The African Tribune

Society and opposition unite for Senegal’s constitutional reform talks

15Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Society

Society and opposition unite for Senegal’s constitutional reform talks

The Senegalese government's proposed constitutional reforms are moving into a critical phase of broad consultations. A delegation from the Civil Society Coalition for the Implementation of the National Assizes Outcomes and the National Commission for Institutional Reform Works recently met with Takku Wallu, the main opposition parliamentary group. This gathering represents a pivotal moment in preparing for an extensive public debate, as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's administration has prioritized institutional overhaul. Cross-party consensus building on constitutional changes The civil society initiative seeks firm commitments from all political factions regarding the content and timeline of the constitutional revisions. The National Assizes, launched in 2008 through a broad coalition...

Sénégal adjusts fuel prices amid economic pressures

15Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

News

Sénégal adjusts fuel prices amid economic pressures

Starting August 15, 2026, Senegal is implementing a fuel price hike for both super gasoline and diesel, following a government announcement. This adjustment directly affects inflation, transportation costs, and the competitiveness of local industries. Dakar joins other West African capitals forced to revise their pricing structures due to persistent fiscal pressures and global crude oil volatility. Price increase reflects shrinking subsidy margins The Senegalese government has long signaled that artificially maintaining pump prices has become unsustainable for public finances. The subsidy mechanism, funded by state resources, has been absorbing an increasing share of current expenditures, limiting funds available for social investments and infrastructure. The announced increase for super ...

Maroc plays key role in liberation of french spy in Mali

15Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

News

Maroc plays key role in liberation of french spy in Mali

Morocco steps in as key mediator in release of French intelligence officer in Mali Rabat’s discreet but decisive diplomatic intervention has secured the release of Yann Vézilier, a French intelligence officer held in Mali for nearly a year. The agent, affiliated with France’s DGSE, was granted presidential clemency by Malian leader Assimi Goïta on August 13, following a 20-year prison sentence handed down in June 2026 for alleged state security violations. Diplomatic channels pave the way for freedom The resolution of this high-stakes case underscores Morocco’s growing influence in Sahelian affairs. While Malian authorities officially acknowledged a ‘brotherly nation’ for its mediation efforts, diplomatic circles identify Rabat as the critical facilitator behind the scenes...

Crystal Palace signs Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise for major fee

15Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Crystal Palace signs Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise for major fee

The Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise has finalized the departure of its star winger, Anan Khalaili, who will join Crystal Palace in a landmark Premier League transfer. The 21-year-old Israeli international signed a five-year contract with the London-based club, with Union Saint-Gilloise receiving a reported fee of €24.5 million, including potential bonuses. From Brussels to London: The rise of a young talent Khalaili’s journey to Crystal Palace marks a significant step in his career after a promising stint with Union Saint-Gilloise. The winger, who joined the Brussels-based club from Maccabi Haifa in the summer of 2024, quickly established himself as a key player. His contributions were instrumental in securing the club’s historic first league title in 90...

Tchad opposition faces challenges despite presidential pardon

15Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Politics

Tchad opposition faces challenges despite presidential pardon

Tchad: presidential pardon sparks cautious optimism among opposition leaders The Tchadian President, Mahamat Idriss Déby, has issued a decree granting a full pardon to Succès Masra, a prominent opposition figure and former Prime Minister, who had been serving a 20-year prison sentence for over a year. This sweeping measure also extends to eight other opposition leaders, absolving them of all remaining penalties. While the government frames the decision as a step toward easing political tensions, analysts and political actors remain skeptical. Many view it as a strategic move designed to alleviate pressure without fully reintegrating opposition leaders into the electoral process. Analysts highlight the limits of presidential clemency Ahmat Yacoub Dabio, a conflict resolution expert and ...

Côte d’Ivoire boosts animal production with smart investments

15Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

News

Côte d’Ivoire boosts animal production with smart investments

Côte d’Ivoire targets food self-sufficiency through livestock and fisheries growth The Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources (MIRAH) in Côte d’Ivoire is ramping up efforts to boost local animal and fish production, aiming to cut reliance on costly imports. In 2024, the country spent a staggering 782 billion CFA francs on imported meat and offal, a figure that underscores the urgency of developing domestic supply. Bouadi Beda Paul, Director of Financial Affairs at MIRAH, outlined these priorities during a three-day workshop in Jacqueville that concluded plans for the 2027-2029 multi-year budget and annual performance projects. Held from July 29 to 31, the session brought together ministry officials to map out strategic investments and set measurable goals for the sector. Strategic p...

Senegal’s governance debate: Khalifa Sall advocates for public access to wealth declarations

15Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Politics

Senegal’s governance debate: Khalifa Sall advocates for public access to wealth declarations

The debate surrounding public officials' wealth declarations has resurfaced in Senegal, with Khalifa Sall stepping forward to champion greater transparency. The former mayor of Dakar and prominent leader of Taxawu Sénégal has publicly endorsed the idea of making the asset declarations of state leaders accessible to all citizens. This stance comes at a pivotal moment when political demands for accountability are shaping governance under the new administration that emerged from the March 2024 presidential elections. Khalifa Sall backs transparency through public wealth declarations Khalifa Sall has unequivocally voiced his support for disclosing the asset declarations of public officials. For him, financial transparency among elected leaders and senior civil servants is more than a legal re...

15Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

News

Saturday 15 august 2026: Senegal’s top headlines

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, has referred contentious provisions of the special funds bill to the Constitutional Council, halting parliamentary proceedings over unresolved disagreements on key articles.

Algeria and Niger deepen energy ties with new oil exploration project

15Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Algeria and Niger deepen energy ties with new oil exploration project

Algeria and Niger deepen energy ties with new oil exploration project The partnership between Algeria and Niger has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of the Kafra Sud-Est 1 exploration well drilling, a move that underscores the growing strategic cooperation between Algiers and Niamey in the energy sector. The initiative, led by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb alongside his Nigerien counterpart, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, represents a concrete step toward strengthening economic and energy collaboration between the two nations. Exploration in Kafra: A strategic milestone The drilling operation, supervised by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb on behalf of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. The Kafra Sud-Est 1 well, located i...

Morocco tightens border security amid ceuta migration rumors

15Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

News

Morocco tightens border security amid ceuta migration rumors

Morocco acts swiftly to prevent illegal migration surge Rabat has implemented robust measures to prevent a potential surge of illegal migrants attempting to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Authorities are responding to circulating online claims that falsely suggested the border with Ceuta would open on August 15—a public holiday in Spain. Since early August, social media posts have been amplifying misinformation about the border’s status. In response, Morocco’s Interior Ministry spokesperson, Rachid El Khalfi, confirmed that all necessary precautions have been taken to deter illegal crossings and apprehend individuals involved in organizing such attempts. This announcement follows a record migration spike in late July, when approximately 72,000 people entered Ceuta illegally wi...

Senegal badara gadiaga challenges ousmane sonko over primature funds

15Aug

By Fati SeyniNo Comments

Politics

Senegal badara gadiaga challenges ousmane sonko over primature funds

The management of Senegal’s political funds allocated to the Prime Minister’s office has sparked a fresh debate. Investigative journalist Badara Gadiaga has accused Ousmane Sonko, the former Prime Minister, of ‘vampirism’ in the use of discretionary grants. According to his claims, out of an initial envelope of 1.77 billion CFA francs, only around 70 million remained for his successor—raising serious questions about financial accountability in the executive branch. Direct accusations against the Prime Minister’s Office This controversy centers on a sensitive mechanism in Senegalese politics: discretionary political funds, which finance sovereignty-related expenditures and ad-hoc interventions by the Prime Minister. Unlike standard budget lines, these funds operate outside traditional publ...

Burkina Faso junta orders military training for journalists

15Aug

By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments

Burkina Faso junta orders military training for journalists

Burkina Faso junta orders military training for journalistsForty-four media professionals undergo week-long military drills in OuagadougouIn an unprecedented move, 44 journalists from both public and private Burkinabè media outlets completed a week-long military training program at the Pabré Police Academy, just outside Ouagadougou. Organized by the Ministry of Security, the initiative included physical drills, weapons handling, and group chanting. State broadcaster RTB footage captured the professionals in military fatigues, standing at attention with rifles in hand.Government frames training as patriotic dutyThe Burkinabè authorities defend the program as essential to fostering national unity amid ongoing jihadist violence. Police Academy Director Lassina Traoré stated the goal was to ac...