Senegal’s savannah jockey dreams of international glory

In a classic case of "poacher turning gamekeeper", the fishermen of Senegal have joined forces to protect one of the ocean's most endangered species: the sea turtle.

In our show "The New Normal", which examines the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond, FRANCE 24 brings you four reports from our correspondents around the globe.

In Senegal, one man has created a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. Goran N'Diaye is a pioneer of permaculture. Following his own success, he's now training the next generation of young Senegalese farmers. In doing so, he hopes to change traditions and spread sustainable, ecologically friendly farming practices. Our colleagues from France 2 report, with FRANCE 24's Ellen Gainsford.

The faithful from Senegal's influential Islamic Mouride brotherhood attend the grand mosque in central city Touba during the yearly Grand Magal pilgrimage, one of the first mass gatherings in the country since the coronavirus pandemic started.

In Senegal, young people living in impoverished communities along the coast are increasingly viewing their future elsewhere, and choosing to leave the country. But the crossing is treacherous. Migrants typically leave from Mbour, some 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the capital Dakar, in crammed traditional fishing canoes. The International Organization for Migration says that over 500 people have died this year, most in October and November.

Long established in countries such as Belgium, France and China, pigeon racing only took off in Senegal over the past decade after hobbyist ornamental-bird breeders stumbled across the sport on the internet.

Senegal is preparing its vaccine strategy and is rushing to deliver more beds for coronavirus patients as infections soar and a lack of capacity means doctors are only able to admit the most severe cases, health officials said.

The director of Senegalese health-research body IRESSEF confirms that the country has recorded its first case of the more-contagious coronavirus strain that initially emerged in Britain. The British coronavirus variant likely emerged in southeastern England in September, according to Imperial College London. The World Health Organization says it has already spread to more than 60 countries worldwide.

Fallou Diop is one of Senegal's most promising jockeys according to the stable owner he rides for near the Lac Rose's sandy shores. His size, feather weight and passion for horses make him an ideal competitor. Having won the country's most prestigious racing prize two years ago he is now hoping to compete abroad.

Angered by opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's arrest, his supporters took part in the worst civil unrest in the West African country in years.

Four people have died in the Senegal's worst unrest in years. Those clashes sparked by the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Kenya launches its vaccination campaign, as countries across the continent urge for vaccine fairness in the fight against the pandemic. And as Ivory's coast's opposition eyes a comeback in Saturday's legislative election, our guest Jessica Moody tonight tells us more about whether the country can hope for national reconciliation anytime soon.

During the past week, Senegal has been rocked by its worst violence in years. It was sparked by the arrest of charismatic opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who has been charged with rape. Sonko, who is considered a serious contender to replace President Macky Sall in 2024, denies the allegations. He says the charges are politically motivated.