The African Tribune

Côte d’Ivoire advances toward national spatial planning framework by 2045

30Jul

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Culture

Côte d’Ivoire advances toward national spatial planning framework by 2045

The Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, led a pivotal national workshop in Abidjan to validate the study for Côte d'Ivoire’s National Spatial Planning Framework (SNAT CI-2045). The session brought together representatives from state institutions, regional authorities, local governments, technical and financial partners, alongside public administrations, the private sector, civil society, academia, experts, and media representatives. This milestone paves the way for adopting the country’s first national territorial planning reference document. The SNAT CI-2045 will equip the government with a nationwide roadmap to steer public and private investments, enhance policy effectiveness, and foster balanced regional development. Under the leadership of Presiden...

Political funds in Senegal: sonko’s revelation exposes an old system

30Jul

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Politique

Political funds in Senegal: sonko’s revelation exposes an old system

When Ousmane Sonko stood before Senegal’s National Assembly recently, he lifted the veil on a long-hidden financial mechanism that has quietly shaped governance in the country for decades. The Prime Minister disclosed the existence of a 1.77 billion CFA franc political fund under his control—an admission that sparked immediate debate but also revealed a practice far older than his tenure. The revelation did not come out of nowhere. For weeks, Senegalese public discourse had been dominated by questions about these so-called political funds, which operate with minimal oversight and have long been a source of controversy. Sonko’s disclosure confirmed what many had suspected: the Prime Minister’s office has long had access to a discretionary financial envelope, traditionally managed with litt...

Togo constitutional crisis: government defies ECOWAS ruling as civil society demands justice

30Jul

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Politique

Togo constitutional crisis: government defies ECOWAS ruling as civil society demands justice

The recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice on Togo’s constitutional changes has sparked intense debate in Lomé. While the government rejects the decision outright, civil society groups are escalating their criticism, accusing authorities of state-sanctioned gangsterism. Lomé’s legal strategy: dismissing ECOWAS authority Togo’s administration has swiftly defended itself against the regional court’s verdict. Officials argue that the ECOWAS Court lacks the jurisdiction to rule on national constitutional matters or interfere with sovereign legislative processes, effectively undermining the ruling’s domestic validity. Civil society fires back: a constitutional coup under scrutiny The Association of Victims of Torture in Togo (ASVITTO) has launched a scathing public response, dismissing ...

Ousmane Sonko honours Serigne Touba’s legacy ahead of Grand Magal

30Jul

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Politique

Ousmane Sonko honours Serigne Touba’s legacy ahead of Grand Magal

With the Grand Magal just around the corner, the President of the National Assembly made a customary courtesy visit to Touba to meet with the General Khalife of the Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké. Leading a prominent delegation of deputies and Pastef officials, he underscored the enduring ties between the State and the Mouride community amid a backdrop of recent controversies. The visit carried special significance this year, as Ousmane Sonko took the opportunity to pay tribute to the legacy of Serigne Touba, the revered founder of the Mouride order. Standing before the spiritual leader, he expressed deep admiration for the guiding principles and lifelong dedication that defined Serigne Touba's journey. « Our joy and respect for Serigne Touba know no bounds, » Sonko remarke...

Ebola in DRC: open borders key to containment and food security

30Jul

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

A la Une

Ebola in DRC: open borders key to containment and food security

With over 3,000 confirmed cases and nearly 1,500 deaths recorded so far, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is spreading at an alarming rate. Humanitarian organizations warn that the epidemic is doubling its reach every three weeks—a pace far outstripping current response efforts. Why keeping borders open is critical In response to the crisis, several neighboring countries imposed travel restrictions or temporarily closed their borders with the DRC. The Rwanda government, for instance, halted all land crossings and banned entry to foreign visitors who had recently been in the DRC. While some restrictions were later eased with health screenings, the initial closure disrupted vital aid flows and restricted movement of medical personnel. The Uganda also closed...

Benin’s historic senate inauguration marks new governance era

30Jul

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Politique

Benin’s historic senate inauguration marks new governance era

Bénin has entered a new chapter in its political history with the inauguration of its first-ever Senate, a landmark moment for the nation’s governance framework. The newly formed chamber, composed of elected representatives, is set to play a pivotal role in shaping policies and reinforcing democratic institutions. From Vision to Reality: The Birth of Bénin’s Senate The establishment of the Senate follows years of legislative reforms aimed at modernizing Bénin’s governance structure. This upper house of parliament will work alongside the National Assembly to balance power, ensure checks and balances, and foster inclusive decision-making. The transition marks a significant stride toward strengthening the country’s democratic foundations. Key Figures in the Senate’s Inauguration The cerem...

Senegalese youth urged to serve nation ahead of Dakar 2026 youth olympics

30Jul

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Actualités

Senegalese youth urged to serve nation ahead of Dakar 2026 youth olympics

Senegalese youth urged to serve nation ahead of Dakar 2026 youth olympicsAt the prize-giving ceremony for the national general competition, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye delivered a powerful message to the country’s brightest students. With Dakar 2026 just over a year away, he urged them to channel their talent and excellence into building a stronger Senegal.As Senegal prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has positioned the event as more than a sporting spectacle. Speaking during the annual general competition awards ceremony, he called on the nation’s top-performing students to use their skills for the greater good of the country.The theme of this year’s ceremony—“Senegal at the dawn of the Youth Olympic Games: reforging t...

Côte d’Ivoire’s national spatial planning framework gains momentum with 2045 vision

30Jul

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Politique

Côte d’Ivoire’s national spatial planning framework gains momentum with 2045 vision

This week in Abidjan, Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Planning and Development, led a pivotal national workshop to validate the study for the National Spatial Planning Framework (SNAT CI-2045). The gathering brought together representatives from government institutions, prefectural bodies, local authorities, technical and financial partners, alongside public administrations, the private sector, civil society, academia, experts, and media representatives. This milestone paves the way for adopting Côte d'Ivoire’s first-ever national territorial planning reference document. The SNAT CI-2045 will equip the state with a comprehensive framework to guide public and private investments sustainably, enhance the efficiency of government action, and promote a more balanced t...

Ongoing humanitarian law breaches in eastern DRC spark icrc appeal

30Jul

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Actualités

Ongoing humanitarian law breaches in eastern DRC spark icrc appeal

Human rightsDemocratic Republic of the Congo ongoing humanitarian law breaches in eastern DRC spark icrc appeal 24/07/2026July 24, 2026 In eastern DRC, persistent violations of international humanitarian law demand urgent action. The ICRC calls for stricter compliance, while military courts pursue perpetrators of atrocities. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, international humanitarian law continues to be severely violated in conflict zones, despite commitments made by authorities and their partners. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has intensified calls for greater awareness and stricter adherence to these critical legal frameworks. On July 23, the ICRC convened a high-level conference in Kinshasa to address these pressing concerns and rally suppor...

Serigne Mountakha Mbacké urges peace and unity ahead of Grand Magal 2026

30Jul

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Société

Serigne Mountakha Mbacké urges peace and unity ahead of Grand Magal 2026

With the Grand Magal of Touba set to unfold on Sunday, August 2, 2026, a significant diplomatic gesture took place this past Thursday, July 30. Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, made a courtesy visit to the revered spiritual leader of the Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, in the holy city of Touba. The encounter began with mutual expressions of deep respect. Ousmane Sonko conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the Khalife général, emphasizing the immense spiritual and historical significance of the Grand Magal of Touba. This annual pilgrimage honors the memory of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, the revered founder of the Mouride order, who was exiled for his unwavering faith and teachings. During the meeting, Ousmane Sonko also highlighted the values of devotion, perseve...

Côte d’Ivoire unveils 2045 territorial masterplan for balanced growth

30Jul

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Politique

Côte d’Ivoire unveils 2045 territorial masterplan for balanced growth

Under the leadership of Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, Minister of Planning and Development, a landmark national workshop convened in Abidjan to validate the study for the Côte d'Ivoire National Territorial Planning Scheme (SNAT CI-2045). The gathering brought together key stakeholders including government institutions, prefectural authorities, local governments, technical and financial partners, public administrations, private sector representatives, civil society, academia, experts, and media professionals. This pivotal session marks the final stretch toward adopting the country’s first national territorial planning framework. The SNAT CI-2045 will serve as a definitive guide for steering both public and private investments, enhancing the effectiveness of government initiatives, and f...

Benin to lead african union peace and security council in september 2026

30Jul

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Actualités

Benin to lead african union peace and security council in september 2026

Diplomatic circles in Africa are abuzz with anticipation as Benin prepares to assume a pivotal role on the continental stage. Come September 2026, Cotonou will take the helm of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) for a month-long term, marking a significant milestone in its two-year mandate within the 15-member body. High-level consultations in Addis Ababa have finalized the transition of leadership. Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Corinne Amori Brunet, held strategic talks with the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on the sidelines of the 49th session of the Executive Council. These discussions laid the groundwork for Benin's stewardship of an institution tasked with continental crisis prevention and resolution. What Benin's presidency means f...