🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
CONACOC announces crescent moon sighting, clarifies Tabaski date
via SeneNews1 min read
The National Commission for the Observation of the Lunar Crescent CONACOC announced the sighting of the lunar crescent on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in several localities across Senegal. Following the collection and verification of information from its representatives, the Commission confirmed the observations in consultation with religious families and imams from various regions. Based on this, Sunday, April 19, 2026, has been established as the first day of Dhul Qa’da, a month in the Muslim calendar that precedes Dhul Hijja. This step is crucial for determining religious dates, particularly Tabaski, which is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijja, according to the lunar calendar. Following this cycle, Dhul Hijja is expected to begin approximately 29 or 30 days after April 19, around May 18 or 19, 2026. The Tabaski festival would then occur about ten days later, placing the provisional date for Eid al-Adha around May 28 or 29, 2026.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
The France section of PASTEF has announced a rally scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 2 PM at Place de la République in Paris. The organizers state that the event aims to pay tribute to those who died during political events in Senegal in recent years. PASTEF France also indicates its intention to honor individuals it considers victims committed to defending justice, democracy, and freedoms. The organization's statement specifies that this gathering will also be an opportunity to show support for Ousmane Sonko ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 2029. The organizers invite their sympathizers and members of the Senegalese diaspora to participate in this meeting, presented as a moment of remembrance and solidarity.
The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 12 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, may face weather-related disruptions, particularly at US venues. According to reports from The Athletic, US regulations mandate the immediate suspension of a sporting event if lightning is detected within approximately 13 kilometers of the stadium. In such cases, players must return to the locker rooms, and spectators are directed to secure areas. Matches can only resume after a minimum 30-minute period without further lightning. If another lightning strike is observed during this time, the countdown automatically restarts. This rule could lead to delays or extended interruptions throughout the tournament. Several recent competitions held in the United States have already been affected by this safety protocol, which is designed to protect players, officials, and the public during severe weather.
Must ReadBabacar Ba, a member of the Forum du Justiciable, has addressed the financial prosecutor at the Dakar financial judicial pool regarding the ASER–AEE POWER EPC rural electrification project. This project, valued at over 37 billion FCFA, is currently embroiled in a financial dispute and has raised public concern. Ba describes the situation as a "contractual financial dispute relating to a rural electrification contract of more than 37 billion FCFA." He emphasizes that transparency and accountability are fundamental requirements for good governance in a democracy. The project, intended to improve electricity access and open up rural areas, is now stalled. The letter highlights alleged dysfunctions, including financial difficulties and presumed irregularities in contract execution. The project is described as "marred by suspicions of mismanagement, financial blockages, and disputes," which compromise its implementation and initial objectives. Babacar Ba is seeking intervention from financial justice to clarify the funding channels related to the contract. He specifically requests verification of financial flows and accountability, stating that "the guarantees issued, the disbursements made, and the responsibilities incurred must be clarified without delay."
Must ReadThe Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic FDR issued a statement on June 3, 2026, demanding the exclusion of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from the National Assembly. The FDR argues that Sonko's return to the assembly is contrary to current regulations, deeming his position "illegal and illegitimate." The coalition asserts that existing laws do not permit him to serve as a deputy while simultaneously holding his current status as Prime Minister. The FDR cites Article LO172 of the Electoral Code, which stipulates that an elected minister who becomes a deputy loses their parliamentary mandate if they do not resign from the government within eight days. The coalition also contends that amendments to the National Assembly's internal rules cannot supersede constitutional and legislative provisions. The FDR views the process allowing Ousmane Sonko's return to the National Assembly as a violation of the Constitution, the Electoral Code, and the parliamentary institution's internal rules. Consequently, the FDR calls for the "illegal act of the Assembly" to be reversed and for the Prime Minister to be removed from the National Assembly. The coalition also urges national stakeholders to mobilize in defense of the Constitution, laws, and institutions of the Republic. This declaration comes amidst ongoing legal and political debate in Senegal regarding Ousmane Sonko's parliamentary status.