On July 19, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebel group signed a declaration of principles in Doha, mediated by Qatar with strong support from the African Union and US diplomacy, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The declaration marks a potentially transformative moment in one of Africa’s most protracted and destabilizing…

On July 17, 2025, Togo held its first municipal elections since sweeping constitutional reforms. These polls unfolded amid widespread disillusionment and outrage over recent political developments that critics say entrench one‑party rule and extend President Faure Gnassingbé’s hold on power. A climate of fear and mistrust permeated the election. Voting stations in Lomé were mostly empty…

South Africa’s capacity to honor its G20 debt‐relief pledges —including improving the Common Framework, expanding debt suspension tools, and facilitating restructuring— hinges on both domestic fiscal discipline and global coordination. 1. G20 and African debt reform under South Africa’s leadership As G20 chair for 2025, South Africa has spotlighted debt stress in Africa, urging…

Kenya is in mourning after the death of 22‑year‑old vendor Boniface Kariuki, shot at close range by a police officer during a protest on June 17 in Nairobi. Kariuki, who was selling face masks at a rally against police brutality, was struck in the head and died a few days later in hospital, the incident captured on video and shared widely on social media. His funeral on July 11 in…

Cameroon’s long-standing President Paul Biya, now 92 and the world’s oldest serving head of state, has officially declared his candidacy for an eighth seven-year term in the October 12, 2025 presidential election. Using his verified X account, Biya posted: Biya ascended to power in November 1982, succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, and has ruled Cameroon for over 43 years—second only in Africa…