AGP Executive Report

Senegal’s Sickle Cell Breakthrough: Teranga Pharma has started producing Drepaf, a locally made generic hydroxyurea, a major step toward cutting costs and improving access for sickle cell patients across Africa. Global Health & Public Policy: The move comes as Senegal and the wider region still rely heavily on expensive imported treatment, despite hydroxyurea being the WHO-recommended drug to reduce crises and hospitalisations. Diplomacy: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected to visit Azerbaijan before year-end, with talks focused on trade and oil-and-gas cooperation. Sports—Transfers: Senegalese players are in the spotlight in Europe’s late-window scramble: Liverpool are exploring Ismaila Sarr; Monaco have made an inquiry for Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr; and Chelsea’s Mamadou Sarr is set for a loan to Real Sociedad. Justice & International Law: The ICC’s Japanese president Tomoko Akane says she won’t back down despite US sanctions, while Senegal’s own legal team is also targeted. Football Governance: CAS has set an 8 October hearing for Senegal’s AFCON title appeal.

Sickle Cell Breakthrough: A Senegalese firm, Teranga Pharma, says it has started producing Africa-made hydroxyurea, aiming to cut costs and reliance on expensive imported treatment for patients like 18-year-old Mamadou Tahirou near Dakar. Transfer Watch (Senegal Stars): Nicolas Jackson’s move from Chelsea to Aston Villa is close, with fees reported up to £65m, while Liverpool continue probing Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr after Brighton rejected bids for Yankuba Minteh; Palace boss Pierre Sage insists Sarr is injured (groin) and under contract. Court of Arbitration: Senegal’s AFCON title appeal at CAS is set for 8 October after CAF stripped the 2025 final to Morocco. Crime & Borders: US customs at Chicago O’Hare arrested three Senegalese suspects and seized about 1,170 pounds of khat. Local/Regional Aid: Senegal helped Mauritania restore power in Nouakchott after major transformer fires, alongside Morocco and OMVS-linked support.

CAS AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s AFCON 2025 title fight is heading to court: the Court of Arbitration for Sport set a closed-door hearing for 8 October over the decision that stripped Senegal and awarded Morocco the trophy. Health & Industry: Senegalese researchers and a Dakar-area lab are producing generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease, aiming to cut costs and reduce dependence on expensive imported medicines. Transfer Window Watch: Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf is close to joining Brentford from West Ham in a deal that could reach £40m with add-ons. Football Transfers (Senegalese Strikers): Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is at the center of late-window talks, with Aston Villa submitting a €70m bid and other clubs circling; meanwhile, Ismaïla Sarr is linked to a potential move as Al-Hilal weighs an offer against Crystal Palace. Security & Travel: Ghana’s foreign ministry warns pilgrims to avoid overland convoys to Senegal and fly instead, citing rising risks on Sahel road corridors. Local Development: Rural Senegal’s Kaira Looro competition selected designs for community centers, including a winning plan for a multifunctional civic space built with local, low-impact methods.

Senegal Football & Transfers: Aston Villa have submitted a €70m bid for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with the Senegal international reportedly a key target as Villa weigh a late-window overhaul. Senegal Football & Transfers: Al-Hilal are also in the race for Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, while Galatasaray push to complete a deal with Palace. Premier League Senegalese Impact: Hull City’s Nobel Mendy and Semi Ajayi helped stun Manchester United 2-0 in the league opener, putting Senegalese talent in the spotlight early. UN & Diplomacy: Former Senegal president Macky Sall is campaigning for UN reform as he seeks to succeed António Guterres, pitching a broader reset for multilateral trust. Migration & Safety: Ghana’s foreign ministry warned Tijjaniya pilgrims to avoid overland travel to Senegal, urging flights amid attacks on convoys along Sahel corridors. Energy & Regional Support: Senegal backed Mauritania after Nouakchott power outages linked to transformer fires, sending teams and equipment via OMVS-linked support. Economy & Trade: Senegal’s zero-tariff push to China is raising hopes for processed exports, but small firms say financing, standards, and lab testing remain hurdles.

Senegal-China Trade: Senegal’s push for more processed exports to China is getting a reality check under Beijing’s zero-tariff policy, with producers warning that financing orders, meeting food standards, and costly lab testing abroad can slow scaling up. Migration Watch: Senegal and Mauritania intercepted 750+ migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands, including 210 rescued by the Senegalese Navy and 315 saved by Mauritania’s coast guard. Sports Transfers: Nicolas Jackson’s Senegalese spotlight is back in Europe as Aston Villa weigh a €70m bid and Chelsea set a £65m asking price, while FIFA president Infantino faces growing resignation pressure after scrapping a plan to sell commercial stakes. Local Development: Rural Senegal’s Kaira Looro competition has named winners for designs of a multifunctional community center meant to strengthen education, inclusion, culture, and local self-built construction. International Justice: The US-ICC standoff keeps pulling in Senegal, with sanctions hitting ICC president Tomoko Akane and Senegalese trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, drawing criticism and calls for support.

ICC Tensions: Australia says it’s dismayed by the US push to “dismantle” the International Criminal Court, after fresh sanctions hit ICC president Tomoko Akane and Senegalese senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. Migration Watch: Senegal and Mauritania intercepted 750+ migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands, with Senegal Navy reporting 210 people in distress and another 246 assisted near the coast. Local Development: Rural Senegal’s Kaira Looro 2026 design contest has named winners for a multifunctional community center meant to boost education, inclusion, culture, and low-impact self-construction. Football (Senegalese): Hull City’s Nobel Mendy and Semi Ajayi starred as Hull stunned Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League opener, while PSG’s Senegalese winger Ibrahim Mbaye remains a transfer focus amid negotiations. Security Advisory: Ghana’s foreign ministry warned Tijjaniya pilgrims to avoid overland convoys to Senegal and fly instead, citing rising risks on corridors into Dakar. Heritage & Culture: Senegalese artisans featured as Gabon revived its Festival of Cultures after an eight-year break, with Senegal a guest of honor.

Senegal Football & Governance: CAS ordered the Senegalese Football Federation’s Appeals Committee to accept and review Mady Touré’s challenge against Abdoulaye Fall’s election, overturning a procedural rejection and sending the dispute back for a full look. Premier League Spotlight (Senegalese): Hull City’s shock 2-0 win over Manchester United featured Senegalese defender Nobel Mendy scoring on debut, while Semi Ajayi also netted—another big weekend for Senegalese players abroad. Migration & Security: Senegal and Mauritania intercepted more than 750 migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands, with Senegal Navy reporting 210 people found at sea and additional rescues near the coast. Infrastructure & China Ties: The Mbour–Kaolack highway in Senegal opened to traffic ahead of schedule, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye calling it a sign of strong Senegal–China cooperation. Culture & Memory: In Saint-Louis, traces of the transatlantic slave-trade past are fading as a two-century-old slave depot building deteriorates, raising concerns about preservation. Sports Diplomacy: Luxembourg scouts and guides wrapped up a two-week renovation exchange in Senegal, including school and playground refurbishments.

Migration Watch: Senegal and Mauritania say they intercepted 750+ migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands, including a Senegal Navy rescue of 210 people and Mauritania’s rescue of 315 from a boat that left Gambia. International Justice: The US-ICC standoff deepened after Washington sanctioned ICC president Tomoko Akane and Senegalese trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, with the ICC calling it a “flagrant attack” on independence. Infrastructure & Trade: China-built the Mbour–Kaolack highway (99.2 km) opened to traffic in Thiadiaye, with Senegal’s president saying it will boost connectivity across central Senegal. Sports—Senegal on the move: Hull’s Premier League return featured Senegalese defender Nobel Mendy scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Manchester United. Sports—Athletics: Senegal’s Sally Sarr set a national record (15.08m) in the Diamond League triple jump, sharing the lead with Leyanis Pérez. Football—Federation dispute: CAS ordered Senegal’s football appeals body to accept and review Mady Touré’s challenge against Abdoulaye Fall’s election. Culture: Senny Camara (kora) and other women musicians won Aga Khan Music Awards, spotlighting traditions once “preserve of men.”

ICC Sanctions Fallout: Japan’s ICC president Tomoko Akane says she needs explicit support from Tokyo after the US sanctioned her and a Senegalese senior trial lawyer, warning the move could undermine the rule of law. Senegal Governance: Senegal’s lawmakers approved a reform making asset declarations by the President, Prime Minister and National Assembly Speaker public at the start and end of their terms, sparking political tension over how far it will really go. Sports—Senegal in the Spotlight: Hull City’s Premier League shock win over Manchester United featured Senegal defender Nobel Mendy scoring twice, while Senegal’s Patrick Vieira was recently appointed national coach and CAS ordered Senegal’s football appeals body to reconsider Mady Touré’s challenge. Infrastructure—Senegal: The Mbour–Kaolack highway in Thiadiaye opened to traffic ahead of schedule, with President Diomaye Faye calling it a boost for connectivity. Culture: A Senegalese ensemble review highlights cross-cultural music featuring kora player Senny Camara.

UN Politics: The UN Security Council’s second secret straw poll for the next secretary-general put Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett narrowly ahead, with Senegal’s former president Macky Sall still in the mix as the race tightens. ICC Fallout: The ICC president Tomoko Akane warned that US sanctions could lead to “the demise of international rule of law,” after Washington targeted the ICC leadership including Senegalese senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. Senegal Governance: Senegal’s National Assembly approved a reform making asset declarations by the President, Prime Minister and National Assembly Speaker public at the start and end of their terms. Infrastructure: China-built the Mbour–Kaolack highway opened ahead of schedule, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye saying it will boost connectivity across central Senegal. Sports (Senegal-linked): CAS ordered Senegal’s football appeals body to accept and review Mady Touré’s challenge against Abdoulaye Fall’s federation election. Football (abroad): Hull City’s Senegal defender Nobel Mendy scored twice on Premier League return, while Liverpool’s Senegalese winger Ibrahim Mbaye transfer talks with PSG remain stalled over price.

Sports Justice: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordered Senegal’s football appeals body to accept and review Mady Touré’s challenge to Abdoulaye Fall’s federation election, saying the earlier rejection was procedural and didn’t address Touré’s claims. UN Politics: The UN Security Council held a second secret straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett edging ahead (8 “encourage” votes) as the race tightens among candidates including Senegal’s Macky Sall and newcomer Ivonne A-Baki. ICC & Senegal Connection: ICC President Tomoko Akane warned US sanctions could “undermine” the rule of law, after Washington sanctioned her and Senegalese ICC trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. Senegal Governance: Senegalese lawmakers approved a reform making top leaders’ asset declarations public at the start and end of their terms, sparking political tension. Travel Advisory: Ghana’s Tijjaniya pilgrims heading to Senegal were urged to avoid some road routes to Dakar and choose air travel for safety. Local History: In Saint-Louis, traces of the slave-trading past are being erased, even as a preserved slave depot building remains a rare reminder. Football Spotlight: Senegal defender Nobel Mendy scored twice on Premier League debut as Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0.

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council’s second secret straw poll for the next secretary-general put Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on top with eight “encourage” votes, edging Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi (seven each), while Senegal’s Macky Sall also picked up support and newcomer Ivonne A-Baki landed in last place with zero “encourage” votes. ICC-US Tensions: Senegal voiced “deep concern” over US sanctions targeting ICC officials, including Senegalese prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye, warning the measures could undermine the court’s independence. Senegal Football at Home and Abroad: Former World Cup winner Patrick Vieira was appointed Senegal coach, but federation insiders say the deal is still at a preliminary stage; meanwhile, Senegal’s national women’s team lost to the Philippines 79-75 in the FIBA Pre-OQT finale. Sports Business/Transfers: Liverpool’s pursuit of Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye continues amid PSG asking prices, while Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy’s red card helped Al-Ittihad grind out a 1-0 win in Saudi Arabia. Fishing Economy: Senegal plans to expand its inshore exclusive zone from 6 to 12 nautical miles to protect small-scale fishers as sardinella stocks collapse.

Senegal Football: Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of Senegal’s men’s national team, taking over the Teranga Lions after their World Cup exit, with preparations now focused on AFCON qualification. UN & ICC: Senegal’s government says it is deeply concerned about U.S. sanctions targeting an ICC president and a Senegalese ICC prosecutor, warning such moves threaten the court’s independence. UN Secretary-General Race: The UN Security Council is holding a second informal straw poll to narrow the field of eight candidates to replace António Guterres, with Senegal’s Macky Sall among those in the mix. Energy & Investment: MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 confirms President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf as official participants in Dakar. Fishing & Food Security: Senegal is pushing to expand its inshore exclusive zone from six to 12 nautical miles to curb industrial fishing as sardinella stocks collapse and small-scale fishers face rising hardship. Culture & Faith: The Tijaniyya caliph general has set the theme for Gamou 2026 in Tivaouane, calling for “oneness” (Tawhid) to strengthen unity and social cohesion. Local Economy: Senegal’s mango exports closed up 15% year-on-year, despite complaints over fruit sizing and anthracnose.

Senegal Football: Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of Senegal’s men’s national team after Pape Thiaw’s exit, tasked with rebuilding momentum following the World Cup disappointment and preparing for AfCON qualification. Federation Tensions: But Senegal’s federation insiders say the Vieira deal was only “preliminary” and legal negotiations were still ongoing, raising questions about how quickly it was announced. ICC Sanctions Fallout: Senegal’s government voiced deep concern over U.S. sanctions targeting Senegalese ICC official Abdoulaye Seye, stressing solidarity and warning that any move that undermines the ICC’s independence threatens international justice. UN Secretary-General Race: Senegal is also watching the wider UN leadership contest as Ecuadorian candidate Ivonne Baki pushes Security Council reform and conflict prevention, while Uganda’s Olara Otunnu warns the UN is “at grave risk” without fundamental reform. Migration & Women: A Senegal-focused report highlights how migration is reshaping life for married women, with community radio dramas reflecting forced marriage, violence, and irregular migration realities. Agribusiness: Senegal’s mango exports reportedly rose 15% to close the season, despite complaints about fruit sizing and anthracnose.

Senegal Football: Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of Senegal’s men’s national team, replacing Pape Thiaw after the World Cup exit, with Vieira tasked to rebuild the Teranga Lions ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. ICC & Senegal: The US sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senegalese senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, triggering sharp pushback from the ICC, EU, Japan, and Belgium—while Senegal’s football federation and fans also keep an eye on how global politics may ripple into international justice. Saint-Louis Heritage: In Saint-Louis, traces of the transatlantic slave-trading past are being erased as a historic slave depot building deteriorates and disappears from view. Agriculture & Exports: Senegal’s mango export season closed with a reported 15% rise in total volumes, despite complaints over fruit sizing and anthracnose, with fruit-fly compliance highlighted as a key win. UN Reform Watch (Senegal-linked): Ugandan UN SG candidate Olara Otunnu renewed calls for UN reform, warning the organization is at “grave risk” without change.

Senegal Football: Senegal has named Patrick Vieira as head coach of the men’s national team, replacing Pape Thiaw after the World Cup exit. The Senegalese Football Federation says the move is “strategic,” aimed at rebuilding the Teranga Lions and strengthening the technical setup ahead of upcoming AFCON qualifiers. International Justice: The U.S. sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senegalese senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye are drawing sharp pushback. The ICC calls it a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence, while the EU and Japan say the court must be protected from external pressure. Trade & Agriculture: Senegal’s mango season closed with export volumes up about 15% year-on-year, with Europe taking the biggest share and Senegal highlighting improved fruit fly compliance despite some quality complaints.