Africa

Over a decade ago, nations within the Great Lakes region united under a mineral certification scheme, aimed at curtailing the illegal exploitation of vital minerals. This endeavor was not merely bureaucratic; it sought to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in a region often marred by strife. Yet, experts now caution that the promised progress has been minimal, leaving the specter of conflict still looming over these resource-rich lands. During a recent congregation at the International Conference on the…

In the aftermath of the contentious October 2024 elections, Human Rights Watch has voiced grave concerns regarding the apparent absence of a credible investigation into a surge of political killings. This alarming trend has predominantly victimized individuals affiliated with the opposition, particularly those who openly contested the re-election of President Daniel Chapo. How does one reconcile the fundamental principles of democracy with such deadly repression? This question lingers ominously in the air as HRW shines a…

In a tense diplomatic showdown, the French government has signaled its intent to respond robustly if Algeria proceeds with its threat to expel twelve officials from the French embassy in Algiers. This escalation follows Algeria's strong reaction to the detention of several embassy staff in Paris. The French authorities contend that these individuals are linked to the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of the Algerian regime, raising questions about the intersection of diplomacy and human rights. Just last weekend,…

Nigerian officials have imposed a ban on a provocative song that dares to criticize President Bola Tinubu and his administration's economic strategies. The track in question, "Tell Your Papa," crafted by renowned artist Eedris Abdulkareem, expresses a piercing discontent with the president’s two-year tenure, which has already been marred by significant unrest fueled by escalating inflation and soaring fuel costs. Interestingly, this Afrobeats anthem is directed at none other than Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who has…

In a striking turn of events, Gabon's military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has claimed victory in the presidential election, reportedly securing an astonishing 90% of the votes cast, as indicated by provisional results. This remarkable outcome undeniably marks a significant moment in Gabonese history. The backdrop to this election is steeped in complexity. Just last year, Oligui Nguema led a coup that ousted the Bongo family, a dynasty that had held power for nearly six decades. The political landscape has…

Meetings of international significance often carry an air of gravitas, yet they are underlined by the profoundly human quest to build bridges. On a Thursday afternoon in Paris, an intriguing convergence of perspectives unfolded as President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria sat down with Massad Boulos, the Senior Advisor for Africa to then U.S. President Donald Trump. Their conversation, intricately woven with aspirations of fortifying economic and security alliances, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's engagement with the United…

Recently, China's Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, conducted insightful conversations with Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. The primary focus of these dialogues was to deliberate on the growing pressure from U.S.-imposed "reciprocal tariffs." Can we ponder for a moment on what these diplomatic exchanges signify? Are they merely routine discussions, or do…

Regional Leaders Convene for Critical Dialogue In what promises to be a pivotal meeting, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, respectively, are set to meet in Dar es Salaam. This extraordinary summit, heralded by Kenyan President William Ruto, aims to dissect the escalating hostilities in eastern Congo. President Ruto's announcement on Monday marked a significant diplomatic endeavor as tensions simmer between the two nations. Why is this summit happening now?…

In a striking decision that echoes the ongoing tensions in Zimbabwe, a Harare magistrate has resolutely denied bail to 95 individuals accused of orchestrating an anti-government protest on March 31. The magistrate's ruling was clear: these individuals allegedly pose a significant security threat and could potentially re-offend if granted their freedom. Facing charges of unlawful gathering and inciting violence, this group, primarily comprising young activists and opposition supporters, reportedly sought to march towards the…

The truth commission in The Gambia, a relatively young institution born in 2018, stands as a beacon of hope amid the shadows of a troubled past. This vital body has accused numerous officials from the regime of former president Yahya Jammeh of heinous acts, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and a slew of other human rights atrocities. Each of these allegations unfurls stories of grief, loss, and injustice that echo throughout the national psyche. Take, for instance, the recent issuance of an arrest…