United

Sudan
Western ambassadors clamp down on war economy

Chancelleries have tasked groups of experts with uncovering how certain economic sectors are working in favour of the belligerents in the conflict. Their conclusions could serve as a basis for future sanctions.

Cameroon
From counter-terrorism to minerals, Pentagon strengthens ties with Yaounde

A recent meeting between Paul Biya and the deputy commander of Africom provided the opportunity to foster greater security cooperation. Cameroon's reservations about Starlink were also discussed, as were strategic minerals, an area where Washington wants to stay in the race.

Cameroon
SNH attempts to speed up sensitive construction work at Kribi refinery

At a meeting in Dubai on 13 May, chaired by Nathalie Moudiki, Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures finalised its roadmap for the coming months. Although backed by BGFIBank, the project remains plagued by significant internal tensions regarding its financing and governance.

Central African Republic
Touadéra due in Moscow amid tensions over Wagner and Africa Corps

On a visit to the Russian capital, the Central African president is set, once again, to discuss what has become a bone of contention with the Kremlin. The heat is on to replace Wagner, which remains present in the country.

Uganda
Museveni reaches out to diaspora as sovereignty law stirs unease

As Uganda's sovereignty law alarms citizens at home and abroad, the presidency is seeking to lower the temperature by initiating a dialogue.

Congo
Brazzaville names former foreign minister to revive Washington ties

A loyal presidential ally has been appointed Congo’s ambassador to the US. He will be tasked with keeping the transatlantic relationship on track at a time when Congo is experiencing a relative lack of interest from the Trump administration.

Palace Intrigues
William Ruto, Emmanuel Macron, Aya Nakamura

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

Africa ForwardThe very diplomatic seating plan for heads of state dinner

KenyaRaila Odinga Junior on a fact-finding mission at the Africa-France summit

MaliSinger Aya Nakamura finalises her own documentary ahead of her three Paris shows

Egypt, Sudan
Burhan and Sisi stick to hardline pact in face of refugee crisis

Under pressure from his allies to address the plight of the millions of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is focusing on his military and diplomatic alliance with the Egyptian regime. For its part, Cairo intends to use its role as a gateway for migrants to secure concessions from Brussels.

Somalia
Soma Oil & Gas steps up search for investors

The British start-up is forging new contacts in the capital and across the US. Following a turbulent first foray into Somalia, the company founded by Basil Shiblaq is seeking investors to develop its offshore exploration licences.

Ivory Coast
Ouattara sets ministers straight

The Ivorian president sharply reprimanded Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé during the cabinet meeting on 29 April, following the consideration of two proposals to increase the minimum wage in an economic climate deemed fragile by the government.

Libya
Central bank sidelined as NOC takes control of fuel purchases

The head of Libya's state oil company, Masoud Suleman, now controls the foreign currency generated by crude sales, after a new financing mechanism handed the National Oil Corp sweeping powers over fuel imports.

DRC
Kinshasa tests artisanal gold export model with Canadian investor

Working with the Congolese state, the project, GoldConnect, is trialling a production and export model that relies heavily on new digital technologies.

South Africa
The ins and outs of Ramaphosa's upcoming international trips

The South African president will attend the 18th BRICS summit, to be hosted by India in September. However, he will not be present at the Africa Forward summit, taking place on 11 and 12 May in Kenya, nor at the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit, due to be held in New Delhi in late May.