Politics

Relations between Senegal and France have entered rocky waters following the passage of a new Senegalese law that toughens penalties for same-sex relationships and the arrest of a French national in Dakar earlier this year. These developments, unfolding against a backdrop of already strained bilateral ties, have ignited sharp political reactions and reignited debates on human rights, state sovereignty, and diplomatic engagement between the two nations. A landmark legislative shift occurred on March 11, 2026, when Senegal’s National Assembly approved a bill that significantly increases criminal penalties for homosexuality. Government officials defend the reform as an effort to uphold the country’s sociocultural values, framing it as a continuation of existing legal frameworks. However, the...

One of Côte d'Ivoire's most distinguished political figures, Auguste Miremont, shares his insights into the nation's modern political journey. As the country's first Minister of Communication (1989-1993) and former Director-General of Fraternité Matin, Miremont offers a unique perspective on the leadership styles of Presidents Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Alassane Ouattara. His reflections come as a new biography, « Auguste Miremont, d’Houphouët à Ouattara, en toute liberté... », captures his remarkable career. Why did you finally agree to share your life's work through this biography? For decades, I deliberately avoided such projects. The author, Michel Koffi, had to overcome significant resistance to convince me. Since leaving my roles as a journalist, depu...

AfriquePatrice Talon bids farewell to the Béninois peopleIn a heartfelt message released by outgoing Bénin President Patrice Talon, he expressed profound gratitude to the nation for the collective journey ahead.Armand Djaleu|5 hours ago|3 min readAAASummarizeListen1CommentIn a message released by outgoing Bénin President Patrice Talon, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Béninois people for the demanding path they dared to walk together over the past decade—through challenges overcome, reforms implemented, and major projects launched to strengthen the state and align public action with socioeconomic development. Here is the full message:  My dear compatriots,This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will take the oath of office, officially be...

By Fati Seyni — Analyst

Chad’s Supreme Court in N’Djamena is under heavy security today, with personnel from the national guard, gendarmerie, and police enforcing strict access controls.Entry into the court complex is tightly regulated, and multiple journalists along with camera crews have been denied access to the hearing room.a tightly controlled judicial hearingThe public hearing is taking place in a modest chamber within the Supreme Court, away from general observers. It brings together the court’s president and a team of nearly a dozen lawyers representing Dr. Succès Masra, leader of Les Transformateurs party.focus on the cassation appealThis session centers on the cassation appeal filed against the August 9, 2025 ruling by the criminal chamber of the Appeals Court, which sentenced Dr. Succès Masra to 20 yea...

As Romuald Wadagni prepares to take the oath of office on Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon delivered a heartfelt address to the Nation. After two full constitutional terms and a decade marked by challenges—including a thwarted coup attempt—the head of state reflected on his leadership and urged continuity in public service. In his farewell message to the Béninois people, President Talon not only commemorated his tenure but also welcomed a new chapter under his successor. He began by congratulating President-elect Romuald Wadagni, who will soon assume the highest office in the country. « This Sunday, the elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will formally swear in and take charge. From that moment, he will shoulder the vital mission of steering our nation toward gr...

Chad: Landmark legal proceedings commence against political leader Succès Masra The courtroom drama unfolded under unprecedented security measures as Chad's Supreme Court initiated proceedings against opposition figure Succès Masra, who remains absent from the trial. Unprecedented security measures surround judicial process N'Djamena's Supreme Court became the epicenter of heightened security protocols as a multi-layered force comprising national police, gendarmerie units, and nomadic guards secured the premises. The deployment extended beyond the courthouse to major thoroughfares leading to the judicial complex, creating an atmosphere of tension. International and domestic journalists who had gathered to cover the proceedings were swiftly evacuated from the premises. The scene was fur...

Chad’s vice-premiere minister assesses regional governance in Moundou Moundou, a key economic hub in southern Chad, is hosting a high-level delegation led by Vice-Prime Minister Limane Mahamat this week. The official mission, launched on May 19, 2026, focuses on evaluating and strengthening local governance across the country’s southern provinces. Southern provinces under the microscope The two-day working session, held at the Western Logone Provincial Council headquarters, brings together senior government delegates, regional prefects, municipal mayors, provincial council presidents, and elected representatives from the country’s southern belt. The gathering serves as a platform to assess the effectiveness of local governance structures and identify urgent needs in these strategi...

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's unexpected parliamentary session sparks intrigue Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is set to engage in potentially intense discussions with members of parliament during tomorrow's 'Questions d'actualité' session. This event has generated considerable interest due to an unforeseen advancement in its schedule. The reasons behind this calendar modification remain unclear, fueling both curiosity and widespread speculation across the nation regarding African politics and governance in Senegal. Tomorrow morning, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and his entire government cabinet are scheduled to appear before the deputies of the National Assembly for a 'Questions d'actualité' session. This pivotal parliamentary gathering, known for often featuring vigorous exchanges betwe...

President Diomaye Faye outlines key government priorities to prime minister Sonko President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has delivered a series of firm mandates to the government, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, during the Council of Ministers meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This crucial moment in African politics highlights the administration's commitment to robust governance across Senegal, as the head of state laid out a clear roadmap demanding tangible results across key sectors, including national dialogue, public performance evaluation, civil registry modernization, and ensuring equitable water access for all citizens. Kicking off his address, President Faye revisited the previously planned National Dialogue Day on May 28. Acknowledging the prevailing religious context, he a...

President Maouloud steps into a pivotal role following a historic rally in Nouakchott The newly elected leader of Mauritania’s opposition coalition assumes office amid a charged political landscape, highlighted by a massive gathering in the capital that drew tens of thousands of citizens. The event underscored both the public’s demand for change and the mounting pressure on the government to address pressing issues. Key obstacles loom for the new coalition head Mauritania stands at a crossroads, grappling with challenges that demand decisive action: a stalled national dialogue process, the resurgence of divisive rhetoric, heightened security threats along the eastern borders with Mali, and soaring living costs that have eroded public welfare. Maouloud, the coalition’s new president, has ...

Government ramps up flood prevention ahead of rainy season The Prime Minister of Senegal has instructed ministers to implement urgent measures aimed at mitigating flood risks before the next rainy season arrives. During Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, the head of government emphasized the need for proactive disaster preparedness and swift action to address potential hazards associated with the upcoming winter period. According to government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye, several critical steps must be taken immediately. Among these is the pre-positioning of emergency response resources to ensure rapid deployment when needed. Additionally, a nationwide inter-ministerial simulation exercise has been scheduled for June 15, 2026, to evaluate the state’s readiness to handle potential disasters. ...