Diplomacy

Rwanda
Backed by Kigali, Rwandan diaspora engagement in US takes shape

The United States Rwandan Community Abroad is taking action to bring together Rwandan expats in the US.

Eritrea, Ethiopia
Abiy Ahmed powerless over reopening of Tigray-Eritrea border

The resumption of free movement across the country's northern border is beyond Addis Ababa's control. The federal government is trying to put a stop to both smuggling activities and the political rapprochement between Asmara and Mekele.

Palace Intrigues
Alassane Ouattara, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Faure Gnassingbé

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

Ivory CoastAlassane Ouattara on personal visit to France

CongoUNESCO: Denis Sassou-Ngesso's candidate makes a stop at the Grand Orient de France

West AfricaECOWAS 50th anniversary summit on hold

Madagascar
Behind the scenes of the foreign minister's visit to Paris

In addition to the meeting on the Scattered Islands, which the two foreign ministers chaired, Jean-Noël Barrot and his Malagasy counterpart, Rasata Rafaravavitafika, held a closed-door lunch meeting.

Congo
Trump administration in no rush to name new ambassador

Eugene Young, US ambassador to Brazzaville, will leave his role this month but will only be replaced by a chargé d'affaires for the time being.

Mali
Washington sends mission to Bamako

An American delegation is expected to arrive in the Malian capital in the coming days to renew ties with the Sahelian juntas.

West Africa
ECOWAS presidents debate AU's next chairperson

The AU chair should go back to a West African state next year. The subject was briefly evoked during the ECOWAS summit in Abuja on 22 June, with several capitals dreaming of being ideal candidates.

Senegal
French army about to hand back Rufisque base

After a long period of uncertainty, the French armed forces are due to announce the return of the military post to their Senegalese counterparts. It has long been seen as having strategic importance.

West Africa
ECOWAS standby force and the issue of funding

Under pressure from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the sub-regional organisation is expected to present a funding project for a military standby force in the coming weeks. However, few are in favour of it seeing the light of day.