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Turkey accuses Israel of seeking to occupy more territories
via SeneNews1 min read
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel on Saturday of using the conflict in the Middle East as a pretext to "occupy more territories." Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkey, Fidan stated that Israel's government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, is using security as an excuse for territorial expansion, rather than genuinely seeking its own security. He claimed that beyond Palestinian territories like the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem, Israel now aims to dominate areas belonging to Lebanon and Syria. Fidan described this as "continuous occupation and expansionism" that must cease, asserting that Israel has created an international illusion by claiming to only seek its own security. These remarks follow recent verbal exchanges between Turkish and Israeli leaders, including Fidan's accusation that Israel wants to make Turkey its "new enemy" after Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called Turkey a "paper tiger." Fidan also expressed regret that the Middle East conflict is hindering efforts, including those by Ankara, to end the war in Ukraine, stating it has "relegated the war between Russia and Ukraine to the background" and called for renewed efforts once calm returns to the Middle East.
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Ousmane Sonko, the new President of the National Assembly, will address Senegalese citizens this Tuesday, June 2, 2026, starting at 5 PM, in a highly anticipated press statement. Sonko announced the event himself via social media, inviting citizens to follow his address, which will take place at the Serigne Abass Sall residence, opposite the Police School. This declaration comes shortly after the installation of the new government by the Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko, former Prime Minister, recently left the Prime Minister's office, replaced by Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, before being appointed head of the National Assembly. The announcement follows a significant cabinet reshuffle by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who formed a new government of 30 ministers on Monday. Several figures who held strategic positions under Sonko's previous government were not reappointed, while new profiles joined the executive. Many expect Sonko to discuss the governmental changes, new policy directions, or his role as head of the parliamentary institution. While no official topics have been announced, this statement is seen as a major political event that could clarify Sonko's vision after his departure from the Prime Minister's office and his ascension to the presidency of the National Assembly, amidst a reshuffling of responsibilities within the government. All eyes will be on this address, which may answer questions arising from the recent government reshuffle and Senegal's new insti
Must ReadThe debate surrounding Ousmane Sonko's potential return to the National Assembly requires a rigorous legal interpretation, focusing on the hierarchy of norms, the precise qualification of facts, and the articulation of applicable texts. The core issue is not merely whether he submitted a resignation letter or a suspension request, but whether the act of December 2, 2024, could legally constitute a resignation or if it was an unfounded suspension incapable of validly terminating his parliamentary mandate. Article 54 of the Constitution establishes the incompatibility between government and parliamentary functions but does not specify the resolution process. Article 123 of the Internal Regulations of the National Assembly RIAN addresses deputies appointed to government, while Article 132 concerns deputies already in an incompatible situation at the time of election, requiring them to resign incompatible functions within eight days or be deemed to have resigned. A crucial point is whether Sonko was ever formally installed as a deputy, as this would determine if the eight-day period in Article 132 ever began. If not, the December 2, 2024, act might not be a legally triggered resignation. The article argues that the December 2, 2024, act was a request for suspension, not a resignation, and the former RIAN did not recognize parliamentary mandate suspension as an autonomous act. A resignation requires clear, unequivocal, and irrevocable intent, which a suspension request does not co
Must ReadThe religious city of Darou Khairy, located in the Bignona department, is experiencing a period of profound grief following the consecutive deaths of its General Caliph, Chérif Mamina Aïdara, and his designated successor, Chérif Cheikh Sidy Bouya Aïdara. Chérif Mamina Aïdara passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Hôpital de la Paix in Ziguinchor and was buried in Darou Khairy. The community was then struck by a second loss on Monday, June 1, 2026, when his younger brother and designated successor, Chérif Cheikh Sidy Bouya Aïdara, also died. This rapid succession of deaths has led to Chérif Assane Aïdara being appointed as the new Caliph to ensure the continuity of the spiritual tradition. The community is now preparing for the "Fiddaou" ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026, which is expected to draw delegations from Senegal and several sub-regional countries including Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Morocco, as well as various communities from southern Senegal.
Olivier Boucal, the former Minister of Public Service, Labor, and Public Service Reform, has publicly reacted to his departure from the government. In a statement on social media, Boucal expressed relief at the end of his ministerial duties, describing the period as "cumbersome and insipid." He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the PASTEF party and its leader, Ousmane Sonko. Boucal's comments suggest a critical view of his recent ministerial experience, while emphasizing his continued political alignment with PASTEF and Sonko.