Month: May 2026

Benin opposition politics: les Démocrates defy trend by remaining opposition, FCBE shifts allegiances

Ousmane Tandja

Benin’s LD party reaffirms opposition stance amid shifting political alliances In a bold move that underscores its commitment to democratic principles, the Beninese party Les Démocrates (LD) has reaffirmed its opposition status following a high-level emergency meeting convened on May 9. The gathering, centered around structural challenges and future prospects, served as a platform for the party to reiterate its role in Benin’s political landscape. The declaration comes on the heels of the Forces Cauris pour un Bénin Émergent (FCBE)’s withdrawal from the opposition bloc after its candidate, Paul Hounkpè,…

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Wagner or africa corps in central africa comparing deadly impacts

Aïcha Abdou

Wagner or africa corps: what’s the lesser evil for central africa? In Central Africa, the debate over foreign security partnerships has reached a critical juncture. President Touadéra’s preference for Wagner clashes with Moscow’s push for the Africa Corps. Both options present a grim reality for civilians: unrelenting violence, systemic crimes, and mass atrocities—only the payment methods differ. The question haunting locals remains: which mercenary force poses the lesser threat? the grim calculus: violence for resources or violence for pay Under Wagner, financial sustainment came from plundering the country’s vast natural…

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Togo meeting CNCC Akassimé draws scant crowds amid shifting priorities

Ousmane Tandja

Despite aggressive promotion, the CNCC (Cadre national de concertation pour le changement) gathering at Akassimé in Lomé on May 9, 2026 fell far short of expectations. Instead of the anticipated massive turnout, only scattered groups of opposition supporters showed up, leaving the venue sparsely populated. The event, scheduled to start at 2 p.m., had barely a handful of attendees by the hour mark. Observers point to this low mobilization as a sign that traditional protest tactics are losing their grip. Many citizens now prioritize tangible solutions to pressing issues—such as…

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Macron criticises Mali junta over french troop withdrawal

Aïcha Abdou

Macron slams Mali junta’s decision to expel French forces amid rising jihadist threat French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticised the Malian junta for its decision to force the withdrawal of French troops, calling it a strategic misstep amid escalating security challenges in the country. Security crisis deepens in Mali following jihadist surge During a visit to Nairobi, President Macron addressed the deteriorating security situation in Mali, highlighting that the junta’s move to oust French military forces—present until 2022 as part of counter-terrorism efforts—has left the country vulnerable. The president…

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French business presence remains strong in Sénégal

Ousmane Tandja

From the scenic Dakar coastline to the historic Gorée island, and stretching from the airport highway to remote rural settlements, thousands of solar-powered streetlights now illuminate the landscape of Sénégal. This specific sector is led by two French firms: Ragni, a family-owned business from the Alpes-Maritimes region, and Fonroche, an SME headquartered in Agen. These organizations are part of a larger group of 340 French companies currently operating within the country. While industry giants like Orange, TotalEnergies, Auchan, and Eiffage have long-standing roots in West Africa and are well-recognized, smaller…

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Watch the documentary ‘the lion’s den’ featuring pape thiaw’s first can journey with Senegal

Aïcha Abdou

Discover the untold story of Senegal’s CAN 2025 with Pape Thiaw Dive deep into the behind-the-scenes journey of Senegal’s national football team as head coach Pape Thiaw shares his first African Cup of Nations (CAN) experience in the captivating documentary L’Antre du Lion. This immersive film offers fans a rare glimpse into the emotional highs, intense pressures, and unforgettable moments that defined Senegal’s campaign under Thiaw’s leadership. An emotional and unforgettable football adventure In a teaser clip, Pape Thiaw describes his first CAN journey with the Lions of Teranga as…

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Senegal’s delegation heads to africa forward summit in Nairobi

Aïcha Abdou

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko led the official send-off ceremony today for Senegal’s delegation departing for Nairobi. The high-profile Africa Forward summit, running through May 13, 2026, brings together heads of state, major donors, and private sector leaders from across Africa and beyond. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, already in attendance, will be joined by a ministerial team and financial experts to champion a bold agenda on the global stage. The delegation’s mission goes beyond mere participation—it’s about reshaping Africa’s financial future on equitable terms. a bold agenda for african economic sovereignty…

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Senegal stripped of CAN 2025 title as CAF decision triggers continental uproar

Ousmane Tandja

The landscape of African football has been shaken by a crisis of confidence following the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) decision to strip Sénégal of its CAN 2025 title. This move, which effectively handed the championship to Maroc via a 0-3 adjusted scoreline, has drawn fierce condemnation from international media, experts, and various clubs across the continent. Widespread boycotts and club protests Resistance to the CAF ruling is intensifying. The Égypte-based club Pharco FC has already declared an indefinite boycott of all CAF-sanctioned tournaments. Club officials described the sanction against…

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Diplomatic thaw brewing between Benin and Niger under romuald wadagni

Aïcha Abdou

With the inauguration of Romuald Wadagni as Benin’s next president approaching, diplomatic signals from Niger suggest a potential easing of tensions between the two West African neighbors. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of renewed dialogue with Cotonou, despite years of strained relations. Speaking on national television, Sangaré acknowledged the lack of official contact between Niamey and the incoming Beninese leadership but emphasized the importance of mutual goodwill gestures to rebuild trust. « We would welcome any initiative from the new…

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Citizen power in Senegal: history, challenges and renewal

Aïcha Abdou

The election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye in March 2024 marked a turning point in Senegal’s political history, with over 54% of the vote in the first round. This victory, achieved after a contested postponement and the release of the elected president from prison, was widely interpreted as a triumph of citizen power. Yet two years into his term, the question remains: has this moment truly reshaped Senegal’s democratic landscape, or does the threat of democratic fatigue loom larger than ever? what is citizen power in Senegal? Citizen power in Senegal…

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Industrialisation in Côte d’Ivoire and economic growth strategies

Aïcha Abdou

Why industrialisation is crucial for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic leap The industrialisation of Côte d’Ivoire took center stage during a press luncheon held on May 8, 2026, in Abidjan-Plateau. Paul-Harry Aithnard, Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire Regional Director for UEMOA, shared his insights on the matter. He emphasized that industrialisation is not just an option but a necessity for Côte d’Ivoire to transition into a fully developed economy, similar to countries like Malaysia. Aithnard highlighted that Côte d’Ivoire’s current GDP stands at $100 billion, mirroring Malaysia’s GDP 25 years ago. However, over the…

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How Burkina Faso is using urban greening to fight heat and dust

Ousmane Tandja

A national landscaping initiative in Burkina Faso is set to transform the urban landscape by creating 80 new green zones, developing 60 roundabouts, and establishing 65 kilometres of vegetated roadways. This ambitious project aims to fundamentally change the appearance and environmental quality of the country’s major cities. Combatting the Sahelian climate with nature In urban centres often plagued by thick dust and stifling heat, the lack of recreational areas has long been a challenge. New developments, such as the green space located beneath the Ouaga 2000 interchange, are designed to…

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