President Bassirou Diomaye Faye calls for national unity amid political tensions with former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko
via SeneNews5 min read
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for peace and national unity, emphasizing the importance of preserving the bonds that unite Senegal. This appeal comes amidst a political crisis with former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom President Faye dismissed on May 22 after months of disagreements. Both men were long-time companions who later came into conflict. On Tuesday evening, Mr. Sonko, who is the leader of the majority party in Senegal and became President of the Assembly on May 26, stated during a press conference that he is in a "cohabitation situation" with President Faye. Mr. Sonko remarked, "He Faye does not have all the powers. He needs to come down from his pedestal and we need to talk." Speaking at a national tribute on Thursday to former President Abdoulaye Wade, who was in power from 2000 to 2012 and turned 100 on May 29, President Faye directly addressed Mr. Wade, saying, "you taught us that a quarrel, however intense, does not warrant tearing apart the country we share." He added, "Learn that serving its youth will always be better than using it." President Faye was applauded several times during his speech, particularly when making implicit references to the country's political uncertainty and his split with Mr. Sonko. He stressed that "democracy is not spoils that one seizes and jealously guards. Democracy is a flame that is passed from hand to hand and must never be allowed to extinguish." President Faye also cited Mr. Wade's teaching that "today's adve
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadOusmane Sonko, the president of the National Assembly, met with Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, the president of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union UPA, on Thursday, June 4. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 85th session of the UPA Executive Committee, focused on strengthening the organization's effectiveness and harmonizing its actions with those of the African Union. Sonko proposed reforms to enhance the UPA's influence on the continent's political and institutional directions, emphasizing the need for greater coherence between the UPA's and the African Union's decisions and recommendations to improve the effectiveness of African institutions amidst various challenges facing the continent.
Must ReadThe Diomaye President Coalition has commended the exceptional career of former President Abdoulaye Wade, an elder statesman who significantly influenced Senegal's political history. The coalition extended wishes for his longevity, good health, and blessings. This tribute follows President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's earlier homage to Wade on his 100th birthday, celebrated on May 29, 2026. President Faye noted that Senegal, not yet 70 years old, is younger than Wade, whose life is intertwined with the nation's. Faye also highlighted Wade's crucial role in building modern Senegal, stating that he witnessed independent Senegal's birth and contributed to its growth. Born on May 29, 1926, Abdoulaye Wade is a prominent figure in Senegalese politics. He was a historical opponent of the socialist regime and became president in 2000, following the country's first democratic transition.
Must ReadNassirou Bodo, a Nigerien activist critical of the ruling junta, was placed under a detention warrant on Wednesday at Niamey prison. This occurred days after he made strong statements against the military regime. Online media outlet Aïr Info reported that Bodo was detained after being presented to the prosecutor. Civil society figure Kaka Touda confirmed Bodo's incarceration on Facebook, without providing further details on the reasons for his detention, which followed police custody. Private daily L’Enquêteur reported that the activist is being prosecuted for "disseminating data likely to disturb public order." Earlier this week, Bodo called on Nigeriens via Facebook to engage in actions of "protest and disapproval of the social violence that the state exerts on the populations" for "a renewable period of one year starting from June 1st." Among these acts of "violence," he cited "insecurity in several regions" and the ongoing "unjust eviction" of residents from the Niamey airport area, who were targeted in a January 29 attack claimed by Islamic State in the Sahel EIS. Authorities state that the demolition of "poorly constructed" homes aims to protect the capital from "terrorist risk." Niger faces violence from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State organization. Since the military came to power in July 2023, journalists and civil society actors in Niger have been arrested, incarcerated, and some convicted for defamation, undermining national security, and c
The Moroccan national football team departed for the United States to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, but player Zakaria El Ouahdi was unable to travel with the team due to a visa problem. Administrative procedures for the defender were reportedly not finalized in time. This issue is not limited to El Ouahdi, as another Moroccan international player and a technical staff member are also awaiting administrative regularization. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is working to resolve the situation, hoping El Ouahdi can join the team this weekend if his visa is issued promptly. In response, coach Walid Regragui has called up young Anderlecht defender Ali Maamar, who has joined the squad and is participating in preparations. This administrative setback occurs as Morocco finalizes its preparations for the World Cup.