On the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, French President Emmanuel Macron officially recognized the event as a massacre, marking a significant step in acknowledging the brutal killing of hundreds of Senegalese soldiers by French forces in 1944. However, questions remain about the exact number of victims and the full extent of French culpability, reigniting tensions between France and Senegal.
The second round of African Cup of Nations qualifiers saw mixed results for heavyweight contenders. Ghana drew with Niger, while Morocco and Senegal secured narrow victories. Meanwhile, Angola, DR Congo, and Uganda continued their strong starts to the campaign.
Senegal’s new President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is facing a political crisis just six months into his term. The feud with the parliament, controlled by his predecessor’s party, over the appointment of a Prime Minister has led to a stalemate. The country also faces economic challenges, including high national debt and youth unemployment, which casts a shadow over Faye’s promises of reform.
Senegal, a newly established oil producer, has formed a commission to review and potentially renegotiate existing oil and gas contracts, aiming to ensure they are more beneficial to the country’s interests. The move comes after the new government criticized previous agreements as unfavorable, emphasizing the need for a fair share of the profits from the nation’s natural resources.
Senegal has achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, from California. This achievement marks Senegal as one of only 12 African nations with their own surveillance and telecommunications satellites in space, showcasing the country’s commitment to technological advancement.
Senegal has implemented voluntary Covid-19 screening tests and reimposed mask-wearing at Dakar’s airport for returning Hajj pilgrims. The move comes after concerns over a respiratory syndrome that may have contributed to deaths among pilgrims in Mecca. While 78 rapid tests showed positive for Covid-19, authorities urge vigilance and calm to prevent an epidemic.
Senegal’s newly appointed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for a renewed partnership with the European Union (EU) that focuses on mutual benefit and supports Senegal’s development goals.
