Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Morocco during a stop in Casablanca on Thursday following his state visit to Brazil. Welcomed by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch on behalf of King Mohammed VI, Xi praised the fruitful collaboration between the two nations since the Moroccan King’s 2016 visit to China. Xi emphasized advancing cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. Hassan conveyed King Mohammed VI’s warm regards and highlighted the enduring positive momentum in bilateral relations.
Mali’s military junta on Thursday appointed Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga as the new prime minister, further consolidating military dominance over the transitional government. The move came a day after civilian Prime Minister Choguel Maïga was dismissed following his criticism of delayed presidential elections, initially scheduled for 2024. Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga, known for his loyalty to junta leader Gen. Assimi Goïta, has held significant roles in the regime and is noted for his nationalist rhetoric. Analysts suggest the appointment reflects the junta’s tightening grip on power as Mali prepares for potential elections next year amidst crackdowns on dissent.
Southern African leaders on Wednesday extended the deployment of SADC troops in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for another year, emphasizing their commitment to regional stability. South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi contribute over 5,000 soldiers to the mission, addressing violence fueled by armed groups, including accusations of Rwandan backing of the M23 rebels. Meanwhile, SADC leaders also pledged to resolve unrest in Mozambique stemming from contested elections, which have led to at least 30 deaths. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, disputing the results, has sought exile amid escalating tensions and legal battles over alleged protest damages.
Senegal’s ruling Pastef party achieved a decisive victory in Sunday’s legislative elections, solidifying its dominance by winning in 40 of 46 departments and seven of eight diaspora constituencies. This marks a significant expansion into areas traditionally loyal to former President Macky Sall. President Bassirou Faye, who took office in April, now has an unprecedented mandate to advance his reform agenda, focused on tackling corruption and improving livelihoods amid economic challenges. The win comes six months after Faye dissolved the opposition-led parliament, accusing it of obstructing his plans, and redraws Senegal’s political landscape with Pastef firmly in control.
The European Union pledged €91 million ($96 million) to Cameroon over three years to enhance infrastructure and attract investment on Tuesday. Announced during a meeting in Yaoundé, the funds will support energy sector development, road and rail links with Chad, and a bridge over the Ntem River to Equatorial Guinea. The projects aim to address Cameroon’s aging infrastructure and challenges like the ongoing separatist conflict in the west, which has caused over 6,000 deaths and displaced 760,000 people. The EU emphasized transparency, with proper fund management as a condition for the loan, amid Cameroon’s ongoing battle with corruption.
This week, the European Union pledged €20 million to support Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) operations in Mozambique, doubling its 2022 commitment. The RDF has played a critical role in countering an Islamic State-linked insurgency that has hindered a major liquefied natural gas project. EU Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell praised Rwanda’s efforts, framing the funding as support for “African solutions to African problems.” However, the funding comes with conditions prohibiting its use outside Mozambique, following allegations of Rwanda backing M23 rebels in the DRC. Earlier this year, a UN report accused Rwanda of aiding the group, a claim Belgium strongly criticized.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, has been elected as the sixth president of Somaliland, winning 64% of the vote against incumbent Musa Abdi Bihi’s 35%. A former speaker of Somaliland’s parliament, Irro campaigned as a unifying figure and has vowed to address contentious issues like the lease of Somaliland’s coastline to Ethiopia, which has sparked regional tensions. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains unrecognized internationally despite its stability and democratic governance. Irro’s leadership is expected to strengthen ties with Taiwan, maintain strategic partnerships, and navigate the region’s complex political landscape. He will be sworn in on December 14.
Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution on Monday calling for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid in Sudan’s conflict, despite support from other Security Council members, including China. The war, which erupted in April 2023 between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has killed over 24,000 people and displaced millions. Critics, including the U.S. and U.K., condemned Russia for prioritizing political interests over lives, with allegations of Russian support for the RSF through the Wagner Group. Sudan faces a dire humanitarian crisis, with looming famine, while geopolitical divisions and external interventions hinder international efforts to resolve the conflict.
An overwhelming 92% of Gabonese voters have supported a new constitution in a referendum described as a key step toward restoring civilian rule following last year’s coup. The proposed constitution, which replaces indefinite five-year terms with a seven-year renewable term, aims to end dynastic rule by barring presidential candidates with foreign spouses and family members of past presidents. Critics argue the changes could centralize power around coup leader Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, who has not confirmed plans to run in next year’s election. While hailed as progress by some, concerns persist about poverty affecting a third of Gabon’s population despite its oil wealth.
Britain imposed sanctions on Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos, Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash, and Latvian politician Aivars Lembergs, freezing their UK assets as part of a crackdown on corruption and “dirty money.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused them of exploiting public resources for personal gain, undermining healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Dos Santos, Africa’s first female billionaire, allegedly embezzled millions from Angolan state firms, while Firtash is accused of siphoning funds from Ukraine’s gas sector and laundering money via UK properties. Lembergs allegedly used his political influence for bribery and money laundering. Dos Santos and Firtash deny the allegations.