LeBron James, at 39, prepares for his first Olympics in 12 years, reflecting on his journey from a hesitant teenager to a global basketball ambassador. His influence has significantly contributed to the international popularity of basketball, with fans worldwide admiring his talent and personal story. As he leads the U.S. men's basketball team in the Paris Games, his presence continues to market the sport effectively.

Ruth Maclean, the West Africa bureau chief for The New York Times, covers 25 countries from her base in Senegal, focusing on daily life, culture, politics, and conflicts. With a background in journalism from the UK and extensive experience in West Africa since 2016, she is dedicated to ethical journalism and improving media coverage of Africa. She has previously worked for The Guardian and The Times of London.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a 44-year-old tax inspector, has been elected as Senegal's youngest president, riding a wave of youth discontent. His journey from a small village to the presidency includes a stint in jail for supporting opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Faye's background is rooted in Senegalese traditions and Islamic faith, with a family history of political activism. His election campaign, closely tied to Sonko, emphasized Senegal's sovereignty from France and transparency in politics. Faye's relatable background and commitment to social justice have resonated with many Senegalese citizens.

Senegal is holding a presidential election that was almost canceled by the incumbent president, Macky Sall, who later reversed his decision. The election is seen as a chance for significant political and economic change, especially among the youth. Key figures include opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and his candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who have garnered strong support from young voters. The election is marked by high turnout and a sense of relief that it is proceeding. The country faces challenges such as poverty and unemployment, and the outcome may impact foreign investment and economic progress.

Two opposition politicians, Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, were released from jail in Senegal just 10 days before a nationwide election. Their release led to celebrations in Dakar. The incumbent president, Macky Sall, had previously canceled the election citing corruption allegations but reversed his decision following backlash. Sall confirmed he would step down after his term ends, maintaining Senegal's democratic stance amidst regional instability.

Senegal's Parliament voted to delay elections until December following a contentious session where opposition lawmakers were expelled. President Macky Sall's decision to postpone the election, initially set for February 25, has been condemned as a power grab. The government took measures to prevent protests, including cutting internet access and deploying security forces. Despite some isolated protests, the streets of Dakar remained largely quiet. Critics argue that the postponement is a manufactured crisis to extend Sall's presidency.

Senegal's President Macky Sall has indefinitely postponed the national election, citing a dispute between the legislative and judicial branches. Critics, including Amnesty International's Ousmane Diallo, accuse him of orchestrating a coup to halt the electoral process. The controversy centers around the disqualification of candidates with dual nationality, notably Karim Wade, leading to allegations of judicial corruption and a manufactured crisis.

Moustapha Diouf, a Senegalese migrant who witnessed the deaths of 10 fellow migrants at sea, has dedicated his life to dissuading others from making the perilous journey to Europe. Despite his efforts through the nonprofit AJRAP, which he co-founded, and his attempts to seek support from high-profile figures, including the Senegalese president and the European Union, he faces significant challenges. The resurgence of migration attempts, driven by economic hardship and lack of local opportunities, underscores the ongoing crisis. Diouf's story highlights the dire situation in Senegal, where young people feel compelled to migrate despite the dangers, and the insufficient support from both local and international authorities.

The article discusses the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, including the Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED) by Cellebrite, at the border between Senegal and Mauritania. These tools, funded by the European Union, are part of a broader strategy to prevent West Africans from migrating to Europe. German MEP Cornelia Ernst and her Dutch counterpart Tineke Strik, concerned about the erosion of fundamental human rights, embarked on a fact-finding mission in West Africa. They discovered that the EU, through its border and coast guard agency Frontex, is attempting to extend its border control into African nations, raising concerns about the potential for abuse and lack of oversight. The article also highlights the EU's investment of billions in anti-migration projects in Africa, which have been criticized for their lack of transparency and potential misuse, particularly in countries with weak democratic safeguards. The EU's policies are seen as contributing to the erosion of fundamental rights, national sovereignty, and local economies in African countries.

A recent incident at a beach in Dakar, Senegal, involved a wooden fishing boat, known as a pirogue, which was carrying migrants aiming to reach Spain. The boat encountered a tragic accident, hitting underwater rocks and resulting in at least 16 fatalities. The incident occurred early on July 24 and was marked by the boat being chased by patrol vessels from Spain and Senegal in the dark. The account of the chase was confirmed by a witness present on the beach and the leader of a local aid group who has communicated with survivors. The deputy mayor of the area also acknowledged the pursuit in an interview.

A boat accident off the coast of Senegal, involving migrants being pursued by patrol vessels from Spain and Senegal, resulted in multiple deaths. Eyewitnesses and local officials confirmed the pursuit, while Spanish authorities denied direct involvement. The incident highlights the dangers of irregular migration and raises questions about the effectiveness and consequences of increased patrols. Local aid groups express concerns that aggressive efforts to curb migration may lead to more dangerous situations. The tragedy underscores the broader issues of climate change and overfishing driving people to migrate.

Senegal's government has dissolved the main opposition party and detained its leader, Ousmane Sonko, leading to deadly protests with two fatalities. Interior Minister Antoine Felix Abdoulaye Diome reported additional deaths and injuries from an attack involving Molotov cocktails in Dakar. Sonko, mayor of Ziguinchor and a former tax inspector, has been a vocal critic of President Macky Sall, calling for protests and the president's removal. The government has responded by restricting internet service, motorcycle traffic, and attributing violence and property damage to the opposition party.

Senegal is experiencing turmoil following clashes between police and opposition supporters, resulting in at least 16 deaths. The victims, including a tailor, a baker, and a student, suffered fatal gunshot wounds, leading to suspicions of police firing on protesters. The unrest stems from growing frustration with President Macky Sall's government, particularly regarding youth unemployment and alleged corruption. Sall's ambiguity over a third-term bid, which may be unconstitutional, has also fueled discontent. Despite Sall commending the security forces' professionalism, the interior minister has suggested foreign influence in the riots and justified the police's actions as restrained.

A court in Senegal sentenced opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for 'corrupting youth,' sparking widespread protests and clashes with security forces. The ruling, which bars Sonko from running in future elections, has thrown the country's political future into uncertainty. Sonko, who was acquitted of rape charges, cannot appeal the conviction as he did not appear in court. His lawyer criticized the judiciary as being politically influenced, while the justice minister stated that Sonko could be arrested at any time.

The article tells the harrowing story of a perilous migration journey from Senegal to the Canary Islands undertaken by four brothers from the village of Fass Boye. Adama and Moussa Sarr, along with two cousins, embarked on a traditional fishing canoe, a pirogue, with 101 people. They faced starvation, dehydration, and death during their five-week ordeal at sea. The journey, which was supposed to take five to six days, turned tragic as food and water ran out, and many passengers died. The survivors were eventually rescued by a Spanish fishing vessel, but not before Moussa and two of their cousins had perished. The article highlights the desperation and risks that drive many young Senegalese to undertake such dangerous voyages due to poverty and lack of opportunities at home, exacerbated by government policies and social pressures. It also touches on the broader issue of migration and the invisible shipwrecks that often go unrecorded on this perilous route.

Modou Fall, known as the 'Plastic Man,' is an environmental activist in Senegal who dresses in a suit made entirely of plastic to raise awareness about plastic pollution. During the annual marathon in Dakar, he uses the event to promote his cause, educating the public on the dangers of plastic waste. Despite Senegal's 2020 ban on certain plastic products, the country struggles with enforcement, leading to significant plastic pollution. Fall founded the organization Senegal Propre to combat this issue, organizing clean-up campaigns and community meetings to reduce plastic use. His efforts have garnered local recognition and support.

A new bridge across the Gambia River has significantly reduced travel time for long-distance truck drivers in West Africa, exemplified by Cheikh Oumar Tamba's journey from Dakar to southern Senegal. The infrastructure project has eliminated one of the region's major traffic bottlenecks, improving the transportation of goods and positively impacting people's lives.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, is on a 10-day tour across Africa to counter Russia’s narrative and explain Ukraine’s position to African leaders. In Senegal, he encountered prevalent Russian viewpoints and aims to present 'Ukrainian truths.' The success of his efforts in swaying African leaders and populations remains uncertain.

Burkina Faso faces further uncertainty after a military coup, the second in eight months, with ousted president Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba refusing to step down and warning of potential conflict. The new leader, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, has accused France of supporting Damiba's potential counterattack, leading to tensions and protests in the capital, Ouagadougou. This situation threatens to destabilize the region, already struggling with violent extremist attacks and humanitarian crises.

The Joola ferry disaster, which occurred on September 26, 2002, in Senegal, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,900 people, making it the second deadliest maritime wreck in peacetime. Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, no one has been held accountable, and the event remains relatively unknown outside of Senegal. The ferry, designed to carry a maximum of 580 passengers, was severely overcrowded, and only 64 people survived. The article highlights the lack of accountability and the tendency to blame uncontrollable forces for the disaster.

The article discusses the daily routine of commuters in Dakar, focusing on the peak hours at train stations. It highlights that most people in Dakar finish their workday at 6 p.m., leading to crowded stations as everyone tries to head home. The cycle repeats with commuters returning the following day for another train ride, indicating a discussion on the public transportation system and its usage during rush hours.

Ivory Coast, the world's largest cocoa producer, is attempting to enhance its economy by moving beyond exporting raw cocoa beans to producing and selling cocoa-based products domestically and internationally. This shift aims to increase revenue, create jobs, and reduce the national poverty rate. Local ventures like Choco+ are emerging, and the Ivorian government plans to invest in the industry's transformation. Despite challenges such as low yields, price drops, and the physical toll on farmers, there is a sense of national pride in cocoa production. The government's investment and local marketing efforts, which highlight cocoa's health benefits, are part of a strategy to increase domestic consumption and retain more of the cocoa industry's global revenue within the country.

In central Mali's Moura, during a market day before Ramadan, helicopters dropped soldiers to block exits while pursuing Islamist militants. The soldiers, including Malians and white foreigners in military fatigues speaking neither English nor French, were believed to be part of the Wagner Group, a Russian military contractor. The operation resulted in a massacre.

In Moura, Mali, Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries executed hundreds of men, looted houses, and committed human rights abuses over five days. The attack targeted Islamist militants but resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Satellite imagery confirmed mass graves, and the death toll is estimated between 300 and 400. The Malian military and Wagner Group's actions have been denounced internationally, and the EU has imposed sanctions on individuals connected to Wagner. The UN has reported an increase in human rights violations by the Malian military since collaborating with Wagner. The abuses fit a pattern seen in other countries where Wagner mercenaries operate. Despite the Malian authorities' denial of Wagner's presence, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov acknowledged their commercial security services in Mali. The incidents have eroded trust in the government among locals, with some fearing that the mercenaries are more dangerous than the jihadists.

In March, a massacre occurred in Moura, Mali, involving Malian soldiers and foreign operatives identified as members of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner. The operation targeted Islamist militants but resulted in significant civilian casualties. The presence of Wagner, known for its controversial activities, highlights Russia's growing influence in the region and raises concerns about human rights violations.

Aliou Cissé, the coach of Senegal's national soccer team, has led the team to significant victories, including winning the Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar. His leadership has instilled a sense of pride and unity among Senegalese people, making soccer a barometer of national sentiment. Cissé's success as a former professional player turned coach has proven that local talent can achieve great things, fostering national pride and patriotism.

France announced the withdrawal of its troops from Mali, ending a nine-year mission that failed to eliminate terrorist threats and strained relations with Mali's military rulers. The decision, influenced by Mali's pivot to Russia for support, marks a significant geopolitical shift and a symbolic retreat of French influence in Africa. The move comes ahead of French presidential elections, with the government aiming to avoid parallels to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In Guinea-Bissau, a military coup appeared imminent as gunfire erupted near the presidential palace and military trucks were seen racing through the streets. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló vanished but later reemerged, announcing he had foiled an attack against democracy, which resulted in the death of many security forces and the arrest of others. The coup attempt, which Embaló linked to drug trafficking, aimed to assassinate him, the prime minister, and the cabinet. This event marks a continuation of the country's history of coups since its independence from Portugal 48 years ago.

In Dakar, Senegal, during the city's annual marathon, an environmental activist named Modou Fall drew attention by wearing an outfit made entirely of plastic. His attire, which included a multicolored cape of plastic bags and a hat made from plastic sunglasses, was not for the competition but to raise awareness about the plastic waste problem in Senegal. Fall took advantage of the marathon's popularity and media coverage to promote his cause and highlight the issue of plastic pollution that affects the country's natural beauty and environment.

Modou Fall, known as 'Plastic Man,' is on a mission to combat plastic waste in Senegal. Dressed in a costume made of plastic, he uses public events like the Dakar marathon to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution. Despite government bans on certain plastic products, enforcement remains a challenge. Fall's organization, Senegal Propre, engages in various initiatives, including recycling campaigns and community education, to mitigate the impact of plastic waste. His efforts have garnered local support and are beginning to make a noticeable difference in Dakar.

The article discusses the discomfort experienced by some individuals during Covid-19 nasal swab tests, highlighting personal accounts from different countries. Despite the discomfort, the swab test remains a crucial tool in combating the virus, with millions of tests conducted globally. The article notes variations in testing methods, such as self-administered swabs in the United States and throat swabs in South Africa.

In Senegal, the demand for Covid-19 vaccines has surged following a severe third wave of the pandemic, but supply remains critically low. Despite initial hesitancy fueled by rumors and misinformation, more Senegalese are now eager to get vaccinated. However, hospitals are running out of first doses, and there is uncertainty about when new supplies will arrive. The third wave has overwhelmed hospitals and increased burial rates, highlighting the urgent need for more vaccines.

Heavy gunfire in Conakry, Guinea, signaled a military coup as President Alpha Condé was detained by special forces. Col. Mamady Doumbouya announced the dissolution of the constitution and government, marking Guinea's third coup since 1984. This event follows recent coups in Chad and Mali, highlighting a trend of violent power shifts in West Africa. Condé's contentious third term, achieved by altering the constitution, set the stage for this upheaval.

Guinea's special forces, led by Col Mamady Doumbouya, claimed to have seized power and detained President Alpha Condé after a morning of heavy gunfire in the capital, Conakry. Doumbouya announced the dissolution of the constitution on state television, following Condé's contentious third term win, which involved a constitutional change to bypass the two-term limit. This event marks Guinea's potential third violent power transfer in West Africa within five months. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the coup, and videos on social media showed both Condé under guard and public celebrations in the streets.

Hissène Habré, former president of Chad, died at 79 while serving a life sentence in Senegal for crimes against humanity. His rule in the 1980s was marked by severe human rights abuses, including killings, torture, and sex offenses. Despite his conviction, many victims have yet to receive compensation. Habré's death does not alleviate the fear among victims, as many of his former subordinates still hold positions of power in Chad.

Hissène Habré, the former president of Chad, has died at 79 while serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity, including killings, torture, and sex crimes during his 1980s rule. His death, reportedly due to Covid-19, was confirmed by the Justice Ministry in Senegal, where he was convicted, and by his wife. Habré had been temporarily released from prison in April due to his vulnerability to the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced fashion trends worldwide, with many people prioritizing comfort over style while working from home. In Italy, knitwear became popular, while in Senegal, traditional attire remained prevalent despite economic challenges. In Brazil, flip-flops saw a surge in popularity, and in India, athleisure became the norm. French professionals balanced elegance with comfort, and in Japan, looking tidy and professional on video calls was emphasized. In Russia, local brands gained popularity as incomes shrank. The article highlights how different cultures adapted their wardrobes in response to the pandemic.

Guy-Brice Parfait Kolélas, a presidential candidate in the Republic of Congo, died of Covid-19 just hours after the election. Kolélas, who was challenging long-time President Denis Sassou Nguesso, fell ill on Friday and was evacuated to France for treatment but died en route. His death was confirmed by his campaign director during a meeting in Brazzaville.

Senegal is experiencing its most widespread protests in years, sparked by the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on rape charges. Demonstrators express broader discontent with President Macky Sall, citing economic hardship, lack of job opportunities, and perceived authoritarianism. The protests have led to violent clashes with police, resulting in at least one death. Amnesty International and other civil society groups criticize the government's actions, viewing them as attempts to eliminate political opponents. The situation underscores a deepening crisis in Senegal's democracy, with significant implications for the country's political future.

Senegal is experiencing its most widespread protests in years, driven by anger at President Macky Sall and the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who faces rape allegations. Demonstrations have erupted in Dakar and other regions, with protesters expressing frustration over job scarcity, economic hardship due to the pandemic, and perceived government incompetence. The unrest has led to violent clashes with security forces, resulting in at least one death. Amnesty International has reported on the use of live ammunition by security forces.

Diary Sow, a prominent Senegalese student who went missing in Paris, has been found safe according to Senegalese officials. Despite her being located, the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear. A letter of apology attributed to her suggests she left voluntarily, but she has not yet appeared in public. Her family in Senegal remains uncertain about her situation. The case has drawn significant attention in both Senegal and France, where she is a highly regarded student.

President Trump's erratic and unpredictable policies have strained relationships with allies and rivals alike, leaving a legacy of global uncertainty for incoming President Joe Biden. Trump's actions, including his infatuation with North Korea's leader, kowtowing to Russia's Putin, and undermining democratic values, have led to widespread relief at his departure. The domestic and international fractures he exacerbated will continue to challenge America's global influence.

Diary Sow, celebrated as Senegal's best student and currently studying in Paris, has gone missing, prompting widespread concern in both Senegal and France. The Senegalese community in France and local authorities are actively searching for her, with social media campaigns and public appeals. Sow, a symbol of hope and educational success, was last seen at her student residence in Paris. Authorities have found no signs of foul play, and the investigation is ongoing.

The arrest of Reuters cameraman Kumerra Gemechu in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, highlights the country's declining press freedom amidst the conflict with the Tigray region. Despite initial hopes for increased freedom under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, his government has been accused of using the judicial system to intimidate the press, especially after the military offensive in Tigray began on November 4. The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the arrest as an attempt to undermine press rights and citizen's right to information.

A tragic maritime accident occurred off the coast of Senegal, where an estimated 150 migrants died after their wooden boat capsized on its way to the Canary Islands. This incident is part of a recent increase in the use of the dangerous sea route around northwest Africa to reach Europe. Alarm Phone, a hotline for migrants in distress, and Senegalese firefighters reported the disaster. The Senegalese government acknowledged the rise in clandestine sea emigration and has been conducting surveillance and arresting suspected traffickers. This event follows a similar tragedy that happened less than a week prior, where at least 140 migrants perished.