Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

The chair of Chad's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), Belngar Larmé Jacques, welcomed a high-level delegation from the African Union (AU) on Wednesday, 24 June. The meeting aims to bolster the transitional justice process in Chad, with a focus on consolidating peace and social cohesion. Led by Maria Jose Samba Ovono Obono, the AU special representative to Chad and head of mission in N'Djamena, the delegation visits as part of a partnership between the African Union and the International Center for Transitional Justice. This initiative seeks to promote lasting solutions to conflicts that have affected Chad. After the meeting, Maria Jose Samba Ovono Obono praised the critical role played by the national human rights institution. "We understand the importance of the National Human Righ...

On April 20, 2026, General Évariste Ndayishimiye embarked on an official “friendship and working” visit to Ouagadougou. At the time, the Burundian head of state held the rotating chairmanship of the African Union (AU). This diplomatic endeavor aimed to re-establish dialogue between the continental body and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), an organization comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, currently led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The initiative unfolded amidst the withdrawal of AES member states from AU bodies. Consequently, the Burundian president visited Burkina Faso, a nation governed by a military coup-led regime, to commend its efforts in restoring security and stability. The Burkinabe leader had openly stated that democracy was no longer relevant for the nation. Beyond t...

An armed group operating with the backing of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) has been implicated in the killings and torture of civilians, extensive looting, and the abduction of women, forcing them into sexual slavery within the Rutshuru territory of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These grave allegations were brought to light by Amnesty International on June 25. The Collective of Movements for Change-People’s Defense Forces (CMC-FDP) operates as part of the Wazalendo (meaning “patriots” in Swahili), a loosely organized coalition of armed factions that the Congolese army utilizes as auxiliary forces in its ongoing conflict against the M23 Movement, which is supported by Rwanda. The CMC-FDP primarily conducts its operations in the Bukombo groupin...

Ecouter l'article Jean-pierre Antchoue Ayenoue, a specialist in corruption and anti-money laundering, holds the position of Vice-President for International Affairs and Diaspora. Assessing the true extent of corruption in Gabon A significant event is on the horizon: from June 29 to July 1, 2026, Libreville will host a delegation of international experts dispatched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Their crucial mission is to evaluate Gabon's existing frameworks for corruption prevention and the recovery of illicit assets. This assessment forms part of the second review cycle of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). While this event might slip under the radar of daily news, overlooking its importance would be a grave error. The fight aga...

Rabat has secured nine influential leadership roles across various African Union bodies, underscoring Morocco's escalating significance in continental governance. From crucial institutional reforms and financing mechanisms to pressing issues like migration, environmental challenges, and economic integration, the Kingdom is actively expanding its footprint on strategic dossiers vital for the future trajectory of the pan-African organization. Morocco is deepening its engagement within the African Union (AU), once again demonstrating its capacity to shape the continent's institutional landscape. Following extensive regional consultations among North African nations, the Kingdom was entrusted with nine positions of responsibility within pivotal organs and structures of the pan-African body. Th...

Politique Gabon's pivotal role in africa's evolving economic landscape Libreville, Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Africa...

In a swift and unexpected operation in the town of Markounda, Russian mercenaries forcibly took Didot Ali and his deputies into custody, transporting them to Bossangoa. The incident, which unfolded without warning, has sent shockwaves through local communities and raised fresh concerns about security dynamics in the region.Witnesses reported that the armed group arrived in several vehicles and moved quickly to surround Ali's residence. Without prior confrontation or explanation, the mercenaries ordered Ali and his close aides into their trucks and drove off towards Bossangoa. The exact reasons for the abduction remain unclear, but sources indicate it may be linked to ongoing tensions over local control and resource management.Markounda, a locality in the northwest of the Central African Re...

Morocco's comprehensive strategy: fortifying africa's security through the marrakech platform The Marrakech Platform is a cornerstone of African security, addressing its multifaceted dimensions. ...

The Russian Africa Corps is strategically repositioning its personnel, withdrawing them from Mali's northern regions. This tactical shift aims to bolster the security of the capital and the ruling junta, while simultaneously offering crucial aerial assistance and intelligence to Malian forces operating in the field. Benedict Manzin, a senior analyst for the Middle East and Africa at the UK-based intelligence firm Sybiline, observed that the Russian contingent is “assuming a more supportive role overall.” He further elaborated, “They are making every effort to avoid deploying more individuals into hazardous situations. Their objective is to reduce personnel risk while maximizing their operational impact.” The Africa Corps took over from the infamous Wagner Group mercenaries around mid-2024....

In a pivotal decision for governance in Africa, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has officially launched a significant overhaul of the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG). This strategic move by Gabon's leadership marks a commitment to reforming the nation's critical energy and water sectors. The planned transformation of SEEG aims to enhance efficiency and reliability in service delivery, directly impacting the well-being of Gabonese society and signaling a new direction in Gabonese politics and public utility management. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

In an era marked by fragmented global funding and a decline in official development assistance, Chad has achieved a remarkable financial triumph. The African Development Bank's African Economic Outlook 2026 meticulously documents this success. Chad’s National Development Plan (NDP) requires a total of $30 billion in funding, with the private sector expected to contribute 46% of this sum. By November 2025, the nation had already secured an astounding $20.5 billion in financing commitments. This total includes $16.4 billion from private and international investment sources, complemented by an additional $4.1 billion through 40 signed agreements and memoranda of understanding. For a country ranked 190th out of 193 on the 2025 Human Development Index, this capacity for capital mobilization sta...

Mass openings of religious centers, extensive training programs for preachers, and widespread charitable initiatives mark the strategies employed by Morocco's direct competitors across the African continent. These nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Iran, deploy substantial financial resources in their pursuit of influence. However, despite their considerable investments, the ultimate success of these endeavors remains to be seen. Only a few years ago, Morocco's established influence within Africa faced significant challenges. Its primary rivals, commanding vast financial capital, operated within a particularly advantageous regional landscape. Today, however, the dynamics have shifted considerably. Saudi Arabia, for example, has experienced a profound internal transformatio...