Author: Aïcha Abdou

Journalist

Senegal mourns death of prominent mouride leader serigne abdou bakhi mbacke

Aïcha Abdou

The passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the esteemed Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, has left the Mouride community and the nation in deep sorrow. The announcement was made by Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, who conveyed his heartfelt condolences on July 9, 2026. Heartfelt tributes pour in from political and religious leaders In a statement laden with grief, Ousmane Sonko described the loss as a profound blow, recalling the warmth and hospitality Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké consistently extended during their encounters in Guinguinéo. “Each…

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Gabon’s transition success inspires Madagascar’s political reforms

Aïcha Abdou

Yesterday’s official engagements for Gabon’s Head of State carried significant political weight. Following a meeting with the African Union (AU) Commission President’s special envoy for the Gabon-Equatorial Guinea border dispute, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also held discussions with Mohamed Idrissa Farah, the AU Commission’s special envoy for Madagascar, and Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the United Nations Secretary-General’s special representative to the AU. These crucial dialogues are integral to the ongoing Refoundation process in Madagascar, a strategic initiative aimed at drawing inspiration from Gabon’s experience in managing its own political transition. The Gabonese…

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Niger turns to religious diplomacy to bypass France’s frozen relations

Aïcha Abdou

When traditional channels fail, Niamey seeks alternative paths The recent meeting between Hamadou Saley, chargé d’affaires at Niger’s embassy in France, and Chems-eddine Hafiz, rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, has sparked intense speculation. While framed as a cultural or religious collaboration, this encounter reveals a deeper political calculation: a regime in Niamey, desperate to revive its strained ties with Paris, is turning to unconventional channels after being locked out of the Quai d’Orsay’s doors. Diplomatic bypass: navigating a frozen bilateral relationship Since political upheavals in Niger and a…

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Ivorian PM rallies investors for 2026-2030 development plan in Abidjan

Aïcha Abdou

The second day of the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030 Consultative Group, dedicated to investors, kicked off in Abidjan on July 9, 2026, under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. The event took place at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, drawing over 700 investors from partner nations eager to explore opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire. The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the gathering, framing it as a pivotal moment to mobilize private investments essential for achieving ambitious development goals. Addressing a room filled with business leaders, investors, and private…

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Gabon’s rising influence: now an evaluator in global anti-corruption efforts

Aïcha Abdou

Politique Le Gabon rejoint le cercle des États évaluateurs Libreville – In the realm of international organizations, certain distinctions, while often overlooked by the general public, serve as crucial indicators of institutional credibility. Gabon’s recent selection by the United Nations to participate in the evaluation of Seychelles’ anti-corruption mechanisms falls squarely into this category of discreet yet profoundly strategic developments. Through this significant mission, Libreville is not merely engaging in a technical exercise of international cooperation. The nation is now entering the exclusive circle of states entrusted with assessing how…

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Khardiata tandian’s provisional release denied in Dakar, judgment deferred

Aïcha Abdou

The Dakar Criminal Court has once again postponed its final judgment in the high-profile case involving Khardiata Tandian, accused of falsifying the signature of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Initially slated for Thursday, July 9, 2026, the verdict is now anticipated on July 23, 2026.  The court cited the continued absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as Khardiata Tandian’s alleged accomplice, as the reason for this latest delay. Adding to the day’s proceedings, the court also dismissed the request for provisional release filed on behalf of the accused. Defense…

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Falsified signature case: Khardiata Tandian still jailed as verdict delayed again

Aïcha Abdou

The judicial saga surrounding the falsified signature of Ousmane Sonko continues to unfold in Dakar, with Khardiata Tandian still behind bars. The Correctional Court had initially scheduled its verdict for July 9, 2026, but once again, the deliberation has been pushed back—this time to July 23. This marks the second postponement in the case, as the tribunal seeks to ensure all procedural elements are thoroughly examined. Another adjournment driven by missing key witness The latest delay stems from the continued absence of Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy, the alleged accomplice in…

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Sonko cuts short parliamentary recess, what’s next for Senegal’s assembly

Aïcha Abdou

Sonko cuts short parliamentary recess, what’s next for Senegal’s assembly Senegal’s National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko has abruptly ended the parliamentary recess, convening an emergency meeting of lawmakers. The move follows the Constitutional Council’s decision to strike down Law No. 18/2026, a constitutional reform bill that had sparked intense debate across the nation. An unexpected return to work Just days after the National Assembly closed its doors for the summer recess on June 30, Ousmane Sonko has called an urgent session of the Assembly’s leadership for this Friday at 3:00…

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Senegal’s high court to judge former minister in landmark accountability trial

Aïcha Abdou

The Senegalese judicial calendar is taking shape as the High Court of Justice sets July 22 as the opening date for the trial of Aïssatou Sophie Gladima. Once the Minister of Mines and Geology under President Macky Sall, she faces charges in a court reserved exclusively for government officials accused of misconduct in office. After months under detention, the former minister now stands at the threshold of a historic legal reckoning that reflects Dakar’s ongoing commitment to accountability. Rarely convened, yet politically charged The High Court of Justice occupies a…

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Political shifts in Senegal after constitutional reform ruling

Aïcha Abdou

With the establishment of a presidential party and the constitutional reform bill—passed by Pastef’s parliamentary majority led by Ousmane Sonko—struck down by the Constitutional Council, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is laying the groundwork for a pivotal moment in his administration. The question now: Can this bold political maneuver win over the opposition and sway Senegalese public opinion?

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Sénégal: political shifts and foreign tensions shaping 2026

Aïcha Abdou

Sénégal, Middle East tensions and the 2026 World Cup Political maneuvering in Dakar as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration faces pivotal decisions following the constitutional reform rejection. The Senegalese political landscape is undergoing significant transformation as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration navigates a delicate moment following the constitutional reform’s rejection by the Constitutional Council. The decision, which invalidated the changes pushed by the parliamentary majority of the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko, has set the stage for a strategic pivot. Faye’s move to establish a new presidential party underscores…

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