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Date: August 19, 2025
Eastern DR Congo: M23 Rebels Suspend Peace Talks
Peace efforts between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have faltered, with M23 suspending participation in ongoing talks. The group, which has seized significant territory in North and South Kivu since January—including the city of Goma—announced it would not return to negotiations unless Kinshasa honors commitments made in a ceasefire agreement signed last month in Qatar.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accused government forces of violating the ceasefire by continuing attacks on rebel positions. The DRC military denied the claims and countered that the rebels themselves were responsible for near-daily assaults in the region. Talks had been expected to resume this week in Qatar, where officials say a draft peace agreement had already been shared with both parties. The ceasefire framework is part of broader efforts also involving Rwanda and mediated by the United States.
North Kivu: UN Reports 52 Civilians Killed by ADF Rebels
The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) reported that at least 52 civilians were killed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) during attacks in North Kivu province from August 9 to 16. MONUSCO warned the death toll may rise amid reports of abductions, looting, arson, and other acts targeting vulnerable communities. The resurgence in violence follows a deadly ADF church massacre in Ituri province last month. This violence coincides with persistent conflict involving M23 rebels in the east.
Sudan: Military Reshuffle Amid Prolonged Conflict
Sudan’s military leadership saw its most significant reshuffle since the conflict erupted last year. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan retained General Mohamed Osman al-Hussein as Chief of Staff, but appointed new deputies across logistics, training, operations, and intelligence. A new Inspector General was also named, replacing a predecessor captured early in the war by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The reshuffle signals continued internal realignment within the military as the civil war—marked by aerial bombings and mass displacement—continues to devastate the country.
Rights Groups Urge UN to Extend Sudan War Probe
A coalition of nearly 100 Sudanese and international organizations has called on the UN Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of its Sudan fact-finding mission. They urged that the mission’s findings be forwarded to the UN Security Council and recommended expanding International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction to all of Sudan. The ongoing war has resulted in over 10 million people displaced and tens of thousands dead, triggering one of the worst humanitarian crises globally.
South Sudan: Renewed Instability Raises Regional Alarm
Renewed violence in South Sudan risks regional spillover, according to the UN. Nearly two-thirds of the population experienced high food insecurity earlier this year, and 83,000 are now at risk of catastrophic hunger. The UN warned of rising ethnic and political tensions that could escalate into broader conflict, particularly given spillover effects from the war in neighboring Sudan.
Togo: Jihadist Threat Intensifies in the North
Togolese authorities remain largely silent amid an escalating jihadist threat in the north, where fighters from Burkina Faso have killed at least 62 people since January. The government has deployed 8,000 soldiers and launched an emergency aid program, but analysts argue that cross-border cooperation is urgently needed to counter expanding extremist influence across West Africa.
Burkina Faso: UN Official Expelled Over Child Rights Report
Burkina Faso’s military junta expelled a senior UN official following a report detailing grave child rights abuses by both jihadist groups and Burkinabe forces. The report cited the use of child soldiers, sexual violence, and attacks on schools. The junta rejected the findings, continuing a pattern of limiting international oversight as the country battles a deepening Islamist insurgency.
Tanzania: Court Bans Live Broadcast of Opposition Leader’s Trial
A Tanzanian court banned live coverage of opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason trial, drawing criticism from the defendant and his party, CHADEMA. Lissu, who is representing himself, condemned the move as undermining transparency and public trust. His arrest and the increasing crackdown on dissent have raised concerns over human rights under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
Ethiopia: Media and Political Groups Demand Journalist Accountability
Ethiopian media groups and the opposition party EZEMA are demanding the government disclose the whereabouts of two journalists who reportedly disappeared earlier this month. The journalists, allegedly detained by state-linked security forces, were taken from their homes and workplaces under murky circumstances. The incidents have sparked renewed criticism of the government’s treatment of press freedom amid shrinking civic space.
Nigeria: Minister Sounds Alarm on Flood Displacement Crisis
Nigeria is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis with over three million people displaced by a combination of flooding, insecurity, and climate disasters. Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Tanko Sununu described the situation as a national emergency. Lawmakers have pledged to develop a comprehensive flood management strategy that includes prevention, early warning systems, and climate resilience infrastructure.
Japan Reboots Africa Strategy at TICAD Summit
Japan is preparing to host the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, aiming to reset its Africa strategy. While past commitments to private sector engagement and UN Security Council reform have faltered, Tokyo is now positioning itself as an alternative to China’s model—emphasizing good governance, debt sustainability, and democratic values. However, Japanese firms remain cautious, and analysts suggest Tokyo’s influence will depend on bridging the gap between diplomatic rhetoric and private investment.
Source: africacenter.org
