Politics

Waly Diouf Bodian lambasts Madiambal Diagne over Ousmane Sonko publicationThe fierce verbal exchanges between Waly Diouf Bodian and Madiambal Diagne have intensified following a contentious article concerning Ousmane Sonko. Accusing the journalist of fabricating narratives, Bodian foreshadows another dramatic chapter in Senegal's ongoing media influence battles.The war of words between Waly Diouf Bodian and Madiambal Diagne has escalated significantly.Responding directly to a piece published by Madiambal Diagne concerning Ousmane Sonko, the Director of the Autonomous Port of Dakar expressed his strong disapproval without reservation.In a particularly sharp condemnation, Waly Diouf Bodian accused the journalist of disseminating inaccurate information and constructing fictional accounts.He a...

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signs sweeping electoral code changes On May 12, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye enacted Law No. 2026-10, a comprehensive amendment to Senegal’s Electoral Code. The bill, published in a special edition of the Official Gazette on May 15, 2026, received overwhelming legislative support with a three-fifths majority in the National Assembly. Co-signed by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, the reform addresses long-standing concerns about vague and potentially restrictive eligibility rules that had fueled uncertainty in the electoral system. Key changes to electoral ineligibility provisions The revised Electoral Code introduces strict and clearly defined categories of individuals barred from voter registration. Under the updated Article L.29, four pri...

Unexpected visit sparks dialogue at Keur Gorgui residence An unannounced arrival at the Keur Gorgui residence in Dakar unfolded this week as political tensions simmered during a PASTEF leadership meeting at Ousmane Sonko’s home. Mamadou Goumbala, a prominent figure in the opposition, made an unscheduled appearance, catching both attendees and onlookers by surprise. Amidst the presence of journalists gathered outside, Goumbala seized the moment to address the crowd directly. His message was clear: the feud between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Sonko must end. He stressed that leadership disputes should not overshadow the pressing needs of Senegalese citizens, particularly in areas like economic hardship and social services. Leadership unity called for amid governance concerns Goum...

Mali stands at a critical juncture in its post-coup history. The nation, governed since 2020 by an unelected military leadership led by General Assimi Goïta, faces unprecedented challenges that threaten to unravel years of fragile stability. What began as a promise of restored security and national sovereignty now hangs by a thread, with the regime’s survival in serious doubt. Military setbacks expose the fragility of Bamako’s strategy On April 25, a coordinated assault by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, and the Azauad Liberation Front (FLA) targeted military outposts across Mali, including positions near the capital, Bamako. The attack claimed the life of Defense Minister Sadio Camara and resulted in the loss of key northern strongholds, inc...

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially promulgated the revised Electoral Code, a pivotal legislative act that has gripped national attention for days. The head of state’s signature on Friday, May 15, 2026, transformed the National Assembly-approved text into law, marking the culmination of intense political deliberations and widespread public anticipation.This decisive action was particularly significant for the PASTEF party and its prominent leader, Ousmane Sonko. The promulgation, which many observers noted came as a surprise, effectively resolves numerous questions that arose following the parliamentary vote on the proposed legislation.The presidential endorsement concludes a week-long period of considerable suspense. This legislative matter had previously ignited fierce legal a...

With its first national congress less than three weeks away, the leadership of Pastef convened on Friday, May 15, at Cité Keur Gorgui, the residence of their esteemed leader, Ousmane Sonko. The crucial gathering aimed to initiate the party's most extensive structural transformation. Prominent figures and key lieutenants, including El Malick Ndiaye, Birame Souleye Diop, Yassine Fall, Daouda Ngom, and Ayib Daffé, were among those present, demonstrating their commitment to the party's direction.Discussions primarily centered on the political agenda for the coming weeks, with a strong focus on the logistical and strategic aspects of the national congress, scheduled for June 6, 2026. While the exact venue remains undecided, sources close to the meeting indicated that Diamniadio is a potential l...

Secret strategy revealed ahead of pivotal political gathering Dakar’s Keur Gorgui district buzzed with political energy this past May 15, 2026, as Ousmane Sonko’s residence transformed into the nerve center of Senegal’s PASTEF party. With the June 6 national congress looming just three weeks away, the opposition leader convened his most trusted advisors for a high-stakes strategy session. Among the attendees were El Malick Ndiaye, Birame Souleye Diop, Yassine Fall, Daouda Ngom and Ayib Daffé—key figures whose influence spans government and party ranks. The closed-door meeting served a single purpose: to solidify party unity and rally core supporters behind a bold restructuring blueprint. While public attention focuses on the upcoming congress venue—widely rumored to be Diamniadio—the rea...

World Sénégal's crackdown on LGBTQIA+ individuals intensifies under new law Dakar — Sénégal has taken a dramatic step backward in human rights protections with the enactment of a sweeping new law targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's administration has doubled down on discrimination, imposing severe penalties that critics warn will further marginalize an already vulnerable community. Feature © seyllou / archives stricter penalties and institutionalized discrimination The controversial legislation, championed by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as a "sovereignty" measure, dramatically escalates the criminalization of same-sex relations. Maximum prison sentences for "unnatural acts" have been extended from five years to...

Senegal's political scene rocked by resignation rumors and party tensions In a dramatic turn of events, a high-profile announcement regarding a potential resignation has sent shockwaves through Senegal's political landscape. The controversy centers around claims that Ousmane Sonko, a prominent political figure, may step down from his role as Prime Minister. This development has drawn swift reactions from party officials and intensified debates about the future of Senegalese governance. Party insider's claim sparks immediate backlash Amadou Ba, a key leader within PASTEF and the Minister of Culture, was quick to respond to journalist Madiambal Diagne's claim about Ousmane Sonko's alleged resignation. The minister dismissed the report as part of a calculated effort to manipulate pub...

A 51-year-old Senegalese political figure, identified by local outlets as a close associate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) amid allegations of « acts against nature ». The arrest follows a warrant issued by police in Linguère, located in the northern Louga region. Investigators point to corroborating evidence tied to the detention of at least two dozen individuals in the Djoloff area. As of now, Senegalese authorities have not disclosed specifics regarding the charges or the current status of the legal proceedings. The term « acts against nature » refers to Article 319 of Senegal’s Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relations. The country further tightened its stance on homosexuality on March 31, 2026, with ...

Ivorian politics in flux: Gbagbo’s surprise return reignites leadership debates The political landscape in Côte d'Ivoire has been shaken by the unexpected decision of Laurent Gbagbo to remain at the helm of the Parti des Peuples Africains – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI). The announcement, made during the party’s first ordinary congress held in Abidjan on May 14-15, 2026, has sparked fresh discussions about the role of veteran leaders in Ivorian politics. Ange Rodrigue Dadjé, a prominent Ivorian lawyer, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding President Alassane Ouattara's continued political presence. In a statement that has since gone viral, he argued that criticism of the president’s decision to stay in power is no longer justified. « Ultimately, we can no longer criticize President O...

Senegal political clash: Waly Diouf Bodiang vs Serigne Gueye Diop A sharp political confrontation has erupted in Senegal after Waly Diouf Bodiang, Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar, unleashed a scathing critique of Serigne Gueye Diop, the country’s Minister of .... In a widely shared social media statement, Bodiang dismissed a recent communiqué from the minister as a failed attempt at media manipulation following what he described as a « policy fiasco ». Bodiang’s remarks have reignited debates about Senegal’s political landscape and the growing influence of the PASTEF party. He went further by accusing certain political figures of forming a « conglomerate of war profiteers », alleging they were attempting to steer the nation’s leadership trajectory until 2029. PASTEF...