A recent surge in cyberattacks has raised critical questions regarding the digital security of the Senegalese state. Following breaches targeting the tax administration’s website in October and the national identity card issuance department in January, the Public Treasury has now fallen victim to hackers.
While individual incidents might be dismissed as isolated technical glitches, the recurring nature and the strategic importance of the institutions targeted reveal a deeply concerning reality: the profound vulnerability of Senegal’s public and digital infrastructure.
The imperative for enhanced digital resilience in Senegal is now more evident than ever. Cybersecurity experts are advocating for the establishment of a dedicated national cybersecurity agency. Such an entity would be crucial for improved coordination in responding to incidents, fostering centers of excellence, supporting research initiatives, and integrating local specialists into vital national strategic projects.
Mountaga Tall’s family to pursue legal action
The family of Malian lawyer and politician Mountaga Tall has announced plans for legal proceedings after he was apprehended by armed, masked individuals earlier this month. This incident draws striking comparisons to the January 2024 arrest of Maître Guy Hervé Kam in Burkina Faso.
Tall, who leads the political movement Sens, faces charges of “conspiracy against state security” and “criminal association.” Both cases exhibit troubling similarities: an opaque disappearance or arrest, an initial lack of clear official communication, the immediate involvement of legal counsel, and the rapid escalation of intense social media campaigns. These events underscore a growing tension between legitimate security demands and the fundamental respect for public liberties across the region.
Constitutional reform debate intensifies in DRC
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, discussions surrounding constitutional reform continue to generate significant controversy. Ejiba Yamapia, president of the Church of Revival of Congo, has advocated for a “complete overhaul of the 2006 Constitution,” which he characterized as a “constitution of belligerence.”
The religious leader champions a new fundamental law focused on “development and sovereignty,” proposing a shift towards a “more presidential” system. He further urged political figures to prioritize “republican consensus over electoral interests.”
These statements have ignited strong disapproval from segments of the opposition. Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, voiced his alarm, suggesting that the Church is acting as a “soldier in the service of Félix Tshisekedi’s third term,” before directly criticizing Ejiba Yamapia.
African Athletics Confederation president passes away
Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, a prominent figure in African sports, has passed away in Yaoundé at the age of 75. He also served as the president of the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Cameroon. From Rabat, Moroccan athlete Aziz Daouda paid a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on Malboum’s profound impact.
Daouda stated that African athletics has lost “more than just a leader; it has lost an activist.” He added that with Malboum’s passing, “one of the last great builders of a generation that believed Africa could claim its rightful place in global sporting bodies” has departed.
Daouda concluded by recalling Malboum’s vision: “For him, Africa was not merely a reservoir of talent destined to enrich other nations. It was meant to become an organized, respected, and influential sporting power.”
