Politics

In a heartfelt tribute, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, expressed his deep sorrow upon the passing of Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké, a revered religious figure whose influence extended far beyond spiritual guidance. Sonko, visibly moved, described the late marabout as more than just a mentor—he was a father figure, a trusted friend, and a pillar of strength during life’s most challenging moments. a bond forged in faith and resilience In a poignant statement, Sonko reflected on the profound impact Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké had on his life, attributing his unwavering resolve and moral clarity to the spiritual leader’s unwavering support. The marabout’s wisdom, delivered through heartfelt advice and collective prayers from his disciples across multiple daara, became a source o...

Chad’s political landscape has been marked by a long-standing debate over decentralization, and former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacké has once again brought this issue to the forefront. Speaking at a high-profile conference in N’Djamena, he delivered a sharp critique of the country’s centralized governance model, calling for urgent reforms to empower provincial councils. Held at the Idriss Déby Itno Amphitheater of the National School of Administration (ENA), the event drew a packed audience of civil servants, university students, and political figures. The topic—« Decentralization in the Dynamics of Development: The Case of Provincial Councils »—was chosen deliberately, reflecting the growing urgency of addressing Chad’s institutional challenges. Why decentralization matters for C...

PoliticsSenegalhow will Bassirou Diomaye Faye steer Senegal's governancePoliticsSenegalThe Talking TreeThis week, our political roundtable examines the growing rift between Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. Our panel dissects this unprecedented political dynamic.Less than a year after being dismissed from office on May 22, 2025, former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has staged a remarkable political comeback by securing the presidency of Senegal’s National Assembly. His election comes on the back of strong support from his party, Pastef, despite deepening tensions with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, his former ally within the same political movement. On Monday evening, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, a former senior official at the Central Bank...

As Senegal prepares to celebrate a historic milestone, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, paid a heartfelt tribute to former President Abdoulaye Wade on his 100th birthday. The occasion, marked on May 29, 2026, coincides with Tabaski, which Sonko acknowledged limited public commemorations but emphasized the personal significance of the moment. In a message shared on social media platform X, Sonko described Wade’s century of life as "a century of meaningful existence," underscoring the profound impact the elder statesman has had on Senegal’s political landscape. "Millions of Senegalese honor him today in the quiet of their hearts—through prayers and heartfelt thoughts. Perhaps that is the most genuine tribute of all," he reflected. wade’s legacy in Senegal’s democratic jou...

The President of Benin, Romuald Wadagni, announced on May 28, 2026, the appointment of Air Force General Bertin Bada as Advisor to the President on Defense and Security matters. The decision was formalized through Decree No. 2026-324. This move aligns with a broader series of presidential decrees issued the same day, aimed at restructuring key security and defense entities, including the Republican Guard and the Military Cabinet. A pivotal role in national security architecture The position of Presidential Advisor on Defense and Security is a cornerstone of the nation’s security framework. General Bada’s responsibilities will include advising the President on defense policies, internal security challenges, and territorial protection, while providing high-level technical expertise to info...

Alain Aka Côte d'Ivoire correspondent The Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), Côte d'Ivoire's ruling coalition, is facing growing scrutiny over its alleged interference in the affairs of the Parti Démocratique de Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI), led by Tidjane Thiam. Internal sources within the PDCI report that covert negotiations and strategic maneuvers by the RHDP are exacerbating divisions within the opposition party. Behind-the-scenes maneuvering fuels party tensions Since April, the PDCI has observed an escalation in clandestine discussions between certain members and representatives of the RHDP. These meetings, described as sensitive, are reportedly aimed at swaying PDCI officials toward aligning with the government's agenda. The timing coinci...

Chad Chad government issues formal apology to judges amid judicial concerns Following an extraordinary general assembly of the Chadian Magistrates' Syndicates (SMT and SYAMAT), the government has formally apologized to the judiciary, signaling a commitment to institutional cohesion. May 29, 2026 — 1 min read Share ...

The political upheaval in Dakar has reignited debates over Senegal's soaring public debt and its potential implications for future negotiations with international financial institutions. The removal of Ousmane Sonko from the political stage has raised critical questions: could this shift in power dynamics finally open the door to an agreement with the International Monetary Fund? From political friction to economic leverage The departure of Ousmane Sonko, a prominent figure in Senegal's political landscape, has left a void that extends beyond the corridors of power. His exit has triggered a chain reaction of events reshaping the country's economic policy priorities. With debt levels climbing and fiscal pressures mounting, the new administration now faces a pivotal choice: pursue st...

The political shake-up in Senegal has reignited discussions about the country’s debt management and potential engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With Ousmane Sonko no longer in the picture, many are questioning whether this shift could pave the way for a fresh economic dialogue with global financial institutions. As Senegal grapples with rising public debt and economic pressures, the departure of a key political figure has sparked speculation about the future of fiscal policies. Analysts suggest that the current administration may now have the space to re-evaluate the country’s financial strategies, particularly in light of recent economic challenges. What changed with Sonko’s exit? Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition leader, had been a vocal critic of external fin...

In N'Djamena, a pivotal meeting unfolded on May 27, 2026, at the Ministry of Justice, bringing together key figures to address escalating tensions between magistrates and the Minister of Public Security and Immigration. Among the attendees were Justice Minister Ndolenodji Alixe Naimbaye and Security Minister Ali Ahmat Aghabache, alongside senior judicial representatives. Dialogue takes center stage amid misinterpreted statements At the heart of the discussion was a clarification of remarks made by the Security Minister during a public meeting on land occupation. The minister acknowledged that his statements, which were widely circulated in edited video clips, had been taken out of context. He strongly denied any intent to undermine the judiciary, expressing regret over the misrepresentati...

Publié aujourd'hui à 12h17 Lecture : 8 minutes. Fichier généré le Lire dans l’app Aly Asmane Ascofaré Journaliste à Jeune Afrique, spécialiste du Sahel By Fati Seyni — Analyst

The unexpected fallout of a political alliance In late May 2026, a dramatic shift in Senegal’s political landscape unfolded when President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s mandate. This decisive move shattered a fragile alliance that had steered the nation since April 2024, thrusting the country into a deepening crisis. What began as a partnership within the same party—Pastef—quickly deteriorated into a bitter rivalry, exposing long-simmering tensions. The rupture came on the heels of a staggering financial revelation: a previously undisclosed debt of nearly $11 billion, which has since plunged Senegal into severe economic distress. The timing of Sonko’s dismissal, shortly after his reinstatement as a deputy and subsequent election as Speaker of the Nationa...