Senegalese president’s Mali visit: bridging gaps to fight Sahel terror

Aïcha Abdou

The President of Senegal and current Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is paying a critical visit to Mali today. Despite deep political differences, both nations are prioritizing regional solidarity to counter the escalating terrorist threat gripping the Sahel. 3min Elected in 2024, Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his first regional tour as Senegal’s leader with a stop in Mali, weeks after taking office. Two years later, he returns as ECOWAS Chair to Bamako, where he will meet transitional President Assimi Goïta. The agenda centers on forging…

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Maroc : pour la libération immédiate du cinéaste et rappeur marocain El Mahdi Lyoubi

Ousmane Tandja

Maroc : pour la libération immédiate du cinéaste et rappeur marocain El Mahdi Lyoubi 28/07/2026 Lettre ouverte Maroc en fr Défenseurs des droits humains Détenu depuis le 13 juillet 2026 à la suite d’une interdiction de quitter le territoire dont les motifs n’ont pas été rendus publics, le cinéaste et musicien marocain El Mahdi Lyoubi est au cœur d’une affaire qui soulève de sérieuses préoccupations pour la liberté d’expression et de création artistique au Maroc. La Fédération internationale pour les droits humains (FIDH) et l’Organisation mondiale contre la torture (OMCT), dans…

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Benin president romuald wadagni meets aliko dangote to boost economic ties

Ousmane Tandja

The Palais de la Marina in Cotonou witnessed a high-profile meeting this Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as Benin‘s President Romuald Wadagni received Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, accompanied by a delegation of top executives from the Dangote Group. The strategic gathering underscored the growing momentum in regional economic collaboration. A landmark meeting at the heart of Benin’s economic vision The late morning rendezvous at the presidential palace set the stage for discussions centered on strengthening trade and industrial partnerships between Benin and Nigeria. While official statements remain pending, the significance of…

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Gabon’s push to reduce reliance on Karpowership energy

Aïcha Abdou

Gabon is actively pursuing strategies to diminish its dependence on temporary energy solutions provided by Karpowership, the Turkish floating power plant operator that has supplied electricity to the country for years. The Gabonese government, under the leadership of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, is now prioritizing long-term domestic energy projects to secure a stable electricity supply. Why Gabon wants to move away from Karpowership While Karpowership’s mobile power plants have played a critical role in bridging Gabon’s energy gaps, authorities argue that the arrangement lacks sustainability. The temporary nature of…

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Chad exits ICC amid criticisms of selective justice

Aïcha Abdou

In a landmark decision, the government of Chad has formally withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after years of scrutinizing its operations. Announced through an official statement, N’Djamena cited the court’s uneven application of justice, particularly its perceived disproportionate focus on African nations as the primary reason behind this move. The withdrawal process was initiated on July 27, 2026, when Chad notified the United Nations Secretary-General—the designated depository of the Rome Statute—of its sovereign choice to leave the ICC, in strict compliance with Article 127 of the treaty. In…

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UBA secures full banking licence in France after 18 months of negotiations

Aïcha Abdou

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) is on the verge of receiving a full banking licence from France’s ACPR, marking a historic milestone for Nigeria’s largest financial institution. This regulatory breakthrough follows 18 months of meticulous negotiations, culminating in a decisive agreement between French and Nigerian authorities. The licence will transform UBA’s Paris office into a fully-fledged commercial bank, solidifying its position as the third Nigerian financial institution to achieve this status in France. Previously, UBA operated as a representative office since 2009, paving the way for today’s expansion. Diplomatic…

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Senegal’s political shift with the rise of kiiraay movement

Aïcha Abdou

has Senegal’s political landscape just shifted with kiiraay? To view this content, please enable JavaScript or try a different browser. Two years after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office, Senegal’s political arena is witnessing a transformative development. The head of state has unveiled a new political movement, Kiiraay, which carries a powerful meaning in Wolof—‘protection’ or ‘shield’—suggesting a bold step toward safeguarding the nation’s future. The official launch took place in Dakar, where hundreds of supporters gathered to witness a pivotal moment in Senegalese politics. Standing before the crowd, President…

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Gabon harnesses space technology to bridge digital divide

Ousmane Tandja

On Monday, July 27, Libreville became the epicenter of discussions shaping Gabon’s telecommunications future. With geographical barriers and technological hurdles posing significant challenges, the government is banking on satellite technology to propel its economic development. A high-level seminar, inaugurated on that day under the leadership of Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation Mark-Alexander Doumba, brought together top digital and defense officials to chart a course for the country’s spatial future. Among the attendees were Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui, Director-General of the Gabonese Space Agency (Ageos), and Alberto Wenceslas Mounguengui Moudoki,…

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Senegal politics: Diémé fires back at Sonko’s victimization claims

Ousmane Tandja

Featured Politics Senegal politics: Diémé fires back at Sonko’s victimization claims 28/07/2026 In a candid interview, Government Minister Yankhoba Diémé addressed the escalating tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Diémé dismissed Sonko’s strategy as a deliberate ‘manufactured victimhood’ designed to manipulate public perception and divert attention from pressing national issues. He argued that Sonko’s repeated claims of persecution were nothing more than a calculated attempt to cast himself as the victim while portraying President Faye as the antagonist. “This pattern of self-centered behavior and…

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100 million euro dream move: premier league star targets barcelona switch

Aïcha Abdou

One of the Premier League’s brightest young talents, French striker Elie Junior Kroupi, has set his sights on a life-changing transfer to FC Barcelona. The 22-year-old Bournemouth forward describes the potential move to Camp Nou as the “dream of his life,” with the Catalan giants preparing to table an eye-watering €100 million bid that could finally land his signature. Kroupi’s ambition fuels Barcelona’s 9 jersey hunt As Kroupi trains with Bournemouth in pre-season, his determination to excel on the pitch is matched only by his enthusiasm for the LaLiga giants.…

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Niger’s diplomatic shift: symbolism vs. security reality

Ousmane Tandja

The administration led by General Abdourahamane Tiani has positioned the abandonment of Western partnerships and the cultivation of new alliances—particularly with Russia—as central pillars of its governance strategy. This diplomatic reorientation, framed as a reclaiming of national sovereignty, now underpins the official narrative of the transitional government. Yet beneath the outward display of resolve on the international stage, a critical question persists: does this symbolic diplomacy genuinely enhance the security of Niger’s citizens? Sovereignty as a political project The decisions taken by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the…

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Niger’s FPL resumes armed struggle after leader Mahmoud Salah’s release

Aïcha Abdou

The Front for the Liberation of Niger (FPL) has declared a return to armed confrontation following the recent release of its leader, Mahmoud Salah, who had been detained by authorities in Niamey. The announcement comes as tensions escalate between the FPL and the transitional government led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. In a statement released through unofficial channels, the rebel group accused the current administration of violating previous agreements and suppressing dissent in the region. Mahmoud Salah’s release fuels renewed hostilities The circumstances surrounding Mahmoud Salah’s liberation remain unclear. Local observers…

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