June 2025 — A series of developments this week underscored mounting tensions, governance shifts, and fragile security conditions across Africa, as multiple nations confront insurgencies, political transitions, and rising international scrutiny.
Wagner Departs Mali Amid Heavy Losses, Russia’s Africa Corps to Stay
The Russian-backed Wagner Group announced its withdrawal from Mali after over three years of operations against Islamist insurgents. The decision follows recent battlefield losses and reflects Moscow’s strategic shift to the Africa Corps, a state-controlled paramilitary force now assuming Wagner’s operational footprint in the region. Despite Wagner’s exit, approximately 2,000 Russian mercenaries reportedly remain in Mali.
Political Repression Deepens in Mali
In a separate development, Alassane Abba, a prominent opposition figure in Mali, was released after a month-long abduction widely attributed to the ruling junta. His detention followed public criticism of democratic backsliding. The release comes amid international concern over the junta’s May decree dissolving political parties.
Rwanda Withdraws from Central African Bloc Amid Congo Rift
Rwanda announced its exit from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) after its expected chairmanship was blocked—escalating tensions tied to ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized territory.
Qatar Proposes Peace Plan for Congo Conflict
Amid ongoing hostilities, Qatar presented a draft peace proposal to DRC and M23 rebel leaders after months of mediation. Though progress remains uncertain, sources suggest talks have entered a deeper negotiation phase.
Education Resilience in Conflict Zones
Despite instability, state exams were conducted in M23-controlled areas of eastern Congo. In a rare instance of cooperation, DRC officials delivered exam materials to rebel-held zones, allowing thousands of students to participate in national assessments.
Sudan: Grave Discoveries and Justice Campaigns Intensify
In Sudan, officials confirmed the discovery of at least 117 new mass graves in Khartoum amid ongoing conflict between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In the UK, Sudanese activists submitted a detailed war crimes dossier urging legal action against RSF leaders under universal jurisdiction laws.
South Sudan Tensions Flare
In South Sudan, national security agents seized devices from Interior Minister Angelina Teny, signaling growing tensions within the fragile power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar. The political rift risks unraveling the 2018 peace agreement.
Somali Opposition Rejects Presidential Talks
Somalia’s opposition leaders announced a formal boycott of national reconciliation talks scheduled by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, citing the exclusion of key stakeholders. The move heightens fears of political fragmentation ahead of upcoming elections.
Humanitarian Withdrawal in Niger
The International Committee of the Red Cross has shut down its operations and evacuated foreign staff from Niger, after failing to reverse an expulsion order issued by the ruling junta in February. The ICRC had served vulnerable populations in the country since 1990.
Togo Opposition Condemns Arrests in Protest Crackdown
In Togo, opposition groups condemned the “arbitrary” arrest of activists following banned protests in Lomé. Demonstrators had rallied against political repression and recent constitutional amendments. Protests have been officially banned since 2022.
UN Supports Libyan Peace and Rights Mechanisms
The UN welcomed the creation of two new Libyan committees focused on disarmament and human rights in the wake of recent militia clashes in Tripoli. The committees aim to curb lawlessness and address abuses in official and unofficial detention centers.
Mediterranean Migrant Crisis Escalates
Over 160 migrants were rescued this week in the Mediterranean by NGO Open Arms, including 54 people stranded on an oil platform and others found adrift at sea. Several women gave birth during the ordeal, underscoring the humanitarian urgency of Mediterranean crossings from Libya.
Kruger Park’s Fight Against Internal Corruption
In South Africa, new revelations of corruption among Kruger National Park rangers linked to rhino poaching syndicates have raised alarm. Authorities are advancing an integrity management plan to combat insider collusion driven by coercion and low pay.
Egyptian-British Activist’s Hunger Strike Enters Critical Stage
In Egypt, detained pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah has reportedly lost one-third of his body weight after 98 days on hunger strike. Rights groups and the UN continue to call for his release, citing arbitrary detention and deteriorating health conditions.
Editor’s Note: These developments reflect a continent in flux—grappling with entrenched conflicts, regional realignments, and the challenge of safeguarding rights and democratic norms amid volatile political environments.
