The Somali presidential election of 2026 is looming on the horizon, highlighting complex political dynamics within a country whose recent history is marked by structural challenges and struggles for stability. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in office since 2022, recently expressed his indecision as to his candidacy for a second term, an element that arouses reflection on the future Somalia politics. While the country aspires to set up a more direct electoral system after decades of internal conflicts, reform expectations come up against concerns about respect for the Constitution and national unity. At the same time, economic issues, including the integration of youth into the formal economy and food security, are added to political challenges. This situation opens up a debate on the government’s ability to promote significant changes while cultivating inclusive dialogue in an environment weakened by distrust and rivalries. At the dawn of this electoral deadline, Somalia sails in a period of critical reflection which could redefine its future.
Category: Politics
The situation in Burkina Faso has a set of complex challenges that deserve special attention. Since a recent coup attempt, palpable tensions have persisted in the armed forces, fueled by internal divisions and an increasing climate of insecurity. While the military government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, seeks to strengthen his authority, demonstrations in favor of the regime are planned, testifying to a desire to mobilize popular support. However, accusations of internal conspiracies and concerns about the management of resources exacerbate uncertainties as to the loyalty of the military and the effectiveness of the new established alliances, in particular with Russian mercenaries. In addition, the rise in violence in the Sahel region raises fundamental questions about security and governance. Of a historical scale, this dynamic requires a reflection on the need for inclusive dialogue and an active commitment to the population to envisage a stable and peaceful future.
Laurent Gbagbo, former president of Côte d’Ivoire, recently announced the launch of his campaign ‘enough, it is quite’, which resonates with the growing frustrations of many Ivorians in the face of persistent socio-economic issues. Although Gbagbo faces ineligibility due to a criminal conviction, his initiative underlines a deeper discomfort within the population, felt in a context where economic growth has not systematically improved living conditions. In a political landscape marked by tensions and limited competition, this initiative not only questions the role of the former leader, but also the ability of political actors to respond to the aspirations of citizens. Thus, the debate which is committed around this campaign opens up prospects on the political future of Côte d’Ivoire and on the dialogue paths necessary to approach the challenges that arise.
Following the striking funerals of a pontificate, the gaze turns to the upcoming conclave, where 135 cardinals will have the delicate task of choosing the next pope. This millennial event has a double scope, both historical and contemporary, asking essential questions about the future orientation of the Catholic Church. This election could offer a new spiritual voice capable of responding to current challenges, such as the fight against abuses within the Church, interreligious dialogue and social and environmental concerns. In a rapidly changing world, this moment of transition invites us to a deep reflection on the mission of the Church and the type of leadership necessary to bring together the faithful while remaining relevant in contemporary debates.
The situation of Charles Blé Goudé, an emblematic figure of Ivorian policy, illustrates the complexity of the issues surrounding national and international justice in Côte d’Ivoire. Acquitled by the International Criminal Court, it remains, however, under a national conviction which hinders his participation in the next presidential elections. This case raises questions about the equity of the judicial system, the legitimacy of national decisions in the face of international verdicts, and the implications of a possible amnesty for political reconciliation. In a context still marked by the memories of past tensions, the direction that the country will take on these questions could deeply influence the political climate and public confidence in the electoral process, while highlighting the need for inclusive dialogue to build a stable future.
On April 27, in Bamako, a collective of young political actors and civil society presented a manifesto in favor of democracy, part of a Malian political context marked by instability and military governance. With this document, they express not only their opposition to the military junta in power, but also their aspiration for a return to constitutional order, highlighting the need for political plurality and freedom of expression. This manifesto raises crucial questions about how young people can contribute to a constructive political dialogue, faced with challenges such as repression or disinformation. The initiative thus seeks to catalyze collective awareness and mobilization around the defense of democratic values, while highlighting the potential obstacles that such a movement could encounter. In this dynamic, the question of the relevance and sustainability of civic engagement arises towards an inclusive future for Mali.
In the current Ivorian political landscape, questions of nationality and identity intertwine in a complex way around the figure of Tidjane Thiam, former leader of Credit Suisse and candidate of the PDCI RDA. While a court decision recently ordered its cancellation of the electoral lists, legal debates open up to the implications of his nationality, inherited from his French father. Although this may seem like a technical aspect, this situation raises broader questions about the Ivorian judicial system and the way in which identity issues can influence political debate. At the same time, other issues, such as workers’ wage inequalities in the oil sector in Chad and reflections on religious leadership after the death of Pope Francis, highlight social and economic realities that call for thoughtful attention. Together, these contexts offer the opportunity for a nuanced exploration of the dynamics that shape the African continent today.
The Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès affair, which deeply marked France in 2011 with the tragic murder of his family, continues to arouse lively interest, revealing both criminal and societal issues. While an influencer recently claimed to have found his trace in Asia, this declaration was quickly questioned by the investigators, raising questions about the relevance and ethics of contemporary media aspirations. This context brings up important themes around justice, family responsibilities and the psychological impacts of tragedies, while highlighting the role of social networks in the dissemination of often not verified news. This complexity calls for a measured reflection on the way in which the facts are publicized and on respect due to the victims and their families. In this context, it is essential to explore the implications of our curiosity and to maintain a balance between public interest and human dignity.
In an evolutionary Ivorian political landscape, Tidjane Thiam emerges as a central figure, in particular because of her exceptional career in the business world and his growing commitment on the political scene. However, his dual nationality, French and Ivorian, provokes debates that go far beyond his person. This delicate question raises questions about national identity and loyalty, particularly sensitive themes in a country that has crossed cohesion crises. While Thiam takes the reins of a party anchored in Ivorian political history, the implications of this controversy could not only influence its personal future, but also pave the way for a broader reflection on the nationality, the commitment and the diversity of identities within contemporary Ivory Coast.
In a Nigerian political context marked by persistent tensions since the return to democracy in 1999, an open letter signed by 18 influential personalities of civil society raises concerns about the possibility of a deepening of the system with single party under the presidency of Bola Tinu. These figures establish a link between the recent rallies towards the Progressive Congress (APC), the ruling party, and accusations of intimidation and coercion which could compromise the already fragile political pluralism of the country. While the government responds by evoking voluntary political reforms and choices, the situation questions the confidence of citizens in democratic institutions and highlights the need for constructive dialogue on fundamental democratic values and political inclusiveness in Nigeria.