Author: Aïcha Abdou

A French citizen has been detained in Senegal under charges related to homosexuality, as part of a broader legal tightening against LGBT+ rights in the country. The arrest, which occurred on February 14, 2026, follows the recent enactment of a law that significantly increases penalties for By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

Bamako under siege: JNIM blockade triggers crisis for civilians in Mali The capital of Mali, Bamako, has been under a crippling blockade since April 30, enforced by jihadist factions led by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). The situation has escalated tensions in the region, with Amnesty International issuing a stark warning about the “unacceptable consequences” on civilian mobility and safety. Humanitarian fallout of the blockade The siege has disrupted daily life, with Amnesty International highlighting severe disruptions to civilian travel and commerce. In a statement…

The Stade Vélodrome will host a high-stakes Ligue 1 showdown this weekend as Olympique de Marseille (OM) faces Stade Rennais in a must-win battle for European qualification. With just one match remaining in the season, the Phocéens must secure victory to leapfrog their opponents and claim the fifth-place spot—currently held by Rennes—guaranteeing a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League. Despite last week’s 3-1 triumph over Le Havre, Marseille’s form remains a cause for concern. The win offered a glimmer of hope, but their defensive frailties and lackluster attacking…

In early May, Senegalese military forces, supported by trained detection dogs, launched a major operation to dismantle cannabis cultivation sites in the volatile Casamance region. This latest campaign marks another chapter in a decades-old conflict that has simmered since 1982, despite the lingering presence of a weakened separatist movement. The crackdown took place near the Gambian border, where remnants of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC)—a group that has fought for Casamance’s independence since December 1982—operate. According to Colonel Cheikh Guèye, regional military commander in Ziguinchor, the operation…

Tchad: street vendors rise while children bear the hidden cost In the bustling markets of Chad, a quiet revolution is unfolding—one led by women who have taken to the streets to sell their wares. Yet behind their newfound independence lurks a troubling reality for the nation’s children. A new rhythm in Chad’s streets: women take charge From the crack of dawn, the pavements of N’Djamena, Moundou, and Abéché come alive with the energy of women balancing baskets of ripe mangoes, golden beignets, and vibrant fabrics. Their voices cut through the…

The High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) within PASTEF-Les Patriotes formally initiated the process to elect the party’s president on May 14, 2026. As outlined in decision N°001/2026/HARP, the window for submitting candidacies commenced on May 15 and will close promptly at noon on May 20, 2026. Addressing President Diomaye Faye’s call for reform? Crucially, this directive does not grant automatic re-election to the incumbent president, Ousmane Sonko. Instead, it formally opens the leadership contest to all factions within the party, allowing the current Prime Minister to seek a renewed…

In Senegal, a silent epidemic is spreading across digital spaces, disproportionately targeting women. New research reveals that over 60% of Senegalese women have fallen victim to gendered disinformation campaigns designed to undermine their credibility by attacking their bodies, sexuality, and private lives rather than their ideas or professional work. This disturbing trend, highlighted in a recent study, shows that while men are often subjected to false information about political or economic matters, women—especially those in public roles—face a different kind of smear campaign. These attacks focus on their morality, personal…