Politics

During Wednesday's cabinet meeting, Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko highlighted the critical need for enhanced flood prevention and management strategies. The session focused on the preparatory efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation alongside other government agencies, particularly regarding drainage system clearance, flood infrastructure inspections, strategic pump deployments, and emergency planning development. The Prime Minister emphasized the interministerial nature of flood prevention, calling for seamless collaboration among all state services under the leadership of the Ministry of Water and Sanitation. The Interior Ministry was specifically tasked with overseeing civil protection and crisis management components of the strategy. Sonko issued clear dire...

Government intensifies flood preparedness measures Dakar – As Senegal braces for the upcoming rainy season, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has called for urgent action to strengthen flood prevention mechanisms. During Wednesday's Council of Ministers meeting, he issued clear directives to relevant ministers to implement critical safeguards without delay. Key directives for flood risk reduction The Prime Minister emphasized the immediate need for several preventive measures, including: Updating and validating all municipal emergency response plans Ensuring early warning systems and communication channels are fully operational Pre-positioning intervention resources and conducting inter-ministerial simulation drills before June 15, 2026 Coordinated approach to disaster management High...

Sénégal: opposition questions legitimacy of Diomaye’s national dialogue plan Senegal’s political landscape is witnessing sharp criticism from opposition figures over the framework of the National Dialogue initiated by President Diomaye Faye. Among the most vocal critics is deputy Guy Marius Sagna, who challenges not only the legal structure but also the underlying objectives of this process, calling it inadequate for addressing the nation’s evolving political needs. In a widely circulated statement, the PASTEF parliamentarian argues that a revolution cannot be steered by colonial or neocolonial tools, questioning the relevance of the existing institutional framework governing the dialogue. He warns that the current approach risks prioritizing political interests over the pressing...

Mountaga Tall's son vanishes amid Mali junta tensions The political climate in Mali has grown increasingly tense following the recent abduction of Mountaga Tall, a prominent opposition figure, and the subsequent disappearance of his son. Lawyers representing the family are raising urgent concerns about these unlawful acts. Mountaga Tall’s eldest son, Cheick Mamadou Tall, was reported missing on May 16, just days after his father’s abduction. The family’s legal team confirmed these distressing developments and demanded immediate action to secure their release. On May 2, Mountaga Tall was forcibly taken from his home in Mali by unidentified, masked assailants. His detention follows escalating tensions between the military junta and civil society groups, with Tall previously playing ...

Mali security detentions: balancing antiterror fight with rightsJournalistThursday, May 21, 2026Set Yahoo as your preferred source to view our articles in Google.Families of the missing are raising desperate questions about the whereabouts and conditions of detained relatives, demanding clarity on their legal status. If charges are pending, they insist cases be transferred to the judicial system. Yet supporters of the transitional authorities argue that national security imperatives and the fight against terrorism justify these measures.State necessity over individual rights?«There is a military prosecutor’s investigation underway, requiring exceptional resources,» explains Tiambel Guimbayara, Malian journalist and editor-in-chief of La Voix du Mali, a vocal backer of the current regime. «...

Senegal's markets need urgent modernization, says Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko Dakar — Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has highlighted the urgent need to address the deteriorating condition and major security risks plaguing the country’s markets. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, he emphasized the vulnerabilities that have left these vital commercial hubs in dire straits. Decades of neglect leave markets in critical state Between 2013 and 2024, at least 53 markets across Senegal have suffered fire incidents, a stark indicator of the systemic failures in infrastructure and safety standards. Sonko pointed to a comprehensive assessment that revealed technical, structural, organizational, environmental, and hygiene-related challenges across these facilities. ‘’The situation demands im...

The Central African Republic’s military landscape has shifted dramatically as Didot Ali, former Chief of Staff of the Movement of Central African Patriots (MPC), ascends to the top leadership position. This unexpected transition follows intense pressure from Russian-backed mercenaries, who played a decisive role in reshaping the country’s security apparatus. The announcement marks the end of Ahmat Chaltout’s brief tenure as MPC Chief of Staff, a position he held for a short period before yielding to the mounting influence of foreign-backed forces. Observers note that the shift reflects broader strategic maneuvers within the region’s security dynamics. What led to this military reshuffle? The power transition in Bangui’s military ranks was not a spontaneous event. Reports indicate that R...

Senegal’s national dialogue initiative gains strong support from security chief The Director-General of Senegal’s Agency for Security and Proximity (ASP), Seydina Oumar Touré, has publicly endorsed the national dialogue initiative spearheaded by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. In a time of heightened political tensions, he emphasizes the initiative’s critical role in safeguarding the nation’s stability and unity. In his official statement, Touré highlights the importance of dialogue as a cornerstone of Senegal’s political culture, rooted in centuries of national cohesion. He points to the country’s historical resilience—built on tolerance, unity, and collective values—as a shield against regional instability. Reflecting on Senegal’s political journey, he underscores that stability is...

The political landscape in Côte d'Ivoire is witnessing a significant internal transformation within the PPA-CI. During the Fête de la Renaissance held in Songon on May 16, 2026, Laurent Gbagbo demonstrated that while he may be preparing for a transition, he remains the undisputed master of his party's destiny. This strategic positioning allows him to oversee his succession without fully relinquishing his grip on power. Strategic oversight of the PPA-CI leadership I witnessed firsthand the atmosphere at the recent gathering, where it became evident that Laurent Gbagbo is orchestrating a delicate balancing act. He is facilitating a path for future leaders while ensuring that the PPA-CI continues to operate under his direct influence. This approach to governance Africa observers often note,...

With Senegal’s local elections just one year away, the simmering conflict between Abass Fall and Khouraïchi Thiam within the Pastef party has become a critical test for Ousmane Sonko’s leadership. The rivalry risks fracturing the party’s unity and undermining its electoral ambitions in Dakar, forcing Sonko to act swiftly to prevent a damaging split that could weaken his political standing. The tension between the two figures is not merely a personal disagreement—it reflects deeper divisions within Pastef over strategy, influence, and the party’s future direction. As these internal clashes intensify, the possibility of a permanent rift grows, making Sonko’s intervention essential to maintain cohesion ahead of the upcoming polls. For a party that has positioned itself as a unifying force i...

Despite being hailed as a democratic model in Africa, Senegal continues to grapple with significant challenges in achieving equitable gender representation in leadership roles. Recent data reveals a concerning decline in women’s political participation, with only 18 women serving as mayors out of 558 communes and just three women presiding over departmental councils out of 43. During a two-day seminar on women’s political engagement, Bator Seck, Senegalese focal point for the Réseau des femmes leaders pour le développement (RFLD), highlighted the stark contrast between the country’s legal advancements and ground realities. While Senegal boasts a 2010 gender parity law, a 2001 Constitution enshrining gender equality, and ratification of key international conventions, these milestones have ...

Senegal is witnessing a growing divide between pressing social concerns and a political landscape dominated by power dynamics. Across the country, citizens are increasingly vocal about the daily struggles exacerbated by soaring housing costs, erratic access to essential services, and persistent bureaucratic hurdles. In urban centers, the strain is palpable. Households report a steady decline in purchasing power, while young people voice frustration over limited economic opportunities. This backdrop of hardship has fostered a climate of uncertainty, with analysts warning that the widening gap between leaders and citizens could deepen if structural solutions remain unaddressed. A political landscape under scrutiny At the same time, national politics continues to dominate headlines. Presi...