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Sunday's key events in Senegal: clashes, presidential trips and weather alerts Unforeseen clashes erupted in Mbacké during a Kiiraay movement gathering, while both the Senegalese and Ivorian presidents embarked on private trips to France. Meanwhile, meteorological warnings predict heavy downpours across multiple regions. Violent clashes disrupt Kiiraay gathering in Mbacké Tensions escalated during a MONADD-Kiiraay assembly in Mbacké, degenerating into vandalism that required swift police intervention to restore order. Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire presidents depart for private visits in France Within 24 hours of each other, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his Ivorian counterpart Alassane Ouattara left their respective nations for private stays in France, sparking public curiosity in...

In Gabon, the release of a journalist after nearly four months in custody for publications deemed critical of authorities has reignited discussions about press protection during the ongoing transition. This case, highlighted by local media, underscores the fragility of the legal framework governing journalism since the regime change in August 2023. It coincides with Libreville’s stated ambitions to rebuild democratic foundations. The detained colleague was imprisoned following writings that challenged public governance and certain state officials. His release temporarily closes a case closely monitored by civil liberties organizations both within Gabon and abroad. The specifics of the judicial decision—including the final charges—remain central to the ongoing scrutiny by the profession. ...

At Moussala in Sénégal, a line of trucks stretches nearly 15 kilometers, waiting to cross into Mali. The congestion has reached critical levels, with drivers stranded for days due to insufficient infrastructure to handle the volume of freight headed toward Bamako. Why delays are piling up on the Dakar-Bamako corridor Speaking with industry leaders, Daouda Singui Sarr, director of promotion and assistance at the Conseil sénégalais des chargeurs (Cosec), highlighted the mounting challenges. « Transit delays are not just a matter of time—they translate into real financial losses for transporters, » he explained. « Drivers also face harsh conditions, especially during the rainy season. Basic amenities are scarce, and long waits under difficult weather only compound the strain. » The situatio...

fuel prices surge in Senegal as warned by ousmane sonko Ousmane Sonko had cautioned lawmakers in May about the inevitability of a price adjustment when global pressures mounted. The anticipated increase has now taken effect. In an early-morning press release today, the Government of Senegal confirmed a fuel price adjustment effective immediately. Super gasoline now costs 990 CFA francs per liter—a rise of 70 CFA francs—while diesel has increased to 755 CFA francs per liter, up by 75 CFA francs. This decision comes as no surprise to those who followed the former Prime Minister’s statements. In May, Ousmane Sonko warned lawmakers that a price hike could become unavoidable amid rising global oil costs. He stated, "We will do everything possible to shield the public from the spillove...

EconomyGabon and AfDB launch priority projects pact to transform key sectorsEditorial team 37 No commentsLibreville, August 15, 2026 – A new chapter is unfolding in Gabon’s development partnership with the African Development Bank. The meeting held on August 14 in Libreville between President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah marks a strategic shift toward tangible, high-impact projects that directly enhance public welfare.The discussions went beyond routine portfolio reviews to focus on two critical sectors: water and electricity infrastructure, and agricultural transformation. These areas were identified by Gabonese authorities as essential levers for improving living standards and boosting the country’s economic resilience.Energy and water: the backbone of na...

Production dips spotlight logistical hurdles Production of manganese in Gabon slipped to 9.1 million tonnes, drawing attention to the sector’s logistical bottlenecks. Frequent breakdowns and bottlenecks along the Transgabonais railway line, which connects key mining sites to the Owendo port, have repeatedly disrupted operations. Despite these challenges, the fourth quarter of 2025 marked a significant rebound in output. The rebound was driven by the restart of operations at the Moanda and Franceville deposits, resulting in a 10.8% increase in national production compared to the previous quarter, as reported by the Directorate General of Economy and Fiscal Policy (DEPF). Beyond extraction, the industry is gradually shifting toward local processing of manganese ore. State and Eramet join ...

Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema upon arrival at Libreville Airport © DR The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, arrived in Libreville on Friday for a working and goodwill visit aimed at deepening the ties between Gabon and the DRC, as confirmed by Gabonese officials. Upon landing, the Congolese head of state was greeted by a large crowd of locals, creating a warm reception that set the tone for the visit. The Congolese president then proceeded to the newly renovated Léon Mba Memorial, where he laid a wreath in tribute to Gabon’s first president and independence leader. The ceremony included the unveiling of Léon Mba’s biography and the playing of a solemn anthem in memory of the fallen. ...

Starting Saturday, August 15, 2026, fuel prices in Senegal will see a notable increase. The cost of super gasoline will rise by 70 F CFA, while diesel will climb by 75 F CFA per liter. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum attributes this adjustment to the sharp surge in global oil prices, driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Since July 13, international diesel costs have surged by 26.6%, and super gasoline by 12%. Since the conflict escalated, diesel prices have soared by 69%, with super gasoline following at 61%. These dramatic increases have placed significant pressure on the Senegalese government’s budget. To manage the financial strain, authorities have decided to return to the pricing structure that was in place before the December 6, 2025, reduction. As a result, super ga...

Gabon’s transitional leader, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, welcomed the President of the African Development Bank (BAD), Sidi Ould Tah, in Libreville this week. The high-level meeting focused on deepening cooperation between Gabon and the pan-African financial institution to unlock new investment opportunities. The BAD delegation, led by its president, included Nouredine Kane Dia, the institution’s resident representative in Gabon. During the discussions, they reviewed the current portfolio of BAD-funded projects in the country and aligned them with Gabon’s development priorities under President Oligui Nguema’s leadership. Critical infrastructure and food security take center stage Key national priorities discussed included expanding access to clean water and reliable electricity across...

15 august 2026 13:32+02:00Newcastle racing to complete amar dedic deal worth £30m before liverpool openerFootball transferAmar DedicNewcastle UnitedBenficaPremier LeagueNewcastle vs LiverpoolLiverpool FCNewcastle United is racing against time to finalize the £30 million transfer of versatile Bosnian defender Amar Dedic from Benfica. The club is determined to have the 23-year-old registered in time for his Premier League debut against Liverpool in the season opener.Newcastle pushes to finalize Dedic's transferThe Magpies are working tirelessly to complete the signing of Benfica's defender Amar Dedic. A deal worth up to £30 million has been agreed in principle for the 23-year-old international, with all contract terms now settled. The club is now aiming to complete his medical examination ov...

Starting August 15, 2026, Senegal is implementing a fuel price hike for both super gasoline and diesel, following a government announcement. This adjustment directly affects inflation, transportation costs, and the competitiveness of local industries. Dakar joins other West African capitals forced to revise their pricing structures due to persistent fiscal pressures and global crude oil volatility. Price increase reflects shrinking subsidy margins The Senegalese government has long signaled that artificially maintaining pump prices has become unsustainable for public finances. The subsidy mechanism, funded by state resources, has been absorbing an increasing share of current expenditures, limiting funds available for social investments and infrastructure. The announced increase for super ...

Morocco steps in as key mediator in release of French intelligence officer in Mali Rabat’s discreet but decisive diplomatic intervention has secured the release of Yann Vézilier, a French intelligence officer held in Mali for nearly a year. The agent, affiliated with France’s DGSE, was granted presidential clemency by Malian leader Assimi Goïta on August 13, following a 20-year prison sentence handed down in June 2026 for alleged state security violations. Diplomatic channels pave the way for freedom The resolution of this high-stakes case underscores Morocco’s growing influence in Sahelian affairs. While Malian authorities officially acknowledged a ‘brotherly nation’ for its mediation efforts, diplomatic circles identify Rabat as the critical facilitator behind the scenes...