Regional Leaders Endorse Sudan Peace Roadmap, Condemn El Fasher Siege
At the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) in Entebbe, Uganda, leaders from 12 Great Lakes countries reaffirmed support for Sudan’s national peace roadmap. Chaired by Ugandan President Museveni, the meeting called on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia to comply with UN Resolution 2736 by lifting the siege on El Fasher, stopping attacks on civilians, and halting infrastructure destruction. Participants urged stronger regional cooperation to enforce the UN arms embargo and cut external support to RSF forces. The Sudanese delegation was led by Malik Agar, deputy head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council.
Sudan Paramilitaries Shell El-Obeid, Target Hospitals
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled El-Obeid city, hitting two hospitals and residential areas, according to witnesses and army sources. El-Obeid, a strategic hub in North Kordofan state, had been under siege by the RSF for nearly two years before government forces broke the blockade earlier this year. Clashes continue along key supply routes to El-Fasher, the last state capital under RSF control in Darfur. The RSF recently claimed to have retaken the town of Al-Khoei after earlier army advances.
Sidi Ould Tah Elected African Development Bank President
Mauritanian economist Sidi Ould Tah won the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB) with 76.18% of the vote after three rounds of selection. He beat contenders from Zambia and Senegal to become the AfDB’s ninth president. Tah’s victory was attributed to strong diplomatic support from Mauritania and backing by Saudi Arabia, leveraging his leadership of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). Tah is expected to focus on strengthening development finance across the continent.
EAC Urged to Negotiate Trade Agreements as a Unified Bloc
The East African Business Council (EABC) called on East African Community (EAC) member states to adopt a collective approach in negotiating trade deals with third parties. Acting EABC Executive Director Adrian Raphael Njau emphasized that unified negotiations would enhance regional integration, uphold the Common External Tariff, and increase bargaining power globally. Concerns were raised over some member states pursuing separate bilateral agreements, which risk undermining regional trade policies and trust.
Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda Leverage Militaries to Expand Regional Influence
Egypt, Nigeria, and Rwanda are using their military capacities to enhance diplomatic influence and economic partnerships in Africa. Egypt leads in UN peacekeeping and military training across 45 African states. Nigeria maintains West Africa’s largest military and hosts training for officers from 20 countries, supporting regional stability and dialogue. Rwanda is the continent’s largest UN peacekeeping contributor, positioning its defense forces as key players in conflict resolution and economic cooperation, despite allegations of involvement in eastern DRC conflicts.
Ghana Opposition Boycotts Parliament Following Leader’s Arrest
Opposition lawmakers from Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) boycotted parliament and protested the detention of their Ashanti Region chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako. Arrested amid allegations of financial irregularities and illegal mining activities, Boasiako remains in custody under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office. Lawmakers staged a sit-in outside the EOCO offices in Accra, expressing concerns over political motives behind the arrest.
Torrential Rains Kill 25 in Nigerian City of Mokwa
Heavy rains caused severe flooding in Mokwa, central Nigeria, killing at least 25 people and destroying or submerging over 50 homes. Emergency responders continue to search for missing persons. Flooding during Nigeria’s rainy season is frequent due to poor drainage, construction on waterways, and waste blockage. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had issued flash flood warnings for several states including Niger, where Mokwa is located.
Côte d’Ivoire’s October Election Faces Uncertain Political Landscape
With presidential elections five months away, Côte d’Ivoire faces political fragmentation. President Alassane Ouattara’s potential fourth-term bid remains unconfirmed but is widely expected by his party, RHDP. Meanwhile, the opposition struggles with divisions and lacks unified leadership despite attempts by the Coalition for Peaceful Alternation (CAP-CI) to consolidate opposition parties. The judiciary’s ongoing investigations into opposition figures further complicate the electoral environment.
Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Spain’s Canary Islands, Seven Dead
A migrant boat capsized near El Hierro in the Canary Islands, resulting in the deaths of four women and three girls. Survivors were rescued as the boat overturned during rescue operations. The Canary Islands remain a perilous route for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Africa, with thousands dying in recent years due to unsafe vessels and hazardous sea crossings.
Former Radio Rwanda Journalist Detained in France Over 1994 Genocide
Hyacinthe Bicamumpaka, a former Radio Rwanda journalist, was charged and detained in France for genocide, complicity in crimes against humanity, and conspiracy related to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Bicamumpaka was linked to government propaganda during the genocide. His pre-trial detention was upheld after appeal, reflecting ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable internationally.
