Sénégal halts road convoys to Mali amid jihadist threats

Aïcha Abdou

The Dakar-Bamako highway, the vital commercial lifeline linking Sénégal and Mali, is facing unprecedented security turmoil. The Union des routiers du Sénégal (URS) has instructed its drivers to halt all trips to Malian territory, citing a surge in attacks by the Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (Jnim), an Al-Qaïda affiliate. Since late April, jihadist fighters have increasingly targeted freight convoys along this corridor, turning a once-thriving trade route into a high-risk zone. a strategic artery crippled by insecurity This road has long been the backbone of land-based trade between the…

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Senegal legal probe targets former ally of ex-president over un claims

Ousmane Tandja

In a move that underscores the ongoing political realignment in Senegal, the public prosecutor’s office in Dakar has initiated a formal investigation into Thierno Lô, a prominent former minister and long-standing associate of former President Macky Sall. The inquiry centers on allegations surrounding an alleged but ultimately unsuccessful bid by the ex-president to secure a position within the United Nations system. The Urban Security unit of Dakar’s police force has been tasked with carrying out the probe, as confirmed by local sources. Legal proceedings launched by Dakar’s prosecutor The decision…

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Strategic reshuffle at Chad’s Ministry of Public Security

Aïcha Abdou

The government of Chad has confirmed a series of high-level appointments within the Ministry of Public Security, signaling a tactical reorganization of its internal leadership. These changes affect two major directorates responsible for user services and administrative management. Key leadership changes in public security The restructuring involves several prominent figures moving into new roles to streamline the ministry’s operations. The following appointments have been formalized: General Directorate of User Reception Centers: Mahamat Koty Abdraman has been appointed as the new Director. He takes over the position from Ismail Moussa Fadoul…

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Burkina Faso military scandal: 170 million F CFA stolen from Defence minister

Aïcha Abdou

Defence minister’s home raided in Burkina Faso’s financial scandal The Burkina Faso military is reeling from a betrayal at the highest level after a shocking theft of public funds. General Célestin Simporé, the country’s Defence minister, has been the victim of a brazen daylight robbery—170 million F CFA in cash vanished from his private residence. Shockingly, the alleged thief was not an outsider but one of his own trusted bodyguards, who is now reportedly hiding across the border. A breach of trust within the ranks The incident, first whispered among…

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Niger’s uranium gamble: how Niamey’s military rule risks its economic backbone

Aïcha Abdou

The Nigerien military junta has taken a decisive step in its campaign to sever ties with Western partners, this time targeting the nation’s uranium sector. By terminating the decades-old mining concession in Arlit—originally granted to France’s Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (CEA)—the regime led by General Abdourahamane Tiani is sending a clear message of defiance. Yet beneath the nationalist rhetoric lies a strategy fraught with economic peril, one that threatens to destabilize a critical industry. The allure of political sovereignty The CNSP, Niger’s ruling military council, frames the decision as a…

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Senegal assembly debate: sonko’s speech amidst electoral reform tensions

Aïcha Abdou

Senegal’s Parliament Braces for Heated Debate as Ousmane Sonko Takes the Floor This Friday, Senegal’s political landscape will be under the spotlight as Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, addresses the National Assembly during the Questions to the Government session. The timing couldn’t be more critical, following the recent amendments to the electoral code that have sparked intense controversy. The amendments to Articles L.29 and L.30 of the electoral code have become the epicenter of a fierce political tug-of-war. Opposition factions argue that these changes unfairly tilt the electoral playing field, raising…

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Chad’s economic transition faces structural hurdles amid global support

Aïcha Abdou

Chad’s economic transition is entering a critical phase, with the government pushing forward its « Tchad Connexion 2030 » initiative—a bold roadmap designed to steer the country away from its heavy reliance on oil revenues. International partners, including multilateral and bilateral donors, have reaffirmed their backing in N’Djamena, sending a strong political signal for a Sahelian nation long sidelined by regional instability. The real test now lies in whether this diplomatic alignment will translate into tangible financial flows matching the country’s pressing needs. Chad’s economic landscape remains fragile. Landlocked and…

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Ivory coast election: tense polls conclude without major disruption

Aïcha Abdou

The presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire unfolded under heavy security and heightened vigilance, yet concluded without significant incidents according to early reports from Abidjan. Polling stations across the nation functioned smoothly, with voters casting ballots under a reinforced security framework. Authorities had preemptively addressed concerns about potential communal clashes or post-election unrest, and the day passed without the feared escalations. High-stakes vote tests Ivory Coast’s political resilience This election took place against a backdrop of deep scrutiny. As West Africa’s largest economy within the West African Economic and Monetary Union…

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Niger takes control of uranium mining with new national company

Ousmane Tandja

Niger has officially inaugurated the Timersoï Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO), a new national entity poised to assume control over uranium extraction operations in the strategically vital Arlit deposits, located in the country’s northern region. This pivotal establishment simultaneously signals the conclusion of the long-standing concession granted to the French conglomerate Orano, formerly Areva, over one of the Sahel’s most significant mining zones. This decisive action aligns with the broader agenda of natural resource reclamation pursued by the transitional authorities in Niamey. A new national enterprise for Arlit’s uranium The formation…

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Senegal’s 2025 UEMOA reform setback: an in-depth analysis

Ousmane Tandja

Senegal’s 2025 UEMOA reform setback: an in-depth analysis While the common market generally experiences modest improvements, this report delves into the specific factors contributing to Senegal’s regression in 2025. We examine the challenges that must be addressed to rectify this situation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). Senegal observed a slight decline in 2025 regarding the implementation of community reforms, policies, programs, and projects mandated by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). This dip occurred despite authorities generally deeming overall outcomes satisfactory. During the political…

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Spurs boss calls crucial everton clash more vital than any trophy

Ousmane Tandja

Tottenham boss insists Everton clash is more vital than any trophy Following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has labeled Sunday’s showdown with Everton as the most critical fixture of the season, far surpassing the significance of any trophy. The Italian tactician made the bold statement after his side’s latest setback, which left them in a precarious position in the Premier League relegation battle. De Zerbi emphasized that securing three points against the Toffees would be a monumental achievement, one that could eclipse even…

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Roberto de zerbi: tottenham’s survival clash with everton surpasses trophy importance

Aïcha Abdou

Following Tottenham’s recent 1-2 defeat against Chelsea this Tuesday, manager Roberto De Zerbi delivered a stark assessment of the club’s current predicament. He declared the upcoming Sunday fixture against Everton, a pivotal encounter for Premier League survival, to be “more important than a trophy.” De Zerbi’s powerful statement underscores the critical nature of the relegation battle, drawing a direct comparison to the club’s past triumphs, notably their Europa League victory from the previous season. For Tottenham, securing their top-flight status is now paramount, overshadowing even the glory of continental silverware.…

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