Central Africa

The recent joint summit between the Eastern African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) brought fresh hope for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The gathering resulted in the establishment of an expanded panel tasked with spearheading peace initiatives in a region fraught with turmoil, following Angola’s withdrawal as a mediator. This strategic adjustment is vital, considering the DRC’s ongoing struggles. The revised panel features an impressive lineup of former leaders,…

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup—set to unfold in the vibrant landscapes of the United States, Canada, and Mexico—has already seen four thrilling rounds of qualification matches. As we gear up for Match Day 5, anticipation builds with an array of compelling clashes on the horizon. On Wednesday, March 19, soccer enthusiasts can expect four captivating encounters. The spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Liberia, who will face Tunisia, the current frontrunners in Group H. This match presents an opportunity for Liberia to…

The M23 militia has publicly declared its decision to withdraw from negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government. This move, they assert, is a direct consequence of European Union sanctions imposed on Rwandan officials earlier that same day, which the militia claims have compromised the integrity of the dialogue. It’s noteworthy how this situation has unfolded. For nearly a decade, the prospect of direct talks between the M23 fighters and the government was nothing more than a distant dream—something…

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Rwanda has ordered the expulsion of all Belgian diplomats, requiring their departure within 48 hours. This decisive action sparked an immediate reaction from Brussels, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has accused Belgium of “consistently undermining” its efforts, particularly amid the ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This diplomatic fracture appears to stem from a…

Angola is stepping into an ambitious role, attempting to mediate the ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The focus lies on facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, and the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant territories. During a recent meeting held in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at establishing dialogue between the warring factions. His commitment to fostering peace in the region cannot be…

The Union of Chadian Journalists, alongside a coalition of international advocacy organizations, has raised grave concerns over the recent arbitrary arrests of two prominent journalists in Chad. This alarming trend appears to be part of a more extensive governmental clampdown on dissenting voices within the nation. Among the detained is Olivier Monodji, a correspondent for Radio France International. Alongside him, another journalist affiliated with State television faces similar circumstances. Reports suggest their…

The ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo has taken a turn for the worse, drawing the attention of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a heartfelt plea, Rubio has urged for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis that continues to escalate. The Congolese military is currently facing a daunting challenge from the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, whose swift advances are creating chaos in an already volatile region. This area, rich in minerals, has become a battleground not only for…

A recent UN report has shed light on the alarming situation faced by Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees in the Southeast Central African Republic (CAR). Commissioned by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in conjunction with the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, this comprehensive inquiry has surfaced harrowing evidence of egregious human rights violations committed by various armed groups. The findings paint a grim picture: summary executions, acts of sexual violence, instances of torture, and treatment that can only…

The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has made a momentous announcement: the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit will take place in 2025 in the vibrant city of Luanda, Angola. This summit promises to be an extraordinary gathering, welcoming over 1,500 delegates, which will include heads of state from across Africa, government leaders, senior officials from the U.S. government, and executives from both U.S. and African enterprises. What lies ahead is a platform rich with potential, where discussions will explore a myriad of…

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated into chaos as conflicts flare between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. This escalation has forced nearly 80,000 individuals to flee to neighboring countries, a grim statistic reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). What's more, in just a fortnight at the end of February, over 800 cases of rape were documented by humanitarian organizations, underscoring a horrifying trend of violence against civilians. These acts of…