Central Africa

It’s hard not to feel a heightened sense of tension in the world today—an undercurrent of uncertainty that seems to permeate our daily lives. If you've observed this sensation, you’re not alone. The latest findings from the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) corroborate these feelings, revealing a sobering truth: global peacefulness has declined for the sixth consecutive year. Alarmingly, this marks the 13th time in 17 years that we have witnessed such a backtrack. Yet, amidst this general decline, a curious silver…

In a devastating incident during high school exams in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, twenty-nine students lost their lives due to a catastrophic stampede. The chaos erupted following an explosion at an electricity transformer, which sparked panic among approximately 6,000 candidates. This tragic event unfolded on the second day of finals, turning a moment of aspiration into a scene of anguish. The transformer, which had only recently undergone repairs, was situated on the ground floor of the…

Insights from the Latest OPEC Report: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Oil Prices The latest report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) unveiled some intriguing insights into the dynamics of global oil markets. In May, the OPEC Reference Basket (ORB) saw a notable decline, falling by $5.36—or 7.8%—to settle at $63.62 per barrel. The fluctuation in oil prices invariably affects economies and consumers alike, leaving one to ponder: what does this mean for the average individual and the…

Exploring New Frontiers: Sierra Leone's Offshore Seismic Survey Sierra Leone stands at a crucial juncture, embarking on its first offshore 3D seismic survey in almost a decade. The aim? To uncover the vast potential nestled beneath the waves of its offshore oil basin. This six-week survey is not just a technical endeavor; it signifies a pivotal step towards demystifying the oil-rich subsea landscape that many experts believe holds great promise. Conducted in collaboration with the esteemed energy consulting…

A recent report from the World Bank titled Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 reveals some troubling realities regarding electricity access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It's disheartening but not surprising to learn that a large proportion of the world's electricity deficits are concentrated in this region. As investment in energy infrastructure continues to lag, the urgent need for improvements is clearer than ever. Despite various initiatives aimed at boosting electrification across the…

2025 Global Peace Index: A Declining Trend in Global Peacefulness The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) presents a stark reality: for the 13th time in the last 17 years, global peace is on the decline. Over the past year alone, the average level of peacefulness has taken a hit, decreasing by 0.36%. It’s a sobering statistic that signals the sixth consecutive year where we witness a slip in global tranquility. What has led us to this state? And what does it mean for our collective future? While much of the world’s focus has…

Exploring the Impact of Economic Sanctions on African Nations For decades, African countries have found themselves on the receiving end of various sanctions imposed by international entities such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the United States. Why has this continent become a focal point for such measures? It's essential to recognize that sanctions are often employed to advance specific foreign policy objectives. However, the implications of these actions reach far beyond the political…

In a significant step towards enhancing regional energy infrastructure, HYDRO-LINK, a specialized company based in the United States, has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a 1,150-kilometer (720 miles) electricity transmission line linking Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This $1.5 billion endeavor is anchored by a recent memorandum of understanding with the Angolan government. The DRC, endowed with a wealth of minerals, faces an acute challenge: an erratic power supply that stifles its…

When we talk about GDP per capita, we often think about raw numbers, economic theories, and statistics. However, this figure conveys a deeper narrative—one that reflects the lived experiences of ordinary people within a nation. It serves as a powerful lens through which we can view not only a country’s economic health but also the realities that its citizens face daily. In many regions across Africa, GDP per capita illustrates a persistent struggle. The rich potential of these nations often sits alongside…

In an age where geopolitics are increasingly interconnected, the situation unfolding in Ukraine reflects a remarkable evolution in foreign policy, especially as Kyiv seeks to extend its influence into African geopolitics. The ongoing war with Russia is not merely a regional conflict; it's taking on global implications, reshaping alliances, and sparking new initiatives across continents. Recently, speaking to Reuters, Maksym Subkh, Ukraine’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, articulated a…