Politics

The upcoming Pastef congress is set to be a defining moment for the political organization led by Ousmane Sonko. This high-stakes event will be divided into two distinct phases: a day of internal administrative restructuring followed by a massive public rally at the Dakar Aréna.Internal governance and statutory electionsThe first part of the congress, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, will focus exclusively on the party's internal affairs. Delegates and observers will gather to deliberate on orientation documents and various resolutions. A central component of this session is the formal election of the party's president, ensuring the movement’s leadership is strictly aligned with its governing statutes and legal framework.Massive public mobilization in SénégalFollowing the administrative ses...

Gabon’s presidential palace recently hosted a high-profile meeting to mark the official induction of Edith Laure Mbiguidi Oyaya as the new Director-General of the General Tax Directorate (DGI). During the ceremony, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema underscored the pivotal role of taxation in his broader societal project, positioning it as the backbone of public policy financing in Gabon. To his top officials, the message was unequivocal: boosting domestic revenue collection has now become a top-tier national priority. From tax collector to economic catalyst The Head of State emphasized that fiscal policy directly determines the government’s ability to deliver on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic sovereignty commitments. With Libreville aiming to wean itself off oil ...

Mali tightens motorcycle restrictions amid rising insurgency threatIn a decisive move to counter escalating security threats, Malian authorities have suspended the operation of motorcycles with engine displacements of 125cc or higher outside major urban centers. The ban, which also extends to the importation and commercialization of such vehicles, comes as the nation grapples with intensified jihadist attacks and critical road blockades crippling access to Bamako.Malian authorities announced a sweeping ban on motorcycles with displacements of 125cc or greater operating outside Bamako and other principal urban hubs, effective immediately.This stringent regulation targets a primary transportation method frequently exploited by jihadist factions across the Sahel region. Mali remains embroiled...

Publié aujourd'hui à 10h14 Lecture : 1 minute. Fichier généré le Lire dans l’app Jeune Afrique By Fati Seyni — Analyst

In a significant political move, the Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR), a prominent opposition coalition, has formally called for the removal of Ousmane Sonko from Senegal's National Assembly. This demand, originating from Dakar, directly targets the Senegalese Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party. It signals a notable escalation in the ongoing political struggle that profoundly shapes the nation's institutional landscape. The opposition's petition seeks to challenge the head of government's presence within the legislative body and, by extension, his influence over the legislative agenda. A parliamentary offensive against the head of government The FDR, comprising various factions opposed to the administration that took power following the March 2024 politi...

BéninPolitique Benin's president romuald wadagni embarks on Sahel diplomatic tour In a demanding week covering three key capitals and pressing regional issues, President Romuald Wadagni of Benin initiated his inaugural official journey beyond national borders. His itinerary included stops in Abuja, Niamey, and Ouagadougou, with the stated aim of revitalizing sub-regional cooperation, which has been severely impacted by security challenges and political rifts since 2023. Central to President W...

The "ghost town" operation observed this Wednesday, June 3rd, in Kinshasa did not lead to a total standstill. Across the provinces and in the heart of the RDC, the opposition's call for a complete shutdown failed to fully mobilize the population. Markets remained open, public transport continued to operate, and the machinery of the state stayed in motion. However, the Tshisekedi administration should not misinterpret this lack of total paralysis. The hesitation seen in the streets, the half-closed storefronts, and the hushed conversations represent a silent but powerful message from the citizens. In the history of the RDC, these quiet signals have often preceded significant shifts in African politics. A cry for social justice and economic inclusion This is the same population that r...

Gabon’s transitional leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has disclosed turning down a formal proposal from the United States to accept migrants expelled from American soil. The revelation, shared during an international broadcast interview, positions Libreville in stark contrast to Washington’s ongoing diplomatic push across African capitals since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in early 2025. Gabon stands firm against Washington’s migrant relocation agenda The Gabonese head of state confirmed that US officials approached Gabon with an agreement under which the Central African nation would host non-citizens removed from the United States. Oligui Nguema stated he categorically rejected the proposal, though he did not disclose the full range of incentives Washington may have offere...

The Front for the Defence of the Republic (FDR) has issued a formal statement demanding the immediate removal of Ousmane Sonko from his position in the National Assembly. Led by Khalifa Sall, the coalition argues that Sonko’s continued presence in the parliament is both illegal and illegitimate, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal and political confrontation. The FDR’s declaration, released on Wednesday, commends the collective effort of 147 political parties and movements that signed a joint statement on May 24 against what they describe as a parliamentary coup attempt by the PASTEF party. The coalition also welcomes the opposition’s decision to refer the matter to the Constitutional Council for review. Central to the FDR’s argument is Article LO172 of the Electoral Code, which st...

3 June 2026 Congo opposition stages 'dead city' protest against potential constitutional revision Amid growing concerns over a potential constitutional revision that could pave the way for a third presidential term, dissenting voices have intensified their campaign against President Félix Tshisekédi’s ambitions. On June 3, a coalition of political opponents and civil society leaders, operating under the banner of the C 64 movement, called for a nationwide 'dead city' strike—a symbolic shutdown to voice opposition to the constitutional changes. The response was overwhelming: Kinshasa, usually bustling with activity, ground to a near halt as businesses shuttered their doors, signaling strong public resistance to the proposed alterations. Constitutional revision in DRC hinges on pow...

The Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR) has formally requested the removal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from Senegal’s National Assembly, branding his presence there as both illegal and illegitimate. Political and legal controversy The coalition argues that Sonko’s continued role as a deputy while serving as head of government violates existing electoral and constitutional provisions. In a statement released on June 3, 2026, the FDR emphasized that under Article LO172 of the Electoral Code, a minister elected to parliament must resign from government within eight days of taking office—or forfeit their parliamentary seat. The FDR further contends that procedural changes to the Assembly’s internal rules cannot override the legal framework governing ministerial role...

Le Mouvement autonome chrétien pour le développement durable (MAC 20), a civil society organization in Senegal, has highlighted the insufficient political participation of Christians in the country. Speaking on June 10, 2017, during a forum in Mbour—south of Dakar—the movement emphasized the need for greater Christian leadership ahead of the July 30 legislative elections. The forum, held under the patronage of Defense Minister Augustin Tine, focused on the theme "Christian Political Engagement and Leadership". Organized by the MAC 20, the event aimed to encourage Christians to take on more prominent roles within political parties. Lack of Christian leadership in politics Emile Daly Diouf, President of MAC 20, stressed that while Christians are present in political cir...