🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Youssou Ndour's 'Bal des Grands' concert in Bamako canceled due to curfew
via SeneNews4 min read
The highly anticipated 'Bal des Grands' event, featuring mbalax king Youssou Ndour, was canceled in Bamako on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The concert was interrupted and subsequently called off following a curfew imposed in the Malian capital starting at 9 PM. Guests were already seated and opening acts were present when the decision was announced. Event promoter Abou Guitteye took to the stage to announce the cancellation and postponement, citing the country's security crisis, including jihadist attacks in several cities. He expressed his disappointment, noting months of preparation, but emphasized that the safety of attendees was the priority. Youssou Ndour, who was expected to perform around midnight, did not appear at the venue.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadFollowing the launch of Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains on July 25 in Dakar, Pastef is responding to defections and criticism. The party, led by Ousmane Sonko, president of the National Assembly, faces a new reality as the head of state now has his own party, and several Pastef members have joined it. Pastef is downplaying these departures, with the newspaper Yoor Yoor reporting "a few dozen resignations of personalities" while highlighting a "tidal wave" of new Pastef members. Pastef maintains a significant advantage in the National Assembly, controlling 130 out of 165 seats, which remains intact despite Kiiraay's creation. The name "Kiiraay" itself has become a point of contention. While Bassirou Diomaye Faye claims it means "protection" or "shield" in Wolof, other sources suggest it means "what is hidden or concealed," leading to mockery from Sonko's allies. The creation of Kiiraay also forces ministers close to Sonko to choose between joining the new presidential structure or remaining loyal to Pastef. This decision will indicate the power balance between the two executive leaders. Kiiraay plans a national tour and a congress after the rainy season. This political realignment creates three blocs: Kiiraay, Pastef, and Macky Sall's APR, potentially leading to early legislative elections.
The Embassy of the Republic of Guinea in Dakar, which also covers Gambia, Mauritania, and Cape Verde, has announced a general increase in visa and residency card fees, effective August 1, 2026. This revision follows a circular note from the Guinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Guineans Abroad, dated July 9. The new tariffs include an entry visa at $100, a transit visa at $50, a transshipment visa at $50, an extension visa at $100, and a long-stay visa at $500. Residency cards for African nationals outside ECOWAS will cost $200, while those for resident foreigners and workers will be $500. The embassy clarified that biometric passport fees remain unchanged. All applications for an entry visa to the Republic of Guinea must be submitted through the official electronic platform, paf.gov.gn/visa, as visas are no longer issued directly on passports.
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