Politics

The Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) is confronting a paradoxical fiscal situation in 2025. Despite a steady increase in tax collection, the national budget deficit is widening because government expenditures are growing at an even faster rate. This structural imbalance leaves Kinshasa struggling to maintain a balance between internal security, economic growth, and the macroeconomic stability required by international financial institutions. Rising tax mobilization amid structural challenges National financial agencies, including the Direction générale des impôts (DGI), the Direction générale des douanes et accises (DGDA), and the Direction générale des recettes administratives, judiciaires, domaniales et de participations (DGRAD), have reported improved results. These gains stem from a...

In Senegal, the newly appointed cabinet led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô has sparked significant debate. Comprising 30 ministers, including technocrats and allies of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the government notably lacks key figures from the Pastef party, led by Ousmane Sonko, who declined participation. This absence underscores a growing rift between President Faye and Sonko, despite both being members of Pastef. Accountability and governance under scrutiny Aminata Touré, a leading figure in the coalition backing President Faye, and the guest of honor in this discussion, responds to concerns about the government’s legitimacy and its ability to function amid what many describe as a cohabitation scenario. With Pastef holding a majority in the National Assem...

Mali: colonel Assimi Goïta sworn in as transitional president Info Colonel Assimi Goïta, who orchestrated two coups in nine months, officially takes office as Mali's transitional president. At just 37 years old, the off...

The housing crisis in Niger, home to nearly 30 million people, has reached a critical point. Rapid population growth has pushed annual housing demand to 40,000 units nationwide, with 5,000 required in the capital alone, according to national statistics. This imbalance has driven rents to unsustainable levels, prompting authorities to take decisive action. In August 2025, the Minister of Urban Planning and Housing announced sweeping reforms aimed at stabilizing the market. By April of the following year, a decree was enacted to cap rental prices, providing much-needed relief for residents. In Niamey, the new regulations set a maximum monthly rent of 80,000 FCFA (approximately 122 euros) for a three-room apartment. The goal is clear: curb the relentless rise in housing costs that has burde...

Senegal’s political arena heats up as Ousmane Sonko faces fresh legal battle In a dramatic escalation of Senegal’s political tensions, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party, has accused opposition lawmakers of orchestrating a targeted conspiracy to block his reinstatement as a member of the National Assembly. Speaking to journalists, Sonko framed the move as a deliberate attempt by his adversaries to derail his political ambitions through questionable legal tactics. « Their actions are nothing short of political scheming, » Sonko declared. « The constitutional challenge they’ve initiated is a calculated move to disrupt my mandate. They are fully aware this matter falls outside the Council’s jurisdiction. » The PASTEF leader also condemned what he described as the cynical use of state...

Wolof BroadcastFull speech of Senegal’s National Assembly President in Wolof June 2, 2026 Presented bySenegal National AssemblyNo Comments Share The full address delivered by Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, in Wolof has been made available to the public.This historic address, delivered in the country’s most widely spoken language, highlights key policy directions and governance commitments for the national assembly’s leadership. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

Ousmane Sonko affirms existence of Cap Manuel protocol with Bassirou Diomaye Faye In a dramatic revelation, Ousmane Sonko, former Senegalese Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, has publicly confirmed the existence of a political agreement—the "protocol of Cap Manuel"—signed with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye prior to the 2024 presidential election. Speaking to the press, Sonko described the encounter as a solemn commitment that shaped their political future. The announcement comes in a charged political climate, with many questioning the dynamics between the two leaders who jointly engineered Senegal's political transition. An agreement forged in detention According to Sonko, the discussions took place during his imprisonment at the Cap Manuel prison in Dakar. He claims th...

Following his removal from the position of Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko is advocating for a meaningful exchange of ideas to prevent Sénégal from descending into a new period of instability. As tensions rise surrounding the cabinet formed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Sonko highlights the importance of open communication for the sake of national peace. The leader of the majority Pastef party, recently dismissed from his governmental role, stated that his supporters intend to "accompany" the new administration. However, he urged the Senegalese head of state to engage in a "constructive dialogue" to ensure the country does not slide back into a crisis. This marks the first public address by Ousmane Sonko since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, his long-term political partner, removed h...

Ousmane Sonko issues stern warning to Al Aminou Lo: « we know everything » Ousmane Sonko has delivered a series of sharp warnings to the newly appointed Prime Minister, Al Aminou Lo, in response to his recent public comments. Amid a climate of political friction, the former head of government urged his successor to stick to his technical expertise while hinting at undisclosed details regarding their professional history. During a press briefing this Tuesday, Ousmane Sonko did not hide his irritation regarding certain remarks made by his successor, directing several thinly veiled warnings toward him. The former Prime Minister first advised the new head of government to remain within his specific area of competence. "I suggest he stick to the data. He claims to be a technocr...

Senegal: Ousmane Sonko explains why Pastef declined cabinet participationSet Yahoo as your preferred source to view our articles on Google.Speaking from Dakar, our correspondent Léa-Lisa Westerhoff gathered the key points from the press conference held by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on June 2, where he addressed the Pastef party’s decision to decline participation in the newly formed government announced the previous day by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration.Sonko outlined the deep-seated disagreements between Pastef and the government, highlighting irreconcilable differences over policy priorities and the allocation of ministerial portfolios. The former premier stressed that the party had sought assurances from the president on critical issues central to their politi...

Senegal's Ousmane Sonko explains why Pastef declined government participationOn June 2, Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s former Prime Minister and leader of the Pastef party, held a press conference in Dakar to clarify why his party chose not to join the newly formed government announced the previous day by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration.Tensions arose over critical policy disagreements and disputes regarding the allocation of ministerial portfolios. Sonko emphasized that the irreconcilable differences with the president’s team centered on key priorities outlined in the Pastef agenda.Among the sticking points were demands for assurances on judicial reforms, fiscal transparency, and the renegotiation of strategic national contracts—particularly concerning the management of the cou...

Dakar — The political landscape in Senegal has intensified as the opposition escalates its legal battle against the reinstatement of Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko to the National Assembly. The move, spearheaded by opposition deputies and independent lawmakers, has drawn sharp criticism from Sonko, who labels it a political conspiracy orchestrated to derail his political ambitions. In a fiery statement, Sonko condemned what he described as institutional manipulation by his adversaries, accusing them of weaponizing state institutions to undermine his legitimacy as a lawmaker. "Those behind this legal challenge are well aware that the Constitutional Council lacks the jurisdiction to rule on such matters," he asserted. "If they resort to the might of the state to oppose us, we will deploy every...