Author: Ousmane Tandja

The legal battle surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco advances as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) grants Rabat additional time to respond. Latest developments in the can 2025 final appeal On March 25, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) filed an appeal with the CAS, prompting the tribunal to extend the deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to submit its defense brief. The new deadline is set for May 7, 2026, marking a critical phase in this high-stakes legal confrontation. Why…

The Central Sahel region continues to grapple with a dire humanitarian crisis. In countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, an estimated 7.5 million children urgently require humanitarian assistance. This critical need persists despite some notable advancements in public health, education, and civil registration services. UNICEF urges global attention and support Following a comprehensive 14-day mission across the region, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, raised serious concerns about the crisis, emphasizing its insufficient visibility on the international stage. Chaiban highlighted a region characterized by both the extraordinary resilience of…

The West African nation of Mali has plunged deeper into crisis following a sweeping offensive launched by Tuareg rebels and jihadist factions, dealing a significant blow to the military junta and its Russian-backed allies. This coordinated assault, which spanned multiple strategic locations, marks a dramatic escalation in the country’s prolonged conflict. escalation in Mali’s ongoing security crisis A multi-pronged attack on April 25 struck at the heart of Mali‘s stability, targeting key installations in Bamako and its outskirts, including Kati, as well as central cities like Konna and Mopti, and…

A coordinated offensive across several regions, including the capital city of Bamako, by Touareg insurgents and allied militant groups is currently destabilizing the Malian military administration. In a surprising turn of events, Russian forces, who took over security roles from French troops, recently withdrew from the northern stronghold of Kidal without engaging the enemy. The sight of Russian military convoys leaving Kidal has sent shockwaves through the region. This bloodless retreat saw the city fall into the hands of a coalition involving Touareg rebels and jihadist factions. This retreat is…

Mali under attack: how the AES defends West African sovereignty The latest communiqué from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), issued by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, transcends a standard diplomatic condemnation. It signals a bold shift toward a unified Sahelian response, framing any assault on one member state as an attack on the entire AES bloc. By labeling the recent terrorist strikes as « long-planned, coordinated operations », the AES underscores their sophisticated logistics and clear political intent: to inflict casualties, spread fear, and dismantle the region’s hard-won sovereign momentum. In…

As of April 25, the security landscape in Mali is becoming increasingly precarious, despite the transition government’s efforts to stabilize the nation through a heavy military alliance with Moscow. The effectiveness of a purely military strategy, supported by Russian paramilitaries, is being called into question as Kidal sees negotiated withdrawals and Kati, the seat of power, experiences a sudden resurgence of violence. Kidal evacuation talks: A sign of desperation A significant shift is occurring in the northern region of the country. Reports suggest that an informal agreement has been reached…

As the highly anticipated match between OM and Nice approaches this Sunday evening, Senegalese goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf shared his reflections on an unforgettable season with L’Équipe. Though he spent significant time on the bench, his journey was filled with intense emotions, culminating in the intense African Cup of Nations final against Morocco. «The match was extraordinary,» he admitted, reflecting on his time at Reims. «Like so many others, I would have preferred a different outcome—one where victory was clear from start to finish. Unfortunately, the entire event was overshadowed by…

Africa Corps: the shadowy Russian force reshaping Mali’s future After years of dominance in Mali’s conflict zones, the Africa Corps paramilitary unit has withdrawn from a pivotal stronghold near Kidal, yet remains a critical instrument of Moscow’s influence across the Sahel. This past weekend, Mali witnessed intense clashes as jihadist factions aligned with Tuareg rebels launched coordinated assaults on strategic juncture points across the country. In Bamako, the defense minister was killed during an attack on his residence, while multiple urban centers faced simultaneous offensives. In eastern Mali, rebels reclaimed…

Africa Corps, Russia’s latest paramilitary force active in Africa, has recently lost a key stronghold in Mali’s Kidal region—a stronghold it had held for years. The retreat, though significant, does not diminish the group’s strategic importance for Moscow in the Sahel, where it continues to play a critical role. From shadows to center stage: the rise of Africa Corps Officially established in late 2023, Africa Corps emerged as one of Russia’s most clandestine military offshoots. Its formation was first hinted at by military blogger Deux Majors on Telegram, who cited…