Politics

Palace Intrigues
Alassane Ouattara, William Ruto, Cyril Ramaphosa

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

Ivory CoastOuattara irked by his advisers

KenyaRuto unhappy about secret meeting between Kindiki and Kenyatta

GhanaRamaphosa angry with John Dramani Mahama

Gabon
Ex-Energy Minister Jeannot Kalima takes the fall for Karpowership case

Former energy minister Jeannot Kalima, who was behind the deal signed last year with the Turkish operator Karpowership to supply Libreville with electricity, had been in the firing line of several presidential advisers.

DRC
Mines Minister Kizito Kapinga seeks closer ties with Republicans in US Congress

The Congolese government has hired the services of the Von Batten-Montague-York law firm to get closer to the US Congress, which is now dominated by the Republican Party.

Togo
Freemasons hold tense general meeting over disputed election

The election on 16 November 2024 of Julien Pitassa Kao to the rank of Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Togo has been challenged by Yiva Kodjo Badohu, who had been elected to the same position by a rival assembly.

Somalia
Puntland's battle against Islamic State hampered by the Yemeni connection

Amid a rapprochement between Houthi rebels and armed groups operating in the Horn, the president of the autonomous Puntland region, Said Deni, is also having to contend with Mogadishu's plans to appoint a new ambassador in Aden.

Chad
CAE Aviation, collateral victim of withdrawal of French forces

The French ISR specialist has been asked to leave the 172 Fort-Lamy air base by 19 January.

Cameroon
Minister of justice's absence during Biya's New Year message explained

On 10 January, the minister of justice, Laurent Esso, did not attend President Paul Biya's New Year's address to the constituted bodies. The presidency had permitted this absence so that he could undergo medical treatment in Paris.

Congo
Presidential adviser Françoise Joly boosts her standing in Brazzaville

Sassou's confidant has managed to have one of her allies promoted to head of presidential protocol, much to the dismay of intelligence chief Jean-Dominique Okemba. Joly may be ruffling a few feathers, but she still enjoys the confidence of the head of state.

South Sudan
Salva Kiir's negotiators prepare for their return to Nairobi

Salva Kiir's emissaries are due to visit Kenya the week of 20 January to resume negotiations on a peace agreement.

Central African Republic
IMF's visit focusing on the hydrocarbon sector's problems

In Bangui until 16 January, a team from the International Monetary Fund are holding a series of meetings with officials and players in the oil sector.

Sudan
RSF's political wing sets up home across Europe

The Qimam movement wants to take over areas controlled by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo's Rapid Support Forces. To restore his reputation, Hemeti has even established branches abroad for the political wing, particularly in key European capitals.