Sénégal: who stands to gain from the political rupture?

A deepening executive crisis in Sénégal has reached a turning point after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Ousmane Sonko from his post as Prime Minister. With the Pastef party—led by the former PM—holding a dominant majority in the National Assembly, the head of state faces a new political landscape. The question now is: who emerges stronger from this confrontation—Diomaye or Sonko?

Sénégal: analyzing the fallout of the political split

Months of escalating tensions within Sénégal’s executive branch culminated in the unexpected removal of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister. The move by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has reshaped the political balance of power, as the Pastef party—once led by Sonko—remains the Assembly’s dominant force. With this new dynamic, the President must navigate a delicate equilibrium. The critical question remains: will Diomaye consolidate his leadership, or will Sonko retain influence despite his departure from office?

Analysis by Léa-Lisa Westerhoff, permanent RFI correspondent in Dakar.

Ukraine war: decoding Russia’s hypersonic ‘Orechnik’ missile

In a recent overnight assault, Russia deployed nearly 600 drones and 90 missiles, including the Orechnik—a hypersonic weapon President Putin has touted as ‘invincible.’ Designed to evade modern defense systems, its use has sparked global concern. Is this a calculated display of strength, or a shift in Moscow’s offensive strategy? The implications for European security are profound.

Insights from Franck Alexandre, RFI defense and security specialist.

Chad: can Succès Masra secure a presidential pardon?

Chad’s Supreme Court has dealt a severe blow to former Prime Minister Succès Masra, upholding his 20-year prison sentence on charges of ‘racist and xenophobic messaging,’ ‘criminal association,’ and ‘complicity in murder.’ The verdict, now final, leaves few legal avenues for appeal. Yet, hope lingers in political circles: could a presidential pardon or amnesty offer a resolution? Claudia Hoinathy, Vice President of the Transformateurs party, insists a ‘political solution’ must be found. But is clemency possible under current circumstances?

Reporting by Nadia Ben Mahfoudh, RFI correspondent in N’Djamena.

EU energy dilemma: why is Europe still importing Russian gas?

Despite sanctions and pledges to reduce reliance, the European Union has increased Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by 16% in the first quarter of 2026—the highest level since 2022. France tops the list of importers. What economic or geopolitical factors are driving this persistence? With the EU aiming to fully phase out Russian gas by autumn 2027, is this timeline realistic?

Analysis by Nicolas Feldmann, RFI economics journalist.