Category: Politics

Senegal’s political landscape is heating up as local election debates intensify, with key figures rejecting any possibility of postponement. The latest voice joining the chorus is that of El Malick Ndiaye, a prominent figure in the country’s political arena, who has taken a firm stance on the matter. During a campaign event in Linguère, where he hosted opposition leader Ousmane Sonko as part of Pastef’s membership drive, Ndiaye made it clear that local elections cannot be delayed under any circumstances. His remarks underscore growing public engagement ahead of the vote,…

Ousmane Sonko warns against electoral delay amid institutional tensions Dakar — The leader of the Patriotes movement has intensified pressure on the president to issue a decree setting the date for upcoming local elections. Ousmane Sonko argues that the same executive authority used to remove officials like Waly Diouf Bodiang from his position at the Port autonome de Dakar should also determine the electoral timeline. Sonko highlighted the recent dismissals—including that of Fadilou Keïta from the Caisse des dépôts et consignations—as examples of presidential prerogative. However, he emphasized that fixing…

Nearly a year and a half after joining the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Benin has hosted a five-day national workshop in Cotonou to deepen understanding of open governance principles. The gathering brought together public officials, representatives of state institutions, civil society, the private sector, technical and financial partners, and media professionals to lay the groundwork for the country’s inaugural National Action Plan. Strengthening governance through collective engagement The intensive session, held from July 27 to 31, emphasized the importance of transforming existing reforms into measurable commitments under the OGP framework.…

Gabon’s economic diplomacy: translating African tours into tangible results Libreville, August 8, 2026 – The 12-day diplomatic journey across Africa undertaken by Gabonese transitional leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema concluded Friday with his return to Libreville. This carefully orchestrated tour wasn’t merely a diplomatic ritual but a strategic move to reposition Gabon on the continental stage. The true test now begins: moving from handshakes and signed declarations to concrete economic dividends. The success of this African outreach will ultimately be measured not by the number of meetings held, but by…

The debate surrounding the length of presidential mandates in Senegal has resurfaced, sparking discussions across the nation. The controversy centers on whether the current administration is considering adjustments to the constitutional framework governing presidential terms. As political observers dissect the situation, the origins of these rumors demand closer examination. Understanding the constitutional context The Senegalese Constitution has long served as the cornerstone of the country’s democratic stability. Historically, presidential terms have been a subject of intense scrutiny, particularly during transitions of power. The existing legal framework outlines a five-year mandate,…

In a sharp exchange that has sent ripples through Senegal’s political landscape, Modou Mbène Guèye, the Pastef coordinator for Saint-Louis, has publicly rebuked Abba Mbaye for what he describes as a betrayal of core political values. The confrontation unfolded after Mbaye, a former deputy, criticized the strategies of Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, drawing parallels between their approaches to coalition-building. During a television appearance, Mbaye alleged that both leaders had sacrificed long-standing allies to consolidate power, suggesting a pattern of political expediency. Specifically, he pointed to President Faye’s…

The inaugural members of Benin’s Senate convened in Porto-Novo, the nation’s capital, to elect their leadership for the newly established upper house of Parliament. On August 6, legislators chose former President Patrice Talon as the Senate’s presiding officer for a five-year term spanning from 2026 to 2031. At 68 years old, Talon secured 24 votes in his favor, with no dissenting ballots cast and a single abstention recorded. His election marks a pivotal moment in Benin’s evolving political landscape, following the constitutional overhaul that reintroduced a bicameral legislative system after…

Afrique International Côte d’Ivoire: Ouattara outlines vision for inclusive growth and rule of law By Editor-in-Chief August 7, 2026 81 No comment Abidjan, August 7, 2026 — On the eve of Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th Independence Day, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara has set forth a bold vision for the nation’s future. His address to the nation transcends mere economic metrics or security assurances, instead framing a dual mandate: accelerating the country’s transformation while deepening the rule of law. The concept of the « Great Côte d’Ivoire » is more than a…

The political landscape across Africa is marked by stark contrasts: while some nations strengthen democratic institutions, others face growing threats to political freedoms and governance. This delicate balance is reshaping the continent’s future, with countries like the Sénégal, Madagascar, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger standing at pivotal moments in their democratic journeys. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

The creation of the Senate in Benin sparked constructive discussions during a forum on the rule of law and political alternation in Africa, held on August 6, 2026, in Cotonou. The event, organized by the Institute of Artisans for Justice and Peace (IAJP/Co), brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the country’s democratic trajectory. An institution rooted in democratic resilience Among the speakers was former Minister and Deputy Lazare Maurice Sehouéto, who championed the Senate as a pillar for strengthening democracy and political stability. Addressing concerns raised by former Deputy…

The Ivorian president, Alassane Ouattara, has reiterated his commitment to steering Côte d’Ivoire toward accelerated emergence by urging all segments of society to unite in building what he calls the « Greater Côte d’Ivoire ». This rallying cry, issued at the start of a new political cycle, underscores the head of state’s determination to bring together administrative, economic, religious, and community leaders around a shared vision. It comes as Abidjan aims to leverage a decade of sustained growth to achieve a structural leap forward. Uniting the nation’s vital forces The…

The contentious matter involving the Senegalese Agency for Rural Electrification (ASER) and the Spanish firm AEE Power has resurfaced at the heart of political discourse in Dakar. Thierno Alassane Sall, president of La République des valeurs and a National Assembly deputy, openly accuses the governing Pastef party of employing a double standard regarding this rural electrification agreement. The contract has become a symbol of the friction between the Senegalese executive and a segment of the political class. The former Minister of Energy explicitly uses the term “duplicity,” a word rarely…