Category: Africa
Coverage of Africa’s geopolitics, international relations, and current affairs. From elections and regional conflicts to economic development, trade, and diplomacy, this section explores how African nations shape global politics and respond to international challenges.
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Mali and Burkina Faso have announced reciprocal travel bans on US nationals after US President Donald Trump extended US entry restrictions to citizens of both countries. The measures were confirmed on Tuesday (Dec. 30) by the two governments’ foreign ministries, citing the principle of diplomatic reciprocity. “In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry…
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Guineans are voting in the country’s first presidential election since the 2021 military coup, with Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, President of the Transition, widely seen as the frontrunner amid a weakened opposition. The vote follows a four-year transition after Doumbouya ousted President Alpha Condé and introduced a new constitution extending the presidential term from five to…
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Citizens of the Central African Republic (CAR) will vote today (Dec. 28) in presidential, legislative, and first-ever municipal elections in four decades, amid concerns over democratic backsliding, security, and institutional capacity. President Faustin-Archange Touadera, leader of the ruling United Hearts Movement (MCU), is seeking a new term following a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed presidential…
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Nigeria is seeing mixed public and expert reactions after US airstrikes targeted Islamic State-linked militants in the country’s northwest — a rare case of foreign military action on Nigerian soil. The strikes followed US criticism of Nigeria’s government over its handling of attacks on Christian communities, raising questions about timing, intent and effectiveness. Analysts and…
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The United States has carried out an air strike against Islamic State (IS) militants in northwest Nigeria, in what officials described as a coordinated operation with the Nigerian government. President Donald Trump said he authorised the strike as Commander-in-Chief, while US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the operation took place in Sokoto state and killed multiple…
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Residents of Mogadishu have voted in Somalia’s first direct local council elections since 1969, a symbolic step towards universal suffrage under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, but one overshadowed by opposition boycotts and security concerns. About 500,000 voters registered to choose 390 district councillors from more than 1,600 candidates, with polling taking place at over 500…
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Sudan’s Prime Minister, Kamil Idris, has presented a government-backed peace plan to the UN Security Council (UNSC), urging international support to end the country’s nearly three-year conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The proposal comes amid continued fighting in Kordofan and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Key elements of the plan: • A UN-, African…
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Algeria’s parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring France’s 130-year colonisation of Algeria a “state crime”, formally calling for an apology and reparations from Paris. The move carries political weight amid strained bilateral relations and ongoing disputes over historical memory. Key developments • Brahim Boughali, Speaker of Parliament, said the law affirms that Algeria’s national…
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The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger — has signalled a significant escalation in regional counter-terrorism efforts following the launch of a joint military battalion. Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso and newly appointed head of the alliance, said the battalion’s creation “must be followed by large-scale operations”…
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resumed cobalt exports after a 10-month suspension aimed at stabilising prices amid global oversupply. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba said the export ban, introduced in February 2025, was designed to strengthen national control over strategic minerals and counter falling global prices. Cobalt is a critical input for electric vehicle…
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