AGP Executive Report

Global Events: Senegal will host the 2031 Games of La Francophonie, adding to Dakar’s preparations for the Youth Olympic Games, which open October 31. Debt Talks: The IMF says it is optimistic Senegal can reach an agreement with creditors, as Dakar seeks a new $2.2 billion financing programme; debt treatment remains under negotiation. Rights Concerns: Activists are urging Senegal to halt its crackdown on LGBTQ+ people ahead of the Youth Olympics. Rights groups report hundreds of arrests under the law tightened in March, including allegations of forced HIV testing. Accountability and Floods: Pastef has sought five parliamentary investigations into issues including oil and gas contracts, special funds and flood-control spending. After deadly flooding, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye ordered a technical audit of sanitation systems and called for a civil-protection strategy. Regional Partnerships: Senegal and Algeria signed 15 cooperation agreements after nearly 30 years without a meeting of their joint commission, covering sectors including energy, mining, transport and education.

Digital Push: Senegal’s telecoms minister met Groupe Univers Telecom to discuss cybersecurity, cloud services and connectivity, backing the government’s drive for digital sovereignty. Dakar is also hosting a West African meeting on shared digital infrastructure. LGBTQ+ Rights: Activists are urging Senegal to end its crackdown ahead of the October 31 Youth Olympic Games. Human Rights Watch reports at least 212 arrests and says fear of prosecution is keeping some people from HIV care. Flood Response: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has ordered an urgent sanitation audit after deadly floods and called for updated city plans and a national civil-protection strategy by November’s end. Government Oversight: Pastef has sought five parliamentary investigations, including into oil and gas contracts, flood management, special funds from 2012 to 2026 and projects financed by Banco Santander. Regional Ties: Senegal and Algeria signed 15 cooperation agreements covering energy, mining, transport and education, reviving a joint commission that had not met in 29 years. Sport: Dakar prepares to host Africa’s first Olympic event, while Senegal’s women beat Tunisia 2–0 to advance in qualifying for the 2028 Olympics. Senegal was also selected to host the 2031 Francophonie Games.

Public Funds: Ousmane Sonko has requested a parliamentary inquiry into special funds at three public institutions from 2012 to 2026; the National Assembly’s bureau must first decide whether the proposal is admissible. Algeria Ties: Senegal and Algeria signed 15 agreements after their joint commission met for the first time in nearly 30 years, opening a renewed push for cooperation on economic and energy priorities. Francophonie Games: Senegal will host the 2031 Games of La Francophonie, adding a major sporting and cultural event to its calendar five years after the Dakar Youth Olympics. Rights and Health: Human Rights Watch reports hundreds of arrests in an anti-LGBT crackdown, including non-consensual HIV testing of detainees; the group says fear is also keeping some people from health services. Digital Links: Dakar hosted a regional meeting to develop a shared strategy for West Africa’s digital backbone infrastructure. Fishing: Senegal’s industrial fishing sector contracted 5.5% in the second quarter, as industrial catches plunged and concerns grew over depleted fish stocks and food security.

Algeria Ties: Senegal’s Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang joined Algeria’s sixth joint cooperation commission in Algiers, nearly 30 years after the previous session. Both governments said they want to turn renewed ties into practical projects and deeper exchanges. LGBT Rights: Human Rights Watch condemned Senegal’s crackdown, citing reports of more than 200 arrests, non-consensual HIV testing and obstacles to legal representation. The group warned fear is keeping some people from HIV care. Digital Infrastructure: Dakar is hosting West African officials to set up a regional backbone network and coordinate investment in connectivity. Air Travel: Air Sénégal workers warn of flight disruptions from October 15 over a claimed 31-billion-CFA-franc debt to Blaise-Diagne airport operator LAS. Fishing: Industrial fishing contracted 5.5% in the second quarter as catches plunged 32.9%, deepening concerns over depleted stocks and food security.

Rights: Human Rights Watch says Senegal’s crackdown on LGBT people has involved more than 200 arrests, forced HIV tests and obstacles to legal representation; it warns fear is keeping people from HIV care. AFCON Dispute: Senegal awaits a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on its appeal against Morocco’s award of the 2025 title. Claims of a setback for Morocco based on leaked hearing details remain unverified. Digital Integration: Dakar is hosting West African governments to set a shared strategy for regional digital backbone infrastructure. Energy: Senegalese Oryx Energies chief Moussa Diao and trading head Hervé Bouvet have taken majority control of the fuel group in a deal valued at about $1 billion. Travel: Air Sénégal flights could face disruptions from October 15 amid a union dispute over more than 31 billion CFA francs in alleged airport debts. Fishing: Industrial catches plunged 32.9% in the second quarter, contributing to a 5.5% contraction in the sector and raising concerns over food security. Mining: EPC Mineex secured a five-year, €50 million explosives and blasting contract at Endeavour Mining’s Sabodala gold complex.

LGBT Rights: Human Rights Watch says Senegalese forces have subjected detainees to HIV tests without consent and used positive results to add charges, amid a wider crackdown that has reportedly led to hundreds of arrests. AFCON Appeal: Senegal awaits a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on its challenge to Morocco’s 2025 title. A Senegalese outlet alleges Morocco’s defence relied on a disputed second referee report, but the claim has not been independently confirmed. Dakar 2026: The Youth Olympic flame is touring all 14 regions, drawing crowds ahead of the Games, the first Olympic sporting event hosted in Africa. Fishing: Industrial fishing contracted 5.5% in the second quarter as catches plunged 32.9%, raising concerns over depleted stocks, food security and opaque vessel ownership. Travel Disruption: Air Sénégal staff warn of flight disruptions from October 15 over a claimed debt of more than 31 billion CFA francs to the airport operator. Business: Senegalese CEO Moussa Diao has led a management buyout of fuel distributor Oryx Energies, valued at about $1 billion.

Rights: Human Rights Watch says Senegal’s crackdown on LGBT people is driving fear, arrests and barriers to HIV care. A March law increased the maximum prison term for consensual same-sex conduct to 10 years. Air Travel: Air Sénégal staff warn of flight disruptions from October 15 over a dispute involving more than 31 billion CFA francs owed to airport operator LAS. AFCON Dispute: Senegal and Morocco await a CAS ruling on the contested 2025 final; the decision is expected in the coming days, after Senegal’s appeal hearing in Lausanne. Business: Senegalese CEO Moussa Diao and a fellow executive have bought a majority stake in energy group Oryx Energies. Migration: The navy rescued 124 people from a pirogue off Djiffère and brought them to Dakar. Regional Relations: Senegal and The Gambia have launched a campaign to explain that their border exercise will clarify the existing boundary, not redraw it.

AFCON Appeal: Senegal and Morocco are awaiting a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling after hearings ended in Lausanne. Senegal is challenging CAF’s decision to overturn its 1-0 final win and award Morocco the 2025 title; CAS says a decision is expected in the coming days, but has not set a date. Migration: Senegal’s navy rescued 124 people aboard a pirogue about 37 kilometres off Djiffère and handed them to authorities in Dakar. Senegal-Gambia Border: The two countries have begun a campaign to explain boundary-marking work, stressing it will clarify the existing border, not redraw it or take land from communities. Economy: Senegal’s debt restructuring remains tied to IMF approval, with public debt reported above 130% of GDP. Fisheries: Fishmeal factories are drawing fish away from local markets, raising concerns about food supplies, fishing livelihoods and coastal communities. PFL Africa: Senegalese heavyweight Abdoulaye Kane stopped Badr Medkouri by first-round TKO in Casablanca, while compatriot Shido Boris Esperança also advanced to the December finals.

Human Rights: Dakar is hosting the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ 89th session, alongside a forum marking milestones for the African Charter. Sahrawi civil society groups are using the gathering to raise concerns about rights in Western Sahara. Border Cooperation: Senegal and The Gambia have launched a campaign to explain their border-densification exercise, stressing it clarifies the existing boundary and will not take land from communities. AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s appeal over CAF’s decision to award Morocco the 2025 title has moved to deliberations at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. A ruling is expected in the coming days or weeks; Senegal’s lawyer says the team is confident. Migration: Senegal’s navy rescued 124 people from a pirogue off Djiffère, while Gambian authorities separately intercepted 84 Senegalese among 101 people attempting irregular migration. Fisheries: A report warns that fishmeal factories are diverting fish from Senegalese markets, worsening pressure on food supplies and coastal livelihoods.

AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s fight to reclaim the 2025 title is now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which has finished hearing the appeal and is expected to rule in the coming days or weeks. CAF awarded Morocco the trophy after Senegal’s players briefly left the field during the final. Senegalese lawyer Patrick Kabou says he is “200%” confident, while former international Boukary Dramé says Senegal must accept the ruling. Details of the closed hearing remain confidential, despite media speculation. Senegal-Gambia Border: The two countries have launched a campaign to explain that border work will make the existing boundary clearer, not redraw it or take community land. Migration: Senegal’s navy rescued 124 people aboard a pirogue off Djiffère and brought them to Dakar for authorities to assist. Economy and Fisheries: Senegal’s public debt has topped 130% of GDP, with approval of a negotiated $2.2 billion IMF programme still pending. Meanwhile, concerns are growing that fishmeal factories are diverting fish from local markets and worsening pressure on food supplies and fishing communities.

AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s challenge to CAF’s decision to strip it of the 2025 title and award it to Morocco has concluded at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. A ruling is expected in the coming days, though it could take weeks. Migration: The Senegalese Navy rescued 124 people from a pirogue about 37 kilometres off Djiffère and brought them to Dakar. Food Security: Fishmeal factories are drawing fish away from local markets for animal feed, adding pressure on declining supplies and fishing communities. Debt: Senegal’s proposed $2.2 billion IMF programme still awaits approval, with debt restructuring talks complicated by public debt exceeding 130% of GDP. Flooding: Heavy rains have led Senegal to postpone the start of the new school year.

AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s challenge to Morocco’s 2025 title is now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which says its ruling could come within days or weeks. Senegalese lawyer Patrick Kabou says he is highly confident, while the case turns on whether CAF was right to overturn Senegal’s on-field win after players briefly left the pitch. Debt and IMF: Senegal’s proposed $2.2 billion IMF programme remains unapproved as Dakar works to restore debt sustainability; public debt has topped 130% of GDP. Food Security: Fishmeal factories are drawing fish away from local markets, deepening concerns over food supplies, pollution and fishing livelihoods. Digital Industry: A planned Diamniadio complex is expected to begin assembling computers, smartphones and tablets in December, with training and technology transfer for young Senegalese. Diplomacy: Dakar renewed its support at the UN for Morocco’s Sahara autonomy plan.

AFCON Verdict: Senegal’s appeal against the decision awarding Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title was heard behind closed doors in Lausanne. The Court of Arbitration for Sport says its ruling could come within days or weeks; Senegal’s football federation says its lawyers presented their case fully. Player Update: Senegalese basketball player Aminata Seck is expected to be released on bail in the US after nearly two months in detention over an immigration matter, allowing her to seek medical care and resume her career. Food and Jobs: A Dakar meeting on aquaculture urged African countries to expand fish farming as wild stocks decline and demand grows. Digital Industry: Senegal has signed an agreement for a planned Diamniadio complex to assemble computers, phones and tablets, with operations expected to start in December and training for young people.

AFCON Title Dispute: Senegal’s appeal over the 2025 final has been heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. CAS ruled out an immediate verdict; a decision is expected in the coming days or weeks. Senegal is challenging CAF’s decision to award Morocco a 3-0 win after Senegal’s on-field victory. Digital Industry: Senegal has signed an agreement to build a digital equipment assembly complex in Diamniadio, producing computers, smartphones and tablets, with operations planned for December. The project also promises technology training for young people. Regional Justice: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged five newly sworn-in ECOWAS Court judges to uphold independence and impartiality. Senegal-Rwanda Ties: Dakar and Kigali signed 11 cooperation agreements after their first joint commission, aiming to deepen economic and institutional links. Education and Flooding: Senegal postponed the start of the school year amid heavy rains and flooding. Literature: Senegalese writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane, author of Ambiguous Adventure, has died aged 98.

AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s bid to reclaim the 2025 continental title reaches the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne today. The federation is challenging CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of its win over Morocco and award the final 3-0 to Morocco. Flooding and Schools: After deadly rains flooded Dakar and other regions, Senegal postponed the school year by a week to allow schools to be cleaned and made safe. Regional Justice: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged five new ECOWAS Court judges to protect judicial independence and resist pressure, as he also called for stronger citizen representation in the West African bloc. Digital Industry: Senegal signed a deal to develop a digital equipment assembly complex in Diamniadio, scheduled to begin operations in December and produce computers, phones and tablets. Literature: Senegal is mourning writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane, author of Ambiguous Adventure, who died in Dakar aged 98. Football: Former Senegal captain Cheikhou Kouyaté has retired at 36, revealing he played for years with a heart condition.

AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s fight to reclaim the 2025 title reaches the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday. The country is challenging CAF’s decision to award Morocco a 3-0 victory after Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch during the final. Digital Industry: A new agreement plans a device-assembly complex in Diamniadio, set to begin operating in December and produce computers, smartphones and tablets while training young Senegalese. Telecoms: Regulator ARTP is seeking public input on rules for emerging sectors, including AI, cloud services, satellite networks and mobile payments. Flooding: Heavy rains have caused deaths and flooding, prompting an emergency response in Dakar. The school year has been delayed until Monday to allow safety checks and cleanup at schools. Regional Leadership: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for ECOWAS integration to involve citizens more directly and urged newly sworn-in regional judges to uphold impartiality. Literary Loss: Senegal is mourning Cheikh Hamidou Kane, the celebrated author of Ambiguous Adventure, who died aged 98. Football: Former Senegal captain Cheikhou Kouyaté has retired after revealing he had played for years with a heart condition.