This week, the European Union and Egypt held their first-ever summit in Brussels, focusing on strengthening their relationship across key areas, including economic ties, security, and migration, set against the backdrop of regional tensions, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and the EU leadership were expected to announce a significant increase in European economic assistance to Egypt, alongside Egypt’s entry into the EU’s Horizons research incubation program. The EU views Cairo as a crucial partner in its strategy for deeper integration within the Mediterranean, often involving aid in exchange for efforts to curb irregular migration to Europe. Both sides expressed serious concerns over migratory flows, while Egypt’s role in the Gaza conflict and its economic stability, pressured by inflation, the Ukraine war fallout, and Red Sea shipping disruptions, underscored the strategic importance of the strengthened partnership.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu approved a major shake-up in the nation’s military leadership, announcing the sack of the service chiefs on Friday. Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede was named as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Other key appointments include Major General Waidi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff and Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as the new Air Chief. Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was appointed as the new Naval Chief, while the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, remained unchanged. The drastic change marks the second significant military reshuffle under Tinubu’s administration since May 2023 and comes amid persistent challenges with terrorism, banditry, and violent crime across the country. While the president’s office stated the move aims to boost professionalism and vigilance, the decision follows just weeks after unconfirmed rumors of a foiled coup plot.
The Polisario Front, the pro-independence movement for Western Sahara, expressed its willingness to accept Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory, but only on the condition that it is put before the Sahrawi people in a referendum that includes the option of full independence. Polisario’s chief diplomat, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, presented an “expanded proposal” to the UN Security Council, clarifying that while the group is “taking a step towards the Moroccans” by considering the autonomy framework, any discussion of autonomy outside a plebiscite is “not conceivable and can’t be accepted.” This move comes as the UN Security Council prepares to review a new resolution on the long-frozen conflict, with Morocco maintaining that the region is an integral part of its territory and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continuing its decades-long campaign for a binding vote on self-determination.
An American missionary pilot, identified as Kevin Rideout, was abducted by armed men in the capital of Niger, Niamey. The abduction reportedly took place near the presidential palace in the Plateau neighborhood as the victim was heading toward the airport. Diplomatic sources suggest the kidnappers immediately headed for the western Tillaberi region, an area where armed militant groups linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda are known to operate, underscoring the escalating security threats in the Sahel nation, particularly since the military coup in July 2023. The US State Department confirmed the kidnapping and stated its embassy in Niamey is actively working to secure the man’s safe release. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping or demanded a ransom.
The Uganda Electoral Commission has announced key dates for the forthcoming 2026 General Elections, confirming the final nomination dates for various candidates. The nomination of candidates for parliamentary elections, including those for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), was rescheduled to Wednesday, October 22nd, and Thursday, October 23rd, 2025. This revision pushes the nomination period back by about a week from the previously set dates. These final dates for nominations mark a critical step in the nation’s electoral roadmap, which has undergone several revisions and adjustments as the Commission manages the complex process leading up to the main general elections in 2026.
Madagascar’s coup leader and transitional president, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, appoints prominent businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s new prime minister. Randrianirina stated that the appointment was based on Rajaonarivelo’s experience and his “connection with international organizations that work with us.” The new leader has outlined his immediate priorities, which include an investigation into the state water and power company, Jirama, and focusing on rice farming. The political upheaval resulted from weeks of “Gen Z”-led demonstrations that initially erupted over water and power shortages but quickly morphed into broader protests against the former president, Andry Rajoelina, who has condemned the takeover and refused to step down from exile.
Namibia has confirmed its first case of mpox in the coastal city of Swakopmund, west of the capital, Windhoek. Health Minister Esperance Luvindao announced that the patient is in stable condition and receiving treatment in isolation at a district hospital. The confirmation has led to Namibia declaring a national mpox outbreak and activating a public health emergency response, which includes mobilizing resources and immediately initiating contact tracing in the affected Erongo Region. Preliminary investigations suggest the case is linked to recent cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, raising renewed concerns about regional containment efforts.
Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, has resolved to initiate steps to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office by two years, potentially keeping the 83-year-old in power until 2030. Under the country’s current constitution, Mnangagwa is due to step down in 2028 after completing his two five-year terms. The resolution was adopted at the party’s annual conference in Mutare, where it was met with cheers from hundreds of delegates. This push for an extension exposes internal party rifts, with factions loyal to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reportedly opposing the move, despite Mnangagwa previously describing himself as a “constitutionalist” with no plans to overstep his mandate.
Former First Lady of Ghana Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away this week, after a short illness, aged 76 years old. Agyeman-Rawlings was the wife of the late President Jerry Rawlings and served as First Lady during his two periods in office: a brief time in 1979 and then from 1981 to 2001. Beyond her role as First Lady, she was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and a trailblazer in Ghanaian politics, notably becoming the first woman to run for President of Ghana in both the 2016 and 2020 elections under the banner of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which she founded. Her death marks the passing of an influential figure who left a significant legacy both in terms of social advocacy and political leadership.
South Africa and Vietnam reaffirm their commitment to work toward elevating their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in 2025. This commitment was reaffirmed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Vietnamese President Lương Cường during Ramaphosa’s state visit to Hanoi this week. The move is intended to create new momentum for deepening political trust and expanding cooperation across various sectors. Both leaders emphasized their shared history and agreed to intensify high-level exchanges, bolster existing cooperation mechanisms like the Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum, and facilitate greater market access for each other’s goods. Key areas identified for expanded collaboration include defense, security, energy, mining, agriculture, green growth, and digital transformation.