OVERVIEW
This edition of Africa Now looks into significant developments across the African continent over the past two weeks, focusing on security, politics, economy and foreign policy. But security challenges continue to persist as an Al Qaeda affiliated group attacks two military posts in Benin’s Alibori region and killed 70 soldiers. On the economic front, Nigeria and South Africa sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in mining. DR Congo and M23 rebels commit to work towards peace after Doha talks bringing some hope for restoration of peace and stability in the region. In South Sudan, the army recaptures the strategic town of Nasir from the White Army, marking a major military and political development in the country.
Africa saw an increased engagement with external powers. French President embarks on a two-day visit to Madagascar whereas Kenyan President Ruto arrives in China for four-day state visit. The fortnight witnessed Africa’s increased engagement with the United States. Algeria's Energy firm signs MOUs on Hydrocarbon Cooperation with US based company and DR Congo and Rwanda sign a pathway to peace in a US-brokered agreement. Meanwhile, Somalia and U.S. launch a joint airstrike on Al Shabaab, after the group attacks the strategic town of Adan Yabaal in Central Somalia, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty in the conflict-ridden region.
India’s engagement with Africa also thrived. An Indian delegation visits South Africa for Trade and Investment talks whereas India and Egypt strengthen ties in the telecom sector. Meanwhile, African leaders express solidarity with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, underlining the continent’s support and commitment to peace and security.
AFRICA
Nigeria signs Mineral Pact with South Africa
On April 17, 2025, Nigeria’s mines minister, Dele Alake announced that Nigeria and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in mining. Through this accord, the two countries will partner on areas such as capacity building in geological mapping through drones, mineral exploration, and agro-processing technologies. This deal will help Nigeria diversify its economy, away from oil, boost industrialization and create jobs. Click here to read…
Al Qaeda affiliates attack military posts in Benin
On April 20, 2025, Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al Qaeda affiliated group attacked two military posts in Benin’s Alibori region and killed 70 soldiers. This marked one of the deadliest attacks on Benin’s armed forces by the jihadists. The groups linked to the Islamic State and Al Qaeda has continuously launched attacks on Benin and the neighbouring state of Togo. This incident indicates the escalating threat of jihadist violence spilling from the Sahel region to the West African coastal states. Click here to read…
ECOWAS meets in Ghana over exit of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso
On April 22, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met at Accra, Ghana to discuss the withdrawal of former member states, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. The member states discussed the modalities of the countries’ withdrawal and its implications for ECOWAS agencies operating within those states. The discussions also addressed matters of regional importance. This is significant as it aims at preserving economic integration, security cooperation and regional unity across West Africa. Click here to read…
DR Congo bans ex-president Kabila’s party
On April 20, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suspended former President Joseph Kabila's political party, People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) on the accusations of supporting Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Kabila came to power after his father's assassination and only let go power in 2019 after deadly protests against him engulfed the country. Kabila returned to the country on April 18 from exile stating his determination to bring peace in the conflict-ridden state. The banning of his party highlights the complicated political dynamics between Kabila and current president, Felix Tshisekedi amid the ongoing crisis led by M23 rebel group in eastern DRC. Click here to read…
Congo, M23 commit to work towards peace after Doha talks
On April 23, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebels issued separate statements to work towards peace following the peace talks in Doha in March. The demand of M23 to release prisoners held by the Congolese forces and the latter’s refusal to do so, derailed the desired outcome. The delegation from both sides expressed their frustrations at the pace of negotiations and no clarity was given regarding the next round of talks. However, the issuance of statement marks their first mutual commitment to end violence and brings hope for restoration of peace and stability in the region. Click here to read…
South Sudan's military retake strategic town from White Army militia
On April 20, 2025, South Sudan’s Army recaptured the strategic town of Nasir in the Upper Nile State which they had earlier lost, from the White Army militia, a group which allegedly has the backing of the First Vice President Riek Machar. Both the military and White Army said that the town was re-captured without any direct combat and that the latter executed a tactical withdrawal. But 17 people were killed in the nearby village of Thuluc during heavy bombardment. The constant fighting threatens the already fragile state of South Sudan marred by ethnic violence, power struggle and economic hardships. Click here to read…
AFRICA AND WORLD
Algeria's Energy firm sign MOUs on Hydrocarbon Cooperation with US company
Algeria’s state-owned gas and oil company, Sonatrach signed two MoUs with the U.S. shale company, Occidental Petroleum to enhance cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration and production in Algeria. The MOUs were signed on the side-lines of the US-Algeria Energy Forum 2025 and highlights Algeria’s determination to strengthen its energy sector by collaborating with international firms and boost hydrocarbon production in the country. Click here to read…
DR Congo and Rwanda sign pathway to peace in US-brokered agreement
On April 25, 2025, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed an agreement to respect each other’s sovereignty and come up with a draft peace deal by 2nd of May. The agreement was signed by Congo Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe at a ceremony with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also signed as a witness. This agreement is important it brings a glimmer of hope for a region that has suffered instability and uncertainty for decades. Click here to read…
Joint Somali-U.S. airstrikes Al Shabaab, hours after the attack on strategic town
On April 16, 2025, fighters from the Al Shabaab terrorist group attacked the strategic town of Adan Yabaal, in central Somalia, which the government forces had been using as a staging base to combat the advances of the militants. In response, Somali forces and the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) launched two joint airstrikes in central Somalia. This joint Somali-Us airstrikes killed 12 militants and destroyed a ship carrying weapons. These continuous attacks and counter attacks have created a lot of instability and uncertainty in the region and highlights the inefficacy of counterterrorism efforts. Click here to read…
Erik Prince reaches agreement with Democratic Republic of Congo
The founder of the private military firm, Blackwater and a prominent Trump supporter, Erik Prince has reached an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in securing and monetising its vast mineral wealth. The deal aims at increasing revenue by curbing smuggling and corruption in the mining sector. This deal underscores the United States efforts to increase its foothold in Africa and secure a sturdy critical minerals partnership with the DRC. Click here to read…
Macron begins two-day visit to Madagascar
On April 23, French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a two-day visit to Madagascar where he’ll be meeting his counterpart, Andry Rajoelina. He is the first president to visit the former colony since Jacques Chirac in 2005. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties, address historical injustices and enhance France’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as France is losing its stronghold in the Sahel region. Click here to read…
Kenyan President Ruto arrives in China for four-day state visit
On April 22, the Kenyan President, William Ruto arrived in Beijing for the start of his 4-day visit to the country. He had previously attended the Third Road and Belt Forum in October 2023 and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September 2024, making this his third trip since taking office in 2022. This visit comes in the wake of imposition of 10 percent tariffs on all Kenyan exports to the US, making Kenya look for new commercial partners. Discussions were also held for funding the railway line project between Naivasha and the town of Malaba near the Ugandan border, as well as plans for a motorway from Nairobi to Mau Summit. This visit underscores Kenya’s strengthening ties with China and China’s increasing foothold in Africa. Click here to read…
AFRICA AND INDIA
Indian delegation visits South Africa for Trade and Investment talks
An Indian delegation visited South Africa to participate in the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) on April 22-23. The nine member Indian delegation led by Ms Priya Nair, Economic Advisor, Department of Commerce met their South African counterpart, Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Several key areas of collaboration like healthcare, agriculture, MSMEs etc were discussed along with enhancing trade and investment opportunities in the existing priority areas. Click here to read…
INS Sunayna Arrives at Mozambique’s Nacala Port
On April 17, the Indian Navy’s warship, INS Sunayna docked at the Nacala Port in Mozambique as a part of its ongoing deployment under the Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR Mission. Earlier, the warship had participated in the inaugural session of the India-Africa Maritime Partnership Exercise (AIKEYME) in Tanzania. The port stay involves a range of collaborative activities and outreach programs aimed at promoting capacity building and community engagements with the Mozambique Navy. This is an important milestone for Indian and Mozambique Navies as it strengthens maritime cooperation between the two. Click here to read…
South Africa to increase trade with India
A combined delegation of South Africa Department of Agriculture and Fruit South Africa recently visited India and returned with a possibility of striking a new trade deal between the two countries for enhancing market access for South African fresh produce. The South African delegation also participated in Fresh Produce India and aimed at boosting trade in Indian fresh produce. This move comes after the imposition of 30 percent tariff by the United States on South African goods. South Africa now aims to diversify economic partnerships by fostering stronger ties with other nations like India. Click here to read…
Egypt-India Strengthen ties in Telecom Sector
On April 21, 2025, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, internationally certified twenty-one instructors from the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI) after successful completion of the “Train the Trainers” (ToT) programme provided by Tejas Networks, a global Indian leader in networking technologies. The director of NTI, Dr. Ahmed Khattab stated that this achievement reflects the collaboration with Tejas Networks, which will launch the first Tejas Academy in Egypt, located within NTI. This academy will be responsible for training and certifying Egyptian engineers internationally in networking and fibre optics. This will strengthen Egypt–India cooperation in the field of telecommunications. Click here to read…
African leaders express Condolences over Pahalgam terror attack
World leaders reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express solidarity with India after the Pahalgam terror attack. African countries like South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt and Nigeria extended their condolences to the Government of India. They condemned terrorist attacks in any form and expressed full solidarity and support with India in the global pursuit of peace, stability, and justice. Click here to read…
