Senegal’s political shifts and global tensions under scrutiny

This week’s discussion examines the evolving political landscape in Senegal alongside escalating conflicts in the Middle East and the implications for the 2026 World Cup.

As Senegal grapples with significant political developments, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. The recent establishment of a presidential party and the constitutional reform overturned by the Constitutional Council—spearheaded by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef majority in the National Assembly—have set the stage for a critical phase in President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s tenure. Will this strategic maneuver succeed in bridging divides with the opposition and rallying public opinion?

The Middle East remains a powder keg, with tensions between Iran and regional actors intensifying. Recent retaliatory strikes and counter-strikes have prompted a stark warning from the United States, with Donald Trump declaring that the ceasefire is “over.” His dismissal of negotiations with Tehran as a “waste of time” signals a potential escalation in military operations. Is the region on the brink of another major conflict?

This week, a panel of African journalists dissects these pressing issues:

• Wuldath Mama, Beninese journalist specializing in international affairs
• Eric Topona, Chadian journalist at the Deutsche Welle French Africa desk
• François Hiondi Nkam, Senior reporter and head of the Economics desk at Cameroon’s *Le Jour* newspaper