Friday, October 2

Month: July 2026

Côte d’Ivoire secures historic $80 billion funding boost for 2026-2030 development plan
News

Côte d’Ivoire secures historic $80 billion funding boost for 2026-2030 development plan

Côte d'Ivoire raises record $80 billion to drive 2026-2030 National Development Plan The President of Côte d'Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, expressed his satisfaction with the unprecedented financial mobilization of over 47,820 billion F CFA (approximately $80 billion) for the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030. This success underscores the international community's confidence in the country’s economic fundamentals and the credibility of its development strategy. Speaking at the conclusion of the Consultative Group meeting for the PND 2026-2030, held in Abidjan on July 8 and 9, 2026, the Head of State highlighted the participation of more than 2,000 investors from 49 countries. The gathering brought together high-level representatives from financial institutions, investment funds, ban...
Senegal and Togo: contrasting visions of constitutional authority
News, Top Stories

Senegal and Togo: contrasting visions of constitutional authority

The constitutional paths taken by Senegal and Togo in recent months have laid bare two fundamentally different interpretations of the rule of law. While one country’s highest legal body has upheld the supremacy of constitutional principles, the other’s has seemingly accommodated political expediency—revealing stark contrasts in how justice and governance intersect. Two Judiciaries, Two Philosophies In Dakar, the Constitutional Council made a decisive intervention by striking down a constitutional amendment proposed by the government of Ousmane Sonko and endorsed by the parliamentary majority. The ruling sent a clear message: no electoral victory grants authority to override the nation’s foundational law. The decision underscored a fundamental truth—that even a sweeping mandate must yield ...
Grief and tribute as Senegal mourns serigne abdou bakhi mbacké
News

Grief and tribute as Senegal mourns serigne abdou bakhi mbacké

The President of Senegal’s National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the revered Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo. The announcement of his death on July 9, 2026, has cast a shadow of sorrow over the nation. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Sonko expressed his profound grief over the loss of the esteemed religious leader. He extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, the Grand Khalife of the Mouride Brotherhood, and the people of Senegal. His tribute reflected both personal sorrow and a sense of national mourning. « It is with deep emotion and overwhelming sadness that I received the news of the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, » Sonko wrote. « As Khalife ...
Sonko mourns passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacké
News

Sonko mourns passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacké

The President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, has conveyed his deepest condolences following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the spiritual leader of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, which occurred on Thursday, July 9, 2026. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Mr. Sonko honored the late religious guide and extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, the General Khalife of the Mouride Brotherhood, and the entire Senegalese people. a tribute to a revered figure « It is with profound sorrow that I received the news of the transition of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, » Ousmane Sonko wrote. « This is a moment of deep grief, as we remember a man whose wisdom and compassion left an indelible mark on all who knew him. » Reflecting on his personal encounter...
Sonko mourns passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacké in Senegal
News

Sonko mourns passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacké in Senegal

Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, conveyed his heartfelt condolences following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the revered Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, who died on Thursday, July 9, 2026. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Sonko expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the influential religious leader. He extended his sincerest sympathies to the deceased’s family, the General Khalife of the Mouride Brotherhood, and the entire Senegalese people. “I was deeply moved and saddened to learn of the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké,” Sonko wrote. “As the Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family, he embodied wisdom, guidance, and unwavering faith.” The National Assembly leader also reflected on his personal encounters with ...
Sonko mourns death of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké in Senegal
News

Sonko mourns death of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké in Senegal

Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, conveyed his heartfelt condolences following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the spiritual leader of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, on Thursday, July 9, 2026. In a statement shared on Facebook, Sonko expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the revered religious figure, extending his sympathies to the deceased’s family, the Mouride Khalife, and the people of Sénégal. « I was deeply moved and saddened to learn of the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, » Sonko wrote. He recounted his personal encounters with the late leader during visits to Guinguinéo, recalling the warmth, generosity, and hospitality that left a lasting impression. « On this sorrowful occasion...
Senegal mourns passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacke
News

Senegal mourns passing of serigne abdou bakhi mbacke

Dakar — The President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, conveyed his heartfelt condolences following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the revered Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, who died on Thursday, July 9, 2026. In a sincere message shared across social platforms, Sonko expressed his deep sorrow and paid tribute to the influential religious leader, offering his sympathies to the bereaved family, the General Khalife of the Mourides, and the entire Senegalese people. The statement read, “With profound grief and sadness, I received the news of the return to Allah of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo.” Reflecting on his personal encounters, Sonko recalled the warmth and hospitality he experienced during ...
Algeria reopens airspace to Mali after 15 months of tensions
Culture

Algeria reopens airspace to Mali after 15 months of tensions

After 15 months of diplomatic and military standoff, a critical chapter in Sahelian relations has reached a decisive turning point. Algeria has formally announced the full reopening of its airspace to Malian airlines, effective immediately. This landmark decision lifts a stringent blockade that had choked regional air traffic for over a year. Immediate impact on regional aviation The move, confirmed on Friday, July 10, 2026, reinstates unrestricted access for all Malian-operated flights to and from international destinations. For aviation stakeholders and regional observers, this resolution marks a long-awaited breakthrough, restoring vital air corridors that connect Mali—a landlocked nation—to global trade and travel networks. Restoration of bilateral relations after a year of isolation...
Togo’s shifting alliances with Russia and Africa Corps expose new security strategies
Top Stories

Togo’s shifting alliances with Russia and Africa Corps expose new security strategies

The small West African nation of Togo is quietly reshaping its security partnerships, drawing global attention to its evolving strategy against regional jihadist threats. Recent developments reveal Lomé's unexpected collaborations with Moscow’s Africa Corps and Ankara, signaling a bold pivot in its foreign policy approach. From silent observer to strategic player For years, Togo maintained a low-profile stance in the Sahel’s escalating security crisis. Yet behind closed doors, the government of President Faure Gnassingbé has been quietly forging new alliances, particularly with non-traditional partners. These moves come as regional powers reassess their positions amid persistent instability in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali. The shift gained momentum in 2025 when Togo openly welcomed...
Togo strengthens ties with Russia and Africa Corps amid rising jihadist threats
Top Stories

Togo strengthens ties with Russia and Africa Corps amid rising jihadist threats

Lomé’s strategic shift: balancing security partnerships in the Sahel The Togolese government has quietly expanded its military and security cooperation with non-traditional partners over the past two years, marking a significant shift in regional defense strategies. This pivot reflects Lomé’s growing concern over the escalating influence of jihadist factions operating across the Sahel, prompting a search for enhanced aerial and logistical support to bolster its counterterrorism efforts. From Ankara to Moscow: a new security landscape Since 2023, Togo has deepened its collaboration with Turkey, securing critical air surveillance capabilities and logistical assistance to monitor and disrupt militant movements. The partnership, initially focused on intelligence-sharing and training, has si...
Togo’s shifting military alliances: Russia and Africa Corps enter the fray
Politics

Togo’s shifting military alliances: Russia and Africa Corps enter the fray

The West African nation of Togo has quietly reshaped its security strategy against the rising tide of jihadist threats sweeping across the Sahel. Under the leadership of President Faure Gnassingbé, Lomé has pursued discreet yet strategic partnerships with distant powers, moving beyond its traditional allies to engage with Turkey, Russia, and their respective military entities. New security partnerships in the face of regional instability Since 2024, Togo has intensified efforts to bolster its defense capabilities against cross-border insurgencies. Reports from military sources indicate that the country has sought aerial support and technical assistance from Ankara, leveraging Turkey’s growing influence in African security matters. Meanwhile, Moscow’s Africa Corps has also established a p...
How african nations aim to unlock 30 trillion in critical minerals wealth
News

How african nations aim to unlock 30 trillion in critical minerals wealth

Ministers and development partners from across Africa gathered in Abidjan this month to chart a bold new path for the continent’s critical mineral wealth—valued at an estimated 29.5 trillion dollars, a treasure trove that could redefine Africa’s economic future. The high-level ministerial conference brought together leaders from mining, energy, green economy, and trade sectors, alongside representatives from the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area secretariat, UN Economic Commission for Africa, regional development banks, financial institutions, and global investors. Abidjan hosts historic agreement to reshape Africa’s mineral economy The central goal of the gathering was clear: shift Africa from raw material exporter to a hub of sustainable industrial tran...