Senegal president seeks royal pardon for fans imprisoned in Morocco

Aïcha Abdou

Nearly four months after the Africa Cup of Nations final—a match won by Senegal on the pitch but later awarded to Morocco by the CAF appeal jury—the legal status of Senegalese fans detained in Rabat remains unchanged. Although three individuals have been granted release, those identified as the main instigators of the pitch invasion and subsequent altercations with security and police forces continue to serve their sentences. During a televised broadcast, the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, spoke about the Lions of Teranga supporters currently facing prison terms of…

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West African security: Ghana’s urgent takeaways from Mali’s crisis with Russia

Ousmane Tandja

The widespread, coordinated assaults that struck Mali on April 25, 2026, signify a pivotal moment not just for Bamako and the escalating violence in the Sahel, but for the entire West African sub-region. These events represent a critical turning point, exposing the vulnerabilities within Mali’s current security framework and raising crucial questions for West Africa, particularly Ghana, regarding the inherent dangers of relying too heavily on a singular, external military alliance. What transpired was far from an isolated security incident. It was a synchronized offensive, meticulously planned and executed, targeting…

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Renowned referee jean-jacques ndala lands second major caf final assignment

Ousmane Tandja

renowned referee jean-jacques ndala lands second major caf final assignment Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala is once again making headlines in African football circles. The esteemed referee, who garnered significant attention for his role in the CAN 2025 final, has now been entrusted with the crucial task of officiating the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. This highly anticipated match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns squaring off against AS FAR Rabat in Pretoria. However, this new appointment has sparked considerable discussion within the football community. Many observers are drawing particular…

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Bénin’s amazones U20 grab a crucial away draw in Abidjan

Aïcha Abdou

The Bénin U20 women’s national team really showed up this Saturday, playing away on Ivorian soil. They managed to snag a 1-1 draw against the Côte d’Ivoire Elephants, which puts the Amazones in a pretty sweet spot heading into the second leg. An intense showdown in Côte d’Ivoire’s capital Talk about an intense showdown right in the heart of Côte d’Ivoire’s capital! This highly anticipated clash between the rising stars of women’s football from Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin totally delivered. It was a game full of physical intensity and non-stop…

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Benin’s decade of transformation: president Patrice Talon’s legacy and peaceful handover

Aïcha Abdou

As President Patrice Talon prepares to transfer authority to Romuald Wadagni, he leaves behind a nation significantly transformed. From the modernization of its infrastructure to fostering political stability, the past ten years of governance have revitalized Bénin, restoring its pride and momentum. unprecedented public appreciation for a departing leader On May 1, 2026, the atmosphere in the streets of Cotonou, Parakou, and Porto-Novo transcended a mere holiday celebration. Thousands of Béninois gathered not just to mark the head of state’s 68th birthday, but primarily to convey their profound gratitude. Witnessing…

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Senegalese football federation united in appeal against caf ruling

Aïcha Abdou

Just under two months ago, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) exhibited remarkable solidarity. This collective spirit emerged after the appeal jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made a pivotal decision: to revoke the African champion title from the Lions de la Teranga and reassign it to Morocco. In response, the FSF, under the steadfast leadership of its president, Abdoulaye Fall, swiftly organized to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

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How Senegal football academies are shaping world cup 2026 talents

Ousmane Tandja

Under the scorching Dakar sun, the synthetic turf of CICES buzzes with an unusual energy. Away from the hustle of VDN Boulevard, Be Sport Academy buzzes like a hive of activity. Fifteen-year-old Souleymane meticulously tightens his laces while teammates slip into jerseys and adjust shin guards. The session should have started ten minutes ago, but no one utters a superfluous word—everyone is focused. The moment the ball starts rolling, young faces light up. Passes flow, runs synchronize, and movements become fluid under the watchful eyes of coaches. For these adolescents,…

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The escalating suppression of information freedom in the Sahel

Aïcha Abdou

On what marks World Press Freedom Day, the current assessment reveals a deeply concerning reality: in West Africa, the act of reporting has transformed into a perilous, even heroic, endeavor. Following the ascendance of military administrations, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—collectively forming the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES)—are experiencing an unprecedented crackdown on information. A tightening grip on journalistic integrity Whether through the abrupt cessation of transmissions by the Malian channel Joliba TV, the closure of the Burkinabè daily L’Observateur Paalga, or the recent abduction of journalist Serge Oulon…

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Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s impactful legacy at WHO Burkina Faso

Aïcha Abdou

Dr Seydou Coulibaly’s impactful legacy at WHO Burkina Faso Ouagadougou – After a distinguished four-year tenure leading the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Burkina Faso, Dr. Seydou Coulibaly is preparing to depart the nation. His mission was notably characterized by an innovative approach, unwavering dedication to public health, and a collaborative management style that significantly strengthened both local teams and national partnerships. Dr. Coulibaly consistently emphasized that his primary objective was to bolster WHO’s support for Burkina Faso’s key health priorities. To achieve this, he and his teams diligently…

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Mali under siege: jihadist advance threatens Bamako’s stability

Aïcha Abdou

In the Mali, a wave of anxiety has gripped the northern regions as the security landscape undergoes a dramatic shift within a matter of days. Following the symbolic fall of Kidal, armed factions have accelerated their advance, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) escalates its campaign with an unprecedented political maneuver—calling for the overthrow of the transitional government. Military setbacks evoke memories of past crises The unfolding crisis mirrors the bleak scenario of 2012. On May 1, 2026, militants from JNIM and separatists from the…

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Senegal Morocco football tensions and unexpected impacts

Aïcha Abdou

Setting foot in Dakar for the first time came with a lingering sense of unease—thanks, in large part, to the shadow cast by the Africa Cup of Nations final. A narrative of rivalry had taken root, painting the relationship between Morocco and Senegal in sharp, adversarial strokes. And while there’s truth to that perception, the reality feels far more nuanced, even painful. Amadou, a taxi driver in his fifties, greeted me with the warmth and politeness that define Senegalese hospitality. As our conversation unfolded, he learned I was Moroccan. With…

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West african fuel prices: a divergence between Côte d’Ivoire and Bénin

Aïcha Abdou

As May 2026 unfolds, the delicate balance of purchasing power across West Africa faces renewed pressure. While households diligently strive to safeguard their savings against persistent inflation, a stark reality is emerging at the fuel pumps: a significant disparity is now evident between the prices in Côte d’Ivoire and those in Bénin. Côte d’Ivoire: the paradox of a producing nation Following a quarter of relative stability, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons in Côte d’Ivoire has officially announced the year’s inaugural price increase. For consumers, the impact is substantial: Super unleaded…

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