Sahel Region in May 2026: the most important developments in politics
In the Sahel region in May 2026, the dominant political development was a government crisis in Senegal. Around 22 May President Faye dismissed Prime Minister Sonko and dissolved the government, after months of tensions between the two. On 24 May the speaker of parliament stepped down. On 25 May Faye named an economist as prime minister, and on 26 May parliament elected Sonko as its new speaker.
In Mali, on 4 May Goita took the defence minister's post after his predecessor was killed.
Elsewhere, Guinea's main opposition leader entered the presidential race, and Macron reflected on French policy in the Sahel.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
Click a day in the chart above for that day's brief.