Stories from Dakar · Senegal

Emmanuel Macron acknowledged in 2024 that a massacre occurred in 1993. The event reportedly resulted in between 200 and 300 soldiers being killed.

The Supreme Court of Senegal has granted provisional liberty to Mayor and Deputy Farba Hongom. Hongom, an associate of former President Macky Sall, had been in pretrial detention since February 2025. He faces charges including incitement and fraud.

Senegalese justice authorities have ordered the release of Farba Ngom, a deputy close to former President Macky Sall.

Coalition leaders criticized a proposed electoral law introduced by the Pastef party, citing a lack of consultation with the opposition and rushed procedures. The coalition argues the reform focuses too narrowly on the eligibility of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Members of the coalition stated that while the principle of preventing judicial interference in candidate eligibility was previously accepted, the current method is flawed. The coalition is now supporting an alternative modification to the electoral code released by the executive branch. This alternative text excludes the principle of retroactivity found in article 2 of the Pastef bill. A public law professor suggested that the principle of retroactivity could be censored if the Constitutional Council is seized. The report was filed by Pauline Neutroquiez in Dakar.

Energy shortages are causing disruptions in the metropolis of Dakar, which has a population of 10 million. A textile manufacturer reported traffic congestion caused by the shortage. Long queues have formed at gas stations, with lines extending at least half a kilometer. To conserve electricity, local businesses and government authorities have begun closing earlier.

A new finger-based medical test that does not require laboratory equipment is expected to see initial study results in the coming months. The test will be mass-produced in a Senegalese factory currently being set up. Partners such as Médecins Sans Frontières intend to distribute the test to remote areas. This version of the test is designed for high portability in field settings. Initial study results for the test are expected within the next few months. The device is intended to be highly portable for field use. A factory in Dakar is set to produce new rapid diagnostic tests for epidemic diseases. These tests will target illnesses such as meningococcal meningitis and yellow fever. The technology aims to address diseases that cause ongoing deaths globally, particularly across the African continent. The development was discussed by Thidiane Dianne of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar.

A faction of the presidential majority in Senegal has expressed opposition to a proposed bill. The source did not specify which members of the majority are opposing the project. The executive's proposal excludes the principle of retroactivity introduced in the PASTEF party's bill. Coalition leader Hiting stated the provision is contrary to the right to supremacy. The text was made public on Monday. The Senegalese executive released a new proposal to modify the electoral code. However, the new proposal is reportedly contrary to the right of oversight, according to coalition leaders. The coalition leadership maintains that the new text violates the right to oversight. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye intends to maintain control over the PASSEF, which is currently dominated by Ousmane Sonko.

Samuel Ndiakwa will exhibit his photography at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar until June. The exhibition is part of a feature by Juliette Dubois. Works by the late Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Saut have been on display at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar since April 25. The exhibition is scheduled to run for a duration of three years. The Minister of Culture, Amadou Ba, has addressed the matter of reparations regarding the works. The works were recently restored following surface deposits caused by construction and sea breezes. The exhibition follows the closure of the house.

A young Dakar resident reported increasing violence against the homosexual community in Senegal. Prison sentences for members of the community have been doubled, according to the report.

Senegalese striker Papiss Cissé is the leading African goalscorer across Europe's five major leagues for the 2026 calendar year. Radio Foot Euro consultant Mangara stated the player's form is expected to be rewarded at the end of the season. Cissé is expected to join the Senegal national team for upcoming matches in the United States in less than two months. The player is currently described as the best Senegalese attacker and is under contract until June 30. Several foreign clubs are reportedly interested in his profile. His current contract is set to expire on June 30.