Politics

politicsAfricademocracy under pressure in Africa todaypoliticsAfricaL'Arbre à PalabresThis week, Éric Topona’s guests examine the state of democracy across Africa. The debate was recorded in early July at one of DW’s studios in Bonn during an event organized by the German Institute for Development and Sustainability.Africa’s democratic landscape reveals a striking contrast: while some nations make steady progress toward pluralism and accountability, others face serious setbacks in political freedoms. The continent is currently navigating a period of intense pressure on democratic norms. On one side, military takeovers, rising authoritarianism and deliberate restrictions on political space have weakened hard-won democratic gains. On the other, persistent public demand for democratic govern...

During a high-level discussion on rule of law and political alternation in Africa, held in Cotonou on August 6, 2026, the establishment of the Senate became a focal point of constructive dialogue. Organized by the Institute of Justice and Peace Artisans (IAJP/Co), the event brought together key voices in national governance. Senator Sehouéto defends the bicameral system Among the speakers, former minister and parliamentarian Lazare Maurice Sehouéto emphasized the Senate’s role as a stabilizing force in Benin’s democratic architecture. He framed it not as a threat, but as a necessary institution to regulate political life and strengthen governance. Addressing concerns raised by former legislator Kamel Bio Sika Ouassagari about the scope of the Upper House’s powers, Sehouéto urged a readin...

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has renewed his commitment to propelling Côte d'Ivoire toward accelerated development by urging all national stakeholders to unite behind his vision of a "Greater Côte d'Ivoire." This rallying cry, issued at the dawn of a new political cycle, reflects his determination to rally administrative, economic, religious and community leaders around a shared national project. It comes as Abidjan seeks to leverage a decade of robust growth to reach a new structural milestone. Uniting Ivorian stakeholders for collective progress The president’s call targets every segment of Ivorian society. Government institutions, political parties, the private sector, civil society, traditional leadership and the diaspora are all encouraged to participate in a unified effort. T...

Tensions are rising in Dakar over the long-standing contract between Senegal’s Rural Electrification Agency (ASER) and the Spanish firm AEE Power. The dispute has evolved into a political flashpoint, with Thierno Alassane Sall, President of La République des valeurs and a National Assembly deputy, accusing the ruling Pastef party of double standards in handling the rural electrification project—a deal that has exposed deep rifts between the executive and opposition figures. Sall, a former Energy Minister known for his firm stance on governance issues, has publicly criticized what he describes as inconsistencies in Pastef’s approach. While in opposition, the party had framed the ASER-AEE Power contract as emblematic of mismanagement under the previous administration. Now in power, its lead...

National Address Echoes Calls for Unity and Hope The leader of Côte d'Ivoire's Parti démocratique de Côte d'Ivoire – Rassemblement démocratique africain (PDCI-RDA), Tidjane Thiam, delivered a national address on August 6, 2026, highlighting the importance of unity and collective progress. In his speech, he commended the conciliatory steps taken by President Alassane Ouattara to ease political tensions, framing these actions as vital for fostering national cohesion. Recognizing Political Easing Initiatives Thiam emphasized the significance of the gestures made by the head of state, describing them as encouraging signals for strengthening stability in the country. He underscored that these measures reflect a shared commitment to reducing divisions and building a more harmonious society. Ce...

The board of directors of the Caisse des Pensions et des Prestations Familiales (CPPF), which manages pension and family benefits for state employees, convened in Libreville on July 31 for its first ordinary meeting of 2026. Under the leadership of Jean Blaise Nguema Mba, the session addressed critical financial and strategic priorities, including the approval of the 2024 and 2025 fiscal reports and the implementation of new directives outlined by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. During a national address delivered to Parliament in June 2026, the Head of State announced a sweeping reform aimed at reshaping the CPPF into a robust institutional investor. This initiative seeks to secure the long-term viability of Gabon’s public sector pension system while injecting fresh capital into ...

Benin’s political landscape has taken a historic turn with the establishment of its first-ever Senate, a move authorized by a constitutional amendment ratified in November 2025. The reform aims to enhance political stability and governance across the nation.The newly formed Senate comprises 25 members, a mix of former heads of state who hold ex-officio seats and presidential appointees. This structure ensures continuity while integrating experienced leadership into the legislative process.Former President Patrice Talon, who served two consecutive terms from 2016 to 2026—the maximum allowed by Benin’s Constitution—has been elected to lead this institution. At 68, Talon expressed his commitment to fostering national unity, political stability, and democratic values during his acceptance spee...

Over the past two years, Senegal’s Ministry of Higher Education has seen three leadership changes, starting with Abdourahmane Diouf, followed by Daouda Ngom, and currently under Boubacar Camara since June 1, 2026. Among the six parliamentary inquiry commissions slated for discussion during the extraordinary session convened on Monday, August 10, 2026, by the National Assembly, one stands out: the commission investigating irregularities in the procurement and execution of contracts under the ‘One Student, One Laptop’ program, managed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MESRI) since 2017. The total financial commitment for this program is estimated at 48 billion CFA francs. A pressing question arises: does this inquiry indirectly target former minister Abdour...

An extraordinary session of Senegal’s National Assembly has been officially convened for Monday, August 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., as confirmed by a decree signed by Assembly President Ousmane Sonko. The document, officially referenced as Order No. 192, outlines a tightly structured agenda in strict alignment with constitutional provisions (Article 63) and the Assembly’s internal regulations (Article 7). Key legislative texts to be reviewed The session will prioritize the examination of three major draft laws crucial to national policy and governance: Draft Law No. 15/2026: Proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the Labor Code, aiming to modernize employment regulations and reinforce workers' rights. Draft Law No. 16/2026: Introduces a new Social Security Code, designed to expand coverage ...

The political history of Bénin reached a historic milestone on August 6, 2026, when the newly formed upper house of Parliament convened at the Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo. In a decisive move, legislators elected Patrice Talon—the former president who governed from 2016 to 2026—to lead the Senate, marking the nation’s first bicameral parliamentary era. With a decade of executive leadership behind him, Talon has defied expectations by re-entering the political arena not as a retired figure, but as a key institutional player, proving that in West Africa, the path after the presidency can lead back to the heart of governance. From Marina Palace to the Senate Chamber Talon’s election to the Senate presidency, secured with overwhelming support, represents the culmination of constitut...

Just two months after completing his second presidential term, Patrice Talon has ascended to a new role at the helm of Benin’s upper legislative chamber. The former head of state was elected President of the Senate on August 6, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s evolving democratic framework. By Fati Seyni — Analyst

Patrice Talon assumes senate presidency in a unifying speech In a historic moment for Benin’s political landscape, former President Patrice Talon has been elected as the first-ever president of the Senate, the upper chamber of the national Parliament. Addressing the newly sworn-in senators at the Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo, Talon emphasized the importance of unity, consensus, and shared responsibility in shaping the institution’s future. Celebrating a milestone for Benin’s democracy The election, held on August 6, 2026, marked a significant milestone as the Senate convened for the first time following its official installation on July 30. The Senate’s internal rules, approved by the Constitutional Court on August 3, now provide a solid foundation for its operations. Alongside ...