Central Africa

Arsenal Ends Sponsorship Deal with Visit Rwanda English Premier League club Arsenal has decided to conclude its eight-year sponsorship agreement with Visit Rwanda effective at the end of the 2025-26 season. The announcement underscores the partnership's initial goals of enhancing tourism, conservation, and Rwanda's sporting aspirations. Arsenal's collaboration with Visit Rwanda began in 2018. The deal is valued at over $13.3 million annually. The partnership aimed to position Rwanda as a premium conservation…

Bridge Collapse in DR Congo Mine Claims 32 Lives In a tragic incident underscoring the perils faced by artisanal miners, at least 32 individuals have lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) due to the collapse of a bridge at the Kalando copper and cobalt mine. The bridge, which was unable to withstand the weight of overcrowding caused by unauthorized miners, gave way under the strain, leading to the catastrophic event. Unauthorized Access: A Prelude to Disaster This disaster highlights a…

Peace Framework Signed in Qatar: A New Dawn for Eastern DR Congo? In a significant development, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have entered into a peace framework in Qatar, amidst ongoing efforts to cease decades of conflict that have ravaged eastern DR Congo. This agreement, brokered with the involvement of international mediators, including the United States and the African Union, represents a glimmer of hope as both parties strive for stability in a region plagued…

Super Eagles Aim for Glory in World Cup Playoff Final As the sun sets over Morocco, a palpable excitement fills the air, accompanying the bustling streets leading up to the grand showdown. The Super Eagles of Nigeria stand on the brink of history as they prepare to battle the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the 2026 World Cup Africa Playoff Final this Sunday. The stakes couldn’t be higher; the victor will secure a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off Tournament, a gateway to the prestigious 2026 World Cup. A…

Simandou Iron Ore Project: A New Era for Guinea In a significant development for West Africa's economic landscape, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Guinea's military leader, Mamadou Doumbouya, have officially inaugurated the Simandou Iron Ore Project in Conakry. This historic project, often heralded as one of the largest mineral development initiatives globally, promises not only to reshape Guinea's economy but also to significantly influence the international iron ore market. A Long-Awaited Vision Decades in the making,…

Rising Diabetes Epidemic in Africa: An Urgent Call for Action As World Diabetes Day approaches on November 14, alarming new statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight an ongoing health crisis across Africa. The WHO has raised the alarm about the escalating rates of diabetes on the continent, which it attributes primarily to rapidly changing lifestyles, significant increases in overweight and obesity, and limited access to essential health services. The need for immediate attention and action cannot be…

In Search of Justice: The Trial of Roger Lumbala Tshitenga As a tangible symbol of hope for accountability, the trial of former Congolese rebel leader Roger Lumbala Tshitenga opened its doors in Paris recently. It signifies a pivotal moment not only for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but also for the global fight against impunity for war crimes. Amidst the shadow of past atrocities from the Second Congo War (1998-2003), this courtroom drama unfolds with reverberations that could transcend borders and resonate deeply…

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…