Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

UN warns of rising ISIS influence in Sahel and Lake Chad regions

Ousmane Tandja

The United Nations has raised the alarm over the growing threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS) in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, where the group has established strongholds despite setbacks in its central leadership. In a detailed report submitted to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored that terrorism risks remain alarmingly high in these regions, as ISIS affiliates continue to expand their operations. The assessment, presented by Oguljeren Niyazberdiyeva of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), highlights the Sahel and Lake Chad…

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Cholera outbreak in Chad claims 13 lives with over 230 confirmed cases

Ousmane Tandja

Cholera outbreak in Chad claims 13 lives with over 230 confirmed cases The public health crisis unfolds as Chad battles a rapidly spreading cholera epidemic. Health authorities report 13 fatalities and 239 confirmed cases, with vaccination efforts already underway. Deadly surge of cholera Chad is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has already claimed 13 lives since mid-June. The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed 239 cases, primarily concentrated in Hadjer Lamis province and the capital city, N’Djamena. Authorities declared the outbreak on July 24, following initial reports of…

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Togo constitutional crisis: civil society demands sanctions after ECOWAS ruling

Ousmane Tandja

The political landscape in Togo has reached a critical juncture following a landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which declared the country’s 2024 constitutional amendment an unconstitutional government change. In early August 2026, a coalition of 43 civil society organizations—both local and pan-African—urged the ECOWAS Commission and the African Union to impose immediate coercive measures against Lomé‘s ruling authorities. Civil society unites against constitutional manipulation The collective condemnation comes in response to the contentious constitutional reform passed by President Faure Gnassingbé‘s administration in May 2024. This reform shifted…

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Death penalty debate resurfaces in democratic republic of Congo

Ousmane Tandja

The Democratic Republic of Congo is once again grappling with a controversial legal issue as calls mount to reinstate the death penalty for serious crimes. The debate has reignited tensions between those advocating for justice and those defending human rights, highlighting deep divisions within the nation’s legal and political spheres. Proponents of capital punishment argue that it serves as a powerful deterrent against violent crimes, including murder, terrorism, and armed robbery. They point to high-profile cases where perpetrators have evaded severe penalties, leaving victims’ families in prolonged distress. In Kinshasa,…

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Uefa champions league referee assigned for lyon prague clash

Ousmane Tandja

UEFA Champions League referee named for Lyon-Sparta Prague showdown Polish whistleblower Szymon Marciniak will officiate the crucial second leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round between Olympique Lyonnais and Sparta Prague at Groupama Stadium on Tuesday evening. – Kickoff scheduled for 9 PM local time Following last week’s narrow 2-1 defeat in Prague, Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon side face a mathematical challenge: overcome the deficit with a two-goal margin to avoid heart-stopping extra time or an early exit. UEFA has opted for certainty by assigning one of football’s most…

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Patrice Talon elected president of the Bénin Senate

Ousmane Tandja

In a striking turn of events on the Bénin political scene, Patrice Talon has re-emerged as a key figure by assuming the presidency of the Senate, the newly established upper chamber of the National Assembly. Talon’s strategic return to leadership Following the smooth transfer of power to his successor, Romuald Wadagni, Patrice Talon has once again positioned himself at the heart of the country’s political life. Elected on August 6, 2026, during the inaugural session of the Senate, Talon now holds the position of first-ever President of the Bénin Senate.…

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Benin senate elects patrice talon as president and unveils leadership team

Ousmane Tandja

The Bénin Senate has inaugurated its first-ever leadership structure, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s constitutional establishment. In a decisive session held on August 6, 2026, in Porto-Novo, the newly elected senators cast their votes to appoint key officials tasked with overseeing the upper chamber of Parliament. Senate leadership takes shape Following a transparent voting process, Patrice Talon was elected as President of the Senate, a role that places him at the helm of the chamber’s legislative agenda. Talon will be responsible for guiding the Senate’s activities and ensuring…

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Young ivorian star becomes Real Madrid’s most expensive signing ever

Ousmane Tandja

The Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid has stunned the football world by securing the signature of Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé, aged just 19, for a staggering €140 million transfer fee. This landmark deal, reportedly the highest in the club’s storied history, marks a bold statement of intent from the Madrid-based giants as they gear up for the new season. Record-breaking arrival shakes up the transfer market The move was officially confirmed by Real Madrid in a formal statement, which read: “An agreement has been reached between Real Madrid and RB…

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Sénégal: lenders regain confidence with new funding amid political shifts

Ousmane Tandja

Sénégal: lenders regain confidence with new funding amid political shifts Aldiouma Sow, a presidential adviser, has highlighted the significance of two major funding agreements: 340 billion FCFA from the World Bank and 20 billion FCFA from the African Development Bank, signaling a renewed trust from international lenders in Senegal’s economic direction. New funding agreements spark political debate The recent financial boost to Senegal’s economy has triggered a strong reaction from Aldiouma Sow, a key advisor within the administration. In a pointed statement, he framed these developments as a turning point…

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DRC’s slide into authoritarianism under president Tshisekedi

Ousmane Tandja

The Democratic Republic of Congo stands at a crossroads as President Félix Tshisekedi leverages a recent constitutional court ruling to dismantle term limits. Under the guise of “modernizing” outdated legal frameworks, the administration is systematically consolidating power and steering the nation toward sustained authoritarian drift. On the ground, dissenting voices face brutal suppression. Peaceful opposition protests are met with violent police crackdowns, while arbitrary arrests of political figures and activists escalate. Criticism from influential quarters—including the unequivocal rejection by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO)—is being deliberately ignored by…

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How Côte d’Ivoire’s 66 years of independence align with the 2026 National Development Plan

Ousmane Tandja

From political sovereignty to holistic development: a 66-year journey The birth of Côte d’Ivoire as an independent nation in 1960 marked not the end, but the beginning of a transformative journey. Independence granted the country legal and political autonomy, allowing it to chart its own course on the global stage. This sovereignty was not merely symbolic—it laid the foundation for a future defined by self-determination and equitable growth. But sovereignty, in its truest sense, extends beyond mere declarations. It encompasses the ability to govern, to protect, and to thrive as…

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Senegal’s parliament resumes: eleven key bills to reshape governance

Ousmane Tandja

Key legislative priorities The upcoming extraordinary session of the National Assembly will mark a turning point in Senegal’s parliamentary agenda. Eleven critical legislative items are set to dominate discussions when lawmakers reconvene on Monday at 10:00 AM, signaling a period of intense scrutiny over governance, financial transparency, and institutional reforms. Transparency and accountability at the forefront Among the most anticipated proposals is a constitutional amendment aimed at revising Article 37, which governs the declaration of presidential assets. This move underscores growing public demand for greater transparency in public office. Additionally,…

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