Politics

Ahead of the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup encounter between France and Sénégal, Ousmane Sonko, the President of the Senegalese National Assembly, offered a perceptive analysis of the fixture, blending both sporting excitement and profound political insight.During a recent interview, Sonko expressed his steadfast support for the Lions of Teranga while simultaneously highlighting the match's deeper symbolic significance. “I am confident that Sénégal will win. That is certainly my wish, shared by all Senegalese. In any event, it is merely a football match,” he remarked.Beyond the immediate athletic contest, Ousmane Sonko suggested that this high-profile game vividly illustrates the intricate connections between the African continent and Europe, a relationship particularly evident in the di...

DÉRAPAGE Ousmane Sonko's controversial remarks on France-Sénégal football ignite identity debate Ahead of the highly anticipated France–Sénégal football clash, a statement from Ousmane Sonko has reignited a discussion many believed was confined to the fringes of identity politics. By declaring that “whatever the winner, Africa will have beaten Africa,” the President of the Senegalese National Assembly inadvertently resurrected an old controversy: the practice of reducing Black players in the French national team to their familial origins rather than acknowledging their French nationality. This narrative, historically championed by figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen, Éric Zemmour, and certain Argentinian football fans, now raises significant questions when echoed by a leading political figure ...

National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko has brought the critical issue of Senegal's public debt back into the spotlight, suggesting that a portion of the financial commitments inherited from the previous administration could fall under the classification of "odious debt." In a recent interview, the PASTEF leader championed the new authorities' initiative to present a fully transparent picture of public finances to both citizens and international partners. He stressed that this commitment to transparency was essential for establishing credible and sustainable economic governance in Africa. “We have chosen to start on a healthy basis,” Mr. Sonko affirmed, arguing that any concealment of budgetary realities would have further weakened the national eco...

Politics Ousmane Sonko clarifies stance on 2029 presidential bid In a televised interview, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party and President of the National Assembly, addressed speculation about his potential candidacy in Senegal’s 2029 presidential election. When questioned about whether he would run regardless of circumstances, Sonko emphasized the need for patience. "It is far too early to discuss a candidacy," he stated. "Numerous discussions suggest my involvement in 2029, but I prefer to wait. My party will select its candidate when the time comes—we are not there yet." The opposition figure stressed the importance of following institutional procedures rather than personal ambitions. Regarding outgoing President Diomaye Faye...

The ongoing political discourse across Sénégal remains animated by the persistent rift between the Pastef party and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Amidst demands from certain party activists for the Head of State's expulsion, Ousmane Sonko, a prominent figure within Pastef, indicated that this matter would be deliberated by the movement's competent authorities “when the time is right.”Speaking recently, the President of the National Assembly underscored Pastef's highly organized and structured nature. He reiterated that any potential decision must strictly adhere to the party's established statutes and procedures.“This will be assessed at the appropriate juncture. Pastef operates as a deeply structured and organized party. It possesses very clear guidelines outlining the processes to fol...

Politique Gabon's Parliament: A New Era of Accountability and Republican Dialogue ...

DR Congo: examining the referendum law's provisionsIn a decisive vote, members of the Democratic Republic of Congo's National Assembly have overwhelmingly adopted a new proposed bill outlining the organization of a referendum. For opposition parties, this legislative approval marks a pivotal initial step in a process that could lead to significant constitutional amendments, potentially enabling President Felix Tshisekedi to pursue a controversial third term. This raises crucial questions: what are the specific provisions of this DR Congo referendum law? How exactly might it facilitate a revision of the nation's fundamental legal framework? And what are the immediate next stages that could ultimately culminate in a comprehensive constitutional overhaul? By Fati Seyni — Analyst

Addressing inquiries about Senegal's national debt management and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) upcoming mission to Dakar, Ousmane Sonko offered a candid assessment of his two-year tenure as Prime Minister. He also established clear boundaries for the current Al Aminou Lo government. Regarding the prospect of debt restructuring, the President of the National Assembly initially dismissed any rigid, dogmatic stance. "We do not hold absolute positions. We approach the situation with clarity and pragmatism," he declared. However, he promptly recalled his firm opposition to any drastic or 'savage' restructuring during his time as Prime Minister, asserting that "the conditions were simply not met, as the nation was not in default and consistently honored its commitments." This principl...

On June 15, 2026, the 145 deputies and 70 senators comprising Gabon's Parliament will convene in a joint session to hear the address of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. This engagement, in line with Article 93 of the Constitution, is termed a “presidential communication.” While this solemn intervention before the national representation does not entail a vote, it signifies a pivotal institutional moment. It takes place nearly three years after the August 30, 2023 coup d'état and mere months after the establishment of the Fifth Republic's key institutions. Against a backdrop of considerable economic uncertainty, this address is eagerly anticipated. This inaugural Congress of the Fifth Republic carries significant political and economic weight. As Gabon progresses with its transfor...

Politique Gabon : Le test de la crédibilité démocratique ...

Gabon's defense spending is set to reach a significant milestone in 2026. On June 11, Brigitte Onkanowa, the Minister of State for National Defense, unveiled a substantial allocation of 377.68 billion FCFA to the National Assembly's Finance, Budget, and Public Accounts Commission. This considerable sum, part of the 2026 revised finance bill, is championed amidst Gabon's political transition and evolving security dynamics across Central Africa. Its primary objective is to bolster the capabilities of the Gabonese armed forces across all operational domains. This substantial budgetary decision comes as Libreville seeks to redefine its military apparatus following the August 2023 change in government. The transitional authorities, nearing the conclusion of their institutional phase, have expli...