
On April 22, 2026, the Diamaguène police station in Mbour intercepted 34 individuals attempting irregular migration after their boat experienced distress at sea. This operation is part of the fight against migrant trafficking and followed intelligence reports of a suspicious group on the Mbour coastline. The makeshift vessel had departed from the Gambian coast three days prior, bound for Spain. The intercepted group included particularly vulnerable individuals: 14 men and 20 women, among whom were a six-month-old infant and an eleven-year-old girl. The migrants were of various nationalities: 14 Gambians, 8 Senegalese, 7 Malians, 3 Guineans from Conakry, and 2 Ivorians. According to testimonies, the pirogue encountered severe difficulties at sea due to significant water infiltration. Faced with imminent danger and passenger pressure, the captain was forced to turn back towards the Senegalese coast, landing in Mbour. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the presumed organizer and the boat's captains fled, and searches are ongoing to locate them. All candidates confirmed their intention to reach the Spanish coast during their questioning. An investigation has been launched to shed light on this irregular migration attempt and dismantle the network involved.
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Must ReadThe Conference of Presidents of the National Assembly of Senegal, meeting on Friday, April 24, 2026, established the legislative work schedule for the coming weeks. Two proposed laws are on the agenda. The first, referenced 11/2026, is considered a priority and concerns the modification of articles L29 and L30 of the Electoral Code. This proposal, introduced under an urgent procedure, will be examined by a technical commission on Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 AM, before being presented in a plenary session on Tuesday, April 28, starting at 10:00 AM. This session will be followed by the ratification of the list of members of the permanent committee for the evaluation of public policies. The second proposal, numbered 10/2026, involves a revision of article 118 of the Internal Regulations of the National Assembly. Its technical commission review is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, at 3:00 PM, with its examination in a plenary session set for Friday, May 8, at 10:00 AM.
Must ReadThe Senegalese state is reportedly close to reacquiring control of the West African Energy WAE power plant, a significant private project integrated into the national electricity grid. A crucial meeting is scheduled between the general management of Senelec and WAE promoters to finalize the transfer terms. This sensitive operation involves substantial financial and energy implications that could alter the sector's balance. Senelec trade unionists reportedly discussed this development with colleagues the day before. The Cap des Biches plant has a capacity of 366 MW, representing approximately a quarter of the country's installed power, and required an investment of an estimated 283 billion CFA francs over four years. Its commissioning brought the total national production capacity to 2,881 MW. Private producers still dominate Senegal's electricity system, accounting for about 60% of production, which reignites debates on energy sovereignty. WAE uses gas as its primary fuel source, a shift from older heavy fuel oil plants, aiming to reduce electricity production costs. Industry sources suggest gas-produced kilowatt-hour costs could be around 47 CFA francs, lower than fuel oil plants, potentially benefiting Senelec and consumers. However, uncertainties remain, including the plant's reliance on more expensive diesel as a backup and the exact terms of the state's takeover. The precise details of the agreement with project promoters, including Samuel Sarr, Harouna Dia, Moustapha Nd
Must ReadIn Mauritania, the death of Fatimata Hamady Ba, whose body was found in a peripheral district of Nouakchott between April 18 and 19, has sparked widespread indignation from civil society. The AFP reported that police discovered the body. This incident, widely shared on social media, has caused significant emotional reactions in the conservative country, where discussions about violence against women and gender equality have been ongoing for several years. The exact circumstances of her death are still under investigation. An anonymous judicial police source, cited by AFP, stated that Ba was "neither raped nor killed" and died from an overdose after drug use in the main suspect's apartment. Despite this, several civil society organizations are condemning the case as another instance of violence against women. The Mauritanian Association for the Promotion of Girls' Education expressed "deep indignation and legitimate anger," describing it as the "brutal assassination of Fatimata Hamady Ba, raped and killed." The association views this "heinous crime" as part of an "unacceptable series of violence against women in Mauritania." Human rights activist Elkory Sneiba urged the state to "take its responsibilities to contain this wave of insecurity." Deputy Khali Diallo expressed his profound emotion, referencing similar cases in recent years and highlighting the stalled "karama" dignity bill, which aims to criminalize violence against women and has been awaiting approval in the Nation

The Senegalese Football Federation FSF hosted His Excellency Ridha Nebais, Ambassador of the Republic of Algeria to Senegal, on Thursday for an official visit focused on enhancing sports cooperation between the two nations. During the meeting, the FSF expressed gratitude to the Algerian people for their support and solidarity, particularly following Senegal's victory on January 18, 2025, in Rabat, which was highlighted as a strong symbol of fraternity. The FSF also commended the Algerian diplomat's efforts to foster closer ties between the football federations of both countries. These initiatives aim to increase exchanges, share expertise, and develop joint projects to benefit football. This engagement builds upon the historical friendship and cooperation between Senegal and Algeria, paving the way for new opportunities in the development and influence of African football globally.