Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

Crystal Palace secures rising star Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise

Ousmane Tandja

Crystal Palace has finalized a five-year deal with Israeli winger Anan Khalaili, marking a significant coup for the English Premier League side. The transfer, confirmed over the weekend, involves a reported initial fee of €24.5 million plus potential add-ons, injecting a substantial financial boost into Union Saint-Gilloise’s coffers. Khalaili, who joined Union Saint-Gilloise from Israeli club Maccabi Haifa in the summer of 2024, quickly established himself as a key player in the Belgian side’s historic 2024-2025 league title triumph—their first in 90 years. His impact continued the following season as…

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Côte d’Ivoire boosts livestock and fisheries investment to cut imports

Ousmane Tandja

The Côte d’Ivoire is ramping up efforts to bolster its local livestock and fisheries production as part of a broader strategy to slash reliance on costly meat and offal imports, which cost the nation 782 billion West African CFA francs in 2024, according to Bouadi Beda Paul, Director of Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources (MIRAH). During a three-day workshop in Jacqueville concluding on July 31, 2026, Paul emphasized the urgent need for performance-driven budget planning to tackle sectoral challenges head-on. The gathering focused on revising…

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Khalifa Sall champions transparency in Senegal’s asset declarations

Ousmane Tandja

The discourse surrounding asset declarations has gained renewed prominence across Senegal, with Khalifa Sall positioning himself as a leading advocate for greater openness. The former mayor of Dakar and a prominent figure within Taxawu Sénégal, has publicly voiced his support for making the financial disclosures of high-ranking state officials accessible to the general public. This stance emerges amidst a political climate shaped by the new administration’s fervent calls for transparency, a key promise following the March 2024 presidential elections, marking a significant moment in West Africa news. Khalifa Sall backs…

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Senegal’s daily brief: august 15, 2026 developments

Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s daily brief: august 15, 2026 developments Key events unfolded in Senegal as the government referred a crucial bill on special funds to the Constitutional Council, leading to the suspension of a parliamentary plenary session. Concurrently, heavy rainfall is forecast across 23 areas, including Koungheul and Kaffrine. The administration also publicly introduced an amendment concerning special appropriations for three vital national institutions. Government refers special funds bill to Constitutional Council, plenary session halted Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô initiated the move to present the contentious articles of the…

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Algeria and Niger boost energy cooperation with new oil exploration

Ousmane Tandja

Algeria and Niger cement energy collaboration Kafra South-East 1 Acting on directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb traveled to Niger on Thursday. His purpose was to supervise, alongside his Nigerien counterpart Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the official commencement of drilling operations at the Kafra South-East 1 exploration well. This significant undertaking marks a crucial advancement in strengthening the strategic partnership between Algiers and Niamey, while simultaneously expanding Sonatrach’s operational presence in Niger. Upon his arrival at the Kafra oilfield, situated in northern Niger approximately 85 kilometers…

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Morocco tightens border security amid Ceuta migration concerns

Ousmane Tandja

Rising concerns over potential mass migration into Ceuta The Moroccan government has implemented strict measures to prevent a possible surge of migrants attempting to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta this weekend. Over the past week, social media posts have falsely claimed that the border crossing between Fnideq and Ceuta would “open” on August 15—a Spanish public holiday—prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings. Government reassures on border control In a press statement, Interior Ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi stated, “All necessary measures have been taken to counter any illegal crossing…

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Senegal’s primature funds: sonko faces accusations over discretionary spending

Ousmane Tandja

A heated public discourse has emerged in Senegal concerning the administration of political funds within the Primature. Prominent commentator Badara Gadiaga has openly criticized what he terms “vampirism” in the utilization of discretionary allocations granted to the head of government. Based on his assertions, out of an estimated fund of 1.77 billion CFA francs, former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reportedly transferred only around 70 million to his successor. This serious allegation, made during a broadcast in Dakar, underscores the inherent lack of transparency surrounding these particular credits, which traditionally bypass…

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Former primature chief accused of draining political funds in Senegal

Ousmane Tandja

In a scathing assessment delivered during a televised debate, political commentator Badara Gadiaga has accused former Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of mismanaging political funds during his tenure. Speaking on a popular news program, Gadiaga revealed that only 142 days after Sonko’s dismissal in late May 2026, just 70 million CFA francs remained from the 1.77 billion CFA francs allocated for political expenditures. The commentator highlighted that this translated to an average daily expenditure of approximately 12 million CFA francs during Sonko’s time in office. Drawing a stark comparison, Gadiaga…

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Successful conclusion of the 26th SOACHIM scientific days at the university of Lomé

Ousmane Tandja

Lomé, August 14, 2026 — A four-day intensive period of scientific exchange reached its culmination on Friday at the University of Lomé, marking the official close of the 26th Scientific Days of the West African Society of Chemistry (SOACHIM). This significant event, a collaborative effort between the University of Lomé and the University of Kara, convened a diverse assembly of researchers, educators, academics, and students to delve into contemporary challenges and practical applications within the field of chemistry. The closing ceremony, a highlight of the gathering, was led by Professor…

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Congo political crisis as tshisekedi faces opposition pressure

Ousmane Tandja

PoliticsDemocratic Republic of the Congo Congo political crisis as tshisekedi faces opposition pressure Félix Tshisekedi’s decision to return the referendum law to Parliament signals a tactical retreat, but tensions with the opposition coalition C64 remain high ahead of the August 15 deadline. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has opted to send the referendum law back to Parliament for a second review, just as the ultimatum issued by the opposition coalition C64 approaches its expiration on August 15. The move comes despite the Constitutional Court’s recent…

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Congo democratic republic faces constitutional referendum standoff

Ousmane Tandja

The Democratic Republic of Congo finds itself at a critical juncture as President Félix Tshisekedi takes a tactical step back in the face of mounting pressure from opposition coalition C64. At the eleventh hour before the coalition’s ultimatum expires, the president has opted to return the constitutional referendum bill to Parliament for a second review—despite a recent constitutional court ruling that deemed it compliant with the constitution, albeit with conditions. The C64, alongside over sixty civil society groups, has been unrelenting in its demands: Félix Tshisekedi must abandon his constitutional…

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Who is Martial Yavo, Côte d’Ivoire’s new general appointed by Charles Blé Goudé

Ousmane Tandja

Martial Yavo has been appointed as a key military figure in Côte d’Ivoire, following a strategic decision by Charles Blé Goudé. The announcement marks a significant shift in the country’s security landscape, as Yavo steps into a role that could reshape defense structures in Abidjan and beyond. Who is Martial Yavo? Martial Yavo brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having served in various capacities within Côte d’Ivoire’s armed forces. His career spans decades, with notable contributions during critical periods of the nation’s history. Born in Bouaké, Yavo…

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