Mali’s fracturing front and the looming shadow of russian setbacks in the Sahel

Bamako’s military regime confronts a strategic void Mali is no longer merely a nation in distress; it has evolved into a critical breaking point for the entire Sahel region. The simultaneous pressures from jihadist factions, Tuareg separatist militias, deep-seated ethnic rivalries, economic collapse, and increasing military reliance on Moscow are transforming the Malian state’s inherent fragility into an overt regional crisis. A significant offensive launched on April 25, 2026, reportedly a coordinated effort between the JNIM, an Al-Qaïda-affiliated jihadist group, and the FLA, which represents Azawad’s separatist demands, signals a…

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Lens vs Nice: the blood and gold chase historical glory and European spots in Coupe de France final

Lens vs Nice: the blood and gold chase historical glory and European spots in Coupe de France final RC Lens and OGC Nice are set to collide in the Coupe de France final this Friday at the iconic Stade de France. With the usual giants of Paris Saint-Germain eliminated earlier in the tournament, the stage is set for a fresh champion. This Friday, May 22, RC Lens and OGC Nice will battle for the prestigious Coupe de France title. The stakes are massive: one club is desperate to end a…

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PSG set clear conditions for Julian Alvarez transfer under Luis Campos

In an unexpected turn, Luis Campos, the Paris Saint-Germain sporting director, recently addressed fan inquiries regarding the club’s potential move for Atlético de Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. Responding on X, Campos did not dismiss the possibility but instead outlined the essential criteria players must meet to join the French champions. This rare public interaction came after a supporter directly urged Campos to “close the deal” for Alvarez, sparking a broader discussion on the club’s transfer philosophy under his leadership. Campos outlines PSG’s transfer vision In his response, Campos emphasized a…

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Sonko meets Dakar archbishop ahead of Popenguine 2026 pilgrimage

As the countdown begins for the 138th edition of the Popenguine Marian Pilgrimage, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko paid a courtesy visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories in Dakar. The high-level meeting took place in an atmosphere of warmth and mutual respect, with Monseigneur André Guèye, the Archbishop of Dakar, welcoming the delegation. The Prime Minister arrived accompanied by Marie Rose Faye, Government Spokesperson and Minister, along with Béatrice Germaine Faye, a member of parliament. Discussions centered on critical national themes, particularly social cohesion, interfaith dialogue, and…

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Human rights training for Tchad’s security forces in koumra

On May 21, a comprehensive human rights awareness campaign kicked off at the central police station in Koumra, targeting the Chad Defence and Security Forces (FDS). The initiative seeks to embed human rights compliance and the fight against impunity as core values within military operations. bridging security and dignity The challenge of maintaining public order without compromising human dignity remains ever-present. To address this, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have joined forces, focusing on judicial procedures to ensure fairness…

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Senegal’s PM unveils infrastructure progress and challenges

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has presented a comprehensive review of ongoing infrastructure projects, revealing critical insights into the state of public assets and development initiatives across the country. Data collected from ministerial departments identified 245 infrastructure assets and projects that are either underutilized, require completion, or could be repurposed for greater efficiency. During an interministerial council meeting on infrastructure, Mr. Sonko highlighted that these projects fall into four distinct categories: completed but inactive assets, recyclable or valorizable operational assets, projects still under construction, and state-owned real estate…

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Senegal prime minister meets Dakar archbishop ahead of popenguine pilgrimage

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, paid a courtesy visit to Monseigneur André Guéye this afternoon, just days before the annual Marian pilgrimage in Popenguine. During the warm and friendly meeting, both leaders engaged in meaningful discussions centered on fostering peace, social cohesion, and national unity across Senegal. Monseigneur André Guéye also offered prayers for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Senegal, as the nation prepares for the upcoming religious gathering that draws thousands of Catholic pilgrims to Popenguine each year. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

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Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko meets Monseigneur André Guéye ahead of Popenguine pilgrimage

Dakar — Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko paid a courtesy visit to Monseigneur André Guéye this afternoon, just days before the annual Marian pilgrimage in Popenguine. The meeting unfolded in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, fostering heartfelt exchanges between the two figures. The Senegalese head of government and the Archbishop of Dakar discussed critical themes, including national peace, social cohesion, and the importance of living together harmoniously in the country. These topics hold particular significance as the nation prepares for one of its most anticipated religious events. During the gathering, Monseigneur…

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Soaring sheep prices ahead of tabaski in Niamey

With Aïd al-Adha just around the corner, livestock-laden trucks stream into Niamey daily, and the city’s markets overflow with sheep. Yet the apparent abundance hasn’t translated into relief for shoppers—skyrocketing prices are squeezing household budgets harder than ever. Niamey, May 2026 – The streets teem with sheep. Engines roar as heavy trucks roll in from every region of Niger, their cargoes destined for markets and roadside stalls. The capital is awash with livestock. But appearances can be deceiving: a flood of supply does not guarantee falling prices. Price shock: rams…

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Niger records historic deflation amid economic paradox

The National Institute of Statistics (NIS) has just released the Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HCPI) for April 2026, revealing a striking macroeconomic trend: Niger is experiencing an unprecedented deflation rate of -8.5%. Yet, a closer look at local markets paints a contrasting picture. Let’s delve into the economic paradox gripping the country. Niamey, May 21, 2026 — For economists, the latest HCPI figures bring cautious optimism, but for households, the reality is more complex. In April 2026, the general consumer price index stood at 98.8 points. Behind this number lies…

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Sonko meets Monseigneur Guéye ahead of Popenguine pilgrimage

Sonko meets Monseigneur Guéye ahead of Popenguine pilgrimage Days before the highly anticipated Marian pilgrimage in Popenguine, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko paid a courtesy call to Monseigneur André Guéye. The meeting, steeped in warmth and mutual respect, set the stage for discussions on the spiritual and social significance of Senegal’s most revered religious gathering. The Prime Minister’s visit, conducted in a spirit of dialogue and openness, underscored the deep-rooted tradition of state-religious community engagement ahead of major faith events in Senegal. The two leaders exchanged views on the transformative power…

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Wolfsburg and Paderborn battle ends goalless in relegation playoff first leg

The first leg of the Bundesliga promotion/relegation playoff ended goalless between Wolfsburg and Paderborn on Thursday, leaving the decisive second leg wide open. The return match is scheduled for May 25 at 8:30 PM. The visiting Paderborn side held firm against the hosts, who dominated much of the game but failed to capitalize on their chances. Wolfsburg finished the regular season in 16th place with 29 points across 34 matches, while Paderborn, currently third in the second division, aim to secure promotion to Germany’s top flight for the first time…

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