A concise overview of key developments across Africa, spanning business, geopolitics, security, environment, and governance.
📊 Business & Economy
Mozambique: Insurgency Cripples Agriculture
Armed violence in Cabo Delgado and Nampula continues to devastate farming communities. The FAO warns that over 461,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) have lost access to livelihoods 360 Mozambique. Between September 22 and October 13, the IOM recorded 92,700 new displacements, adding strain to humanitarian systems OCHA. Food insecurity remains acute, with IPC projections showing crisis-level outcomes through early 2026 IPC – Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Famine Early Warning Systems Network.
🌍 Geopolitics
Guinea-Bissau: Electoral and Constitutional Crisis
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló remains in office beyond his constitutional term, sparking opposition claims of an “illegal power grab.” Elections are scheduled for November 23, 2025, but credibility is questioned due to the exclusion of the main opposition party (PAIGC) and weakened institutions Institute for Security Studies (ISS Africa) Robert Lansing Institute Evrim Ağacı. Analysts warn of potential instability and post-election unrest.
Russia Expands Footprint in Togo
Russia and Togo will open embassies in each other’s capitals in 2026, marking 65 years of diplomatic ties. The move follows a military cooperation agreement ratified in October 2025, covering joint training and defense collaboration The Moscow Times Togo First. Analysts see this as part of Moscow’s broader push to expand influence in West Africa.
🔒 Security & Human Rights
EU Sanctions Sudan’s RSF Leadership
The European Union has imposed sanctions on Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, deputy commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), citing atrocities in El Fasher, Darfur. Measures include a travel ban and asset freeze Al Arabiya English Consilium The Brussels Times. EU officials stress accountability while keeping channels open for dialogue.
Sudan: Child Displacement Crisis
UNICEF and humanitarian groups report hundreds of unaccompanied children fleeing violence in El Fasher. Some infants as young as 40 days old have been registered in camps, many separated from families Daily News Hungary UNHCR UNICEF. Aid workers warn of famine-level malnutrition and escalating protection risks.
Mozambique: Rising Terrorist Attacks
Renewed insurgent attacks displaced nearly 93,000 people in recent weeks across Cabo Delgado and Nampula Displacement Tracking Matrix aimnews.org OCHA. The UN estimates 128,000 villagers fled in Nampula alone. Schools remain shut, affecting 18,700 students and 160 teachers APAnews. Catholic aid groups are providing trauma support to displaced families ACI Africa.
🌱 Environment & Conservation
COP30: Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)
At COP30 in Brazil, the TFFF was launched to raise $125 billion for tropical forest protection The Mail & Guardian Yahoo News Canada. The fund blends public and private finance, with 20% earmarked for Indigenous and local communities. While Brazil and Indonesia pledged support, African civil society groups criticized the initiative as “financializing nature” environewsnigeria.com 21stcenturychronicle.com. Success hinges on commitments from major economies like the U.S. and China.
📰 Human Rights & Governance
Ghana: Strengthening Press Protection
Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi urged police academies to integrate journalist safety into training curricula Modern Ghana. UNESCO has also launched workshops in Accra to build police awareness of press freedom UNESCO. President John Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to media independence at the GJA Media Awards earlier this month Ghana News Agency Ghanamma.com.
⚠️ Outlook & Key Risks
- Guinea-Bissau: Elections risk deepening instability amid constitutional ambiguity and opposition exclusion.
- Sudan: EU sanctions increase pressure, but humanitarian crises, especially child displacement, remain dire.
- Mozambique: Insurgency threatens agriculture, education, and humanitarian systems, requiring urgent international support.
- Environment: The TFFF’s success depends on sustained global financing; underfunding could undermine forest protection in Africa. africacenter.org
