Month: May 2026

Internal strife grips pastef ahead of Senegal’s 2027 local polls

Aïcha Abdou

Internal strife grips Pastef ahead of Senegal’s 2027 local polls A year before Senegal’s 2027 territorial elections, internal divisions within the Pastef party are escalating, exposing deep-seated positioning battles among its leaders. Clashes, particularly in Dakar, underscore mounting fragilities threatening the political movement’s cohesion across multiple jurisdictions. Rising tensions fuel leadership disputes The political landscape within Pastef is heating up as factions jockey for influence, with Dakar emerging as a hotspot for discord. These internal power struggles risk fracturing the party’s unity, potentially undermining its electoral prospects in key regions…

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Malian military drone strike hits allies near Gao

Ousmane Tandja

On the morning of Monday, May 18, a drone operated by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) tragically struck a GATIA vehicle, an armed group known for its loyalty to Bamako, in the Intahaka mining area near Gao. This fatal incident, described as an “error,” starkly reveals the profound strategic missteps of the ruling military junta. As Mali grapples with escalating coordinated attacks from rebel and terrorist factions, the advanced technologies intended to bolster security appear to be exacerbating the turmoil, pushing local communities into an unprecedented humanitarian and economic crisis…

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Abidjan spearheads discussions on personal data protection in africa

Aïcha Abdou

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s economic heart, transformed into the epicenter of continental discourse on personal data governance on May 18, 2026. For four dynamic days, the ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) convened over thirty delegations, including twenty-four from across the African continent, alongside European partners, independent experts, and private sector representatives. The inaugural ceremony, presided over by Djibril Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, underscored a clear political commitment to embed this crucial issue within the regional economic agenda,…

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Sénégal: APR delegation confronts Ousmane Sonko’s alleged political targeting in Touba

Aïcha Abdou

Sénégal: APR delegation confronts Ousmane Sonko’s alleged political targeting in Touba The Alliance pour la République (APR) has significantly escalated its campaign in the sacred city of Touba, Sénégal, amidst the detention of Pape Malick Ndour. The party vigorously contends that Ndour’s arrest constitutes a calculated political maneuver orchestrated by the current administration. Before the esteemed Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, APR representatives earnestly pleaded for equitable justice, thereby reigniting a vital discourse on the intersection of the judiciary and African politics in Sénégal.   Suivre The Alliance pour la République (APR)…

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Tchad’s first museum night celebrates national heritage in N’Djamena

Ousmane Tandja

The Musée national du Tchad in N’Djamena transformed into a vibrant cultural hub on the evening of May 18, 2026, marking the country’s inaugural Nuit des Musées. Organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Craftsmanship, the event brought together a diverse crowd eager to explore and celebrate Tchadian heritage after dark. As the clock struck 20:00, the museum’s courtyard buzzed with energy. The Ballet national du Tchad kicked off the festivities with a dazzling display of traditional dances, captivating visitors with rhythmic movements and elaborate costumes…

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Legal challenges mount in Senegal over new anti-homosexuality law

Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s recently enacted anti-homosexuality law, which significantly increases penalties for «unnatural acts,» is already generating considerable judicial impact amidst intense public debate. In the six weeks following its promulgation, more than a hundred individuals across the nation have been apprehended. Some face charges of alleged voluntary HIV transmission, an accusation that dramatically broadens the scope of criminal liability. This rapid pace of arrests is prompting serious inquiries from the bar association and various non-governmental organizations, who are highlighting repeated violations of defendants’ rights. This development is certainly a key focus…

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Abidjan hosts key pan-african data governance summit for digital economy

Ousmane Tandja

Abidjan recently became the nexus for crucial discussions on digital governance, as the ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) commenced its four-day agenda on Monday, May 18, 2026. This significant gathering brought together delegates from over thirty nations across Africa and Europe, including twenty-four African delegations, alongside esteemed international experts, private sector representatives, and specialized institutions. Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, presided over the opening ceremony, signaling the start of intensive working sessions focused on the complex challenges…

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Faure gnassingbé champions results-driven african economic integration at biashara africa forum

Aïcha Abdou

Lomé became the focal point for continental dialogue on May 18, 2026, as it hosted the third annual Biashara Africa forum. This significant event brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss African trade, investment opportunities, and crucial economic partnerships, offering vital Africa news English insights. Addressing the opening ceremony, President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, delivered a compelling address. His speech underscored the critical challenges facing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and emphasized Africa’s urgent need to convert its political aspirations into tangible economic achievements, a key…

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CAN 2027 qualifiers draw: full group stage breakdown revealed

Ousmane Tandja

Key outcomes from the CAN 2027 qualifying draw In a landmark event held in Cairo this week, the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers was completed, setting the stage for 48 nations across the continent. Each team now knows their path forward in a 12-group format, with the top two finishers in each group securing a spot in the tournament. The upcoming qualifiers will unfold in two phases: the first two matchdays are scheduled for September and October 2026, while the final rounds will take place in…

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Senegal bolsters border security amid Mali’s ongoing crisis

Ousmane Tandja

With over 400 km of shared border with Mali and flourishing cross-border trade, Senegal finds itself deeply affected by the turmoil in its eastern neighbor and across the Sahel region. The country is responding by significantly reinforcing its security apparatus to mitigate risks. In Dakar, authorities have adopted a low-profile approach to their counterterrorism strategy, avoiding public discussions about recent incidents such as the blocking of Senegalese transporters in Mali or the burning of trucks following attacks on April 25. «We are closely monitoring the situation, particularly regarding transporters. So…

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How Algeria’s shadow war shaped Mali’s jihadist threat

Aïcha Abdou

Algeria’s enduring strategy in Mali: from Tuareg rebellions to jihadist control Algeria’s relationship with Mali’s northern regions isn’t just a matter of geography—it’s a matter of national security. Since gaining independence in 1962, Algeria has viewed the vast Sahara as its strategic backyard, home to the Tuareg people. For Algiers, the red line has always been clear: preventing the emergence of a Tuareg-led state in northern Mali. To achieve this, the country has employed a mix of diplomacy, military pressure, and covert tactics, often manipulating local dynamics to maintain influence.…

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Bamako endures daily life under state of emergency amidst islamist blockade

Aïcha Abdou

In Bamako, the vibrant capital of Mali, a state of emergency remains firmly in place. This critical situation has persisted since Islamist militias began blocking access to the city, creating significant challenges for its residents. A tangible fear of terrorist attacks hangs over the city, while concerns grow over dwindling food supplies, impacting the local African economy today. Amidst this backdrop, we observe the resilience of daily life in West Africa. International developments include France’s recent call for its citizens to depart the nation, highlighting the escalating tensions in the…

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