July 21, 2026
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Sénégal’s political landscape: President Faye’s strategic gambit

Former Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko (left) and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye (right) at the presidential palace in Dakar on October 16, 2025.

The latest developments in Sénégal’s political scene reveal a high-stakes maneuver by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as he seeks to consolidate his leadership amid constitutional reform setbacks. With the creation of a new presidential party and the constitutional council’s rejection of parliamentary reforms backed by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef, the question remains: can Faye’s strategy sway public opinion and opposition forces?

Across the globe, the Middle East continues to simmer with escalating tensions. Recent retaliatory strikes and a sharp warning from former U.S. President Donald Trump have shattered hopes of a lasting ceasefire. Trump’s dismissal of negotiations with Iran as a waste of time signals a looming threat of further military action. As the region teeters on the brink, the world watches closely: is this the prelude to a broader conflict?

Every week, leading African journalists dissect the continent’s most pressing issues, offering sharp insights into both African and international affairs. This week’s panel features:

  • Wuldath Mama, Beninese investigative journalist specializing in global affairs
  • Eric Topona, Chadian correspondent for Deutsche Welle’s Francophone Africa desk
  • François Hiondi Nkam, veteran Cameroonian reporter and Economics Editor at *Le Jour*