Politics
Senegal votes for lawmakers in test for new president
By Ngouda Dione and Diadie Ba
DAKAR (Reuters) -Senegal headed to the polls on Sunday to vote in a legislative election that the president hopes will give his party the clear majority it needs to implement an ambitious agenda for reforms.
The heated campaign period has revived concerns about unrest as political rivals clashed, sometimes violently. The West African nation saw some of the worst political violence in recent history ahead of the presidential election in March.
Voters line up to cast their votes during the early legislative election, at a polling station in Parcelle, suburb of Dakar, Senegal, November 17, 2024. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
© Thomson Reuters
Voting in his home town of Ndiaganiao, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged the electorate to remain calm no matter the outcome.
“I once again call on voters… to show serenity, commit to the peaceful route, and to accept the popular will that will be expressed through the ballot box.”
Polls opened at 8 a.m. (0800 GMT) and close at 6 p.m, with a timetable for results still to be announced. More than 7 million registered voters will have the chance to vote for candidates for the 165-seat assembly, choosing between 41 registered parties or other entities.
Voters prepare to cast their votet during the early legislative election, at a polling station in Parcelle, suburb of Dakar, Senegal, November 17, 2024. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
© Thomson Reuters
At stake is Faye’s mandate to make good on promises to crack down on corruption and improve livelihoods that helped sweep him to power in April following a landslide election victory.
Top priorities for Senegalese voters are jobs and the economy, as inflation has squeezed livelihoods and the nation’s growing youth population struggles to find employment. Many are impatient for change.
Faye says his commitment to help has been stymied by the opposition-led assembly, which he dissolved in September to pave the way for Sunday’s vote.
People patiently waited at a polling station in a school in the Dakar suburb of Parcelle Unite, where several said they were voting for Faye’s party Pastef.
A man prepares to cast his vote during the early legislative election, at a polling station in Parcelle, suburb of Dakar, Senegal, November 17, 2024. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
© Thomson Reuters
“I hope they will address the issues our population faces. I want these elections to go smoothly and for them (Pastef) to get to work. We have faith in their program,” said El Baye Toure in the leafy schoolyard.
A voter casts her ballot during the early legislative election, at a polling station in Parcelle, suburb of Dakar, Senegal, November 17, 2024. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
© Thomson Reuters
Faye’s government is also grappling with slower-than-projected growth and a worsening budget deficit.
In September, a government audit revealed that Senegal’s debt and budget deficit were much wider than the previous administration had reported, causing the fiscal crisis to spiral. A $1.9 billion IMF programme agreed in June 2023 has been on hold since the discovery.
The main threat to the ambitions of Faye’s Pastef party is the unexpected alliance of two opposition parties, including the Republic party (APR) headed by the former Prime Minister Macky Sall.
The race also includes two smaller opposition coalitions. One, led by Dakar’s mayor Barthelemy Dias, has clashed with supporters of Pastef.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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