Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

Morocco's Commitment to Safeguarding Children in African Conflicts The Kingdom of Morocco has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting children impacted by armed conflicts during a recent session of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC). Addressing participants at a meeting focused on child soldiers in Africa, the Moroccan delegation emphasized the urgent need to prevent child recruitment, ensure their safety, and support their long-term reintegration. Children Bear the Brunt of Persistent Conflicts Morocco highlighted that children remain among the most vulnerable groups in ongoing conflicts across the continent. These young individuals face grave threats, including forced recruitment into armed groups, exposure to violence, and loss of access to education—each of which j...

Following a recent coup attempt on August 29, the Nigerien regime appears more vulnerable than ever. The visible intervention of Russian forces and the announced military backing from Algeria sharply contrast with the notable absence of direct support from Mali and Burkina Faso, despite their membership in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Niamey's internal strife: a military exposed NIAMEY — The intense clashes that gripped Niamey on August 29 and 30, 2026, did more than merely thwart an attempt to unseat General Abdourahamane Tiani. These events starkly exposed the profound fractures within Niger's military apparatus and highlighted the operational limitations of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), an entity consistently presented as a mechanism for collective defense since its incepti...

Gabon is witnessing a deepening military partnership with China as the arrival of a Chinese defense attaché in Libreville signals a new phase in bilateral cooperation. With plans for a naval base in Port-Gentil, barracks projects, and officer training programs, Beijing’s influence in Gabon’s defense sector is expanding. While some initiatives remain in the planning stages, the scope of this strategic alliance is becoming increasingly evident. China’s military presence in Gabon predates recent developments The appointment of the new Chinese military attaché in Libreville reflects a long-standing defense relationship between the two nations. Joint military exchanges, equipment deliveries, and training programs for Gabonese officers have been part of this discreet yet persistent collaboratio...

The hand that steers CameroonListen - 04:19 Paul Biya has returned at last, on Thursday, August 20th. The Camerounian leader had spent 74 days in Switzerland. What the public saw was not the head of state stepping off the plane as usual to greet elites from the Etoudi Palace, but merely a hand waving from the slightly lowered window of the presidential limousine.AdvertisementThe people of Cameroun were expecting to see the patriarch at the foot of the gangway, as has become his custom, shaking hands with the palace oligarchs. What they got instead was a hand. In politics, a hand is never a trivial sight. A hand in politics has four degrees: the hand that kills, the hand that cheats, the hand that blesses, and the hand that governs.The hand that killsIn ancient Rome, the crowd would fall si...

Mali’s stance on female genital mutilation under scrutiny In recent weeks, the debate surrounding female genital mutilation in Mali has intensified, drawing attention to the government’s approach under transitional leader Assimi Goïta. While public awareness campaigns have gained momentum, the practice remains deeply rooted in some communities, posing a challenge to national health initiatives. Government efforts to address the issue Efforts to curb female genital mutilation in Mali have taken on new urgency as activists and international observers push for stronger legal measures. The transitional authorities, led by Colonel Goïta, have signaled a willingness to engage with civil society, though concrete policy shifts remain under discussion. Key challenges include balancing cultural ...

African GovernanceGabon and Guinea-Bissau: fostering a smooth political transitionBy Editor-in-Chief August 20, 2026 31 No commentLibreville, August 20, 2026 — The message from Gabon extends far beyond solidarity between two African nations. By welcoming Guinea-Bissau during the celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of Gabonese independence, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the transition process underway in Bissau since 2025, grounded in a clear principle: a transition must lead, within the announced timeframe, to a credible return to constitutional order.The warm reception extended to the Bissau-Guinean leader—complete with military honors, a parade by the Republican Guard, and the symbolic handover of the flame—underscored Libreville’s unw...

Mali's Africa Corps accused of brutal civilian killings in July 2026 attack A coordinated assault by the Russia-backed Africa Corps in central Mali has left nine civilians dead, including four children, with dozens more subjected to severe beatings. The July 10 operation in Bombori village, Mopti region, involved over 100 heavily armed fighters, local witnesses reported. The attack unfolded at dawn when Africa Corps troops, accompanied by Malian soldiers, stormed the predominantly Fulani neighborhood. Survivors described a coordinated campaign of violence: civilians were dragged from homes, interrogated under threat, and executed for suspected ties to Islamist militants. Six men and boys attempting to flee were shot on sight, while three others were detained and later found decapitated. ...

The rise of Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to power in Chad has sparked intense debate about his political stance, particularly regarding sovereignty. While he presents himself as a defender of national autonomy, critics question the authenticity of his commitment to this principle. His recent engagements with regional actors—especially within the Alliance of Sahel States—have further intensified the discussion. Chad’s leadership under scrutiny: sovereignty in question Since assuming leadership after his father’s tenure, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has positioned himself as a pan-Sahelian leader, advocating for greater regional self-reliance. Yet, the extent of his sovereignist rhetoric remains a subject of sharp divide. His administration has pursued policies that both align with and challenge t...

Paul Biya's two-month absence fuels succession debate in CameroonSince June 7, President Paul Biya has been absent from Cameroon, and his prolonged absence continues to raise concerns. Recent military appointments have intensified speculation about his health and the future of leadership in the country.Journalist and political commentator Jean-Bruno Tagne, co-director of the Naja web-TV, suggests these changes may signal a strategic move to secure the government apparatus ahead of a potential transition. « The timing of these appointments is striking. No official explanation has been provided, but many interpret them as preparations for Paul Biya’s eventual replacement,» he explains.Military reshuffles spark security concernsOn August 3, several high-ranking officers were appointed to key ...

General Beko’o Abondo’s promotion reshapes Cameroon’s presidential guard leadership The recent elevation of General Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo to the rank of four-star general marks a pivotal moment in Cameroon’s military hierarchy. Promoted on August 3, 2026, his new role as commander of the Presidential Guard places him at the heart of the country’s security apparatus, raising questions about his potential influence over internal power dynamics. From presidential guard commander to military powerbroker General Beko’o Abondo has spent decades climbing the ranks within Cameroon’s armed forces. His trajectory reflects a strategic ascent, culminating in his leadership of the elite unit tasked with protecting the nation’s highest leadership. This promotion not only solidifies his p...

In a bold move, 43 civil society organisations across Africa have escalated their opposition to President Faure Gnassingbé by formally petitioning the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Their complaint centres on the latest amendments to Togo’s constitution, which they argue undermine democratic principles and concentrate power in the hands of a single leader. Why the complaint against Faure Gnassingbé’s constitutional changes? The coalition of 43 civil society groups has expressed deep concerns over the recent constitutional reforms in Togo, which they claim erode checks and balances. Among the most contentious changes is the removal of term limits, allowing President Faure Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely. Critics argue this m...

Yaoundé is bracing for the imminent return of President Paul Biya, a development that has set off fresh waves of speculation about his health and the stability of Cameroon’s leadership. At 91, the veteran head of state has spent prolonged periods abroad in recent months, each absence sparking fresh questions among citizens, diplomats, and political observers about his capacity to govern from a distance. The presidential communication team has moved quickly to dispel rumors circulating on social media and in diplomatic circles, where debates about a potential power vacuum continue to resurface. The Élysée Palace in Yaoundé insists that the president remains fully in control, despite the prolonged silence and geographical distance that often accompany his private travels. Leadership in que...