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In the dead of night between Wednesday and Thursday, Malian armed forces launched at least four precision airstrikes targeting strategic locations in Kidal, a rebel-held city in northern Mali. According to a local witness who requested anonymity, one strike demolished a residential building near a former marketplace, while another blasted a massive crater in the courtyard of Kidal’s governorate headquarters. The latter had been seized by the Front National de Libération de l’Azawad (FNLA), an alliance partner of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM)—the Al-Qaeda-affiliated coalition led by Iyad Ag Ghaly. At the military command center in Mopti, a Malian officer confirmed the ongoing strategy: "We are targeting specific high-value sites. Our approach is deliberate, and oper...

The West African political landscape has been rocked by a growing wave of democratic setbacks, with coup d'états reshaping the regional order. Amid this turmoil, the corridors of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are buzzing with an intense debate over presidential term limits—a debate that has exposed deep divisions among member states. At the forefront of this ideological clash stands Patrice Talon, President of Benin, who has positioned himself as a steadfast advocate for mandatory presidential term limits. His uncompromising stance has collided head-on with a formidable bloc of long-standing leaders, including Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, Alassane Ouattara of Côte d'Ivoire, and former President Macky Sall of Senegal. This power struggle is not just about governance—i...

Simplified US visas for Senegalese fans heading to 2026 World Cup Major changes are coming to US visa policies for football supporters, particularly those from Senegal, as the country prepares to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The adjustment eliminates previously burdensome financial guarantees that had blocked many fans from making the trip. The shift comes as the American authorities respond to demands for more inclusive travel policies for legitimate World Cup attendees. Under the new rules, Senegalese nationals with valid match tickets and registered in the official FIFA Pass program no longer face the former requirement of submitting costly cash bonds. What changed in America’s visa policy? Until recently, travelers from 50 developing nations—including several African count...

We delve into the critical subject of the evolving partnership between Jnim and the FLA in Mali. Experts examine the potential trajectory and implications of this alliance, addressing key questions surrounding its future. By Fati Seyni — Analyst

How far will the series of digital assaults against the Senegalese state extend? This pressing question arises as the Public Treasury becomes the latest victim of cybercriminals. This follows earlier attacks on the tax authority's website in October and the national identity card department in January, marking a concerning trend in Senegal cyber threats. Initially, individual incidents might have been dismissed as isolated technical glitches. However, their increasing frequency and the critical nature of the targeted government institutions reveal a far more troubling reality: the profound vulnerability of Senegal's digital infrastructure and public systems. The nation's digital resilience is now under intense scrutiny. Experts in cybersecurity are urging the establishment of a dedicated n...

PolitiqueAfriqueÉmission spéciale sur le Mali à la recherche de la paixPolitiqueAfriqueThe escalating situation in Mali raises profound concerns, as the nation daily grapples with mounting uncertainty stemming from persistent armed group attacks. The critical questions now are how to navigate this severe impasse and effectively restore the intercommunal coexistence severely undermined by years of protracted crisis. Mali finds itself ensnared in a protracted and multifaceted crisis, characterized by both deep-seated security challenges and profound political instability.  The security crisis is starkly evident through relentless assaults by jihadist and separatist armed groups. A particularly devastating incident occurred on April 25, when the capital, Bamako, was targeted in an attac...

The maritime security landscape in Senegal is undergoing a significant transformation. Following the departure of French forces from its soil in 2024, Dakar is set to entrust a portion of its coastal surveillance to Turkey. This strategic pivot, championed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, signals a rapid realignment of Senegal’s security partnerships and raises a pivotal question for regional capitals: does replacing a Western patron with an emerging actor truly enhance sovereignty, or merely transfer dependency? Dakar’s bold diplomatic repositioning Since the arrival of the Pastef administration in April 2024, Senegal’s foreign policy has visibly shifted. The closure of French military bases, finalized in 2025 after initial steps in 2024, fulfills a ca...

Tchad: opposition calls for protest against authoritarian drift The political wing of the Wakit Tama movement has intensified its mobilization efforts ahead of a nationwide peaceful protest scheduled for May 16, 2026. During a press conference, the coalition sharply criticized what it describes as the authoritarian slide under the leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. Journalists praised as defenders of truth Wakit Tama highlighted the vital role played by Chadian journalists in exposing press freedom violations despite facing harassment, intimidation, and repression. The movement condemned the growing restrictions on media outlets, calling them a direct threat to democracy. Political repression targets opposition leaders Abdelazim Mht Abakar, spokesperson for Wa...

Paris Saint-Germain’s triumph over RC Lens on Wednesday evening owed much to the standout performance of goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The Russian international, back in action after Renato Marin had started the previous two Ligue 1 fixtures, delivered a masterclass with eight crucial saves. On one occasion, the crossbar even came to his rescue. With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ibrahim Mbaye finding the net, the Parisians secured a 2-0 win, clinching their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title. It marked their 14th championship in club history. Matvey Safonov reflected on his standout display in flawless French during a post-match interview. He emphasized teamwork over individual glory, acknowledging the collective effort that defined the season. What drives PSG’s star goalkeeper? When asked about...

10:01 RN2 À SAINT-BENOÎT Le projet d'aménagement déclaré d’utilité publique, la Région autorisée à acquérir à l'amiable ou en expropriant, les terrains nécessaires au chantier By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

Football Ligue 1 Lens fans unleash powerful protest against PSG leader during Ligue 1 showdown Supporters of RC Lens made their voices heard loud and clear during Wednesday's rescheduled 29th matchday clash against PSG, unfurling a provocative banner accusing Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the Parisian club's president, of systematically undermining French football's top tier. Before the whistle blew to kick off the highly anticipated fixture at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, the Lens faithful revealed a striking message that immediately captured global attention. The banner, emblazoned with the words « Nasser tue la Ligue 1 » (« Nasser is killing Ligue 1 »), directed sharp criticism at Al-Khelaïfi, a ...