Politics

African politicsGabon’s president in Abidjan: a new chapter for west african tiesBy Editor-in-Chief August 5, 2026 81 No commentThe arrival of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in Abidjan marks a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. Following visits to Accra, Banjul, and Freetown, this stop in Côte d’Ivoire carries unique significance as Libreville seeks to deepen its West African footprint.Invited as the guest of honor for Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th Independence Day celebrations, President Oligui Nguema’s presence transcends mere ceremonial duties. This visit underscores a broader ambition: transforming political alliances into tangible economic cooperation that delivers measurable benefits for both nations.Landing in Abidjan on Tuesday evening alongside First Lady Zita Oligui Ng...

West african leaders unite behind single stance against Sahel alliance The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has adopted a firmer diplomatic stance toward the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). During a recent summit in Lungi, Sierra Leone, regional leaders established a critical principle: no member state may pursue separate negotiations with Mali, Burkina Faso, or Niger on key regional matters. This move aims to reinforce cohesion in a bloc weakened since the three Sahelian nations officially withdrew in January 2025. The decision to centralize communication reflects growing concerns in Abuja. Since the AES formalized as a confederation, several West African capitals have explored pragmatic arrangements with their Sahelian neighbors, particularly regarding free movement, ...

Pastef leadership calls for unity as new political formation gains ground Facing growing defections to the new Kiiraay movement, former minister and Pastef leader Malick Gackou has issued a strong call for party members to preserve unity and uphold the movement’s founding principles. As several Pastef officials and activists announce their transition to Kiiraay—President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s emerging political platform—Malick Gackou has urged members of the Ousmane Sonko-led party to remain steadfast and cohesive. In a direct message to "Patriots," the veteran politician emphasized the critical need for discipline and unwavering commitment to the values that define Pastef’s political vision. Gackou argued that the movement’s credibility and long-term success hinge on ...

Religious devotion meets political ambition in Senegal The interplay between faith and governance in Senegal reveals a unique dynamic where Sufi brotherhoods wield significant influence over national politics. As the country maintains its secular foundation, the historical legacy of these religious leaders has resurfaced as a powerful political tool, particularly among sovereignist movements seeking to redefine Senegalese identity. Political leaders invoke spiritual heritage The current political climate in Senegal sees leaders from opposing factions converging around a shared narrative centered on indigenous development models. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Assembly President Ousmane Sonko, despite their political differences, both recognize the strategic importance of aligning wit...

Since July 27, 2026, Togo's former Defense Minister has refused all food to protest harsh prison conditions. Eleven months after her September 2025 arrest for criticizing Faure Gnassingbé's governance, she amplifies the struggle of sixty political detainees still denied freedom. On August 30, 2025, as Lomé erupted in protests over rising living costs and a constitutional reform shifting Togo to a parliamentary system, Essozimna Marguerite Gnakadé joined the demonstrations. The first woman to lead Togo's Defense Ministry (2020-2022), she was quickly targeted by security forces and briefly sent home before her September 17, 2025 arrest for publicly questioning Gnassingbé's leadership. Trapped in Togo's prison system for nearly a year, Gnakadé escalated her protest on July 27, 2026 by laun...

The political landscape in Chad continues to tighten under the leadership of transitional leader Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, as opposition figures face mounting challenges in asserting their influence. Months into his rule, the dynamic between the military-backed administration and civil society groups has become increasingly strained, with dissent often met with swift repression rather than dialogue. Three prominent opposition leaders—Albert Pahimi Padacké, Succès Masra, and Saleh Kebzabo—have found themselves navigating a landscape where public dissent is met with heavy-handed tactics. Their efforts to mobilize support have been met with restrictions, arrests, and other forms of coercion, leaving many to question whether a united opposition front can emerge in the current climate. ...

Senegal's political landscape is witnessing a delicate balancing act as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye navigates the complexities of governance alongside influential opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. The strategy underpinning this dynamic duo is drawing widespread attention, with analysts dissecting every move. Decoding the alliance between Faye and Sonko The partnership between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has redefined Senegal's political narrative. Kiiraay – Les Patriotes républicains, Sonko's party, stands as a pivotal force in this collaboration, shaping policies and public discourse. Observers highlight how this alliance blends ideological differences into a cohesive governance approach. The pillars of Faye's strategic vision President Faye's stra...

Eight weeks have passed since Cameroonian President Paul Biya departed for what was described as a “brief private stay in Europe.” At 93 years old, the head of state’s continued absence from the country inadvertently fuels persistent questions regarding his capacity to govern. The official silence from authorities only intensifies speculation within a political landscape already marked by post-election uncertainties, a common theme in African politics. The government is actively working to de-escalate the controversy. Several high-ranking officials assert that Paul Biya continues to fulfill his duties remotely, emphasizing that no constitutional provisions restrict the duration of a presidential visit abroad. From Yaoundé’s perspective, there is no presidential power vacuum nor an institut...

Appels sur l'actualité VOS RÉACTIONS - Cameroun : l'absence prolongée de Paul Biya The whereabouts of President Paul Biya have become a central point of discussion across Cameroon. At 93 years old, and after 44 years at the helm of this significant African nation, his ...

Lambert Mende affirms Félix Tshisekedi must stay in power until Rwanda aggression ends In a politically charged address delivered during a morning rally of the Convention des Congolais Unis (CCU) on Monday, August 3, 2026, Lambert Mende Omalanga offered a sobering assessment of the security and humanitarian crisis gripping the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The CCU leader urged Congolese citizens to set aside their differences and confront what he described as an existential threat to the nation. « What lies ahead for our nation? » This was the cornerstone question around which Lambert Mende Omalanga structured his message to CCU activists. Positioned as a « message from the lumumbist faction of the CCU to the nation », the address extensively dissected the decades-old security c...

Joshua Osih By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

Mehdi Ba Political analyst specializing in Senegal Pastef Ousmane Sonko Bassirou Diomaye Faye Macky Sall Kiiraay – Les Patriotes républicains In Senegal, a rare political alliance has emerged as opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef and the ruling Alliance pour la République (APR) find themselves aligned against the growing trend of electoral nomadism—where politicians frequently switch allegiances for personal gain. An unexpected convergence of interests The partnership between Pastef and the APR stems from a shared frustration with the practice of politicians abandoning their original parties to join others mid-term, often driven by opportunism rather than ideological alignment. This phenomenon, locally dubbed “transhumance politique,” has i...