Politics

The president of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, recently addressed the nation on the anniversary of the country’s independence, a moment rich with symbolic weight. His speech blended the language of republican resolve with carefully calculated magnanimity—a classic political communication strategy designed to shape public perception.By highlighting well-documented issues like corruption and cronyism while simultaneously announcing an impending presidential pardon, the central government crafts a narrative of change. Yet beneath the surface, this rhetoric masks deeper political calculations aimed at steering public opinion.Speaking the language of reform to mask political controlThe first element of this strategy involves co-opting opposition rhetoric. By labeling corruption and embezzleme...

Togo's National Assembly gears up for landmark legislative reforms in urgent session The second extraordinary session of Togo's National Assembly has commenced under critical circumstances, with economic climate, environmental sustainability, and administrative efficiency taking center stage. Spearheaded by Prof. Komi Selom Klassou's parliamentary leadership, this accelerated legislative push aims to address pressing national challenges through transformative legal measures. Convened at the request of President Faure Gnassingbé in strict adherence to constitutional provisions, this emergency parliamentary gathering seeks to tackle urgent socioeconomic and institutional hurdles. Three pivotal legislative proposals stand out in the government's agenda, each designed to modernize key sector...

Romain Chanson Journalist covering the Democratic Republic of the Congo Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala Specialist on the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi Signs of easing political tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Efforts to reduce political friction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are beginning to take shape, raising hopes for a more constructive national dialogue. Recent interactions between key political figures suggest a shift toward calmer exchanges, though challenges remain in ensuring broad-based participation. Context and initial developments The DRC has faced prolonged political uncertainty, with tensions often flaring between the government and opposition groups. However, recent sta...

The newly established Senate of Benin has unveiled the five official instruments it will use to carry out its duties, following the adoption of its internal regulations on July 30, 2026, in Porto-Novo. These tools—ranging from advisory opinions to sanction orders—define the scope of its legislative and oversight powers over laws, political governance, and potential disciplinary actions against political actors. Understanding the five official acts of the Bénin Senate The internal regulations, spanning articles 34 to 40, introduce a structured framework for the Senate’s interventions. Each of the five instruments serves a distinct purpose, ensuring clarity in how the chamber addresses various parliamentary matters. Resolutions: shaping legislative and political directions The resolution s...

Escalating violence displaces thousands in northern and central Mali Since late april, renewed clashes and air strikes have forced tens of thousands of Malians to flee their homes, with Gao and Ménaka among the cities bearing the brunt of this displacement. Local officials report over 40,000 people have been uprooted, seeking safety in already strained urban centers. Kidal at the heart of the new offensive A coalition of jihadists from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) has launched a major offensive, seizing control of the strategic city of Kidal. Fighting has intensified in surrounding areas, particularly near Anéfis, a key northern stronghold. For residents, this resurgence ...

Invité Afrique Midi Strategic restructuring at the helm of Côte d'Ivoire's PPA-CI: preparing for the post-Gbagbo era Listen - 05:49 In Côte d'Ivoire, a significant restructuring of the leadership at the helm of the Ivorian Popular Front for Peace (PPA-CI) is underway. Five senior officials have been granted expanded responsibilities previously held exclusively by former President Laurent Gbagbo. This move prompts critical questions: Is this a deliberate step toward successio...

In a move reinforcing financial transparency standards within Senegal’s public institutions, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, has officially declared his assets. This submission aligns with regulatory requirements mandating high-ranking officials to disclose their financial holdings. The announcement follows the release of an official roster by Senegal’s Office National de Lutte contre la Corruption (OFNAC), which confirms compliance among key parliamentary figures, including Sonko. The list encompasses senior legislative leaders such as vice presidents, parliamentary group chairs, and financial officers. Parliamentary leaders uphold transparency obligations This declaration is not an isolated event but part of a broader initiative to enhance accountability in Senegal’...

Tchad: Mahamat Idriss Déby's pardon move sparks political thaw debate As Chad marks its 66th Independence Day, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has signalled plans to exercise his presidential pardon for a number of convicted individuals. While the identities of those set to benefit remain undisclosed, the announcement has ignited speculation about the fate of key opposition figures—most notably former Prime Minister Succès Masra. In a nationwide address delivered on Independence Day, the Head of State framed the potential pardon as part of a broader push for national unity and reconciliation. The practical impact of this pledge will hinge on the upcoming decree that will name beneficiaries and outline how sentences might be commuted or reduced. Until then, the uncertainty fuels int...

Special Funds Controversy: Sonko’s Unique Position as First PM to Access Them In a televised appearance, former minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye made a striking revelation: Ousmane Sonko became the first Senegalese Prime Minister to gain access to the special funds allocated to the Prime Minister’s office. This unprecedented move has sparked intense debate about transparency and the use of public resources in governance. "He was the first Prime Minister to receive these funds," Ndiaye declared. "I was never Prime Minister, but several former Prime Ministers who are still alive—all except Boun Abdallah Dioné, who has since passed away—confirm they never had access to such funds. It all began with Sonko." He further noted that Amadou Ba, who served briefly before being replaced by Sidiki Kaba,...

Bénin Bénin: unveiling the senate's internal rules and powers The Bénin Senate has officially adopted its internal regulations, setting a new framework for its operations and institutional relationships. Enacted on July 30, 2026, in Porto-Novo, this 103-article text establishes the rules governing the Senate’s organization, functioning, and interventions. It outlines the Senate’s powers over certain laws, its role in political regulation, procedures for sanctioning political actors, and the rights and obligations of senators. The Senate’s internal regulations, adopted in Porto-Novo on July 30, 2026, define the framework for the institution’s organization and functioning. The text, comprising 103 articles, clarifies the Senate’s powers in lawmaking, political regulation, and the sanct...

Côte d’Ivoire’s PPA-CI adopts a collective leadership model under Laurent Gbagbo The Party of African Peoples-Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), led by former President Laurent Gbagbo, has reshaped its leadership structure by appointing five key figures to strategic roles. This move, unveiled in early August, aims to distribute decision-making responsibilities while keeping Gbagbo at the core of the party’s strategic direction. The reorganization follows Gbagbo’s re-election as party president in May 2026, during which he expressed his intent to decentralize some of his executive powers. Initially, plans suggested a single deputy appointment, but the new structure now includes five vice-presidents, each assigned distinct operational duties. Meet the new leadership team Assoa Adou takes on th...

Gabon is witnessing a troubling escalation in public discourse, where personal insults targeting President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, his mother, and his wife have reached alarming levels. This alarming trend has prompted a powerful response from civil society leader Hugues Ongoundou, who is calling for an immediate halt to what he describes as the ‘verbal filth’ poisoning the nation’s public debate. In a bold and uncompromising statement, Ongoundou emphasizes that this issue transcends mere political alignment. He underscores that the dignity of individuals—particularly mothers, grandmothers, and women—must never be sacrificed in the heat of political exchanges. The act of targeting family members of public figures, he argues, crosses a red line that undermines the very fabric of Gabo...