Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia on Thursday, signaling improving ties between the two nations after tensions escalated over Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland. Abiy was welcomed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu, where they discussed trade and diplomatic relations. The dispute arose after Ethiopia signed an agreement to lease Somaliland’s coastline for a marine base in exchange for recognizing its independence, which Somalia sees as a violation of its sovereignty. Talks initiated in Turkey aim to resolve the issue while securing Ethiopia’s access to the sea. Somaliland remains unrecognized despite declaring independence over 30 years ago.
Egypt has firmly rejected proposals to displace Palestinians, warning that such actions would undermine the Palestinian cause and threaten regional security, the Egyptian presidency stated on Tuesday. This comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to permanently relocate over 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and assert U.S. control over the territory. Egypt will host an emergency Arab League summit on March 4 to address the issue, with both Egypt and Jordan opposing resettlement proposals. Arab leaders recently met in Riyadh to discuss potential financial aid, while Palestinians fear a repeat of the 1948 “Nakba” displacement crisis.
France announced on Wednesday that it will review a 1968 agreement granting Algerian citizens easier access to France unless Algeria agrees to take back deported nationals. Tensions escalated after an Algerian citizen, whom France had attempted to repatriate 14 times, carried out a fatal knife attack in Mulhouse. Prime Minister François Bayrou warned that Algeria’s refusal to accept deportees violates bilateral agreements, and France will reassess the pact within six weeks. Relations between the two nations have also soured due to France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move opposed by Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front.
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have signed a charter with allied political and armed groups to establish a “government of peace and unity,” further deepening divisions in the nearly two-year war. While the UN has raised concerns, the new government is unlikely to gain international recognition. The RSF, controlling much of Darfur and Kordofan, faces strong resistance from the Sudanese army. The charter calls for a secular, democratic state but permits armed groups to remain active. Amid accusations that the UAE is backing the RSF, Sudan faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with millions at risk of starvation.
Rwanda has criticized the UK’s decision to impose sanctions and suspend bilateral aid over its alleged support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that such measures will hinder peace efforts. The UK’s sanctions include pausing defense training, reviewing export licenses, and limiting trade activities with Rwanda. The UN estimates thousands of Rwandan troops are in DRC, though Kigali denies involvement, claiming self-defense. The M23 rebellion has displaced nearly 500,000 people. The US has also sanctioned a Rwandan minister and an M23 leader. Rwanda insists the conflict requires a political, not military, resolution.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his intent to negotiate with U.S. President Donald Trump to ease tensions over land reform and South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the World Court. Trump recently cut U.S. financial aid to South Africa, citing concerns over its policies. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs conference in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa stressed his goal of securing a meaningful deal with the U.S. rather than merely defending his country’s stance. While South Africa seeks neutrality in global conflicts, its preferential trade status under AGOA could be at risk due to its divergence from Washington’s positions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo in Moscow on Wednesday to strengthen economic and security ties. Discussions focused on cooperation in mineral resources, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and fishing. Putin highlighted growing trade between Russia and Africa, emphasizing the need for deeper economic engagement. Embalo reaffirmed strong ties between the two nations. His visit comes amid political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, where the opposition claims his mandate ends Thursday, while the Supreme Court ruled it lasts until September. Meanwhile, Russia continues expanding its influence in West and Central Africa through trade and security partnerships.
The U.S. government has shut down Power Africa, a program launched by former President Barack Obama in 2013 to expand electricity access across Africa. Most of its initiatives have been terminated, and staff dismissed, though some projects connecting U.S. companies with African energy ventures may continue under different agencies. A State Department spokesperson said programs are being reviewed to determine alignment with U.S. national interests. The closure, part of broader federal budget cuts under the Trump administration, marks a shift in U.S. engagement with Africa’s energy sector, impacting efforts to provide electricity to millions of households.
Namibia’s Supreme Court has dismissed an opposition challenge against last year’s presidential election, clearing the way for SWAPO’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to take office as the country’s first female president on March 21. The opposition, led by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), claimed the election was flawed due to extended voting days. However, Chief Justice Peter Shivute ruled the extension was lawful. IPC leader Panduleni Itula accepted the verdict, stating they would not protest. SWAPO, in power for over three decades, secured both the presidential and parliamentary elections in November.
The G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Cape Town this week ended without a joint communique, indicating deep divisions on issues like climate finance. South Africa, the host nation, expressed disappointment, with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana stating he was “not happy” about the lack of consensus. The talks were overshadowed by the absence of key finance leaders from the U.S., China, India, and Japan, as well as foreign aid cuts by major economies. While delegates agreed on resisting protectionism, disagreements over climate funding and economic priorities prevented a unified statement, leading to a “chair’s summary” instead.
