Politics

Political tensions rise as local election date remains uncertain Tensions surrounding the scheduling of Senegal's upcoming local elections have intensified after prominent political figures weighed in on the matter. Among them, El Malick Ndiaye, a key member of the opposition, has categorically rejected the possibility of postponing the vote. During a recent public event in Linguère, where he welcomed Ousmane Sonko as part of Pastef’s nationwide membership drive, Ndiaye emphasized the inevitability of the elections. « No one can postpone them, » he declared firmly, using the Wolof phrase “Beug beuré, bagn beuré” to underscore his stance. The deputy drew a direct link between the surge in Pastef’s membership registrations and the growing pressure for an electoral timeline. « Our membersh...

Political tension rises as Sonko demands clarity on election timeline The debate over Senegal’s upcoming local elections has intensified following a pointed intervention by opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. During a campaign stop in Louga on Saturday, Sonko took aim at President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, criticizing the administration’s reluctance to set a definitive date for the vote. Addressing a packed crowd of Pastef supporters, Sonko highlighted recent public dismissals as evidence that executive decrees are being used selectively. « Whether removing officials like Fadilou Keïta or Waly Diouf Bodiang falls within presidential powers is undisputed. But fixing an election date requires the same authority—it’s all in the president’s hands, » he asserted. No delays tolerated, says Pastef l...

In a fiery address during his recent tour of Ndiambour, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko sharply criticised the government for its failure to set a firm date for upcoming local elections. Speaking to a large crowd in the heart of the region, Sonko drew striking parallels between the president’s authority to issue decrees and the recent, controversial removals of key officials—namely Fadilou Keïta from the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Waly Diouf Bodiang from the helm of the Port Autonome de Dakar. « Issuing decrees to dismiss officials is well within the president’s powers—no one disputes that, » Sonko remarked. « But if the executive can act swiftly to remove leaders, why delay a decree to set the election date? These are both matters of simple governance. » His remarks underscor...

The planned visit to the Koki daara took an unexpected turn as Ousmane Sonko found himself surrounded by an overwhelming crowd of supporters. On Saturday morning, Ousmane Sonko arrived in Louga with plans to visit the Koki daara. However, the leader of Pastef was unable to complete his itinerary due to the massive gathering of talibés welcoming him. Initially intending to proceed inside the daara, Sonko was halted by the sheer number of talibés who had come to greet him. The enthusiastic crowd blocked the procession, chanting the opposition leader's name in a vibrant display of support. Unstoppable wave of talibés in Koki The talibés, numbering in the hundreds, created an impromptu barrier that prevented the convoy from advancing further. The political leader was met w...

Ousmane Sonko, leader of Senegal’s ruling party Pastef Les Patriotes, used his visit to Louga this weekend to urge President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set a firm date for upcoming local elections. During a public address in the northern city, Sonko—who also serves as the National Assembly president—addressed a large crowd of party supporters as part of a nationwide outreach campaign to promote the sale of party membership cards. The opposition leader drew a direct comparison between decrees used to appoint or dismiss officials and the decree expected to finalize the election schedule. In his speech, Sonko stated: « While issuing a decree to remove officials like Fadilou Keïta or Waly Diouf Bodiang falls within the president’s authority, the same process must apply to setting the ele...

Following weeks of pause during the Grand Magal celebrations in Touba, Pastef party leader Ousmane Sonko has relaunched his vigorous membership drive, picking up where he left off at the campaign's outset. The initiative, which began during the ‘48H Pastef’ event in Touba, has already taken him through Bargny, Sébikotane, Khombole, Bambey, Keur Madiabel, and Mbacké. Each stop has drawn massive crowds, with the July 26 rally coinciding with the launch of the new presidential party, Kiiraay. This renewed push aligns with the party's goal to surpass one million members before October—a target Sonko emphasized during his visit to Mbacké, where he suggested the department alone could contribute significantly to that milestone. Prior stops saw rapid sell-outs of membership cards, prompting quic...

Mehdi Ba Political analyst covering Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye Macky Sall Kiiraay – Les Patriotes républicains As President Bassirou Diomaye Faye completes his first year in office, whispers about potential changes to Senegal’s presidential term limits have begun circulating. These murmurs, though persistent, are not without historical context or political significance. Where the rumors started The debate over presidential mandates in Senegal is not a new phenomenon. It stems from past controversies, particularly during the tenure of former President Macky Sall, when constitutional amendments were proposed that sparked intense national discussions. These proposals, though ultimately abandoned, left a lasting impression on the public conscio...

JUSTICE Migrants expelled from the US take legal action against Cameroon agreement Thirty-six African nationals recently expelled from the United States have filed a lawsuit in the Yaoundé administrative court. Their legal challenge targets the bilateral agreement enabling their transfer to Cameroon and seeks legal protection to prevent further deportation to their countries of origin, where they claim persecution risks exist. Immigration Published on Friday, August 7, 2026 A coalition of 36 African migrants who faced deportation from the United States has launched legal proceedings in Cameroon’s capital. Their lawsuit, filed with the Yaoundé administrative court, demands the immediate suspension of the migration pact that facilitated their transfer to Cameroonian soil. The grou...

In a sharp public exchange, Modou Mbène Guèye, the local coordinator of Pastef in Saint-Louis, delivered a scathing response to Abba Mbaye following the latter’s recent television appearance. During the broadcast, Abba Mbaye had harshly criticized Ousmane Sonko, accusing him of sacrificing allies to consolidate power. Guèye dismissed these remarks as baseless political amnesia, questioning Mbaye’s own contributions to the current administration’s rise. Opposing views on political strategy Abba Mbaye drew parallels between Sonko’s alleged tactics and the approach he claims President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is now adopting in his efforts to reshape the government. « He sacrificed every ally to secure a majority. That’s the same restructuring President Diomaye Faye is attempting with Kiiraay, ...

Côte d'Ivoire 2026: Ouattara's vision for equitable growth and stronger governance By Editor-in-Chief August 7, 2026 81 No comments Abidjan, August 7, 2026 — As Côte d'Ivoire marks 66 years of independence, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara is outlining a bold new political vision. His national address goes beyond conventional economic reports or security ...

Grâce Kutino’s public remarks ignite constitutional reform discussions in DRC The Minister of Youth and Patriotic Awakening, Grâce Kutino, has emerged as a central figure in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s ongoing constitutional reform debate. Her recent statements, delivered with unwavering conviction, have left many questioning whether she is echoing official government positions or articulating her own views. In a series of public appearances, Kutino has repeatedly emphasized the importance of aligning national laws with contemporary realities. “Yes, I affirm it,” she declared during a parliamentary session, addressing the need for constitutional amendments that reflect the aspirations of Congolese citizens. Her remarks have since sparked intense speculation about the governmen...

As Gabon’s oil production continues to decline, the nation is pivoting toward a robust economic diversification strategy. The country is now prioritizing its mining potential to bolster growth and lessen its reliance on hydrocarbon revenues. Authorities have outlined plans to launch eight new mining operations by 2030. Key projects shaping Gabon’s mining future The Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, revealed that several high-potential projects are under review or in development. These initiatives focus on iron, gold, and potash extraction. Among the most promising ventures are the iron ore deposits in Milingui, Baniaka, Mébaga, and M’Bilan, alongside the gold deposit in Etéké and a dedicated potash project. Economic impact and employment growth The government aims to elevate the...