South Africa: Kemi Seba remains in detention as extradition looms

Ousmane Tandja

Franco-Béninois activist Kemi Seba continues to be held in detention after a South African court ruled on April 29 to deny his release, dismissing arguments presented by his defense team. The decision comes amid mounting pressure, including the invalidation of a diplomatic passport claim and the weight of two international arrest warrants issued by Bénin. This development underscores the legal rigor prevailing over activist posturing, with the case adjourned until May 11. A decisive legal stance The presiding judge in Pretoria firmly rejected the possibility of bail for Kemi Seba,…

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Mali football team gets new national coach after can 2024

Aïcha Abdou

The Mali national football team is entering a new chapter. As of August 2024, Tom Saintfiet is no longer the team’s head coach, following an official announcement from the Malian Football Federation on Tuesday evening. The Belgian tactician steered the Aigles du Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), adopting a pragmatic approach that saw them secure three draws in the group stage before overcoming Tunisia in a thrilling extra-time victory in the round of 16. Their journey ended against Senegal in a tight 0-1…

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Examining the impact of Russian security forces on Mali and the Sahel

Ousmane Tandja

How Russia’s security involvement is reshaping the Sahel landscape As Moscow strengthens its military ties across the Sahel, its effectiveness in protecting Mali is coming under intense investigation. Following a series of intense offensives by insurgent groups against the Malian Armed Forces, the nation’s military leader, Assimi Goita, recently announced that the government remains in command. He noted that Russian tactical units provided vital aerial assistance to block rebels from seizing strategic sites, including the seat of power in Bamako. Nevertheless, stability in this West African territory remains precarious. The…

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Paris Saint-Germain edge out Bayern Munich in a historic nine-goal thriller

Ousmane Tandja

In a display worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Paris Saint-Germain secured a narrow advantage for the Champions League final by defeating Bayern Munich 5-4. This encounter is destined to be remembered as a classic in the tournament’s history. There are evenings when football transcends sport, evolving into a chaotic masterpiece. This Tuesday at the Parc des Princes, PSG and Bayern Munich didn’t just compete in a semi-final first leg; they engaged in an epic offensive duel where defending seemed optional compared to the brilliance of the forwards. The Kvaratskhelia and…

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Mali football coach tom saintfiet steps down amid crisis

Ousmane Tandja

Coach Tom Saintfiet has officially stepped down from his role as head coach of Mali’s national football team, ending his tenure in April 2026 after nearly two years in charge. The Belgian tactician, who took charge in August 2024, announced his departure amid escalating political tensions and security challenges in the country. In a heartfelt statement shared on Facebook, Saintfiet reflected on his experience, expressing pride in his work despite difficult circumstances. “Today marks the end of my mission as head coach of Mali’s senior national team. I leave with…

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Mali thanks its belgian coach after world cup failure

Ousmane Tandja

Mali thanks outgoing Belgian coach after World Cup 2026 qualification setback The Mali national football team has made a formal change in its coaching staff. The Mali Football Federation (Femafoot) announced the departure of Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, ending his tenure on Tuesday evening. The 53-year-old tactician, who took charge in August 2024, failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and saw his team eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by Senegal. The newly elected president of Femafoot, Mahazou Cisset, took to…

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Benin energy crisis averted by maria-gleta 2 power plant

Aïcha Abdou

The West African power grid faces ongoing strain due to fluctuating water levels in regional dams and a recent fire at Ghana’s Akosombo Dam infrastructure. This double blow has crippled the grid by cutting off nearly 1,000 MW of electricity. In response, Accra suspended power exports to neighboring countries, including the Bénin, Burkina Faso, and Togo, to stabilize its own national grid. For the Bénin, the sudden loss of imported energy was a critical test of its energy resilience. While the Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique (SBEE) reported minor disruptions, the…

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Tom saintfiet steps down as Mali football coach after successful tenure

Aïcha Abdou

Tom Saintfiet leaves Mali national football team after praised tenure The Dutch football coach Tom Saintfiet has officially stepped down from his role as head coach of the Mali national football team, as confirmed in a letter dated April 27 and shared via Instagram on Wednesday. The 53-year-old tactician has earned widespread praise for his work, receiving formal acknowledgment from the Mali Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) and its president, Mahazou Cisset, who issued a statement on Tuesday expressing their “deepest gratitude for the achievements accomplished during his mandate.” a respected figure…

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New fifa rules ahead of 2026 world cup after controversial Senegal-Maroc can final

Ousmane Tandja

New FIFA rules ahead of 2026 World Cup after controversial Senegal-Maroc CAN final As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, global football’s governing body is tightening its regulatory framework to curb extreme disputes on the pitch. This move follows a turbulent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, which saw players leave the field mid-match, sparking widespread debate. The 18 January 2025 showdown in Rabat ended in controversy after Senegal’s players walked off following a disputed penalty awarded to Morocco and a disallowed goal for the Lions…

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What happens next to Mali’s military rulers after rebel attacks

Aïcha Abdou

The shockwaves felt across West Africa this weekend have left many Mali observers stunned after coordinated rebel attacks breached the capital Bamako, claimed the life of the Defence Minister and seized control of northern territories. Residents in multiple cities nationwide reported the sound of gunfire and explosions on Saturday morning, with an alliance of two militant factions—the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM)—publicly claiming responsibility for the offensive. Analysts point to the scale of the assault and the rapid…

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Russian mercenaries in Mali face setbacks against jihadist offensives

Aïcha Abdou

In a significant setback, Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps—a successor to the Wagner Group since 2025 and an ally of Mali’s junta—were forced into a humiliating retreat in Kidal, northeastern Mali, on April 26. Social media footage captured the scene: disarmed, hastily evacuating in trucks under pressure from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, along with rebel Tuareg factions from the Azavad Liberation Front (FLA). The fleeing forces left behind a staggering number of armored vehicles and helicopters, now under jihadist control.…

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Can 2025 title dispute reaches tas as Morocco faces deadline

Ousmane Tandja

The legal saga surrounding the CAN 2025 title has taken a fresh turn, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) imposing a critical deadline on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The sole arbitrator has set May 7, 2026 as the final date for Morocco to submit its defense brief in response to Senegal’s appeal. This looming deadline ratchets up pressure on the FRMF and signals another pivotal chapter in a high-stakes dispute that has gripped African football for weeks. Morocco given until may 2026 to defend CAN 2025…

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