Central Africa

Lobito Corridor, the multimodal transport link from Angola’s Atlantic port to Central Africa’s mineral belts, has been paraded at this week’s 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda as a flagship sign of renewed partnership between Europe and Africa. Western capitals and sympathetic media have billed the corridor as a strategic answer to China’s expanding footprint on the continent. But in a stinging appraisal published in Maka Angola, journalist Rafael Marques de Morais urges a different reading: the corridor, he…

Opposition Leader Anicet Ekane Dies in Custody, Escalating Tensions in Cameroon Anicet Ekane, the prominent opposition leader and head of the Manidem party, has died at the age of 74 after being held for several weeks at a military garrison in Yaoundé. His family and legal representatives claim he was denied essential medical care during his detention, where he struggled to breathe while facing serious charges, including hostility against the state, incitement to revolt, and calls for insurrection. Ekane's arrest on…

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially declared the end of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Kasai Province, marking a significant public health achievement. The announcement comes after no new cases were reported in the past 42 days, following the discharge of the last patient from the treatment center on October 19, 2025. This outbreak primarily impacted the remote Bulape Health Zone, resulting in a total of 64 cases, with 53 confirmed and 11 classified as probable. Tragically, 45 individuals lost their…

Diplomatic Efforts for Peace in Eastern DRC Stalled Amid Rising Tensions Peace in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remained elusive as diplomatic efforts repeatedly stalled, with brief moments of progress quickly overshadowed by setbacks. Despite a symbolic handshake between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's Paul Kagame in October, analysts, including Timo Roujean of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, viewed such gestures as empty rhetoric amid unresolved questions about any potential peace…

Europe-Africa Summit: Leaders Seek Revitalized Partnership Amid Global Challenges Scores of African and European leaders are gathered in Luanda, the capital of Angola, for the seventh edition of the Europe-Africa Summit. This year's summit arrives at a critical juncture, characterized by "fraying" relations between these historic trading partners, as the influence of Russia, China, and the United States continues to expand across the region. Experts emphasize the necessity of re-evaluating the relationship between Europe…

Rwanda Rebuts Macron's Claims on Goma Airport's Reopening The Rwandan government has publicly challenged French President Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks concerning the resumption of flights at Goma Airport. Macron suggested that both the M23 rebel group and those controlling the airport had not made sufficient efforts to allow flights to resume while asserting that "all the administrative conditions have nevertheless been met by DR Congo." In a pointed response, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe criticized…

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…