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Senegal to take back assets of phosphate giant ICS

Senegal to take back assets of phosphate giant ICS

Senegal's government said on Friday it would take back all the assets of ICS -- one of Africa's biggest phosphate fertiliser producers -– ending the licence to control it held by Asian group Indorama Ventures. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko issued a statement saying there had been major irregularities

Global shipping industry caught in storm of war

Global shipping industry caught in storm of war

For anyone in the import business, the economic risks from the war in the Middle East arrive by sea -- and that goes for everyone who buys their products, too. As the war rages into its third week, the effective closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz has upended not just

France to elect mayors in run-up to key presidential vote

France to elect mayors in run-up to key presidential vote

France is gearing up for municipal elections this month, with a presidential candidate testing his popularity and the far right eyeing gains ahead of a crunch vote for the country's top job next year. The polls to elect mayors and councillors for six years are to be held

'Bang, bang, bang': How US synagogue attack unfolded from inside

'Bang, bang, bang': How US synagogue attack unfolded from inside

Jason Plotkin was on a Zoom call in a synagogue on the outskirts of Detroit when he heard the crashing sound of a pickup truck ramming into the building. The 42-year-old witnessed the apparent antisemitic attack Thursday that caused a huge blaze and left only the assailant dead

Why is the dollar profiting from Middle East war?

Why is the dollar profiting from Middle East war?

The surge in energy prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East has significantly strengthened the dollar, paradoxically undermining US President Donald Trump's economic objectives. AFP looks at the reasons behind the greenback's rise against rivals. - King of oil - At the start of the conflict

US economic growth sharply lower than estimated in fourth quarter

US economic growth sharply lower than estimated in fourth quarter

The US economy grew at a significantly slower pace than initially estimated for the final months of 2025, government data showed Friday, a major downgrade that comes as fallout from war in the Middle East looms. US GDP rose at an annual rate of 0.7 percent in the fourth

Mideast war plunges Germany's energy-hungry industry into crisis

Mideast war plunges Germany's energy-hungry industry into crisis

Germany's energy-hungry industries are sounding the alarm about the devastating impacts of the Middle East war as companies battle problems from surging power costs to snarled supply chains. From chemicals to steel and cement, Europe's biggest economy is a major producer of industrial goods that