Politics

Tchad Tchad parliament opens session amid security and institutional challenges — 2 min read Share The President of Chad’s Parliament, Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi, inaugurated the ordinary session of the legislative body in N’Djamena, delivering a speech that underscored national resilience, security imperatives, and institutional reforms. The address, delivered with ...

Women’s leadership is not just an aspiration but a necessity for Senegal’s progress, declared Bator Seck, President of the Réseau des femmes leaders pour le développement (RFLD), during a high-profile seminar in Dakar. The gathering, organized by the pan-African feminist network, brought together advocates, policymakers, and civil society to address the persistent gap in women’s political representation across the country. The event underscored a troubling reality: despite Senegal’s long-standing reputation as a regional leader in gender equality—bolstered by the 2010 parity law, the 2001 Constitution’s gender equality clause, and ratification of international human rights conventions—women’s presence in decision-making spaces remains critically low. The 2024 legislative elections reveale...

Forum du Justiciable rejects claims tying Ousmane Sonko to Ndiaga Seck’s arrest Babacar Ba, Chair of the Forum du Justiciable, has firmly dismissed insinuations linking Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to the case of Ndiaga Seck, who was detained on alleged unnatural acts. Ba’s statement underscores growing concerns over judicial ethics in high-profile cases. The Forum’s president emphasized that any effort to associate Sonko with Seck’s arrest constitutes an attempt to undermine the Prime Minister’s credibility. In an official communiqué, Ba argued that as head of government, Sonko represents Senegal’s institutional authority, and such tactics violate the principles of the rule of law. Ba’s remarks come amid heightened public debate surrounding the Ndiaga Seck case, which continu...

The legal saga surrounding Fadilou Kéita, Senegal’s head of the Caisse des dépôts et consignations (CDC), has intensified after the mayor of Kaolack, Serigne Mboup, and Habibou Lèye, an operations manager for the urban renewal project *Cœur de ville*, were summoned this Wednesday morning to Dakar’s urban security office. The move follows the formal filing of a complaint accusing both figures of defamation, marking a decisive turn in a case now gaining political traction. Case targets key figures behind Kaolack’s economic engine Serigne Mboup, a prominent businessman and former president of Senegal’s national chamber of commerce before his 2022 mayoral election, stands at the center of this controversy. His summons to the judicial police unit responsible for sensitive investigations unders...

Senegal faces soaring Tabaski sheep prices and debt crisisEvery year, millions of Senegalese plunge into debt to buy a sheep for Tabaski, transforming a religious observance into a social and financial burden. While Morocco implemented a solution decades ago, Senegal continues to struggle with rising costs and crippling debt cycles.Two weeks before Tabaski, a wave of anxiety sweeps through Dakar’s neighborhoods, from the bustling Almadies district to the modest Sacré-Cœur area. The price of sheep has surged yet again. A decent animal now costs 150,000 FCFA, while "prestige" sheep—those paraded on WhatsApp—fetch up to 300,000 FCFA or more.For fathers like Mamadou Sall, a Sacré-Cœur resident earning just 60,000 FCFA a month, the question looms large: How will I ever afford this? Tabaski has ...

This Friday, Ousmane Sonko will address the National Assembly in a politically charged climate, following the recent amendments to the Electoral Code. The session promises to be highly charged, with opposition lawmakers contesting reforms they argue could reshape Senegal’s electoral landscape. Ousmane Sonko is set to deliver his remarks during the customary session of Questions to the Government, scheduled for May 22, 2026. The timing is critical, coming on the heels of the adoption and enactment of amendments to Articles L.29 and L.30 of the Electoral Code. These changes have ignited fierce debate, particularly regarding their implications for political eligibility and civil rights in Senegal. The Prime Minister’s appearance at the Assembly reflects a post-legislative environment frau...

Chad's economic transition is entering a critical phase as the government pushes forward with its flagship initiative, Tchad Connexion 2030. This ambitious plan aims to shift the country away from oil dependency by fostering growth in key sectors like agriculture, energy, and digital services. International partners, including multilateral and bilateral donors, have renewed their commitment to Chad, signaling a strategic shift for a nation long constrained by regional instability. The real test, however, will be whether this diplomatic alignment translates into tangible financial flows to address the country’s pressing needs. Chad’s economic landscape remains fragile. Landlocked and heavily reliant on volatile oil revenues, the nation faces compounded challenges: border security threats f...

Following the deadly attacks that rocked Bamako on April 25, 2026, Mali’s transitional leader Assimi Goïta has taken decisive steps to consolidate his authority and reshape the country’s political landscape. The events of that day, which left scores dead and exposed vulnerabilities in national security, served as a catalyst for a series of strategic moves by the interim administration. From crisis to control: Goïta’s post-attack strategy The April 25 assaults, attributed to extremist factions, not only claimed lives but also shook public confidence in the transitional government’s ability to ensure stability. In response, Assimi Goïta launched a bold political offensive, repositioning key allies and reinforcing military structures. By mid-May, the government had announced sweeping reforms...

In Senegal, a growing number of university students are embracing politics as a meaningful extension of their academic journeys. For these young minds, active citizenship is not a distraction but a vital component of their personal and professional development.The idea of merging classroom learning with political engagement resonates deeply with many. Students view this approach as a way to bridge theory and practice, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges facing their nation. Rather than seeing politics as a barrier to academic success, they perceive it as a complementary force that enriches their understanding of governance and society.From lecture halls to political platformsFor Adama Lam, a law student, joining a political movement is a strategic step toward building a future c...

Ousmane Sonko faces pivotal parliamentary session amid national debate On Friday, May 22, 2026, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko will stand before the National Assembly for the traditional questions d’actualité session, a constitutional exercise that has taken on heightened significance in Senegal’s evolving political landscape. The session, confirmed by Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye, comes at a time when both domestic pressures and institutional reforms are reshaping the country’s governance framework. While the format typically focuses on government accountability, this appearance carries additional weight given the current socio-political climate. Constitutional reforms and electoral code: battleground of competing visions The most contentious issue will undoubtedly be the elector...

The debate over post-victory bonuses for the Senegalese national football team has reignited, with lawmaker Guy Marius Sagna pressing the government on delayed payments to sports ministry officials.More than four months after Senegal claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title, questions linger about the disbursement of promised rewards. A wave of anticipation is building among ministry employees, who are seeking clarity on whether they qualify for the financial incentives announced by authorities following the continental triumph.Government under scrutiny for bonus distributionIn an official correspondence dated May 5, 2026, the representative from the 15th Legislature formally questioned the Minister of Sports about the status of payments for the announced bonuses. The inquiry centers on whe...

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to Address Key Parliamentary Session The National Assembly in Dakar is set to host a high-stakes session of parliamentary questions this Friday, May 22, 2026, where Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and his cabinet will face direct scrutiny from lawmakers. The announcement comes from El Malick Ndiaye, President of the Assembly, highlighting the legislature’s constitutional duty to oversee government actions. This forum provides a critical platform for elected representatives to challenge the executive branch on pressing national issues. During the session, members of parliament will likely probe Sonko and key ministers on the economic climate, rising living costs, job creation, institutional reforms, and ongoing public policy initiatives. The exchange is...