Politics

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is facing its first major credibility crisis after Burkina Faso and Niger failed to send troops to Mali during a series of April 2026 attacks. The military silence starkly contradicts the Liptako-Gourma Charter signed in September 2023, which explicitly mandates mutual assistance among the three post-coup regimes. The coordinated offensives targeted northern and central Mali, striking Malian military positions and suspected foreign-backed installations simultaneously. Fighters from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, launched synchronized attacks with the Permanent Strategic Framework for the Defense of the Azawad People (CSP-DPA). For Bamako, the psychological impact matched the material losses sustained. Defense cha...

A traditional celebration turned into a scene of mourning in central Mali after military drone strikes claimed the lives of at least ten civilians. The tragedy unfolded in the town of Téné, located within the San region, where local residents were preparing for a significant cultural event: a collective wedding ceremony. A celebration turned to tragedy Most of those killed in the strikes were young people. They had gathered to participate in the second edition of a traditional mass wedding, an event that usually brings the community together in joy. Instead, the village is now gripped by profound grief. The strikes reportedly hit a procession of several motorcycles traveling together. It is believed that the movement of this convoy likely drew the attention of the military drones operatin...

political tensions in Senegal: omar sarr questions diomaye faye and ousmane sonko’s governance In a candid assessment of the current state of governance in Senegal, former minister and FDR coordinator Oumar Sarr has raised serious concerns about the apparent rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Speaking as a guest on a prominent talk show, Sarr highlighted the growing public confusion surrounding the leadership dynamics at the heart of the government. Public skepticism grows over apparent disagreements Oumar Sarr, a prominent political figure and mayor of Dagana, emphasized that while many citizens suspect deep-seated conflicts between the two leaders, no official statements have confirmed such tensions. “There are those who believe significan...

Ziguinchor voices concern over political climate in Senegal In a powerful appeal from Ziguinchor, community leader Chérif Bouna Samsidine Aïdara has called on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to prioritize stability and national unity amid rising political tensions. Speaking on iRadio, he emphasized that Senegal is navigating "challenging times" and urged collective commitment to peace and resilience. Senegal’s leadership urged to embrace resilience The prominent figure highlighted the critical need for both the head of state and the head of government to adopt a resilient stance, ensuring the country remains on a stable path. "The President must lead with resilience. The Prime Minister must do the same. Together, they should embrace the values of the Inter...

On Sunday, May 17, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who also leads the ruling Pastef party in Senegal, received a fervent welcome from hundreds of jubilant supporters. This grand pedestrian rally, orchestrated by his political movement's departmental coordination, showcased significant public engagement in Dakar. Such events are vital in understanding contemporary African politics, and independent African journalism often covers these developments. Dressed entirely in white, the Prime Minister was met with an immediate roar from the enthusiastic crowd, who intermittently chanted, "Sonko Président!" He then immersed himself among the people, participating in a lively crowd bath. Prominent figures from the party were also present, lending their support to the demonstration. Among them were...

In Côte d'Ivoire, the question of leadership succession within the Parti des Peuples Africains – Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI) remains deliberately vague, as Laurent Gbagbo maintains an unclear stance on who will follow him. This deliberate ambiguity from the former president is a key point of interest in African politics and frequently features in Africa news English reports, highlighting ongoing challenges in governance Africa. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

The Party of African Peoples – Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI) convened its first ordinary congress on May 14, 2026, at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, Abidjan. This significant political gathering saw former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo re-elected to lead the party, alongside the implementation of a series of disciplinary sanctions targeting several key officials and activists. This event is a crucial piece of African Tribune news, shedding light on current African politics and governance Africa. At 81 years old, Laurent Gbagbo received overwhelming acclamation from nearly 3,000 congress delegates, securing his re-election. This decision aligns with a recommendation from the party's Central Committee, which expressed a strong desire for the historical leader to continue guiding the po...

Ousmane Sonko's 2029 presidential bid: a path cleared or still uncertain?The Constitutional Council's assessment holds the key to Ousmane Sonko's potential candidacy in the 2029 presidential election. Its interpretation of the recently enacted electoral framework could determine whether the path is cleared for the prominent leader. Across Senegal, the discussion surrounding Sonko's eligibility is growing more intense, adding to the considerable uncertainty hovering over the upcoming presidential contest in African politics. By Fati Seyni — Analyst

Senegal's new electoral reform fuels speculation over Ousmane Sonko's 2029 presidential runDakar — Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed into law a sweeping electoral reform that could reinstate Ousmane Sonko's eligibility for the 2029 presidential election.The revised legislation introduces critical changes to civil rights deprivation rules in Senegal. The new provisions cap the exclusion period at five years post-sentence and apply retroactively, potentially enabling Sonko to contest future elections.Exclusion from 2024 voteSonko, currently Prime Minister, was barred from the 2024 presidential race after a final conviction for defamation by the Supreme Court. He subsequently endorsed his close ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose victory reshaped Senegal's political landscap...

Senegal's new electoral law may enable Ousmane Sonko's 2029 presidential bid President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has signed a controversial electoral reform bill into law, a move that could significantly alter the political landscape ahead of the 2029 presidential election. Analysts suggest the reform opens the door for Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to contest the polls, sparking intense debate within political circles. The presidential decree, authenticated over the weekend, follows months of political maneuvering and internal party tensions within the ruling Pastef movement. The reform targets key aspects of electoral eligibility, particularly the conditions governing civic rights restoration—a critical factor for Sonko’s potential candidacy. Political tensions rise within Pas...

Mali's escalating unrest demands urgent political solutions Recent coordinated offensives across key Malian cities have intensified pressure on the transitional government led by General Assimi Goïta. The attacks, simultaneously striking Bamako, Kati, Kidal, Gao, Sévaré, and Mopti, were claimed by both the Front de Libération de l'Azawad (FLA) and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). These developments have cast doubt on the junta's ability to secure the nation and prompted urgent discussions about viable pathways to stability. General Goïta reappeared in public this week, three days after the assaults, standing alongside the Russian ambassador to Mali. He emphasized the "robust cooperation" between Bamako and Moscow, signaling continued reliance on external partnership...

Senegal's political storm: Ndiaga Seck case and Sonko's election moves This week’s edition of Actu ak Diné dives deep into the escalating Ndiaga Seck controversy and the strategic maneuvers of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko as Senegal gears up for pivotal elections. Imam Kanté delivers sharp analysis of the unfolding political drama and its potential impact on the nation’s future. Explosive revelations in the Ndiaga Seck scandal This week’s Actu ak Diné broadcast dissected the Ndiaga Seck affair, a rapidly developing story that has sent shockwaves through Senegal’s political landscape. Imam Kanté provided real-time analysis of the case’s implications, particularly as it intersects with the country’s electoral preparations. Sonko’s strategic positioning ahead of elections Ousman...