Senegal’s economic policy rift: sonko and faye’s clashing visions

Ousmane Tandja

The dismissal of Ousmane Sonko by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on May 23, 2026, was not a clash of personalities. Instead, it marked the inevitable breakdown of a political partnership due to fundamentally opposing economic philosophies, which had long coexisted within the same movement. Two years after the April 2024 transition of power, when Faye was elected and subsequently appointed Sonko as Prime Minister, the presidential alliance has fractured over three critical issues shaping Senegal’s economic future: national debt, hydrocarbon resource management, and the source of political capital. National debt:…

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Chad launches nationwide polio vaccination campaign with vitamin a and deworming

Aïcha Abdou

Chad’s health minister kicks off multi-pronged child health drive: poliomyelitis vaccination, vitamin A boost and deworming Chad’s Minister of Public Health and Prevention, Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, today inaugurated a three-day national campaign at the Atrone health center in the 7th arrondissement of N’Djamena. Running from 5 to 7 June 2026, the initiative combines polio immunization with vitamin A supplementation and albendazole deworming for children under five. Addressing community leaders in N’Djamena, the government’s delegate-general, Amina Kodjienna, stressed that this supplementary operation reinforces ongoing efforts to shield children from preventable diseases.…

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Niger activist detained amid rising dissent against military rule

Aïcha Abdou

Civil society leader Nassirou Bodo has been remanded in custody at Niamey’s central prison following a court appearance, local sources confirm. His detention comes after a period of police custody, though the specific charges remain undisclosed by authorities. Prominent activist Kaka Touda publicly acknowledged Bodo’s incarceration on social media, but provided no further details regarding the allegations that triggered his arrest. The activist’s detention follows a Facebook post in which Bodo urged Nigeriens to organize « a year-long campaign of protest and resistance against state violence directed at civilians », beginning June…

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GEMIA honors new generation of Tchad’s military student cadre

Aïcha Abdou

Tchad GEMIA honors new generation of Tchad’s military student cadre The Groupement des Écoles Militaires Interarmées celebrated the sixth cohort of military student cadres, recognizing top performers in a ceremony attended by high-ranking military and civilian leaders. — 2 min read N’Djamena, June 4, 2026 – Under skies laden with significance, the Groupement des Écoles Militaires Interarmées (GEMIA) hosted a momentous dual ceremony: the commissioning of its sixth military student cadre cohort and the presentation of excellence awards. The event drew the attendance of top military and civilian dignitaries, including…

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The intense transfer race for Bradley Barcola

Ousmane Tandja

After another triumphant season with Paris Saint-Germain, Bradley Barcola finds himself at the heart of considerable transfer speculation. Despite securing a Champions League victory with the Parisian giants, the talented winger notably did not feature in the final match. With just two years remaining on his current deal, the French international’s future appears increasingly uncertain, as a host of prominent clubs are reportedly vying for his signature behind the scenes. Bradley Barcola’s tenure with Paris Saint–Germain commenced three seasons ago, following his summer 2023 transfer from Olympique Lyonnais for a…

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Niger activist Nassirou Bodo imprisoned after criticizing military junta

Aïcha Abdou

A Nigerien activist known for his vocal opposition to the ruling military council has been remanded in custody at the Niamey prison following a series of sharp rebukes against the current administration. Nassirou Bodo was transferred to the Niamey detention center after appearing before the public prosecutor. This legal action follows a period of police custody sparked by his recent public statements on social media. Civil society representatives have confirmed the activist’s imprisonment, noting that the legal proceedings are focused on his digital communications. Official reports indicate that he is…

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Cameroon’s new mobile phone tax: a roadblock to digital progress

Aïcha Abdou

Cameroon’s new mobile phone tax: a roadblock to digital progress Résumer Ecouter Commenter « Everywhere countries have successfully navigated their digital transition, they have first sought to connect the maximum number of citizens, to reduce the cost of access to technological tools, and to make digital a lever for inclusion and economic competitiveness. Cameroon, however, chooses to condition this inclusion on the payment of a tax. In a country where the average income does not always allow for absorbing this type of additional cost, this decision is not neutral. It has…

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Benin and Togo envision stronger collaborative ties through high-level diplomatic engagement

Ousmane Tandja

Benin and Togo envision stronger collaborative ties through high-level diplomatic engagement On June 3rd, the Beninese Presidency announced a “friendship and working visit,” marking the initial regional tour spearheaded by the nation’s new presidential administration. Meanwhile, the Togolese Presidency noted that Romuald Wadagni traveled to Lomé on the same day following an “invitation from Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council of Ministers.” Regardless of the specific impetus, a clear consensus emerged: both countries are committed to forging a new era of cooperation. This significant visit aligns with the enduring…

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FMI flags fiscal dominance risks in Morocco’s monetary policy

Aïcha Abdou

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a comprehensive analysis examining the autonomy of central banks across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Findings indicate a clear correlation between enhanced central bank independence and superior inflation control, along with stronger resilience against macroeconomic disruptions. The study delves into the intricate relationship between fiscal policy and monetary policy, assessing their combined impact on the latter’s effectiveness. To quantify fiscal dominance, the IMF employs a specific metric: the net claims of the banking system on the state, expressed…

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Gabon regulators and meta discuss social media regulation amid platform suspensions

Aïcha Abdou

The future of social media in Gabon took center stage at an international digital regulation conference, where key discussions unfolded between Gabon‘s top media authority and a leading global tech platform. From June 1 to 3, 2026, Gabon‘s Haute Autorité de la Communication (HAC) President, Germain Ngoyo Moussavou, participated in the Abidjan 2 conference in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The event, organized by the Réseau des Instances Africaines de Régulation de la Communication (RIARC) and the Réseau Francophone des Régulateurs des Médias (REFRAM), brought together digital regulators, AI experts, and representatives…

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Bénin: a citizen-led budget model that’s redefining governance across Africa

Ousmane Tandja

The Republic of Bénin has just etched its name in gold in the annals of international public governance. The latest findings from the Open Budget Survey have vaulted the country to the top spot in Africa and second place globally for citizen-led budget governance—a historic achievement that crowns a decade of bold reforms. From modest beginnings to global leadership Not all national performances are created equal. Some redefine entire continents. The latest verdict from the International Budget Partnership is exactly that kind of milestone. By elevating Bénin to Africa’s summit…

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Political tensions between Sonko and Senegal’s president grow

Aïcha Abdou

The political rift between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has now become impossible to ignore. During a press conference held in Dakar, the former Prime Minister detailed the reasons behind his party, Pastef-Les Patriotes, declining to join the new government led by Ahmadou Alamine Mohamed Lô. Major disagreements on national priorities Sonko highlighted significant differences with the administration over key national policies. The most pressing disagreements revolve around judicial reform, financial accountability, and the renegotiation of economic contracts that many believe unfairly burden Senegal. Public debt management has…

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