Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

Can Ousmane Sonko still lead Senegal’s Pastef amid article 17 challenges

Aïcha Abdou

Senegal’s political landscape: can Ousmane Sonko remain at the helm of Pastef? With the 2026 congress looming, a growing question dominates Senegal’s political discourse: is Ousmane Sonko still eligible to lead the Pastef party, given the legal restrictions imposed by Article 17? As the debate intensifies, legal and political analysts are weighing in on the potential consequences for both the party and its figurehead. Legal hurdles and their political implications The controversy centers on whether Article 17, which outlines eligibility criteria for party leadership, could prevent Sonko from retaining his…

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Senegal’s electoral code sparks debate ahead of key elections

Aïcha Abdou

The recent enactment of Senegal’s revised electoral code has ignited a heated political debate, drawing sharp criticism from opposition voices. Tafsir Thioye, an independent deputy and outspoken critic of the government, held a press conference to dissect the newly adopted legislation just days after its promulgation. His intervention comes at a pivotal moment, as the nation braces for potential local and legislative elections in the coming months, raising questions about the integrity of future polls. Opposition voices challenge electoral reform amid institutional tensions The parliamentary majority’s revisions to Senegal’s electoral…

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Dakar redefines african francophonie: Senegal’s bold vision and Gabon’s diplomatic push

Aïcha Abdou

Afrique International Politique Gabon – Sénégal : Dakar redéfinit la Francophonie africaine Libreville, Tuesday, May 19, 2026 – The recent parliamentary assembly in Dakar unfolded amidst palpable geopolitical tension. What transpired at the 32nd Regional Africa Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) signaled a profound political transformation across the continent. Far from mere diplomatic niceties, this gathering revealed a Francophone Africa poised for significant change. Over three intense days, Senegal’s capital became a strategic crucible. More than 200 parliamentarians, assembly presidents, and institutional representatives from approximately thirty…

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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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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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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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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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Arsenal edges closer to Premier League glory with Kai Havertz’s late heroics

Aïcha Abdou

Arsenal on the brink of Premier League triumph after narrow Burnley win Arsenal have moved within touching distance of the Premier League title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over relegation-bound Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz’s towering header just before half-time sealed all three points, keeping the Gunners’ championship hopes alive as Manchester City prepare to face Bournemouth in their upcoming clash. Tense encounter at Emirates Stadium The match unfolded as a tense, cagey affair, with Burnley packing their defence to frustrate the Arsenal attack. Yet, it was the…

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Tragic Mali drone strike claims civilian lives at wedding preparations

Aïcha Abdou

tragic Mali drone strike claims civilian lives at wedding preparations On Sunday, a devastating drone strike by the Malian army tragically resulted in the deaths of at least ten civilians, including young individuals preparing for a collective wedding celebration in Téné. This incident underscores the severe ongoing security crisis affecting Mali, a nation frequently experiencing violence and a focal point for West Africa news. Par    Suivre The Malian military’s drone operations on Sunday claimed the lives of at least ten civilians, many of them young people, who were in…

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Ligue 1 chaos: pitch invasions mar red-letter day finale in Nantes and Nice

Aïcha Abdou

The final matchday of France’s top-flight football season was overshadowed by violent pitch invasions at two stadiums, leaving Ligue 1 authorities scrambling for answers. Security forces struggled to contain unruly scenes in Nice and Nantes, where supporters shattered the calm of the concluding fixtures with chaotic invasions. The incidents cast a dark shadow over what should have been a celebratory weekend for French football. In Nice, the clash between local side and Metz saw ultras break through barriers in the dying minutes, forcing riot police into action to restore order.…

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