
Finance ministers from the eight West African Economic and Monetary Union UEMOA countries convened in Ouagadougou on Friday, July 3, 2026, for their second ordinary session of the Council of Ministers for 2026. During the meeting, important decisions were made to foster the development and stability of the regional financial system. The UEMOA Financial Markets Authority received its 2026 budget, and decisions were adopted regarding the renewal of mandates and appointment of members to its College, ensuring the institution can continue its missions effectively. Dr. Aboubacar Nacanabo, President of the Council of Ministers and Burkina Faso's Minister of Economy and Finance, emphasized the need for a deeper, more dynamic, and innovative regional financial market focused on development priorities. He noted that decisions concerning interventions by the West African Development Bank BOAD, including those with the International Finance Corporation, PROPARCO, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, align with this ambition, aiming to strengthen the BOAD's resource mobilization and operational capacity. The ministers also operationalized the UMOA Financial Stability Fund, a significant step to enhance collective capacity to anticipate risks, contain crises, and preserve monetary and financial stability. Furthermore, they adopted regulations for community procedures on market authorization and decided to increase surveillance of veterinary medicines within the UEMOA space, establishi
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Abidjan.net.

Public, judicial, security, and pharmaceutical stakeholders in C么te d'Ivoire met in Abidjan on July 3, 2026, for the second multisectoral platform meeting of the year. They discussed the growing problem of fake medicines and dangerous cosmetics, fueled by cross-border trafficking and digital networks. Dr. Hassan Koulibaly, Director General of the Ivorian Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority AIRP, highlighted the severity of fake medicines, describing them as an "invisible weapon" that betrays trust and causes deaths, as these products can be ineffective, contaminated, or toxic. The AIRP, established by law in 2017, regulates the pharmaceutical sector, including drug registration, licensing, market surveillance, and pharmacovigilance. It also coordinates the fight against illicit products through a multisectoral platform involving security forces, the Ministry of Justice, health structures, and international partners like the World Health Organization. This collaboration has led to increased seizures, dismantling of clandestine networks, and destruction of dangerous products. The meeting also addressed the alarming trend of traffickers using social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok to distribute prohibited products, bypassing traditional controls. Another significant concern is the proliferation of dangerous skin-lightening cosmetics containing banned substances such as hydroquinone, mercury, or corticosteroids. The AIRP conducted a declaration campaign between 2024 and

Colombia secured its place in the World Cup round of 16 by defeating Ghana 1-0 on Friday. Despite numerous missed opportunities, Colombia's early goal from Jhon Arias proved sufficient against an ineffectual Ghanaian side. The South American team dominated the match at Arrowhead Stadium, registering eight shots on target. Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey had an early shot that went wide, but this was their only significant threat. Both teams were forced into early substitutions due to injuries, with Jhon Cordoba replaced by Luis Suarez for Colombia and Marvin Senaya by Alidu Seidu for Ghana. Suarez, a substitute, assisted Arias's goal in the 14th minute. Colombia continued to press for a second goal, with Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz missing a golden opportunity in the 39th minute. Ghana's goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi made a crucial save in the second half from a Johan Mojica header. Ghana failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match. Diaz, named man of the match, acknowledged Colombia's need for more clinical finishing despite their solid performance. Colombia will now face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Must ReadEgypt made history by defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the World Cup round of 16. The match, held in Texas, ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes. Mohamed Salah scored a "Panenka" penalty during the shootout, and Hossam Abdelmaguid secured the win for Egypt. Earlier, Emam Ashour had given Egypt the lead with a header in the 13th minute, but Australia equalized 10 minutes after halftime with an own goal from Mohamed Hany. Australian coach Tony Popovic's decision to bring in experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for the shootout did not pay off, as Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed their penalties. Salah, who had been recovering from a hamstring injury, expressed his joy, stating it was a historic moment for his country. Egypt will now face Argentina in the next round.