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Tanzania: President Hassan Cleared for Election Amid Opposition Barriers
Tanzania’s electoral commission has formally approved President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her running mate Emmanuel Nchimbi to contest the October 29 presidential election. However, the disqualification of CHADEMA, the country’s main opposition party, raises concerns over electoral fairness. CHADEMA was barred in April for refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct, citing demands for reforms.
CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, who has been detained on treason charges since April, denies any wrongdoing. His arrest, coupled with reports of enforced disappearances of government critics, has drawn attention to President Hassan’s human rights record. This will be her first electoral bid since assuming office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli.
Somalia: Leadership Signs Pivotal Election Agreement
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and opposition leaders have reached a landmark consensus on the 2026 electoral process. The agreement, concluded on August 25, follows the 2024 passage of a law introducing universal suffrage.
Key provisions include the election of parliamentarians by direct vote, with the President elected by Parliament. Political parties securing at least 10% of parliamentary seats will gain formal recognition. All parties pledged to advance a “one person, one vote” system—an unprecedented step toward democratic consolidation in Somalia.
Africa’s Defence Chiefs Unite Against Shared Security Threats
Defence chiefs from across Africa have committed to bolstering regional security through coordinated operations and intelligence sharing. At the inaugural African Defence Chiefs Summit in Abuja, Nigeria’s General Christopher Musa emphasized that porous borders and fragmented efforts are fuelling insecurity, including terrorism, piracy, trafficking, and cyber threats.
“Terrorism anywhere in Africa is a threat to peace everywhere in Africa,” Musa said, stressing the need for integrated frameworks to combat escalating cross-border violence.
Military Drones in Africa Go Lighter, Cheaper, and Disposable
As warfare tactics shift, African militaries are increasingly adopting lighter, low-cost drones—some designed for single-use. This reflects lessons drawn from recent global conflicts and the growing use of DIY drones by armed groups in the Sahel.
At a defence conference in Nigeria, exhibitors showcased both traditional surveillance drones and cheaper commercial-grade alternatives. Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima urged states to invest in indigenous drone technologies to reduce reliance on costly imports.
Nigeria: Ransom Economy Costs Citizens Billions
Between July 2024 and June 2025, Nigerians paid at least ₦2.57 billion in ransom, according to a new SBM Intelligence report. Kidnappers demanded a total of ₦48 billion in 997 incidents involving 4,722 victims and over 760 related deaths.
The North-West remains the epicentre, while Southern Nigeria sees a rise in religious and financially motivated abductions. SBM describes kidnapping as a “lucrative criminal enterprise” thriving on weak law enforcement and public desperation.
Ghana Faces Rising Threat of Sahel Jihadist Spillover
Northern Ghana, particularly the border town of Bawku, is becoming increasingly vulnerable to spillover violence from jihadist conflicts in Burkina Faso. Smuggled arms and ethnic tensions have already claimed over 100 lives.
Experts warn that unresolved local disputes may create openings for jihadist infiltration. Ghana has not yet suffered a direct jihadist attack but is scaling up military deployments along its northern frontier to prevent regional destabilisation.
Ivory Coast: Kidnappings and Political Disqualification Heighten Tensions
Six Ivorian government workers were reportedly kidnapped by Burkinabe civilian volunteers while working near the Burkina Faso border. The volunteers are linked to Burkina’s VDP militia, notorious for alleged rights abuses amid jihadist conflict.
Meanwhile, 60 individuals have submitted bids to run for the October presidential election. Among them are barred opposition leaders Tidjane Thiam and Laurent Gbagbo, whose candidacies await final review by the Constitutional Council. Their disqualifications have intensified political friction ahead of the vote.
Pan-African Activist Appointed Adviser by Niger Junta
Niger’s military government has appointed Swiss-Cameroonian activist Nathalie Yamb as a special adviser. Yamb, under EU sanctions for spreading pro-Russian disinformation, announced her new post and Niger-issued diplomatic passport on social media.
Since the 2023 coup, Niger’s junta has aligned closely with Russia and distanced itself from Western influence. The EU accuses Yamb of links to Kremlin-affiliated mercenary networks.
Niger: Six Sudanese Refugees Detained Amid Protest Crackdown
Authorities in Niger have arrested six Sudanese refugees from the Agadez camp, allegedly in retaliation for their involvement in protests over poor living conditions and stalled resettlement. The UNHCR-managed camp, home to around 1,900 refugees, has seen near-daily demonstrations for over a year.
The detainees’ whereabouts remain unknown. Protesters cite restricted movement, insufficient medical care, and reductions in food and water as ongoing grievances.
Uganda: Opposition Figure Mugumya Allegedly Abducted
Ugandan opposition activist Sam Mugumya was reportedly abducted on August 26 in Mbarara by individuals in military uniform and plain clothes. Witnesses claim he was taken in a drone van.
Mugumya, recently released from a Congolese prison after nearly a decade of detention without trial, had declared his parliamentary candidacy under the People’s Front for Freedom. His party has launched a search to determine his whereabouts.
Kenya: Military Neutralizes Al Shabaab Cell in Boni Forest
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have killed five suspected Al Shabaab militants during a targeted operation in Boni Forest, Lamu County. The raid uncovered weapons, explosives, and militant supplies, disrupting a makeshift camp.
The KDF continues operations in the area, which remains a key front in Kenya’s fight against cross-border extremism from Somalia.
Kenya to Enforce Local Content in Oil Sector
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has proposed new regulations requiring foreign oil firms to partner with local companies and prioritise Kenyan resources and services. The draft Petroleum (Local Content) Regulations, 2025, aim to maximise national benefits from the emerging oil and gas industry.
The rules will cover exploration, production, and transportation, with added emphasis on environmental safety and cost efficiency.
Rwanda, Mozambique Deepen Security Cooperation
Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has begun a two-day visit to Rwanda, where talks with President Paul Kagame are focused on security collaboration, trade, and counter-extremism efforts. Rwanda has deployed troops to Mozambique’s insurgency-hit Cabo Delgado province under a bilateral security agreement.
Chapo is also scheduled to tour industrial facilities and meet private sector leaders to deepen economic ties.
