Month: May 2026

The end of a political symbiosis Senegal’s political landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signals a decisive break from the once-untouchable alliance with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. This weekend—May 2 and 3, 2026—marked a turning point, revealing fractures in what was once touted as an unshakable partnership within the ruling coalition. The president’s bold assertion that he is prepared to sever ties if national interests demand it has shattered the illusion of a unified leadership, leaving analysts and citizens alike grappling with the implications of…

The recent appointment of Colonel Assimi Goïta as both President and Defense Minister in Mali marks a significant consolidation of power in Bamako. This strategic move, far from being a routine administrative decision, underscores deepening concerns about a military chain of command in disarray and an increasingly faltering counterinsurgency strategy. Centralization of power at the heart of the crisis By merging the roles of Head of State and Defense Minister, Assimi Goïta has positioned himself not only as the architect of national policy but also as the operational leader of…

During the 13th edition of the AFRAVIH conference on HIV prevention, held in Lausanne, Switzerland, the focus shifted to the mental health challenges faced by adolescents living with the virus. Our discussion highlights how Burkina Faso is addressing these concerns through targeted support programs. Contributors: Christine Kafando, a Burkinabé activist and HIV advocate, made history as Burkina Faso’s first woman to publicly disclose her HIV-positive status. At the conference, she shared insights on mental health support for adolescents living with HIV through her organization in Burkina Faso. Key challenges in…

Sahel crisis: when military failures reflect strategic void The Mali crisis continues to send shockwaves through West Africa, exposing not just military vulnerabilities but a profound regional security vacuum. Despite the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—supposed to unite Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger under a shared defense framework—the alliance has yet to prove its operational effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), from which Bamako withdrew in early 2025, struggles to regain relevance in a region increasingly fragmented by shifting allegiances and geopolitical realignments.…

The head coach of the Senegalese Under-17 national team, Lamine Sané, has announced the final squad of 23 players selected for the CAN U17 Morocco 2026, kicking off on May 13 and concluding on June 2. experienced backbone shapes Senegal’s u17 team Sané has built a balanced team with a strong focus on continuity and competitive experience, drawing heavily from players who have already competed in regional tournaments like the UFOA U17 Championship. The goalkeeper trio includes Assane Sarr (Ndangane FC), who returns to Morocco after playing in the previous…

Omar Daf emerges as surprise candidate for Mali football coach role A Senegalese football coach, Omar Daf, has thrown his hat into the ring for the coveted role of head coach of the Mali national team. Following his departure from Amiens in France, the former international defender has officially declared his candidacy for the position, according to reports from Galaxysn.com. The Malian Football Federation recently initiated a recruitment drive after parting ways with Tom Saintfiet, whose tenure ended prematurely following Mali’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations. Several…