Continent Wide Synopsis
Politics & Elections
Seychelles: Democracy Under Test in 2025 Vote
President Wavel Ramkalawan (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa) seeks reelection, challenging Dr. Patrick Herminie of United Seychelles. Key issues include reducing a 23% poverty rate, expanding the middle class in a country with ~US$17,000 per capita income, and strengthening transparency. Strategically located in the Western Indian Ocean, Seychelles must also balance maritime security interests amid Chinese and Indian influence.
Malawi Returns Mutharika Amid Economic Discontent
Former President Peter Mutharika won the latest election with over 56% of votes, defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera (33%). Observers view the result as a rejection of Chakwera’s economic stewardship, especially in a nation enduring stagnation, high inflation, and public discontent since 2020.
Guinea Referendum Sparks Opposition Outcry
Opponents allege irregularities after a referendum that would enable junta leader Gen. Mamady Doumbouya to run for president. The newly formed Electoral Directorate, led by Doumbouya appointees, oversaw polling. Critics say the constitutional revision—extending presidential terms, enabling coup leaders to run, and creating a Senate dominated by presidential appointments—is aimed at legitimising military rule.
Uganda’s Bobi Wine Cleared to Challenge Museveni
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (“Bobi Wine”) has been reinstated as a valid presidential candidate for the 2026 election, reversing an earlier rejection. He will contest long‑time incumbent Yoweri Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986 and seeks a seventh term.
Security & Conflict
Congo–Rwanda to Roll Out Trump‑Mediated Peace Mechanisms
The DRC and Rwanda, with U.S. backing, plan to begin executing security measures from a peace deal starting October 1, including the dismantling of FDLR rebel networks and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops. Full implementation is targeted by year’s end, amid delays and mistrust over M23 mediation efforts.
Human Rights & Press Freedoms
Ethiopian Journalists Freed After 20‑Day Detention
Sheger FM reporters Tigist Zerihun and Mintamer Tsegaw were released after over 20 days in custody, following court rulings granting bail. Their detention came after broadcasting on health sector grievances, prompting condemnation from Human Rights Watch as part of increasing pressure on media ahead of elections.
Burkina Faso’s Political Climate Intimidates Public Discourse
Three years under Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s rule have seen shrinking public space and heightened surveillance. Citizens report discussing only apolitical topics in public; journalists say self‑censorship prevails. The regime has tightened control over media, leveraged pro-junta online networks, and suppressed local press.
Geopolitics & Economic Diplomacy
Sudan and Russia Firm Up Post‑Conflict Cooperation
Sudan and Russia signed a protocol for enhanced economic and trade cooperation, particularly in minerals, energy, infrastructure, and transport. The agreement signals Khartoum’s pivot toward strategic partnerships as it seeks reconstruction amid conflict.
Global Powers Urge Ceasefire in Sudan Conflict
A coalition of African, European, and global actors called for renewed ceasefire talks and condemned foreign military involvement in Sudan’s protracted war. With over 30 million people needing humanitarian aid and 24 million facing acute food insecurity, they described the conflict as one of the world’s worst displacement crises.
France Seizes Almost 10 Tonnes of Cocaine off West Africa
The French Navy, operating under its long-term Corymbe mission, intercepted 9.6 tonnes of cocaine from a vessel off the West African coast. The seizure—valued at about €519 million—is part of intensified efforts to disrupt transnational trafficking routes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Tech & Innovation
5G Penetration in Africa Remains Marginal
A new UNESCO–ITU report shows only 1.2% of Africans have access to 5G networks, far below the global average of over 20%. While 4G coverage reaches about 44.3% and 3G covers 77%, the next-generation rollout faces structural, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges.
Source: africacenter.org
