The Latest Breaking News from Radio France Internationale

France’s first advanced chemical recycling plant opens, to criticism from NGOs

TotalEnergies' new plastics recycling plant has come under fire from environmental activists, who claim the chemicals it uses will create more greenhouse gases than conventional recycling methods.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 20

Young Congolese author Pascal Boroto wins African literary prize

The 2026 Voix d’Afriques (Voices from Africa) literature prize has been awarded to Pascal Boroto, a young writer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, for a novel inspired by his journalist mother.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 20

Could Middle East war bring region closer to an 'Arab NATO'?

Egypt is again calling for a joint Arab military alliance – sometimes described as an “Arab NATO” – to defend the region. But Arab states are deeply divided over the idea, Middle East analyst Hasni Abidi tells RFI.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 20

How Iran’s Shahed drones are reshaping the economics of war

A seemingly modest weapon has become a symbol of shifting military power: Iran’s Shahed‑136 drone. Currently used by Iran's ally Russia in Ukraine and by Iran in the Middle East, the weapon represents a new type of warfare that focuses on affordability and mass production rather than technological sophistication.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 20

Local elections 'less vulnerable’ to disinformation, despite targeted campaigns

Elections everywhere are increasingly affected by disinformation campaigns, and this year's French municipal elections are no exception, with watchdogs identifying fake campaign websites. However, their local nature may offer them some protection from the effects.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 19

French billionaire Bolloré to stand trial in African ports corruption case

French ⁠billionaire Vincent Bolloré ​is set to face trial on corruption and ​embezzlement charges related to election campaigns in Togo and Guinea in 2009, 2010 and 2011, the French financial ​prosecutor's spokesperson ‌has said.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 19

Heavy social media use weighs on teens, finds UN happiness report

Heavy use of social media may be contributing to a decline in young people’s well-being in English-speaking countries and Western Europe, with teenage girls among the hardest hit, according to the latest UN-sponsored survey of global happiness.

Radio France Internationale · Mar 19

Appeal court blocks France’s bid to suspend Shein over illegal products

The Paris Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected a government request to halt part of online retailer Shein’s operations in France for three months, upholding an earlier ruling that deemed the move disproportionate. The French government has been seeking to suspend the Chinese site since a watchdog flagged listings for…

Radio France Internationale · Mar 19

African football boss defends ruling that gave Cup of Nations title to Morocco

Africa’s top football body on Thursday defended a decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco after disciplinary rulings over the final. Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), said the organisation’s disciplinary and appeals panels had acted…

Radio France Internationale · Mar 19

Surge in migrant deaths highlights rising dangers of Mediterranean route

The first two months of 2026 have brought a sharp rise in the number of people dying while attempting to reach Europe by sea, despite a drop in overall crossings. Experts say a combination of weather patterns, evolving smuggling tactics and increasingly restrictive border policies is making the already hazardous…

Radio France Internationale · Mar 19