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Mali: etienne fabaka sissoko on dialogue, unity and a civilian-led transition
Politics

Mali: etienne fabaka sissoko on dialogue, unity and a civilian-led transition

Featured Politics Mali: Étienne Fabaka Sissoko on dialogue, unity and a civilian-led transition By Staff June 2, 2026 Can dialogue with armed groups in northern Mali lead to lasting peace without compromising national unity? What role could religious leaders play in a potential transition? In an exclusive interview, Étienne Fabaka Sissoko, spokesperson for the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), outlines his vision for resolving the crisis, sets clear red lines, and emphasizes that "dialogue does not mean alliance." Security crisis in Mali and Bamako Étienne Fabaka Sissoko assesses the current security situation in Mali, particularly in Bamako, and addresses the impact of blockades. H...
Human rights crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo: torture and impunity in conflict zones
Politics

Human rights crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo: torture and impunity in conflict zones

The deepening humanitarian tragedy in eastern DR Congo The resurgence of armed hostilities in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo has intensified an already dire humanitarian emergency. Since May 2021, the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri have remained under a state of siege. While high-level diplomatic efforts sought to curb the violence—including the Washington agreement of June 2025 and the Doha framework involving the AFC/M23—these measures have struggled to secure a lasting peace. Instead, the theater of war has expanded toward Uvira, exposing the extreme vulnerability of current ceasefire attempts. Systemic violence and mass displacement In less than twelve months, the ongoing conflict has claimed more than 10,000 lives. This surge in violence has forced million...
Sénégal political shift as president faye forms cabinet despite sonko’s boycott
Politics

Sénégal political shift as president faye forms cabinet despite sonko’s boycott

In a bold political move, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has unveiled a new cabinet that includes several figures from Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party, despite the latter’s public refusal to participate. The announcement came just days after President Faye dismissed Sonko from his position as Prime Minister, a role now held by Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô. tensions rise as political allies part ways This cabinet reshuffle marks a significant turning point in Senegalese politics, highlighting the growing rift between President Faye and Ousmane Sonko, once close allies and co-leaders of the Pastef party. Their partnership, which secured victory in the 2024 presidential election under the slogan Sonko mooy Diomaye (Sonko is Diomaye), has now fractured, leaving the nation in a...
Sénégal opposition challenges sonko’s parliamentary reinstatement at constitutional council
Politics

Sénégal opposition challenges sonko’s parliamentary reinstatement at constitutional council

Members of the opposition in the Senegal National Assembly have formally petitioned the Constitutional Council to rule on the legality of Ousmane Sonko’s reinstatement as a deputy, a move they describe as a constitutional breach. The opposition lawmakers argue that the Bureau of the National Assembly’s decision on May 24, 2026, to reinstate Sonko—despite his prior incompatibility with parliamentary office—violates both the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers. Sonko, who had been appointed Prime Minister and later elected as a deputy in 2024, was constitutionally barred from holding both governmental and legislative roles simultaneously. His reinstatement, they contend, was an attempt to circumvent constitutional safeguards. In their filing, the deputies emphasize that ...
Senegal president faye forms new cabinet excluding sonko’s pastef
Politics

Senegal president faye forms new cabinet excluding sonko’s pastef

In a decisive political maneuver, the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has unveiled a freshly appointed government, deliberately omitting representation from the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. This strategic decision follows a recent reshuffle where Sonko was relieved of his duties, subsequently transitioning to the role of National Assembly President. The dissolution of their former alliance has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the nation’s political landscape. Senegal, already grappling with severe financial strain, now faces heightened political volatility as factions navigate this uncharted territory. The restructuring of the cabinet marks a significant shift in governance, signaling a new chapter in the country’s leadership dynamics. As the administration settles in...
Burkina Faso’s popular revolution: genuine change or mere facade?
Politics

Burkina Faso’s popular revolution: genuine change or mere facade?

The adoption of Burkina Faso’s Progressive Popular Revolution Charter has reignited debates about the country’s future, particularly as Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s stance on democracy continues to spark controversy. Under his leadership, the military junta has tightened its grip while invoking the legacy of Burkina Faso’s revolutionary icon, Thomas Sankara. In late March, the Progressive Popular Revolution Charter (RPP) was unanimously endorsed by members of the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT), replacing the 2024 Transition Charter. The move signals a shift in governance, but critics question whether this reflects true reform or consolidation of power. International observers, including Amnesty International, have condemned the military authorities’ decision to dissolve over a hund...
Ousmane Sonko declares PASTEF will not join Senegal’s next government
Politics

Ousmane Sonko declares PASTEF will not join Senegal’s next government

AfriqueOusmane Sonko declares PASTEF will not join Senegal's next governmentThe leader of PASTEF-Les Patriotes has issued a bold statement through a new social media post. This time, Ousmane Sonko addressed the nation regarding his party's position on the upcoming government formation.Alexandre L.|1 June 2026|2 min readAAAFollow this news on GoogleSummarizeListenCommentOusmane Sonko has made a firm declaration through a fresh social media update.In this latest announcement, the PASTEF-Les Patriotes leader revealed that discussions were held with the President of the Republic. However, these talks failed to resolve key disagreements.«This morning, a lengthy meeting took place between the President of the Republic and President Ousmane Sonko. While some areas of agreement were identified, si...
Ousmane Sonko’s refusal sparks political shift in Senegal
Politics

Ousmane Sonko’s refusal sparks political shift in Senegal

PASTEF-Les Patriotes has formally declined an invitation to join the government, ending negotiations that failed to reach any consensus. This refusal reflects a clear political strategy, reshaping power dynamics within the state and underscoring a matter of political dignity.
Senegal’s new cabinet excludes Pastef after Faye and Sonko fail to agree
Politics

Senegal’s new cabinet excludes Pastef after Faye and Sonko fail to agree

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveiled a fresh ministerial lineup this Monday, June 1, notably excluding members of his own political movement, Pastef. This decision follows a breakdown in negotiations with the party's leader and former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, who cited fundamental differences regarding the composition of the new executive team. The reveal comes nearly two weeks after Sonko was dismissed from his role as Prime Minister. While Sonko has since taken the helm of the National Assembly, the rift between the two leaders has deepened, plunging the nation into a period of political ambiguity amidst an ongoing financial squeeze. This tension marks a significant shift in the relationship between the longtime allies. Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, who stepped ...
Senegal political shift as pastef party excluded from new cabinet
Politics

Senegal political shift as pastef party excluded from new cabinet

Senegal: PASTEF party to remain outside new government amid political tensionsPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has unveiled a new cabinet lineup that notably excludes the PASTEF party, led by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The exclusion follows weeks of escalating disagreements between the two leaders over cabinet composition and governance priorities.This political rupture comes just 12 days after Sonko was dismissed from his former post and subsequently elected as President of the National Assembly. The abrupt separation has plunged the nation into a period of heightened uncertainty, compounded by ongoing economic distress.In a statement released on social media, PASTEF confirmed its decision not to participate in the new administration. The party cited "fundamental disag...
Sénégal politics: opposition challenges Sonko’s assembly return before constitutional council
Politics

Sénégal politics: opposition challenges Sonko’s assembly return before constitutional council

In a bold move that underscores the deepening political divide within the Sénégal’s legislative body, members of the opposition have escalated their legal battle by filing a formal appeal with the Conseil constitutionnel. The petition challenges the reinstatement of Ousmane Sonko as a deputy in the National Assembly, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing dispute over his political future. The opposition’s decision to contest Sonko’s return comes on the heels of his recent dismissal from the government, a move that has further intensified institutional tensions. Lawmakers opposing Sonko argue that his reintegration as a deputy is procedurally flawed and legally untenable, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his departure from ministerial duties. The debate has now shifted...