Gabon will hold its presidential election on April 12, 2025, as announced by the council of ministers following a cabinet meeting on Thursday. This marks a significant political milestone after the August 2023 military coup ousted former president Ali Bongo Ondimba. The election framework is outlined in a new electoral code, recently passed by parliament and awaiting approval by the Constitutional Court. Notably, the legislation permits military personnel to contest elections, a controversial change that could enable coup leader Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to run for president. Gabon’s constitution, revised by referendum in November, allows a 7-year presidential term, renewable once.
Nigeria this week was admitted as a “partner country” of BRICS, the bloc of developing economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. With Africa’s largest population and one of its leading economies, Nigeria aligns with BRICS’ goals of strengthening South-South cooperation and reforming global governance. Brazil, the current chair, highlighted Nigeria’s importance to the group’s priorities. BRICS, which recently expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, plans to establish an alternative payment system to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. This initiative comes amid global economic shifts and U.S. concerns, with former President Trump threatening tariffs against BRICS nations.
Kenya on Tuesday announced plans to implement visa-free travel for most African citizens, allowing visits of up to two months and six months for East African Community (EAC) members. This move, aimed at boosting regional integration and tourism, removes the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which had faced criticism as a disguised visa system. Somalia and Libya are excluded due to security concerns. The policy aligns with the African Union’s push for greater mobility and mirrors similar actions by Ghana and Rwanda. A streamlined entry process, promising 72-hour approvals, is in development, with ministries directed to finalize guidelines within a week.
South Sudanese authorities announced a 30-day social media restriction starting midnight Thursday, citing concerns over disturbing content related to ongoing violence against South Sudanese individuals in Sudan. The National Communication Authority stated the restriction, possibly extendable to 90 days, is necessary for public safety as the shared materials violate laws and pose mental health risks. Outrage has grown over videos allegedly showing militia violence in Sudan’s Gezira state, prompting retaliatory vandalism against Sudanese-owned shops in South Sudan. Authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew beginning January 17. The African Union condemned the killings and called for restraint amid Sudan’s escalating civil war, marked by ethnic violence and severe displacement.
The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Wednesday engaged in intense fighting near the al-Jili oil refinery, north of Khartoum. The army has reportedly advanced toward the refinery as part of a larger offensive to regain territory. Eyewitnesses have observed large plumes of smoke over Khartoum, with footage showing army forces securing the entrance to a nearby town. Meanwhile, fighting has also erupted in el-Fasher, following a 48-hour ultimatum from the RSF for the army to withdraw from its stronghold. In retaliation, the army conducted airstrikes on RSF positions after the deadline expired.
The United Nations has raised alarms over the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly around Goma and Saké, as fighting intensifies between the Congolese army and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The M23 captured Minova on Tuesday, a key supply route to Goma, displacing over 250,000 people. Many have fled across Lake Kivu to Goma. MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission, reported heavy clashes in the region, with M23 also taking other towns. The group, composed of ethnic Tutsis, denies accusations of receiving support from Rwanda, despite claims from the DRC and Western powers.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced on Wednesday that the country requires $20 billion annually to secure petroleum products. The statement, shared through a video from his office, highlights the significant financial burden Egypt faces in ensuring a steady supply of energy resources. The country’s reliance on petroleum imports has been a growing concern amid economic challenges, further emphasizing the need for substantial funding to maintain energy security.
Human rights groups expressed outrage on Wednesday after Italy released Libyan warlord Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, on a technicality despite an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Al-Masri, who heads a notorious Libyan detention center, was arrested in Turin but freed by Italy’s court of appeals due to a procedural error. The ICC condemned Italy’s actions, stressing its obligation to cooperate with the court’s prosecutions. Al-Masri’s return to Libya prompted celebration from his supporters, but human rights groups criticized Italy’s decision, highlighting the missed opportunity for justice.
The juntas of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali this week formed a joint force of 5,000 personnel to address rising extremist violence in the Sahel. The force will be deployed across the three countries, with joint operations already underway. The Sahel region has seen escalating violence from jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement. The new force, equipped with air, land, and intelligence resources, aims to tackle these security threats through coordinated efforts.
The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) will significantly impact Africa’s health initiatives, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Senior official Ngashi Ngongo highlighted the continent’s reliance on U.S. funding through the WHO for public health programs, particularly in tackling diseases like HIV/AIDS. The reduction in U.S. support could disrupt efforts to address health crises across Africa. Zimbabwe’s finance minister expressed concerns over the potential cuts in health aid. Ngongo suggested that African nations must reconsider how to finance public health and explore alternative funding sources from non-African countries.
