Inside Africa Archives | Page 5 of 6

DR Congo and Rwanda Sign U.S.-Qatar-Brokered Peace Deal to End Years of Conflict

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending years of hostilities between the two countries. The deal, brokered by the United States with support from Qatar, was signed on Friday at the White House in Washington, DC, by the foreign ministers of both nations. The agreement outlines concrete steps toward restoring peace and stability, including the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory within three months, the establishment of a joint security coordination mechanism within 30 days, and the launch of a regional economic integration framework within 90 days. The peace accord comes amid heightened violence in the DRC’s eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have intensified attacks in recent months. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians since the beginning of the year. Speaking at the signing ceremony, DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner described the deal as “a turning point” after decades of violence rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. “This moment has been long in coming. It will not erase the pain, but it can begin to restore what conflict has robbed many women, men and children — safety, dignity, and a sense of future,” Wagner said. She stressed that the agreement must be followed by tangible actions, including the full disengagement of armed forces, the delivery of justice, and the safe return of displaced persons and refugees to both the DRC and Rwanda. “Those who have suffered the most are watching. They are expecting this agreement to be respected, and we cannot fail them,” she added. The deal marks the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in the region in years and is seen as a critical step toward lasting peace in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Why Trump’s U.S. Airstrikes in Somalia Have Surged Despite America First Pledges

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Despite campaign promises to end America’s “forever wars,” President Donald Trump has sharply escalated U.S. military activity in Somalia since beginning his second term, with airstrikes more than doubling in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to data from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), at least 43 airstrikes have been carried out in Somalia this year—targeting both ISIL (ISIS) affiliates in Puntland and al-Shabab militants across southern regions. The figure represents a significant increase from 2024 and reflects a renewed military focus on the Horn of Africa. Trump’s first overseas military action this year came on February 1, just 10 days into office, when he announced airstrikes against what he described as “ISIS killers hiding in caves.” Since then, U.S. involvement in global conflict zones has expanded dramatically—from support for Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, to strikes in Yemen and attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Analysts say the Somalia escalation is partly driven by intelligence assessments that IS-Somalia is becoming a growing threat, functioning as a regional financial and operational hub for global ISIL-linked networks. Concurrently, al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, has made worrying territorial and strategic gains in recent months, prompting fears of a resurgence. While AFRICOM insists that these operations are conducted in partnership with Somalia’s federal government, human rights groups and security analysts warn that continued reliance on airstrikes risks inflaming anti-American sentiment and undermining long-term stability efforts in the fragile country. Critics argue that Trump’s sharp increase in drone strikes contrasts with his “America First” stance and raises questions about the sustainability of using force over diplomacy and development. “Airstrikes may disrupt militants temporarily, but they don’t build trust, reform institutions, or foster peace,” says Hawa Ahmed, a conflict analyst based in Nairobi. “Somalia needs long-term investment in governance, security reform, and economic development—not just bombs from above.” As the strikes continue and civilian casualties remain a concern, observers warn that the U.S. risks repeating the cycles of intervention that have defined its troubled legacy in Somalia for decades.Tools

Kenyans Mark Protest Anniversary with Mass Marches Amid Police Crackdown, Anger at Ruto

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday to commemorate the first anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-government protests, with demonstrators voicing continued outrage over police brutality and President William Ruto’s economic policies. The protests, largely led by youth groups and rights activists, mark one year since the June 25, 2024, storming of Parliament during nationwide unrest triggered by tax hikes and worsening economic hardship. Rights groups say at least 60 people were killed by security forces during last year’s demonstrations. Despite fears of violence and intimidation, including attacks by state-backed gangs and heavy police presence, many demonstrators marched peacefully through cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa. Protesters carried Kenyan flags, white roses, and placards bearing the faces of those killed in last year’s protests, chanting slogans like “Ruto must go.” In Nairobi, some clashes broke out as demonstrators hurled stones and police responded with tear gas. Security forces barricaded key government buildings and blocked major roads, while many schools and businesses shut down for fear of violence. Calls to “occupy State House” — a reference to President Ruto’s official residence — circulated online, though protest leaders had appealed for nonviolence. Anger has been further inflamed by the recent death of a teacher in police custody and the use of armed motorbike-riding gangs known as “goons” to disperse peaceful protest groups last week. Observers say the growing discontent reflects deeper frustrations among Kenya’s youth, who face mounting economic pressure, high unemployment, and a widening trust gap with state institutions.

NNPCL Board Faces Criticism Over Foreign Retreat Amid Economic Hardship

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Lagos, Nigeria – Public criticism has trailed the recent decision by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to hold a management retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, amid growing economic strain at home. The retreat, attended by members of the board and top management, has sparked outrage among Nigerians who view the trip as wasteful and insensitive. Observers note that the decision raises serious questions about priorities at the state-owned oil company, especially under the leadership of newly appointed CEO, Bayo Ojulari. Many had hoped Ojulari’s tenure would mark a break from the past and usher in an era of reform, but the Kigali trip has instead drawn comparisons to previous controversial retreats — including a similar event held in Qatar during Mele Kyari’s administration. Critics argue that NNPCL’s top officials should be focusing on domestic challenges rather than expensive trips abroad. With the country grappling with high fuel prices, a weakened naira, and widespread unemployment, the optics of the foreign retreat have been widely condemned as tone-deaf. Some have questioned whether such retreats yield any tangible benefits or are simply a continuation of a culture of excess. Concerns have also emerged within the organization itself. Sources suggest that Ojulari is facing internal resistance, struggling to assert his authority and drive much-needed reform. The recent resignation of the Chief Corporate Communications Officer is being seen by some as an indication of internal dissatisfaction and leadership challenges. Analysts warn that unless strong, transparent leadership is established, NNPCL may remain locked in a cycle of inefficiency and unaccountability.

Russia to Deepen Economic, Military Ties with Africa Amid Wagner Exit from Mali

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Moscow – June 10, 2025 — Russia says it is intensifying efforts to expand both economic and military cooperation across Africa, signaling a continued push for greater influence on the continent. Speaking on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s presence in Africa is “growing,” as Moscow seeks to fill the power vacuum left by the retreat of Western nations following a wave of military coups in West Africa. “We really intend to comprehensively develop our interaction with African countries, focusing primarily on economic and investment interaction,” Peskov told reporters.“This also extends to such sensitive areas as defence and security.” The remarks come as Russia’s Wagner Group — a private military contractor with deep ties to the Kremlin — reportedly exits Mali, where it had supported the ruling military junta in its fight against insurgent groups. Despite Wagner’s departure, Moscow’s commitment to security operations in Mali appears unchanged. A Kremlin-backed force known as the Africa Corps is expected to take over Wagner’s role, ensuring continued Russian military involvement in the region. Russia’s growing footprint in African nations like Mali, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea has increasingly alarmed Western powers. Once-dominant actors such as France and the United States have seen their influence wane, with French troops withdrawn or expelled from several West African countries in recent years. Moscow’s broader strategy is seen as part of an effort to counter Western influence globally by forging new strategic partnerships in Africa through arms deals, infrastructure investments, and political backing.

Namibia Marks First Genocide Remembrance Day Renews Calls for Reparations from Germany

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago12 mins

Namibia has held its first-ever Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the tens of thousands of Herero and Nama people killed by German colonial forces in the early 20th century. Speaking at a solemn ceremony in the gardens of the Namibian Parliament on Wednesday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for renewed efforts to secure reparations for the atrocities committed between 1904 and 1908, when German troops killed an estimated 70,000 Indigenous Namibians. “We should find a degree of comfort in the fact that the German government has agreed that the German troops committed a genocide against the people of our land,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. “We must remain committed that as a nation, we shall soldier on until the ultimate conclusion is reached.” Germany, which ruled Namibia as a colony from 1884 to 1915, officially recognised the genocide in 2021 but has yet to agree on reparations, despite a decade of negotiations. Talks that began in 2013 have so far failed to produce a concrete resolution. In a statement earlier this week, Germany reiterated its “moral and political responsibility” for the genocide and emphasised the importance of reconciliation but stopped short of committing to reparations. Namibia’s Genocide Remembrance Day is intended to honour the memory of the victims and to amplify calls for justice and reparative action for the descendants of the Herero and Nama peoples.

M23 Rebels Accused of ‘War Crimes’ in Eastern DRC, Says Amnesty International

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago54 mins

Amnesty International has accused the M23 rebel group of committing war crimes in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing evidence of torture, killings, and enforced disappearances in areas under rebel control. In a report released on Tuesday, Amnesty detailed harrowing accounts from 18 former detainees, who described brutal conditions in detention centers across Goma and Bukavu, cities recently seized by the Rwandan-backed M23. The rights group said civilians were accused—often without proof—of supporting the Congolese government or army and were subjected to severe abuse. “These acts violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes,” Amnesty warned, adding that detainees were often held in overcrowded, unhygienic cells without sufficient food, water, or medical care. Some reportedly died from the harsh conditions, while others were killed outright—one detainee described prisoners being bludgeoned to death with hammers, and another was shot on the spot. Family members searching for missing relatives were often turned away by M23 fighters, who denied the detentions—an act Amnesty describes as enforced disappearances. ‘M23’s claims of order mask horror’ “M23’s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees. They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southern Africa. Amnesty also called on regional and international actors to pressure Rwanda to stop supporting M23. The United Nations and the Congolese government have long accused Rwanda of backing the rebel group with weapons and troops—an allegation Kigali continues to deny. The UN estimates about 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are fighting alongside M23. A crisis in the making M23 is one of more than 100 armed groups operating in eastern DRC, a region plagued by violence and instability despite its mineral wealth. The recent escalation of conflict—sparked in January with M23’s capture of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February—has displaced over 100,000 people this year alone, contributing to a broader crisis that has forced more than seven million Congolese from their homes. Despite recent promises by the Congolese army and the rebels to seek a truce, fighting has continued, with M23 previously threatening to advance as far as the capital, Kinshasa, over 1,600km (1,000 miles) away. The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with international pressure mounting for a peaceful resolution amid growing fears of a humanitarian disaster.

Ivorian President Ouattara Dispels Coup Rumours, Presides Over Cabinet Meeting

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire made a high-profile public appearance on Wednesday, leading a council of ministers meeting in Abidjan amid swirling social media rumours of a military coup and his alleged death. The Ivorian presidency released official photos showing Ouattara with key cabinet members at the presidential palace, discussing national development issues including electricity diversification and housing reforms. The public outing came in response to widespread false reports circulating on platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok, which claimed that the military had seized power and that both President Ouattara and Army Chief Lassina Doumbia had been killed. These rumours caused a wave of concern both locally and internationally. However, journalists and authorities in Abidjan firmly dismissed the claims, insisting there was no coup or unrest. Christelle Kouamé, a leading journalist and member of the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire, confirmed that the president had recently attended major events and that the internet remained active despite online disinformation. The incident highlights ongoing regional instability, with recent coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, as Côte d’Ivoire prepares to host the African Development Bank’s annual meetings in the coming days.