Six PDCI officials released in C么te d'Ivoire after nine months of detention
via SeneNews2 min read
Six local officials from the Ivorian opposition party, the Democratic Party of C么te d'Ivoire PDCI, were released on Monday after nine months in detention, according to their lawyer, Me Ange Rodrigue Dadje. The officials, identified as Allo Pac么me Didier, Kouleon Manhenin, N鈥機ho Gnangoran, Mabo Koffi Jean Marc, Ouattara Kinjinlman, and Niangoran N鈥橤uessan Edouard, were arrested between late September and early October 2025. Their arrests occurred during a tense political climate in 2025, an election year in C么te d'Ivoire. In May, two other PDCI activists, Cl茅ment Kouakou and Denis Brou, were also released. Dozens of opposition members were arrested in 2025, with authorities stating that the arrests were not politically motivated and followed regular investigative procedures. Earlier in July, Mo茂se Lida Kouassi, a former Minister of Defense under Laurent Gbagbo and a member of his party, was released after nearly a year of detention. Ibrahim Zigui, a cyber-activist associated with the same political faction, was also released.
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Must ReadFatou Binetou Gu猫ye, daughter of Mame Matar Gu猫ye, president of the NGO Jamra, has been referred to the public prosecutor's office in Dakar along with her companion, RS Guiss茅, son of a university professor, and two Nigerian nationals. They are implicated in an investigation into alleged international cocaine trafficking and unnatural acts. The case began with an infiltration operation by gendarmes from the Faidherbe Research Brigade, which uncovered a suspected cocaine network. Gu猫ye, born December 26, 2001, is accused of criminal association, possession and use of cocaine, alleged international cocaine trafficking, and unnatural acts. The investigation reportedly revealed pornographic videos and private messages from Gu猫ye's phone, where she sought a "lively girlfriend." The inquiry started months ago based on intelligence suggesting Gu猫ye consumed cocaine and had connections to suppliers. An intermediary, working with gendarmes, facilitated a controlled purchase where Gu猫ye allegedly provided one gram of cocaine. This led to further investigation, including a planned gathering for drug consumption. During an arrest on July 14, a gram of cocaine was found in Gu猫ye's handbag. She then cooperated, leading gendarmes to RS Guiss茅, who was found consuming cocaine during a search of his room. Guiss茅 also cooperated, identifying his supplier, KM Ogbu, a Nigerian national. Ogbu was arrested on July 15 during a controlled delivery of cocaine. Exploitation of Ogbu's phone led to the
Must ReadMacky Sall, former President of Senegal, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow as part of his campaign for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. During the meeting, Lavrov outlined Russia's expectations for the next Secretary-General, focusing on the challenges facing the UN, strengthening its central role in global governance, and the need for more effective multilateralism. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to the UN's coordinating role in international affairs amidst geopolitical crises. Sall stated they discussed "subjects of common interest concerning the major challenges that the Organization must address to better manage the global issues of multilateralism for the present and the future." This visit to Russia is part of Sall's diplomatic tour, which includes engagements with various capitals. Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council with veto power, is a key player in the selection process. Sall's candidacy has received official support from Senegal, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye mobilizing the government and diplomatic network to promote it as Senegal's bid to serve Africa. His candidacy, presented by Burundi, is officially registered with the UN General Assembly to succeed Ant贸nio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. Consultations and indicative votes by the Security Council are expected to enter a decisive phase soon.
Upcoming public hearings by the National Assembly on Senegal's participation in the 2026 World Cup are facing controversy due to administrative ambiguities. El Hadji Gueye, President of the National Assembly's Education, Youth, Sports, and Leisure Commission, announced the hearings would begin this Wednesday, with practical details to follow. However, as the deadline approaches, no official communication has been issued. Reports indicate that as of Sunday, no correspondence had been sent to the Senegalese Football Federation FSF, the primary entity involved. A source within the FSF expressed surprise, learning about the hearings through the press and questioning the short notice. Federal officials also highlight a legal concern, stating that the National Assembly can only question agents under the Ministry of Sports, while the FSF, as an independent FIFA affiliate, is not directly under its authority. They warn that summoning federal leaders could be seen by FIFA as political interference, potentially leading to severe consequences for Senegalese football, suggesting that only consultation is possible. Furthermore, several deputies claim the Commission never met to decide on these public hearings, which, if true, would raise questions about the legitimacy of the President's announcement and could spark a new dispute between Parliament and Senegalese football stakeholders.