Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has declared the establishment of a “Government of Peace and Unity” in areas under its control, challenging the army-led administration led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The RSF and its allies had already signed a charter in Nairobi in February, laying out their intention to form an alternative authority. They have now endorsed a transitional constitution, proposing a 15-member presidential council representing all regions of the country. Since the war erupted in April 2023, nearly 13 million people have been displaced, with no political solution in sight.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, will attend a special summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra, Ghana, from April 22 to 23, 2025. The summit will discuss the impact of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s exit from the bloc, which they left in January 2025 due to sanctions and perceived lack of assistance. Despite the split, ECOWAS has shown openness to continued engagement with the AES, particularly in security and humanitarian cooperation. The Accra summit is seen as another crucial moment to renew dialogue with the AES.
The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has rescued 219 people, mainly foreign nationals, from a suspected human trafficking and cybercrime ring in Oyarifa, Accra, Ghana. As reported, the victims were lured into Ghana with false promises of well-paying jobs and a better life but were held against their will under harsh conditions. Many were confined for extended periods, with some enduring over a year in captivity. The EOCO also uncovered evidence of online fraud schemes and forced victims to work long hours under surveillance.
Rwanda has agreed to allow the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces to enter the war-ravaged eastern Congo, following a request from the SADC. The SADC, which had been sent to assist the Congolese government in pacifying the region, has faced criticism from Rwanda due to the ongoing conflict and the loss of peacekeeping troops. The SADC’s efforts to stop the M23 rebels’ attacks have been met with resistance, leading to their withdrawal earlier this month. The agreement was confirmed by Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe.
Gabon’s interim president, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has won the presidential election with over 90% of the votes, securing his hold on power after staging a coup in 2023. His main opponent, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, conceded defeat before the announcement of the official results by the Constitutional Court. General Nguema will hereby govern Gabon for seven years, becoming the second Central African leader to win an election in recent years.
Algeria, this week, requested 12 French embassy staff to leave the country within 48 hours, including some members of the French interior ministry. The expulsions are in response to the indictment of three Algerian nationals in Paris, including a consular official, on charges of abduction, arbitrary detention, illegal confinement, and involvement in a terrorist organization. Algeria’s foreign ministry has summoned French ambassador Stéphane Romatet to express its protest and call for the official’s immediate release.
South Africa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as the head of a special envoy to the US to ease tensions between the two countries, which have worsened since Donald Trump’s return. Jonas will lead negotiations aimed at fostering strategic partnerships and will also engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote South Africa’s interests.
A boat capsized in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing at least 50 people and leaving hundreds missing. The boat, carrying around 400 passengers, caught fire near Mbandaka after leaving Matankumu port for Bolomba territory. It was reported that the incident began when someone was cooking on board. Several passengers died after jumping into the water without swimming, while around 100 survivors were taken to an improvised shelter, many with severe burns.
Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a community in Adamawa State, Nigeria, causing destruction to valuable properties. The attack, which was launched against the Hong community, occurred from 10pm on Friday to 3am, following a previous attack on the Bangah community in Borno State. Adamawa and Borno states have been among the most troubled states by Boko Haram since the insurgency began.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Mamelodi Sundowns, the club owned by its president, the South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe. The club was found guilty of breaching safety and security rules during an African Champions League game against Esperance of Tunisia due to misconduct by fans of the club and was fined $100,000. The club is required to strictly implement the safety measures specified in CAF regulations, guidelines, and directives, particularly in their upcoming matches.
