Senegal’s public debt: Sonko reignites debate on ‘odious debt’ theory

Aïcha Abdou

In a bold move that has sent ripples through Senegal’s economic discourse, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, has reignited the conversation surrounding the nation’s public debt obligations. His remarks specifically focus on the potential classification of certain liabilities inherited from previous administrations as ‘odious debt’—a term that has gained traction in international legal and financial circles. Speaking in a high-profile forum, Sonko underscored the critical importance of transparency in public finances, framing it as a cornerstone for building a credible and sustainable economic governance framework. He argued that…

Read More

Sonko clarifies stance on Senegal’s 2029 presidential race

Aïcha Abdou

Politics Sonko clarifies stance on Senegal’s 2029 presidential race Addressing speculation about his potential candidacy in Senegal’s 2029 presidential election, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, remains measured in his response. When questioned about whether he would run regardless of circumstances, Sonko emphasized the premature nature of such discussions. «There are many initiatives suggesting my candidacy in 2029, but I prefer to wait. My party will eventually decide its candidate, and we are not yet at that stage,» stated the National Assembly president. Regarding President Diomaye Faye’s potential bid…

Read More

Controversial letter reveals complex ties between Branco and Sonko

Aïcha Abdou

Confidential exchanges between public figures have sparked intense debate across Senegalese political circles. A leaked letter from Juan Branco, legal scholar and defense attorney for activist Kemi Seba, addressed to Ousmane Sonko—then serving as Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal—has ignited scrutiny over alleged irregularities in their professional and political relationship. The correspondence, dated February 4, 2025, outlines five major requests directed at Sonko, raising questions about judicial interference, classified intelligence access, and financial arrangements that may contravene national laws. At the heart of the controversy lies a pattern…

Read More

Senegal political crisis Pastef party leadership debate intensifies

Ousmane Tandja

The political landscape in Senegal remains tense as internal divisions within the ruling Pastef party continue to dominate discussions. While some members advocate for the potential removal of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, party leader Ousmane Sonko has deferred the matter to the organization’s governing bodies, emphasizing procedural integrity. Speaking to journalists, Sonko underscored the structured nature of Pastef, stressing that any exclusion decision must adhere strictly to the party’s established rules. “This will be decided in due course,” he stated. “Pastef operates with clear guidelines. The party is not a…

Read More

Niger secures IMF funding to bolster economic reforms

Ousmane Tandja

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has finalized a staff-level agreement with Nigerien authorities, paving the way for a disbursement of 26.3 million dollars—approximately 17.8 billion West African CFA francs—to reinforce macroeconomic stability and advance structural reforms. This financial injection arrives at a pivotal moment for Niger’s public finances. Following intensive negotiations in Niamey, both parties reached a consensus under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) frameworks. Pending formal approval from the Washington-based institution’s Executive Board in the coming weeks, this technical green light signals…

Read More

Gabon’s parliament sets new standard for democratic accountability

Aïcha Abdou

politics Gabon’s Parliament sets new standard for democratic accountability editorial team june 15, 2026 151 no comment Libreville, June 15, 2026 – A historic constitutional milestone is unfolding in Gabon as President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema delivers his first address to a joint session of Parliament, marking a transformative shift in the nation’s political landscape. This unprecedented address to the Congress, mandated by Article 59 of the Fifth Republic’s Constitution, signals more than just a communication exercise. It represents the consolidation of a new power structure where Parliament emerges as…

Read More

Psg sets barcola transfer condition amid liverpool interest

Aïcha Abdou

The future of Bradley Barcola at Paris Saint-Germain appears quite uncertain. While he remains a key player under Luis Enrique, the 23-year-old winger is reportedly open to the prospect of a summer departure. The French international is particularly receptive to interest from Liverpool. However, PSG has reportedly stipulated a specific condition for allowing the former Lyon talent to leave during the current summer transfer window. The transfer window promises to be quite active for Paris Saint-Germain. The capital club reportedly aims to rejuvenate Luis Enrique’s squad following their impressive run,…

Read More

Azawad liberation front escalates mobilization for new offensive in Mali

Aïcha Abdou

A significant escalation of tensions is evident in northern Mali. The Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA) has amplified its calls for widespread mobilization, a campaign initially launched in late May by its Defense Chief. This separatist entity is now urging the entire local populace to enlist in its fighting forces, signaling an imminent large-scale offensive targeting governmental troops and their associated partners. The call to arms: confronting Bamako and Africa Corps The FLA’s military leadership has issued a directive, imploring « all sons of Azawad » to promptly deploy…

Read More

How Chad secured foreign investment for its development plan

Ousmane Tandja

Amidst a global landscape where development funding is increasingly scarce and public aid dwindles, Chad has achieved what many analysts considered unthinkable. The country’s National Development Plan (PND) requires a total investment of $30 billion, with the private sector stepping up to cover 46% of this amount. By November 2025, Chad had already secured commitments totaling $20.5 billion, including $16.4 billion from private and international investors. An additional $4.1 billion was pledged through 40 memorandums of understanding. For a nation ranked 190th out of 193 in the 2025 Human Development…

Read More

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Iran’s growing influence in Africa

Aïcha Abdou

International Relations Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Iran’s growing influence in Africa Massive mosque openings, religious leader training programs, and large-scale charity initiatives. These are just some of the strategies deployed by Morocco’s rivals in Africa, backed by tremendous financial resources. Yet, despite these substantial investments, success remains uncertain. Financial muscle meets religious outreach The competitive landscape in Africa has shifted dramatically in recent years. While Morocco once enjoyed a dominant cultural and religious influence on the continent, its rivals—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Iran—have intensified their efforts to expand…

Read More

Democratic republic of Congo referendum law explained

Aïcha Abdou

The Democratic Republic of Congo is at the center of a heated political debate following the National Assembly’s adoption of a key referendum law. With an overwhelming majority, lawmakers approved the proposal, sparking concerns among opposition figures who view it as the first step toward constitutional changes that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to run for a third term. what does the referendum law entail? The newly passed legislation outlines the framework for organizing a referendum, a process that could lead to amendments in the Constitution. Critics argue that the…

Read More

Senegal’s debt debate: Sonko advocates pragmatic approach over rigid stance

Aïcha Abdou

In a candid assessment of Senegal’s economic trajectory and the looming International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to Dakar, National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko outlined his government’s debt management philosophy during his tenure as Prime Minister. Addressing sharp criticism over a potential debt restructuring, Sonko dismissed rigid ideological stances, emphasizing a pragmatic, case-by-case evaluation. Sonko’s remarks came as he reflected on his two-year stint at the helm of Senegal’s government, while drawing clear red lines for the current administration led by President Al Aminou Lo. On the question of a possible…

Read More