Month: May 2026

Senegal enforces stricter penalties under revised penal code

Ousmane Tandja

During a parliamentary session addressing current affairs, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made a firm declaration: the recently enacted amendment to the Senegalese Penal Code will be enforced with unwavering determination. The law, which toughens penalties for acts deemed “against nature,” leaves no room for compromise or delay in its implementation. Sonko addressed lawmakers directly, emphasizing that the revised legal framework—specifically Article 319—must be upheld without exception. His statement underscored a broader principle: once a law is passed and signed, it becomes binding for all citizens, regardless of prior opposition. This…

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Senegal targets 25 underused public infrastructures to boost efficiency

Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s government has launched a comprehensive review of its public assets to address a persistent issue: 25 completed infrastructures that remain idle, failing to deliver the services they were designed for. These dormant assets, collectively valued at 279 billion West African CFA francs, represent a significant financial burden—essentially an immobilized budget without tangible economic or social return. The situation underscores a recurring flaw in public procurement: the disconnect between project completion and effective operational deployment. Targeted audit exposes dormant assets The initiative follows a systematic evaluation of state-owned properties, identifying…

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Côte d’Ivoire partners with un to boost digital inclusion for youth

Ousmane Tandja

Historic agreement to empower young ivoirians through digital innovation The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Orange Côte d’Ivoire have solidified their collaboration with a landmark memorandum that promises to transform digital inclusion across the nation. The agreement, finalized in Abidjan on May 21, 2026, focuses on empowering youth—particularly young women—through digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, and expanded internet access in underserved regions. At the heart of this initiative lies the Orange Digital Center, a flagship platform designed to nurture tech talent and provide budding entrepreneurs with the tools they…

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Senegal’s Sonko blasts Western ‘tyranny’ over homosexuality stance

Aïcha Abdou

Senegal’s Sonko blasts Western ‘tyranny’ over homosexuality stance Senegal news desk Friday, May 22, 2026 Add this source to your preferred feed to receive updates directly. From Dakar, our correspondent reports Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has made it clear: there will be no moratorium on enforcing laws against homosexuality. In a firm stance, he vowed to curb what he termed the “proliferation” of same-sex relations and pledged that justice would pursue all cases to their conclusion. “No big fish will escape,” Sonko declared, following recent arrests of several individuals…

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Sénégal: Bassirou Diomaye Faye removes Ousmane Sonko from office

Aïcha Abdou

In a major political shift in Sénégal, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has officially terminated the mandate of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister. This executive decision also resulted in the immediate dissolution of the entire government, including all ministers and secretaries of state. The announcement was broadcast on national television, confirming a significant institutional rupture. This move followed shortly after the head of government had spoken before deputies during a parliamentary session focused on current government issues at the National Assembly. Only moments after the presidential decree was made public,…

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Mali’s collapsing alliance with Russia exposes junta’s fatal missteps

Ousmane Tandja

When a political strategy collapses, the speed at which its backers retreat often reveals its true weaknesses. In Mali, recent military setbacks against coordinated offensives by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) rebels and Islamic and Muslim Support Group (GSIM) jihadists have exposed systemic failures within the ruling junta. By entrusting national security to foreign paramilitaries, Bamako’s leadership has unwittingly demonstrated its own fragility. Kidal: the symbol of a negotiated surrender April 2026 marked a turning point in Mali’s conflict. The city of Kidal, recaptured in 2023 with Russian-backed Africa Corps…

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Cotonou’s zongo parking transforms truck logistics hub

Ousmane Tandja

The inauguration of the Zongo Parking on May 22, 2026, marks a historic milestone for Benin’s road transport and port traffic management. The Autonomous Port of Cotonou (PAC) has officially launched this state-of-the-art facility, designed to streamline urban traffic and revolutionize working conditions for truck drivers. From chaos to order: a 700-space logistics revolution Nestled at the heart of Cotonou’s port zone, the Zongo Parking now stands as a critical transit point for heavy-haul trucks and regional logistics flows. Gone are the days of chaotic parking along the Marina Boulevard.…

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Senegal faces potential fuel price hike amid global oil volatility

Aïcha Abdou

A sharp rise in global oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, has placed Senegal’s economy under strain, with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko warning of a possible increase in fuel costs at the pump. Speaking before the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko highlighted that the government’s initial budget projections no longer align with current market realities, placing significant pressure on public finances. “We are facing a dual crisis that is already forcing many countries to adjust fuel prices at the pump,” he stated, stressing that Senegal cannot remain…

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Senegal political funds dispute between sonko and diomaye

Aïcha Abdou

In a rare public display of internal government disagreement, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has openly challenged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over the handling of political funds—a reform that was a flagship issue during their election campaign. The tension emerged when Mr. Sonko, addressing lawmakers, disclosed that Guy Marius Sagna, a fellow legislator, had spearheaded the parliamentary initiative to legislate political funding oversight. While the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of the reform, he expressed reservations about the process, arguing that such a critical policy should originate from the executive…

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Ousmane Sonko reinforces hardline stance against homosexuality in Senegal

Ousmane Tandja

Ousmane Sonko reinforces hardline stance against homosexuality in Senegal The Prime Minister of Sénégal, Ousmane Sonko, issued a stern condemnation on Friday against what he characterizes as Western pressure to “impose homosexuality on the rest of the world.” This firm declaration occurs in a national context already marked by intense hostility and several detentions for alleged same-sex conduct. In early March, Sénégal approved a new legislative measure that doubles the prison sentences for homosexual acts, which are now punishable by five to ten years of incarceration. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye…

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Ousmane Sonko calls for transparency and oversight of political funds in Sénégal

Ousmane Tandja

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reiterated his commitment to establishing rigorous oversight and transparency for political funds. He emphasized that regulating these resources was a core promise made to the people of Sénégal during the election campaign. While discussing this sensitive topic, the head of government also acknowledged a difference of opinion with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding the specific management of these assets. The conversation regarding political funds resurfaced following an interview given by the Head of State on May 2 at the Presidential Palace. During that session, Bassirou…

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Togo’s visa exemption: a political charm offensive with strict digital controls

Ousmane Tandja

The announcement of a visa exemption for all African nationals by Togo has been presented as a bold step toward continental integration. However, beneath the polished rhetoric lies a more complex reality—one where political communication blends seamlessly with stringent digital surveillance. A policy of controlled openness President Faure Gnassingbé has once again positioned himself as a champion of panafricanism and regional unity. By declaring visa-free access for travelers from every African nation, the Togolese government has captured global attention. Initial reactions from business leaders, journalists, and tourists were optimistic, envisioning…

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