🇨🇮Côte d'IvoireWest Africa
Brou Aka Pascal officially succeeds René Bourgoin as head of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication
via Abidjan.net9 min read
Brou Aka Pascal has officially taken over as the new president of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication HACA, succeeding René Bourgoin. The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 7, at the institution's headquarters. René Bourgoin expressed gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara for his trust and highlighted reforms undertaken during his tenure, particularly in regulating digital platforms and social networks. He also called for continued work on digital terrestrial radio, monetization of audiovisual and digital content, and media education. Brou Aka Pascal thanked President Ouattara for his appointment, acknowledging it as a significant honor and responsibility. He praised Bourgoin's substantial work, calling it a valuable foundation for future efforts. Pascal outlined his priorities, emphasizing diligence, impartiality, and determination, guided by the public interest and the promotion of communication freedom within legal and ethical frameworks. He also committed to fostering a spirit of listening, dialogue, and consultation to consolidate the institution's achievements. Representing the Minister of Communication, Inspector General Anoma Kanié Léandre underscored the continuity of public service, commending Bourgoin's career and contribution to HACA's influence, and expressing confidence in Pascal's experience in media and public institution management.
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Ivorian youth leader Hugues Kouamé Yao is a candidate for the Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy, an initiative bringing together representatives from several West African countries. As the sole Ivorian candidate, competing against individuals from Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, and Ghana, he aims to advocate for young people, particularly those in rural communities, on issues of peace, democracy, and inclusive governance. Yao's motivation stems from a desire to ensure the voices of young people, especially those in West African rural communities who are often underrepresented in decision-making spaces, are heard. He stated, "I wish to promote peace, democracy, civic participation, and inclusive youth leadership. Joining this Parliament is an opportunity for me to transform the concerns of young people into concrete proposals and contribute to the development of our continent." A former student of Lycée municipal Djibo Sounkalo in Bouaké and currently a history student at Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké, Yao plans, if elected, to conduct awareness campaigns on peace, democracy, and citizenship in rural communities. He also intends to establish a listening network to gather youth concerns and translate them into proposals for decision-makers. Furthermore, the candidate seeks to strengthen young people's leadership skills and participation in public decisions, fostering closer ties between institutions and youth to promote more inclusive and equitable gove
Switzerland defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout in Vancouver on Tuesday during the 2026 World Cup round of 16, after a 0-0 draw. The Swiss will now advance to face reigning champions Argentina in the quarterfinals. Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was instrumental in the shootout, saving a shot from Cucho Hernandez, before Ruben Vargas scored the decisive penalty for Switzerland. This marks Switzerland's first time reaching the World Cup quarterfinals since 1954. Their match against Argentina is scheduled for Saturday in Kansas City.
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