Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

Opposition unites in Senegal with taxawu’s bold challenge to diomaye-sonko

Aïcha Abdou

Taxawu Sénégal’s foundational congress: a united opposition vows to challenge Diomaye-Sonko Dakar — Taxawu Sénégal convened its foundational congress this past Sunday, drawing key figures from the opposition to rally against the current administration. The event brought together prominent leaders such as Aïssata Tall Sall, Bamba Fall, Oumar Sarr of the Front pour la Démocratie et la République (FDR), Me Elhadj Diouf, Alioune Ndoye of the Parti Socialiste, Abdoulaye Wilanne, and Doudou Wade, underscoring a growing momentum to consolidate forces opposing the government. The gathering set the stage for Khalifa…

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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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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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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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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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Mali’s worsening humanitarian crisis: insecurity’s grip on vital aid access

Aïcha Abdou

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is sounding a serious alarm regarding the rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis in Mali. Persistent insecurity is severely disrupting essential communication lines, pushing millions of already vulnerable individuals into deeper distress. Since late April, the IRC has observed a troubling surge in armed conflicts across Mali. This humanitarian organization highlights that synchronized attacks and growing instability on major transport routes are significantly impeding the flow of both people and critical supplies, including fuel and vital food provisions destined for the capital, Bamako. This deterioration in security…

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Senegal prepares for the Dakar youth olympics: a historic milestone for africa

Aïcha Abdou

The “Africa Forward” summit, a collaborative initiative between France and Kenya taking place this Monday in Nairobi, is set to explore the transformative power of sports in regional development. This theme resonates deeply with Senegal, as the nation prepares to host the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar later this autumn. This landmark occasion represents a significant turning point for the global sporting community, marking the very first time an Olympic event will be staged on the Africa continent. For Senegal, the responsibility brings a mixture of intense pressure and…

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Togo: the youth’s imperative to reclaim their future

Aïcha Abdou

The Republic of Togo stands at a pivotal juncture in its political trajectory. With the Faure Gnassingbé regime having consolidated its transition into a parliamentary Fifth Republic, an undercurrent of exhaustion permeates the corridors of authority. Amidst a shifting regional diplomatic landscape and a disenfranchised youth demographic, societal fissures have never been more pronounced. This moment of transformation may well be defined by the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) conspicuous silence—a silence that could signal the catalyst many have awaited. A regime adapting to the brink of irrelevance…

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