Senegal hit the headlines after CAF stripped it of the AFCON title; FSF vows appeal. football-mad nation led by President Macky Sall.
Senegal's parliament is set to pass a bill criminalizing same-sex relations, increasing penalties and broadening the scope of 'unnatural acts.' The legislation follows recent arrests and social media homophobia, with the bill awaiting a parliamentary vote. Critics warn it worsens human rights conditions.
Morocco's coach Walid Regragui resigned less than 100 days before the World Cup, citing a need for new energy. Mohamed Ouahbi, previously under-23 boss, replaces him. Morocco faces Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C, with warm-up matches scheduled in March.
Senegal's parliament has approved a bill increasing prison sentences for same-sex relations from five to ten years, criminalizing the promotion of homosexuality and penalizing accusations without proof. The law, supported by all lawmakers present, reflects regional trends of stricter anti-LGBTQ+ legislation amid protests and arrests. President Faye is expected to sign the bill today.
On March 17, 2026, CAF's appeals board ruled that Senegal forfeited the 2025 African Cup of Nations final after players walked off during a penalty dispute. The 1-0 win was overturned to a 3-0 victory for Morocco. Senegal plans to appeal the decision, which has sparked widespread controversy and calls for investigation into CAF governance.
CAF's appeal board awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after ruling Senegal forfeited the final for walking off the pitch. Senegal plans to appeal to CAS, citing procedural issues and unfairness. The decision has sparked controversy over governance and disciplinary processes in African football.
The Senegalese football federation is appealing a CAF decision to strip Senegal of its Africa Cup title after a controversial final in January. They have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling for an investigation into alleged corruption and disputing the ruling that Senegal forfeited the match for leaving the field without referee approval. The case highlights ongoing tensions in African football, with Senegal maintaining its claim to the title despite CAF's decision.
Senegal's 2026 Africa Cup of Nations victory was revoked after protests and a controversial final. CAF awarded the title to Morocco following chaos during the match, with Senegal planning legal action. The decision has strained relations between the two nations and raised questions about integrity in African football.
Kenyan police officers have completed their deployment with the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force in Haiti, which aims to restore security amid ongoing gang violence. The mission, involving over 5,500 personnel, continues to face resource constraints, with Kenyan troops remaining central to operations. The second Kenyan contingent has returned home after a successful deployment.
CAF overturned Senegal's 1-0 victory in the recent AFCON final after protests over VAR decisions. Morocco was awarded the title following an appeal, prompting ongoing disputes. CAF plans regulatory reforms and a leadership change amid controversy.
Algeria's former president Liamine Zeroual, who served during the civil war and organized the country's first multi-party election in 1995, has died at age 84. He was respected in retirement. Flags will fly at half-mast across Algeria.
Senegal's parliament approved a law criminalizing same-sex relations, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines. The law, signed by President Faye, faces international criticism for violating human rights and potentially discouraging HIV treatment. Supporters see it as upholding moral values.
On April 3, 2026, Iran shot down a US F-15E fighter jet over southwestern Iran, marking the first US combat aircraft loss in the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. One crew member was rescued after a frantic search-and-rescue operation, while the second remained missing. Iran called on civilians to capture the missing pilot, offering a $60,000 reward. A second US A-10 attack plane was also downed, with its pilot rescued. The incident escalates tensions as President Trump renews threats against Iran's infrastructure and demands the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
A boat carrying over 100 migrants from Libya capsized in the Mediterranean, resulting in 2 deaths and 70 missing. Only 32 survivors were rescued by passing ships, highlighting ongoing dangers faced by migrants crossing to Europe. The incident underscores the impact of restrictive migration policies.
Senegal has lodged an appeal after CAF has stripped it of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, awarding Morocco the trophy following a controversial final. Senegal's players and officials argue they were forced onto the pitch and deny protesting the refereeing decision. The decision has sparked calls for an investigation into potential corruption within CAF.
African governments are taking steps to address fuel shortages and rising prices amid global tensions. Madagascar has declared a state of emergency, South Africa has cut fuel levies, Ethiopia has introduced rationing, and Senegal has restricted foreign travel for ministers. These actions respond to recent global disruptions affecting oil supplies.
Candidates for the UN Secretary-General role have undergone public questioning at UN headquarters. The process aims to increase transparency as the organization faces calls for reform and internal challenges. The contenders include Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, Rebeca Grynspan, and Macky Sall, with the final decision expected by late July.
Adam Hall has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years after being found guilty of deliberately infecting seven men with HIV and raping some of his victims. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about HIV transmission, stigma, and support for survivors. Health officials are urging those who may have been exposed to seek testing and treatment.
IFAB has approved two amendments ahead of the World Cup: a red card may be issued to players covering their mouths in confrontations, and red cards may be issued to players or officials who leave the field in protest. The changes will apply at the World Cup and inform all 48 participating teams.
The United States has announced a waiver of visa bonds for qualified World Cup fans who have tickets and opt into the FIFA Pass expedited visa system. The policy applies to supporters from five World Cup-qualified countries and co-hosts the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. The move follows ongoing immigration enforcement concerns and broad bond requirements that previously affected travelers from 50 nations.
The Trump administration is using third-country deportation deals to move migrants out of the United States. Nine migrants have arrived in Sierra Leone under a West African arrangement, with others previously planned. The program has drawn questions about rights, transparency, and the pace of removals.
Sierra Leone has signed a Third Country National agreement with the United States to accept up to 300 ECOWAS nationals deported from the US each year, with a maximum of 25 a month. The first group of 25 deportees from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria is expected to arrive on May 20, 2026. The arrangement has drawn criticism over legal basis and treatment of deportees, and it remains unclear what Sierra Leone receives in return.