A disturbing pattern of digital incursions continues to challenge Senegal’s state institutions, with the Public Treasury recently becoming the latest victim. This follows previous breaches targeting the national tax website in October and the department responsible for issuing national identity cards in January. The escalating frequency and critical nature of these attacks highlight a profound vulnerability within the nation’s public digital infrastructure.
In Dakar, cybersecurity specialists are increasingly vocal about the urgent need to bolster Senegal’s digital resilience. One expert emphasized the importance of establishing a dedicated national cybersecurity agency. Such an entity would be crucial for enhancing the coordination of incident responses, fostering centers of excellence, supporting vital research, and ensuring greater integration of local expertise into national strategic projects.
Mountaga Tall’s family initiates legal proceedings in Mali
The family of prominent Malian lawyer and politician Mountaga Tall has announced plans for legal action following his abduction earlier this month by armed, masked individuals. This incident draws stark comparisons to the arrest of Maître Guy Hervé Kam in Burkina Faso in January 2024.
Tall, who leads the political movement Sens, faces charges of “conspiracy against state security” and “criminal association.” The parallels between these two cases are striking: both involved opaque disappearances or arrests, a initial lack of clear official communication, swift mobilization by legal teams, and intense social media campaigns. These events underscore a growing tension between legitimate security imperatives and the fundamental respect for public liberties across the region.
Constitutional reform debate intensifies in DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is witnessing a vigorous debate surrounding proposed constitutional reforms. Ejiba Yamapia, president of the Church of Revival of Congo, has publicly called for a complete overhaul of the 2006 Constitution, which he controversially labeled a “constitution of belligerance.”
The religious leader advocates for a new fundamental law centered on “development and sovereignty,” proposing a shift towards a more presidential system. He urged political actors to prioritize “republican consensus” over narrow electoral gains. However, these statements have ignited strong opposition, with Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, expressing alarm. Epenge criticized the Church for seemingly acting as “a soldier in service of Félix Tshisekedi’s third term,” directly challenging Ejiba Yamapia’s position.
African Athletics Confederation mourns passing of President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum
Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, a towering figure in African sports, has passed away in Yaoundé at the age of 75. He served concurrently as the president of the African Athletics Confederation and the Cameroonian National Olympic and Sports Committee. Tributes are pouring in, including a heartfelt homage from Moroccan athlete Aziz Daouda, who described him as a true “militant” for the sport.
Daouda reflected that with Malboum’s death, African athletics loses “more than just a leader; it loses a dedicated advocate.” He was remembered as one of the last “great builders” of a generation that firmly believed in Africa’s potential to assert its rightful place in global sporting bodies. Malboum championed the vision of Africa not merely as a source of talent for other nations, but as an organized, respected, and influential sporting powerhouse in its own right.
