Africa Now – (16-28 February, 2025)

The African continent witnessed significant progress over the last two weeks. With its vast resources, strategic location and rapidly growing population, Africa has become an important player in the geopolitical scenario. It is important to look at the continent’s increasing importance in global affairs and this edition of Africa Now explores the economic, diplomatic and geopolitical developments.

The continent witnessed a lot of instability and insecurity. Blasts occurred at a rally organised by the M23 rebels in Bakavu that left 11 civilians dead while Somalia’s military forces with allied clan militias have fought off raids by Al-Shabaab armed group, killing more than 130 attackers. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu to meet the Somali President, Hasan Sheikh Mohamud that strengthened relations between the two countries. On the economic development front, Botswana and De Beers sign a long-delayed diamonds deal.

Geopolitically, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated his support for a U.K.-Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Islands, signalling a potential resolution to the longstanding sovereignty dispute. Consequently, the Russian President, Putin hosted Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo at the Kremlin, reflecting Russia's ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and security relations with West and Central African nations.

India continued to strengthen its relationship with the continent with the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visiting Johannesburg in South Africa for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) and also addressing the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum virtually where he stressed on India and Japan’s enhanced role in Africa’s development.

AFRICA

Blasts at M23 rally in eastern DRC, 11 civilians dead

On February 27, 2025, blasts occurred at a rally organised by the M23 rebels at Independence Square in Bakavu. The blasts resulted in multiple fatalities, killing at least 11 and injuring 65 civilians. A blame game began between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group. The former blamed the Rwandan troops of firing rockets and grenades into the crowd, whereas the rebel group blamed the DRC President Félix Tshisekedi for the violence. This incident has heightened further tensions in eastern DRC. Click here to read… [2]

Ethiopian Prime Minister visits Somalia

On February 27, 2025, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu to meet the Somali President, Hasan Sheikh Mohamud. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties in areas of trade and regional security. This visit is significant as it aims to improve relations between the two nations, that were strained after Ethiopia agreed with Somaliland, which Somalia saw as a breach of its sovereignty. Click here to read… [3]

South Africa to prioritise climate finance at its G-20 Presidency

South Africa is set to prioritise climate financing at its G-20 presidency for 2025 to support developing nations in their transition to low carbon economies. This was emphasised by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa who pushed for the need for increased climate finance flows to developing countries. Despite the challenges posed due to the absence of key officials in two meetings of the G20 nations held recently, the South African presidency presents an opportunity to take forward African interests on the global forum. Click here to read… [4]

Botswana and De Beers sign Diamonds Deal

Botswana and De Beers sign a long-delayed diamonds deal that was under negotiation since 2018. Under the final deal, the share of Botswana's state-owned Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) in the production of Debswana - its 50-50 joint venture with De Beers - will reach 40% at the end of the agreement, revised from a provisional 50%. This agreement is vital for Botswana’s economy where diamonds constitute 80 percent of exports and a quarter of GDP and the global diamond market being challenged by the rise of lab grown diamonds. Click here to read… [5]

Somalia says Army, Allied Militias repelled Al-Shabaab Attacks

On 20 February, 2025, Somalia’s military forces with allied clan militias have fought off coordinated raids on villages by Al-Shabaab armed group in the country’s south, killing more than 130 attackers. Al-Shabaab attacked four villages in the Middle Shabelle region with vehicles laden with explosives but the national army and the local people together killed more than 130 attackers in the operation. This underscores Somali government’s efforts to enhancing security and stability in the region. Click here to read… [6]

AFRICA AND WORLD

UN Evacuates Families of Burundi Staff Amid Escalating DRC Violence

In response to escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations authorized the evacuation of families of its international staff from Burundi. This decision, reported on February 28, 2025, follows the recent influx of over 40,000 refugees into Burundi, fleeing the conflict involving the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC. The UN's evacuation aims to ensure the safety of its personnel's families amid the deteriorating security situation in the region. Local officials have confirmed that several evacuation flights have been chartered to facilitate this process. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is actively assisting the displaced populations, highlighting the urgency of the humanitarian crisis. Click here to read… [7]

UN Halts Food Help in Sudan Camp as Fighting Intensifies

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) temporarily stopped distributing food aid in a famine-stricken camp for displaced people in Sudan’s North Darfur due to escalating violence. This move has come just a few days after medical charity MSF suspended its activities in Zamzam camp. The suspension of aid raises significant concern about the potential of mass starvation among 500,000 camp dwellers. Click here to read… [8]

Trump Signals Support for UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated his support for a U.K.-Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Islands, signalling a potential resolution to the longstanding sovereignty dispute. The proposed arrangement involves the U.K. transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while retaining a 99-year lease on the strategic Diego Garcia military base, utilized by both U.S. and U.K. forces. This development follows a meeting between President Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, where Trump expressed optimism about the deal, pending final details. The agreement had previously received backing from former U.S. President Joe Biden but faced uncertainty after Trump's re-election. Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam welcomed Trump's comments as "positive," though he noted that final proposals are still pending. Click here to read… [9]

Putin Hosts Guinea-Bissau Leader as Russia Expands African Influence

On 26 February, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Guinea-Bissau President, Umaro Sissoco Embalo at the Kremlin. The discussions highlighted Russia’s interest in Guinea-Bissau’s infrastructure projects, seen in the Russian aluminium company, Rusal’s interest in constructing a railway and port as well as bauxite exploration in the African country. The visit by the African President to Russia points towards building of Russia-Africa ties and aligns broadly with Russia’s strategy to strengthen economic and security ties with West and Central African nations. Click here to read… [10]

France to Revaluate 1968 Migration Pact with Algeria Amid Deportation Dispute

France is considering revising the 1968 Franco-Algerian migration agreement, which grants Algerian citizens unique rights to reside and work in France. This revaluation stems from Algeria's reluctance to accept deported nationals, notably highlighted by a recent incident where an Algerian national, previously subject to 14 deportation attempts, committed a fatal knife attack in Mulhouse. French Prime Minister François Bayrou has expressed frustration over Algeria's non-compliance and indicated that a review of the agreement would take four to six weeks. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced concerns about the detention and health of Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal, detained in Algeria since November, further straining bilateral relations. These developments have intensified discussions about the relevance of the 1968 agreement in the current geopolitical context. Click here to read… [11]

UK Suspends Aid to Rwanda Over Alleged Support for M23 Rebels in DR Congo

The UK has suspended some bilateral aid to Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo. The suspension, which excludes assistance for the most vulnerable, is part of broader measures, including potential sanctions and halting defense training, until Rwanda withdraws its troops from DR Congo. Rwanda condemned the decision as "punitive" and unhelpful for resolving the conflict. The move follows similar international pressure, including U.S. sanctions on Rwandan officials. This marks a shift in UK-Rwanda relations, previously strengthened by a now-defunct asylum deal. The conflict has displaced millions and worsened regional instability. Click here to read… [12]

Trump Ends Power Africa Initiative, Halting U.S. Support for Electricity Access in Africa

The Trump administration has dismantled the Power Africa initiative, a program launched in 2013 under President Barack Obama to enhance electricity access across Africa. This decision is part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending, led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. Consequently, most of Power Africa's programs are slated for termination, and a significant number of staff have been laid off. Some initiatives that align with U.S. interests may be transferred to other agencies. A State Department spokesperson stated that each program is under review to ensure alignment with national interests. Power Africa operated under USAID, which has become a focal point in the administration's cost-cutting measures. Click here to read… [13]

AFRICA AND INDIA

India exploring critical minerals in Zambia, Congo and Australia, says official

On February 27, 2025, Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao said that India is exploring mining of critical minerals in Zambia, Congo and Australia. This move comes as India wants to reduce its reliance on imports of minerals such as lithium. India is yet to develop lithium processing technology, a sector dominated by China. He also said that in addition to the Zambian government’s commitment to give 9,000 square kilometres to India for exploration of cobalt and copper, India is also looking at Congo and Tanzania for mining critical minerals. Click here to read… [14]

EAM visits South Africa for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited Johannesburg in South Africa for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) on February 20-21, 2025. He engaged in talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, focusing on crises in Ukraine and Middle East. With his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, he discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting is significant as his participation will “strengthen” India’s engagement with G20 countries and “bolster the voice of the Global South” in this important forum. Click here to read… [15]

EAM addresses the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum

The Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, while addressing the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum virtually, said that India is Africa’s fourth-largest trade partner, with two-way trade worth almost $100 billion and growing steadily. He emphasized that India and Japan, with their complementary strengths, should back Africa’s development in a sustainable and inclusive manner. He also stressed on India’s approach to Africa that has always been guided by a “deep-rooted commitment to building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.” Click here to read… [16]

India Bans Two Addictive Opioids Amid Misuse in West Africa

The Centre has banned the manufacturing and export of a dangerous combination of opioids following an investigation that exposed their illegal distribution in West Africa. The drugs - Tapentadol and Carisoprodol - are highly addictive and linked to a growing public health crisis in Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote d'Ivoire. These drugs were being illegally exported by Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals. The Union Health Ministry has assured the public and global community that the Government will continue to monitor and regulate pharmaceutical exports to safeguard against any misuse of Indian made medicines. Click here to read… [17]

India turns to Africa and West Asia for Solar Exports

Amid shifting global market dynamics, India is pivoting its solar exports towards Africa and West Asia. The move comes as demand from Europe stagnates and the US turns increasingly protectionist. Meanwhile, China continues to dominate the global solar supply chain, particularly in Africa, where its low-cost products have given it an outsized presence. The government through direct government-to-government (G2G) engagements with African and West Asian nations aims to open new markets for Indian green energy firms and solar equipment manufacturers and establish itself as a global renewable energy powerhouse. Click here to read… [18]