DRC political thaw: what’s next for national dialogue?

Ousmane Tandja

A subtle shift in the political climate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is underway, raising questions about the potential for an upcoming national dialogue. Recent developments suggest a gradual easing of tensions that have long characterized the country’s political landscape. Signs of easing political tensions in the DRC Over the past weeks, observers have noted a series of conciliatory gestures from key political actors. These moves, though still tentative, indicate a willingness to engage in constructive discussions. The atmosphere, once thick with confrontation, now appears to be…

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How Benin’s senate makes decisions: five key legal acts

Aïcha Abdou

Bénin How Benin’s Senate structures its decision-making process The recently adopted internal regulations of the Senate of Bénin, finalized in Porto-Novo on July 30, 2026, outline five distinct legal instruments through which the upper chamber will exercise its authority. These measures—ranging from advisory opinions to decrees—define the framework for legislative oversight, political oversight, and potential sanctions against public officials. Benin Senate Press All articles August 11, 2026 at 6:35 PM POLITICS↓Read offline 0 views Key Decision-Making Tools Resolutions: shaping national policy Orders: enforcing constitutional penalties Advisory opinions: parliamentary recommendations Bureau…

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Ivorian-Mauritanian ties: Ouattara and Ghazouani discuss regional security challenges

Ousmane Tandja

Strengthening Ivorian-Mauritanian ties amid West African security concerns The President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, welcomed his Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani at the Ivorian presidential palace on August 11, 2026, for a 24-hour working visit focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and addressing shared regional challenges. During their meeting, the two leaders explored avenues to consolidate the strong bonds between their nations, with particular emphasis on security cooperation and economic collaboration. The discussions also covered the evolving political landscape in West Africa and its potential impact on both…

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Senegal assembly rejects seven presidential bills from bassirou diomaye faye

Ousmane Tandja

The National Assembly of the Sénégal convened its first extraordinary session yesterday, marking a pivotal moment in the legislative agenda. During the opening proceedings, the Assembly’s president, Ousmane Sonko, announced the receipt of seven draft laws submitted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. However, these initiatives will not be included in the current session’s agenda. Draft laws blocked from debate The seven draft laws submitted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye cover a range of international agreements and conventions. Among them are proposals for ratifying the Marrakech Treaty to improve access to…

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Mali: surge in violence displaces nearly 40 000 people from north and center

Ousmane Tandja

Mali: surge in violence displaces nearly 40 000 people from north and center Violent clashes and airstrikes have forced tens of thousands of Malians to abandon their homes since late April. Gao and Ménaka are now sheltering a significant share of the displaced. Northern and central Mali are experiencing a fresh wave of conflict, leaving nearly 40 000 civilians displaced since late April. Humanitarian and security sources report that over 15 000 families have sought refuge in Gao and Ménaka, two key northern cities. Local officials in Gao alone have…

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Côte d’Ivoire: shifting power dynamics in the ppa-ci ahead of gbagbo era

Aïcha Abdou

The Ivorian political landscape is witnessing a significant reshuffle within the ranks of the Parti populaire africain de Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI). Five prominent figures have been entrusted with key responsibilities previously held by former President Laurent Gbagbo, signaling a deliberate move to restructure party leadership. This strategic reallocation of authority is seen by analysts as a calculated step to stabilize the party’s future, especially in the context of the evolving post-Gbagbo era. While the reasons behind these changes remain subject to interpretation, observers suggest they may lay the groundwork for…

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Transparency in Senegal parliament leaders declare assets

Aïcha Abdou

Senator Ousmane Sonko leads declaration of assets for Senegal parliament leaders The President of Senegal’s National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, has fulfilled the mandatory asset declaration requirement applicable to senior public officials. According to the official roster issued by the National Office for the Fight Against Corruption (OFNAC), the Speaker of Parliament is among those who have formally submitted their declarations. The move underscores the ongoing commitment to financial transparency and oversight of high-level public officeholders. Multiple parliamentary leaders comply with disclosure rules Several key figures within the National Assembly have…

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Will mahamat idriss déby’s pardon ease Tchad’s political tensions?

Aïcha Abdou

Tchad: can presidential clemency pave the way for political calm? As Chad celebrates its 66th Independence Day, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has declared his intention to exercise his constitutional pardon power. While the identities of those set to benefit remain undisclosed, the announcement has sparked intense speculation about the fate of prominent opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Succès Masra. In a national address marking the occasion, the head of state framed his decision within a broader narrative of national unity and reconciliation. The practical impact of this gesture…

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Deadly ebola outbreak in democratic republic of Congo claims over 2,000 lives

Ousmane Tandja

Deadly Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo claims over 2,000 lives Gavin Blackburn The Ebola outbreak ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of more than 2,011 people this year, according to the latest official figures, raising fears it could become the country’s most devastating epidemic on record. Government data released late Tuesday evening revealed a total of 4,381 confirmed cases. While the first 1,000 deaths took nearly nine weeks to accumulate, the second thousand were recorded in just three weeks—a stark indication that the health…

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Senegal’s new constitutional council president sworn in after historic vacancy

Aïcha Abdou

Ousmane Diagne takes the helm of Senegal’s Constitutional Council In a solemn ceremony, Ousmane Diagne has been officially installed as the new president of Senegal’s Constitutional Council, following a decree by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. His appointment comes after a prolonged period of institutional vacancy triggered by the untimely demise of his predecessor, Mamadou Badio Camara, in April 2025. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, a high-profile swearing-in ceremony marked the formal induction of Ousmane Diagne as the Constitutional Council’s president. His elevation to this pivotal role was formalized through presidential…

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South african court delays Kémi Séba extradition hearing amid power outage

Ousmane Tandja

An unexpected infrastructure failure disrupted judicial proceedings in Pretoria on Wednesday, as a sudden power outage in the detention facility prevented the scheduled hearing for activist Kémi Séba from taking place. The blackout halted the secure extraction and transfer of the detainee to the courtroom, forcing the presiding judge to postpone the session at short notice. Without reliable electricity, prison authorities were unable to operate automated gates, biometric verification systems, or backup protocols essential for safely moving inmates. Technical breakdown halts legal process South Africa’s recurring power supply challenges—commonly referred…

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DIRECT. L’OL obligé de battre le Sparta Prague pour rêver de Ligue des champions, suivez le match en live

Aïcha Abdou

12h30 : À lire avant ce match, cet article pour comprendre tous les enjeux : Sans filet, l’OL doit renverser le Sparta pour déjà éviter l’échec et la tension 12h : Bonjour et bienvenue pour suivre ce match retour décisif entre l’OL et le Sparta Prague ! À l’aller, l’Olympique lyonnais s’était incliné 2-1 à Prague et doit donc tout faire pour renverser la situation au Groupama Stadium, sous peine de dire adieu à la compétition européenne. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent

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