Central Africa

Tragedy struck in the northwestern region of Equateur Province as at least 30 lives were lost when a boat capsized, sending ripples of sorrow throughout the community. Rescue teams are diligently combing the waters in a frantic effort to locate dozens of individuals still unaccounted for. Local officials suspect that overcrowding, coupled with the treacherous weather conditions, may have contributed to this heart-wrenching incident. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rivers and lakes serve as vital arteries for…

In a dramatic culmination of Burundi's recent parliamentary election, the ruling CNDD-FDD party has captured all 100 seats, boasting an overwhelming 96% of the total votes across the nation. This undeniable triumph, however, hasn’t come without controversy. While the electoral commission has reported only minor irregularities, opposition parties and various human rights organizations have voiced serious concerns regarding the integrity of the process. As we navigate the complexities of this electoral outcome, it prompts us…

The ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has given rise to a staggering humanitarian crisis, underscored by an alarming surge in sexual violence against women and children. Recent statistics reveal that over 67,000 cases of rape and sexual assault were documented in just the first quarter of 2025. How did we arrive at such a harrowing juncture? In this heart-wrenching context, nearly 500 incidents of sexual abuse are reported weekly, involving more than 150 children. The sheer numbers are not…

In the vibrant heart of Douala, Cameroon, the air buzzed with anticipation as the local police concluded a two-day surveillance of an apartment block where the prominent opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, had been residing. Having just returned from a politically charged rally in France, Kamto’s presence in the city ignited tensions with the ruling party. Was it a simple visit, or was he a looming threat to their political foundation? The stakes felt alarmingly high. As you weave through the bustling streets of Douala, a…

In a decisive moment for Gabon’s economic future, President Brice Oligui Nguema has put forth an ambitious initiative aimed at industrializing the nation’s economy. This initiative isn’t just a flash in the pan; it is a calculated effort to harness Gabon's vast natural resources, transforming them into high-value goods that can benefit the entire population. As he articulated during his announcement, Oligui envisions a Gabon that thrives on its own merits, moving beyond mere extraction and embarking on a journey of true…

Rwanda’s recent departure from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) marks a significant shift in its regional engagements. Citing persistent violations of its member rights, Rwanda contends that the organization has strayed from its foundational principles, calling into question its effectiveness and integrity. Just as Rwanda was poised to take on the chairmanship—a role that rotates among the eleven member states—it withdrew, implying that this leadership position would inadvertently allow the…

On a pivotal day, Burundians cast their votes to shape the future of their parliament. With the ruling party positioned to secure a dominant victory, the political landscape appears decidedly lopsided. This comes on the heels of a notable development: the main opposition party, the National Freedom Council (CNL), was effectively barred from participating in this electoral process. How does one reconcile democracy with such blatant exclusion? The CNL, which emerged as the runner-up in the contentious 2020 elections, had its…

In a significant turn of events, Chad’s President Mahamat Déby has taken a bold step by suspending all visas for U.S. citizens. This decision, framed as a matter of "reciprocity," follows the revelation that the United States has blacklisted Chad and eleven other nations, barring their citizens from entry. The context is critical: in a sweeping travel ban recently enacted by former President Donald Trump, seven out of the twelve affected countries hail from Africa. This sweeping measure was justified by claims of…

The recent visit of former President Joseph Kabila to the rebel-occupied eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo has ignited a firestorm of debate. Officials in Kinshasa have leveled serious accusations, suggesting that Kabila may be providing covert support to the M23 rebel coalition. A high-ranking member of the ruling party recently remarked that Kabila's "unexpected" alliance with a group he once opposed raises eyebrows, hinting that there is "an underlying agenda" at play. This has left the government on…

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced a significant change in its operations. As the year draws to a close, the organization will shutter its offices in Angola due to financial constraints. These decisions stem from a troubling decline in donations and funding, reflecting a broader global trend that is impacting humanitarian efforts worldwide. Emmanuelle Mitte, the UNHCR representative in Angola, articulated the challenges facing the organization. She emphasized that the closures,…