This week, world leaders expressed deep sadness and offered their condolences following the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the age of 82 in London on Sunday, 13th July, 2025. Buhari was Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, after having ruled as a military head of state from 1984 to 1985. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu commended Buhari as a disciplined patriot, ordering that flags be flown at half-mast for seven days. Tributes have begun to flow in from all over Nigeria and the world since the announcement of his death by his spokesperson, Garba Sheu. He was laid to rest in his house in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Local and municipal elections have been postponed in the Central African Republic and rescheduled to be held in December. The postponement is due to difficulties in finance mobilization, as well as technical and organizational issues. The opposition BRDC has called for an overhaul of the electoral authority as well as dialogue with President Touadéra. The elections, which are set to be held for the first time in nearly four decades, provide an important opportunity to deepen democratic administration, foster reconciliation, and solidify stability in a landlocked country with abundant natural resources.
Hundreds of Liberians staged a protest in Monrovia, demanding accountability from President Joseph Boakai’s administration. Mulbah Morlu, an opposition figure, spearheaded the protest, which was the most visible since Boakai entered government last year. Protesters denounced unfulfilled campaign pledges, job losses, and the government’s refusal to establish a war crimes court. They demanded justice for victims of Liberia’s civil wars, condemned politically motivated firings, and asked for the restoration of the rule of law. However, there was no violence, as the streets were quieter than usual, and President Boakai’s office has not replied yet publicly.
Burkina Faso’s military government has abolished the national electoral commission, citing excessive running costs and alleged foreign involvement. The commission’s former functions will be transferred to the Ministry of Interior, which is directly controlled by the state. This measure is part of the transitional government’s cost-cutting initiatives, which aim to rebuild important national institutions following a coup in 2022. The interior ministry will now oversee future elections.
France has handed over its last military bases in Senegal, ending a 65-year presence in the country. The decision comes as Africans increasingly urge for the continent’s military presence to be reduced. Following a three-month departure procedure, approximately 350 French soldiers, largely assigned to joint operations with the Senegalese army, will leave the nation. Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has asked that France withdraw its soldiers by 2025, since he was elected as the new president, but he assures that Senegal would continue to engage with Paris.
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate termination of fuel allowances and allocations for political appointees as part of severe government spending cuts and redirecting public monies to national development. The decision is consistent with broader attempts to streamline governance and promote fiscal discipline. This follows previous austerity measures, such as cutting ministries and presidential staff and suspending satellite TV subscriptions for government buildings. The Mahama government has continuously emphasized the importance of smart financial management in the face of global and domestic economic constraints.
Uganda has reopened its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, six months after rebel advances necessitated the closure of key crossings. Ugandan military advisor Chris Magezi confirmed the reopening, saying individuals responsible for the first closures and economic disruptions would be investigated. The decision follows a recent peace accord in Washington, in which Rwanda and the DRC committed to support future discussions between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. The outcome of impending peace talks will be dependent on ongoing pressure from international stakeholders and the parties’ willingness to compromise.
Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s richest man, has sought for permission to create the world’s deepest Atlantic seaport near his fertilizer and oil refinery facilities. The proposed port, located in Ogun state, will connect the conglomerate’s logistics and export activities to competing facilities in Lagos. Dangote now exports urea and fertilizer from its on-site jetty and receives heavy equipment for the refinery. The initiative intends to boost the growth of his industrial empire while also facilitating the export of items such as liquefied natural gas.
Togo’s municipal elections have been largely abandoned due to voter apathy following last month’s deadly demonstrations. The low turnout was heightened by increased police and military presence at important crossroads. The constitutional reforms, which were approved by a parliament dominated by Gnassingbé’s Union pour la République party, replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one, allowing Gnassingbé to be sworn in as president of the Council of Ministers and re-elected indefinitely.
This week, Morocco hosts a delegation from the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Human Rights and Civil Society Department for a week of training in Rabat, coordinated by Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH). The program aims to improve skills in human rights advocacy and international law. Participants will learn about human rights documentation, international humanitarian law, and advocacy techniques for advancing the Palestinian cause abroad. The Palestinian delegation acknowledges Morocco’s participation in international human rights forums, as well as the role of the CNDH in increasing cooperation between Moroccan and Palestinian organizations.
