Month: June 2026

Ebola response in DR Congo challenged by political and security turmoil

Ousmane Tandja

The World Health Organization declared on 17 May 2026 that the Ebola epidemic raging in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and persisting in Uganda represents a public health emergency of international concern, followed the next day by a similar declaration from the Africa CDC. On 5 June, both institutions launched a joint six-month response plan and appealed for 518 million dollars. Caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no licensed vaccine or treatment exists, this 17th epidemic strikes a region already ravaged by conflict and destabilised by the…

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Ousmane Sonko’s political plébiscite: what next for Senegal?

Aïcha Abdou

The Pastef party has never been so solidly behind a single leader. Ousmane Sonko was re-elected head of his party with an overwhelming majority at Saturday’s congress. Removed from the prime minister’s post two weeks ago by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the former head of government—now President of the National Assembly—used the occasion to further cement his role as a political counterweight to the head of state. Holding a majority in parliament, Sonko declared that Pastef “will safeguard the interests of the people.” How will the relationship between Sonko and…

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Ousmane Sonko faces political plébiscite after being removed as prime minister – what lies ahead for Senegal?

Ousmane Tandja

Appels sur l’actualité Ousmane Sonko faces political plébiscite after being removed as prime minister – what lies ahead for Senegal? The Pastef party stands more united than ever behind a single man. Ousmane Sonko was overwhelmingly re-elected as party leader during Saturday’s congress. Removed from the prime minister’s office two weeks ago by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the former head of government, now president of the National Assembly, used the occasion to further assert his role as an opposition force against the head of state. With a majority in the…

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Ousmane Sonko met en garde Diomaye Faye contre un report des locales 2027

Ousmane Tandja

Ousmane Sonko a abordé la question des prochaines élections locales lors de son meeting d’investiture ce dimanche au Dakar Arena, en affichant une position très claire sur un éventuel report du scrutin. Devant une foule de militants et de cadres influents de Pastef, le leader du parti a fermement indiqué que sa formation politique s’opposerait à toute tentative de repousser le vote. « Pastef ne soutiendra aucun report des élections locales. Nous sommes prêts », a-t-il déclaré, sous les acclamations de ses partisans. Poursuivant son intervention, Ousmane Sonko a rappelé…

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Colonel randrianirina concludes Gabon visit, eyes lessons for Madagascar’s refoundation

Aïcha Abdou

On his second day of an official visit to Libreville, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, the President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, embarked on an extensive tour of the Gabonese capital’s most iconic infrastructure on Saturday, June 6. Accompanied by Vice-President Hermann Immongault, the Malagasy leader explored the modern Cité Émeraude, the scenic Baie des Rois, and the prestigious Cité de la Démocratie. Within the Cité de la Démocratie complex, Colonel Randrianirina notably inspected the grand banquet hall, the expansive Congress Palace, and the esteemed Omar Bongo Ondimba museum.…

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Washington targets two rebel figures in eastern DRC: what’s behind the new US sanctions?

Aïcha Abdou

Journalists and experts answer the key question: why are the United States imposing new sanctions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo? This episode focuses on the latest measures targeting two individuals linked to the conflict in eastern DRC. RDC: why are the United States imposing new sanctions? Three months after sanctioning the Rwandan army and several of its senior officials, Washington has struck again. This time, the United States is targeting two men: an intelligence official from the AFC/M23 and a commander from the FDLR, both groups involved in…

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Cameroun braces for tough budget debate amid financial strains

Ousmane Tandja

Cameroon’s Parliament is set to launch its second ordinary session of the year on June 9, a critical moment traditionally dedicated to budgetary planning discussions. Lawmakers from both chambers will scrutinize the broad strokes of the 2027 budget proposal against a backdrop of tightening financial constraints and political uncertainty. The session carries heightened significance as the executive branch struggles to meet the targets set in the 2026 finance law, which was allocated 8,800 billion CFA francs. Budget deliberations under cash-flow pressure The budget orientation debate serves as a pivotal checkpoint…

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Ousmane Sonko traces the lines at Pastef congress

Ousmane Tandja

The Pastef-Les Patriotes, the parliamentary majority party, convened its first national congress over the weekend of 6–7 June at Dakar Arena since its founding in 2014. The gathering aimed to give the party fresh momentum amid a reshaping political landscape, outline new directives under party president Ousmane Sonko, and recalibrate Senegal’s political governance. The weekend’s mass rally concluded the first ordinary congress of Pastef-Les Patriotes. Ousmane Sonko, confirmed as president and leader of the majority party, addressed a crowd of loyal supporters, unveiling a three-part political roadmap: ideological consolidation of…

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Abidjan’s press review: evictions, elections, and football fever

Aïcha Abdou

Côte d’Ivoire: Abidjan’s daily headlines feature evictions, elections, and sporting ambitions Abidjan’s news landscape on Monday, June 8, 2026, is largely shaped by the extensive wave of demolitions and displacements occurring across the city, significant elections within professional and political spheres, and the anticipation surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Regarding the widespread evictions, public discourse highlights various reactions. Euphrasie N’Guessan has notably extended her solidarity to those impacted by the ongoing demolition operations. Meanwhile, Pascal Affi N’Guessan has voiced strong criticism, asserting that the situation represents a “failure for…

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Belgium permanently closes its embassy in Mali amid rising tensions

Ousmane Tandja

After years of close collaboration, Belgium has formally announced the permanent closure of its embassy in Bamako, a decision set to take effect on June 30. This move marks a significant turning point in the diplomatic landscape of West Africa, reflecting the deepening challenges faced by international partners in the region. End of an era in malian-belgian relations In an official statement released on June 5, Belgium’s Foreign Ministry confirmed what many had anticipated: the definitive withdrawal of its diplomatic mission from Mali. By the end of the month, the…

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Cameroon’s Sonamines tightens grip on gold operators

Ousmane Tandja

The National Mining Company (Sonamines) is significantly increasing its oversight of gold operators throughout Cameroon. Following a comprehensive inspection tour across the Adamaoua and Est regions, key hubs for artisanal and semi-mechanized gold production, Director General Serge Hervé Boyogueno presented a candid assessment. His findings reveal that numerous operators are failing to meet expected production levels, some are financially insolvent, while widespread environmental neglect and opaque commercial networks undermine the state’s authority over the sector. Field inspections uncover vulnerabilities in Cameroon’s gold sector The visited regions represent the core of…

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Gabon-eu political dialogue: second session in Libreville strengthens ties

Aïcha Abdou

The political dialogue between Gabon and the European Union commenced its second session on June 8, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès within Libreville’s Cité de la Démocratie. This significant gathering brings together Gabonese authorities and representatives from EU member states accredited in the nation, focusing on an agenda centered around evaluating commitments made during their inaugural meeting. This event is formally structured under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, now the post-Cotonou Agreement, which governs the political relationship between Brussels and the states of Africa, the Caribbean, and the…

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