow.
rfi-english17h ago
Yirenkyi's late flourish launches Ghana's World Cup party
Caleb Yirenkyi scored his first international goal on Wednesday night to edge Ghana past Panama in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup.
rfi-english1d ago
Mozambique police accused of using spy networks to pursue government critics
Mozambique's criminal police are under growing scrutiny as political repression continues more than 18 months after disputed elections triggered unrest. Civil society groups denounce abductions and killings by security forces, with particular attention focused on the National Criminal Investigation Service, known as Sernic. This fifth instalment of Mozambique Exposed – an investigation coordinated by Forbidden Stories to which RFI contributed – examines claims that Sernic has become a form of...
rfi-english1d ago
Trump heads to Versailles as Macron faces row over lavish reception
US President Donald Trump will be welcomed at the Château de Versailles on Wednesday evening for a grand reception with Emmanuel Macron, as France marks the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States in the place where the treaty of independence was signed.
rfi-english1d ago
EU steps up Channel crackdown with more staff and surveillance
The European Union has laid out plans to boost operations against illegal migration in the English Channel, including deploying additional staff and surveillance equipment to prevent crossings.
rfi-english2d ago
Ghana boss Queiroz hails spirit of players ahead of Panama clash at World Cup
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz praised his players willingness to be flexible to different ideas as they went through their final preparations for their opening game at the 2026 World Cup against Panama on Wednesday in Toronto.
rfi-english2d ago
Tunisia football chiefs call in Renard to take charge of World Cup campaign
Hervé Renard took over the Tunisia national squad on Tuesday for the remainder of their World Cup campaign following the departure of head coach Sabri Lamouchi who was in charge when the team lost 5-1 to Sweden
rfi-english2d ago
G7 summit opens full day of talks with Ukraine, Iran and Trump tensions in focus
As the G7 summit enters its first full day of discussions, French President Emmanuel Macron faces the challenge of keeping his US counterpart Donald Trump engaged as leaders weigh pressure on Russia, Middle East diplomacy and renewed trade tensions with Washington.
rfi-english3d ago
Fearsome France begin World Cup wary of over-confidence
France come into this year's World Cup as one of the leading contenders for the trophy having reached the final of the last two editions, but Tuesday's opponents in their opening game, Senegal, serve as a warning of the dangers of over-confidence.
rfi-english3d ago
France's Macron warns Iran against imposing Hormuz tolls
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday warned Iran against imposing tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying "everything" should be done so fees are not charged for passage through the key bottleneck.
rfi-english3d ago
French-UK mission 'ready' to aid Hormuz reopening, says Macron
France's president on Monday said that a military mission set up by Paris and Britain to help with Strait of Hormuz traffic was ready to deploy, following the announcement of an US-Iran deal to end the war in the Middle East, including in Lebanon. Israel insists it is not bound by the deal.
rfi-english4d ago
Somaliland president makes 'historic' visit to Israel
Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met his Israeli counterpart on Sunday in Jerusalem in his first-ever state visit, which comes months after Israel officially recognised the breakaway African state.
rfi-english4d ago
Uganda's Ghetto Kids to shake it with Shakira at World Cup final
A group of young Ugandan dancers from the slums of Kampala have been invited to perform alongside pop star Shakira at the 2026 World Cup final, an opportunity they hope will bring them new visibility and help them transform their future.
rfi-english5d ago
How visa applications became big business across Africa
For millions of people, getting a visa is the key to studying, working or travelling abroad, but applicants on the African continent say the process has become increasingly expensive and difficult due to VFS Global – an Indian company that handles visa applications for dozens of African governments. An investigation by Lighthouse Reports and its media partners, including RFI, found complaints of aggressive sales tactics and a thriving market for fraud.
rfi-english5d ago
US and Iran reach deal to end war, reopen Hormuz
The United States and Iran said they reached a deal to end the Middle East war on all fronts including Lebanon, and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, but offered little indication on the thorny question of Tehran's nuclear programme.
rfi-english5d ago
Six Georgians jailed for theft of rare Russian books in France
Six Georgians have been sentenced to up to seven years' jail in France over the theft of rare editions of Russian literary classics, including by 19th-century luminary Alexander Pushkin, from prestigious French libraries.
rfi-english5d ago
Armenia election result revives hopes of reopening border with Turkey
Nikol Pashinyan’s sweeping re-election in Armenia has raised fresh hopes that the border with Turkey could finally reopen after three decades of closure. The Armenian prime minister campaigned on restoring ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as moving Armenia closer to Europe – but constitutional reform remains a major obstacle.
rfi-english6d ago
Sudan rights groups blame RSF paramilitary for drone strikes that hit civilians
Drone strikes blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed at least 23 civilians and wounded 19 others in the Sudanese city of El-Obeid, local monitoring groups have said, as the use of armed drones continues to spread across the country in its more than three-year war.
rfi-english6d ago
Rise in adulterated cannabis in France, as edible CBD ban shakes industry
Cannabis use in France is once again under scrutiny, with a drugs monitor reporting a sharp rise in adulterated products on the illegal market, and risky new products entering the legal CBD market. To address the issue of mislabelled products, France has banned edible CBD products, raising concerns in the cannabis industry.
rfi-english10h ago
France among 15 countries to pledge to target illegal fishing with shared data
France is among 15 countries to have signed the Mombasa Declaration, unveiled at the Our Ocean Conference held in the Kenyan port city this week. The global agreement, aimed at combatting illegal and destructive fishing, commits countries to improved data collection and sharing of information on fishing vessels.
rfi-english16h ago
Starmer rival seeks win in UK by-election pivotal to PM's fate
Britain was holding a key local election on Thursday that could trigger the endgame for Labour leader Keir Starmer's beleaguered premiership, or win him a reprieve.
rfi-english23h ago
Kane strikes twice as England overpower Croatia
England skipper Harry Kane scored two goals as his side opened their 2026 World Cup campaign in Dallas on Wednesday night with a pulsating 4-2 victory over an initially stubborn Croatia.
rfi-english1d ago
Ghana squad embraces love of the fans at start of World Cup campaign
Ghana's top players have praised the support from fans as the squad went through its final tactical routines ahead of the World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday night.
rfi-english1d ago
France grants reparations to children uprooted from Réunion Island
Paris has approved a law granting reparations to more than 2,000 children from Réunion Island who were sent to mainland France between 1962 and 1984 – acknowledging the state's responsibility for a policy that separated families, uprooted minors and left lasting trauma.
rfi-english1d ago
G7 leaders discuss AI risks before Macron hosts Trump at Versailles
G7 leaders will discuss on Wednesday the security risks posed by AI and social media on the last day of a summit dominated by Donald Trump, before host French President Emmanuel Macron dines with his US counterpart at the Palace of Versailles.
rfi-english2d ago
EU lawmakers sign off on long-awaited US tariff deal
The European Parliament gave the green light on Tuesday to a tariff deal with the United States, in a bid to close a volatile chapter of transatlantic trade relations.
rfi-english2d ago
Over a billion children exposed to three or more climate hazards UN report shows
More than one billion children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, the UN childrens' agency Unicef has warned, while highlighting the disproportionate impact in some regions of the world.
rfi-english2d ago
Former CAR leader Bozizé on trial over crimes against humanity
A UN-backed court in the the Central African Republic will on Tuesday begin the trial in absentia of former president François Bozizé, over crimes against humanity committed between 2009 and 2013.
rfi-english3d ago
Journalists disappear as intimidation grips Mozambique's Cabo Delgado region
Almost a decade after an Islamist insurgency erupted in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province, few reports on the conflict are emerging from the region. This third instalment of Mozambique Exposed – an investigation coordinated by Forbidden Stories, to which RFI contributed – hears from journalists and activists facing intimidation and violence.
rfi-english3d ago
NGO warns Ebola epidemic is 'outpacing' response efforts in DRC
French NGO Doctors Without Borders warned Monday that "dangerous gaps" remain in efforts to rein in an Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 180 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the first reported cases a month ago, the virus has spread rapidly, with the situation now critical in Ituri province.
rfi-english3d ago
Macron leads effort to bridge divides with Trump at France's G7 summit
As a G7 summit opens in eastern France on Monday, President Emmanuel Macron is set to lead the allies' efforts to narrow differences with the United States on Iran, Ukraine, trade and big tech regulation.
rfi-english4d ago
France’s Popular Front at 90: a movement that became a myth
Ninety years ago, a broad left-wing coalition swept to power and kickstarted reforms that fundamentally changed working life in France. Its brief but radical tenure made it the stuff of legend for the French left.
rfi-english4d ago
Protests set to grip Geneva ahead of G7 summit
Thousands of anti-G7 protesters were expected to rally in Geneva Sunday under a heavy police presence ahead of the summit in Evian, just across the border with France.
rfi-english5d ago
Ghana lodges protest over Canada's refusal to admit rape case suspect Partey
Ghana's government confirmed on Saturday it had lodged a formal protest with Canada over its refusal to issue an entry visa to the Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of Ghana's game against Panama on Wednesday in Toronto.
rfi-english5d ago
US boss Pochettino hails sweep past Paraguay to launch World Cup campaign
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino lavished praise on his players and the American fans after his side romped past Paraguay 4-1 at the Los Angeles Stadium.
rfi-english5d ago
Whistleblowing is on the rise in France, but expert says support remains lacking
Whistleblowing in France is on the rise, according to the independent authority in charge of protecting those who speak out in the public interest. The Défenseur des Droits has seen an increase in cases, reflecting a growing awareness of the process of speaking out and the protection available for those who do.
rfi-english6d ago
Resumption of $20bn Cabo Delgado gas project reignites both hope and resentment
The resumption of one of the world's biggest gas projects by French energy giant TotalEnergies, after a five-year suspension following a deadly jihadist attack, has raised hopes of jobs and prosperity in northern Mozambique. But this second instalment of Mozambique Exposed – an investigation coordinated by Forbidden Stories, to which RFI contributed – questions whether the country's vast gas wealth will benefit local communities.
rfi-english6d ago
Two French cities impose curfews for under-16s during World Cup
The mayors of Toulouse and Clermont-Ferrand are imposing nighttime curfews on children under 16 during the 2026 World Cup. They say the move is aimed at preventing the violent unrest seen after Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory last month.
rfi-english6d ago
Ebola outbreak spreads in DRC as misinformation hampers response
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have launched an online campaign to tackle growing mistrust surrounding a deadly Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) says misinformation is hampering efforts to contain the haemorrhagic fever, which broke out in the eastern province of Ituri on 15 May.