Senegal’s prime minister tightens travel controls on top officials

Aïcha Abdou

Senegal’s prime minister tightens travel controls on top officials To curb what he calls extravagant administrative travel, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has rolled out strict new guidelines governing official trips abroad by ministers and top state-owned enterprise executives. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has introduced sweeping changes to how senior government officials and state enterprise leaders request and receive approval for international travel. The reforms target what Sonko described as excessive mission expenditures that have placed an unnecessary burden on public finances. Under the new framework, travel requests from ministers will…

Read More

CEDEAO and un women launch green economy program in west africa

Aïcha Abdou

Abidjan — Regional leaders have finalized a groundbreaking initiative designed to merge gender equality, climate resilience, and green economic growth across West Africa. The landmark program, validated in Abidjan on May 22, represents a coordinated response to the urgent development challenges facing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Over two days—May 15 and 16—the initiative’s strategic framework was finalized during a high-level meeting at the ECOWAS Resident Representative office in Abidjan. The gathering brought together experts from the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (ECGD), UN Women, and other…

Read More

N’Djamena to host African water forum in 2026

Aïcha Abdou

The African Water Forum, a continental gathering of key stakeholders, will take place in N’Djamena on July 15-16, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for water resource discussions across Africa. The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation. The event, themed “From Vision to Action”, will bring together policymakers, development partners, and experts to address the continent’s water challenges and opportunities. Chad’s strategic role in Africa’s water security In his address, the minister highlighted Chad’s unique position as a water-rich…

Read More

Senegal’s Pastef party confirms Ousmane Sonko as sole presidential candidate for 2026

Aïcha Abdou

Senegal’s Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité (Pastef) is set to hold its first elective national congress on June 6-7, 2026 in Dakar. The event will focus on electing the party’s new leadership, with a clear agenda: securing the future of a movement that has reshaped Senegalese politics in recent years. The Haute autorité de régulation du parti (Harp) has just released the final list of approved candidates, revealing a predictable yet significant outcome. Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s current Prime Minister and the party’s founder, stands…

Read More

Nigeria school abductions linked to Boko Haram threat

Ousmane Tandja

The Nigerian military has identified Boko Haram as the group responsible for the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oyo State, southern Nigeria. In an official statement, a military spokesperson confirmed that armed operatives belonging to the Jama’at Ahl al-Sunnah li-l-Da’awah wa al-Jihad (JAS)—commonly referred to as Boko Haram—carried out the raids. According to military sources, these fighters may have fled northward regions after facing heavy resistance from intensified counterterrorism operations in their traditional strongholds. The attacks unfolded last Friday, targeting schools in Yawota and Esiele, where heavily…

Read More

Senegal’s political tensions as Diomaye Faye and Sonko set differing agendas

Ousmane Tandja

In Senegal, the unfolding political landscape this week underscores the fragile balance at the heart of the executive branch, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko navigate diverging priorities. Starting May 21, the Head of State will embark on an extensive round of consultations with key stakeholders across the nation. Over ten days, political parties, civil society groups, religious leaders, and traditional authorities will be invited to participate in a national dialogue designed to symbolize openness and collective decision-making. This approach replaces the previous annual dialogue day…

Read More

Côte d’ivoire recognized for agricultural leadership at africa’s economic builders awards

Ousmane Tandja

Abidjan — A distinguished panel of African economic experts and journalists has conferred honors upon several nations for their outstanding public policies and sectoral achievements at the 20th edition of the Builders of Africa’s Economy awards. The ceremony, held in Abidjan, spotlighted countries whose strategic initiatives have driven meaningful progress in economic growth and social development across the continent. Celebrating excellence in public policy and sectoral performance The Builders of Africa’s Economy platform, a pan-African initiative established in 2006, introduced a new category this year to acknowledge states that have…

Read More

Senegal’s tough stance on homosexuality under prime minister sonko

Aïcha Abdou

The Prime Minister of Sénégal, Ousmane Sonko, has once again underscored the government’s resolve to tighten laws concerning homosexuality, emphasizing the necessity of strict enforcement. Amid mounting international scrutiny, he has firmly pushed back against external interference, reaffirming the country’s sovereignty on this highly sensitive issue. Government’s unwavering commitment to enforce new measures The Prime Minister’s statements reinforce the executive’s determination to apply existing laws with greater rigor or introduce new measures to address what he describes as a growing concern. Ousmane Sonko has framed the debate as a matter…

Read More

Senegal’s tough stance on homosexuality under Sonko’s leadership

Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reaffirms commitment to strict anti-homosexuality laws The Senegalese government, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has once again reiterated its determination to tighten legislation concerning homosexuality, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous law enforcement. In a climate of growing international scrutiny, Sonko has pushed back against external interference, asserting Senegal’s sovereignty on this highly sensitive issue. Equal enforcement of laws, no exceptions During a recent address, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko underscored the importance of uniform application of laws, leaving no room for exceptions. He made it…

Read More

FINADEV Tchad placed into liquidation by COBAC

Aïcha Abdou

The Central African Banking Commission (COBAC) has revoked the operating license of Financial Development Tchad (FINADEV Tchad S.A.), a microfinance institution based in N’Djamena, which is now under liquidation. The decision, dated February 5th, 2026, was issued as a disciplinary measure against the second-tier microfinance entity. An official statement released on May 21st confirmed the withdrawal of its license, triggering the liquidation process. From the moment the notification was delivered, FINADEV Tchad S.A. officially entered liquidation. The regulatory body has assigned a liquidator to oversee the proceedings, with a mandate…

Read More

Nigeria’s military blames boko haram for child abductions in the south

Ousmane Tandja

Nigerian military authorities have formally attributed a series of child abductions in southern regions to militant factions of Boko Haram, heightening concerns over escalating violence in the area. Military confirms Boko Haram’s involvement in recent abductions In a statement released by military spokesman Abdulkarim Dungus, authorities revealed that approximately 150 suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the Mafa district in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria, on a recent Sunday afternoon. The attackers, armed with rifles and rocket launchers, arrived on more than 50 motorcycles, targeting civilians in a…

Read More

Islamic State in the Sahel: enduring influence despite JNIM rivalry in Mali

Aïcha Abdou

The Islamic State’s Sahel Province continues to exert influence in northeastern Mali, even as attention shifts to the JNIM. The Gao region, particularly the Ansongo district, and the Ménaka region remain hotspots where the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISSP) maintains a firm grip. Within these areas, the group operates in key locations known as the “3 T“—Talataye, Tin-Hama, and Tessit—alongside Labbezanga, where it enforces territorial control and exerts relentless pressure on local communities. Leadership and Adaptation The ISSP is currently led by Abou Al-Bara, who took over after…

Read More