Central Africa

Cameroon’s President Biya Sworn In Amidst Chaos: A Nation at a Crossroads In a significant yet tumultuous moment for Cameroon, President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting leader, has been sworn in for an unprecedented eighth consecutive term. This ceremony, fraught with tension and marked by the echoes of recent unrest, paints a vivid picture of a nation struggling with deep-seated divisions and yearning for stability. The Somber Inauguration As the sun peeked through the clouds over Yaoundé, the capital city, Biya…

Cameroon's Political Tempest: A Struggle for Freedom and Justice In the heart of Central Africa, a political storm brews as opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary raises the stakes following a contentious election that has ignited widespread protests and a cry for accountability from the Cameroonian government. The aftershocks of this election are not merely a local affair; they resonate with broader themes of governance and democratic integrity that transcend borders, challenging not only the legitimacy of Cameroon’s…

The Bongos on Trial: A Nation Grapples with Legacy and Accountability In a courtroom echoing with tension and significant societal implications, the wife and son of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo, along with eleven close associates, have entered the dock, facing a litany of serious charges, including treason, corruption, and the embezzlement of public funds. This unfolding legal drama has captured the attention not only of Gabonese citizens but also of the international community, as it brings to the forefront urgent…

The Fragile Peace in Eastern DR Congo: Voices from the Ground In the lush, green hills of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the echo of gunfire and the palpable tension in the air create a stark contrast to the paper agreements made months prior. Residents in towns like Goma and Bukavu, once bustling with life, are now haunted by a pervasive uncertainty. The much-publicized peace agreements inked in Doha, Qatar, in June—which involved intricate negotiations among international powers—were meant to restore…

Somalia Passes Revised Anti-Piracy Law as Attacks Resurface Off Its Coast Unanimous vote in Mogadishu Somalia’s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a revised anti-piracy and anti-kidnapping law, a sweeping update to legislation first written in 1975, as authorities confront a worrying uptick in attacks along one of the world’s most strategic sea lanes. All 140 lawmakers present backed the bill, an unusual show of unity in a chamber more accustomed to hard bargaining over security and federal powers. “This is a…

Shadows of Suppression: Protests and the Fight for Democracy in Cameroon The recent presidential election in Cameroon has ignited a maelstrom of unrest that stretches far beyond the simple question of leadership. With President Paul Biya officially declared the victor for another term, the streets of this central African nation have transformed into battlegrounds, erupting in protests and lamentations echoing the aspirations of a populace yearning for change. The scene is not just one of frustration, but of profound…

Reflecting on Paul Biya's Enduring Reign in Cameroon With yet another electoral victory, Paul Biya extends his hold as Cameroon's president, marking a staggering 43 years in power. This milestone positions him as Africa’s oldest president and one of the world's longest-serving leaders. At 92, Biya remains a figure of intrigue and contention, having deftly navigated the political landscape of a nation that has seen significant upheaval and change since gaining independence in 1960. The Enigmatic "Sphinx" of Yaoundé Biya's…

Shadows of Suppression: Protests and the Fight for Democracy in Cameroon The recent presidential election in Cameroon has ignited a maelstrom of unrest that stretches far beyond the simple question of leadership. With President Paul Biya officially declared the victor for another term, the streets of this central African nation have transformed into battlegrounds, erupting in protests and lamentations echoing the aspirations of a populace yearning for change. The scene is not just one of frustration, but of profound…

Echoes of Dissent: Cameroon's Deepening Political Crisis In the heart of Central Africa, where the air carries a blend of hope and despair, an unsettling tension has gripped Cameroon following the recent presidential election. On October 12, the Constitutional Council declared President Paul Biya the victor, cementing his authority for an astonishing 43 years. At 92 years old, Biya’s continued reign raises significant questions, not only about the nation’s political landscape but also about the very fabric of democracy in a…

In Kigali, a quiet pledge between Somalia and Nigeria hints at a broader shift in Africa’s fight against extremism On a mild Saturday in Kigali, two senior soldiers from different ends of the continent sat down and agreed to swap hard-won lessons from the battlefield. Somalia’s Land Forces Commander, Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar—widely known as General Khalid—met Nigeria’s Infantry Commander, Major General Usman Abdulmumin Yusuf, to map out deeper military cooperation. The plan: share combat experience, expand joint…