Category: Top Stories

The passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the esteemed Khalife of the Khassim Mbacké family in Guinguinéo, has left the Mouride community and the nation in deep sorrow. The announcement was made by Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, who conveyed his heartfelt condolences on July 9, 2026. Heartfelt tributes pour in from political and religious leaders In a statement laden with grief, Ousmane Sonko described the loss as a profound blow, recalling the warmth and hospitality Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké consistently extended during their encounters in Guinguinéo. “Each…

Yesterday’s official engagements for Gabon’s Head of State carried significant political weight. Following a meeting with the African Union (AU) Commission President’s special envoy for the Gabon-Equatorial Guinea border dispute, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also held discussions with Mohamed Idrissa Farah, the AU Commission’s special envoy for Madagascar, and Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the United Nations Secretary-General’s special representative to the AU. These crucial dialogues are integral to the ongoing Refoundation process in Madagascar, a strategic initiative aimed at drawing inspiration from Gabon’s experience in managing its own political transition. The Gabonese…

The judicial calendar in Senegal is taking a decisive turn. The High Court of Justice has set July 22 as the opening date for the trial of Aïssatou Sophie Gladima, former Minister of Mines and Geology under former President Macky Sall. Detained for several months, the ex-official will face a rare tribunal designed exclusively for government officials accused of crimes or misconduct during their tenure. This case marks a pivotal moment in the accountability drive spearheaded by Dakar’s new leadership. Rarely convened tribunal holds symbolic weight The High Court of…

The Senegalese judicial calendar is taking shape. The High Court of Justice has set July 22 as the start date for the trial of Aïssatou Sophie Gladima, a former Minister of Mines and Geology under President Macky Sall. Detained for several months, the ex-official will now face an exceptional court reserved for government members accused of misconduct in office. This marks a pivotal moment in the accountability drive spearheaded by Dakar’s new leadership. Rarely used exceptional court in Senegal The High Court of Justice holds a unique position in Senegal’s…

The Senegalese judicial calendar is taking shape as the High Court of Justice sets July 22 as the opening date for the trial of Aïssatou Sophie Gladima. Once the Minister of Mines and Geology under President Macky Sall, she faces charges in a court reserved exclusively for government officials accused of misconduct in office. After months under detention, the former minister now stands at the threshold of a historic legal reckoning that reflects Dakar’s ongoing commitment to accountability. Rarely convened, yet politically charged The High Court of Justice occupies a…

Following its recent engagement with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the Coalition Article 64 (C64), a prominent advocate for constitutional integrity, convened on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to report on its diplomatic mission to Bujumbura. Addressing swirling rumors that they had traded core convictions for a rapprochement with the Tshisekedi administration, the prominent figures within C64 quickly sought to allay concerns. Martin Fayulu and his delegation emphatically stated that they had not initiated any meeting with President Ndayishimiye, clarifying that the invitation came from him in his capacity as the reigning…

At the heart of Bamako’s bustling economy lies the Médine market, a thriving hub where commerce and craftsmanship converge. Adama Konaté, a seasoned bicycle vendor, exemplifies this dynamism. His stall is more than a shop—it’s a workshop where he repairs, assembles, and sells imported bicycles from France, the United States, England, Canada, and China. The Médine market’s Diguèbakonona section is a treasure trove beyond bicycles. Here, traders offer a diverse range of goods, from vehicle accessories to hard-to-find agricultural equipment. The market’s versatility makes it an indispensable destination for Bamako’s…

Chad president concludes UAE diplomatic visit Chad’s transitional leader, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, returned to N’Djamena following an official trip to the United Arab Emirates, where he engaged in high-level discussions with UAE authorities. — 1 minute read Chad’s interim president, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, arrived back in N’Djamena late Wednesday evening, wrapping up a diplomatic mission to the United Arab Emirates. During his visit, he held two key meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan—one at the Presidential Palace and another at his own residence. Upon…

Niamey hosts pivotal Sahel-Russia diplomatic talks to boost regional cooperation Niamey, the capital of Niger, became the epicenter of high-stakes diplomatic engagement this week as the second round of ministerial consultations between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Russia convened on July 8. The gathering brought together foreign affairs chiefs from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso alongside Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov. Bakary Yaou Sangaré of Niger, Abdoulaye Diop of Mali, and Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré of Burkina Faso engaged in intensive discussions that yielded concrete outcomes on shared…

The Alliance of Sahel States and Russia deepen strategic collaboration in Niamey Niamey, Niger, served as the backdrop for the second round of high-level consultations between the foreign ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and their Russian counterpart this past Wednesday, July 8. The gathering brought together Niger’s Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Mali’s Abdoulaye Diop, Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, and Russia’s Sergei Lavrov to chart a unified path forward. The ministers highlighted the fruitful ongoing dialogue between the AES and Russia, which has already yielded tangible progress…

Côte d’Ivoire secures record foreign investments to drive 2030 development plan Côte d’Ivoire has surpassed all expectations by securing over $80 billion in international funding for its National Development Plan (PND) through 2030. This financial windfall underscores the nation’s economic resilience and renewed stability, drawing unprecedented investor confidence. The Minister of Planning announced Thursday that Côte d’Ivoire has attracted international public investments four times higher than anticipated to fund its 2030 National Development Plan (PND). The country’s economic allure continues to grow, supported by one of West Africa’s strongest growth…