The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have held direct talks for the first time since M23 rebels seized two major cities in eastern DRC. The countries called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC, in the talk mediated by the Emir of Qatar in Doha. They both also agreed to continue discussions to establish lasting peace. It is widely known that the DRC accused Rwanda of sending weapons and troops to support the rebels, which Rwanda denied. The talks came after M23 representatives pulled out of a planned meeting with the DRC government in Angola due to European Union sanctions on senior members.
Sudan’s military has successfully retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum on Friday, marking a significant victory against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The army, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, has made steady advances in recent months. However, the war continues, with the RSF still holding key territories in Sudan’s western Darfur region. The conflict, which began in 2023, has killed over 28,000 people and displaced millions, with famine worsening the crisis. The RSF’s offensive has led to rising civilian casualties, with both sides denying allegations of targeting ethnic African communities.
Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as the country’s first woman president, on Friday, following her victory in elections last year. She became one of the few women leaders on the African continent, following a ceremony attended by heads of state from Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania. Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged her historic election and emphasized the country’s progress since independence, stating that more needs to be done.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared an emergency in oil-rich Rivers State and suspended its governor and lawmakers due to a political crisis and vandalism to pipelines. The crisis has been ongoing between incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers, many of whom are backed by his predecessor. Some lawmakers have initiated an impeachment process against Fubara, accusing him of illegalities related to the state budget presentation and legislative chamber composition. President Bola Tinubu has suspended the governor and other elected officials for six months and also appointed a sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
The provisional electoral list for Côte d’Ivoire’s 2025 presidential election has sparked controversy, particularly over the exclusion of Charles Blé Goudé and Laurent Gbagbo. Both men were previously convicted for their roles in the 2010-2011 post-election crisis. After receiving amnesty, their exclusion from the list is being criticized. The exclusion has sparked calls for their reinstatement by both the COJEP and the PPA-CI. A 15-day “dispute” period will begin on March 22, allowing claims regarding omitted registrations, voter removals, and material errors on the list. The final electoral list is expected to be published by June 20, 2025.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels entered the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Congo late Wednesday, securing a road linking four provinces and cutting off the Congolese army’s positions. The escalation in fighting follows the presidents of Congo and Rwanda’s unexpected talks in Qatar, which called for an immediate ceasefire. The rebels pulled out after the European Union announced sanctions on rebel leaders. The conflict in eastern Congo escalated in January when Rwanda-backed rebels advanced and seized Goma and Bukavu. The European Union has announced sanctions on rebel leaders.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, has pledged to avoid escalating tensions with Eritrea over access to the Red Sea, despite regional officials and experts warning of potential conflict. The tensions have escalated following Eritrea’s military mobilization and Ethiopia’s troop movements towards the border. Ahmed emphasized that while access to the Red Sea is crucial for Ethiopia, he is committed to resolving the issue through peaceful dialogue rather than military confrontation.
Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Kamel Madouri, a technocrat appointed in August 2024, and replaced him with Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, the Minister of Equipment, on Friday. This marks the fourth time since Saied’s power grab in the summer of 2021 that a prime minister has been dismissed without warning. Zenzri becomes the second woman to lead Tunisia’s government. The dismissal comes amid a tense political climate, with opposition figures and business leaders imprisoned and a politically charged trial underway. Tunisia faces economic struggles, including slow growth, high unemployment, and rising debt, exacerbating tensions under Saied’s leadership.
Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected a French list of 60 Algerians for deportation, claiming it bypassed traditional diplomatic channels and denied them their rightful trials. The dispute has reached a historic low over the past year. Algeria’s officials argue that their refusal to accept the deportees from France is related to concerns about due process. The list is the first time France has publicly discussed compiling and transmitting names of those slated for expulsion. Algerian officials have thus leaned into disagreements with former colonizer France.
A roadside bomb exploded near Somalia’s presidential palace, killing and injuring several people. The attack was carried out by a militant group, Al-Shabab, who claimed responsibility through a website allied to the group. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and reaffirmed support for Somalia’s people and government in their fight against terrorism and peace and stability. The British Embassy in Mogadishu also condemned the attack.
