Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

Sénégal: the case for keeping special funds confidential

Ousmane Tandja

The debate surrounding the confidentiality of special funds in Sénégal has intensified following recent political developments. As Dakar navigates a shifting governance landscape, the rationale behind maintaining these financial mechanisms in the shadows has come under scrutiny. While some argue for greater transparency, proponents of discretion highlight the critical role these funds play in national stability and crisis management. What are special funds and why the secrecy? Special funds, often referred to as off-budget financial instruments, are designed to address urgent or sensitive needs without the usual bureaucratic delays. In…

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Traditional leaders in Benin: trust and political influence

Ousmane Tandja

Traditional Leaders in Benin: Pillars of Culture and Governance In Benin, traditional leaders hold a deeply rooted place in society, blending cultural heritage with institutional recognition. They serve as guardians of local values, traditions, and identities, embodying moral and cultural legitimacy (Affo, Sina, & Gnanvi, 2019). Their roles extend beyond symbolism, as they often mediate conflicts and foster social cohesion, earning them a formal legal framework. A Legal Framework for Traditional Leadership To formalize their contributions, the Beninese government enacted Law No. 2025-09 of April 3, 2025, establishing a legal…

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N’Djamena court case: military man accuses wife of adultery

Ousmane Tandja

Chad N’Djamena court case: military man accuses wife of adultery A sensitive moral case in Chad’s capital involves adultery allegations and a claim for the return of the bride price. The court has adjourned the hearing after the prosecutor’s firm arguments and the defendants’ plea citing marital injustice. A tense legal battle has unfolded at the N’Djamena courtroom, centering on allegations of infidelity, marital abandonment, and a disputed bride price. The plaintiff, a soldier deployed in Chad’s high-risk Lake Chad region, returned from duty to find his household in disarray.…

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Sparta prague’s captain absence looms over champions league clash with lyon

Ousmane Tandja

Sparta Prague to face Lyon without its captain in Champions League return Football Champions League Lukas Haraslin’s departure to Al-Fateh leaves Sparta Prague without its captain for the Champions League return against Lyon. Five seasons of loyalty to Sparta Prague came to an end for captain Lukas Haraslin after the first leg victory over Lyon (2-1). The Czech midfielder, who entered the pitch in the 84th minute, has since signed with Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. The club is set to receive a transfer fee close to €5 million,…

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Lyon’s summer european flops ahead of sparta prague clash

Ousmane Tandja

Lyon’s summer european flops ahead of sparta prague return Following their 1-2 defeat to Sparta Prague in the Champions League third qualifying round first leg last Tuesday, Lyon face the Czech side at home tonight (9 PM) with three previous summer European eliminations looming large. Should Lyon overcome the tricky third qualifying round return against Sparta Prague tonight (9 PM)—despite last Tuesday’s away loss (1-2)—and then navigate the playoffs against Fenerbahçe (TUR) or Sturm Graz (AUT) on August 18-19 and 25-26, all ambitions will become possible. During the 2009-2010 season,…

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Benin expands agricultural insurance to secure farmer incomes

Ousmane Tandja

Benin has taken a decisive step in enhancing its agricultural insurance framework, recently distributing FCFA 561.8 million to 94,905 rice and cotton growers affected by yield losses. This initiative underscores a broader shift in the country’s approach to mitigating risks faced by farmers. Addressing Critical Vulnerabilities in Farming In a sector highly susceptible to climate-related disruptions, fluctuating yields, and the inherent uncertainties of agricultural cycles, safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods has become a national priority. A poor harvest does not merely reduce output; it can plunge producers into cycles of debt, hinder…

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Sonko exposes system reshuffle at Senegal’s presidential palace

Ousmane Tandja

During a rally in Dahra Djoloff last Saturday, Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, delivered a sharp critique of what he describes as the re-emergence of entrenched political practices within the presidential establishment. Addressing a packed crowd of activists, he emphasized that no member of the Pastef party could have anticipated betrayal from longtime allies once in power. From promises to power: Sonko’s warning against political backsliding Sonko framed his remarks as a defense of the initial project’s core values—transparency, accountability, good governance, and fair resource management—which he insists…

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Helicopters donated to Niger army arrive in Niamey

Ousmane Tandja

Four helicopters donated to Niger’s armed forces land in Niamey A significant military donation from Algeria has safely arrived in Niamey, reinforcing the operational capabilities of Niger’s armed forces. The shipment, comprising four fully equipped helicopters, was received on Sunday evening at the capital’s international airport, as confirmed by a statement from the National Defence Ministry. The initiative follows direct instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who serves as both the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the National Defence Minister. This gesture underscores Algeria’s commitment to strengthening regional security…

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Khalaili’s record-breaking move to Premier League edges closer

Ousmane Tandja

Anan Khalaili’s dream move to the Premier League is taking shape as negotiations with Crystal Palace gather momentum. The right-back, who was set to join Inter Milan in a deal worth up to €32 million, saw those plans collapse after the Italian club’s medical team raised concerns over a cardiac issue. Potential five-year deal with Crystal Palace The Premier League’s less stringent medical protocols compared to Serie A could finally allow Khalaili to secure a high-profile transfer. According to Premier League insider David Ornstein, the 25-year-old is poised to sign…

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Paulo Fonseca’s bold strategy for lyon’s crucial return leg against sparta prague

Ousmane Tandja

Paulo Fonseca’s bold strategy for lyon’s crucial return leg against sparta prague The Portuguese tactician is set to deploy a high-pressing 4-3-3 formation as Olympique Lyonnais prepares to face Sparta Prague in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. Paulo Fonseca has confirmed Lyon will revert to their preferred 4-3-3 formation for Tuesday’s high-stakes clash against Sparta Prague at the Groupama Stadium (21:00 CET). The Portuguese manager emphasized the need for an aggressive approach after the away side suffered a 1-2 defeat in the first leg…

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Nigeria and Sahel alliance clash over security remarks

Ousmane Tandja

Nigeria’s president faces backlash over Sahel security claims The top diplomat of Burkina Faso summoned Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Ouagadougou following remarks made by President Bola Tinubu, who suggested that insecurity in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was worsening Nigeria’s security situation. The meeting, held in the presence of counterparts from Mali and Niger, aimed to present a unified stance from the three-nation bloc. On July 30, Tinubu allegedly told traditional leaders in Nigeria that rising terrorist attacks and kidnappings in his country were linked to instability in the…

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Senegal’s shifting political alliances: a new era of flexible governance

Ousmane Tandja

When Senegal’s first government took office in April 2000, it brought together leaders from diverse political backgrounds, including figures from the AFP led by Moustapha Niasse, the PIT, AJ/PADS and other components of the alternance coalition, some of whom hailed from ideological traditions far removed from the liberal stance of the PDS. Senegal’s political landscape has undergone a profound transformation in recent decades. The rigid alliances of the past have given way to a new reality where political loyalty is increasingly fluid. While shifting alliances and cross-party coalitions are not…

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