Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights from his interview with Senegal's President Macky Sall, highlighting the country's precarious political landscape as elections approach. Despite being a relative outpost of stability, Sall expresses concerns about democracy in a region plagued by unrest. Nicholas Pelham delves into the shadowy figure of 'The Phantom,' a key Hamas commander, exploring his rise and the implications of his actions. The discussion also touches on the evolving cultural and political narratives surrounding meat consumption in France.
Senegal's President expresses concerns about the effectiveness of regional organization Ecowas in dealing with coups and questions rushing into elections after a coup, emphasizing the growing threat of jihadist insurgencies and the need for regional cooperation.
The Commander-in-Chief of Hamas's military wing, Muhammad Dave, also known as 'The Phantom,' prioritizes military action over negotiations or compromise, focusing on fighting the Israeli occupation and transforming Hamas into a sophisticated army capable of launching attacks on Israel.
Deep dives
Democracy under threat in Africa's Sahel region
A string of coups have removed elected governments from power in countries like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Senegal, once a bastion of democracy in the region, now faces rising instability. President Makisal expresses his concerns about the effectiveness of regional organization Ecowas in dealing with coups and questions rushing into elections after a coup. He emphasizes the growing threat of jihadist insurgencies and the need for regional cooperation.
The Enigmatic Muhammad Dave: Commander-in-Chief of Hamas
Muhammad Dave, also known as 'The Phantom,' is the Commander-in-Chief of Hamas's military wing. He is a long-standing and influential figure in the organization, transforming them from a guerrilla force into a sophisticated army capable of launching attacks on Israel. Dave's longevity and survival have contributed to his mystique, with little personal information known about him. His focus has been on fighting the Israeli occupation, and he prioritizes military action over negotiations or compromise.
The Politics of Meat in France
Meat consumption in France is deeply ingrained in the national identity, with steak being a symbol of French cuisine. However, concerns over health and climate change have led to a shift in attitudes towards meat. Chicken consumption has surpassed beef, and veganism is gaining popularity in urban, left-leaning circles. The government recognizes the need to reduce cattle farming to meet climate commitments. Despite these changes, meat still holds a certain allure in French culture.
As country after country in the Sahel has fallen prey to coups, President Macky Sall’s Senegal seemed an outpost of stability. Yet our correspondent finds him less than sanguine about democracy in the region. We sift through what little is known about “the Phantom”, the Hamas fighter behind the attacks in Israel (11:57). And eating steak fritesgets political in France (19:47).
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