Author: Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s political funds debate: Sonko challenges Faye’s stance A sharp disagreement has surfaced in Senegal’s political landscape as Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko publicly challenges President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s handling of political funds—a debate that has simmered since 2019. While Sonko advocates for stringent transparency, he maintains the necessity of these funds, creating internal tensions within the government. Transparency vs. necessity: the political funds controversy During a May 2 interview at the Presidential Palace, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye defended the existence of political funds, acknowledging their sensitivity regarding transparency. He argued…

Senegal’s prime minister condemns western pressure on homosexuality laws On Friday, May 21, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko stood firmly against international calls to reconsider the nation’s strict stance on homosexuality. Speaking before lawmakers, he framed Western interference as an attempt to impose foreign values on Senegal’s sovereign legal framework. Rejection of Western Demands for Moratorium During his address, Ousmane Sonko forcefully argued that Western nations—despite their global influence—should not dictate Senegal’s legal standards. “With eight billion people worldwide, only a small fraction—the West—holds sway due to economic and media…

The Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has forcefully rejected any reconsideration of the recently enacted legislation that intensifies penalties for same-sex relationships in the country. Speaking to lawmakers, he framed the push for LGBTQ+ rights as “an attempt by Western powers to impose their norms on the rest of the world.” By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

In Senegal, the unfolding political landscape this week underscores the fragile balance at the heart of the executive branch, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko navigate diverging priorities. Starting May 21, the Head of State will embark on an extensive round of consultations with key stakeholders across the nation. Over ten days, political parties, civil society groups, religious leaders, and traditional authorities will be invited to participate in a national dialogue designed to symbolize openness and collective decision-making. This approach replaces the previous annual dialogue day…

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reaffirms commitment to strict anti-homosexuality laws The Senegalese government, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has once again reiterated its determination to tighten legislation concerning homosexuality, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous law enforcement. In a climate of growing international scrutiny, Sonko has pushed back against external interference, asserting Senegal’s sovereignty on this highly sensitive issue. Equal enforcement of laws, no exceptions During a recent address, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko underscored the importance of uniform application of laws, leaving no room for exceptions. He made it…

Politics Chad judicial ruling: 20-year prison term for former PM Succès Masra upheld In Chad, the Supreme Court in N’Djamena has dismissed the appeal filed by the legal team of former Prime Minister Succès Masra, finalizing his sentence to 20 years in prison for his role in the deadly violence at Mandakao. Final verdict delivered by Chad’s highest court Former Chadian Prime Minister and leader of Les Transformateurs party, Succès Masra, has seen his 20-year prison sentence confirmed as definitive. On May 21, Chad’s Supreme Court in N’Djamena rejected the…