Diplomacy & Defense Think Tank News

The two leaders unveiled about 20 flagship projects, spanning energy to trade

Budapest has long played a spoiler in EU statements over the war

In one of her most forceful criticisms yet of the Russian leader, the Commission president called on “all of Europe” to step up its military readiness

Le ministre des affaires sociales et de la microfinance a effectué une visite au Palais des congrès ce jeudi 28 août 2025. Véronique Tognifodé est allée encourager les personnes en situation de handicap que son département ministériel appuie dans le cadre du Salon national de l'artisanat du Bénin (SNAB).

Le gouvernement matérialise une fois encore sa politique d'inclusion des personnes handicapées. Plusieurs jeunes de cette couche vulnérable de la société participent au Salon national de l'artisanat (SNAB) 2025 grâce à l'appui de Sightsavers.
Au cours d'une visite, ce jeudi, le ministre des affaires sociales accompagnée de quelques collaborateurs, a pu constater l'effectivité de la participation de ces artisans, très enthousiastes de présenter leurs produits. Véronique Tognifodé a salué leur créativité qui pour elle, constitue « une richesse nationale ». « Le gouvernement reste déterminé à vous accompagner afin que vos talents trouvent toujours un espace d'expression et de valorisation », a-t-elle promis avant d'exprimer sa gratitude au partenaire Sightsavers.

F. A. A.

Une opération de la Police républicaine a permis l'interpellation de trois personnes à Nikki dans la nuit du dimanche 24 août 2025. Elles sont accusées de détention et d'usage de fausse monnaie.

Deux ouvriers d'une scierie à Nikki, auraient été entraînés dans une tentative d'enrichissement rapide, selon des informations parvenues à la Police.

Les suspects ont été séduits par les promesses d'un individu prétendant pouvoir « multiplier l'argent » grâce à des rituels occultes.

Le stratagème a été bien rodé. Moyennant 300.000 francs CFA, les ouvriers ont été dirigés vers un homme. À l'issue de la mise en scène, ce dernier leur aurait remis 1,5 million de francs CFA en fausses coupures de 10.000 francs.

Convaincus d'avoir touché le pactole, les deux hommes ont commencé à dépenser massivement dans la ville. Leur train de vie soudain a rapidement attiré l'attention des forces de l'ordre.

Une surveillance discrète a été mise en place. Elle a conduit à l'arrestation de trois suspects dans la nuit du dimanche 24 août 2025. Un quatrième suspect, considéré comme le cerveau du réseau, est toujours en fuite.

Les trois individus interpellés sont actuellement en garde à vue. Ils devraient être présentés sous peu aux autorités judiciaires.

Les recherches se poursuivent pour retrouver le fugitif et identifier d'éventuels complices, selon la Police.

M. M.

The French egg sector warns of "a significant health risk for consumers", as supermarkets minimise the issue

The plan builds on proven global strategies, but rare disease experts say full implementation will be critical, and EU leadership is needed

The move follows the French prime minister's surprise gamble to hold a confidence vote on 8 September

Au terme d'une rencontre stratégique entre la Haute direction politique du parti Union progressiste le renouveau (UP-R) et le Bureau exécutif national du Bloc républicain (BR), ce jeudi 28 août 2025, les deux formations politiques ont apporté des précisions sur la décision de suspendre jusqu'à nouvel ordre, les mouvements de transhumance politique en leur sein.

Des personnalités exerçant un mandat électif ou assumant des responsabilités stratégiques au sein de l'UP-R ne peuvent plus muter vers le BR, et vice-versa. Ainsi en ont décidé les responsables des deux formations politiques de la mouvance présidentielle après une réunion ce jeudi 28 août 2025 au siège du BR à Cotonou. Selon le communiqué conjoint rendu public au terme de cette réunion, tout manquement à cette disposition sera considéré comme une atteinte à la discipline collective et exposera les auteurs aux sanctions prévues par les statuts et règlements des deux partis signataires.
L'UP-R et BR ont réaffirmé leur volonté ferme de consolider et de renforcer leurs liens de coopération et se sont engagés à les développer davantage afin de relever conjointement les défis auxquels la majorité présidentielle est confrontée. Pour ces deux partis, l'unité et la cohésion de la majorité présidentielle constituent des conditions essentielles à la mise en œuvre efficace du Programme d'actions du gouvernement.

F. A. A.

Russia considers multilateralism to be an instrument for promoting and managing multipolarity. It regards the UN as an important component of the international system and would like to see it reflect a multipolar world order, which in Russia’s rhetoric is marked by the dominance of principles of sovereignty and non-interference. This shapes Russia’s approach to the UN development pillar, where it seeks to advance its geopolitical interests, including countering Western influence.
Financially, Russia remains a marginal player in the UN development pillar. Between 2018 and 2022, it was the smallest contributor to UN development activities among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) and ranked 23rd among all UN member states. In terms of international professional staff, the share of Russian nationals in the UN system has remained below 1 per cent over the past five years, with the majority concentrated in the UN Secretariat. However, its diplomatic missions – particularly in New York and Geneva – are relatively well-staffed and are recognised for their diplomatic skills and expertise.
Lacking prominent material weight, Russia leverages diplomatic and rhetorical tools to project its power. It portrays itself as an “anti-colonial leader” and champion of the Global South. Russia positions itself as an advocate of an alternative approach to development cooperation, affirming in its rhetoric that developing countries have the right to independently choose their model of socio-economic development without external influence or pressure. In line with this, it rejects the imposition of what it argues are Western liberal values on developing states – which it equates with conditionality in development assistance and infringement on sovereignty – and presents itself as a defender of what in Russian discourse are referred to as “traditional values”, which are usually in opposition to individualism and progressivism.
Although Russia’s arguments resonate among Global South states – because they tap into legitimate grievances – there are cases in which its rhetoric appears instrumental and does not match its practices.
While Russia’s material capacity to project its power and position itself as an alternative development partner is limited, its diplomatic efforts, rhetoric and ability to capitalise on the grievances of the Global South as well as Western double standards amid global power shifts position it as a noticeable actor in UN development work, suggesting it should not be prematurely disregarded based on its modest role as a donor.
Main takeaways:
• Strategic use of UN development pillar: Russia engages in UN development work as a platform to advance its broader geopolitical objectives and its view of the international system, including positioning itself rhetorically as a counterweight to Western influence. While already politicised to some extent, this further reinforces the role of UN development work as a stage for power politics.
• Diplomatic leverage: Although Russia’s material weight in UN development pillar is modest, it uses diplomatic channels and discursive engagement in decision-making processes across UN entities and fora to pursue its interests.
• Anti-colonial narratives and normative contestation: Russia rhetorically appeals to the grievances of the Global South and challenges Western-driven norms and approaches to development. It promotes the vision of a multipolar world order with Moscow as one of the poles of power.

Russia considers multilateralism to be an instrument for promoting and managing multipolarity. It regards the UN as an important component of the international system and would like to see it reflect a multipolar world order, which in Russia’s rhetoric is marked by the dominance of principles of sovereignty and non-interference. This shapes Russia’s approach to the UN development pillar, where it seeks to advance its geopolitical interests, including countering Western influence.
Financially, Russia remains a marginal player in the UN development pillar. Between 2018 and 2022, it was the smallest contributor to UN development activities among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) and ranked 23rd among all UN member states. In terms of international professional staff, the share of Russian nationals in the UN system has remained below 1 per cent over the past five years, with the majority concentrated in the UN Secretariat. However, its diplomatic missions – particularly in New York and Geneva – are relatively well-staffed and are recognised for their diplomatic skills and expertise.
Lacking prominent material weight, Russia leverages diplomatic and rhetorical tools to project its power. It portrays itself as an “anti-colonial leader” and champion of the Global South. Russia positions itself as an advocate of an alternative approach to development cooperation, affirming in its rhetoric that developing countries have the right to independently choose their model of socio-economic development without external influence or pressure. In line with this, it rejects the imposition of what it argues are Western liberal values on developing states – which it equates with conditionality in development assistance and infringement on sovereignty – and presents itself as a defender of what in Russian discourse are referred to as “traditional values”, which are usually in opposition to individualism and progressivism.
Although Russia’s arguments resonate among Global South states – because they tap into legitimate grievances – there are cases in which its rhetoric appears instrumental and does not match its practices.
While Russia’s material capacity to project its power and position itself as an alternative development partner is limited, its diplomatic efforts, rhetoric and ability to capitalise on the grievances of the Global South as well as Western double standards amid global power shifts position it as a noticeable actor in UN development work, suggesting it should not be prematurely disregarded based on its modest role as a donor.
Main takeaways:
• Strategic use of UN development pillar: Russia engages in UN development work as a platform to advance its broader geopolitical objectives and its view of the international system, including positioning itself rhetorically as a counterweight to Western influence. While already politicised to some extent, this further reinforces the role of UN development work as a stage for power politics.
• Diplomatic leverage: Although Russia’s material weight in UN development pillar is modest, it uses diplomatic channels and discursive engagement in decision-making processes across UN entities and fora to pursue its interests.
• Anti-colonial narratives and normative contestation: Russia rhetorically appeals to the grievances of the Global South and challenges Western-driven norms and approaches to development. It promotes the vision of a multipolar world order with Moscow as one of the poles of power.

1. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have been gaining prominence across the Rio Conventions primarily as a means of addressing climate change with co-benefits for nature and humans. However, they have also faced significant criticism for enabling greenwashing, encouraging market-driven approaches and not addressing the root causes of environmental degradation. Some critics argue that NbS divert attention from urgent transformative actions such as decarbonisation and systemic economic reforms.

2. We present the case for a broader framework, centred around the concept of Integrated Nature-Climate Action (INCA), which extends beyond NbS to drive the structural changes essential for tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification, while delivering positive outcomes such as supporting livelihoods, addressing inequities and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. We provide examples of INCAs with significant, tractable benefits for people and nature, including the removal of environmentally harmful subsidies, land rights recognition and circular economic transitions.

3. We argue that the wide range of actors mobilised by INCAs would increase the finance available to fill the deficit for climate and biodiversity action. While tracking the impact of these actions could be challenging, existing United Nations (UN) initiatives could provide models for ensuring the integrity of INCA. A clear definition and set of standards must also be agreed upon to avoid the pitfalls that plague NbS. Careful oversight from stakeholders and rightsholders is vital to ensure legitimacy and that the uptake of INCA does not favour one outcome over others.

4. Policy implications: Moving beyond NbS to pursue an inclusive INCA concept can help address the systemic drivers of the global polycrisis. With synergies between the Rio Conventions expected to be a key focus of the upcoming Conference of the Parties for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), there is a clear policy window to broaden the scope of interventions relevant to all three conventions and engage a more diverse array of actors to support enhanced coordination. This is essential for transitioning towards a regenerative economic system that works for people and the planet.

1. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have been gaining prominence across the Rio Conventions primarily as a means of addressing climate change with co-benefits for nature and humans. However, they have also faced significant criticism for enabling greenwashing, encouraging market-driven approaches and not addressing the root causes of environmental degradation. Some critics argue that NbS divert attention from urgent transformative actions such as decarbonisation and systemic economic reforms.

2. We present the case for a broader framework, centred around the concept of Integrated Nature-Climate Action (INCA), which extends beyond NbS to drive the structural changes essential for tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification, while delivering positive outcomes such as supporting livelihoods, addressing inequities and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. We provide examples of INCAs with significant, tractable benefits for people and nature, including the removal of environmentally harmful subsidies, land rights recognition and circular economic transitions.

3. We argue that the wide range of actors mobilised by INCAs would increase the finance available to fill the deficit for climate and biodiversity action. While tracking the impact of these actions could be challenging, existing United Nations (UN) initiatives could provide models for ensuring the integrity of INCA. A clear definition and set of standards must also be agreed upon to avoid the pitfalls that plague NbS. Careful oversight from stakeholders and rightsholders is vital to ensure legitimacy and that the uptake of INCA does not favour one outcome over others.

4. Policy implications: Moving beyond NbS to pursue an inclusive INCA concept can help address the systemic drivers of the global polycrisis. With synergies between the Rio Conventions expected to be a key focus of the upcoming Conference of the Parties for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), there is a clear policy window to broaden the scope of interventions relevant to all three conventions and engage a more diverse array of actors to support enhanced coordination. This is essential for transitioning towards a regenerative economic system that works for people and the planet.

Un incendie s'est déclaré dans une maison, ce jeudi 28 août 2025, à Cocotomey, un quartier situé dans l'arrondissement de Godomey, commune d'Abomey-Calavi. Aucune perte en vie humaine n'a été enregistrée mais des dégâts matériels.

Plus de peur que de mal après un incendie à Cocotomey. Les flammes se sont déclarées dans l'une des chambres d'une maison en location non loin de Aglouza carrefour, à Cocotomey. A l'intérieur, se trouvaient 7 occupants, une mère de famille et ses six enfants, sortis sains et saufs.
D'importants dégâts matériels ont été enregistrés ; la chambre à coucher ayant été ravagée par les flammes. Les causes du sinistre restent à déterminer.

F. A. A.

The Italian technocrat re-emerged as the EU’s saviour once again this week. But is he a false prophet?

A Kpessou Samari, un village de l'arrondissement de Bétérou, dans la commune de Tchaourou, un accident de la circulation a fait un mort et 4 blessés graves ce jeudi 28 août 2025.

Grave accident de la circulation à Tchaourou ce jeudi. La collision selon les informations, a impliqué un taxi en partance pour Parakou et un autre véhicule personnel qui allait en sens inverse. Le drame s'est produit dans la localité de Kpessou Samari, arrondissement de Bétérou. Sous le choc, l'un des passagers a rendu l'âme. Quatre autres personnes ont été grièvement blessées et conduites d'urgence à l'hôpital.

F. A. A.

Décédé le 21 août dernier, l'Abbé Simon Pedro Dossou du diocèse de Lokossa sera conduit en sa dernière demeure, jeudi 6 septembre 2025, au cimetière du Grand Séminaire Mgr Louis Parisot de Tchanvédji, dans la commune de Klouékanmey.

C'est par un riche programme de triduum et de messes veillées que l'Evêché de Lokossa veut rendre un dernier hommage digne de nom à l'Abbé Simon Pedro, rappelé à la maison du Père le 21 août dernier. Les obsèques démarrent, dimanche 31 août, par un triduum de messes sur toutes les paroisses du diocèse. Ce triduum sera suivi de deux messes veillées, lundi 1er septembre, sur les paroisses Sacré cœur d'Agoué et Saint Augustin d'Adjaha.
Mardi 2 septembre, deux autres messes veillées seront célébrées sur les paroisses Saint Michel d'Aplahoué et Sacré-Cœur de Lobogo, dans la commune de Bopa.
La levée de corps, selon le programme des obsèques signé de Mgr Roger Anoumou, évêque de Lokossa, est prévue pour mercredi 3 septembre à la morgue les Saints Anges de Calavi. La messe de requiem sera célébrée jeudi 4 septembre à la Cathédrale de Lokossa, suivie de l'inhumation au cimetière du Grand Séminaire Mgr Louis Parisot de Tchanvédji.
L'Abbé Simon Pedro Dossou est natif de Guézin, un arrondissement de la commune de Comé (Mono). Il est le premier prêtre de l'Eglise catholique de ladite localité. Le regretté a rejoint la maison du Père Céleste des suites d'une maladie au CNHU-HKM de Cotonou.

The deals with the Chinese tech giant have put the spotlight on the unusually close relations between Madrid and Beijing