Brazzaville Ceremony Sets the Tone for 2026
During the National Assembly’s New Year’s address ceremony, the institution’s president, Isidore Mvouba, urged deputies to place unity and practical action at the center of the coming year. His message focused on supporting national priorities while keeping institutions stable and responsive.
Enhanced Coordination with Government on Governance
Mvouba called on lawmakers to deepen their collaboration with the government, describing this coordination as essential for strengthening macroeconomic balances and improving governance. This appeal defined Parliament’s role as both legislative and supportive of the implementation of broader public policy, especially as 2026 approaches.
2025 Legislative Work Described as Demanding but Productive
Looking back, Mvouba characterized 2025 as a year of hard work and trials, marked by sustained legislative activity. He stated that the National Assembly had maintained its direction despite challenges, linking the adopted texts to efforts aimed at consolidating Congo’s institutional foundations.
Adoption Figures Presented
A numerical overview was used to illustrate this momentum. Out of 48 legislative initiatives recorded in 2025, five of which came from parliament, 44 texts were examined and adopted.
91% Adoption Rate Highlighted as Benchmark
The Assembly’s leadership described the resulting adoption rate of 91% as highly satisfactory. In the report shared during the ceremony, this performance was presented as a signal of institutional capacity and continuity, with the legislature having managed a busy agenda within the year.
Development Agenda Linked to Stability and Cohesion
Looking ahead, Mvouba encouraged deputies and Assembly staff to stand alongside the executive branch to help energize development actions. He also insisted on preserving stability and national cohesion, linking political unity to the effectiveness of public programs.
Serving Citizens While Charting a Path to Progress
Mvouba reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to serving the sovereign people and helping to chart paths toward progress. The ceremony’s message positions the legislature as an institution expected to produce results while maintaining a stable governance framework as 2026 approaches.
2025 AFCON Semi-Finals Set for January 14
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations has its final four. Senegal will face Egypt, while Morocco will meet Nigeria in two semi-finals scheduled for January 14. By the end of the evening, Africa will know the two finalists who will attempt to succeed Ivory Coast, eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Senegal vs Egypt: A Rivalry Built on Recent Finals
Senegal-Egypt has the feel of a reunion between teams that know each other well. Their most memorable recent encounter was the final of the 2021 AFCON, played in 2022 in Cameroon, where Senegal won its first title after a 0-0 draw and a 4-2 penalty shootout.
This match still shapes the narrative. For Senegal, it’s proof they can handle pressure and win the tightest matches. For Egypt, it remains a reference point and motivation, as the semi-final offers a chance to respond on a stage both teams respect.
A Long Head-to-Head, with Advantage to Egypt
The two nations first met in an AFCON final stage in 1986, when Senegal won 1-0. Egypt responded in 2000 with the same score. Senegal then beat Egypt 1-0 in 2002, before losing 1-2 in 2006, illustrating how margins are often narrow.
In all competitions, the statistics favor Egypt, which has more total victories: eight wins to Senegal’s four. The numbers don’t decide a semi-final, but they highlight Egypt’s long-term consistency and the need for Senegal to be effective in key moments.
What Each Team Seeks in This Semi-Final
Egypt is a regular in the final stages, having reached the final in the 2017 and 2021 editions. After being eliminated in the quarter-finals in Abidjan in 2023, they seek to re-establish their habit of going deep in the tournament.
Senegal, champion for the first time in the 33rd edition, aims to position itself to reach a third final in four editions, after 2019 and 2022. In this sense, this semi-final is also about maintaining a new standard.
Morocco vs Nigeria: Best Defense Meets Best Attack
The second semi-final, Morocco-Nigeria, is billed as a clash of styles. Morocco has the best defense in the tournament, having conceded only one goal, while the Nigerian defense has conceded two. Nigeria, meanwhile, brings the best attack, with 14 goals scored compared to nine for Morocco.
These numbers suggest a sharp tactical contrast. Morocco’s structure has limited chances and kept control of matches. Nigeria’s offensive play has produced volume and variety in front of goal. The semi-final will test which identity holds up under maximum pressure.
AFCON History: A Semi-Final Rematch and Past Encounters
This is the second time the two teams have met in an AFCON semi-final. In 1980, Nigeria beat Morocco 1-0, a result still present in the football memory of both countries. Their AFCON meetings also include a group stage match in 2000 won 2-0 by Nigeria.
In 2004, the year Morocco last reached the final, Morocco beat Nigeria 2-1. In all competitions, Morocco has five wins to Nigeria’s three, a reminder that this rivalry is not one-sided, even when form seems to lean one way.
Key Players to Watch: Diaz, El Kaabi, Osimhen, Lookman
Individual duels could tip the balance. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz arrives as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals in five matches, supported by Ayoub El Kaabi with three. Nigeria responds with Victor Osimhen, credited with four goals and two assists, and Ademola Lookman with three goals and four assists.
Beyond the numbers, these are players who can decide a semi-final in a single sequence. If Morocco’s defense can restrict the supply, Nigeria might be forced to create from