Senegal has launched a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, the first initiative of its kind in West Africa. The program aims to reduce the prison population, which exceeds 13,000 with an occupancy level at 130% of capacity in 2018. Over half of the inmates are pre-trial detainees. The ankle monitors have been criticized for not addressing the root causes of overcrowding and potential overuse for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. However, for some detainees, the ankle monitor offers a preferable alternative to prison conditions. The current system can supervise around 240 people, with plans to expand. Challenges include a shortage of lawyers and magistrates, leading to long waits for trials, and the fact that the tag's requirement for charging excludes those in areas without electricity.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, the first such program in West Africa. The initiative aims to manage the high number of pre-trial detainees and those incarcerated for petty crimes who cannot make bail due to lack of official addresses. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding and fear potential misuse for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. Despite these concerns, individuals who have experienced the ankle monitor prefer it over prison conditions. The program, led by Lieutenant Moussa Dieye, is currently monitoring around 240 people with the capacity for 1,000. Over half of Senegal's prison population are pre-trial detainees, and the country's prisons operate at 130% capacity. Amnesty International's Seydi Gassama highlights the program's limitations, including the exclusion of those in areas without electricity.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, the first of its kind in West Africa. The program aims to address the issue of pre-trial detainees, which make up over half of the prison population, and the slow judicial process. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding and may be misused for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. Despite these concerns, those who have experienced the ankle monitor prefer it to prison conditions. The current system can supervise around 240 people, with the capacity to oversee 1,000, but faces challenges such as a lack of electricity in poorer areas.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, a first in West Africa. The program aims to address the issue of pre-trial detainees, which make up over half of the prison population, and the slow judicial process. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding and may be misused for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. Despite these concerns, individuals who have experienced the ankle monitor prefer it to prison conditions. The current system can supervise around 240 people, with plans to expand, although challenges such as electricity access for charging the devices remain.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, the first such program in West Africa. The program aims to manage the high number of pre-trial detainees and those incarcerated for petty crimes who are ineligible for bail. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding and express concerns about potential misuse for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. Despite these criticisms, individuals who have experienced the ankle monitor prefer it to prison conditions. The monitoring team in Dakar can currently surveil around 240 people and plans to expand, though challenges such as a lack of electricity in poorer areas limit the program's reach. Over half of Senegal's prison population are pre-trial detainees, and the country's prisons operate at 130% capacity. Other African countries with similar issues are considering adopting this approach.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, the first such program in West Africa. The program aims to manage the large number of inmates incarcerated for minor crimes or awaiting trial, often without bail due to lack of official addresses. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding and fear potential misuse for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. Despite these concerns, the program has been a relief for some, including a pregnant woman who avoided giving birth in prison. The monitoring team in Dakar can currently surveil around 240 people and plans to expand, though challenges remain due to the high prison population and judicial delays. The World Prison Brief data shows that over half of Senegal's inmates are pre-trial detainees, and the country's prison capacity was at 130% in 2018. Amnesty International in Senegal points out that the tag system does not solve issues such as lack of personnel and budget.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, the first of its kind in West Africa. The program aims to address the issue of pre-trial detainees, who make up over half of the prison population, and the slow judicial process. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding and may be misused for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. The program currently monitors around 240 people with the capacity for 1,000, but faces challenges such as a lack of electricity in poorer areas. Senegal's prisons are at 130% capacity, and the situation reflects a continent-wide issue of overcrowded prisons.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, the first such program in West Africa. The program aims to address the issue of overcrowded prisons, which is common across Africa, with Senegal's prisons operating at 130% capacity in 2018. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding, such as harsh penalties for minor offenses and slow judicial processes. The program currently monitors around 240 people but can handle up to 1,000. Over half of the inmates in Senegal are pre-trial detainees, and a lack of legal personnel has led to prolonged detentions. The effectiveness of the ankle monitor program is limited in areas without electricity, affecting around 30% of Senegal's population.

Senegal has initiated a pilot scheme to alleviate overcrowding in prisons by releasing hundreds of inmates under electronic supervision with ankle monitors, a first in West Africa. The program aims to address the issue of pre-trial detainees, which make up over half of the prison population, and the slow judicial process. Critics argue that ankle monitors do not address the root causes of overcrowding and may be misused for surveillance in authoritarian regimes. Despite these concerns, individuals who have experienced the ankle monitor prefer it to prison conditions. The current system can supervise around 240 people, with the potential to oversee 1,000, but faces challenges such as the high prison population and lack of electricity in poorer areas.

A stampede at the Ornano stadium in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, during an army recruitment drive has resulted in at least 31 deaths and over 140 injuries. The incident occurred on Monday night, and the government has suspended the recruitment process and declared a day of mourning. The stampede was reportedly caused by a large crowd of young men attempting to submit their applications to join the army, a significant employer in a country with high male unemployment rates.

A stampede at Ornano stadium in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, during an army recruitment drive on November 14, resulted in at least 31 deaths and over 140 injuries. The government has suspended the recruitment process and declared a day of mourning. The causes of the incident are under investigation, and local media attribute the stampede to the high number of young men attempting to submit their applications to join the army.

Senegal's national football team was eliminated from the World Cup after a loss to Colombia, marking the first time since 1982 that no African team advanced to the knockout stage. The team's return home was met with disappointment, reflecting broader concerns about the performance of African football teams.

The article discusses the high incidence of female incarceration in Senegal due to infanticide, which is the second leading cause after drug-related offenses. Rights groups attribute this to the country's restrictive abortion laws, which prohibit abortion in all circumstances except when a woman's life is at risk and requires certification from three doctors. The article highlights the story of Aminata, who was imprisoned for infanticide after giving birth to a stillborn child. The United Nations has criticized the conditions of women's detention in Senegal, and organizations like the Association of Senegalese Women Lawyers are advocating for legal reforms. The article also touches on the cultural and religious opposition to abortion in Senegal and suggests that increased access to contraceptives could be a solution. Aminata's personal story illustrates the social stigma and challenges faced by women who have been incarcerated for infanticide.

The article discusses the personal struggle of Maria Andreeva, whose husband has been serving in the Ukrainian conflict for over a year. Maria is actively trying to bring him back home to Moscow. The piece highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families of soldiers involved in the war. It provides a human angle to the ongoing conflict by focusing on the story of one family, reflecting a broader issue that many others might be experiencing in Russia.

The Dak'Art Biennale in Senegal, first held in 1990, has become an important event for African contemporary art. The current edition features 75 artists from 33 countries and provides an opportunity for local Senegalese artists to display their work, particularly in Dakar's historic Medina neighborhood.

In Senegal, a trial involving 31 individuals accused of attempting to establish a jihadist network affiliated with the Islamic State is underway, with verdicts expected by early June. The case began with a Facebook post in 2015, leading to the arrest of Matar Diokhané and the discovery of a group aiming to create local terrorist cells. The trial has garnered significant media attention, particularly regarding the controversial imam Alioune Ndao. While the state prosecutor has sought severe penalties, including forced labor and lengthy prison sentences, rights groups have raised concerns about the amended criminal code and the conditions of detention. The trial is public, contrasting with a similar trial in Nigeria, and highlights Senegal's efforts to address terrorism risks, given its proximity to Mali and ties to France.

The article discusses the crisis in higher education in Senegal, exemplified by the overcrowding at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar, where enrollment far exceeds capacity. With a significant failure rate and high unemployment among graduates, experts like Gilles Yabi of WATHI and Youssouf Ouattara of UNESCO highlight the mismatch between university education and job market needs. Senegal has initiated reforms, including a $750 million expansion of the higher education system, the construction of new universities, and the establishment of a virtual university. However, the reforms are not keeping pace with the demands of the growing youth population. The government is also planning to open technical training schools and universities specializing in practical fields like agriculture and electro-mechanics. Despite the challenges, UCAD Chancellor Ibrahima Thioub is optimistic about the potential for development if the situation is managed correctly.

Khalifa Sall, the mayor of Dakar, is on trial for corruption charges, including embezzlement of public funds, criminal conspiracy, falsification of records, money laundering, and fraud. He has been in jail since March of the previous year and was denied bail. The trial is politically sensitive as Sall is considered a potential presidential candidate for the 2019 elections. His supporters claim the charges are politically motivated by President Macky Sall to neutralize a rival. The trial has garnered significant public attention, with Sall's party using his incarceration as a campaign strategy during legislative elections. The case is compared to a previous high-profile corruption case against Karim Wade in 2015. The outcome of Khalifa Sall's trial could significantly impact the upcoming presidential race.

In Senegal, children are traditionally taught in French, a colonial language, rather than their native languages. Linguistics professor Mbacke Diagne advocates for integrating local languages into the education system, as children have already developed cognitive structures in their mother tongue, such as Wolof. The Education Policy and Data Center notes Senegal's youth literacy rates are below average for lower middle income countries. The Associates in Research and Education for Development (ARED) has been running bilingual programs in primary schools, which may influence future government funding for expanded language instruction. However, there is resistance from parents and educators who believe mastery of an international language is crucial for success. Similar initiatives are underway in Ethiopia and Tanzania. The challenge in Senegal is choosing which of the over 20 national languages to prioritize in education, given the potential for linguistic rivalries.

Senegal's new international airport opened on December 7, 2017, with the country aiming to establish itself as a major regional air hub in the 21st century.

Egypt serves as a destination and transit point for refugees, including a growing number from sub-Saharan Africa. A Somali woman in Cairo is using art therapy to aid herself and other refugees in coping and moving forward.

Khady Faye's personal story of child marriage in Senegal introduces the broader issue of child marriage in West and Central Africa, which has some of the highest rates globally. Experts, including World Bank economist Quentin Wodon, gathered in Senegal to discuss the economic repercussions of child marriage, highlighting potential benefits of ending the practice, such as increased GDP per capita and reduced under-five mortality and stunting. The World Bank's study reveals significant income losses for women married as children. Mabel van Oranje from Girls Not Brides points out that poverty and social norms contribute to the prevalence of child marriage. Despite efforts, including Nigeria's plan to end child marriage by 2021, progress is slow, with UNICEF estimating it could take over a century to eradicate the practice in the region. Education is seen as a key strategy in reversing the trend.

Senegal's presidency, under President Macky Sall's advisor Ousmane Thiongane, is launching a fact-checking initiative to combat fake news, particularly on social media. The move comes after incidents such as the spread of rumors about 'plastic rice' from China, which the government had to publicly refute. The initiative encourages social media users to report dubious posts about the presidency using the hashtag #STOPFAKENEWS. However, this has raised concerns among rights groups like Article 19, which argues that tracking social media could intimidate the public and lead to self-censorship. Senegal has a history of using laws to detain or prosecute individuals over social media posts, as seen in the cases of singer Amy Collé Dieng and a local journalist who were both charged with offenses related to disrespecting the head of state and spreading fake news.

Protests have erupted in several West African capitals with demonstrators calling for the abandonment of the CFA franc in favor of a common African currency. The issue has gained momentum following the arrest and expulsion of activist Kemi Seba in Senegal for burning a CFA note. The CFA, established by France in the 1940s for its African colonies, is currently used by 14 countries in West and Central Africa and is pegged to the euro. While some traders in Dakar support the idea of a new currency, citing the CFA as a colonial relic, others believe that maintaining the CFA is beneficial, preventing inflation and instability. Economists and regional leaders have mixed opinions, with some criticizing the CFA for hindering competitiveness in exports. Despite the protests, no government among the 14 has indicated plans to leave the CFA, and leaders of Senegal and Ivory Coast have recently expressed their support for the currency.

A company in Senegal is addressing the shortage of qualified coders in the country's emerging tech scene by providing training to young people, which also aids in job creation.

Senegal is preparing for legislative elections with a tense campaign season marked by protests and political demonstrations. Former president Abdoulaye Wade has returned to lead the opposition, while Dakar's mayor, Khalifa Sall, is running his campaign from prison after being charged with embezzlement. The elections will fill 165 seats in the National Assembly from a record 47 party lists. The vote is seen as a referendum on President Macky Sall's government and a preview of the 2019 presidential race. There have been concerns about the distribution of new biometric ID cards, which double as voting cards, with reports of delays and poor organization. Despite the excitement, there are worries that the large number of party lists and the potential for long lines could discourage voter turnout.

Former President of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, has returned to the country to support his party, the Senegal Democratic Party (PDS), in the upcoming legislative elections on July 30. Thousands welcomed him in Dakar, expressing their support. Wade, who lost the presidency in 2012, remains the head of PDS and is leading the main opposition coalition's candidate list, though he is not expected to take a seat in parliament. His return is seen as a strategy to strengthen PDS and set the stage for his son, Karim Wade, to run for president in 2019. Karim was pardoned last year after a corruption conviction. The elections are viewed as a test of the current president's popularity, with the ruling coalition facing significant opposition, including from the coalition led by jailed Dakar Mayor Khalifa Sall.

The article discusses the issue of irregular migration from Senegal, highlighting the harsh living conditions and lack of opportunities that drive many to leave. It focuses on the story of Mamadou Diop, a Senegalese who moved to France to study and is now preparing to return to Senegal. The EU's 'Partnership Framework' with Senegal and other countries is mentioned as an effort to manage migration by addressing its root causes. The article also covers the role of the diaspora in Senegal's economy, particularly through remittances and investments in local projects. The Senegalese government's initiative, FAISE, is described as a way to encourage emigrants to invest in Senegal, with the aim of creating jobs and having a positive socio-economic impact. Personal stories of Senegalese who have returned to invest in their country are shared, illustrating the challenges and successes they face. The article concludes by acknowledging the diaspora's key role in development and the need for more comprehensive strategies to address migration.

The article discusses the state of press freedom in Gambia following the departure of former president Yahya Jammeh, who was known for suppressing independent media. Taranga FM, a community radio station, faced multiple shutdowns under Jammeh's regime but is now experiencing a more open environment. The new government has promised to restore press freedom and is processing applications for new radio stations. Journalists and media outlets like Radio Star FM, The Standard, The Point, Daily Observer, and The Voice are now able to produce content in local languages and discuss political affairs more freely. The Minister of Information, Demba Ali Jawo, has been actively engaging with journalists, a stark change from the past. Despite these positive developments, rights groups and journalists believe more reforms are needed, particularly the repeal of restrictive laws. The Gambia Press Union is advocating for these changes. Trust in the authorities remains tentative, as past abuses against journalists have left a lasting impact. Training sessions for security forces on freedom of expression and journalist safety, conducted by Article 19 and UNESCO, are steps towards improving the situation, but journalists like Seyni Marenah feel that more needs to be done for them to feel entirely safe.

Human rights groups are concerned about the resistance to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Africa, particularly following the indictments of sitting heads of state like Omar al-Bashir and Kenyan officials. The ICC has been criticized for targeting African leaders, as all 39 indictments since its inception have been against Africans. In response, the African Union has proposed the African Court of Justice and Human Rights with the Malabo Protocol, which would grant immunity to sitting heads of state. Rights groups and legal experts argue that this could undermine justice and encourage leaders to cling to power to avoid prosecution. So far, the protocol has not been ratified by any African country's parliament and requires 15 ratifications to come into effect.

The article discusses the Hadii Yahde project in northern Senegal, funded by the Italian government and implemented by Green Cross Italia. The initiative aims to reduce migration by empowering women in agriculture in the Matam region, where harsh conditions and limited opportunities have led many to seek better lives abroad. The project teaches women crop rotation and diversification, including fruit trees, to create sustainable income. Despite skepticism from some participants, the project hopes to provide an alternative to migration by improving local agriculture and economic conditions. Additionally, the renovation of a key road by President Macky Sall is anticipated to boost the local economy and job connectivity.

The NBA, in partnership with the nonprofit SEED Project, has launched the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, marking the first elite basketball training facility of its kind on the continent. The academy aims to discover and develop young African talent, starting with twelve male players who have been selected through scouting programs and skills camps. The initiative will eventually include female players as well. The academy's approach is comprehensive, encompassing education, leadership, character development, and life skills, with training from current NBA coaches. The NBA Academy Africa is part of a broader NBA strategy to identify and train basketball talent globally, with additional academies in China, and planned facilities in India and Australia. Retired NBA player Lionel Simmons attended the launch, encouraging young players to seize this opportunity to potentially play in the NBA. NBA Vice President Brooks Meek highlighted the potential for basketball to grow in Africa, leveraging the success of African players in the NBA.

Cervical cancer, despite being preventable, is the most common cancer in Africa, with Senegal having one of the highest rates. The WHO reports over 1,400 new cases annually in Senegal. To combat this, Senegal's health officials have launched a campaign to vaccinate girls against HPV, which causes cervical cancer. Free screenings are provided by volunteers from JCI, but the high cost of screenings and lack of equipment in most clinics remain barriers. Gavi has chosen Senegal for a pilot vaccination program, and the country is now rolling out the vaccine nationally, subsidized by Gavi and the Senegalese government. The vaccine is expected to prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases if the rollout is successful, coinciding with the 7th African Vaccination Week aimed at promoting immunization across the continent.

The African Union tribunal in Senegal has upheld the conviction of former Chadian president Hissene Habre for war crimes and crimes against humanity, while overturning his conviction for rape. Habre, who ruled Chad for eight years and was responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, has been sentenced to life in prison and ordered to pay $135 million in reparations to victims. The verdict concludes a lengthy campaign by survivors to bring Habre to justice. The trial, conducted by the Extraordinary African Chambers within the Senegalese justice system, is noted as the first time an African leader was tried on the continent by an African court. The case is seen as a precedent for justice in Africa, as victims from Gambia seek to learn from the experience to pursue their own case against former president Yahya Jammeh.