Central Africa

Amid escalating violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations has raised a clarion call, expressing "grave concern" for the safety and security of civilians caught in the crossfire. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported a staggering exodus, with over 400,000 individuals displaced due to renewed hostilities between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. That’s nearly double the figure reported just a week ago, illustrating how quickly the situation is spiraling out of…

In a move that has sent ripples of optimism through the financial markets, Gabon's transitional government declared that presidential elections are set to take place on April 12, 2025. This announcement marks a significant step towards restoring civilian governance in a country that has seen its fair share of turmoil. Just picture it: a nation where military tanks once rolled through the streets under the leadership of General Brice Oligui Nguem, who led a coup against former president Ali Bongo in 2023, following a…

On December 29, 2024, the air in Chad buzzed with anticipation, but the results have unleashed a whirlwind of controversy. The Constitutional Council has officially endorsed the parliamentary election outcome, declaring the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby, the victors. Yet, as celebrations erupt in government circles, the opposition cries foul, alleging that this democratic exercise was less of a contest and more of a calculated maneuver. Clement Sianka, a…

As the curtain drew on the last quarter of the year, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) found itself in the spotlight—quite literally. The organization capped off its busy season with an extraordinary invitation from the White House, asking CCA to join President Biden's official delegation to Angola, his final international sojourn as President. Florie Liser, the President and CEO of CCA, couldn't hide her enthusiasm as she shared this momentous update with members. "I was thrilled to see both Presidents dive into…

On the fateful day of January 9, 2025, an unusual episode unfolded in Chad as government officials referred to an assault on the presidential palace as a "small incident," aimed at disrupting the nation’s stability. The capital, N'Djamena, reverberated with the sounds of intense gunfire when armed assailants reportedly breached the gates of the presidential grounds. This turmoil erupted right after President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno had concluded discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In the wake of the attack,…

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is on the rise across Africa, and health officials are sounding the alarm about the risks of becoming too relaxed. According to a recent update from the World Health Organization (WHO), numerous regions on the continent are grappling with outbreaks linked to several virus variants, or clades. As of December 1, 2024, WHO reported that over 13,000 cases have been confirmed in 20 distinct nations. This report sheds light on the fact that different clades have different modes of transmission. For…

Rwanda has proudly inaugurated Africa's pioneering laboratory dedicated to assessing the quality and safety of motorcycle helmets. This innovative facility is capable of testing between 30 to 40 helmets each day. Its primary objective is to ensure that both locally produced and imported helmets comply with the safety regulations set forth by the Rwanda Standards Board. "By establishing this lab, we are taking crucial strides towards lowering head injuries and fostering economic advancement," explains a representative from…

Experts contend that the Congo Basin holds the title of the planet's most vital carbon sink, outpacing even the Amazon in its ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Recent discoveries of extensive peatlands hidden beneath this lush expanse have solidified this view. As global appetite for minerals surges—especially those crucial to the ongoing energy shift—the effects on the region's forests are becoming increasingly alarming. According to Earth Insight, a staggering 27% of the intact forests are now encompassed within mining…

Recently, the Rwandan government made headlines by teaming up with U.S. comedian Steve Harvey's company, BILT LLC, in a pact designed to enhance both tourism and investment in the nation. This exciting agreement was formalized in the capital, Kigali, with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Francis Gatare signing alongside Steve Harvey himself. The focus of this partnership is far-reaching—it aims to develop skills in critical areas like film, media, and education. Moreover, it seeks to promote health and wellness…

Chad's electoral commission has put out a call for military support to safeguard election officials and candidates ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary, local council, and regional elections, all set for December 29. An impressive 8.3 million citizens have registered to cast their votes. In addition, over 1,000 election monitors have been authorized to oversee the electoral process. However, the campaign trail has been anything but smooth. Candidates and their rallies have faced significant disruptions, primarily from…