Politics

Hamma Ag Mahmoud, a former minister of Labour and Public Service under Mali’s military regime between 1986 and 1988, has officially joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), led by influential imam Mahmoud Dicko. His decision comes as the country faces deepening political and social fractures, with the veteran administrator calling for urgent national mobilization to restore stability. Ag Mahmoud, who previously served as prefect of several Malian regions including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou, transitioned from public office to active political engagement during the 2012 separatist uprising in northern Mali. He played a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement between the Malian government and the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA...

Hamma Ag Mahmoud, a former Malian minister and civil administrator, has publicly joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), led by influential imam Mahmoud Dicko. His decision comes at a pivotal moment for Mali, as the nation grapples with deepening political and security challenges. Between 1986 and 1988, Ag Mahmoud served as Minister of Labor and Public Service under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré, later overseeing regional governance as prefect in areas such as Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. The former official left Mali in 2011 and later aligned himself with the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) during the 2012 rebellion. He played a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace accord between rebel groups and the Malian governme...

Publié aujourd'hui à 10h02 Lecture : 7 minutes. Fichier généré le Lire dans l’app Aly Asmane Ascofaré Journaliste à Jeune Afrique, spécialiste du Mali By Fati Seyni — Analyst

Senegal's political shift: Ousmane Sonko becomes Assembly president Breaking developments. Political comeback: Sonko elected Assembly president days after dismissal Just five days after his removal from the prime minister's office, Ousmane Sonko has been elected president of Senegal's National Assembly. The move follows his reinstatement as a lawmaker after leading the winning electoral list in 2024—a position he initially chose to forgo in favor of the premiership. The legal and constitutional validity of his reinstatement has sparked debate. While some question whether parliamentary procedures were strictly followed, others argue that the situation highlights the evolving dynamics of Senegal's political landscape. Constitutional exper...

In Senegal, the political landscape has shifted dramatically with the election of Ousmane Sonko as president of the National Assembly. This development raises critical questions about how President Diomaye Faye will navigate a legislature now led by his former rival. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the country’s governance, with Sonko’s ascent signaling both challenges and opportunities for the nation’s democratic trajectory. a new political dynamic Ousmane Sonko’s victory in the assembly presidency vote has introduced an unprecedented scenario: a divided government where the executive and legislative branches are no longer aligned. Sonko, a prominent opposition figure, has made it clear that his leadership will not merely rubber-stamp decisions from the executive. His pledge to...

Blockades are not a new phenomenon in Mali’s central regions. Historical conflicts, such as those waged by the Ségou State or the Hamdallahi Caliphate in the 19th century, left villages encircled, cut off from movement and supplies until they surrendered. Today, however, the Katiba Macina—an arm of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which co-organized a major attack in Mali on April 25—has transformed this tactic into a systematic tool of governance through coercion. No longer confined to military punishment, blockades now serve as a means to enforce compliance without formal administration. The study Surviving under Blockade: Cases from Areas under JNIM Influence in Mali, published in December 2025 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and th...

The JNIM's strategic evolution is transforming Mali's security dynamics The north and central regions of Mali are no longer merely battlegrounds for sporadic armed confrontations. For years now, these areas have existed under the shadow of perpetual warfare and collective exhaustion. Recent offensives by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA)—targeting military outposts, supply convoys, and critical road infrastructure—signal a significant strategic shift in how these armed groups operate. These factions are no longer fixated on capturing towns or orchestrating high-profile attacks. Instead, their new objective is far more insidious: to gradually render vast territories ungovernable, pushing the Malian military junta into an increasing...

Senegal’s political landscape shaken by Ousmane Sonko’s rise to Assembly leadershipDakar correspondentOusmane Sonko, Senegal’s newly elected Assembly president, dismissed any notion of political disgrace following his rapid ascent to power. In an assertive press statement, he emphasized his "popular mandate" while vowing to avoid institutional gridlock or personal vendettas. Instead, he framed his role as a guardian of governmental accountability, promising strict oversight and full use of his constitutional powers if needed.Sonko’s rhetoric struck a conciliatory tone toward the executive branch, though analysts warn his actions may reveal deeper ambitions. Political scientist Ellimane Haby Kane of Legs Africa describes this as an "unprecedented cohabitation," suggesting Sonko’s moves are ...

Ousmane Sonko ascends to Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly Within days of being removed from the Prime Minister’s office, Ousmane Sonko has been elevated to a position that places him second only to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Senegal’s political hierarchy. This rapid transition underscores a significant shift in the country’s governance landscape, as Sonko re-enters the legislative arena with renewed influence. His appointment as Speaker of the National Assembly marks a pivotal moment in Senegal’s political narrative, solidifying his role as a key figure in shaping national policies and reforms. The move reflects broader dynamics within the government, where leadership changes are being strategically leveraged to strengthen institutional stability and public trust. Sonko’s ...

Just four days after being dismissed from his position as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko returned to his role as a deputy in the Senegalese National Assembly—and was immediately elected its president. In his first public statement following the election, Sonko emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue with the head of state. What changes can Senegal expect from Ousmane Sonko’s new position? Sonko’s rapid ascension to the presidency of the National Assembly marks a significant shift in Senegal’s political landscape. The move comes after months of heightened tensions between the government and opposition, particularly following his dismissal from the prime ministerial post. Political analysts suggest that his new role could either s...

Chad Urban disorder in N'Djamena: battling poverty as the root of the crisis N'Djamena faces a critical challenge: addressing deep-rooted poverty to curb urban disorder without relying solely on temporary enforcement measures. — 2 min read N'Djamena's municipal authorities have adopted a hardline stance: zero tolerance for urban disorder. Street occupations, visible begging, and misconduct by some security personnel have prompted a strict regulatory push aimed at restoring public order ...