Sénégal, Middle East tensions and FIFA World Cup 2026

The political landscape in Sénégal is shifting as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye navigates turbulent waters. With the recent establishment of his presidential party and the constitutional reform bill—once championed by his former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the Pastef parliamentary majority—struck down by the Constitutional Council, Faye’s strategy faces a critical test. Can his maneuvers unite a divided opposition and sway public opinion in his favor?

Meanwhile, the global stage is not without its own challenges. Escalating hostilities in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, have reached a boiling point. Following a fresh wave of retaliatory strikes, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire “over,” dismissing negotiations with Tehran as a “waste of time.” His remarks suggest the specter of further U.S. military intervention looms large, leaving the region on edge. Is this the prelude to a broader conflict?

This week’s edition of Le Débat Africain brings together a panel of distinguished African journalists to dissect these pressing issues. The roundtable features:

• Wuldath Mama, a Beninese journalist renowned for her insights on international affairs;
• Eric Topona, a Chadian journalist with the Deutsche Welle Africa francophone desk;
• François Hiondi Nkam, a veteran reporter and Head of the Economy desk at Le Jour, a leading Cameroonian daily.