Senegal opened its polls on March 24 for a presidential election with 17 candidates, marking the highest number in the nation's history. The election had been preceded by months of uncertainty and unrest.

Polls have opened in Senegal for a presidential election after months of uncertainty and unrest, with around 7.3 million voters registered to participate.

The Légion d'honneur, France's highest award, can be stripped from recipients for criminal convictions or dishonorable acts against France. Gérard Depardieu faces a disciplinary procedure for sexual assault allegations. Notable figures stripped of the honour include Philippe Pétain, Maurice Papon, Bashar al-Assad, John Galliano, and Lance Armstrong. Controversial figures like Vladimir Putin, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Benito Mussolini, Francisco Franco, and Nicolae Ceaușescu still hold the title, with some legal barriers preventing posthumous removal.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to end violence against women, citing measures taken by his administration such as easier abuse reporting, expanded emergency hotline hours, hiring specialized investigators, and creating new emergency accommodations. Despite recording 244,000 domestic violence victims in 2022, double the number from 2017, and 118 women killed by partners, protesters across France argue that progress is too slow. Feminist collectives and trade unions demand early prevention through education, regulation of the porn industry, sanctions for companies not preventing sexist violence, and 15,000 new emergency accommodation spots.

France's rules for bringing bikes on trains vary by train type. TGVs and Intercités require a reservation and charge for assembled bikes, while bagged or folding bikes can be carried for free or a fee, depending on the service. TER regional trains allow free bike transport without reservation, but space is limited. Bikes are banned on Paris metro, bus, and tramway, with exceptions on RER and Transilien trains outside peak hours. Eurostar has specific conditions and charges for bike transport between London and Paris.

The Kakimbo forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Conakry, Guinea, has been significantly reduced from 115 hectares to just 15 since 1983 due to rapid urbanisation. This green space serves as a vital carbon sink and its drastic reduction highlights the environmental impact of urban expansion.

West African leaders are convening at an ECOWAS meeting in Nigeria to discuss a potential military intervention in Niger following a recent coup. In Senegal, the foreign minister's announcement of potential troop participation in an ECOWAS-led mission has sparked considerable debate.

Guinea-Bissau's parliament is set to reopen following a historic legislative election in June where, for the first time, the parliamentary majority will be held by a coalition of opposition parties. This development is seen as a positive sign for democracy but also poses risks in a country with a history of coups d’états.

African leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to present an Afrocentric perspective on achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine. In Senegal, there are concerns over free speech as Walf TV has been ordered to cease broadcasting. Meanwhile, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northern Nigeria, particularly in Borno state, where millions face the threat of starvation due to escalating food insecurity.

Following the conviction of Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko for corrupting youth, resulting in a two-year jail sentence, Senegal experienced a second day of significant unrest. The violence, which led to nine fatalities, erupted in response to a verdict that potentially jeopardizes Sonko's eligibility to run for president in the upcoming election. The opposition contends that the charges are politically motivated. Sam Bradpiece of FRANCE 24 reported on the situation from Dakar.

Guinea-Bissau, considered Africa's first narco-state, is facing a severe drug crisis with a high percentage of youth addicted to hard drugs like crack cocaine. The main rehabilitation center in Quinhámel is accused of inhumane treatment, including beatings and chaining of patients. Despite some receiving antipsychotic medication, most 'healing' is done through prayer. The UN has been alerted to potential human rights abuses at the center. The country's drug problem is exacerbated by its role as a transit point for cocaine, with reports of government and military officials involved in trafficking. Efforts to combat the crisis are hampered by a lack of treatment facilities and the high cost of private clinics. Public health NGOs like ENDA Santé are working to minimize health risks for drug users, but the country remains a significant hub for cocaine trafficking.

Ousmane Sonko's chances of running for president in Senegal are uncertain following an appeal court's decision to impose a heavier suspended sentence on him for libel. This development sparked a minor protest in Dakar, which was dispersed by riot police using tear gas. Sonko has criticized the legal proceedings as politically motivated.

Tech firms in Senegal are suing TikTok for allegedly violating data protection laws and not safeguarding children from violent and inappropriate content.

The article discusses how Russian trolls are exploiting the nationality of Lauriane Doumbouya, the French wife of Guinea's new leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya. A doctored video suggesting she was an ex-lover of French President Macron has been circulated to fuel anti-French sentiment. This comes as Russia aims to strengthen its influence in Africa, reminiscent of its Soviet-era presence. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya recently became the interim leader of Guinea after a successful coup against President Condé. The first lady, who has four children with Doumbouya and works for the French military police, was present at her husband's swearing-in ceremony.

The article discusses the Diambars Academy, a football academy in Senegal founded by Patrick Vieira. The academy is known for its modern training methods and state-of-the-art facilities, which include six pitches and large changing rooms. It provides a home and training for over 100 young Senegalese footballers, many of whom aspire to play for Europe's biggest teams. The academy is a beacon of hope in a country where the average footballer's wage is relatively low, and the training sessions are taken very seriously by the young athletes. The article highlights the academy's role in nurturing football talent in Africa and the opportunities it offers to its pupils.

In Guinea, snakebites are a significant health issue, with about 3,600 fatalities annually. The Kindia centre de traitement des envenimations is the country's only specialized snakebite clinic, facing a dire shortage of antivenom. Fatoumata Lamourana, a victim of a green mamba bite, was treated at the clinic with INOSERP antivenom, developed in collaboration with IRBAG. The World Health Organization has sent emergency antivenom supplies to Guinea, but the need far exceeds the available stock. Traditional healers offer cheaper but ineffective and often dangerous treatments. The Asclepius Snake Foundation provides clinical support and free antivenom to the clinic, ensuring no patient is turned away. Despite challenges, research and development of antivenoms continue, with ASF researchers collecting data to improve medical practices. Lamourana's recovery after prompt treatment at the clinic highlights the importance of immediate medical care for snakebite victims.

The article explores the presence and practices of West African spiritualists, known as Marabouts, in Paris. It contrasts their significant numbers with the active Catholic priests in the Parisian Diocese and discusses the services they offer, which range from solving personal issues to protection from evil spirits. The article highlights the negative reputation of Marabouts, who often face charges such as fraud and illegal practice of medicine. It delves into the history of Marabouts in France, their cultural origins, and the challenges faced by the police in dealing with Marabout-related crimes. Personal stories of victims and insights from experts and former Marabouts provide a deeper understanding of the issue. The journalist, through a personal encounter with a Marabout named Professor Jean, illustrates the typical interaction and the dubious nature of the services offered.

The article discusses the rise of traditional healers in Senegal, who are often the first point of contact for medical care due to the country's inadequate healthcare system. It focuses on a popular healer known as Karamba, who has gained a significant following on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Karamba, dubbed the 'Messi of Djinns,' claims to have exceptional powers and uses social media to showcase his supposed treatments, which has led to a booming business. The article also touches on the broader issue of health disinformation spread through social media and includes a comment from Mouhamadou Kane, a Senegalese analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, who suggests that many traditional healers are conmen exploiting vulnerable people.

Security forces were deployed in Dakar, Senegal, as the trial of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko approached. Sonko faces defamation charges against a minister, which could impact his eligibility for the upcoming presidential elections in February.

In Dakar, Senegal, police used tear gas to disperse supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko following his court appearance for a libel case. The incident reflects growing tensions ahead of next year's elections, where Sonko may challenge incumbent President Macky Sall, whose potential third-term candidacy is deemed unconstitutional by critics.

The article discusses the harrowing experiences of children who attended Koranic schools in Senegal, known as daaras. These schools are infamous for subjecting their pupils to severe beatings and forcing them to beg on the streets. The children lived in squalid conditions, faced malnutrition, disease, and even death. The focus is on the story of Samba Mbaye, a former daara student who escaped and now lives with other children in an abandoned building in Dakar. The article highlights the issue of child abuse and forced labor in these Islamic schools and the plight of the children who manage to escape.

Saint Louis, one of Senegal's largest cities, is facing the threat of disappearance due to rising sea levels, which have caused close to a kilometer of its coastline to be lost over a decade. Despite the high risk of flooding, especially in the Langue de Barbarie area, many residents are choosing to remain in their homes.

Guinea's specialized snakebite clinic in Kindia is the only one of its kind in the country, facing a high number of venomous snakebites, particularly from mambas and cobras. With an estimated 3,600 annual fatalities, the clinic relies on the polyvalent antivenom INOSERP, developed with local collaboration. Despite the high cost of treatment, the Asclepius Snake Foundation provides free vials to ensure no patient is turned away. The country's other health centers are severely understocked with antivenom. Traditional healers offer risky alternatives that often worsen the patients' conditions. The clinic's success is also supported by research efforts to develop more effective antivenoms. Fatoumata Lamourana's recovery after a green mamba bite exemplifies the clinic's life-saving potential.

The article discusses the cultural and economic aspects of the Ladoum sheep in Senegal, particularly in the context of the Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) festival. Ladoum sheep, a hybrid breed, are highly prized and can be very expensive, with top specimens like 'Joe Biden' being sold for breeding at around €20,000. The breeder Abou Kane, a prominent figure in this industry, is the president of the Alliance for the Development and Improvement of Breeds and has a significant following on social media. The article also touches on the economic challenges faced by Senegalese people due to the war in Ukraine, which has increased fuel and feed prices, and sanctions against Mali, affecting the sheep supply. The government has attempted to mitigate these issues with subsidies and tax cuts. Despite the high cost of Ladoums, there is a strong sense of solidarity in Senegal, with wealthier families often sharing sheep with those less fortunate during Tabaski.

Benoit Fader Keita, a singer from the Bedik minority in Senegal, is using electro music to preserve his endangered mother tongue, Mënik. With less than 4,000 speakers, Mënik is classified by UNESCO as endangered. Keita, who performs under the name Beni Fadi, has found success with his first electro show in Dakar and is releasing an EP titled 'Farkoko'. The EP, co-produced with ElectrAfrique and RISE, features traditional Bedik stories set to afro-house and techno beats. Keita's music has gained traction, earning radio play and respect in a music scene traditionally dominated by genres like mbalax. Despite the challenges, Keita is determined to use his music to keep his language and culture alive, balancing his career as a video editor with his passion for music.

The article discusses the recent changes in French law that now allow lesbian couples and single women to access fertility treatments. Aurore Foursy and Julie Ligot, a lesbian couple, express their joy over the new legislation, which aligns France with other European countries providing similar rights. Fertility clinics, such as the Diaconesses Croix Saint-Simon center, anticipate a significant increase in patients. However, France faces a sperm donation crisis due to its non-commercial donation policy and the upcoming end to donor anonymity. The Agency of Biomedicine is set to launch a campaign to encourage sperm donations. Despite the new law, older women and those without financial means may still seek treatment abroad due to long waiting times. The article also touches on the allowance for women in their 30s to freeze their eggs and the continued illegality of surrogacy in France.

South Africa is experiencing severe unrest following the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma, leading to violence and looting that have overwhelmed the healthcare system. Dr. Suhayl Essa from Johannesburg's Hillbrow Clinic describes his harrowing experiences treating victims of violence amidst the chaos. The unrest has disrupted ambulance services, vaccination programs, and the transport of medical supplies, including oxygen. Health authorities fear the violence could exacerbate the COVID-19 crisis, which has already claimed over 65,000 lives in the country. The economic damage from the unrest is likely to worsen the effects of the pandemic, particularly for the poor and marginalized. Despite the risks, healthcare workers like Dr. Essa continue to provide care, driven by a sense of duty to help those in need.

South Africa is experiencing a severe third wave of COVID-19, exacerbated by the Delta variant and a slow vaccine rollout. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and the government has implemented new restrictions. Criticism arises over the handling of the crisis, with allegations of poor planning and corruption scandals undermining public confidence. Less than 5 percent of the population have received a single vaccine dose, despite the country's call for vaccine equity. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination combined with public health measures to control the virus.

Ivory Coast received half a million COVID-19 vaccine doses in late February but is facing challenges with its rollout due to low public demand. As of March 30, only 40,153 shots were administered, raising concerns about meeting the schedule before the vaccines expire in September. The country was the second in Africa to receive vaccines from Covax and is expecting more in May. Comparatively, Ghana and Senegal have been more successful with their rollouts. Issues contributing to the slow uptake in Ivory Coast include vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation, distrust due to past medical exploitation, and concerns over AstraZeneca's safety. The government is trying to increase interest through social media campaigns and engaging with religious leaders. The World Health Organization's Africa coordinator, Richard Mihigo, emphasized the risk of wasting the vaccines with short shelf lives.

In South Africa, particularly in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, avocados and macadamia nuts are increasingly targeted by organized criminals, causing significant financial losses for farmers. To combat this, private security companies are deployed to patrol the fields continuously.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has been re-elected for a third term, with the head of the electoral commission announcing a final turnout of 53.90%. The election has been contested by the opposition, citing Ouattara's decision to run as a violation of the two-term limit, despite his claim that a new constitution reset his mandate. The lead-up to the vote saw at least 30 deaths, with five more on election day. Fears of long-term unrest remain, recalling a civil war following a disputed 2010 election. The Carter Center noted the exclusion of political forces and a boycott by part of the population in a volatile security environment. Opposition leaders Henri Konan Bedie and Pascal Affi N'Guessan have rejected the results and announced a transitional council.

Full results from Ivory Coast’s presidential vote are expected this week, with turnout being a key indicator of the opposition's boycott effectiveness. The post-election mood in Abidjan is being reported on by FRANCE 24’s Sam Bradpiece.