A Senegalese state agency signed a $77 million arms deal with Lavie Commercial Brokers, a firm linked to notorious West African businessman Aboubakar Hima. The deal, signed by the Environment Ministry, bypassed standard bidding processes and raised concerns about potential corruption and inflated pricing. Hima, known for fraudulent arms deals in Niger and Nigeria, may have sought to obscure his involvement. Experts questioned the necessity and transparency of the contract, highlighting the risks of corruption and the impact on Senegal's stability. Calls for an investigation into the deal have been made by transparency advocates.

Sylvain Favière, a former French soldier and nurse, realized he was psychologically wounded after his mission in Afghanistan. Journalist and director Maud Salomé Ekilla, who works with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, discusses the impact of conflict on civilians, particularly sexual violence. Both stress the importance of breaking the silence to heal the invisible wounds of war. Favière did so with his book 'Ma blessure de guerre invisible,' while Ekilla organizes artistic workshops for victims. The podcast 'Dans la Tête des Hommes' explores the pressures of masculinity and features men challenging gender stereotypes across the African continent.

The article discusses the economic, social, and cultural pressures faced by invisible workers, particularly women in France, who are often immigrants or from immigrant backgrounds. These women, including hotel housekeepers on strike, face harsh working conditions and economic pressures. The discussion draws parallels with Lesotho miners working in South Africa under dangerous conditions. The podcast episode features a roundtable with sociologists Jean-Emery Etoughe-Efe and Tiziri Kandi, highlighting the challenges of labor rights, gender roles, and economic survival. The narrative underscores the systemic issues of undervaluation and exploitation in labor markets, emphasizing the need for recognition and fair compensation.

In Dakar, Senegal, 21 Auchan stores were looted amid protests supporting Ousmane Sonko, leader of the opposition party Pastef. The unrest was triggered by Sonko's arrest on charges of disturbing public order and an accusation of rape. The situation escalated with the involvement of 'nervis', unofficial security forces linked to the ruling party APR. President Macky Sall, who had been abroad, addressed the nation after a week, acknowledging the public's frustration. Political analyst Momar Ndiongue suggested that Sall's power is not as unshakeable as previously thought and that the president must address concerns about the state of democracy and institutional independence.

Marame Kane, a Franco-Senegalese woman, discusses her experience coming out as a lesbian and her activism for LGBTQ rights. Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, a writer, talks about his controversial fiction book 'De Purs Hommes' which deals with the death of a homosexual in Dakar. Both guests share their experiences growing up in Senegal where sexual taboos and prohibitions were prevalent, and homosexuals lived in constant fear. The podcast episode, hosted by journalist Arwa Barkallah, explores homophobia, traditions, and literature between France and Senegal. It is part of Euronews' original series 'Dans la tête des hommes' which examines toxic masculinities across African countries.

Marame Kane and Mohamed Mbougar Sarr discuss their experiences with homophobia and cultural taboos in Senegal and France. Kane shares her journey of coming out and activism, while Sarr talks about his controversial novel 'De Purs Hommes' and its reception. The podcast, part of Euronews' series 'Dans la tête des hommes,' explores toxic masculinity and societal expectations across Africa. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the LGBT community and the importance of representation and advocacy.

Emmanuel Macron, elected as France's youngest president in 2017, initially celebrated for defeating far-right Marine Le Pen, has become a divisive figure. His tenure has been marked by significant protests, including the 'yellow vest' movement and opposition to his economic policies. Macron's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and his controversial stance on Islam have further polarized public opinion. Internationally, his actions in Lebanon and Libya have drawn criticism, with accusations of neo-colonialism and inconsistency. As the 2022 elections approach, Macron faces challenges from both the far-right and within his own political sphere.