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🇿🇦 South Africa’s Political Storm: Land Reforms and Global Backlash
South Africa is facing a political crisis as its land redistribution policies spark domestic unrest and international criticism. The Expropriation Act, allowing land expropriation without compensation, aims to address historical injustices. However, figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk have accused the government of targeting white farmers, fueling global backlash.
The controversy has strained U.S.-South Africa relations, threatening the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which supports the nation’s economy. With elections in May 2025, the ANC is under pressure to balance land reform with maintaining international ties, while protests and economic concerns grow.
🖇 Source
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
🇨🇩 Goma's Uncertain Future Amid M23 Control
Goma, the capital of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is cautiously trying to return to normalcy after the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group seized control on January 26, 2025. Despite reopened markets and shops, residents remain deeply apprehensive. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with looting and displacement leaving thousands vulnerable.
The M23 has expanded its offensive, capturing key towns in South Kivu and signaling its intent to maintain control. Regional diplomacy is intensifying, with DRC President Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Kagame meeting for emergency talks. However, the path to peace remains uncertain as the conflict threatens to escalate further.
🖇 Source
#DRC #Rwanda
@africaintel
🇿🇦 Tensions Rise: South Africa Demands Taiwan Relocate Its Office
South Africa has renewed its request for Taiwan to move its representative office from Pretoria to Johannesburg, escalating tensions between the two sides. This decision, driven by increasing diplomatic pressure from China, has sparked concerns over the future of bilateral relations. Taiwan views this demand as a violation of the 1997 agreement that allowed the office to remain in Pretoria after the severing of official diplomatic ties in 1998.
The move is part of China's broader strategy to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, a policy supported by most nations, including South Africa, which adheres to the "One China" principle. Taiwan has expressed frustration, calling the request unilateral and harmful to mutual relations. Negotiations are ongoing, but Taiwan has hinted at potential reciprocal measures if South Africa persists.
This situation highlights the challenges Taiwan faces in maintaining its international presence amidst growing Chinese influence. It also underscores the delicate balance South Africa must strike between its economic ties with Beijing and its long-standing relations with Taipei.
🖇 Source
#SouthAfrica #Taiwan
@africaintel
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso Launches AES Passport Amid Regional Shifts
Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, has taken a bold step toward regional independence by introducing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) biometric passport. President Ibrahim Traoré became the first recipient of this new travel document on January 31, 2025, just days after the three nations officially exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The AES passport symbolizes a commitment to regional integration and self-sufficiency, aiming to facilitate the free movement of people within the confederation. While existing ECOWAS passports remain valid, the AES document marks a shift toward reducing dependence on external influences and fostering unity among the member states.
As the AES countries forge their path, questions linger about the impact on regional relations and economic ties. ECOWAS has expressed openness to dialogue, hinting that the story of West African cooperation is far from over.
🖇 Source
#BurkinaFaso #Mali #Niger
@africaintel
🇨🇩 DRC Calls on Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern to Cut Ties with Rwanda
The Democratic Republic of Congo has urged Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich to end their sponsorship deals with Rwanda's "Visit Rwanda" campaign. This request comes amid escalating tensions, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo.
Over 700 deaths and 500,000 displacements have been reported due to the conflict. DRC officials describe the sponsorships as "blood-stained," linking them to alleged war crimes committed by the M23, which Rwanda denies.
🖇 Source
#DRC #Rwanda
@africaintel
🇸🇴🇰🇪 Somali Refugees Fear Trump’s Return Could Shatter Resettlement Hopes
Somali refugees in Kenya’s Dadaab camp are gripped by anxiety as the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House looms. During his first term, refugee admissions plummeted from 84,994 in 2016 to just 11,814 in 2020, severely impacting Somali families. Under Biden, admissions have risen, but a potential Trump presidency could reverse this progress.
Many refugees have waited over a decade for resettlement, leading to mental distress known as "buufis." Trump’s hinted return to restrictive policies has heightened fears, leaving refugees in limbo.
🖇 Source
#Somalia
#Kenya
@africaintel
🇪🇬 Egypt Demands Full Israeli Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon
Egypt has escalated diplomatic tensions by calling for Israel to fully withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. This demand follows renewed clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants along the border. Egypt’s Foreign Minister emphasized the need for compliance with UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war.
The recent violence has displaced over 50,000 civilians and worsened Lebanon’s struggling economy. While the US supports Israel’s right to self-defense, Russia and China propose a UN ceasefire resolution. The humanitarian crisis deepens as international mediators seek a peaceful resolution.
#Egypt #Lebanon
@africaintel
🇺🇬 Uganda Supreme Court Bans Military Trials for Civilians in Landmark Ruling
In a historic decision, Uganda's Supreme Court has ruled that civilians cannot be tried by military courts, declaring such trials unconstitutional. The judgment, delivered on January 31, 2025, strikes down key provisions of the Uganda People's Defence Forces Act, emphasizing that civilians must only face trial in civilian courts under the oversight of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The court highlighted that military courts lack independence and legal qualifications, violating constitutional guarantees of fair trials. This ruling is expected to lead to the release of high-profile detainees, including opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza. Human rights advocates have hailed the decision as a victory for civil liberties, while challenges remain in transitioning ongoing cases to civilian courts.
🖇 Source
#Uganda
@africaintel
🇺🇬 Uganda Ebola Alarm: First Death Sparks Outbreak Fears
Uganda reports its first Ebola death in over a year after a Kampala nurse succumbed to the virus. Health teams race to contain potential spread in the crowded capital, fearing spillover to conflict-ridden eastern DRC.
With containment zones established, experts warn of strained resources amid overlapping crises. Will rapid testing and vaccines curb the threat?
🖇 Healio Report
#Uganda #DRC
@africaintel
🇳🇬 Banki Livestock Market Reopens: A New Dawn for Nigeria and Beyond
The Banki International Livestock Market, a critical economic hub at the intersection of Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, has officially reopened after being destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents. This landmark event, held on January 29, 2025, marks a significant step towards economic recovery in the crisis-hit Lake Chad Basin region.
Governor Babagana Zulum emphasized the market's role in reviving livelihoods and accelerating economic growth. Traders and residents have welcomed the reopening, with one trader noting, "We are now happy; everyone is proud to live in safety." This move is expected to boost cross-border trade and foster regional cooperation.
However, challenges like security concerns and limited access to resources remain. Despite this, the reopening symbolizes hope and resilience, offering a blueprint for economic recovery in conflict-affected regions.
🖇 Source
#Nigeria #Chad #Cameroon
@africaintel
🇨🇩🇷🇴Los 288 instructores rumanos (PMC), que se refugiaban en el campamento de la MONUSCO, cruzaron la frontera de la República Democrática del Congo hacia Ruanda y se entregaron a la Guardia Fronteriza ruandesa.
🇬🇧The 288 Romanian instructors (PMC(, who were hiding in the MONUSCO camp, crossed the border from the Democratic Republic of the Congo into Rwanda and surrendered to the Rwandan Border Guard.
▫️@ENTRE_GUERRAS▫️
🇨🇩 DRC Emergency: The Critical 24 Hours
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rapidly deteriorating as M23 rebels escalate their offensive near Goma. The next 24 hours are critical, with UN agencies warning of grave humanitarian consequences if immediate action is not taken.
Violence has intensified, with reports of civilian casualties, overwhelmed hospitals, and widespread displacement. The conflict has also led to a breakdown of essential services, including electricity, water, and internet. The UN has called for an immediate halt to the offensive and urged protection for civilians.
The crisis threatens to spill over into a regional conflict, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention. The world is watching closely as the next 24 hours could determine the future of Goma and the broader region.
🖇 Source
#DRC
@africaintel
🇺🇸 African Union Urges Trump to Rejoin WHO
The African Union (AU) has voiced deep concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This move could jeopardize global health initiatives, particularly in Africa, where U.S. funding has been pivotal in combating diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.
The AU emphasized the critical role of the WHO in addressing public health emergencies, such as the mpox and Marburg virus outbreaks. With the U.S. historically being the largest contributor, its exit raises questions about the future of global health cooperation and Africa's ability to tackle ongoing crises.
🖇 Source
#UnitedStates
@africaintel
🇨🇩 The embassies of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Japan, the US and France have been attacked in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
@africaintel
🇪🇹 Ethiopia's First Humanitarian School: A New Era of Compassion
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) has inaugurated Ethiopia’s first humanitarian school in Addis Ababa, marking a historic milestone in the country’s humanitarian landscape. Located in the Saris Aday Abeba area, this groundbreaking institution aims to educate future leaders in humanitarian principles, disaster response, and peacebuilding.
This initiative aligns with ERCS’s mission to foster a just, peaceful, and inclusive society. The school offers a specialized one-year diploma program with nine course modules, designed to equip students with the skills to address Ethiopia’s complex humanitarian challenges, including conflict, climate hazards, and food insecurity.
🖇 Source
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
🇲🇱 Resolute Mining CEO Steps Down After Mali Ordeal
Terry Holohan, the CEO and Managing Director of Resolute Mining, has resigned from his position effective immediately. This decision follows his detention in Mali alongside two colleagues in November 2024, where they were held during discussions with Malian authorities. The executives were released after the company agreed to a $247-million settlement with the Malian government.
Holohan initially took a leave of absence after his release but has now stepped down permanently. Chris Eger, who served as acting CEO during Holohan’s leave, will officially take over the role. The company’s shares plummeted by 7.2% following the announcement, signaling investor concerns. Despite these changes, Resolute Mining maintains that operations at its flagship Syama gold mine in Mali remain unaffected.
This leadership transition comes at a critical juncture for Resolute Mining as it navigates Mali’s 2023 Mining Code and the complexities of operating in the region. The incident underscores the challenges faced by mining companies in Africa, particularly in balancing regulatory demands and geopolitical risks. The resignation and its aftermath highlight the fragility of global mining operations and the potential ripple effects on the gold market and global economic stability.
🔎 Source
#Mali
@songofoil
🇰🇪 Al-Shabaab Strikes Again: Kenyan Chiefs Abducted in Mandera
On February 3, 2025, suspected al-Shabaab militants abducted five Kenyan village chiefs in Mandera County, northeastern Kenya. The officials were traveling to Elwak when they were seized in the Eres-suki area, a region plagued by ongoing security challenges near the Somali border.
This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabaab in East Africa. The militant group, which seeks to overthrow Somalia's government and enforce its interpretation of sharia law, has been pressuring Kenya to withdraw its troops from Somalia. Despite efforts by Kenyan authorities, the group continues to adapt its tactics, targeting both officials and civilians.
The abduction highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and international cooperation to combat terrorism in the region.
🖇 Source
#Kenya #Somalia
@africaintel
🇸🇩 Massacre in Omdurman: RSF Targets Civilians in Horrific Market Bombing
A devastating artillery attack on the Sabreen market in Omdurman, Sudan, on February 1, 2025, left at least 54 civilians dead and 158 injured, with fears the death toll could rise to 100. The attack, blamed on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has been described as a "heinous terrorist attack" by the Sudanese government, targeting civilians, including children and the elderly.
Local hospitals are overwhelmed, with Al-Nao Hospital performing 31 shrapnel removal surgeries and volunteers rushing to donate blood. This tragedy is part of Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has displaced over 11.4 million people and left millions facing acute food insecurity.
The international community has condemned the attack, but urgent action is needed to protect civilians and address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
🖇 Source
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇨🇩 Paris Protests Demand Action on DRC Crisis
On February 2, 2025, 1,500 protesters gathered in Paris, calling for international action against the escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Organized by Urgence Pona Mboka, the demonstration highlighted the 30-year conflict in eastern DRC, urging sanctions against Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebel group.
The protest followed the M23’s reported capture of Goma, a strategic city, on January 28, 2025. This has worsened the humanitarian crisis, with 7 million displaced within DRC and over 1 million seeking asylum abroad. Protesters criticized the international community for inaction, demanding stronger measures to end the conflict.
🖇 Source
#DRC
@africaintel
🇸🇴 U.S. Strikes Back: Airstrikes Target ISIS in Somalia
The United States military conducted its first airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) operatives in Somalia on February 1, 2025, marking a significant escalation in counterterrorism efforts. The operation, directed by President Donald Trump, targeted senior planners and recruits, with no reported civilian casualties.
The strikes were carried out using manned fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman, signaling a shift from the usual drone tactics. U.S. officials highlighted the growing threat of IS in Africa, particularly in Somalia, where the group has been receiving increased direction from its leadership.
🖇 Source
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇸🇩 Sudan's Escalating Crisis: Two Years of Devastation
The conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified since April 2023, plunging Sudan into one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. With over 61,000 killed in Khartoum alone and 7.7 million internally displaced, the toll on civilians is catastrophic.
In Darfur, the situation is equally dire, with the RSF capturing major cities amid reports of mass atrocities and ethnic violence. Despite international calls for peace, both factions remain entrenched, and external involvement has further fueled the conflict. Over 25 million people now require humanitarian aid, with fears of famine and disease outbreaks looming large.
🖇 Source
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇬🇭 Ghana's Parliament Descends into Chaos During Ministerial Vetting
Ghana's Parliament erupted into chaos during a ministerial vetting session late Thursday, with physical altercations, destruction of property, and police intervention. The incident, triggered by a disagreement over extending the session, saw MPs overturning tables and destroying microphones, reigniting concerns about parliamentary decorum in one of West Africa's most stable democracies.
This is not the first time Ghana's Parliament has witnessed such scenes. Previous disruptions, including a 2021 ballot-box brawl and clashes over the e-levy in 2022, have raised alarms about the state of its legislative processes. Civil society groups, including the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), have condemned the MPs' conduct as "unacceptable and detrimental to the country's peace and security."
The incident comes at a critical time for Ghana, as it grapples with economic challenges and seeks to maintain its democratic reputation. Calls are growing for stricter parliamentary rules and reforms to restore dignity and effectiveness to this key institution.
🖇 Source
#Ghana
@africaintel
🇺🇬🇨🇩 Uganda's Military Moves in Eastern DRC: Countering Rebels or Fueling Conflict?
Uganda’s military engagement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has intensified as the conflict escalates in the region. The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) has adopted a "forward defensive posture" to counter armed groups, particularly the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. This comes as M23 has captured significant territories, including the regional capital Goma, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian concerns.
Uganda’s role in the DRC is complex and controversial. While it collaborates with DRC forces in Operation Shujaa against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), it faces accusations of aiding M23. Meanwhile, Uganda’s economic interests, particularly in the gold sector, complicate its military strategy. Reports suggest a link between Uganda’s military presence and illicit gold smuggling, raising questions about its true motives.
The escalating conflict has strained regional diplomacy, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of aggression and Uganda navigating a delicate balance. The international community calls for de-escalation, but the situation remains volatile, signaling prolonged instability in the resource-rich region.
🖇 Source
#DRC #Uganda #Rwanda
@africaintel
🇨🇩 DRC on the Brink: M23 Siege Sparks Regional War Fears
The M23 rebel group has seized control of Goma, a strategic city of 2 million in eastern DRC, amid accusations that Rwanda is arming the militants. Government forces, backed by South African troops under the SAMIDRC mission, struggle to halt advances toward Bukavu as diplomatic tensions explode across the region.
A bitter war of words pits Rwandan President Paul Kagame against South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, who mourned 13 soldiers killed in recent clashes. Kagame claims SAMIDRC acts as a “belligerent force,” while Ramaphosa insists it is a UN-backed peace effort. The conflict has displaced 400,000 civilians, with reports of looting and casualties worsening the humanitarian crisis.
France has demanded Rwanda withdraw from the DRC, declaring Congolese sovereignty “not negotiable,” as the UN calls for an immediate ceasefire. With regional alliances fracturing and rebel gains accelerating, fears of a continent-wide conflict intensify.
🖇 Source
#DRC #Rwanda #SouthAfrica
@africaintel
🇬🇭 Ghana's Illegal Mining Crisis: Deadly Clashes and Calls for Action
A recent violent clash between illegal miners and military personnel at AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Ghana has left nine dead and several injured. The incident underscores the escalating crisis of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which continues to devastate the environment and fuel socio-economic tensions.
The miners, armed with weapons, attempted to breach the mine’s security, leading to a deadly confrontation. The government has ordered an investigation, while environmentalists and activists are calling for urgent action to address the rampant destruction of water bodies and forests caused by illegal mining.
🖇 Source
#Ghana
@africaintel
🇨🇩 France Condemns Embassy Attacks in Kinshasa Amid M23 Rebel Crisis
France has strongly condemned the attacks on its embassy and other diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The violence erupted amid protests blaming foreign nations for their perceived inaction regarding the M23 rebel crisis in the east. Protesters stormed the French embassy, setting fires and damaging property, while other embassies, including those of Belgium and the US, were also targeted.
The unrest stems from tensions over the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting. The rebels have launched a significant offensive in eastern DRC, displacing thousands and worsening the humanitarian crisis. France has ramped up diplomatic efforts, with President Macron engaging regional leaders to de-escalate the situation and restore stability.
🖇 Source(RFI)
#DRC #France #Rwanda
@africaintel
🌍 SADC's Battle for Peace in Eastern DRC
The SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) is facing its toughest challenge yet as the conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels escalates. Recently, M23 forces entered the outskirts of Goma, causing mass panic among residents and intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. This marks a significant threat to SAMIDRC's mandate to restore peace and security.
On January 22, 2025, nine South African soldiers lost their lives in clashes with M23, raising questions about the mission's risks and objectives. Despite these setbacks, SADC Chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa vowed to crush the rebels and address the deteriorating security situation.
The international community continues to call for immediate ceasefires, but the situation remains volatile. Will SAMIDRC succeed in its mission, or will the conflict spiral further?
🖇 Source
#DRC #M23 #SAMIDRC
@africaintel
🇸🇩 Attack on Saudi Hospital in El Fasher Shocks the World
A devastating attack on the Saudi Teaching Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, has left numerous casualties, including innocent children. The incident, which occurred on January 24, 2025, has been widely condemned as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. The hospital was the only functioning medical facility in the region, making this attack a catastrophic blow to Darfur's already fragile healthcare system.
The international community, including the United Nations and leaders from various countries, has called for immediate accountability. UNICEF reported that at least four children were killed, with three others injured, highlighting the tragic toll on the most vulnerable. This attack underscores the urgent need for peace in Sudan and the protection of civilians amid escalating violence.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen, with over 70% of hospitals in conflict zones non-operational. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war on innocent lives and the pressing need for a lasting resolution.
🖇 Source
#Sudan
@africaintel
🇺🇸🇿🇦 Trump's 'America First' foreign policy aid freeze threatens SA's health programmes
Just a week after newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump suspended all foreign development assistance, South African NGOs are feeling the squeeze with hundreds of millions of dollars in aid in jeopardy.
The loss of US funding could have devastating consequences for South Africa's health programmes, especially those supporting the country's fight against AIDS.
While many local NGOs were grappling with what Trump's vision of an "America First" foreign policy would mean for them, Wits University confirmed a "stop order communication" had been issued.
"There has been stop order communication issued regarding some of the USAID-funded programmes being run by staff at Wits Health Consortium, primarily by the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (RHI)," Professor Shabir Madhi, the dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, said in a statement to News24.
https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/trumps-america-first-foreign-policy-aid-freeze-threatens-sas-health-programmes-20250128
📝 South Africa has received more than R8 billion to fight HIV/AIDS through Pepfar since its inception in 2003.
🇨🇩 Goma Falls: M23 Rebels Take Control of Eastern Congo’s Key City
In a dramatic escalation of one of Africa's longest-running conflicts, M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have announced the capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The takeover follows intense fighting and a 48-hour ultimatum issued to the Congolese army.
The humanitarian crisis is deepening as Goma’s 2 million residents face mass panic. The UN reports rebels are using civilians as human shields while thousands flee. Over a third of North Kivu’s population is already displaced, and the situation is expected to worsen.
The international community, including the UN, US, and France, has called for a ceasefire and urged Rwanda to withdraw its support for M23. Congo has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of fueling the rebellion.
🖇 Source
#DRC #Congo #Rwanda #M23
@africaintel