Central Africa

The 2025 Global Terrorism Index report, released by the Institute for Economics & Peace, paints a sobering picture of the Sahel region as it seemingly becomes the new heart of global terrorism. As someone who’s been following global security dynamics for a while, I can't help but wonder how this transformation could happen so swiftly from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa. Why here? Why now? Africa’s unsettling position on the terrorism index is not without reason. It’s a familiar narrative,…

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated into chaos as conflicts flare between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. This escalation has forced nearly 80,000 individuals to flee to neighboring countries, a grim statistic reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). What's more, in just a fortnight at the end of February, over 800 cases of rape were documented by humanitarian organizations, underscoring a horrifying trend of violence against civilians. These acts of…

Aid Reevaluation: Germany's Decisive Step on Rwanda It can be a daunting task when a nation grapples with the complexities of international aid amidst conflict. Who could have thought that Germany, a key player in global development, would find itself reassessing its relationship with Rwanda, a country in the heart of Africa? On a Tuesday that promised to deliver headlines around the world, an announcement was made by the German development ministry. They’ve taken a bold step—suspending…

The political landscape of Gabon is undergoing significant transformation under the leadership of Brice Oligui Nguema. The country, nestled in the heart of West Africa, found itself at a crossroads when Nguema seized power in a coup on August 30, 2023. A nation rich in oil and natural resources, Gabon has since been charting a new course towards democracy and governance. This story of change took another remarkable turn with Nguema's recent announcement: his intention to stand for the presidency. The announcement came as…

In an intriguing turn of international relations, Rwanda has set its sights on acquiring a substantial £50 million ($63.62 million) in compensation from Britain. This follows a dramatic disruption in a controversial asylum agreement, as revealed by an insider linked closely to the corridors of the Kigali government. The juxtaposition of politics and diplomacy often brings up questions: What happens when promises are broken across borders? The demand for compensation…

Agriculture is undeniably the lifeblood of Africa, weaving its influence through every village and stretching out across the vast savannahs. Whether it’s the age-old traditions held close in family farms or sprawling commercial enterprises, the act of cultivating the land is pivotal. It doesn’t merely feed millions; it powers the economy and has the untapped potential to shape a brighter future. An African proverb notably states, "He who learns, teaches." Agriculture is perhaps Africa’s most profound teacher—a silent…

Understanding the Role of Customs Duties in Africa For some countries heavily reliant on international trade, the levying of tariffs on imported goods comprises more than 40% of total tax revenue. This fact alone underscores just how integral these duties are to the infrastructure of governmental funding across various nations. Consider the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, where customs duties remarkably constitute 100% of the country’s tax revenue. What does this tell us about their economic structure or their…

Navigating the Green Transition: A Global Perspective In the relentless march towards a greener world, there's one name that continually echoes across boardrooms and government offices: Shukhrat Ibragimov. Appointed as the chairman and CEO of the Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) in 2024, Ibragimov has steadfastly forged alliances, most notably with China, proclaiming: “There is no green transition without China.” This assertion speaks volumes not only about his vision but also about the intricate web of…

Understanding DRC's Stance on M23 The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) perceives the M23 group through a critical lens, branding it as a terrorist organization. This perspective does not emerge from a vacuum; it hinges on numerous factors. Paramount among them is the nation's sovereign integrity, a principle they've seen undermined in past agreements that dissolved amidst foreign meddling and a potentially futile expectation of compliance. Sometime back, I recall a conversation with an aid…

Have you ever paused to consider the challenges faced by countries without coastlines? These landlocked nations grapple with a unique set of hurdles due to their geographic realities. Imagine a world where trade isn't just a simple matter of port-to-port logistics but a complex dance involving neighbors, politics, and infrastructure. For 16 African countries, this is their everyday reality. Being landlocked in Africa comes with its own set of trials. Let's take a moment to delve into what…