Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

At the un, Togo’s prestige diplomacy cost $2 million while families struggle

Ousmane Tandja

While Togolese families endure a stifling economic crisis and relentless rises in living costs, the government’s diplomatic spending has sparked deep outrage. Analyses of sovereignty budgets and international influence contracts indicate that the process behind the vote and promotion of the “new map of Africa” at the United Nations cost Togolese taxpayers a staggering US$2 million. For months, Togo’s foreign ministry waged an intense campaign to push this cartographic initiative forward. Yet behind the triumphant talk of Togo’s “diplomatic radiance,” the ledger for this endeavor reveals how much public money…

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In Cameroon, questions arise over the potential disappearance of billions from the Special Criminal Court

Ousmane Tandja

In Cameroon, serious concerns have surfaced regarding the potential disappearance of billions from the vaults of the Special Criminal Court. Unexplained financial questions in Yaoundé The situation raises significant questions about the security of funds held by the judicial institution, specifically within the Special Criminal Court. Investigations and official clarifications are highly anticipated as the public seeks answers regarding these massive sums of money. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

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In Bamako, the prosecution of Abdrahamane Keïta signals a tightening grip on press freedom

Ousmane Tandja

In Bamako, the military authorities have reached a worrying milestone in their crackdown on independent journalism by prosecuting reporter Abdrahamane Keïta before the Special Judicial Unit for Combatting Cybercrime. The journalist’s only offense was providing a candid assessment of the declining security conditions in Kidal and detailing the challenges encountered by the national armed forces. Instead of addressing the public’s legitimate worries regarding the growing instability across northern Mali, the ruling junta has chosen to direct its judicial apparatus toward independent observers. By leveraging cybercrime legislation, the administration aims to…

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In Niger, a quiet mutiny exposes the internal fractures of a politicised military

Ousmane Tandja

The influence of Tiani extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the recent uprising. Since taking control, he has systematically converted the national army into a mechanism for political governance rather than an entity dedicated solely to territorial protection. By favoring loyalists in key appointments, sidelining independent-minded officers, and substituting personal allegiance for professional hierarchy, he has disrupted the delicate internal equilibrium that once maintained cohesion within the armed forces. As personal devotion replaced expertise, capability, and institutional neutrality, deep-seated distrust began to permeate the ranks. The consequences of a…

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Niamey after the mutiny: anger simmers in the barracks as Tiani leans on Russian and Algerian support

Ousmane Tandja

The quiet that has returned to Niamey’s streets should not deceive anyone. The battle is over, but the political war has only just begun. In the night of 28 to 29 August, Nigerian soldiers attempted to overthrow the regime of General Abdourahamane Tiani. The attack, launched notably by troops from units engaged on various fronts across the country, targeted strategic installations in the capital, including Air Base 101 and areas near the presidential palace. For several hours, the government tottered. To save it, Tiani had to call on his Russian…

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Ouagadougou gears up for 2026 Sahel Games as 540 athletes and officials prepare to converge

Ousmane Tandja

Burkina Faso is set to pulsate with the rhythm of sport and camaraderie as the second edition of the Sahel Alliance Games (JAES) takes place from 7 to 16 September 2026 in Ouagadougou. Approximately 540 athletes, coaches, and officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are expected to converge on the Burkinabè capital. According to the organisers, the delegation will include 376 athletes and 164 coaches and officials. The figures were announced on Saturday, 5 September, during a press conference held at the Stade du 4-Août. Eleven sports on the…

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Ouagadougou, 6 septembre 2026 : le jour où le Bénin a conquis l’Afrique de l’Ouest au handball féminin

Ousmane Tandja

Au Palais des Sports de Ouaga 2000, l’aftermoon du dimanche 6 septembre 2026 restera gravé dans les annales du sport béninois. Dans une finale à couper le souffle, l’équipe nationale féminine du Bénin a dominé la Côte d’Ivoire sur le score étriqué de 29 à 28, s’adjugeant ainsi le tout premier titre de l’IHF Nations Trophy Seniors Dames de la Zone 3 et validant son billet pour la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations 2026. Ce triomphe marque un tournant historique pour le handball béninois. Tout au long d’un parcours semé d’embûches…

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Niger’s state narrative masks deep rifts within the junta

Ousmane Tandja

In the wake of the deadly mutiny at Niamey’s base 101 on August 28, the junta’s state apparatus launched a well-oiled media counter-offensive. By dismissing a fratricidal clash as a mere “fit of pique” and reviving the theory of an international conspiracy, the official discourse aims above all to conceal the crisis of confidence afflicting the military command. Following the violent armed confrontations that shook the Nigerien capital on the night of August 28-29, 2026, the propaganda machine of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) quickly…

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Waly Diouf Bodian responds to Mary Teuw Niane: “we do not respect those who disrespect Ousmane Sonko”

Ousmane Tandja

Waly Diouf Bodian, a leading figure of Pastef, has forcefully responded to recent remarks by Professor Mary Teuw Niane concerning verbal violence and mutual respect in public discourse. The politician accuses the former Minister of Higher Education of inconsistency, pointing to earlier attacks directed at Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko. Bodian categorically dismisses the academic’s calls for calm and questions his institutional stance. “After calling President Ousmane Sonko an impostor, Mary Teuw Niane now presumes to lecture us on verbal violence and respect for others. It is too late for that,…

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Cameroun : les signes d’une transition politique se multiplient

Ousmane Tandja

Ces dernières semaines, des révélations sensibles ont secoué la scène politique camerounaise. Elles proviennent de deux anciens hauts responsables des services de renseignement : Maxime Eko Eko, ex-directeur général de la DGRE, et le capitaine Effoudou, ancien chef du renseignement à l’état-major particulier du président. Selon leurs déclarations, une tentative de coup d’État aurait été ourdie en 2023 contre le président Paul Biya. Lors d’une comparution au tribunal dans le cadre du procès de Martinez Zogo, Maxime Eko Eko aurait affirmé avoir été arrêté juste après avoir remis au président…

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Gabon’s economic management hampered by unreliable public data

Ousmane Tandja

Running an economy without sufficiently detailed, regular, and accessible data is like making decisions with limited visibility. In Gabon, the publication of economic indicators by specialized administrations does allow for tracking certain sectoral trends, but it does not always meet the analytical needs of businesses, investors, researchers, and citizens. Between sometimes inadequately documented short-term information, weak forward-looking depth, and difficulties in regularly accessing budget execution data, the issue now goes beyond statistics: it directly affects the quality of public decision-making and financial transparency. The Sectoral Economic Note for the fourth…

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Niger: Tiani faces unease within special forces after russian involvement

Ousmane Tandja

In Niamey, the apparent calm following the events of August 29 may conceal deeper tensions. Behind the official statements and assurances of control, a pressing question emerges: is the Nigerien military’s chain of command as unified as it claims? Appearances can be deceiving. Traffic has resumed in Niamey, authorities are communicating, and the government seems to have moved past the August 29 incident. However, in military regimes, a return to calm on the streets does not necessarily mean a return to normalcy in the barracks. This is where the main…

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