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The EU has new anti-Beijing instruments, but will China have to face the music?

Jan van der Made — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 20:05:44 GMT

When Western companies rushed into China in the 1980s and 1990s, they traded their latest technology for market access. Now, China has absorbed, adapted and improved foreign know-how and is flooding Europe with advanced products, while the European Union's trade deficit balloons. As Paris and Berlin finally align on a response, analysts question whether Brussels' defensive "instruments" can contain a rival it helped create.

Chinese-made cars ready to be loaded on to a European freight ship for export at a port in Yantai, in China's eastern Shandong province, 11 June. AFP - -

When in 1994 Klaus Wulf, chief technical officer of the German-Chinese joint-venture FAW-Volkswagen was asked if he was worried about the effect of China’s demands for transfer of the latest German technology, he did not appreciate it.

“You are looking for a needle in a haystack,” he snapped angrily. “We now have access to a market with millions of customers."

In Changchun, the factories of Chinese car giant First Automotive Works had begun producing Volkswagen's Jetta sedan car, based on the Germany company’s 1979 model. It was to become immensely popular with the rising Chinese middle class, and taxi companies.

Volkswagen was one of a handful of Western car companies trying to gain a foothold in China, after it opened its doors to the outside world in 1979 following three decades of isolation, allowing foreign investment as of 1984.

Beijing had granted the German company permission to start "joint ventures" with Chinese partners in Shanghai (Volkswagen Santana) and Changchun, in the far north of the country.

French carmaker Peugeot got its foothold in Guangzhou, in a joint venture with the city government, while Citroën established itself in Wuhan, linking up with military truck manufacturer Dongfeng.

American Motors Corporation established a joint venture with Beijing Automotive (later inherited by Chrysler), to produce the “Beijing Jeep” Cherokee.

The Beijing Jeep Cherokee, produced by the joint venture between US car maker AMC and Beijing Automobile Works, pictured on 26 March, 2006. © Wikimedia Commons

Foreign companies were initially only permitted to invest in joint ventures, in which the Chinese partner would hold a 51 percent stake.

And the foreign partner was required to hand over its latest technological know-how and expertise.

Legislation such as the 1994 Automobile Industry Policy made the transfer of technology explicit: new automotive joint ventures were expected to "establish [research and development] capacity, produce vehicles meeting contemporary international standards and progressively localise components".

Quick buck

In the 1990s, European car manufacturers were out for a quick buck, without considering the consequences of sharing their technology with their Chinese partners.

“If you look at German companies, they [had] been doing well for a few decades,” says Esther Goreichy, a visiting fellow with the Mercator Institute for China Studies. "So they benefited from this. But it lacked the long-term view. People were not willing to see that it was not harmless for EU companies. And now we see that clearly."

In 2003, MIT researcher Michael Y. Lee found that: "China has benefitted significantly from foreign investment and technology transfers. [Starting from the early 1980s] China was able to leapfrog from 1950s-level automotive production systems into 1990s-level advanced technologies, and the gap with world standards continues to narrow.”

China began to build its own, modern car factories, and the Chinese partners of the joint ventures increasingly came up with their own models.

Joint-venture figures started to decline sharply, nosediving during the Covid-19 pandemic. This, combined with China’s shift towards domestic electric vehicle manufacturing, saw output fall from €4.116 billion in 2018 to approximately €2.67bn in 2025.

Volkswagen’s full-year results show that profits dropped from €2.621bn in 2023 to approximately €958 million in 2025.

Role reversal

Today China is flooding EU markets with advanced electric vehicles (EVs), which it was able to produce thanks to decades of obtaining, adapting and improving foreign technology – adding to Brussels' concerns over an already disproportionate trade deficit at the expense of the EU.

Eurostat data shows that the EU’s goods deficit with China increased from €65bn in the first quarter of 2024 to €98bn in the first quarter of 2026, according to its latest report.

“We know that the deficit is also growing because China is advantaged by subsidies,” says Goreichy, quoting an OECD report that found Chinese subsidies are eight times bigger than the ones the EU distributes to its companies.

Stellantis, a merger of the French PSA automotive group and Chrysler, in May announced its intention to create an EV joint venture with Chinese state-owned car maker Dongfeng, with production in Rennes, northwest France.

Other EU-based joint ventures with Chinese companies include Chery (with Spanish Ebro-EV) and Leapmotor (also with Stellantis).

However, there is one major difference between these and the joint ventures created in China: while foreign investors in the latter were required to create entities with Chinese companies and transfer their latest know-how, in Europe the Chinese investors use the joint-venture construction to avoid tariffs or lower logistics costs, and are not bound by a legal obligation to transfer their technology to their European partner. In fact, Chinese law forbids this.

Europe now plays the role China played in 1984, minus the leverage.

On 1 June, China’s State Council issued Order No. 837 which includes “legislation on outbound investment screening and national security", explains Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at the French investment bank Natixis in Hong Kong.

"Many European governments keep on dreaming that they will receive this technology. But China has already told us that they will not transfer technology," she said. "Because they know that if they do, Europe can catch up with China. And China is not going to allow for that because they know exactly what happened to them."

'Systemic rival'

The EU, long concerned by the increasing competition from Chinese automotive companies, as well as other technology firms, plus its growing trade deficit with China, has begun to make moves attempting to limit the damage.

In 2019, the EU designated China a "systemic rival". Then in 2021, it suspended a massive commercial deal – the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment – after a war of words with Beijing over China’s human rights record, resulting in tit-for-tat sanctions.

EU struggles to come out on top in systemic rivalry with China

Since then, Brussels has proposed an orchestra of anti-China “instruments" – defensive policies aimed at protecting the EU market and making European companies more competitive.

These measures include the Industrial Accelerator Act, proposed in March 2026, which contains a Made in Europe policy attaching public procurement and technology transfer conditions to foreign direct investment, plus a revised Cyber Security Act, tabled in January 2026.

Two tools announced in June but not yet drafted comprise a solidarity instrument to support companies diversifying critical supplies away from China, and a diversification instrument aimed at reducing the trade deficit, expected to be fleshed out around September.

The two legislative proposals must still pass through the European Parliament and Council, and while the European Commission hopes to see them adopted by the end of 2026, no vote has yet been scheduled.

The EU’s main car producers, France and Germany, seem to be willing to back them.

In July, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed to draw up a "Franco-German roadmap" on how to respond to China’s trade practices by September.

The push builds on a recent report by France’s High Commission for Planning, entitled “The Chinese steamroller – quantifying the systemic threat to Europe’s industrial base", which argues that Beijing’s industrial rise now amounts to a "systemic shock" for Europe’s manufacturing base.

The report says China’s combination of scale, low production costs, heavy over-capacity and rapid technological upgrading is reshaping global manufacturing and eroding Europe’s competitiveness.

France and Germany move to tackle EU’s growing trade deficit with China

“Merz and Macron were never allied before on protective measures against China,” says Garcia-Herrero.

But, she adds, a lot of leverage was lost when widely reported rumours suggested that Volkswagen was about to make 100,000 workers redundant – although this has not been confirmed by Volkswagen.

“These companies are making no money in China anymore and Merz can say, you are shaving off 100,000 jobs, you Volkswagen, in my own country, so why would I defend you?"

Even with France and Germany on the same page, it is not clear if Brussels' “instruments” will be effective, she says. “Many countries will oppose, because China basically will bash any country trying to come up with more protectionist measures."

For Garcia-Herrero, the answer lies in lifting policy on China to the EU level, rather than leaving member states to pursue separate initiatives – and in building leverage.

"If China threatens us with tariffs on pork, we need to know what we can use as a threat. What does China have that we can hurt? That's what China does. We need to learn [to do it too]."

DR Congo hands first prisoners back to M23 rebels under peace deal

RFI — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:17:08 GMT

In a long-awaited operation, Democratic Republic of Congo authorities released 15 prisoners and handed them over to rebels from the AFC/M23 movement on Friday. It marks the first known prisoner transfer under a peace deal signed last year to end fighting in the eastern DRC.

AFC/M23 soldiers provide security for the movement's authorities in Goma, eastern DRC, on 19 May 2026. AFP - JOSPIN MWISHA

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which facilitated the transfer, 15 detainees left the government-held city of Beni, in the northern part of North Kivu province, in a convoy on Thursday evening.

After travelling through Ugandan territory overnight, they were handed over on Friday morning to AFC/M23 authorities in Rutshuru Territory, in the south of the province.

The transfer took place as part of a peace deal agreed between the government and the rebels in 2025.

The handover represents one of the first concrete steps in implementing the agreement.

Goma's residents reflect on life a year after DR Congo city fell to M23 rebels

Slow process

It follows months of talks over how to organise a prisoner exchange.

The two sides signed a protocol on releasing detainees in September 2025. In April 2026, they agreed on a list of nearly 500 prisoners to be exchanged and set a deadline for their transfer by 28 April.

The list included 311 prisoners held by AFC/M23 who were expected to be handed over to the Congolese government, and 166 prisoners held by Kinshasa who were due to be transferred to AFC/M23.

The exchange did not go ahead, with sources involved in the process citing disagreements over legal procedures, the verification of detainees' identities and the conditions required for both sides to release prisoners at the same time.

It is not clear whether the 15 prisoners transferred this week are part of the list negotiated in April or were selected in separate discussions.

AFC/M23 has previously referred to thousands of military prisoners who could be eligible for exchange.

US shows ‘increasingly blatant’ bias over DRC peace deal, says Rwandan minister

'Glimmer of hope'

All 15 detainees had consented to the transfer, according to the ICRC, which acted as a neutral intermediary between the DRC government and the rebels.

It said Uganda agreed to facilitate passage and that the operation was carried out in compliance with Ebola prevention measures, amid a growing outbreak in eastern DRC.

Stephanie Eller, head of operations for the ICRC in Kinshasa, said in a statement: "We hope that this operation will help bring relief to families long separated from their loved ones and pave the way for further releases – as agreed upon by the parties in various negotiations – thereby offering a glimmer of hope to populations affected by armed conflict."

Over the past five years, the M23 armed group has seized territory in eastern DRC. Congo, the United Nations and several Western countries have repeatedly accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the insurgency with troops and weapons, which Kigali denies.

M23 and its political arm, the AFC, signed a US-brokered peace agreement with Kinshasa last December, but fighting has continued.

(with newswires)

Rwanda in talks with Italy to take in migrants trying to reach EU

RFI — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:01:33 GMT

Days after Italy proposed setting up a network of migrant reception centres outside the European Union, Rwanda has confirmed that it is in talks with the Italian government about potentially hosting people seeking asylum in the EU.

The Hope Hostel in Kigali, Rwanda, which had been preparing to host asylum seekers transferred from the UK until the British government scrapped the scheme in 2022. © AFP - SIMON WOHLFAHRT

"We are still in discussions," Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told on radio station Royal FM on Thursday, stressing that no deal had yet been reached.

She said one idea being considered was the expansion of an emergency programme to host migrants evacuated from Libya in a transit centre in the south of Rwanda.

Developed with the African Union and the UN refugee agency in 2019, the programme sees asylum seekers provided with medical care and other support while their case is processed, before either returning to their home countries or resettling elsewhere.

The announcement came two days after Italy called on the EU to set up "return hubs" in countries outside the bloc to host foreign nationals who arrive in its territory without authorisation.

Rome presented the proposal at an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers on Tuesday, called after tens of thousands of people crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in a bid to reach Europe.

Ceuta migrants caught between humanitarian disaster and diplomatic row

Precedents

The Italian government already operates migrant detention centres in Albania, which house people applying for asylum in Italy while their claims are processed or after they have been rejected.

The centres it is proposing in other third countries would be financed by the EU and run jointly with other members of the bloc.

Other African countries are also being considered to host the facilities, including Uganda and Ghana.

Rwanda has already concluded international migration agreements, notably a deal to take in asylum seekers transferred from the United Kingdom. Signed in 2022, the scheme stalled under prolonged opposition and was eventually abandoned when the UK changed governments in 2024.

Earlier this year, Kigali took the UK to court seeking the payment of millions of pounds it said it was still owed from the deal. International arbitrators in The Hague subsequently rejected the claim.

In August 2025, Rwanda signed a deal with the United States to temporarily host up to 250 people deported from the US. It is understood that the arrangement included a grant paid by Washington.

Revamp of French parliament building faces criticism over cost and heritage

RFI — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:51:36 GMT

Plans to modernise visitor facilities at the French National Assembly have become a battleground, with opponents questioning both the €53 million price tag and the proposed design.

France’s National Assembly, with part of the current public reception pavilion visible on the right, in Paris in 2025. © PHILIPPE TURPIN / PHOTONONSTOP / AFP

A controversial plan to build a new visitor reception pavilion at France’s parliament building in Paris has returned to the spotlight after city authorities gave their backing to a key planning change in July.

The project, designed to improve access for a growing number of visitors, would replace the existing pavilion adjoining the Palais Bourbon, home of the lower house of parliament.

The Assembly first submitted a building permit in 2025, but the project was later put on hold while permission was sought to excavate beneath one of the site’s courtyards.

Because the Palais Bourbon stands in an area of Paris with protected architectural heritage, the scheme requires a series of approvals involving the French state, Paris city authorities and the Architectes des Bâtiments de France, the body responsible for safeguarding historic buildings and their surroundings.

Proposed new public reception pavilion for the National Assembly, designed by the Moatti-Rivière architecture firm. © Moatti-Rivière

Louvre security concerns ‘pushed aside’ in favour of prestige projects

Paris approval revives debate

In mid-July, the City of Paris issued a favourable opinion on a proposed change to the relevant planning rules, bringing the project another step forward.

However, city hall stressed that the decision represented only “one stage in the procedure”, which is expected to continue for several more months.

It does not amount to planning permission or final approval of the architectural design, the city said.

The move nevertheless prompted renewed criticism from the far-right National Rally (RN).

RN MP Sébastien Chenu, who has opposed the project since it was first announced, called on Wednesday for the National Assembly’s governing bureau to vote on the proposal again.

In a joint statement with fellow RN MP Hélène Laporte, Chenu described the scheme as “questionable and inappropriate”.

The office of National Assembly president Yaël Braun-Pivet rejected suggestions that MPs had not been properly consulted.

“All the groups approved this project, since they were all represented on the bureau” when it was unanimously approved in September 2024, a source close to Braun-Pivet said.

Opposition to the project has also focused on the appearance of the proposed building and the demolition of the existing pavilion.

The heritage association Sites & Monuments launched a petition against the development in 2025, warning that it would contribute to the “disfigurement of Paris”.

By Friday, the petition had attracted 90,000 signatures.

French artist to give Notre-Dame’s stained-glass windows a modern makeover

Price tag questioned

The National Assembly says it is continuing to work with state and Paris authorities to adapt the plans to meet architectural, environmental and heritage requirements.

“We will comply with everything,” a source close to Braun-Pivet told news agency AFP.

The projected €53 million cost of the development has also drawn criticism.

Braun-Pivet’s office said the work would be “self-financed” from the National Assembly’s reserves rather than through additional public funding.

It also defended spending already committed to accessibility studies, saying the work would have been necessary in any case and would still be used as the project evolves.

(with newswires)

Pope Leo XIV to meet survivors of clerical abuse during September visit to France

RFI — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:31:16 GMT

Pope Leo XIV will meet privately with survivors of clerical sexual abuse during a four-day visit to France next month. On Friday, the Vatican published the itinerary for the 25–28 September trip – the first papal state visit to the country since Benedict XVI visited in 2008.

Pope Leo XIV held a private one-hour audience with President Emmanuel Macron in The Vatican, 10 April, 2026. AFP - HANDOUT

The Holy See said the survivors themselves would help prepare the encounter, with the time and place to be confirmed later, according to Associated Press.

The meeting follows Leo's recent trip to Spain, where he met six abuse victims and pledged that the Church would step up efforts to tackle abuse.

The issue remains raw in France, where a landmark 2021 inquiry estimated that some 330,000 minors had been abused by clergy or lay Church workers over seven decades.

French Catholic church sex abuse: nearly 1,600 compensation claims since 2022

Last month the pontiff appointed French bishop Thibault Verny to lead the Vatican's child protection commission, a move that keeps the issue high on the Vatican’s agenda.

In May, a group representing victims from a Catholic school near Lourdes asked for an audience with the pope to present reform proposals.

Leo, the first American pope, elected in May 2025, will begin the visit in Paris on 25 September, meeting President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace and addressing UNESCO headquarters before celebrating vespers at Notre-Dame Cathedral and holding an evening vigil with young people at the Stade de France.

People queue to attend the mass at Notre Dame Cathedral as the monuments hosts Christmas Eve services for the first time since a devastating 2019 fire, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024 in Paris. AP - Thomas Padilla

The following day, devoted to social inclusion and people preparing to enter the Church, includes a stop at the Maison Bakhita integration centre and an open-air mass at Place de la Concorde, expected to draw hundreds of thousands.

He then travels to Lourdes, one of Catholicism's foremost pilgrimage sites, where he will pray at the Grotto of the Apparitions, meet sick pilgrims and their carers, and join the sanctuary's traditional torchlight rosary procession before Sunday's open-air mass.

Easter joy as Lourdes declares new miracle after Italian woman walks again

Pilgrins at the Lourdes shrine, southwestern France, during a mass ceremony Monday, Aug.16, 2010.The Catholic shrine of Lourdes has been re-opened yesterday afternoon after a bomb alert caused French police to evacuate the site where around 30 000 pilgrims had gathered. (AP Photo/Bob Edme) ASSOCIATED PRESS - Bob Edme

The trip concludes on 28 September in Metz, near the borders with Luxembourg and Germany, with an interreligious gathering at a conference centre named after Robert Schuman, the French statesman and Catholic considered a founding father of European integration.

The visit – Leo's fourth foreign journey this year, ahead of a November tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru – highlights his growing engagement with Europe's historically Catholic but increasingly secular societies, marking a shift in emphasis from Pope Francis, who devoted much of his papacy to countries on the Church's geographical and social margins.

(with newswires)

WAFCON: Ghana set up last eight clash with Fazili's Malawian debutants

Paul Myers — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:57:28 GMT

Ghana will take on tournament newcomers Malawi on Sunday for a place in the semi-finals at the 2026 women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-1 draw with Mali.

Lovemore Fazili has steered Malawi's players to the last eight at their first women's Africa Cup of Nations tournament. © Football Association of Malawi

Evelyn Badu scored the opener at the Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca just before half-time on Thursday night.

Kadidiatou Diabaté levelled just after the restart but Mali failed to breach the Ghana rearguard again for the strike that would have taken them into the last eight.

"Going through to the last eight was one of our targets," said Ghana boss Kim Björkegren.

"It was our best game of the tournament and the only thing I can be disappointed about is that we were nervous at the end and we should have closed the game way earlier.

"We played really good football and I think we were ready from the start. We needed one point and we took it and we're into the quarter-finals."

'Extraordinary performance'

In the last eight, Ghana will face a Malawi side that topped a pool that included defending champions Nigeria as well as tournament stalwarts Zambia.

"I think it's extraordinary that we've qualified for the last eight," said Malawi boss Lovemore Fazili.

"Especially where we're coming from ... but given the way we were playing in the group stages, it has been good.

"We were playing tough teams and finishing top of the group is excellent."

Malawi will take on the Ghanaians at the Stade Al Medina in Rabat after Nigeria continue the defence of their crown against Cameroon at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

In Saturday's quarter-finals, hosts Morocco play South Africa at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat and Cote d'Ivoire face Algeria at the Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca.

The four sides who reach the semi-finals also claim a berth at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, while the four losing teams will head to a play-off for two spots at an inter-confederation qualifier.

Ex-Benin president Talon makes political comeback via newly founded Senate

RFI — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:47:02 GMT

Benin’s newly created Senate elected former president Patrice Talon as its leader on Thursday in Porto-Novo, less than three months after he left office. He will serve a five-year term at the head of the country’s new second chamber of Parliament.

Former Benin President Patrice Talon walk during the inauguration of Benin's first Senate at the National Assembly in Porto-Novo, on 30 July, 2026. REUTERS - Charles Placide Tossou

As the sole candidate for the institution's presidency, Patrice Talon secured 24 out of 25 votes, with one blank ballot and no votes against – a result reflecting "a desire for unanimity" regarding the leadership team, according to one senator.

"The provisional bureau declares Mr. Patrice Talon President of the Senate," announced the presiding officer, Charles Toko, as he proclaimed the results.

The vote was held behind closed doors and by secret ballot.

Talon is therefore returning to politics in Benin via the Senate, a move many had predicted when he revised the Constitution last year.

"I will give my very best," he declared immediately after his election. "Over the past few days, we have all experienced an extraordinary atmosphere that has set aside our differences. Faced with this responsibility, we must work together like a family, like friends, to strengthen national unity, peace, and democracy."

Wadagni wastes no time forming new Benin government after landslide win

No challenger

Another former president, Thomas Boni Yayi, founder of the opposition party 'Les Démocrates du Bénin', was willing to challenge Talon and could have provided a genuine contest. But he lacked real support among the members of this new Senate, who are appointed rather than elected. Yayi did not run for the Senate presidency, and Talon was elected without difficulty.

Talon's opponents suspect him of having created this new institution as a landing spot after leaving office.

Less than three months after stepping down as president on 24 May, he is not only returning to the political stage but coming back as the third-ranking state official in the order of precedence, following the president and the vice-president of the Republic.

By law, the new Senate will meet four times a year in ordinary session, and is tasked with regulating political life. It also has the power to suspend or revoke the civic or political rights of elected officials, with the exception of the Head of State and the presidents of the National Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.

Talon himself has described it as a "chamber of wisdom, counsel, conciliation, and appeasement". He has said it would be a mistake not to serve in it.

Louis Vlavonou, former president of the National Assembly of Benin, was also elected Vice-President of the Senate on Thursday.

Former Interior Minister Alassane Séïdou became the rapporteur, with former Labour Minister Adidjath Mathys serving as his deputy.

This article has been adapted from a piece in French by RFI Afrique's correspondent in Cotonou.

French unemployment hits six-year high as jobless total reaches 2.7 million

Paul Myers — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:48:36 GMT

The number of unemployed people in France rose to 2.7 million in the second quarter of 2026, pushing the jobless rate to its highest level in nearly six years, according to the national statistics agency Insee.

People queue for information at a jobs fair in Saint-Denis just outside Paris. France's national statistics agency reported that the country's unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points in the second quarter to 8.3 percent, its highest level since autumn 2020. AP - Nicolas Garriga

France's unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent in the second quarter of 2026, its highest level in nearly six years, according to figures published by the national statistics agency Insee on Friday.

The rate increased by 0.2 percentage points compared with the first three months of the year, reaching a level last seen during the Covid-19 pandemic in autumn 2020.

Excluding that exceptional period, unemployment is now at its highest since the third quarter of 2019.

The number of unemployed people, based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) definition, rose by 62,000 over the quarter to 2.7 million.

Despite the increase, the unemployment rate remains 2.2 percentage points below its mid-2015 peak, Insee said.

The latest figures also include Mayotte, the French department in the Indian Ocean, with earlier data adjusted to allow comparisons over time.

Insee said the change had only a limited impact on the overall picture, slightly raising the unemployment rate without altering the broader quarterly trend.

French unemployment down, reflecting Covid-19 lockdown

Younger workers hardest hit

Unemployment increased across all age groups during the second quarter, with young people continuing to face by far the toughest job market.

The rate among 15 to 24-year-olds rose by 0.4 percentage points to 21.6 percent.

Among those aged 25 to 49, it climbed to 7.5 percent – its highest level since early 2021 – while unemployment among people aged 50 and over reached 5.5 percent, the highest since the first quarter of 2022.

Insee also pointed to the effects of France's Full Employment Law, which came into force in January 2025.

Recipients of the RSA minimum-income benefit and young people aged 15 to 29 have accounted for nearly half of the increase in unemployment since the reform was introduced.

France curbs unemployment benefits in bid to fill job vacancies

Millions remain on margins of job market

Beyond those officially classified as unemployed, another 1.9 million people said they wanted to work but were not counted as unemployed because they were either not actively looking for a job or were not immediately available to start work.

Insee describes this group as the "halo around unemployment".

Its size increased by just 6,000 people during the quarter, which the agency said amounted to little overall change.

The group represents 4.4 percent of people aged between 15 and 64, although the proportion is considerably higher among younger people.

Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou sought to put the figures in a broader economic context.

"Despite a difficult economic environment, the French labour market remains resilient," he said.

(With newswires)

Le Court Pienaar wins stage six of Women's Tour de France as Reusser keeps lead

Paul Myers — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 06:58:43 GMT

Kimberley Le Court Pienaar claimed stage six of the Tour de France Femmes, as Marlen Reusser took her slender lead over Demi Vollering into Friday's seventh stage.

Kim Le Court Pienaar won the sixth stage of the 2026 Women's Tour de France. AFP - NICOLAS TUCAT

Le Court, who rides for AG Insurance-Soudal, joined a small breakaway group 10km from the finish in Tournon-sur-Rhône

The 30-year-old Mauritian, who had to change bike towards the end of the 146km course from Montbrison, launched her sprint with 300 metres remaining and held off the challenge of the French rider Cedrine Kerbaol, with Puck Pieterse of the Netherlands coming in third.

Le Court hailed the efforts of her teammates following her victory in just over four hours.

Wiebes triumphs again to set stage win record at Women's Tour de France

"They brought me back slowly but surely to the bunch, and I got back on top of the last climb, which was a really big effort," she said. "Then I just tried to stay patient, tried to recover from this big effort."

Reusser retained the yellow jersey of the overall race leader for a third day with a 12-second lead over Vollering. Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney lies third, one minute and 17 seconds behind Reusser.

Early breakaway

After setting out from Montbrison, a group of three riders built an early lead of more than two minutes but were reeled in by the peloton with 54km remaining.

Magdeleine Vallières set a blistering pace at the front on the penultimate climb of Col de Lalouvesc, which split the main group of riders.

A group of six then got away, before they were joined by Le Court and Riejanne Markus. The breakaway managed to hold off the chasing pack, and Markus made a move with one kilometre left.

Women's Tour de France pits France's Ferrand-Prévot against history

However, she was unable to capitalise on her attack count and Le Court, who led the race for three stages last year, took the spoils.

"When Riejanne made an attack from the back, I knew it was going to happen because that's the only way she can win a race like this," Le Court said. "I had to close the gap myself, and I was really, really dead at the end. I was [at] the limit. I can't believe I still had the legs to sprint."

Friday's stage seven takes the riders 146.8km from La Voulte-sur-Rhône to the summit finish at Mont Ventoux.

The 2026 competition finishes on Sunday with a 99km race around Nice.

(with newswires)

'People at war have come to help': Ukrainian firefighters battle French wildfire

RFI — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 06:09:48 GMT

A team of 70 firefighters from Ukraine is on deployment in southwest France, where wildfires have scorched 42,000 hectares in the worst blaze in decades. RFI met the Ukrainian rescuers helping to put out the last of the flames.

Ukrainian firefighters in Le Porge, southwestern France, on 4 August 2026. The area has been devastated by an extensive wildfire. © Pierre Olivier / RFI

Nine Ukrainian fire engines are in Gironde, the southwest department at the epicentre of France's wildfires.

Concentrated around the village of Le Porge, firefighters from Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi and other parts of western Ukraine head out to comb the still smouldering woodland.

The last remaining hotspots now lie buried under a few centimetres of earth, explains French firefighter Thomas Mimiague.

"We need to work by hand to move away the earth and sand and bring whatever is still burning back to the surface so we can put it out."

Ukrainian firefighters prepare for a mission near Le Porge. © Pierre Olivier / RFI

How forests decimated by wildfires still have the power to heal

Wartime experience

Residents only began returning on Monday, nearly two weeks after flames tore through the area's forests and prompted mass evacuations. With more than 180 houses destroyed, Le Porge has been worse hit than any other community in the region.

The Ukrainian team arrived last weekend as part of a mission announced at the end of July and are expected to stay at least a week.

"For us, it's important to be by your side because when we needed help, France reached out," Lieutenant-Colonel Khrystyna Pertsovitch told RFI.

Because of the language barrier, the Ukrainian team is operating as an independent unit rather than working directly with French firefighters.

Pertsovitch said her colleagues were used to challenging situations. "Every day, we are subjected to shelling and air strikes. Our firefighters work in very difficult conditions. So we're putting that experience into practice here."

Ukrainian firefighter Khrystyna Pertsovitch, one of 70 emergency workers helping to put out wildfires in southwest France. © Pierre Olivier / RFI

French wildfires expose cache of buried Second World War shells

European solidarity

France requested outside reinforcements soon after the fire broke out on 22 July.

Via the European Union's civil protection mechanism, the EU has sent planes and helicopters from countries including Germany, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden and Turkey.

Firefighting teams have also arrived from across Europe, with some already in place when the blaze began as part of EU preparedness plans.

For the mayor of Le Porge, Martial Zaninetti, the Ukrainians' help is especially moving.

"It's wonderful to see this solidarity that transcends borders," he told RFI.

"These people enduring a war have come to help us. We're in another place, another world."

This article has been adapted from the original version in French by Pierre Olivier.

Ceuta and Western Sahara at heart of US-Morocco rapprochement

RFI — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:22:36 GMT

Since late July, the United States has been increasingly signalling a move to strengthen its ties with Morocco, both economically and diplomatically. In 2020, the US backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in exchange for the country normalising relations with Israel. Now, Washington appears ready to support Morocco’s claims regarding the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

A minor from Morocco is escorted by Spanish security forces after attempting to cross into Ceuta by sea, 1 August. REUTERS - Violeta Santos Moura

RFI spoke to Riccardo Fabiani, North Africa project director at the International Crisis Group (ICG), about US moves to increase its influence in the region by supporting Morocco.

The US has supported Morocco during the Ceuta crisis, while Spain has faced a divided EU in the wake of the crisis and pressure to give up its two enclaves in North Africa, after the influx of 50,000 migrants over 24 hours into Ceuta last week.

Also last week, King Mohammed VI of Morocco announced that the new expressway connecting Tiznit, in the south of the country, and Dakhla, in Western Sahara, will be named the Donald J. Trump Highway.

"This is part of Morocco's strategy to woo the Trump administration and, above all, to ensure that the administration continues to support the Moroccan position during talks aimed at resolving the Western Sahara conflict," Fabiani told RFI.

"This is, in fact, the Kingdom's primary objective. Consequently, any strategy is deemed acceptable to maintain American support for Morocco's autonomy plans during these negotiations and ultimately achieve a resolution to the conflict that favours Morocco and its stance on the dispute."

Morocco's king thanks Israeli PM for backing claim on Western Sahara

Strategic support

US support on this issue was secured in 2020, however according to Fabiani, it is important to remember the Trump administration is not always reliable.

"Presidents often change their minds or shift their positions. Therefore, for Morocco, the strategy involves continuing to send signals and offer small concessions to the United States and specifically to the president, to ensure they maintain their support for the Moroccan position throughout these extremely delicate negotiations."

In late July, the US Ambassador to Morocco travelled to Laayoune, in the heart of Western Sahara, to sign an agreement awarding a US grant for the creation of a hydrogen and ammonia production facility.

"The Trump administration is deeply interested in 'deals' – specifically economic agreements that serve the interests of American companies. This is truly part of that administration's mindset, driven by a constant search for economic agreements that benefit the US. I would say that the construction of this plant is very much part of that American strategy, not only in the region but, in fact, across the globe," said Fabiani.

Two US lawmakers have in the meantime introduced a bill to examine designating the Polisario Front – the political and military group whose goal is self-rule for Western Sahara – as a foreign terrorist organisation.

ICG's view is that Morocco feels it is "now or never" – that, with the current US Republican majority, there is a genuine possibility of excluding the Polisario Front from future talks and efforts to resolve the conflict.

"Morocco is truly pursuing an almost 360-degree strategy to advance its interests within the Trump administration, as well as in other US democratic institutions," said Fabiani.

Iran and Algeria

The same two US lawmakers also want the US Congress to examine the alleged ties between the Polisario Front and Iran.

"There is an effort by Morocco and by Moroccan lobbies in the United States to leverage the strongly anti-Iranian narrative, fuelled, of course, by the current conflict between Iran and the US, to bolster Morocco's position on Western Sahara," Fabiani said.

This is a tactic that appeals to many US lawmakers and experts, he added, as they are constantly on the lookout for Iranian proxies or allies in the region. However, he insists, there is nothing linking the Polisario Front to Iran or to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"Morocco consistently attempts to link the conflicts Israel is involved in within the region to its own efforts against the Polisario Front and its stance toward Algeria," Fabiani continued

"It tries to draw a connection between conflicts that are, in fact, entirely separate and distinct. The only real link is the alliance between Morocco, the United States under Donald Trump and Israel. That is the true logic behind it all."

PM Lecornu visits Rabat to cement France-Morocco rapprochement

Spanish opposition

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez meanwhile recently travelled to Algiers, the main backer of the Polisario Front, where he expressed a desire to deepen ties with a strategic partner, notably in energy deals.

Some analysts have highlighted that this move may have angered Morocco's King Mohammed VI.

But according to Fabiani, the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Spain and Algeria poses no threat to Moroccan interests because Spain's position in favour of the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara has not changed and will not change – certainly not simply because Sánchez visited Algiers and met with President Tebboune.

This visit and the recent migration crisis in Ceuta should not be conflated, said Fabiani.

"In my view, that isn't actually the most credible hypothesis when trying to explain the reasons behind the crisis in Ceuta. The issue of sovereignty over Ceuta remains unresolved, as Morocco regards it as occupied territory."

He added: "At the same time, this could be an attempt by Morocco to appease certain far-right officials and intellectuals in Israel and the United States, acting as a form of rebuke toward Spain. The US views Spain as a state that continues to side with the Palestinians in Gaza and remained neutral during the conflict with Iran. Consequently, it sees Spain as an adversary, or at least as a state that cannot be counted on as an ally."

It has been speculated that Morocco was trying to send a dual message regarding Ceuta on the one hand, and to Israel and the US on the other, by facilitating a flow of migrants into Ceuta.

EU ministers agree Schengen zone 'not the problem' in Ceuta migrant influx

Fabiani, however, does not entirely agree. "I do not believe Morocco entirely manufactured this crisis. it was likely a more spontaneous event that Morocco facilitated and then leveraged to send a message to Spain."

Rabat is now pressing its claims to the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the US has sent a very clear message in that regard.

"Over the past few weeks, they have communicated quite openly that they no longer actually regard Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish territories. Instead, they effectively support Morocco's position regarding these two areas."

Consequently, from the Spanish perspective, the security guarantees previously provided by the US and NATO are no longer in place.

"This creates an unprecedented scenario regarding the status and thus the future of these two territories. I am not necessarily saying we are facing an imminent crisis, but in the coming years, the issue of Spanish sovereignty could, in certain respects, be reopened and renegotiated due to this American support for the Moroccan position," Fabiani concluded.

This article has been adapted from this interview by RFI's French service.

Russia accuses France of ‘silencing dissent’ over journalist expulsion

RFI — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:15:08 GMT

Russia has accused France of suppressing freedom of expression, after French authorities ordered the expulsion of pro-Kremlin Russian journalist Xenia Fedorova and froze her assets.

Ksenia Fedorova, former head of RT France. AP - Francois Mori

Russian Foreign Ministry officials on Thursday condemned what they called the “political persecution of journalists based on false accusations”, saying the measures taken against Fedorova contradicted France’s stated commitment to free speech.

“Such actions are incompatible with France’s rhetoric regarding its commitment to the principles of freedom of expression,” deputy Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexei Fadeev said in Moscow.

Fadeev accused French authorities of branding dissenting views as Russian propaganda and attempting to force out journalists and media organisations whose positions did not conform with the official line.

He also criticised what he described as the French leadership’s persistent efforts to blame Russia for the country’s domestic problems.

France freezes assets of controversial Russian commentator Fedorova

'Part of my journalism work'

French authorities accuse Fedorova of acting as “a conduit for disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the Russian authorities” and designed to destabilise public order in France.

She was served with an expulsion order in late July and had her assets frozen.

Fedorova said on Monday that she was currently outside France and did not intend to return until the measures had been suspended or withdrawn.

Her growing prominence on French media outlets owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré had raised concerns over possible attempts to influence public debate, particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Fedorova has rejected the accusations, saying in a statement attributed to her on X (formerly Twitter): “My conduct consists of living in France for nearly 10 years in compliance with the law, paying my taxes, but also having an opinion and expressing it as part of my work as a journalist."

The original post no longer appears to be visible on her public X profile.

Ex-French PM Attal targeted by Russian 'interference' ahead of 2027 vote

'A serious violation'

Fedorova previously headed the French branch of the Russian state-run broadcaster Russia Today (RT), whose programmes have been banned across the European Union since March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Her current employers, Canal+ and Lagardère, have defended her, describing the French government’s actions as “a particularly serious violation of freedom of expression”.

The case comes amid growing concern in France over foreign interference and disinformation campaigns ahead of next year's presidential election.

French authorities have repeatedly accused Russia of seeking to amplify political divisions and shape public opinion through coordinated influence operations.

Moscow has denied interfering in France’s domestic affairs and has accused European governments of using allegations of Russian propaganda to silence alternative viewpoints.

(with newswires)

Fifa executives rally behind Infantino despite commercial plan fiasco

Paul Myers — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:14:31 GMT

Gianni Infantino’s position as world football’s most powerful administrator appeared more secure on Thursday after senior Fifa executives backed him to remain president despite his failed attempt to overhaul the commercial operations behind competitions including the World Cup.

Gianni Infantino, head of world football's governing body Fifa, met executives from the organisation in Morocco to discuss the fallout from his failed attempt to push through commercial reforms of the way Fifa competitions are run. AFP - ABDELMAJID BZIOUAT

Following a meeting with Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafström and members of the organisation’s management board in the Moroccan capital Rabat, Fifa issued a statement apologising for the way the proposals had been presented.

“It was agreed that it was not the intention for the Fifa Council and Fifa Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently. It was further acknowledged that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.”

Last week, the British newspapers the Financial Times and The Times revealed an Infantino-backed proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in a new commercial rights entity called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) to private investors.

The deal would have raised about €3.8 billion.

Infantino set for second term as Fifa boss

Backlash from governing bodies

The secrecy surrounding the plan and its potential implications for Fifa competitions provoked a backlash from Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, which govern football in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and North and Central America respectively.

Even after Uefa voted to boycott all Fifa competitions, Infantino blamed media coverage for misrepresenting the reforms. The 56-year-old eventually withdrew the plan.

“The FFE proposal, which would have been subject to the approval of the Fifa Member Associations and the Fifa Council, is now off the table,” Fifa said in its statement on Wednesday.

“With the project withdrawn, it was agreed that Fifa will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy during the ceremony to present it to the Spanish national team, New Jersey, USA, 19 July 2026 © Mark J Rebilas / Reuters

‘Lessons to be learned’

“There are always lessons to be learned, and Fifa will continue to improve its processes in light of this experience,” the statement added.

“In this instance, however, it is important to stress that, although mistakes were made, everything that was done was done in full compliance with the Fifa regulatory framework.”

The Rabat meeting took place during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and less than three weeks after Infantino appeared alongside US President Donald Trump at the World Cup final.

Infantino presented the trophy to Spain after their 1–0 victory over Argentina at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

He later hailed the first 48-team World Cup as the most financially successful edition in the tournament’s 96-year history, saying it had generated €13 billion.

Infantino defends FIFA decision to expand Women's World Cup

Letters of apology

Despite the expressions of contrition and letters of apology sent to the Fifa Council and member associations, opposition to another term for Infantino is likely to grow.

On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Infantino had erred by failing to consult senior officials, including Fifa chief operating officer Kevin Lamour and members of the management board.

“The idea that proper governance is not to disclose to your closest advisers and your chief operating officer, your fellow board members, something of consequence that you’re even considering, let alone proposing … that should be fatal,” Carney said.

“And you lose confidence in that individual. They have their own procedures for making those determinations, but certainly I don’t have confidence in Mr Infantino.”

Last week, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also questioned Infantino’s competence.

“The idea that [the proposal] could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organisation,” Burnham said.

On Wednesday, European Leagues – which represents domestic competitions including France’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, England’s Premier League and Italy’s three professional divisions – called for governance reform at Fifa.

The organisation also criticised a Fifa proposal unveiled on 30 July to expand the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, and the one-month timetable proposed for assessing the idea.

“Let us be clear: Fifa must not be allowed to continue taking unilaterally disruptive decisions that fly in the face of the leagues, clubs, players and fans whose sustained efforts and investment drive the value of international football competitions,” European Leagues said.

“Now more than ever, Fifa requires governance reform that ensures that all relevant stakeholders have a formal role in decisions that shape the future of our game.”

Ghana and Mali battle for place in last eight at Women's Africa Cup of Nations

Paul Myers — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:38 GMT

Ghana and Mali fight for a place on Thursday in a last-eight showdown with tournament debutants Malawi. Both sides go into the Group D clash at the Stade Rachid Moulay in Casablanca aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the second tournament on the trot.

Ghana's national women's football team, the Black Queens, before a match against Zambia in Accra on 14 August 2024. © Esthee2010, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

In 2024, Mali lost to hosts Morocco while Ghana overcame Algeria on penalties before going down to Morocco in the semi-finals.

"I think it's more for us to be relaxed and enjoy the situation," said Ghana coach Kim Björkegren on the eve of the match.

"We are in a good position in that we know that one point takes us to the quarter-final and that's what it's all about. We need to make the next step."

Mali, who are ranked 84th in the Fifa lists, qualified for the 2026 WAFCON when organisers the Confederation of African Football expanded the competition from 12 to 16 teams.

They lost their opening game to Cameroon 2-1 on 29 July, but bounced back to beat Cape Verde 3-2 on 2 August.

"We're going into the match with the mentality of warriors," said Mali head coach Birama Konaté.

"We're ready for the battle. The players are mentally ready. They're motivated and they're inspired. Our goal is to win the three points and qualify."

With Cameroon through at the top of Group D following their victories over Mali and Ghana, whoever emerges with the spoils from Thursday's game will take on Group C winners Malawi.

Cameroon edge past Ghana to reach last eight at Women's Africa Cup of Nations

Malawi through to last eight

Making their tournament debut, Malawi advanced to the quarter-finals on Wednesday night despite losing 2-1 to Zambia.

Barbra Banda and Prisca Chilufya scored in the first half at the Stade Al Medina in Rabat to put Zambia in control.

Malawi's Tabitha Chawinga reduced the deficit midway through the second half with what proved to be a crucial strike in the light of Nigeria's 6-2 romp past Egypt in the other Group C game.

With Nigeria, Zambia and Malawi all finishing the group-stage campaign on six points, with equal head-to-head records and head-to-head goal difference, the next criteria taken into account – head-to-head goals scored – left Zambia as the odd ones out.

Despite scoring the most goals in the group overall, conceding the fewest, beginning the day as pacesetters and winning their final group game, they only registered two goals in the matches between the three tied sides, compared to four for Malawi and three for Nigeria.

Nigeria, who beat Morocco to claim the 2024 crown, will continue the defence of their title against Cameroon on 9 August in Casablanca.

(with additional reporting by Marco Martins)

Threats by Corsican separatist group FLNC-UC trigger anti-terrorism inquiry

RFI — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:29:46 GMT

A masked appearance by armed Corsican separatists and threats made against people moving to the island from mainland France has reignited tensions over the Mediterranean island’s political future, amid growing concerns about intimidation and violence.

A meeting held in October 2006 between two journalists and spokespeople for the FLNC-UC, surrounded by masked and armed militants. © AFP

French anti-terror prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation after armed members of a Corsican separatist group appeared masked at a press conference to reject the island’s proposed autonomy deal, and threaten people moving there from mainland France.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office said on Thursday that the investigation concerned suspected conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, as well as the acquisition, possession and transport of Category A and B weapons, ammunition or weapon components in connection with a terrorist enterprise.

The press conference held by the Corsican National Liberation Front – Union of Combatants (FLNC-UC) was revealed on Wednesday evening by the regional newspaper Corse-Matin.

Around 15 hooded and armed men reportedly attended the gathering at an undisclosed location and on an unspecified date. Corse-Matin was the only media outlet present.

Corsica autonomy plan clears first hurdle in divided French parliament

Autonomy bill rejected

The group strongly rejected the constitutional bill intended to give Corsica greater autonomy within the French Republic, describing it as a “farce”.

The bill was approved by the National Assembly on 23 June and is due to be examined by the Senate from 21 October.

Its proposals would recognise Corsica as a distinct historical, linguistic and cultural community and grant its local assembly greater powers, while keeping the Mediterranean island within the French Republic.

However, the FLNC-UC said the bill amounted to a denial of the Corsican people’s existence and failed to address the main demands of the nationalist movement over recent decades.

The group declared that it was “already in the post-Beauvau era” – a reference to the talks launched by the French government after violent protests in Corsica in 2022.

It also accused nationalist parties supporting the process – including Femu a Corsica, Core in Fronte and the Parti de la nation corse – of misleading the island’s population.

Those claiming to represent the nationalist movement while backing the Beauvau process were committing an “unprecedented deception”, the armed group said.

It also criticised what it called “high-ranking manipulators”, Corsican financial interests and anti-Mafia groups, although it did not identify any individuals or organisations by name.

France's Corsica rocked by blasts claimed by separatist group

Threats to new arrivals

The group also directed warnings at people moving to Corsica, particularly from mainland France.

It condemned what it called “settlement colonisation”, claiming that almost 5,000 newcomers arrived on the island each year, either to work or to buy property amid a sharp rise in the number of second homes.

Addressing those it described as “invaders”, the FLNC-UC told them to remain in their "own country" and warned that those who ignored the message should not consider themselves safe in Corsica.

Despite these threats, the organisation said it would continue what it described as unilateral peace efforts and to support initiatives capable of producing a genuine political solution.

The FLNC first emerged in 1976, when it claimed responsibility for 18 attacks during its first coordinated “blue night” – coordinated waves of multiple bomb blasts or arson attacks carried out across Corsica in a single night.

It has since splintered into a complex network shaped by internal rivalries, divisions and realignments.

The latest major wave of attacks claimed by the movement took place in October 2023, when 45 explosions primarily targeted holiday homes, as well as a disused tax office in Ajaccio. No injuries were reported.

(with newswires)

Ebola cases near 4,000 as DRC struggles to contain fast-spreading outbreak

RFI — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:25:35 GMT

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic ⁠of Congo is spreading faster than efforts to fight it, the head of the World Health Organization has warned, with nearly 4,000 confirmed cases so far. With five provinces known to be affected, authorities in Kinshasa are concerned about the deadly virus reaching the capital.

Psychologists speak with a recovered patient at the Rwampara Ebola Treatment Centre in Bunia, Ituri province, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on 13 July 2026. © AFP - BENEDICTION MURHABAZI

The outbreak is concentrated in eastern DRC, the opposite side of the country from Kinshasa and its population of more than 17 million.

Fears of potential spread led authorities to intercept a passenger boat travelling towards the capital on the Congo River this week after an alert about a suspected case on board, according to RFI's correspondent.

The boat, named Yingfeng 2, arrived at the port of Maluku on the outskirts of Kinshasa around midday on Wednesday with an estimated 200 passengers. It was met by a major containment operation, with medical teams from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health.

The boat had sailed from northeastern Tshopo province, where a handful of Ebola cases have been confirmed so far. One passenger fell ill after disembarking in neighbouring Mongala province and was transferred to hospital, where he later died.

Doctors have not confirmed whether or not he had Ebola, but authorities placed the boat under surveillance as a precaution, DRC health minister Roger Kamba told RFI.

All passengers and crew were due to be tested for potential infection.

Outbreak outstrips response

The Ebola outbreak is now the largest in the DRC's history and the second biggest in the world. Declared in mid-May, it is spreading substantially faster than previous outbreaks.

The number of confirmed cases stands at 3,973, including 1,801 deaths, according to the latest government data.

"The outbreak is spreading faster than our scale-up of the response, with new cases doubling in some hotspots over the past week alone," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday during a visit to Kinshasa.

"We must urgently and massively scale up all our efforts," he added. "That means reaching every affected community despite insecurity and displacement, strengthening coordination under the government's leadership, ensuring health workers have the protection, training and support they need, and accelerating access to care, surveillance and safe, dignified burials."

‘We’re sitting on a volcano’ warns EU Commissioner after visit to Ebola-hit DRC

A physician at the Ebola Treatment Centre of Rwampara General Hospital, in Bunia, Ituri province, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on 13 July 2026. @ AFP - BENEDICTION MURHABAZI

Tedros was due to meet President Felix Tshisekedi, a spokesman told AFP news agency on Wednesday, without giving further details.

The United States announced on Wednesday that it had allocated more than $242 million in additional funding to combat the worsening outbreak.

A new 100-bed Ebola treatment centre opened on Tuesday in Bunia, the main city in worst-hit Ituri province, the UN aid agency Ocha said.

Nearly 90 percent of confirmed cases have been identified in Ituri, the epicentre of the outbreak. Frontline workers there have gone on strike in recent weeks, claiming they have not been paid on time.

Dozens of health workers gathered outside Ebola treatment centres in Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu this week calling for immediate payment of salaries and government allowances.

In the mining town of Mongbwalu, protesters were later dispersed by police warning shots, according to hospital sources.

More health workers strike as Ebola cases in Congo near 3,000, including over 1,300 deaths

Progress on vaccines

Ebola is spread by contact with bodily fluids and causes a haemorrhagic fever. It has killed more than 15,000 people in Africa in the last 50 years.

The current outbreak has been caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.

On Tuesday, Canada gave the go-ahead to US pharmaceutical giant Moderna to begin clinical trials of a candidate vaccine against Bundibugyo.

In late July, a volunteer received the first dose of another potential vaccine against Bundibugyo, developed by Britain's Oxford University using the same technology as the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

Singapore-based Hilleman Laboratories is working on bringing a third potential Bundibugyo jab to human trials.

The WHO sees it as the "most promising" because it uses the same rVSV platform as the only officially licensed Ebola vaccine, Ervebo, which targets a different strain called Zaire.

Three potential treatments are currently being tested on confirmed Ebola patients in Ituri.

(with AFP)

New Caledonia races to avoid shutdown as new government takes office

RFI — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:00:48 GMT

New Caledonia’s 19th government formally took office on Wednesday after its 11 members unanimously agreed on the allocation of portfolios, with the immediate task of securing €109 million by the end of August to avoid a complete shutdown of the local administration.

Christopher Gyges, elected member of the Government of New Caledonia (Les Loyalistes group), attends a formal session to elect members of the Government of New Caledonia at the Congress in Noumea on 31 July, 2026. AFP - DELPHINE MAYEUR

Elected by New Caledonia’s Congress last Friday following the 28 June provincial elections, the new government had until now been restricted to managing day-to-day affairs.

It must work to stabilise the finances of the South Pacific territory, which is struggling with the aftermath of the May 2024 riots which left 14 people dead and caused more than €2 billion in damage.

“We are in a state of cessation of payments,” government president Milakulo Tukumuli told reporters on Wednesday. “We need around 13 billion [Pacific] francs – that’s €109 million – which we do not have.”

Without additional financing by the end of August, Tukumuli warned that the local administration could face a “complete shutdown”.

He leads Oceanian Awakening – L’Eveil Océanien – which brings together his small centrist party and other anti-independence groups.

Oceanian Awakening (L'Eveil Oceanien) party leader Milakulo Tukumuli looks on during the elections for the forming of the 17th government of New Caledonia, in Noumea, on February 17, 2021 AFP - THEO ROUBY

Surprise alliance hands anti-independence bloc control of New Caledonia Congress

Paris holds key to funding

A meeting was held on Tuesday between the New Caledonian government and the French state – represented by the Interministerial Mission for New Caledonia (MINC) – in an effort to mobilise funds earmarked under the “refoundation pact” launched in March.

According to MINC director Amaury Decludt, around €432 million has been budgeted for 2026, of which some €141 million has already been disbursed.

“That leaves a significant margin,” he told French news agency AFP, noting that the remainder could be made available through state-guaranteed loans or grants.

However, the release of the funds remains conditional on the implementation of “credible reforms” aimed at reducing the deficit and enabling the territory to regain financial autonomy by 2030.

“Today, the [French] state is the only financier of New Caledonia,” Decludt said, adding that commercial banks and financial markets were no longer lending to the territory because of a loss of confidence.

He stressed that Paris did not intend to dictate the content of the reforms to New Caledonia’s institutions.

“We have no signal today that would lead us to lack confidence in the government,” he said, noting that Congress had given the new executive a clear mandate to carry out reforms.

French Senate backs New Caledonia reform, but consensus remains elusive

Tukumuli said a cross-party delegation of elected representatives would travel to Paris before the end of August to press for the rapid release of the funds.

In New Caledonia’s 19th government, Tukumuli retains responsibility for external relations and civil security, while also taking charge of transport, health and social protection.

Loyalist vice-president Christopher Gygès will oversee the economy, taxation, telecommunications and customs.

Alcide Ponga, president of the previous government and also from the non-independence camp, has been assigned responsibility for mining and energy – two key sectors of the New Caledonian economy.

(with newswires)

Ex-French PM Attal targeted by Russian 'interference' ahead of 2027 vote

RFI — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:55:38 GMT

Gabriel Attal, France’s former prime minister and Renaissance party leader, has been targeted by “foreign interference originating in Russia”, in the latest in a series of Kremlin‑linked operations aimed at destabilising the 2027 presidential election.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal campaigns before the second round of the early French parliamentary elections, in Paris, France, July 5, 2024. © Benoit Tessier / Reuters

Attal’s entourage told French press agency AFP on Wednesday that the SGDSN, France’s national defence and security secretariat, had alerted them to interference “linked to organs of the Russian central authorities”.

The operation was described by a security source as “low‑visibility”, with only a few thousand views, and was not presented as a direct hacking of Attal’s personal devices but rather as part of a broader disinformation campaign.

The disclosure comes weeks after similar alerts involving other potential contenders.

In late July, former prime minister Edouard Philippe, a declared 2027 candidate, was targeted by the pro‑Russian network Storm‑1516 with false claims about his health, in what a security source, talking to AFP, called the first such operation against a French presidential hopeful.

Edouard Philippe, Mayor of Le Havre and leader of French political party Horizons (HOR), delivers a speech during the Horizons party National Council and the Assembly of Mayors meeting to discuss the political situation and prepare for the French 2027 presidential campaign, in Reims, France, May 10, 2026. © REUTERS - Tom Nicholson

Days later, Socialist MEP Raphael Glucksmann said the SGDSN had informed him that he too was the target of a Storm‑1516 operation “directly run by the GRU”, Russia’s military intelligence, using fake audio and text to suggest improper ties between his partner, journalist Léa Salamé, and media figure Edwy Plenel.

France’s political year ahead: power plays, rivals and the road to 2027

French authorities have repeatedly warned that the April 2027 presidential vote will be a prime target for foreign digital interference.

Viginum, the state’s digital‑interference monitoring service under the SGDSN, documented four foreign interference operations during the March 2026 municipal elections, two of them attributed to known pro‑Russian actors including Storm‑1516

French cyber agency warns TikTok manipulation could hit Romania's vote, again

Security sources quoted by AFP have described these campaigns as part of a “routine” of Russian activity that is often “low‑visibility” and easy to debunk, but intended to destabilise the government, fragment public opinion and weaken the pro‑European “republican front”.

Place publique's centre-left party leader and France's MEP Raphael Glucksmann marches as he takes part in a May Day (Labour Day) rally, marking International Workers' Day, in Rouen, northern France on May 1, 2026. AFP - LOU BENOIST

Glucksmann has warned that the 2027 campaign “will be marked by massive interference”, with Moscow seeking to “make France tip” and “implode the European bloc” by targeting pro‑European candidates.

(with newswires)

Why has Ukraine's former military chief given up on NATO membership?

RFI — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:54:49 GMT

The former chief of Ukraine's armed forces, Valery Zaluzhny, says his country, fighting Russian invasion since 2022, will "never" join NATO – despite Kyiv's intention to become a member of the military alliance. While some analysts suggest Zaluzhny is primarily seeking to highlight the alliance’s weaknesses, others say he is laying the groundwork for a presidential bid.

Valery Zaluzhny, former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and current Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom, in Kyiv, 5 February, 2025. AP - Efrem Lukatsky

"I know NATO very well. For roughly 12 years I've personally worked on mastering NATO standards, and every year I've listened to the same fairytale that we're about to join," Zaluzhny said at a meeting of Kyiv's ambassadors on Monday.

"Unfortunately, we never will," he added, in comments quoted by Ukrainian news site European Pravda.

Zaluzhny, a popular figure, was sacked as commander-in-chief by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February 2024, and is now the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom.

He said that "given the current level of development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces" it was impossible for Ukraine to join the alliance which, according to Zaluzhny, "adheres to doctrines dating from the Second World War".

Ukraine prides itself on its military industrial progress, particularly in drone technology, which it has developed extensively since Russia invaded the country in February 2022.

Official line

His statement stands in stark contrast to Kyiv's official line, whereby NATO membership remains a strategic objective enshrined in the Ukrainian constitution.

Political scientist Olexiy Haran says he is "surprised" by the former army chief’s comments.

"It is still Ukraine’s official objective, and I think it will remain so," he told RFI, adding that Ukrainians are nonetheless frustrated by the current situation with regards to membership.

"They are no longer certain that membership will materialise, but it remains their goal and they will do everything in their power to join NATO."

According to a poll published in April, nearly 69 per cent of Ukrainians are in favour of NATO membership.

Ruslan Bortnik, an expert on Ukrainian politics, echoed Haran's surprise. "It contradicts Ukraine’s official line. And it is very strange to hear such a statement from an ambassador appointed by the Ukrainian government," he told RFI.

Reliance on allies

For Haran, Zaluzhny’s comments could reflect his personal disappointment following years of cooperation with NATO – but could also be intended to serve as a wake-up call for Ukraine's Western allies.

"Perhaps he simply wanted to draw attention to the reality of the situation," he said. "If you cannot guarantee our security within NATO, if you are not even prepared to discuss it, then do what is actually necessary today to defend Ukraine. The West is doing a great deal and we appreciate it, but it is not enough."

In an opinion piece for UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph published last month, Zaluzhny said the war in Ukraine had "exposed uncomfortable questions about whether NATO is equipped for the conflicts of the 21st century".

Pointing out that "Ukraine's ability to sustain the war depends heavily upon continued backing from its allies", Zaluzhny acknowledged the importance of that support, but added that he believes the experience gained by the Ukrainian army now puts it ahead of several Western countries.

"Ukraine has every reason to appreciate the support NATO members have provided, and continues to provide. But respect for the alliance should not prevent an honest assessment of its shortcomings," Zaluzhny wrote.

Bortnik also posits that Zaluzhny is attempting to "put pressure on NATO" in order to draw its attention to Ukraine’s needs and secure further military and financial support.

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Political long game

Bortnik also puts forward a more political hypothesis: by declaring NATO membership impossible, Zaluzhny could be seeking to align his position with that of United States President Donald Trump's administration, which opposes Ukraine’s accession to NATO in the near future.

This, he argues, could be a way of making himself more "acceptable" in Washington’s eyes ahead of possible peace negotiations with Russia.

Zaluzhny is frequently portrayed as a potential rival to Zelensky in Ukraine's next presidential election. And according to several Ukrainian media outlets, a June poll showed 73 percent of the public had confidence in him.

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Haran remains cautious, however, regarding this interpretation.

As long as Ukraine is at war and under martial law, no presidential election can be held, and there is no indication that a campaign is imminent, making it difficult, he believes, to establish a direct link between Zaluzhny's statement and a future candidacy.

For Bortnik, however, it could enable Zaluzhny to begin building an international profile: that of a figure capable of engaging with Washington and, in the long term, of taking part in a negotiated settlement of the conflict.

'New security architecture'

Zaluzhny believes Kyiv will need to align itself with the new blocs and alliances emerging in Europe.

He cites the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) as a potentially effective mechanism. Led by the UK, it brings together 10 countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK itself.

This coalition operates outside NATO’s structures and focuses on strategic regions such as the Baltic, the North Sea, the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

Since November 2025, Ukraine has been its first external "enhanced partner". This status gives it access to intelligence sharing, joint exercises and regional planning. In return, Kyiv contributes its frontline experience, particularly with hybrid attacks, drones and long-range strikes.

However, Ukrainian media outlets have been quick to warn that the JEF provides for neither automatic collective defence, nor an obligation of mutual assistance comparable to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.

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Bortnik sees these discussions as a sign of a broader realignment.

“We are witnessing numerous attempts to create a new security architecture in Eastern Europe," he said. "There are ideas for smaller coalitions, bringing together European countries and the United Kingdom. Perhaps the aim is to create something new, complementary and specifically tailored to the Ukrainian crisis."

Zaluzhny’s statement remains a personal view and does not represent the position of the Ukrainian government. However, it has succeeded in raising questions over the future of Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, the search for alternative security guarantees, and the positioning of potential contenders to succeed Zelensky.

This article has been adapted from the original version in French by Sophia Khatsenkova.

Jordan warns status quo in Jerusalem 'under threat' as ministers meet in Amman

RFI — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:07:34 GMT

Amman hosted an emergency ministerial meeting on Wednesday to rally support behind Jordan’s custodianship of Jerusalem’s holy sites, as Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned that Israeli measures risk igniting a wider religious conflict.

Israelis celebrate near Damascus Gate during the annual Jerusalem Day march commemorating Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in 1967, 14 May. AP Photo/Leo Correa - Leo Correa

Speaking at the meeting, Safadi said Israel was entrenching its illegal occupation of East Jerusalem by expanding settlements, annexing land, confiscating property and imposing restrictions designed to isolate the city from the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory.

He accused Israeli authorities of "violating the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy places and curbing freedom of worship for both communities".

Quoted by the Jordan Times, he said: “Christian clergy are suffering from the savagery of extremism, and churches are confronting attempts to seize their assets and lands through illegal legislation enacted by Israel."

He added that such moves flouted international law, which denies an occupying power sovereignty over occupied land.

He said Israel’s “provocative policies” were targeting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound through systematic attacks aimed at undermining its Islamic identity and altering the long‑standing status quo.

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Muslim worshippers pray outside the Dome of the Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Friday noon prayers, following 40 days of closure by the Israeli authorities, in Jerusalem's Old City on 10 April. AFP - AHMAD GHARABLI

'Not religious'

Safadi said that the Arab‑Israeli conflict was "not religious" in origin but rooted in Israel’s occupation and denial of Palestinian statehood.

Yet he cautioned that repeated violations at Al‑Aqsa could fuel a religious narrative and "trigger calls for a global jihad" to defend one of Islam’s three holiest sites, with consequences “uncontrollable if it erupts".

“We sound the alarm and urge the international community to take decisive action to stop Israeli violations in Jerusalem, end policies that entrench the occupation, restore hope for peace, and end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” he said, calling on the world to “act before it is too late”.

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'Jerusalem is a tinderbox'

The Amman meeting brought together foreign ministers of the Arab Ministerial Committee, an initiative of Saudi Arabia, tasked with countering Israeli actions in occupied Jerusalem, the Arab League secretary‑general, and counterparts from Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia.

Jordan framed the gathering as urgent amid what it described as an “imminent” threat of an Israeli takeover of the Al‑Aqsa compound, with the potential to “trigger a religious conflict” extending far beyond Palestine.

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Safadi told the Guardian newspaper that “Jerusalem is a tinderbox” and that tampering with the status quo could reverberate across the Muslim world.

Amman’s alarm follows a string of government‑backed incursions by Jewish religious extremists on to the Al‑Aqsa/Dome of the Rock compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.

On 23 July, more than 2,000 Israelis from the religious right, led by national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir, stormed the site, praying and performing rituals around the compound in what Jordanian officials called "the worst violation in modern history".

(with newswires)

France welcomes Algeria’s arrest of alleged DZ Mafia crime boss

RFI — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:14:41 GMT

France's Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin has hailed Algerian security services for their work in the arrest of an alleged key figure in Marseille's crime world.

France's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin (left) and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, (right) have been at the forefront of the country's fight against organised crime. REUTERS - Manon Cruz

Police in Algeria arrested Mehdi Laribi at the end of July under a French warrant, French broadcaster Franceinfo reported.

The French-Algerian national, who has lived in Algeria for several years, has been placed under judicial supervision, a judicial source told AFP.

“A key target of the French judicial authorities in the fight against drugs and organised crime has been arrested in Algeria,” Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said on social media.

“We would like to thank the Algerian authorities for this breakthrough and for their cooperation with the National Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organised Crime and the Marseille Public Prosecutor’s Office.”

Subject of an arrest warrant

Laribi was the subject of an arrest warrant issued as part of an investigation codenamed “Octopus”, led by the Marseille inter-regional specialised court.

The investigation resulted in a major police operation in southern France in March involving around 900 officers. Forty people were arrested and 26 charged, including two alleged leaders of the DZ Mafia.

In May, Darmanin visited Algiers for talks with his counterpart, Lotfi Boudjemaa, on strengthening cooperation against organised crime.

The trip formed part of efforts to improve relations, which deteriorated sharply in 2024 after France backed an autonomy plan “under Moroccan sovereignty” for the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

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Algeria immediately recalled its ambassador to France following the announcement.

Tensions worsened further after the arrest in Algiers in November 2024 of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. He was pardoned by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in November 2025.

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Suspects believed to be in Algeria

French judicial authorities have submitted around 10 mutual legal assistance requests concerning suspected DZ Mafia leaders believed to be in Algeria, which does not extradite its nationals.

During a visit to Marseille last November with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, Darmanin said the threat posed by drug trafficking was at least equivalent to that of terrorism.

He made the comments after meeting senior prosecutors and security officials from the Bouches-du-Rhône department to discuss the city’s drug networks, including the DZ Mafia.

“What is happening with the DZ Mafia affects at least a dozen other departments, especially in the south of France,” Darmanin said after the meeting.

(with newswires)