The U.S. military this week announced that American special forces will return to Chad, following their withdrawal ahead of the May presidential election. The decision, made by Chadian President Mahamat Deby, comes amid rising global interest in Africa’s strategic importance. General Kenneth Ekman, who previously oversaw troop withdrawals from Niger, confirmed the move. U.S.-Africa military command (AFRICOM) leader, General Michael Langley, emphasized the U.S.’s “partnership-centric” approach, with African nations taking the lead in counter-terrorism efforts. As Russia, China, and the U.S. vie for influence on the continent, Langley stressed mutual respect in U.S.-African relations, avoiding ultimatums over security partnerships.
More than 70 people were reportedly killed on Thursday in an attack by the al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM) on Mali’s capital, Bamako. The assault targeted an elite police training academy and the nearby airport, resulting in shock and anger across the country. Security sources estimate 77 deaths and 255 injuries, with some reports suggesting the toll could be higher. JNIM fighters also claimed to have killed members of the Russian Wagner group and damaged a World Food Programme plane. The attack, which drew widespread international condemnation, highlights the ongoing instability in Mali and undermines claims by the military junta, which seized power in 2021, of having stabilized the country with the help of Russian forces following the departure of French troops. Analysts suggest the attack is a strategic move to force Mali’s government to shift its security focus from rural areas to major cities.
South Sudan this week postponed its long-delayed general elections until December 2026, citing a lack of preparedness. This marks the second time the country has delayed elections, extending the transitional period that began in February 2020. The decision follows the 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Deputy Riek Machar, which ended a five-year civil war that left an estimated 400,000 dead and caused widespread famine and displacement. The government explained the need for more time to complete key tasks like a national census, drafting a permanent constitution, and registering political parties. South Sudan is also facing an economic crisis, with unpaid civil servants and oil exports disrupted by conflict in neighboring Sudan. Political analyst Andrea Mach Mabior warned that holding sham elections would be a waste of resources, while concerns over a new security law have heightened fears of repression ahead of the vote. An estimated 9 million people require humanitarian aid.
The United Nations expressed disappointment as it backed the extension of South Sudan’s transitional period to February 2027, originally set to end in 2024. Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), voiced regret at an extraordinary meeting in Juba, noting that similar delays occurred two years ago. South Sudan’s stalled peace process, economic hardship, and unmet milestones from the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement were cited as reasons for the extension. Prosper Addo of the African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS) emphasized the need for more time due to socio-economic challenges and inadequate election preparation. Both Haysom and Addo urged South Sudan’s leadership to prioritize reforms, engage all political voices, and restore public trust to ensure credible elections and sustainable peace.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced on Friday that Sierra Leone has requested a new 38-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement worth approximately $253 million. An IMF staff-level agreement has been reached with Sierra Leonean authorities on economic policies and reforms to be supported by the facility, pending approval by the IMF’s Executive Board. The ECF arrangement aims to restore economic stability by improving debt sustainability, reducing inflation, addressing fiscal challenges, and rebuilding reserves. Additionally, the program will focus on fostering inclusive growth and implementing reforms to combat corruption.
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Thursday that a planned $5 billion investment from Saudi Arabia in Egypt will be separate from the funds the Gulf nation has deposited in Egypt’s central bank. This news boosted the country’s sovereign dollar bonds, with the 2059 maturity rising 1.35 cents, reaching 77.60 cents on the dollar. The Saudi investment, directed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will be allocated to mutually agreed-upon projects in key economic sectors. This comes as Egypt seeks to attract large-scale investments to address an ongoing economic crisis marked by high inflation, increasing debt, and currency devaluations. Egypt is also developing new areas for investment, including Ras Banas, a prime location on the Red Sea coast. The Saudi deposits in Egypt’s central bank, totaling $10.3 billion, continue to support the nation’s financial stability.
Turkey plans to meet separately with Somalia and Ethiopia to mediate a dispute over Ethiopia’s agreement to lease 20 km of coastline from Somaliland, which Somalia deems illegal. Turkey, which has already hosted two rounds of talks between the East African neighbors, canceled a third round initially planned in Ankara. Somalia reacted by expelling Ethiopia’s ambassador and threatening Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism about finding a solution, highlighting progress in the talks and Turkey’s efforts to facilitate one-on-one discussions before bringing both sides together for a final resolution.
Zimbabwe plans to cull 200 elephants to address food shortages caused by the worst drought in four decades, wildlife authorities announced. The El Niño-induced drought has affected 68 million people across southern Africa. The elephant meat will be distributed to drought-hit communities in areas including Hwange and Chiredzi. The cull, Zimbabwe’s first since 1988, follows a similar move by Namibia. Zimbabwe, home to over 84,000 elephants, also aims to decongest its parks, which can only sustain 55,000 elephants. Human-wildlife conflicts have risen amid the drought, with 50 people killed by elephants last year.
Russia has tentatively agreed to construct a fuel pipeline linking the western port of Pointe-Noire to the capital, Brazzaville, in the Republic of Congo. According to a government decree, a joint venture will be established, with Russia controlling 90% of the entity. Moscow will provide funding, equipment, and personnel for the project, as well as fuel when needed. In return, the Republic of Congo is expected to offer various tax relief measures. This development is part of Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with Africa amid strained relations with the West following the Ukraine conflict.
The U.S. military has completed its withdrawal from Niger, following an order from the ruling junta in April to remove nearly 1,000 personnel. This decision marked a significant setback for Washington, which had relied on Niger as a key ally in combating insurgents in the Sahel region. The phased withdrawal included the exit from Air Base 101 in Niamey on July 7 and Air Base 201 in Agadez on August 5, with the final departure of U.S. Africa Command personnel by the September 15 deadline. U.S. officials are now seeking alternatives in West Africa, though intelligence on extremist groups in the area is diminishing.
Writer and researcher at Alafarika for Studies and Consultancy.