Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who turned 44 on Monday, was little known until he received the backing of Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s most formidable opposition politician. Both men were released from jail only 10 days ago.
Author: Ruth Maclean
Democracy Crumbling in African Countries Once Ruled by France
A wave of military coups and presidents clinging to power are two sides of the same anti-democratic coin plaguing Francophone Africa, experts say.
Senegal’s 2024 Election: What to Know
Senegal was seen as an outpost of democracy in a coup-plagued region until its president tried to cancel the election last month. He failed, and it’s going ahead next Sunday.
Gambia Votes to Overturn Landmark Ban on Female Genital Cutting
Lawmakers in the West African country voted to advance a bill repealing a 2015 ban. If it passes the final round of voting, Gambia will become the first nation to roll back protections against the practice.
Hundreds Are Feared Seized in Nigeria, as Kidnapping Epidemic Worsens
A mass abduction reported in a region terrorized by Boko Haram, and another days later at a primary school, highlighted the government’s inability to control crime and armed insurgency.
Chad Opposition Leader, Yaya Dillo, Reported Killed in a Shootout
Yaya Dillo, who was expected to run for president in May, was killed along with many others in a gun battle in the capital, the national prosecutor said.
Senegal Must Hold Election After All, Top Court Rules
The president of the West African country had postponed a coming election, but the country’s constitutional court said the vote must take place as soon as possible.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso Leave ECOWAS
The sanctions were imposed after soldiers seized power in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Thousands Flee to Sudan’s Main Seaport, Seeking Ships to Safety
Port Sudan, on the Red Sea, has been overwhelmed by people fleeing the violence and scrambling to join an evacuation to Saudi Arabia.
Peter Obi, Third-Party Candidate in Nigeria Election, Refuses to Concede
Peter Obi was until recently a secondary player in Nigerian politics. By switching parties and appealing to the digitally savvy, he overturned the old order.