Central Africa

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…

Struggle for Stability: The Ongoing Conflict in Nigeria's Borno State In the early hours of a recent morning, a deadly pre-dawn raid shook the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno, reminding the world of the ongoing turmoil that characterizes this region. Fighters affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched an audacious assault on army positions in two strategically important towns, a move that highlights both the vulnerability of state forces and the ever-present threat posed by these militants.…

Somalia says overnight raid kills seven Al‑Shabaab fighters as counterinsurgency grinds on in Hiiraan Somalia’s intelligence service says its agents, working with international partners, killed seven Al‑Shabaab fighters in a three‑phase raid overnight in the country’s central Hiiraan region, a patch of territory that has swung back and forth between government forces and the al‑Qaida‑linked group over the past two years. In a statement released Tuesday, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the…

Violence erupts as social-media-fuelled gold rush swamps northwestern Zambia Hundreds of police clashed with thousands of informal miners this week in northwestern Zambia after viral posts claimed gold lay just beneath the surface across a wide rural swathe. The sudden influx — tens of thousands of people by local estimates — overwhelmed local authorities, sparked allegations of bribery and violence, and prompted a delegation of senior ministers to the scene in a bid to restore order. Officials said security forces had…

Unlocking Potential: U.S.-Liberia Relations and the Minerals Frontier In the muted halls of Washington, a significant dialogue unfolded last week that highlights the intricate dance of geopolitics and resource diplomacy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, discussing the expansion of American interests in Liberia's critical minerals sector. This meeting is more than just a diplomatic handshake; it symbolizes a burgeoning relationship that could redefine not just…

Hope on the Horizon: The End of an Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo In a remarkable turn of events, the last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been discharged, signaling a beacon of hope amid the shadows cast by infectious diseases. This milestone marks not only a pivotal moment for the affected regions of the DRC but also for the global health community, eager for triumph over one of the most notorious pathogens known to humanity. A Comprehensive Response to a Complex…