DRC, Rwanda
Tshisekedi hunts for diplomatic strategy

DRC
M23 military leader sanctions officers responsible for looting and embezzlement

General Sultani Makenga has been punishing his senior men involved in offences committed in areas under the movement's control. High-ranking officers and even his own brother have already been thrown into prison for short sentences.

DRC, Rwanda
Paris postpones humanitarian conference on eastern DRC

While Qatar's mediation efforts have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between M23 rebels and Kinshasa, France has postponed its planned humanitarian conference on the crisis in DRC's eastern provinces until September.

DRC
War in the east: the main mediators meet in Doha

Representatives of the US, France and Togo are headed to Qatar, where discussions are underway on a pre-peace agreement. In a declaration of principles signed on 25 April in Washington, Kinshasa and Kigali gave themselves a week to chalk out a deal that could put an end to the conflict.

Mozambique, Rwanda
Cabo Delgado: EU plans to maintain financial aid to Rwandan army

Despite the war in DRC, the European External Action Service is arguing against immediate suspension of financial aid for the Rwanda Defence Force in the north of Mozambique.

Great lakes
Belgian foreign minister tours Great Lakes region

Maxime Prévot will be visiting Uganda, Burundi and the DRC, but not Rwanda.

DRC
Togo's Faure Gnassingbé faces the thorny issue of mediation in eastern DR Congo

Urged by Luanda to regain control of the DRC conflict on the African Union's behalf, the Togolese president took stock of the situation in Kinshasa and Kigali.

Palace Intrigues
Félix Tshisekedi, João Lourenço, Burna Boy, William Ruto

Intrigues big and small... Every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

DRCFélix Tshisekedi ruffles João Lourenço's feathers

NigeriaAfropop star Burna Boy struggles to fill Stade de France

KenyaMusalia Mudavadi's rough time at State House

DRC
Kinshasa hopes US congressman visit will make up for missed Washington meeting

Despite a missed meeting that was due to take place in early March in Washington, the DR Congo is hoping to convince the United States to support it in its battle with M23 rebels. It will make its case during a special visit from a US congressman later this month.

Africa
AU and EU strengthen ties for year ahead

Each with a new commission, the African Union and European Union plan to relaunch their cooperation this year, which has been hampered by the conflict in Ukraine. The key moment will be a heads of state summit in October or November.

DRC
Vital Kamerhe embarks on low-key tour from Johannesburg to Tel-Aviv

Challenged by President Félix Tshisekedi's entourage, who suspect him of harbouring a hidden agenda, the President of the Congolese National Assembly has embarked on a diplomatic tour to try to influence the course of the war against the M23 rebels.

DRC
Doha speeds up opening of embassy in Kinshasa

A diplomatic scouting team is due to leave Qatar to set up representation in the Congolese capital. The Emirate is still trying to play the role of mediator in the M23 crisis.

Palace Intrigues
Paul Biya, Lucy Tamlyn, Laurent Esso, Jean-Louis Billon

Intrigues big and small... Every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

DRCUS ambassador Lucy Tamlyn's luxury refuge

CameroonLaurent Esso's absence quells reshuffle rumours

Ivory CoastBillon clan to stage classy Miami wedding

DRC
Europeans not in union on how to respond to the M23 and Rwanda situation

The EU's member states are struggling to come up with a common diplomatic strategy to put pressure on Paul Kagame's Rwanda.

South Sudan
East African delegation expected in Juba for peace agreements

Elected representatives from the East African Community are preparing to meet South Sudanese officials to assess the implementation of the 2018 agreements, the roadmap for which is experiencing numerous delays.

Palace Intrigues
Alassane Ouattara, Nicolas Sarkozy, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Cyril Ramaphosa

Intrigues big and small – every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

Ivory CoastOuattara boosts Sarkozy's morale

GabonOligui Nguema, admirer of General de Gaulle

South Africa / RwandaRamaphosa's lexical blunder upsets Kagame

Inner circle | DRC
SADC regional force chief Monwabisi Dyakopu walks tightrope against M23

After almost four months in charge of a regional intervention force deployed to restore peace to eastern DRC, the South African is frustrated by a shortage of men and resources. And a chronically strained relationship with MONUSCO isn't helping.