Wednesday, November 11
Senegal political shift as pastef party excluded from new cabinet
Politics

Senegal political shift as pastef party excluded from new cabinet

Senegal: PASTEF party to remain outside new government amid political tensionsPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has unveiled a new cabinet lineup that notably excludes the PASTEF party, led by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The exclusion follows weeks of escalating disagreements between the two leaders over cabinet composition and governance priorities.This political rupture comes just 12 days after Sonko was dismissed from his former post and subsequently elected as President of the National Assembly. The abrupt separation has plunged the nation into a period of heightened uncertainty, compounded by ongoing economic distress.In a statement released on social media, PASTEF confirmed its decision not to participate in the new administration. The party cited "fundamental disag...
Sénégal politics: opposition challenges Sonko’s assembly return before constitutional council
Politics

Sénégal politics: opposition challenges Sonko’s assembly return before constitutional council

In a bold move that underscores the deepening political divide within the Sénégal’s legislative body, members of the opposition have escalated their legal battle by filing a formal appeal with the Conseil constitutionnel. The petition challenges the reinstatement of Ousmane Sonko as a deputy in the National Assembly, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing dispute over his political future. The opposition’s decision to contest Sonko’s return comes on the heels of his recent dismissal from the government, a move that has further intensified institutional tensions. Lawmakers opposing Sonko argue that his reintegration as a deputy is procedurally flawed and legally untenable, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his departure from ministerial duties. The debate has now shifted...
Champions League final on M6 attracts 90 advertisers as ad spend surges
Trends

Champions League final on M6 attracts 90 advertisers as ad spend surges

Gross advertising investments for the Champions League final have exceeded 13 million euros, marking a significant year-on-year increase. The prestigious football event continues to be a major draw for brands looking to capitalize on high-stakes sports broadcasting. Data regarding the final confirms its immense appeal to corporate sponsors. A total of 90 advertisers invested over 13 million euros in gross advertising throughout the evening. This represents a sharp rise from the previous edition, which saw 9.2 million euros in spending from 93 advertisers. The match, aired on M6 on Saturday, May 30, began at 18:00 and extended into extra time and a penalty shootout, further lengthening the exposure for brands. Massive viewership and strategic ad placement The broadcast achieved impressive...
Sonko rules out Pastef ministers in Senegal government
Politics

Sonko rules out Pastef ministers in Senegal government

Sonko rules out Pastef ministers in Senegal government In a decisive stance ahead of the government’s official unveiling, Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly and leader of the Pastef party, has declared that no ministers from his party will join the new cabinet. The announcement, shared on his social media channels, has intensified public curiosity as citizens await the formal release of the government’s composition. With the highly anticipated announcement of the new government just hours away, Ousmane Sonko took to his platforms to share a concise yet impactful message. « No ministers from Pastef will be appointed, » he stated, offering no further elaboration. Understanding the political backdrop The declaration comes at a pivotal moment as Senega...
Ousmane Sonko confirms absence of Pastef members in upcoming cabinet
Politics

Ousmane Sonko confirms absence of Pastef members in upcoming cabinet

Ousmane Sonko, the current President of the National Assembly and the influential head of the Pastef party, has made a significant revelation regarding the upcoming executive lineup. In a move that has sparked intense discussion across Sénégal, he stated that no representatives from his political party will be appointed to the new ministerial cabinet. As the nation waits for the official unveiling of the government team, Ousmane Sonko shared a concise yet impactful update on social media. His message was clear: "No ministers coming from Pastef," he declared, leaving political observers and the public to interpret the strategy behind this exclusion. Context surrounding the new administration This announcement comes at a critical time for the administration of President Bassirou Diomaye...
Ousmane Sonko takes a firm stance against government participation in Senegal
Politics

Ousmane Sonko takes a firm stance against government participation in Senegal

Just days after Ousmane Sonko was removed from his post as Prime Minister and a new head of government was appointed in Sénégal, tensions between him and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye have escalated. Initial talks aimed at integrating members of his party, Pastef-Les Patriotes, into the new administration have collapsed. In a formal statement released on June 1st by the party’s Executive Committee (COMEX) and shared by Sonko on his Facebook page, Pastef announced that none of its leaders would join the upcoming cabinet. The party emphasized its commitment to acting « in a spirit of responsibility » and adhering to its internal directives. Over the past few days, multiple discussions took place between Pastef leaders and the Head of State regarding the composition of the new government. ...
Tchad: minister urges unity against intercommunal violence
Politics

Tchad: minister urges unity against intercommunal violence

Government calls for collective action to curb intercommunal conflicts The Minister of Public Security and Immigration, General Ali Ahmat Aghabache, has called for a united front to tackle the rising tide of intercommunal violence that continues to plague Chad. Addressing the Senate this Monday, he emphasized that security challenges demand a holistic response involving all segments of society. Under the leadership of Senate President Dr. Haroun Kabadi, the Upper House dedicated its plenary session to the country's pressing security concerns. Senators raised critical questions about escalating intercommunal clashes and the persistent threats to national stability. In response, the minister provided a detailed account of government initiatives aimed at restoring peace and strengthening so...
Chad’s us mission to boost digital partnerships with tech giants
Tech

Chad’s us mission to boost digital partnerships with tech giants

A high-level delegation from Chad concluded a week-long strategic mission in Washington last month, marking a pivotal step in the country’s push to modernize its digital infrastructure and expand technological partnerships. Led by the Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization, Haliki Choua Mahamat, the delegation engaged with key American stakeholders and industry leaders to advance critical projects in connectivity, data infrastructure, and public service modernization. The visit, which took place from May 23 to May 31, 2026, underscores Chad’s commitment to accelerating its digital transformation amid persistent challenges in internet accessibility and technological adoption. Officials met with representatives from the U.S. Department of State and the Departmen...
Ivory coast unveils $1.7 billion high-speed rail to boost 2030 vision
Top Stories

Ivory coast unveils $1.7 billion high-speed rail to boost 2030 vision

The Côte d’Ivoire is set to revolutionize its transport landscape with a groundbreaking high-speed rail project. As part of the 2026-2030 National Development Plan (NDP), the government is investing in a Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) that will connect the economic hub of Abidjan to the northern city of Ferkessédougou, passing through key urban centers like Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, and Korhogo. This flagship initiative is designed to slash travel times dramatically. For instance, the journey from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro will be reduced to just 45 minutes, a game-changer for daily commuters and businesses. The project underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic integration and territorial cohesion, positioning the country as a pivotal player in West Africa’s logistics and tra...
Bénin-Nigeria ties: how Wadagni’s visit strengthens the CEDEAO vision
Culture

Bénin-Nigeria ties: how Wadagni’s visit strengthens the CEDEAO vision

Within a week of his inauguration on 24 May 2026, President Romuald Wadagni of Bénin embarked on a landmark diplomatic mission to Abuja at the invitation of Nigerian counterpart Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The choice to visit Nigeria first was no coincidence: it signalled a bold commitment to revitalising West Africa’s regional integration under the banner of the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO). In a shifting regional landscape, this inaugural journey underscores three strategic imperatives for reinforcing unity across the bloc. Rebuilding the West African family from its core The CEDEAO stands at a pivotal juncture where shared space and collective purpose are under strain. By engaging President Tinubu—a key figure within the organisation—so early in his mandate, President Wad...
Mali’s economic outlook darkens amid rising risks and financing challenges
Top Stories

Mali’s economic outlook darkens amid rising risks and financing challenges

In a move that underscores growing concerns about Mali’s economic resilience, Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the country’s sovereign credit outlook from stable to negative, while retaining its Caa2 rating. This adjustment reflects mounting pressures across security, financing, and political fronts, sending ripples through regional and international investor circles. Why Moody’s decision matters for Mali’s economy The downgrade serves as a stark indicator of investor sentiment, signaling elevated risks of a further credit rating cut in the near to medium term. Already classified as a high-risk, speculative-grade issuer under the Caa2 rating, Mali now faces even tighter constraints in accessing affordable capital—an essential ingredient for economic recovery and growth. Several ...
Corruption in Burkina Faso’s civil service exposed by fake diplomas
Culture

Corruption in Burkina Faso’s civil service exposed by fake diplomas

Fake credentials plague Burkina Faso’s civil service, threatening national progress The recent dismissal of three high-ranking public officials—one from the Presidency, another from the Ministry of Water and Forests, and a third from the Ministry of Information—has exposed a long-standing scandal: Burkina Faso’s civil service is riddled with counterfeit academic credentials. Beyond the financial losses and social injustices, this systemic fraud reveals a deep-rooted failure in public governance, directly undermining the state’s ability to address critical developmental challenges. The illusion of competence: a vacuum at the heart of decision-making A forged diploma is far more than an administrative misstep; it represents the deliberate recruitment of incompetence into positions of powe...