AGP Executive Report

WAFCON Focus: Kenya’s Harambee Starlets are regrouping after a 4-0 loss to hosts Morocco, with goalkeeper Lilian Awuor urging belief ahead of a must-win clash against Senegal on Thursday. UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council will hold secret, informal “straw poll” ballots on Thursday to gauge support for seven candidates to replace António Guterres, including Senegal’s Macky Sall. Senegal-Mali Security Talks: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has arrived in Mali for discussions with junta leader Assimi Goïta on security, military cooperation, and freight links via the port of Dakar. Trade & Infrastructure: DP World says it has completed dredging at the Port of Ndayane 13 months early, pushing Senegal’s US$1.2bn deep-water project toward a 2028 target. Sports Tech Debate: UEFA has set shared rules for VAR use in 2026/27, pushing back against FIFA’s approach after refereeing controversies at the World Cup.

Port & Trade: DP World says it has finished dredging at Senegal’s Port of Ndayane 13 months early, completing a 5-km channel and berth pocket for the US$1.2bn deep-water project, with over 1,000 workers now on site and the next marine/civil phases set to speed up toward a 2028 completion. Regional Diplomacy: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye begins his second visit to Mali as ECOWAS chair, meeting junta leader Assimi Goïta in Bamako to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Governance & Data: ECOWAS pushes evidence-based governance in Dakar, urging national statistics agencies to harmonize methods and improve data quality to guide policy and integration. Health: UNAIDS warns HIV progress is fragile as funding cuts threaten prevention and community services, even as countries like Kenya report major reductions in new infections. Sports (Senegal): Senegal’s Diomaye Faye launches his new Kiiraay party in Dakar after a split with Sonko’s camp, while WAFCON continues to dominate the football agenda, with Senegal’s wider regional matchups and legal battles still in focus. Border Tensions: Senegal-Gambia border demarcation remains urgent after reports of military activity and calls for a legal and technical framework.

Senegal Politics: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a new party, Kiiraay—Republican Patriots, formalizing his break with Ousmane Sonko and the ruling Pastef amid a wider political split. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Türkiye’s Erdoğan spoke by phone with Faye, stressing trade targets and pushing deeper investment and defence cooperation. WAFCON Focus: Senegal’s women’s campaign is in the spotlight after Algeria beat Senegal 2-0 in the opening day, while Morocco began with a 4-0 win over Kenya—setting up a high-stakes next round. Sports Transfers: Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye is drawing major European interest as Premier League clubs probe PSG’s winger, while Nashville SC signed Senegalese midfielder Famara Camara. Health & Policy: Africa CDC released a practical hepatitis B toolkit aimed at improving screening and treatment across African health facilities. Economy & Trade: U.S. Wheat Associates says wheat exports to Sub-Saharan Africa jumped 138%, with Senegal flagged as a growth market. Border Tensions: Reports from The Gambia’s Central River Region allege Senegalese troops ordered farmers to stop cultivating disputed land.

Senegal Politics: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has formally launched his new party, Kiiraay (“The Republican Patriots”), deepening his split with Ousmane Sonko as Senegal navigates a major debt crisis. WAFCON Focus: Senegal’s women’s team is back in action after a tough start in Morocco; Algeria beat Senegal 2-0 in the opener, while hosts Morocco crushed Kenya 4-0—setting up a must-win for Senegal in Group A. Legal/Football Governance: Senegal’s AFCON 2025 title fight is headed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a hearing set for October after CAF stripped the Teranga Lions’ crown. International Spotlight: Turkey’s Erdoğan spoke by phone with Senegal’s Faye, discussing trade and defense industry cooperation. Global Watch: The ICC is scrambling for a new prosecutor after Karim Khan’s dismissal, as more states begin withdrawal processes. Business/Telecom: Sonatel reported H1 growth, with revenues up 9% and EBITDA nearly 12%.

WAFCON Focus: Algeria kicked off the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a 2-0 win over Senegal in Rabat, with Marine Dafeur converting a VAR-backed penalty and Melissa Bethi sealing it late after a Senegal goalkeeper error. Politics: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a new party, Kiiraay (“protection/shield” in Wolof), formally replacing his Diomaye Président coalition and signaling a deeper split with former ally Ousmane Sonko, whose Pastef party he once led alongside. UN Watch: Veteran Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu entered the race to become the next UN secretary-general, joining a crowded field that includes Senegal’s Macky Sall, as debates and behind-the-scenes voting preparations intensify. Football Transfers: PSG’s Senegalese winger Ibrahim Mbaye is drawing major interest, with reports of enquiries from Tottenham and others, while PSG’s asking price is pegged at around €50m+; Mbaye has also publicly denied claims about demands from his family. Regional Sports Business: CAF’s WAFCON broadcast deal with CANAL+ will air all 34 matches live across Sub-Saharan Africa via SuperSport platforms.

Senegal Politics: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched his new party, Kiiraay – The Republican Patriots, formally sealing his break with former ally Ousmane Sonko and PASTEF, as defections from the ruling camp reshape the political landscape ahead of next year’s local polls. Women’s Football: Senegal opens the WAFCON 2026 in Morocco against Algeria, with the tournament also acting as Africa’s route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup—the top four semi-finalists qualify automatically. Sports Law: Senegal’s AFCON title fight continues as CAS sets an October 8 hearing for the appeal over the 2025 final dispute with Morocco. Youth Olympics Prep: With Dakar 2026 approaching, organisers say venue works are largely complete and preparations are entering a decisive phase for the first Olympic event on African soil. Global Diplomacy: Senegal’s Macky Sall remains among UN Secretary-General contenders, while Uganda’s Olara Otunnu has just joined the race.

Politics: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially launched a new party, Kiiraay (Republican Patriots), cementing his break with former ally and ex-prime minister Ousmane Sonko, setting up a fresh power struggle as the country navigates a major debt crisis. Sports—AFCON dispute: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has set Oct. 8, 2026 in Lausanne for Senegal’s appeal over the 2025 AFCON final, after CAF stripped Senegal of the title and awarded Morocco a 3-0 win. Women’s football—WAFCON: Algeria and Senegal open WAFCON Morocco 2026 in a historic Group A clash, while SuperSport will broadcast all 34 matches live across Sub-Saharan Africa. Local economy: Senegal’s Pink Lake (Lake Retba) is regaining its rosy hue after years of disruption, with salt extraction and tourism slowly restarting.

AFCON Legal Battle: Senegal’s appeal to get its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title back will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8 in Lausanne, behind closed doors, after CAF stripped the trophy following a stoppage-time protest in the final against Morocco. Women’s Football Build-Up: As the Women’s AFCON kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, Senegal’s opening match is set against Algeria, while Morocco coach Jorge Vilda says his “Lionesses” will fight “until the very end.” Energy Focus: Ghana’s energy minister Jinapor told a forum in Accra that financing is the biggest barrier to unlocking Africa’s energy potential, urging coordinated investment and deeper regional power trade. Sports Transfers (Senegal links): West Ham rejected a bid for Senegal left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, insisting he is not for sale, while Senegal striker Cheikh Ibrahima Touré has signed for Tanzania’s Yanga. World Stage: The ICC removed chief prosecutor Karim Khan, raising fresh questions about the future of the Palestine investigation.

AFCON Title Fight: Senegal’s appeal over being stripped of the 2025 AFCON title will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8 in Lausanne, behind closed doors, after CAF ruled Senegal forfeited the final against Morocco following a stoppage-time penalty controversy; CAS says no verdict is expected immediately. WAFCON 2026 Spotlight: The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco kicks off Sunday, with Senegal vs Algeria in the opening fixtures, and broadcasters lined up to air the tournament across Africa and beyond. Senegal in Club Football: Tanzanian champions Yanga have signed Senegalese striker Cheikh Ibrahima Touré on a two-year deal, adding to their push for domestic and CAF Champions League success. Diaspora/Immigration Watch: Canada reports 175 asylum claims linked to 2026 World Cup visitor approvals, including about 10 from Senegal.

AFCON Title Appeal: Senegal’s bid to regain the 2025 AFCON trophy has a firm date: the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear the case on October 8 in Lausanne, behind closed doors, after Senegal was stripped of the title following chaotic scenes in Rabat against Morocco. Sports Leadership: Senegal is also reportedly in talks to appoint Patrick Vieira as head coach, after the sacking of Pape Thiaw following a World Cup exit in the Round of 32. Digital Economy: A new report by PhotonPay highlights how payment fragmentation still slows cross-border business in Africa, noting Senegal as a standout for higher digital payment usage. Food Security: FAO data says hunger across Africa fell for the first time in nearly a decade, with fewer people facing moderate or severe food insecurity in 2025. UN Politics: Senegal’s Macky Sall is among six candidates seeking the next UN secretary-general, pitching plans to restore trust in the world body amid global crises.

UN Secretary-General Race: Six candidates, including Senegal’s Macky Sall, faced a UN General Assembly town hall in New York as the selection process nears amid a deep budget and trust crisis. ICC Crisis: Member states are set to vote on removing Karim Khan as chief prosecutor after serious misconduct allegations; Senegal is among those backing him. Senegal in Regional Leadership: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was reported to have been elected ECOWAS chair, underscoring the country’s growing role in West African diplomacy. Senegal in Sports: FIFA rankings keep Senegal as Africa’s second-ranked team despite a global slip, while Al-Hilal’s Kalidou Koulibaly returned to training after a thigh medical. Economy & Energy: A report says Senegal attracted about $1.8bn in clean-energy investment (2023–2025), with solar leading across the region. Culture: Senegal is represented in the RFI Theatre Prize shortlist, with Abdou Abou Gueye among the finalists.

UN Secretary-General Race: Six candidates, including Senegal’s Macky Sall, will face a televised 90-minute debate at the UN General Assembly Hall on Thursday, ahead of Security Council voting to replace António Guterres. Ebola Update: A fast-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has surpassed 1,000 deaths, with officials racing to contain a virus that has no approved vaccine or treatment. Senegal Youth Olympics: Dakar is set to host the Youth Olympic Games starting 31 October—Africa’s first Olympic event—spreading competitions across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. CAF Football Legal Watch: CAF says it’s still waiting for the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on the disputed 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal. WAFCON 2026 Preview: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on Sunday with Senegal in the 16-team field; CAF has increased the winners’ prize to $2m. World Cup Spotlight (Senegal): Ismaila Sarr says he wants the 2026 CAF African Player of the Year award after a standout World Cup and Conference League success.

ECOWAS Leadership: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken over as ECOWAS chair, succeeding Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio, as West Africa navigates security and regional unity pressures. Women’s Football & WAFCON: CAF has raised WAFCON Morocco 2026 prize money and participation fees, with the champions set for $2m and Senegal in Group A alongside Morocco, Algeria and Kenya. Environment & Trade: A new EJF investigation alleges Dakar is a gateway for illegal shark fin trade tied to Chinese and Taiwanese distant-water tuna fleets, citing port calls and weak inspections. Sports Talent & Transfers: Senegalese winger Ibrahim Mbaye is reportedly on Aston Villa’s radar after Morgan Rogers’ move to Chelsea, while Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye remains a hot target after his World Cup impact. Border Tensions: Farmers along the Gambia–Senegal border say they’ve abandoned fields due to renewed military activity and uncertainty over the boundary. Digital Cooperation: China’s World Internet Conference Digital Silk Road forum in Xi’an highlights intelligence-driven connectivity and cross-border digital collaboration.

Senegal-ECOWAS Diplomacy: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected ECOWAS Chairman, as regional leaders push deeper unity and security cooperation. AFCON 2025 Legal Storm: CAF President Patrice Motsepe says the Morocco–Senegal AFCON 2025 title dispute is now fully in the hands of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with Senegal’s federation having appealed after the title was stripped. World Cup Afterglow for Africa: Motsepe hailed Africa’s record 2026 World Cup showing, with nine of 10 African teams reaching the Round of 32, praising Senegal among the standouts. WAFCON Boost: CAF increased prize money for WAFCON 2026, with winners set to receive $2m, as the tournament kicks off in Morocco. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR reports 144 migrants dead or missing off Mauritania, with hundreds rescued, underscoring the deadly Europe route. Pink Lake Update: Senegal’s Pink Lake salt trade is reviving as workers return after years of disruption. Anti-LGBT Crackdown: Police arrested the daughter of anti-LGBT activist Mame Makhtar Guèye on drug and lesbianism charges, amid wider repression concerns.

ECOWAS Leadership Shift: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken over as ECOWAS chair after Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio, while Gen. Birame Diop (rtd) was appointed ECOWAS Commission president for 2026–2030, as the bloc also reaffirmed plans for the ECO single currency in 2027. UN SG Bid: Senegal formally endorsed former President Macky Sall for UN secretary-general, ordering government and missions to mobilize support for his campaign. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR says nearly 150 migrants died or went missing in separate boat incidents off Mauritania, including a Gambia-to-Canary Islands case and a Senegal departure, underscoring the deadly Atlantic route. Food Security Watch: A UN report says global hunger fell for a third straight year in 2025, but climate shocks and trade disruptions could slow progress. World Cup Aftershocks: Senegal’s conduct at AFCON and World Cup fair-play rankings drew attention, while global travel searches surged for some African World Cup countries like Cape Verde.

ECOWAS Leadership & Integration: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected ECOWAS chair as leaders in Freetown reaffirmed plans for the ECO single currency in 2027 and approved new appointments across ECOWAS institutions for 2026–2030. Regional Energy Push: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline, a 6,000km project expected to link 13 countries including Senegal to European markets. Senegal UN Bid: Senegal will fully back Macky Sall’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General, with the government and diplomats tasked to mobilize support. Border Tensions: Senegalese and Gambian officials are urged toward de-escalation after the Bulock military post fence demolition, with calls for a joint boundary commission and clearer demarcation. Human Rights & Politics: Senegal’s human rights defenders fear a draft bill on political finances could extend restrictions on foreign funding to civil society, including rights groups. Food Security: A UN/FAO report says global hunger fell for the third straight year, but Africa remains the hardest hit, with climate and trade risks still looming. World Cup Aftershocks: FIFA released an assessment of African World Cup performances, with Tunisia flagged as worst and Cape Verde highlighted as a surprise success.